Biblical Integrity

Civil Disobedience and Christians

2010-07-21T08:44:00.002-05:00

Dealing With The Crazy Makers In Our Life

2010-07-15T00:40:00.001-05:00

Bring It To Him

2010-06-06T11:36:00.007-05:00

"A man came up to Jesus, falling on his knees before Him and
saying, 'Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is a lunatic and is
very ill; ... I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not
cure him. ' And Jesus answered and said ... 'Bring him here to Me"
Matthew 17:14-17

In life there are problems that I call "God problems." These are
not problems with God, but problems only God can handle. God
problems are those that cannot be fixed with your checkbook,
education or influence. These problems are outside of the control
of human beings and lie squarely within God's sovereign
jurisdiction. They stop us in our tracks and cause us to soberly
assess our associations and situation in life. They bring us face
to face with our insufficiency and our need for God's sufficiency.
When we face a God problem we discover what is really important
in life.

These problems are not designed to stop us from making
progress in life, but to reveal our dependency on God for
everything in life. God wants to reveal something to you and your
problem may be the vehicle He is using to do it.

Throughout the Gospel people sought Jesus to do what no one else
could do. In Matthew 17:14-1 7, a father had a son who was
demon-possessed and no one else was able to help him, including
Jesus' disciples. Finally, the father encounters Jesus. Jesus,
looking at this seemingly impossible and long term situation,
tells the father to, "Bring him to Me". Jesus did in a moment
what others could not do!

In another situation, the disciples faced a seemingly impossible
task of feeding over 5000 men (not including the women and
children) with two fish and five loaves of bread. After taking
inventory of the situation, Jesus, speaking of the fish and loaves,
tells the disciples to, "Bring them here to me." Having placed
their impossible situation in the hands of Jesus, the peoples'
insufficiency was transformed into over flowing sufficiency. So
much so, that there were 12 baskets full of leftover after
everyone had eaten their fill.

Too often, God is the last stop in our search for help. We don't
have to lose everything before we begin to seek Him. God is not
intimidated by what we are dealing with. We must stop trying to
fix our problem on our own and seek God for our deliverance.

Let's be honest, if we could fix it, it would have been fixed by
now. This is a "God Problem", or a "problem for God". Don't
mistake your trusting people with trusting God. When God showed
up, deliverance quickly followed.

I want to challenge you. Set aside some time in the morning,
evening, on your lunch break or when you are lying in bed, and
seek out God's presence. Block out your situation and focus on
God's promises. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus promised, "Come to
Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, .... 'For My yoke is
easy and My burden is light'." This offer still stands for those
who will seek Him! No matter ho long you had the problem. NO
matter how big it is. Whatever it is, God still says to -
"Bring it to Me!"

Bringing America Back Into The Grace Of God?

2010-05-01T05:59:00.007-05:00

Dear Praying Friends,

In 1994, Congregational minister Rev. Richard Owen Roberts reintroduced America's churches to the seemingly forgotten Biblical truth about "Solemn Assembly." His article of the same title from his book, Sanctify the Congregation, has been reprinted again and again to help Christians in America and around the world respond to God's call for corporate repentance and prayer. But have we met God's requirements to prevent our nation from moral, spiritual, economic, and political collapse? Or will judgments against our nation only increase? Our patriot pastors, colonial governors, Continental Congresses, and many Presidents frequently called for days of sincere fasting, humiliation and prayer. They were taken seriously and nearly universally observed. We cannot save ourselves. God's Word declares hope for our nation, but only as we seek Him (Is 1:4-20; 2 Chr 7:14).

Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) - The President has not kept his word on a range of issues, but he is aggressively working to keep his promises to the nation's homosexual activists. With an expanded Hate Crimes Law already in force and a plan to open the U.S. military to homosexuals underway, Congressional Democrats are now promising a vote on ENDA (H.R.3017, S.1584) during the next few weeks. If passed, ENDA will require businesses, charities, schools, day care centers, etc., to hire, retain, and promote persons who could have been arrested as criminals in many states until just seven years ago under sodomy laws (Lawrence v. Texas U.S. 558 [2003]).

Suspected violators of what some refer to as "Cross-Dresser Protection" legislation will be investigated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which will facilitate lawsuits by homosexual activists. The bill gives special employment protection to homosexual, bisexuals and "transgender persons" and covers both "actual" and "perceived" "sexual orientation or gender identity." There is some (but not enough) protection for religious organizations. Chai Feldblum, who drafted the measure, was recently appointed by President Obama to the EEOC. Feldblum, a law school professor and lesbian activist, believes first amendment religious rights must bow to homosexual rights, "Gays win; Christians lose," she says (see Feldblum, Fight ENDA).

May God intervene to stop this evil bill. May God's people exercise their duty as citizens to demand that their representatives uphold religious liberty over sexual immorality by defeating ENDA (Pr 16:10-11; 20:23; Mic 6:11; Rom 1:32; 1 Ti 5:21; 2 Tim 4:2-3; Jas 3:17).

DC. Same Sex Marriage - Next Tuesday, May 4th at 10:00 AM, a nine member panel of the D.C. Court of Appeals will hear Stand4MarriageDC Coalition's appeal defending their right under the D.C. Charter to conduct a citizen initiative (a proactive referendum) on the issue of marriage. The Board of Elections and Ethics has called the initiative discriminatory and an unfit topic for a citizen initiative, simply because it seeks to keep the legal definition of marriage that has been in force since D.C.'s inception. The court ruling could further challenge the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage for federal purposes as a union between a man and woman. When the D.C. Council passed a same-sex marriage bill in December, Congress had 30 legislative days to override the bill. Only a handful fulfilled their duty to act to overturn the law. The city began issuing marriage licenses to homosexuals in early March. Activists want to make our nation's capital the homosexual capital. According to a recent report by the D.C. AIDS office, more than 3% of D.C. residents have HIV or full blown AIDS (the actual number is much higher than the number of reported cases). D.C.'s rate is similar to that in African Uganda, which, for many years had the highest AIDS rate for any nation (Hearing, Stand4MarriageDC).

May God move upon the Court to uphold D.C. citizens' right to define marriage in their city. And may they win the Initiative at the polls! May our federal legislators fulfill their duty to uphold DOMA. If taken to the U.S. Supreme Court, may God grant a wondrous victory! (Gen 1:27-28; 2:20-25; Dt 16:18-20; Ecc 12:13; Mt 19:4-6; Rev 12:11).

National Day of Prayer - Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the world's best known evangelist and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, was unceremoniously disinvited from speaking at the Pentagon on May 6th. Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, wrote Secretary of Defense Robert Gates "demanding" that the Pentagon choose another speaker. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Muslim lobbyist group with ties to HAMAS, a certified terrorist organization, complained about Graham, pointing to his statements that Islam is an "evil and wicked religion." Now they are demanding that Graham be disinvited from speaking at the main NDP event on Capitol Hill Graham stands by his statements, originally made after the terrorist attacks in 2001 (Story, Hearings, Weinstein, CAIR, Capitol Hill Event).

May the Commander-in-Chief make amends for this discourteous act in which the Pentagon bowed to the demands of a competing religious group with a questionable history. May God-fearing people across America, outraged by this provocation, speak out, and may the Pentagon's posture be reversed! May Rev. Graham and others be strengthened to speak the truth! (2 Sam 22:1 ff; 2 Chr 7:14; Ps 50:14-15; Is 1:10-20; Joel 1:14, 2:12-18; Mt 18:18-20; John 10:10-15; 16:23-27).

Finally, this Saturday, May 1, from 6 AM - 2 PM, Christians from many denominations will gather on the grounds of the Lincoln Memorial to "Cry to God for a Nation in Distress." This gathering promises to be a powerful antecedent to National Day of Prayer activities scheduled in Washington, D.C. and across the nation. On Thursday May 6th, the NDP Task Force prayer meeting on Capitol Hill will be aired live via God TV (9 AM - 12 Noon); an NDP Eastern National Area Solemn Assembly will be conducted West of the Capitol (11:30 AM - 1 PM), and the Capitol Region NDP Committee will conduct a pastors and leaders meeting (2 - 4 PM), and a Prayer and Unity gathering on the Capitol West Lawn (4:30 - 8:30 PM). Thank you for praying!

Sincerely,
Rev. Pierre Bynum
National Prayer Director
Email: pbynum@frc.org

Family Research Council
801 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-2100
Fax: 202-393-2134
Web: www.frc.org

Urgent Prayer Needed: Socialist Agenda Ungodly

2010-03-19T18:03:00.008-05:00

Dear Praying Friends,

This Sunday the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on the long-debated government takeover of the American health care system. We urge you to pray like you have never prayed before. We urge you, too, to talk to your pastor about joining with churches across America who will be uniting in prayer during their morning services this Sunday to pray about this all-important vote. And we urge you to do all you can to mobilize your praying friends to cry out to God between now and when the vote is taken -- as the Lord would lead you.

