James Langston's Blog

And The People Cried, "Give Us A King!"

Capitalism is defined as an economic system based on private ownership of capital. The government in other words owns everything, and the people live in government houses and work in government factories (Naomi Klein, “The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism”).
The government came to own property in much the same way they are stepping in to rescue businesses and homeowners today – by default. Could our society become capitalistic or even socialistic? Only time will tell.
The Guinness Book of World Records holds Edna Parker of Shelbyville, Indiana as the oldest person in the world. She was born on April 20, 1893 and is 115 years old. Edna has lived through 7 wars, 20 presidents, the electric light bulb, the depression, the first atomic bomb, desegregation, the first man on the moon, and Watergate.
Yet, she has never known a time of world peace: a time when greed was not the driving factor, and where the agape love of the Lord (unconditional love) prevailed over the entirety of the land. However, that time of world peace is soon to be realized in the not to distant future.



The book of Daniel tells us that a peace agreement will be signed (Daniel 7:21), but brokered by one that is yet to come, a Syrian Jew (Daniel 10:40).
While we chant “change,” “change,” and await the results of the elections in November, let’s note some of the rights and freedoms we’ve already lost – all without a fight.
Through the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act and subsequent executive directives and regulations, essential rights and freedoms that were once guaranteed to all individuals have been substantially degraded.
Many Americans still do not realize the significance of what we have lost. The resulting expansion of government powers and the erosion of 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th and 14th Amendment rights and freedoms have forever transformed the United States.

About the Author

And The People Cried "Give Us A King!"

Excerpt from Chapter IX "Nevertheless, the People Refused To Obey the Voice of Samuel"

If truth is moved an inch each day, by the end of the year that same truth will be 365 inches or 30.41 feet from its beginning point. Yet, the move was so subtle that this new vantage point seems as reliable and as safe as it did a year ago.

On a relative field, this repositioning would be welcome and acceptable; however, if you are walking through a minefield, life or death is measured in precise inches of longitude and latitude.

In 1909, the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures was birthed. Its stated purpose was to endorse films of merit and champion the new “art of the people,” which was transforming America’s cultural life.

In an effort to avoid governmental censorship of films, the National Board became the unofficial clearinghouse for new movies. In essence they took the responsibility out of the hands of society and told us, “Trust me; I will make these decisions for you.”

You can argue that everyone knows movies are only a depiction of life and they have no real influence on the attitudes, decisions or direction taken by society as a whole.

However, tell that to the relatives of the victims murdered by these men. Law enforcement psychologists say each one was simply role-playing characters or scenes from the movie.

San Francisco – Vadim Mieseges: In San Francisco in April 2000, Mieseges, 27, killed and dismembered his landlord, Ella Wong, 47. – influenced by the movie, “The Matrix” –



Montreal – Kimveer Gill: Canadian murderer who perpetrated the Dawson College shooting at Dawson College in Westmount, Quebec, Canada on September 13, 2006. He killed one student and wounded nineteen others before he committed suicide. – influenced by the movie, “Natural Born Killers” –

Washington, D.C. – John Hinkley Jr.: Attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Washington, D.C., on March 30, 1981, as the culmination of an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster. – influenced by the movie, “Taxi Driver”

Alaska – Robert Hansen: An American serial killer. Between 1980 and 1983, Hansen murdered between 17 and 21 persons near Anchorage, Alaska. – influenced by the movie, “A Game of Death” –

The line between right and wrong has been skewed by the movie industry (whether purposely or not) to such a degree that scenes of death, mayhem and destruction are often seen as surreal.

As scene after scene unfolds glamorizing violence; drugs and alcohol, the minds of millions are slowly reprogrammed where these actions are now accepted as “normal.”

Although the correlation between the violence in movies and these acts being carried out in society is undeniable, the allurement of riches has made these scenes a necessity if the movie is to sell at the box office.

