A Time Of Innocence

It seems as though through the years we have become a bit more cynical than optimistic on people and circumstance. There was a time when trust and endearment were a bit more easier to come by. We all have been used and abused by people lacking empathy and justice. This is precisely where my faith and trust in Christ come in very handy. More so, a way of life. We should know and understand that God is in control of all things and that we are to have peace and refuge in the things we don't necessarily understand. People and circumstance outside of God's heavenly realm are going to achieve things their own way. Keeping on guard and being shrewd in adversity is always a good thing to perform regularly. However, sometimes we don't always know the intent of a person's action and therefore can unjustly judge the circumstance or true intent. I believe to remain loving and showing kindness will always trump the bitter thoughts of the unknown. When we were young, life seemed to have inflicted it's uncanny ability to blind us with a more false sense of sweetness and charm. Although there was plenty of real goodness in the world, we had a certain innocence to some unearthed behavior. This is great for a child. God's way of covering what needs to be learned and experienced. If we can just harness the innocence of that of a child and couple it with kindness, love and the understanding of indifference, that not all have given their lives over to saving grace, we can then begin to learn how to live at peace in an unjust world.

http://www.paulmontgomerymusic.com

Remembering 9/11

In honor of those that lost their lives and those fighting for our freedom, I needed to write down my peace and remembrance of this horrific event that still clings to the fabric of our spirit and our country's history. Every year since this senseless and evil act of violence, we see programs on TV showing everything about this tragic event. Now we can see much more of what lead up to it. It's really hard to understand that with all the intelligence that was received beforehand, that such an atrocity could be pulled off. Evil will though have it's way and it's day. It is especially hard to see people jumping from the buildings. We just can't imagine what it must have been like that the only alternative was to jump. I cry every time I see this. I know that we stand strong and are a resilient country that is proud of who we are. But we will never forget. We obviously spent too much time and money retaliating. The terrorists I'm sure love the fact that we went head first into a financial crisis that we are still trying to recover from. But we'll get back. Our message could have been said and spent in less than a year. Just my opinion. The real issue above all of this is something that has always been and won't end until Jesus returns with his mighty army. And that is hatred. This eternal choice ( which some don't even understand the meaning ), is so finite. If we could just go one day on this earth with no violence we would probably overwhelm God to send the kingdom now. If we know forgiveness we understand that we don't carry this along and relieve ourselves of internal hatred. We can forgive and let God have it all. He'll be best to sort it all out in the coming days. But as another year comes to pass, I want to remember the families, the hero's, the victims and the event that shook this great nation and will forever be in our hearts. God bless the USA!     www.paulmontgomerymusic.com

"There is no one to sponsor me"

Kanini, 13, herds cattle in exchange for food. Every couple of days, he receives a small amount of porridge — barely enough for one person, yet he always carries some home to share with his ailing grandmother.

"[She] cannot do anything to fend for herself," he explains.

Struggling to survive in southern Zambia, Kanini and his grandmother have few options. Both of Kanini’s parents are dead. His grandmother is well into her eighties and is too weak to work. Each worries about the well-being of the other.

"Even if I go for many days without food," says Kanini's grandmother, "it is all right, as long as my grandchild tells me that he ate something."

Their neighbor, Rose, offers to share her food, but there's little to go around. Rose is a widow caring for 10 children of her own.

As rising food prices push basic commodities like rice and cooking oil beyond reach, the community is fracturing. People used to share their food freely — especially with the elderly. Now it's more difficult to do so.

"The hunger situation here is dividing us," says Rose. "Very few people will harvest enough this year."

Still, Kanini dreams about the future. He desperately wants to attend school and take care of his grandmother. But he won't be able to do it alone.

"I don’t go to school," he says, "because there is no one to sponsor me."

For about $1 a day, you can help provide a child like Kanini with access to life’s most basic necessities — things like nutritious food, education, clean water, health care, and economic opportunities for their caregivers.

Change a life. Sponsor a child today. Visit  www.worldvision.org/helpachild.

Why Does God Allow Suffering

Why does God allow suffering?

This is a question asked around the world. Why would God allow people to suffer at the hands of enemies. From the beginning of time there has been countless sufferings and killings to mankind. Wars, tortures and senseless atrocities that have become staple to an evil way of life. This evil has caused many to fall from the belief that God exists or that he must be an unjust God. Why would he simply allow it? How can I follow God when these things happen around the world? These are questions that many ask to each other and to God himself. An explanation is at hand.

First, if God stopped every evil that is in the world then we would no longer have the right to choose. We would not be human as we know it. God understands evil because he created the very being that cursed this world with it. Would we all prefer to be robots controlled by a master puppet? Or do we enjoy the free will given us to make choices for ourselves? Do we make good choices and then God steps in and pulls out the bad ones? Yeah that's it. Just have God take away every bad thought, choice and circumstance from our life and go around with half a will. Right? That's not free will to me. It's our choices that make who we are. I must say I do enjoy being fully me with the character that I have created from God's template. (Although I could have made better choices along the way.) God will vindicate those that have been subject to choices made by evil. Sometimes even now. But a time will come when all stand before his throne to give account. This you can be assured. We must wait and be patient.