FRC and our allies and supporters have labored for the past year to educate Americans about the evils of this bill and the threat it poses to all of us, but especially the unborn. If passed, it will lead to the largest expansion of elective abortion in the history of our nation, and will require taxpayers to fund abortion for the first time in 35 years. Polls show that a majority of Americans oppose it, and that an even greater number (71%) oppose taxpayer funding of abortion. The vote will be very close, and no one will know the outcome for certain until the vote is taken, except God. It is to Him we must appeal.

We have previously made biblically based resources available to pastors and churches. You may wish to forward this letter to your pastor, who may not be on our pastors' list. He may wish to use them this Sunday:

Click here for an updated Sermon Starter entitled: The Wrong Prescription for America. If he wishes, your pastor can download it, copy the text, paste it into word processing software, edit as he sees fit and use it in his sermon!

Click here for a Bulletin Insert which contains a brief description of the fiscal, ethical, and moral problems with the bill and a call to action. Download the Bulletin Insert, print it out, copy it double-sided, and cut it down the middle. The half-sheet copies can be used in your church bulletin or as a stand-alone flier.

It may be too late to reach your Senators and Representative, but you can pray. As salt and light, we the church must influence this critical debate (Matt. 5:13-16). Visit www.FRCAction.org/healthcare for the latest information.

And please forward this message to your pastor friends. We have made a tremendous impact in slowing this unholy juggernaut that will fund abortions, but now is not the time we must not let up. It is absolutely imperative that we prevail in prayer during the few hours we still have to do so.

Nancy Pelosi claims to be praying to St Joseph and Nuns have told her they pray for this most evil agenda of our lifetime. Pelosi should have been ex-communicated when she defended Obama's stand on abortion, claiming the Catholic Church could not decide when life begins.

Lord Have Mercy

2010-03-17T01:49:00.004-05:00

Psalm 85:7 - “Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.”

You may have joined a church, but have you thrown yourself on the mercy of the court? Have you said, “Lord God, be merciful to me, a sinner”? (Luke 18:13)

For the last few years of his life, I was a dedicated listener of Adrian Rogers' Gospel Lectures. There are few Pastors these days that are unafraid of calling a spade a spade as did Adrian. He was real quick to point out how we are deceived by today's evangelists and living in a fog as to the meaning of being a Christian.

This is one of Adrian Rogers anecdotes on mercy I had to share with you.

There’s a story about a lady who went to a photographer to have her picture made. When she saw it, she didn’t like it. So she took it back and told the photographer, “You’ll have to take this over.” He asked, “What’s wrong with it?” She said, “It doesn’t do me justice.” He looked at it and looked at her and said, “Lady, you don’t need justice; what you need is mercy.” God is just, but we need mercy. If you have never come to the place where you have seen yourself as a lost sinner before Almighty God and cried out to Him for mercy, then you’ve never been saved.

A little boy had a jigsaw puzzle that had a map of the world on one side and a picture of a man on the other. His mother asked him to try to work it, and before long he had put the puzzle together. The mother was surprised to find that the little fellow knew so much about geography.
“How on earth did you do that?” she asked.
“Oh,” he said, “I worked the other side first. When I got the man right, the world was right.”
How true that is! We will never fix this world until we get the man right — the Man Jesus Christ, that is.

Are things in your world confusing you these days? Turn to Jesus and trust Him to make sense of what you don’t understand.

Psalm 139:23 - “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts.”

If you are so inclined to turn your heart over to the Lord, or aren't quite certain where you stand if something were to happen to you tonight, follow this link

Dealing With Distractions

2010-03-06T01:21:00.005-06:00

"Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do
according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded
you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you
may have success wherever you go." Joshua 1:7-8

In Joshua 1:7-8, God gives us some key principles that we can apply
in making the transition from our situation to our destinations.
The first thing God warns His people of is the danger of becoming
distracted. He warns them not to take their focus off of His Word
and become distracted by what's going on around them. You will
generally encounter distractions when you are getting close to
achieving something that will take you to the next level in your
life.

Distractions are designed to take your focus off of your future and
cause you to become fixated and stuck in your present situation.
Some of the most dangerous distractions are those that don't make
much noise but creep in while we're at ease. The apparent ease
that we enjoy often causes us to forget about the work that still
must be done in order for God's promises to manifest in our lives.
A season of calm can cause the most diligent of us to become slack
in the very thing that got us headed in the right direction. The
enemy knows we pray more fervently and are more diligent in our
efforts to be delivered, when we're in trouble then when we're at
ease. Therefore, he allows a season of "trouble free living",
hoping that we will take our focus off of destroying his work,
slowing being lulled asleep. Once at ease, we don't discern his
activity in our lives and slowly find ourselves struggling with the
same things we once overcame. Remember, nothing is truly free
unless it comes from God. There is always a cost - even to what
appears to be peace.

Often, when we are at ease we allow God to slip into the background
of our lives and we slowly drift away from His purpose and plan for
our lives. If the truth were told, that is the reason many of us
are in the situations we're in now. This is why we must stay
focused on where we are going and what we are trying to accomplish.

Distractions also feed of our doubts and fears. When Peter began
to walk on the water, he did not sink because he couldn't finish
what he began to do. He sank because he became distracted and
fearful of what was going on around him. As he stepped out and did
the impossible, the bible says that the storm around him became
more fierce. This is a primary mode of operation of the enemy.
If he can't stop you then he will try to distract you. You must
be determined to finish what you've begun and be ready to face the
certain distractions that will arise.

Your success will be found in your ability to keep your focus on
what is ahead of you and not be distracted by what is going on
around you. Distractions are not always giants or storm, but can
also be found a season of apparent ease. The most dangerous enemy
one can face, is an enemy that has not been detected. The Bible
promises, "He will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed
on Him, because he trusts in Him" (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV).

Dr J C Mathews

GOD BLESS YOU!!!

Just Tell It!!!

2010-02-26T01:52:00.006-06:00

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
Revelations 12:11, KJV

I discovered something while a student in law school that shed
light on why so many people are bound by situations they should
be set free from. During an Evidence class, we came to the topic
of "Testimony". In summary, I discovered that testimony serves
the purpose of proving the truthfulness of a matter by the
confirmation of another who has (preferably) first hand knowledge
of the events. This person is called a "witness". This individual
only qualifies as a witness if they have "first hand knowledge or
experience" of the matter. The most powerful testimony a witness
can possess is "eye witness" testimony. The testimony offered by
a witness who lacks this first hand knowledge is categorized as
"hearsay". Hearsay has very little probative value and is often
excluded from being accepted into evidence. Oftentimes, the
freedom, and very life, of the one being tried depends on
eyewitnesses that are willing to testify concerning what they know.

As I read Revelations 12:11, it occurred to me that many people
are unnecessarily bound and perishing in their trials because the
enemy has shamed witnesses from coming forward and testifying
about their own experiences and what they know. The enemy knows
our testimony has the power to defeat him and set the accused free.
Many people are serving life sentences in bondage, condemnation,
and some even losing their lives, because they've lost all hope of
things getting better or them surviving what they're going through.
However, we are living testimonies or evidence that they can in
fact make it. The enemy tried to destroy our bodies, minds/souls
and spirits - but failed. Our testimony proves that the devil is
a liar and defeated!

Testimony, by its very nature, is not for the one testifying but
for the benefit of the one being tried. I don't care how shameful
your past may have been; someone else needs the deliverance that
is in your mouth. There is a ministry in your testimony that
cannot be denied or refuted. Proverbs 18:21 declares, that the
"power of life and death is in the tongue".

It is interesting to note that the root word for "testimony" in the
Greek is "martus". It is the same word from which we get the word
"martyr". A martyr is someone who died for what they believe and
know to be true. I mentioned earlier, that "hearsay" testimony is
generally not accepted as evidence. However, there are exceptions
to this rule. One such exception concerns the "words of a dying or
dead person". These words are considered unusually reliable because
a dying or dead person (1) has not ongoing interest in the matter,
and (2) has nothing to lose by telling the truth. They are no
longer subject to fear, intimidation or the power of those who have
an interest in the outcome of a matter. They're free to tell the
truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help them God!

As born again, blood washed, forgiven Believers, who are dead to
all the guilt and shame of our past, why are we testifying to what
we have experienced and been delivered from? It is all under the
blood, buried in the watery grave of baptism and crucified with our
old man. Our past has no power over us! We are free to tell it -
all of it! There is no more condemnation to those who are in
Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). When and if we fall short, we can pray
for forgiveness and God forgives us, never to be brought to our
charge again.

With this being the case, let me ask you a question: What are you
afraid of? What's keeping you from testifying to others of what God
has brought you out of and delivered you from? Others are
struggling with the same thing you've been delivered from and need
to know the truth - that God is a deliverer!

The text says, "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by
the word of their testimony." Jesus has done His part in defeating
the enemy. He shed His blood and rose from the grave. Now we must
do our part by tell our testimony! Every time you "tell it", it
reminds the devil he is "defeated!" Go ahead - remember what He's
done for you! Don't be afraid or ashamed - just "tell it!"

Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Son of Hamas Leader Denounces Islam (Video)

2010-02-22T18:37:00.007-06:00

Son of Hamas leader converts to Christianity - Fox news Video of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of influential Hamas Leader Sheikh Hassan Yousef, has converted to Christianity, and said that there will never be peace between Islam and the rest of the world. The whole purpose for Islamic jihad is to enslave the rest of the globe into their beliefs and oppress humanity.