Ten all-time most violent movies, (source: Film School Rejects)

#1 Texas Chain Saw Massacre
#2 Hostel
#3 High Tension
#4 The Last House on the Left
#5 Spit on Your Grave
#6 Clockwork Orange
#7 Saw
#8 Cannibal Holocaust
#9 Thousand Maniacs
#10 The Hills Have Eyes


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The Building of A Church

Excerpt from Books Foreword

In The Building of A Church, my husband gives a behind the scenes glimpse into his life that few see. As private as he is, I know he would not have done this had not the Holy Spirit lead him in The Building of A Church this direction.

I may sound biased when I say this, but in spite of my husbands’ many accomplishments; I believe he remains one of the most down to earth persons that you will ever meet.

We have been together for almost 25 years, so I say this with insight built from our two decades plus together.
Building a church is not an easy task.

In fact, it is a lifelong commitment. While serving in the Navy, James often worked twelve to fifteen hours a day. Then on Wednesday’s and Friday’s he would drive about thirty miles to our church in Formia, Italy.

Once there he spent three to six hours ministering, teaching and preaching.
Having kept this exacting routine for the past 5 years, I wanted him to relax and enjoy some of the things he never had time to do before his retirement.

He however chose to spend this extra time with me, the children and of course in service to the Lord. I cannot fault him. This is precisely what the Lord called him to do. My responsibility is to love him, support him, and be the most faithful and understanding helpmate that I can.



With churches springing up all over the land, you may wonder if the end time revival Joel prophesied about in Chapters 2 and 3 of his book has begun. I believe revival has begun but not necessarily in the way you might think.

Yes, the Lord is definitely pouring out His Spirit, and yes, many souls are coming to the Lord, yet we also are witnessing the beginning of the great “falling away” Paul recorded in his letter to the Thessalonian church.

Although this in no way suggests that the enemy will stop,
hinder, or delay the plans of God, it does indicate that the Rapture of the Church is imminent!

Remember this; the enemy always works hardest counterfeiting the things of God when his time is short.

James and I have been involved in some form of ministry for the past 20 years (e.g., prayer groups, Bible studies, Youth ministry, taught Sunday school, served as Associate Pastor and even held church services in our home).

With so many prerequisites, I now understand how the Lord was graciously laying a foundation for the work we are doing today.

As you read this book, I ask that you remember two things: first, only Jesus Christ can build His church in your life. And, second, please realize your place in this eternal work.

Far too many people are doing things, trying things, and pursuing things that the Lord never told them to do for you to repeat their errors.


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Okay I'm Saved ... Now What?

Excerpt from Chapter II
"The Comforter [Helper] has Come!"

The day you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you then became a “candidate” for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Make no mistake, the day you were “Born Again,” the Holy Spirit was birthed in your heart and life [the Divine Nature of Christ that now indwells].

However, there is a vast difference between being “born of the Spirit,” and “baptized in the Spirit.”

As Salvation transformed your life from darkness to light, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit will, lead you into a greater depthness of Jesus Christ, and give you a greater revelation of Who Jesus is, and what He did for you on the Cross.

I heard a pastor say it this way, “The Holy Spirit living on the inside of Believers is comparative to a can of ‘soda’ that’s been agitated (shook up).”
“He [The Holy Spirit] now wants you to pop the top and let the contents “fizz” all over you.’”

In the spirit realm, this is the scene that occurs the moment you are baptized with the Spirit: the Holy Spirit has fizzed all over you!

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not optional! Every Believer needs this help if we are to remain vigilant, determined and committed soldiers of the Cross.

Although many denominations teach you received everything at the moment of salvation, I do not find this as a consistent truth in Scripture.



In more than 100 instances in the Bible, you find reference to the “Holy Spirit,” “The Spirit of Life,” “The Comforter,” “The Spirit of God” or inference to one of His many descriptive Names.

Conversely you read, “The Spirit bade,” “The Spirit said,” “It was good unto the Spirit,” all terminology reflective of an actual “Person” – the Holy Spirit.