God did not allow suffering from a distance. He placed himself right in the midst of it here on earth. We not only believe in God, but we also believe he is the creator of all things and can do anything. He can certainly become any form he chooses. He chose to come into our dark world from his safety in heaven and become a man (Jesus). He suffered greatly at the hands of evil just like the rest of the world. We can certainly love and respect anyone who would stand up for us like that. The only difference of his suffering from the rest of us is that his was atoning for our sins.

In the bible God said we must suffer for a little while on earth. Originally the earth was made for us to enjoy and prosper. But man and all his foolishness ripped apart the very design God had intended. Evil took over. We must wait until we have reached the afterlife in eternity to discover what God had originally intended for us. If we can just look past what we alone have managed to mess up from God's creation, we can reach for him through Jesus Christ (which is how God says we must) and be taken away from evil forever.

Please leave your comments.

by Paul Montgomery
www.paulmontgomerymusic.com

ENTERING THE KINGDOM

by Paul Montgomery
www.paulmontgomerymusic.com


What about Lord, Lord. I call out to you? How about all the good things I have done?
Didn't I ask for forgiveness many times? I've never hurt or killed anyone. Didn't I tell other people about you. Did I not pray over some to even cast out the enemy?.........DO NOT be prepared for these questions when standing before Jesus.
He could still say "I never knew you". Wow! What a reality. To do these things and still not have a relationship with the Lord will be terrifying. Pray that whatever it takes, he would know us on that day and say "welcome my faithful servant." Let's obey him and not keep doing the things over and over that would hurt that relationship. Yes, we ask forgiveness for something. Let's not take advantage of it and keep pounding ourselves with constant sin. Repent and try hard to walk away and always ask for the strength in our weakness. Remember, we want a relationship with him, not a religious experience. I need Jesus to know me on that day. Whatever it takes, show us that way Lord! Tell us in your voice or through others. We are trusting you to never leave us. He also trusts us that we will seek after him with all our heart, mind and strength. Bring into our life compassion, mercy and grace towards all. Doesn't matter if we agree with a certain lifestyle. We must have tolerance, acceptance and love for all God's people. If we seek the kingdom, seek to really know him (through his word as well) and pray that he reveals to us what it takes for that to happen, then I believe that on that very day of standing before the Lord of the universe he will say "COME WITH ME!"

The Effective Witness

How To Be an Effective Witness
by Paul Montgomery
www.paulmontgomerymusic.com

Have you ever wondered how to tell someone that what you believe of the kingdom of God is true? You are not alone. Most believers are a bit timid when it comes to their witness. Rejection can almost always shut the door in an effective witness account. Most people will say they believe in God and Jesus, and being a good person should suffice to get to heaven. So how then do we tell our loved ones, friends or even strangers the good news of the coming kingdom of God without fear? Starting out telling people that Jesus loves you and wants to have a relationship with you and you must be saved in order to receive eternity with him is a fact and will usually put people on the defense. We want to be on the offense, but not offensive. First I can tell you as believers we are commanded to and must be prepared in and out of season with our witness testimony. Once a seed has been planted, God will do the rest. We must be willing to get a little dirty and get out of our comfort zone and dig some dirt. (sow some seed).

Well I have some good news! I have devised a short story that can not only be a great way to witness to anyone anytime, but will also keep you at a high degree of comfort that will continue to boost your confidence in your witness to come. We love Jesus and we want to tell people about him. That he is not religious, but relational. Unbelievers confuse this part. Religion has turned away the seeing heart. Jesus despised religion and called it out. So the next time someone says they don't need religion, you can tell them that they are right!

Here's what you say:
People love a good analogy. Jesus spoke in parables, so let's give people that very same teaching in the form of an analogy. So let's give them a current one. I like to tell people a story about purchasing something at the store. For me I use the big screen TV analogy. I start out by asking the question: If you went to the store and bought a brand new big screen TV and the cashier asked "do you want to purchase the warranty for this item"? Finding out it's a bit too much the customer replies " I think I'll pass, it's a bit too much." Then the store manager comes over and says, " today we're having a special and the warranty is free of charge." Well who wouldn't take it. Since the warranty was paid for already, the customer loved it and took it. Then I go on to say that God works the same way. He gave his paid warranty through the sacrifice of his son Jesus. This sacrifice is the warranty of a lifetime that is not only free, but guaranteed for ever! If we don't take the warranty, then like the TV we will be on our own if something happens. I go on to say that being inside a circle of a warranty is so much safer than outside of it. Outside the circle is like playing a hand at poker. A risk that is not guaranteed a winning hand. Is it worth the risk I would add? Telling them getting the warranty is easy and not religious. To be in the circle of the guarantee, all they have to do is tell God that they want it! Simple right? At least it gives the listener something to think about. You get to witness without being offensive and God can do what he does. Enjoy the journey! Please leave a comment on what you think.