The general public, and especially Christians, must wake up to the FACTS and drop the rhetoric that Islam is a peaceful religion and only a radical few wish Israel and the entire civilized Western World harm.

I am amazed at how many misguided Christians have blocked me because I am too involved in politics and speak against islam. If more Christians do not start getting involved our country will be run by immoral heathens. Apathy and protecting ourselves from 'bad news' is not biblical...it's evil dissuading us from getting involved!

You see in the above video where the son of the Hamas leader himself is warning you Islam will NEVER come to peaceful terms with the rest of humanity. The Koran commands jihad and the annihilation of all infidels. What will it take to wake up those of whom are so misguided? Everyone who believes so strongly these are end times and God is in control, and they are to do nothing, are placing themselves in the roles of false prophets as they presume to persuade others of their calamity.

The Difference Between Being Lost and Being Led

2010-02-12T22:34:00.006-06:00

"Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went
out into the wilderness." Exodus 15:22

Many people who find themselves stuck in difficult situations
often feel as if they've become lost. Somehow, they've
arrived in a wilderness where everything has dried up and
nothing seems to be growing. Many of them have lived in this
wilderness for so long that they have given up on things
changing and concluded that this must be all God has in store
for them.

On numerous occasions, they have attempted to change their
situation, but all of their efforts have failed.
If this sounds like you, you may not be lost at all! You may
be squarely within the Will of God.

All dry places in life are not the result of being lost. Sometimes
God leads us into dry places and uses them as a place of preparation.
In Exodus 3:8, when God met Moses at the burning bush, He told
him that He was going to deliver His people from bondage and
into a land flowing with "milk and honey". Yet, we know when
God delivered His people from bondage, He led them directly
into a "wilderness" where they spent 40 years.

We know that their wilderness experience had a purpose because the
Bible tells us that there was a shorter route available that they
could have taken and avoided the wilderness altogether. Exodus
13:17 says, "God did not lead them by the way of the land of
the Philistines, even though it was near."

Whenever God leads you somewhere He has a predetermined
purpose for you, even if the route is longer than what you
expected. The longer the preparation, the greater the
promotion. If takes much longer to get a PhD than it does
a GED. I am not putting down those who have a GED. Praise
God for it. For some, it took just as much determination to
get their GED than it did for some to get their PhD. However, we
are speaking of principles.

Oftentimes, your wilderness is the doorway to your promise.
At the initiation of Jesus' public ministry He was not led
into the temple, but into the wilderness. Jesus had to be
first prepared in their wilderness before He could preach his
first sermon. If you are in a wilderness right now, remember what
you learned while there because it will be necessary to sustain
you in your Promised Land. Don't faint or lose heart. You
may be at the door of your promise and purpose.

I know it has been a long journey, but it will be worth your while.
I know others may have arrived sooner at their place of destiny,
and you are still making your way toward your destiny. What God
wants to do in your life, requires preparation, therefore He
had to take you the long way. There are no short cuts in the
Kingdom of God - only God's way. I know, all the while you've
thought that somehow you where lost. You may not have been
lost at all. You just may have been led!

Dr J C Matthews, International Kingdom Institute
An Invitation To The Desert

The Misconception of Ahmadinejad and the 12th Imam

2010-02-05T01:14:00.019-06:00

Recently, Glenn Beck, political commentator on Fox News Channel, did a piece on Iran and the intent of Mahmud Ahmmanuhtjob to "hasten" the arrival of the Mahdi(muslim messiah). While Beck makes a good point in reference to the evil and down right lunacy which poses as a religion to oppress all humanity into slavery, he fails to place it in the proper perspective, as do so many.

By escaping from, or eluding the true perspective of Islam's agenda presents a huge threat. Just as the rhetoric talking points of the leftists in our country, the politically correct stance to carefully stay within a (non-offensive) position so as to not reveal the true nature of the (political) organization fails the people.

Rosie O'Donnell, one of the commentators on The View (ABC), stated, "Christians are every bit as dangerous as radical muslims." and received applause. We can all excuse O'Donnell's comments as 'par for the lune' typical ignorance. Speaking to a nationwide audience has never made one responsible for what is spewed, and there will always be those who will believe it. Same goes for a respected voice, such as Glenn Beck. More so, as he is taken more seriously. Just as the Holy Gospel is misconstrued oftentimes by evangelists, many facts are reformed into a concept of which lightens the threat. Beck seems to be pragmatic where convenient, but, still retains a certain level of 'political correctness'. He refuses to come out and label Islam as being RADICAL.

It is getting back to my #1 pet peeve, the label of "Radical Islam" which projects an image that only a crazy portion of muslims actually wish Israel and U.S. harm. This is the planned strategy of Islam, through our 'politically correct' ignorance and the civil rights laws we enjoy, and they hate. Islamic propaganda sells the illusion it is really a peaceful "religion" and only a few "radicals" misinterpret the teachings of the koran.

This brings me back to Beck, who portrays the President of Iran (Ahmmanuhtjob) as being a member of a small and out-of-control group. TRUE --- Ahmmanuhtjob is insane, and this makes him very dangerous as he aspires to become a nuclear power to complete his agenda. He has made it very clear many times all over the globe, even here in our country as we allowed him a stage, his intention is to 'hasten' the Mahdi's return.

The Mahdi, in the koran, can only return to a 'cleansed society'. He cannot return among a world full of infidels, or non-believers of Islam. Beck states Ahmmanuhtjob believes he must create 'turmoil' and carnage all over the world, then the Mahdi will return and 'wipe out' all the infidels. Ahmmanuhtjob's beliefs are in line with the teachings of the koran. The koran is very clear as to what makes a faithful muslim. One of the demands is KNOWING THE KORAN.

All TRUE muslims are to be completely knowledgeable of the ARABIC translation of the koran. There are other VERSIONS of the koran, even in English, for the purpose of selling the 'peace' propaganda to the rest of the globe. It puts spins on certain scriptures which depict prejudice and violence against Israelis and Westerners. It plays with words and wordage, so as to present a vague translation to defend the argument Islam is really a peaceful, loving religion, when in reality Islam is a political agenda POSING as a religion. Defended by those of whom supposedly promoting liberty and freedom, Islam is anything BUT!

Those muslims who claim it is a 'radical' few that believe Westerners and Jews must die, are either liars, in order to promote the false propaganda, or apostates. The apostates, seen to TRUE muslims as being just as 'guilty' as infidels, are also subject to death according to the koran. If they don't believe the teachings of the koran, they are apostates. If they convert from Islam to another religion, they are apostates, and are subject to assassination. At least with infidels(all who are not muslim) the koran teaches they are to be given the opportunity to convert to Islam. Jews are not so fortunate as Muhammad taught they were not human and should be killed at any opportunity. This is what jihad is fulfilling. Jews must die, all others believe what muslims believe, or they will also die.

All Americans should have a true perspective of what we are up against, not the version ignorant Western defenders perpetuate. These people, who lash out at anyone that attempts to unveil the truth, have no idea what the koran teaches. They will argue with those whom are knowledgeable of its danger to all humanity. The same people that promote laws against what they refer to as "Hate speech", also defend the koran which is all about hate, and violence toward any of whom do not believe. So called muslims claiming the koran teaches peace are as much muslim as Oprah Winfrey is Christian.

Normally, one would reasonably believe you cannot argue or defend that which you have no knowledge, but, when it comes to the koran people lose all reason and common sense. Muslims and non-muslims, alike, constantly defend the koran with untruths and rhetoric which does not exist except through deceptive translation. So you think, "What does all this have to do with me?" Or, you say, "I'm not going to worry about it, because it is written, and God is in control," to anyone who will listen. This is also dangerous as it is promoting apathy, and there is nothing godly about withdrawing from the events which threaten our society, when you could have stood against the evil tyranny.

By not being knowledgeable of the truth, or not getting involved by hiding behind a misinterpreted scripture, we are helping the enemy. Ignorance and apathy is exactly what the enemy counts on, so the indoctrination can spread, just like the perversions have been spread throughout America over the past few decades. What used to be the "Moral Majority" is quickly becoming the minority, due to apathy and expecting someone else to do what every Christian had a duty to accomplish--- STOP evil in its tracks!

Now, even our country's leaders are promoting perversions, and in our schools, when a decade ago it would have been unthinkable and unacceptable. I have heard "Christians" state it's alright, their kids are home schooled, or attend parochial schools. If we are true Christians, how do we accept evil for ANYONE in society, as long as it doesn't affect us? Liberals/atheists claim they are not their brother's keeper. By letting evil takeover, how are we to be sure our children's children will be safe, as we allowed the freedom to home school or private schools to be eliminated, and laws implemented to revoke our freedom to choose against perversions?