If we received everything at the moment of salvation, then why would Jesus tell His disciples (who were Born Again Believers), to “. . . wait for the promise of the Father . . . [the infilling of the Holy Spirit]” (Act. 1:4) before attempting any other work?

Prior to Jesus’ Sacrificial, Atoning work on the Cross, the Holy Spirit could only come upon Believers for a particular work, but not abide forever.

Why? The sin debt that we owed to God (original sin that began with Adam and Eve) was merely covered by the blood of bulls and goats (Heb. 10:4).

However, the moment Jesus died on the Cross, His sacrificial offering satisfied the legal claims of this debt owed (and yes, Calvary was a legal work)!

The Salvation plan has not changed. Under the Levitical Law, each of the Offerings pointed to what Jesus’ death on the Cross would accomplish.

Although the offerers sins were only covered by the blood of bulls and goats (Heb. 9:13, 14), their faith in what the offering represented – the Promise of One to come Who would take away the sin of the world – is what Saved them! (Jn. 1:29)

Today we are Saved by looking back to this Sinless, Spotless, and Efficacious Offering as payment for our sins – realizing that He [Jesus] died that we might “live.”


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The Building of A Church

Excerpt from Chapter II “Studying the Word of God”

Today (2 Oct 02) as I read our local newspaper, I came across a rather interesting article. It seems a fifth-grade English teacher had challenged his students to find a word composed entirely of consonants.

The article ended with a direct quote from the teacher that said, “…he doubted such a word existed.” Considering the challenge had stood uncontested for some 15 years, this only further enhanced the strength of his argument.

When you consider that literally thousands of students had passed through his class sidestepping the challenge, the situation becomes even more remarkable. And, for those who had considered, eventually they shrugged it off as a “no win” “why bother” situation.

Sadly, this same apathetic spirit also exists in the church. The consensus is, “People have no interest in Jesus, so why bother telling them.”

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How sad when we think so little of sin, heaven, hell, judgment or eternity that we use our limited and myopic [narrow] view of life as excuse for not sharing the Gospel.

Why is there so little faith, so negligible soul winning in the church today? Three reasons come to mind: Acceptance – We want everyone to like us. Non-Confrontational – We cringe at issues that challenge our way of life.

The consensus is we are to avoid issues dealing with Biblical truth, and Lack of Commitment – We love the easy “no strings” attached road of life.

Sadly, we surmise that it is more important to be a part of something, even if it is wrong, than be shunned by those we hold up as role models.

Thankfully, there are a few “David’s” and “Josiah’s” in every generation who are not afraid to take on issues – no matter the cost!


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The Building of A Church

Excerpt from Chapter One, "That Little Old Country Church"

I was born in the late 50’s, so I grew up under the hippie, peace, “right on,” influences of the 60’s and 70’s.

Yet, thankfully, I had the fortune to attend a little country church strategically located between the cities of Egypt, Texas and Spanish Camp, Texas, named Camp Zion Baptist Church: one of the few churches that still preached a message of separation from these influences.

My sister recently told me the church had become a recognized historical landmark in the state of Texas.

I know many people worked hard for this recognition, and I am excited about the notoriety, however during those days; there was nothing unique or eye-catching about the building. In fact, if you drove by it, you would not have noticed anything unusual.

Our services were simple. The pastor, the late Reverend Elbert Hinton, talked about a Jesus that could do the impossible. Pastor Hinton was not a great orator, nor was there anything overly stunning about his demeanor.

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Yet he did have a story worth telling. He loved to talk about a God who could make something out of nothing and do it so well that you thought the nothing always was something!

In the winter, we used an old “pot-bellied” stove to heat the building. If I remember correctly, our combination pulpit and choir area was one of the first in our area.

The inside architecture of the church consisted of hard wood floors, wooden benches, and stained glass windows. This made it notoriously cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

On hot days, we kept the church cool by propping open the windows so a breeze could blow through. Many a time I remember watching the grown ups furiously fanning themselves with those familiar “funeral home” fans trying to keep cool.