MUSIC REVIEW

                                                                      Click here to: LISTEN TO THE MUSIC

Artist:  Paul Montgomery

Single:  “This Time I Will”

Review by:  Justin Kreitzer

Rising contemporary Christian recording artist Paul Montgomery has just self released his debut single “This Time I Will”.  As a worship leader at his church, Montgomery uses his deft musicianship and songwriting ability to glorify God and to spread the message of the Gospel.  But that wasn’t always the case.  Years ago, before Paul was saved he moved from northern New York to Los Angeles seeking stardom in the rock scene and he gained great success but even with that, he was still lacking something internally.  And so with renewed purpose and a new lease on life, he has written the infectious yet reverent single, “This Time I Will”, as an inspiring and engaging song to remind you to center yourself once again on Christ if you have lost your focus on the cross.           

Sounding like a musical cousin to Matchbox 20, the uplifting single features a bouncy rhythm created by a crunchy, staccato guitar riff and is highlighted by a melodic classic rock inspired guitar solo.  Paul’s voice is smooth and confident yet with a slight curl of the lip for a rock-and- roll edge, and is boosted by beautiful background vocals that echo a response on the catchy, sing along chorus.  His unique style, shaped by those experiences in the L.A. rock clubs gives him a sharper edge to his sound than what has become the lighter standard for Christian radio fare.       

Paul Montgomery’s debut single “This Time I Will” would fit right in on the playlist of any contemporary Christian radio station and has the versatility to be played as praise and worship during church service.  And more importantly, he is able to share his faith and serve his mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through his music.  Job well done!  

To get more information and to hear more music from Paul Montgomery, go to 

www.paulmontgomerymusic.com       

Review by: Justin Kreitzer

ARIEL PUBLICITY
CYBER PR Campaigns & Social Media Strategy

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)

THE RETURNING VETERAN

I have a personal interest in this subject matter and feel the need to express it and explore it. PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is a serious matter. I have not returned from war, but I have deep love for someone who has. There is help from the VA and other programs as well.

 I saw a young man go off to war with one face and witnessed another opon return. I can understand the trauma one must experience war without having to live it. The things described from this individual has certainly added to my understanding. How he was treated upon release is unacceptable and unjust. I really cannot go into the details for his protection. Just that a war and all it's components can make a mess of an individual. Then they have to come home and find a job. And we all know the job market today. Another piece of understanding is that he did enlist on his own and could know the consequences of a life chosen right? wrong! Before enlistment you can't possibly know the reality of what is said to you face to face by any recruiter or instructor. You are told of war, but you just can't know until you're there. The desire to defend this great nation far outweighs what is described beforehand. A young person might not get what is described until it's in front of you. And i believe it is noble, brave and commended to serve and protect this great nation of ours. I did for four years, but in peace time.

If you know anyone returning from war, understand the issues. There is help. Pray for our servicemen and women serving now. And pray for the ones that have returned. There is so much to talk about but i wanted to keep this somewhat short. I just see it and have the need to talk about it. I know that God is able. There is no problem too great. The Lord must be included. These veterans have laid their life bare and we should do anything to return life to them. Even putting their name at the top of the job pile! Thank you to all those serving or have served in the United states of America!

Freedom in music

I first need to acknowledge the new year and hope to find many blessings bestowed to all in it.
May your dreams, goals and daily walk with God be closer and fulfilling in 2012.
It is fact that in many aspects of life and in our social and political circles, we have lost many
freedoms, events and even Godly things due to a lack of stepping up to what we believe is right
and true. We allow a few to dictate to all the rest of us what is acceptable in our society. And taking God out of the equation certainly will not help our needs. Although with tags of explicit lyrics (and rightfully so), music still remains one of our greatest forms of expression. The freedom in music allows the artist to openly express and convey just about anything that he/she is feeling and allows the listener to openly receive it. Music can be taken to the streets, the halls and the arena's with a collection of believers and responders to act, sing, or even misuse the freedom of music. What a powerful tool to still have in our grasp. In my opinion, democracy and freedom of music means that every musician has the right to offer his/her music and every audience has the right to listen . And no one has the right to ban anyone from the rights thereof.

I'll go even further into the freedom of music. The internet. The internet now offers a great deal of wealth to the listener and the artist in terms of how much money is spent. In past times, big companies and media ruled the airwaves and ground-ways to get music to the listener. Now music can be offered and received without the assistance of  big companies by way of the Mp3. I should know. As a musician these very tools from the internet are here for the promoting of my music as well at www.paulmontgomerymusic.com. Music is more in the hands of the artist and listener. Right where it should be. Now of course it's the large companies that can push music to an entirely different level, but we the people have a good hand in it now thanks to the power of the internet and music. Even poorer countries can now enjoy the power and freedom of music more that ever!
I believe the internet is empowering musicians, audiences, democracy and freedom of music. Now the time is here for all musicians to offer their music on the internet and finally the people decide what will or will not be listened to. Now that's freedom!