Those of you whom are certain the current events are leading to the Lord's return and He is in control, and all you have to do is pray and leave it to Him. Yes, He is in control, but, how does that exonerate us from fulfilling our duty as a Christian, to face tyranny and fight evil? How is it so many seem to know that which God went to great lengths to conceal from humanity---the time of His coming? By doing nothing, we promote the evil, by way of little or no resistance. That is why rebellion to tyranny is obedience to God, but, so many Christians would have you believe it is a sin to even know what is going on or get involved in politics. How absurd!

I advise all who believe the end times are upon us, and there is no reason to exert ones self to resist, read Revelations, chapter 3. The Lord states while the Master is away, a good servant is just as diligent as if He were here, watching, and should remain diligent until He returns. (Rev 2:26) And he that overcomes, and keeps my works till the end, to him I will give power over all the nations.

How are we innocent when we did nothing to stop evil? Jihad is not a religion. It is, however, a command of the koran. It is the agenda of Islamic jihad to abolish the freedom of every soul on earth. You think this is false, or so far off, or someone else will stop it? Then you must also believe there is no judgement day, and you will not be accountable.

The reason the Apostle Paul wrote an urgent second letter to the Thessalonians was because he heard that they became lazy as they misinterpreted his message, "The coming of our Christ is at hand," and believed there was no reason to do anything but await His arrival.

***A report released this week had the U.S. media abuzz with speculation after the state-run Press TV quoted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday as saying that the nation will deliver a harsh blow to “global arrogance” on February 11.No details on or explanation of the statement were revealed...(Read More)

Just as a 'watered down' Gospel poses a threat to our salvation, a 'watered down' koran poses a threat to ALL humanity.

Ahmadinejad is not the one misinterpreting the Koran!

God's Opportunities

2010-01-28T14:52:00.006-06:00

"Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied
on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has
escaped from your hand. Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a
huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you
relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. For the eyes
of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show
Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."
And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in
his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not
seek the Lord, but the physicians. So Asa rested with his fathers;
he died in the forty-first year of his reign".
2 Chronicles 16:7-9, 12-13

Have you been robbing God of the opportunity to be glorified in
your life? Much of the frustration we face in life is really our
denying God the opportunity to demonstrate Himself able to handle
the problems that are too great for us. When we place our
confidence in men and turn to others for help, instead of God, we
deny Him the opportunity to be glorified. Our problems are really
open invitations for God's participation in our lives. Everyday,
people suffer unnecessarily because they deny God the opportunity
to get involved in their lives and thereby be glorified.

King Asa made a similar mistake when he placed his confidence in
man, instead of God. God gave King Asa not only victory, but also
unusual peace, despite the fact he was surrounded by hostile
nations. The Bible records because King Asa became sick he and
once again placed his confidence and his life in the hands of men
instead of calling upon God for his healing. As a result, he not
only lost God's blessing over his life, but his life itself.

How often, do we decide to turn from God, who has already proven
Himself faithful, able and willing to see us through our struggles?
It was God who has kept us from being totally destroyed by our
enemies - seen and unseen. He has hid us and not allowed our
adversaries to know when we are weak, nor has he exposed our hidden
faults.

What is it in your life that God is waiting for you to turn over to
Him and give Him the opportunity to show Himself strong? Your
impossibilities are really God's opportunities. When you deprive
Him the opportunity to demonstrate His sovereignty you also deprive
Him of glory that is due Him. When you need help, don't look
around - but look up! David, facing a seemingly impossible
situation, asked himself a question and came to the right
conclusion.

David said, "I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who
made heaven and earth" (Psalms 121:1-2,). Remember, the
impossibility you are facing might actually be an opportunity for
God to show Himself strong!

Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

The Non-Power Of Terrorists

2010-01-21T18:38:00.008-06:00

One Nation Under God (click to enlarge)

The Non-power of Terrorists

by Shay Villere

I just read the sentencing statements made by the gentleman who tried to ignite his shoe-bomb on a plane a few years ago. Obviously, it contained the usual Muslim stuff, about Allah and jihad and all of it. What was interesting was the judge's comments.

The judge outlined very well how America will never ever give in to people who are simply mass murderers masquerading as soldiers. Terrorists are not really fighting a war, they are just trying to kill people. All of this death and destruction under the guise of religious war is extremely foolish. There is no real hope for a cause like that, where all that happens is random death.

I was especially impressed with how the judge mentioned over and over again how America had been through these situations before, and will happily go through them again. We are the ones who end the wars. We never run from fear. We are not in the business of giving up. We come to the aid of countries that need us. We alone are sometimes the only ones who are able to make a significant difference, and that is actually okay with us.

Other countries are jealous of our freedom. They are jealous of our way of life. They are jealous of how we can do virtually anything we want, wherever we want. We are not hampered by the world. Our individual rights are the best this world has to offer. We are a courageous, determined people and mass murder holds no place in this country or any other.

Where does Jesus fit in to all this? He is the one who INVENTED AMERICA!!! It was His religion that brought about these freedoms. He is the one who inspired the founding fathers. He is the one who guides the decisions of our leaders. If you look at the viewpoints of the last 200 years of America, and beyond really, they are CHRISTIAN VALUES! We are a country that comes to the defense of other countries because Jesus ALWAYS helps people who are impoverished and dominated by villains. Do you know what makes Christians different than other people? THE SACRIFICE!!! We will gladly hand over our happiness, our comfort, our money, to aid those people in the world who are without.

Shay Villere is the creator of Intercessors.com, where Christians from all walks of life can come together for prayer, 24/7

Miracles Abound On Evil Ground

2010-01-15T11:47:00.005-06:00

Missionaries from two New Jersey Churches are safe after Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The leaders of Allentown's Lifechurch said residents of their Haitian orphanage in Port-au-Prince and a volunteer from Allentown survived. Members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown arrived at JFK in New York this morning. They had gone to Haiti on a yearly mission to bring badly needed medical supplies to the orphanage.

At the time of the quake, the group was with the orphans in an open field, playing ball, said Frank Procaccini. Any other time they would have been in the buildings. The orphanage and the Hotel were destroyed, killing many inside.

I have read about and heard of numerous accounts of rescues in a most impossible situation, with no equipment and supplies available. In almost every occurrence, it is told of prayers being answered.

I wept at the images of Haitians waiting for help on rooftops which could barely hold them following the 2008 hurricanes, back-to-back. I was terribly upset at the delay in reaching them. It seemed then, as it does now, their government just does not care. The only word I've heard from their president was regarding the presidential palace being destroyed.

Wednesday, Well known evangelist Pat Robertson publicly implied the Haitians deserved their fate as they swore a pact with the devil. While his inappropriate context certainly had bad timing, and would not be understood well by many in the global audience he reached, it was not far from truth.

Michael Savage, well known radio show host, has taken the issue to the other extreme, making light of the voodoo situation while denouncing Robertson without mercy, for two days. I respect Savage's political opinions, most of the time, but, he should leave spiritual issues to the experts. He became just as "ridiculous" as Robertson.

The truth of the matter is God will judge evil nations (which I've heard Savage express in the past). God will bring down an evil people. Unfortunately, innocents cannot be excluded from a national tragedy. While I am certainly no expert, as well, I will not exclude the facts for degradation sake. I believe for everything there is a reason. I do not believe in coincidence, 90% of the time.

For generations Haiti has been known as the Voodoo Capitol of the world. Carried over from the African slave trades, those of whom ended up on the tropical Island, which at the time was called Saint Domingo, have evolved traditional rituals into a serious and threatening religion involving murder and torture.

The difference in the background of the slaves has helped integrating beliefs, rites, songs and dances of different tribes to create a syncretic religion.
From the beginning the authorities already suspected that the meetings organized by the slaves, even the ones connected to the dancing meeting were related to religious (actually, witchcraft) practices.

Along the way, Voodoo was even integrated with Catholic beliefs, hence the depictions above by Haitian artists. Other satanic religions, such as Santeria, have also stemmed from these same basic evils. It is rampant and responsible for many violent incidents globally and here in the U.S.

So, while it is a great tragedy, and I have encouraged all within the sound of my voice (or network) to help in any way possible, let us not preclude the reality of Haiti's nature. I call for fervent prayer, for those still alive but not yet reached by rescuers, for the families of the victims, and for the spiritual enlightenment of the survivors- that they would be led away from the dominant evil in that country, and brought to salvation, in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen!

PLEASE HELP THE HAITIAN RED CROSS EFFORTS BY DONATING JUST $10 BY TEXTING "HAITI" TO 90999
it will be billed to your phone bill

Denial (Ya Say Ya Wanna Resolution)

2010-01-05T00:46:00.009-06:00

Denial is a strange beast. We all have exercised it to some degree. Many live by it. It consumes them and dictates their life. In that case, they seldom find happiness and when they do it is short lived. Denial is an illusion, oftentimes serving as a drug, in order to rationalize an escape from a particular reality in our life.

In any event, denial is a destructive presence hindering our dealing with the truth. We are often so convinced of the legitimacy of our denial, we accept it as truth. We dissuade ourselves from taking the proper course which would derive a healthy outcome of an issue or an event.

Usually, if we think we need not deal with something ( perhaps an occurrence from the past), that is exactly what we need to deal with. We are unable to see it, for our denial. Perspective is everything. With the proper (or true) perspective there is almost no limit to what we humans can accomplish.