I also am ashamed to admit this, but I learned at an early age the consequences of “acting up” in church. Southern women would correct you with a stare, a pinch, or a quiet yet firm, “Stop that.”

If none of those tactics worked, my Mama or GrandMamma would give me the, “You are going outside with me” look.

I knew an old-fashioned whipping lay in store if I continued my foolishness, yet, I persisted in my cantankerous ways.

Why? The Holy Spirit through King Solomon summed it up best, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.”

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Out of the Ashes

Excerpt from Introduction

Out of the Ashes carries a fourfold message: it’s a journey, a mission, a record of discourse and a path of discovery.

If memory serves me correctly, the World Wide Web (Internet) was just beginning to peak in 1996.

Although I was ignorant to the ins and outs of this technology, I remember one day something so startling crossing my mind that it made me sit up with a jolt.

The message was simple, but it continued to repeat itself with such force and weight that these many years later, I still remember the words,

“The Internet will grow in such a dynamic fashion, that people all over the world (businesses, blue and white collar workers, rich and poor, etc.,) will have a common meeting place to communicate, obtain information and shop online.”

Now mind you, I knew nothing of the ongoing research of David Filo and Jerry Yang, but the Lord did. He knew that their efforts would bring about the global Internet communications, commerce and Media Company that is now a household name to millions the world over, YAHOO!

However the focus of the times was the World-Wide-Web. This mammoth cybernetics giant was slowly gurgling the globe with its tentacles. Ironically, from its genesis this juggernaut would revolutionize the world’s concept of time.

Previously time was measured in three cycles, (1) part of a measuring system used to sequence events, (2) comparing durations of events and the intervals between them, and (3) quantifying motions of objects.

However, with the advent of the Internet, time has become quad-dimensional: (1 fluid (existing in a free-flowing electronic state), (2) transitional (movement from electronic state to character set), (3) evolving (encapsulating past, present and future events) or (4) abstract (impersonal in attitude or views, e.g., e-mail exchange).

In mere seconds, users can access information that 40 years ago would have stumped researchers for months or even years. You ask, “Why is this significant?”

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For starters, this fits right in with Daniel’s prophecy, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4).

In a Hebrew concordance, the word “increased” translates as râbâh (raw-baw’), “To become great, become many, become much, or become numerous.”

This prophecy is literally fulfilling itself right before our eyes!

Technological advances were so dynamic and revolutionary in the 20th century that many ideas were outdated only hours after they were removed from the drawing board!

Never in the history of the human race had we witnessed such an exponential expanse of technology. Yet, with this increase, we also saw record bankruptcies, more suicides, more nervous breakdowns, more divorces and a four-fold rise in crimes of the most unimaginable proportion.

Is there a correlation? Most definitely! In the book of Luke, we read, “. . . for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).

I know many will disagree with my analysis, but I believe the Lord gave the Internet first and foremost as a medium to propitiate the Gospel to the world!

Is it working? Well, right now as you read these words, millions are hearing for the fist time the Gospel behind the “Iron” and “Bamboo” curtains!”

So, despite the arguments as to the Internet’s primary use, my Bible says,

“And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).

In other words, we have much to look forward to in the not to distant future!

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Grandmamma's Prayers

Excerpt from Chapter II - "Let's Go to Church!"

If memory serves me correctly, I was about five or six the first time I attended church with GrandMamma. The roads were mostly dirt, so we either walked or rode in wagons to and from church.

My most memorable part of the ride was the rhythmic sounds the chains made as they brushed against the leather collars around the mules’ necks.

Invariably, we would meet up with others along the road also headed to church.
Whenever that many saints came together, it was only a matter of time before someone started singing one of those old spirituals.

When they did, others joined in until everyone was singing. One of my favorites was “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

Swing low, Sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, Sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

As the Spirit began to flow, some clapped their hands, others stomped their feet. All the kids would grab straw off the wagons and throw it into the air.