By that same token, a bad or incorrect perspective can cripple us to no end. A wrong perspective produced from deceiving ourselves can and will ruin our lives from what God intended for us.

I had just written an article regarding sin, and Mat 7:21. Almost immediately after posting it I received a comment from a woman demanding, “Enough already with the doom and gloom, we get the point.” At first, I thought why would she think I wrote the article for her, or, how did I get in her way? Then, I realized - she is probably one of the people I wrote it for.

I have always been troubled by those of whom are seemingly strong Christians, but troubled by the Word of God, in any aspect. If I see the same scripture over and over, it seems to me I needed to see it. In a different perspective a scripture we have heard many times may take on a whole new meaning.

God is very gentle with us. When we are faithful He will direct us and give us information He feels we need, or can handle. Our perception of what we need is seldom in line with what He sees that we truly need to enhance our lives. Proverbs 3: 5-6, Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

In troubled times I have struggled to stick to that principle, and I promise you it pays off, so to speak.

I have always used my own type of prose in my writing. I discovered early on that while they are very expressive and knowledgeable, Theologians and Scholars tend to ramble on with words by which the common lay person or even some English teachers are unable to understand. Since most people will not refer to a dictionary to get through each sentence, many an important issue goes unnoticed.

I am intent on reaching those individuals who may be looking for answers or a hint from someone that may have experienced what they are going through. I only do this as I was led kicking and screaming by the Lord. I figure if anybody doesn’t like what I have to say, no one is holding a gun to their head; kind of like changing channels if ya don’t like the program.

I have found that all too often, those individuals which attack with the most venom are the ones who need the message the most. Take the lady the other day, who told me it seems I had a very good point to make, that it was a shame my grammar was so bad. She went on to state she tried, but, was just unable to read what I had to say. By the way, she spoke fluent English if you were wondering.

There is no rhyme or reason for many things we do. Often we seem silly, or petty, and recognize it, but, always rationalizing it to the point of eliminating any conviction of ourselves. Typically, this leads to self righteousness stemming from defending our self. It is the practice, not the rule, self righteousness and denial go hand in hand.

The atheist will hold out to deny reason or logic to the point-of-no-return silliness in his argument. He will always have that opportunity to accept the truth of the Gospel and the proof in the prophesies and be saved. The professed Christian in all their self righteousness and denial will more than likely carry their ignorance to the grave. As they presume to tell everyone else they are not sufficient Christians, where they will spend eternity is only known to the Lord.

The Lord has knowledge of where we are at in our conscious awareness and the contents of our heart. We cannot begin to conceive of His omnipotence, timing, and compassion. When we least expect it, He is there (all along) and just a word in our heart at the right time can change our life. In our stubbornness and fear of truly grasping the unknown (or unseen) by faith in the Son of God, we miss out completely what He had in store for us.

Consequently, we continue to travel around the wilderness longer than necessary. Any happiness we think we experience without God in our life is just empty illusion. I can tell you, not only by the inerrant Word of God, but, by my own experience…

If you lean not on your own understanding, but, trust in Him with all your heart, and in all your ways acknowledge Him - HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATH!!!

Some will have no idea what I'm saying, while someone else will understand completely and needed to hear it. There is a purpose for everything.

If you are looking for a New Year’s resolution, why not commit yourself to telling someone of the goodness the Lord has brought you and the relief of knowing your destination after this world. They may ask questions and you just might save a life.

Iniquity keeps us from experiencing a complete relationship with Jesus, and receiving all He intends for our lives. CLICK ON THE MAN IN BONDAGE AND SET HIM FREE

You Cannot Take Christ Out Of Christmas, Only Man Out Of Christ

2009-12-17T05:58:00.007-06:00

If you want to make this a special Christmas, DON'T FORGET THE BIRTHDAY BOY!
*

A young man training to be a missionary came to me one day and confided he was struggling in his relationship with the Lord. "I want to please Him," he said, "But it's very difficult, and I mess up all the time. It troubles me to know end, and I don't know, will I ever be pleasing to God?"

"You are exactly the one who pleases God the most!" I exclaimed to the young man with the troubled heart for God.

God is not looking for perfection in His children, just that we are His humble children. We were all born sinners, appalling creatures. Sin cannot be removed from us completely. To have a relationship with Christ, our Lord, one only needs to turn his heart over to Him, and live his/her life by faith in Him. No human can avoid sin completely, but, accepts the Holy Spirit's conviction and repents (turns away) and is forgiven.

We cannot live in sin (iniquity) and expect the Holy Spirit to dwell in us, in an ungodly place.

When we accept the truth of the Gospel and ask Jesus to come into our life and we give up control to Him, we become dead to sin. This does not mean we cannot sin, rather, we lose the desire to sin.

Are you struggling with the idea of giving your life over to the One who gave you life? Are you not ready just yet to give up that sin that pleases you so much right now? Maybe it is iniquity you have struggled to walk away from, but, have not been successful. Well, it is all perception. Perception is everything. We cannot conceive of His Glory and Love through our transgressions and discontent. In fact, the only content we will ever TRULY find is when we surrender our pathetic way of life over to Him and live in His Will.

Christmas, regardless of all the rhetoric and ignorance, is Christ's birthday. It is why we even celebrate the 25th December. We have come to make Christmas all about us humans. A special time to feel good about ourselves in giving gifts to one another and 'spreading cheer'. But, it is Christ's birthday. Not very many consider giving Him a gift, instead, we give everyone BUT Him a gift. In some cases, we go out of our way to find a gift for someone we don't even like.

Did you know December 25 is not even the actual day Christ was born? Nope! it was actually much earlier in the month, but, for commercial reasons we decided to place Christmas closer to New Year's Day.

If only more people could perceive iniquity as a pleasure only for a season, then their world will come crashing down. Many people even call themselves Christian, but, never turned to His Will and direction in their life. In other words, I hate to have to be the one to tell them, they are not really Christians. If you were led to read this far and you have been struggling with repenting of some iniquity in your life and you would like to do things His way for a change, for your life, follow this link immediately and I will tell you how. It is really very simple---the hard part is having the heart to do so.

I Wish All of You a Safe and Merry Christmas and God's Blessings!

Planned Parenthood Does Not Need "Bail Out"

2009-12-11T11:18:00.007-06:00

Planned Parenthood is the world's largest abortion provider, with an annual budget in excess of $1 billion - that's right, $1 billion - and posted an $85 million profit last year. Planned Parenthood also received $350 million in federal funding in 2007.

The number of federal government "bailouts" of private businesses over the past year is bad enough - but forcing American citizens to finance the abortion industry under the guise of "health care" cannot be accepted. The taking of human life is not health care. That's why Americans United for Life is fighting back against abortion lobbyists in the U.S. Senate. Will you join our fight today?

You can help prevent the tragedy of a dramatic increase of abortions in America -- funded by your tax dollars! Please follow this secure link right away to make a contribution of $50, $100, $250 or more to support our fight against federal funds being used to take innocent lives.

Every year, well over 1,000,000 children lose their lives through abortion in America. For decades, existing federal law has prohibited the use of taxpayer funds from paying for abortions. But now a radical change would take place if the Democrat's health care bill becomes law, our government would force pro-life taxpayers to pay for abortions.

Senate Democrats are perilously close to passing a health care bill that does not include language prohibiting federal funding of abortion; in fact, it explicitly includes federal funding for abortions and for insurance plans that include abortion coverage. If this version of the bill passes, there's virtually no way the final version will protect life when it is signed into law by President Obama.

We worked with pro-life Senators to have a mirror version of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment included in the Senate bill. But pro-abortion Senators like Barbara Boxer, Claire McCaskill, and others who have publicly stated the bill will not pass with any pro-life language prevailed and killed the pro-life amendment that would have maintained existing law preventing taxpayer funds from being used for abortion.

The abortion industry does not need a government bailout! I cannot think of a greater, more important fight than to keep taxpayer funds away from the abortion industry. I can't even imagine how many more children will be killed each year if we allow our tax-dollars to be used to end innocent lives.

We must continue this fight and get this message out to as many people as possible. Please follow this link immediately to give as generously as you can, then forward this message to friends, family, colleagues - everyone you know.

We are not powerless in this fight. We can choose to have our dollars used to protect life, not end it. So I hope I can count on your support today.

Charmaine Yoest

President, CEO

AUL Action

The Legislative Arm of

Americans United For Life

Well over 1,000,000 innocent lives are ended by abortions each year, and now the U.S. Senate is dangerously close to passing a health care bill that will allow our federal tax dollars to fund more abortions. Please follow this link today and make a contribution of $50, $100, $250 or more to Americans United for Life so we can continue our work to prevent federal funding of abortion. Then, please email this post to everyone you know to help us build our grassroots coalition. Thank you.

A Different Christmas Poem

2009-12-04T13:51:00.005-06:00

Please, take just 10 seconds to send a printed card to a soldier (FREE)

Or, if you are able to afford a $25 donation USO will send a $75 Care Package

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the
sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.”
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
“I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many
people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our
U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these
festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles , SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One
Al Taqqadum , Iraq

Do You Believe He is Able?

2009-12-01T06:10:00.005-06:00

"He entered the house, the blind men came up to Him, and Jesus
said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
Matthew 9:28

Have you ever read the Bible and wondered why Jesus would ask a
blind or lame man if they wanted to be healed before He healed
them? The Bible says in John 5:6, that Jesus saw a man who had
been crippled for 38 years lying next to a pool and asked him, "Do
you wish to get well?" More specifically, in Matthew 9:28 the
bible says, "He (Jesus) entered the house, the blind men came up
to Him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to
do this? "

The reason Jesus ask these needy individuals these
seemingly obvious questions, is becasue Jesus understood that there
is a real connection between what we "believe" and what we
"receive". Jesus knew they first must believe that they can be
delivered before they were able to receive deliverance. It is
possible for someone to have been in a condition for so long that
they they refuse to believe that anyone can help them. For God to
change many of our situations we must first believe that things
can be better, and that better is God's will for our lives."

In Romans 4:3, we are given the secret to the blessing Abraham
enjoyed in his life. The text says, "Abraham believed God and it
was credited to him as righteousness." The secret is simply -
Abraham "believed God". As a matter of fact, God granted him the
desire of his heart, not because he was perfect and obeyed His
every command, but that he believed Him. Abraham didn't earn what
God gave him, he simply believed God for what he could not do in
his own power.

Your ability to believe in God's goodness and His
predetermined purpose for your life is what gives you the ability
to exceed your limitations. The Bible says that Abraham believed
God despite living in an objectively dead situation. His belief in
God's goodness above the deadness of his situation is what gave
birth to his blessing.

Belief that life has something better in store for you is what will
empower you to overcome what otherwise has overcome you. The reason
so many people's situation becomes their destination is because
they believe that their situation can't change. What we believe is
the most important and determinative factor in our lives. What we
believe will determine what we strive to accomplish and what we
will settle for. Believing in something gives it life and makes it
a reality in our lives.

What is it that you need or want to change in your life? In order
to see better, you must believe better. Better is available, but
you have to believe that it is God's will for your life and that it
is available. Just as we saw above, Jesus is asking you the same
question He asked the blind men in the text, "Do you believe that I
am able to do this?"

Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Appreciation For Our Military

2009-11-21T14:57:00.005-06:00

This letter which follows was sent to a good friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Ed Boston (pictured above) of Hope First Wesleyan Church in Hope, IN. He has long been a supporter of our troops and creator of Do The Right Thing.

Dear Editor:

While I'm eating my Thanksgiving dinner with my family this year, I'm going to have a hard time enjoying it knowing that our President is willingly allowing our men and women in Afghanistan to die while waiting for him to make up his mind whether or not to give them the resources they need for survival.

I was heartsick while reading a chat room that is sometimes visited by soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan, ask us to please pray for their safety because each day things get worse, and they don't know when they are going to get the help they need. Pastor Ed Boston, of Hope First Wesleyan Church in Hope, IN works with deployed soldiers and veterans through an on-line ministry called Do The Right Thing. He has confirmed the stories and the concerns of those currently serving.

These brave men and women went where they were told to go and are doing their very best, so how deranged is it to send them there as sitting ducks while the elite politicians play golf in between paying off their friends for political favors.

There is something so seriously wrong with our government allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to get away with funnelling obscene amounts of money to his friends in the auto unions, not to mention the developing corruption story coming out of the Goldman Sachs relationship. Simultaneously, this administration is obsessed with taking over 1/6 of our economy through socialized healthcare! All the while, as if they are invisible, the President is completely ignoring our brightest and best who are literally dying in Afghanistan.

These same politicians campaigned on how Afghanistan was the war we "should" be in, and most Americans agreed with them, and yet they have absolutely no conscience at allowing these men to be slaughtered when it is within their power to protect them. It is beyond me how they sleep at night.

So we'll eat our Turkey and be grateful that we live in the greatest country on earth, but first I'll call and write to all of my legislators and plead with them not to sit down to their dinner until they have gotten our military the support they need, and stop sending our children to slaughter like the bird they are about to consume.

Susan Kaminski

I am baffled as to how and why the present commander - in - chief can deny support for the troops in a war which he supported. Regardless of political strategy or agenda, our soldiers are not pawns. Many are pleading and looking for legal avenues to force the president to do what is necessary.

Meanwhile, I ask that anyone has the mind to, please go to this site sponsored by Xerox and send a FREE printed card to the soldiers. It takes only 10 seconds, literally, and you will be glad you did.

Go, And Teach All Nations (Part II)

2009-11-13T07:33:00.010-06:00

A Sermon Delivered On Sunday Morning, April 21st, 1861, At The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by Charles Spurgeon

PART II: The Argument

I have endeavored to be brief, but, I find I have been long, and therefore pass at once to the argument with which the text commences. The ARGUMENT is this: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth, go ye, therefore, and teach all nations.”

Three things here. Christ had suffered, bled and died; he had now risen from the dead. As the effect of his finished work, he has as mediator received all power in heaven and in earth. There is no allusion here to His inherent power that is not given to Him: that is His native right. He has, as God, all power in heaven and in earth.

The text relates to Him as mediator. As mediator he had not this power once; he was weak, he was despised, he was forsaken even of His God. But now, having finished the work was given Him to do, His Father honors Him. He is about to lift Him to His right hand, and gives Him, as a result of His resurrection, all power in heaven and in earth.

Three things, then. First, this is the picture of the Church’s history, and therefore, she should teach all nations. Secondly, his is the Church’s right. Thirdly, it is the Church’s might; and for all these reasons, she ought to teach all nations.

First is the Church’s picture. Christ suffers, bleeds, dies. Do you give up His cause? Do you look upon it as forlorn and desolate? He is nailed to the tree; the world abhors Him, fools gaze and sinners laugh. Do you lay down your weapons and say it is idle to defend such a man as this? It is all over now, He bows His head upon the cross. “It is finished,” saith He; and do your unbelieving hearts say, “Ay, indeed, it is finished; His career is over, His hopes are blighted, His prospects withered?”

Ah! Little do you know that His shame was the mother of His future glory; that the stooping was the rising, that the crown of thorns was in fact the fruitful root out of which sprang the eternal crown of glory. He is put into the grave: do you say that there is the grave of all your faith could believe, or your hope could suggest? He rises, brethren, and His resurrection takes effect and fruit from the fact that He died and was buried.

Do you not see the picture? We have been sending out heralds of the cross these eighteen hundred years; they have landed on many a shore to die. Fever has taken its hundreds, cruel men have slain their scores, from the first day until now, the record of the mission is written in blood. Somewhere or other there must always be martyrs for Christ.

It seems as if the Church never cold plough a wave without a spray of gore. She is still in Madagascar persecuted, afflicted, tormented, still are her ministers hunted about like partridges upon the mountains, and her blood is dying the shambles of her slayers. Do you give up all hope? Shall we, as we look upon the tombs of our missionaries, say that Christ’s cause is dead? Brethren, as you turn over the long roll, and read the names of one after another who sleep in Jesus, shall you say, “Let us close the doors of the Mission House; let us cease our contributions, it is clear the case is hopeless, and the cause can never have success?” Nay, rather, the Church must suffer that she may reign, she must die that she may live, she must be stained with blood, that she may be robed in purple, she must go down into the earth, and seem to be buried and forgotten, that the earth may help the woman, that she may be delivered of the man child.

Courage! Courage! Courage! The past is hopeful, because to the naked eye it seemeth hopeless. The cause is glorious because it has been put to shame. Now, now let us gather the fruits of the bloody sowing: let us now reap the harvest of the deep ploughing of agony and suffering which our ancestors have endured.

I think that no true-hearted Christian will ever give up any enterprise which God has laid upon him, because he fears its ultimate success. “Difficult,” said Napoleon, “is not a French word.” “Doubtful,” is not a Christian word. We are sure to succeed; the Gospel must conquer. It is possible for heaven and earth to pass away, but, it is not possible for God’s Word to fail, and therefore, it is utterly impossible that any nation, or kindred, or tongue should to the end stand out against the attacks of love, against the invasion of the armies of King Jesus.

Thus, then, you see, a fair argument can be built upon the text. Inasmuch as Christ is to His people a picture of what they are to be, inasmuch as by His suffering all power was given to Him in heaven and in earth, so after the sufferings of the Church, the wounds of her martyrs, and her deaths of her confessors, power shall be given unto her in heaven and in earth, and she shall reign with Christ over the nations gloriously.

We now take a second view of the argument. This is the Church’s right. All power is given to Christ in heaven and in earth. What then? Why this? Kings and princes, potentates and power, are ye aware that your thrones have been given away? Do ye know it, ye crowned heads, that your crowns have been given- given away from you to one who claims to be King of kings and Lord of lords? Do ye pass decrees forbidding the Gospel to be preached? We laugh at you! Ye have no power to prevent it, for all power is given unto Christ in heaven and in earth.