An inexplicable excitement compelled everyone and everything breathing to participate in this time of jubilee! And, by the time we got to church, we had already been to “church!”

Please understand, I’m not saying that an outward display of what some term “physical gymnastics” is a true sign of worship.

However, I do believe that if the Spirit of the Lord is present, there will be visible responses as He moves on hearts and lives.

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When these sons and daughters of former slaves and their progeny began to worship, they were participants in the greatest event on planet earth – the Praise and Worship of the Lord.

The Gospel of John says, “. . . true worshippers shall worship him in spirit and in truth . . .” This they did to their fullest.

A Church service should never be geared to simply excite and stimulate the flesh. Conversely it should not feel like a stroll in a graveyard!

There must be balance, with emphasis always on allowing the Holy Spirit to have preeminence.

The Word says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

Sadly, this spontaneity (the moving and operation of he Spirit) is so lacking in worship services today.

We have become so adept at form and fashion worship (a disjointed mixture of flesh, flesh and more flesh) that true worship (which comes as the heart is broken before the Lord) is as scarce as the proverbial “hens” teeth.

When Ezekiel wrote,

“And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh,” he was describing a powerful flowing river that breathes life into whatever it touched!

If the river does not flow, the deacon cannot pray, the choir cannot sing, and the preacher cannot preach! Only the flowing river quenches the thirst and satisfies the soul.

My GrandMamma was a very orderly lady. Her clothes, her hats, and even the way she walked all bore these unique defining qualities.

Yet, when she worshipped the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, she displayed a youthfulness and vigor rivaling her years.

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The Building of A Church

Orchestrated dancing with all its glitter and glamour is simply a “new cart.” Just because it excites the flesh, and the majority of the Church sees nothing wrong with it, does not mean it is harmless.

What’s the harm? Whenever we attempt to please the Lord through our fleshly efforts, we may end up so far from the Ways of the Lord that soon “anything goes.”

Let me ask you, after the last note, the last dance step, and the final pirouette, who is lifted up, Jesus Christ or the flesh? Our task is simple – get out of the way so He [Holy Spirit] can have His way!

Most church services are not structured so the Holy Spirit can have free reign. As such, we end up with fleshly efforts that do little more than attract, tease and exalt more flesh.

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We must realize that God does not accept our fleshly efforts, no matter how grand. He will accept nothing less than our obedience. However, this obedience must be to His Word and the blowing (karar) of the Holy Spirit.

The Hebrew word is karar {kaw-rar’}, and means, “to whirl.” It is similar to a leaf being blown by the wind. The leaf has no power of itself, it simply moves as the wind blows.

A common misconception in many churches is how to reach people people with the Gospel. The 21st century witness must first cater to the needs of the people (physical,emotional, mental, social and economical). That, my friend, is not our job, but the sole responsibility of the Holy Spirit!

Folks, if we provide an atmosphere in which He [the Holy Spirit] can work, He will do the rest!

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”


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Grandmamma's Prayers

“GrandMamma’s Prayers,” don’t underestimate the persistency and consistency of a praying grandmother!

When we think of GrandMamma, we often think of good food, dress up days and Sunday morning church. GrandMamma’s Prayers records a simpler time in life.

A time when the social, economic, or cultural status of a person was not the determining factor of a relationship.



Life in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s was anything but uncomplicated. Yet, even with all the inherent uncertainties of these times, they were still some of the best of times and worst of times, all at the same time.

GrandMamma’s Prayers takes a nostalgic look at those bygone years. A time when a neighbor helped a neighbor without expecting anything in return: when a ride in an old wagon was the highlight of the summer and where Sundays’ were the official church days.

So often you will hear people say, “You know my GrandMamma always said . . .” or “My GrandMamma always did . . .” or “She taught me how to . . .”

These were testimonials to the unselfish work and labor grandmothers carried out for their grandchildren and everyone around them.

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