Do ye say the missionary has no right upon your shore? The virgin daughter of Zion shaketh her head at you, and laugheth you to scorn. She has right anywhere and everywhere; she has rights in heaven without limit, and rights in earth without bound, for all power is given to her head in heaven and in earth, and she therefore has a patent, a claim which is not to be disputed, to take to herself all countries and all kingdoms, because the power above is given unto Christ.

What is that man doing on yonder shore? He has landed on an island in the South Seas; he is an intruder, banish him at once! Sirs, mind what you do , for surely ye fight against God. But, the man is sent away, he comes back again or if not he, another. A severer edict is passed this time, “Let us slay him, that the inheritance may still be ours.” But another comes, and another and another. Why do you stand up and take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed? These men are not intruders, they are ambassadors come to make peace, nay, more.

They are delegates from heaven, come to learn the rightful heritage of King Jesus. Ye, by putting them away as intruders, have denied the rights of Christ, but, to deny is one thing and to disprove another. He hath still aright to you, and therefore hath the missionary still a right to whithersoever he will, preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Once or twice in my life I have met with some miserable little ministers, who, when I have gone into a village to preach, have questioned my right to preach in the village, because I ought to have asked them first, or to have consulted them. Can Christian men look upon a district as their own dominion? Or recon God’s servant as a poacher on their estates, or a brigand in their own territories? Is there any place on this earth so that man can shut out God’s ministers? We once for all put our foot on any claim so ridiculous.

Wherever there is found a man there is found a minister free to preach. The whole world is our parish, we know of no fetter upon our feet, and no gag upon our lips. Though kings should pass laws, the servants of Christ can bear the penalty, but they cannot disobey their Master. Though the Emperor should say the Gospel should not be preached by any unauthorized denomination in France, as I have heard he has said of late, we care not for him.

What cares the Church for a thousand Emperors? Their resolutions are mockery, their laws waste paper. The Church never was yet vassal to the state, or servile slave to municipalities and powers, and she neither can nor will be. At all the laws of states she laughs and utterly defies them, if they come in the ways of the laws of Christ which says, “Teach the Gospel to every creature.” Brethren, I say, the Church has a right anywhere and everywhere- a right not because she is tolerated; the word is insult, not because the law permits, the law permitting or not permitting, tolerated or not, everywhere beneath the arch of God’s heaven, God’s servants have a right to preach.

Oh, that they would claim the right and teach and preach Jesus Christ continually!

But, now, lastly, it seems the argument of the text contains the Church’s might. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth; go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Ye have power to teach, fear not. Let this be your encouragement; you must succeed, you shall prevail. There lived another man saved Christ, who could say, ”All power is given me on earth.” Canute put his thrown by the side of the sea, but the waves wet his person, and proved to his flattering courtiers that he is but a man.

What power have kings over the lightning, or of the rushing winds? Can they control he tides, or bid the moon stand still? Power is not given unto man, even here on earth. Much less can any man say that all power in heaven belonged to him? This is a singular expression. One which only could be used by Christ, and if any other should attempt to use it, were an imposition, or a blasphemy, but the Lord Jesus Christ can say today, as He said then, “All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.”

Let us think then all power is given to Christ in providence. Over common daily events He has supreme authority. You have launched upon the sea, upon a mission voyage; He rules the waves, and wings the winds. Fear not, for tempest is His trembling slave. You have come near the shore, but, there are hidden reefs and sunken rocks. Fear not, for all the power in the lowest deep has been given unto Him to guide you safely, and to bring you to your desired haven.

A band of men meet you upon the shore, brandishing their weapons. You are unarmed, you have nothing but the Word. You shall now prove that “more is He that is with you, than all they that be with them.” Go, in this your might.

All power is given to Christ-- powers over the wills of men as well as over the waves of the sea. But, political occurrences prevent your landing on a certain country, through treaties, or a want of treaties. There is no room for the missionary in such-and-such an empire. Pray! And the gates shall be opened; plead, and the bars of brass shall be cut in twain.

Christ has power over politics. He can make wars, and create peace, with a view to the propagation of His Word. He can change the hearts of princes, and preside in the counsels of senates. He can cause nations which have long been shut up to be opened to the truth. And, indeed, what a wonderful proof we have had of late, that all power belongs unto Christ, for human skill has been yoked to the chariot of the Gospel.

How wondrously, my brethren, have the inventions of man of late years progressed! How could we have preached the Gospel to all nations - how could we have even known that America existed, if it had not been that the Lord put it in the mind of Columbus to discover the New World? And how wearisome our life, if with the ordinary slow navigation of the ancient times we had to journey among all nations! But now we are carried across the waves so rapidly that distance is annihilated, and time forgotten.

Truly God has opened up the world, and brought it to our threshold. If He has not made a smaller world, at least He has made it more convenient and nearer to our hand. And then see how countries, which once could not be reached, have been opened to us.

The “Celestial King of China”, the rebel prince, invites us to come and preach. He does not merely permit - he invites. He builds places of worship. He is prepared, he says, that his brethren should come and teach him, and teach all his subjects, for they are imperfectly taught in the things of God. And the Imperial Sovereign of China, too, though he does not invite, permit’s the missionaries to go among his millions.

There is perfect liberty for us to preach to four hundred million persons who before had never seen the light of Calvary. And there is India, too, given up to our dominion, and the old Company, which always impeded us, rolled up in its shroud and laid in its grave. And there are other lands and other places which once seemed to be environed by impassable mountains, into which we have now a road.

Oh, for the will to dash through that road riding upon he white horses of salvation! Oh, for the heart, the soul, and the spirit to avail ourselves of the golden opportunity, and to preach Christ where He has never been preached before. All power, then, we can clearly see, over everything in this world has been given to Christ, and has been used for the propagation of truth.

Brethren, let us recollect that power is given to Christ in Heaven as well as on earth. All angels bow before Him, and the cherubim and seraphim are ready to obey His high behests (i.e. commands). Power is given to Him over the plenitude of the Holy Spirit; he can pour out the mysterious energy in such abundance that nations can be born in a day. He can clothe His ministers with salvation, and make His priests shout aloud for joy. He has power to intercede with God, and He shall presently send out men to preach, give the people the mind to hear, and give the hearers the will to obey.

We have in the midst of us today our Leader. He is not gone from us. If His flesh and blood be absent yet in body as well as spirit he still lives, adorned with the dew and beauty of His youth. As for the Muslim, his leader has long ago rotted in his coffin; but ours lives, and because He lives His truth and His cause live also.

We have with us today a Leader whose power has not diminished, whose influence in the highest heavens has suffered no impairing. He is universal Lord. Oh, let our efforts be worthy of the power which He has promised. Let our zeal be in some respect akin to His zeal, and let our energy prove that the energy Divine has not been withdrawn.

I wish that I could preach this morning, but, the more earnestly I feel, the more scant are my words with which to express my emotions. I have prayed to God a prayer I shall repeat until the day I die. I have prayed that out of this Church there may go many missionaries. I will never be content with a congregation, or with a Church, or even with ministers, many of whom have gone out of our midst.

God’s people everywhere will I trust aid me in training young soldiers for my Master’s army. God will send the men, and faith will find the means, and we will ourselves send out our own men to proclaim the name of Jesus.

Brethren, it is a singular thing, some young men get the idea in their minds they would like to go to foreign lands, but these are frequently the most unfit men, and have not the power and ability. Now, I would that the Divine call would come to some gifted men.

You who have, perhaps, some wealth of your own, what could be a better object in life than to devote yourself and your substance to the Redeemer’s cause? You young men who have brilliant prospects before you, but who as yet have not the anxieties of a family to maintain, why would it not be a noble thing to surrender your brilliant prospects, that you may become a humble preacher of Christ? The greater the sacrifice, the greater the honor to yourself and the more acceptable to Him.

I have questioned my own conscience, and do not think I could be in the path of duty if I should go abroad and preach the Word, leaving this field of labor. But I think many of my brethren now laboring at home might with the greatest advantage surrender their charges, and leave a land where they would scarce be missed, to go where their presence would be as valuable as the presence of a thousand such as they are here.

Oh, that I long that we may see young men out of the universities, and students in our grammar schools - that we may see our physicians, tradesmen, and educated mechanics, when God has touched their hearts, giving up all they have, that they may teach and preach Christ. We want Vanderkists; we want Judsons and Brainerds over again. It will never do to send out the heathen men who are of no use at home. We cannot send men of third and tenth class abilities; we must send the highest and best. The bravest men must lead the van.

O God, anoint thy servants, we beseech thee; put the fire in their hearts that never can be quenched; make it so hot within their bones that they must die or preach, that they must be down with broken hearts, or be free to preach where Christ was never heard.

Brethren, envy anyone among you - I say again with truth, I envy you - if it shall be your lot to go to China, the country so lately opened to us. I would gladly change places with you. I would renounce the partial case of a settlement in this country, and renounce the responsibilities of so large a congregation as this with pleasure, if I might have your honors. I think sometimes that missionaries in the field - if it be right to compare such great things with such small ones - might say to you, as our English king did to his soldiers at the battle of Agincourt, changing the word for a moment - Have we none out of our sixteen hundred members - have we none out of this congregation of six thousand - who can say, “Here am I, send me?” Jesus! Is there not one? Must heathens perish? Must the gods of the heathens hold their thrones? Must thy kingdom fail? Are there none to own thee, none to maintain thy righteous cause?

If there be none, let us weep, each one of us, because such a calamity has fallen on us. But, if there be any willing to give all for Christ, let us who are compelled to stay at home do our best to help them. Let us see to it that they lack nothing, for we cannot send them out without purse or scrip. Let us fill the purse of the men whose hearts God has filled, and take care of them temporarily, leaving it for God to preserve them spiritually.

May the Lord, the Divine Master add His Blessing to the feeble words that I have uttered, and let me not conclude until I have said, I must teach you too, and this is the teaching of God - “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” Trust Him with your soul and He will save you. For “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; he that believeth not, shall be damned.”

Awake, thou Spirit, who of old
Didst fire the watchman of the Church’s youth,
Who faced the foe, unshrinking, bold
Who witnessed day and night the eternal truth
Whose voices through the world are ringing still,
And bringing hosts to know and do thy will!
Oh that thy fire were kindled soon,
That swift from land to land its flame might leap!
Lord, give us but this priceless boon
Of faithful servants, fit for thee to reap
The harvest of the soul; look down and view
How great the harvest, yet the laborers few.
Oh haste to help ere we are lost!
Send forth evangelists, in spirit strong,
Armed with thy Word, a dauntless host,
Bold to attack the rule of ancient wrong
And let them all the earth for thee reclaim,
To be thy kingdom, and to know thy name.

Go, And Teach All Nations

2009-11-07T09:42:00.007-06:00

This particular scripture found me three times this week. Then, I was led to this sermon by Spurgeon, and ultimately it kept haunting me to the point I finally realized the Lord wanted me to share this. It is one of the best explanations of what it actually intails to be a Christian. It is a portion of what I harp on to believers. Due to the length, I have dived it into two parts, but, please be patient and read it all, as it is one of the most vital messages for the Christian.

A Sermon Delivered On Sunday Morning, April 21st, 1861, At The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington

Part I : The Command

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ‘All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth, go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost’.” (Matthew 28:18-19)

While I was meditating in private upon this text I felt myself carried away by its power. I was quite unable calmly to consider its terms, or to investigate its argument. The command with which the text concludes repeated itself again, and again, and again in my ears, till I found it impossible to study, for my thoughts were running hither and thither, asking a thousand questions, all of them intended to help me in answering for myself the solemn inquiry, How am I to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost?”

The practical lesson seemed to me to overwhelm in my mind the argument of which that lesson is but a conclusion, “Go ye and teach all nations.” My ears seemed to hear it as if Christ were then speaking to me. I could realize His presence by my side. I thought I could see Him lift His pierced hand, and hear Him speak, with authority, blended with meekness, “Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the All-glorious God.”

Oh! I would that the Church could hear the Savior addressing these words to her now, for the words of Christ are living words, not having power in them yesterday alone, but, today also. The injunctions of the Savior are perpetual in their obligation, not binding upon apostles merely, but upon us also, and upon every Christian does this yoke fall, “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

We are not exempt today from the service of the first followers of the Lamb. Our marching orders are the same as theirs, and our Captain requires from us obedience as prompt and perfect as from them. Oh, that His message may not fall upon deaf ears, or be heard by stolid souls!

Brethren, the heathen are perishing; shall we let them perish? His name is blasphemed, shall we be quiet and still? The honor of Christ is cast into the dust, and His foes His person and resist His throne. Shall we, His soldiers, suffer this, and not find our hands feeling for the hilt of our sword, the Word of the Spirit, which is the Word of God? Our Lord delayeth His coming; shall we begin to sleep, or to eat, or to be drunken? Shall we not rather gird up the loins of our mind, and cry unto Him, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly?”

The scoffing skeptics of these last days have said that the anticipated conquest of the world for Christ is but a dream, or an ambitious thought, which crossed our leader’s mind, but which is never to be accomplished. It is asserted by some that the superstitions of the heathen are too strong to be battered down by our teachings, and that the strongholds of Satan are utterly impregnable against our attack. Shall it be so? Shall we be content foolishly to sit still? Nay, let us rather work out the problem, let us prove the promise of God to be true; let us prove the words of Jesus to be words of soberness; let us show the efficacy of His blood and the invincibility of His Spirit, by going in the spirit of faith, teaching all nations, and winning them to the obedience of Christ, our Lord.

I do not know how to begin to preach this morning, but still it seems to me, standing here, as if I heard that voice saying, “Go thou, therefore, and teach all nations;” and my soul sometimes pants and longs for the liberty to preach Christ where He was never preached before; not to build upon another man’s foundation, but to go to some untrodden land, some waste where the foot of Christ’s minister was never seen, that there “the solitary place might be glad for us, and the wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose.”

I have made it a solemn question whether I might not testify in China or India the Grace of Jesus, and in the sight of God I have answered it. I solemnly feel that my position in England will not permit my leaving the sphere in which I now am, or else tomorrow I would offer myself as a missionary. Oh, do none of you hear the call this morning? You that are free from so great a work as that which is cast upon me - you that have talents as yet undevoted to any special end, and powers of being as yet unconsecrated to any given purpose, and unconfirmed to any one sphere; do you not hear my Master saying in tones of plaintive sorrow, blended with an authority which is not to be denied, “Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost?”

Oh that there were might in some human lip to move the thousands of our Israel to advance at once, unanimously and irresistibly to the world’s conquest, like one tremendous tide rising from the depths of the ocean, to sweep over the sands, the barren sands which are now given up to desolation and death?

Oh that once again the voice of thunder could be heard, and the lightning spirit could penetrate each heart, that as one man the entire Church might take the marching orders of her Lord, and go to all nations, baptizing them in the name of Israel’s God. O Lord, if we fail to speak, fail not thou to speak; and if we know not how to bear thy burden, or to express thine awful thoughts, yet speak thou with that all-constraining silent voice which well-trained ears can hear, and make thy servants obedient to thee now, for Christ’s sake!

This morning we shall first dwell a little while on the command, and secondly, we shall enlarge upon the argument. There is an argument, as you will perceive, “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations.”

First, my brethren, and very briefly indeed, a few things about the COMMAND. And we must remark, first what a singularly loving one it is. Imagine Mahomet (ie: Mohammed) on his dying bed saying to his desciples, “All power is given unto me in Heaven and earth;” what would be his command? “Go ye, therefore, with sharp scimitars, and propound faith in the prophet, or death as the dread alternative; avenge me of the men who threw stones at the prophet, make their houses a dunghill, and cut them in pieces for vengeance is mine, and God’s prophet must be avenged of His enemies.” But Christ, though far more despised and persecuted of men, and having real power which that pretend prophet never had, says to His disciples, as He is about to ascend to Heaven, “All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth; go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

It is the voice of love, not of wrath. “Go and teach them the power of my blood to cleanse, the willingness of my arms to embrace, the yearning of my heart to save! Go and teach them. Teach them no more to despise me, no more to think my Father an angry and implacable Deity. Teach them to bow the knee, and kiss the Son, and find peace for all their troubles, and a balm for all their woes in me. Go ye, speak as I have spoken; weep as I have wept; invite as I have invited; exhort, entreat, beseech and pray, as I have done before you. Tell them to come unto me, if they be weary and heavy laden, and I will give them rest; and say unto them, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, but rather that he should turn unto me and live.’” What a generous and gracious command is that of the text, “Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Note, too, how exceedingly plain is the command, “Go ye, teach all nations.” The Romish Church has misunderstood this. She says, “Go ye, mystify all nations; sound in their ears a language once living, but now dead; take to them the Latin tongue, and let that be sounded with all the harmony of sweet music, and they will be converted. Erect the sumptuous altar; clothe the priest in mystic garments; celebrate mysterious rites; and make the heathen wonder; dazzle them with splendor; amaze them with mystery.” But, “Nay,” says Christ, “nay, go ye and teach.”

Why, it is the mother’s work with her child; it is the tutor’s work with the boy and with the girl - “go ye, and teach.” How simple! Illustrate; explain, expound; tell; inform; narrate. Take from them the darkness of ignorance, reveal to them the light of revelation. Teach! Be content to sit down, and tell them the most plainest and most common things. It is not your eloquence that shall convert them; it is not your gaudy language or your polished periods that shall sway their intellects. Go and teach them. Teach them! Why, my hearer, I say again, this is a word which has to do with the rudiments of knowledge.

We do not preach to children, we teach them, and we are not so much to preach to nations. That word seems to big and great for the uncivilized and childish people; go ye, and teach them first the very simplicities of the cross of Christ.

And note how he puts it next. Who are to be taught? “Go ye, and teach all nations.” The Greek has his philosophers, teach him, he is but a child; he is a fool though he thinketh himself to be wise. There be polite nations which have a literature of their own, far larger and more extensive than the literature of the Christian: teach them nevertheless. They are to be taught and unless they are willing to take the learner’s place, and to become as little children, they can in no wise enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Do not debate and argue with them. Put not your self with them upon their level as a combatant concerning certain dogmas; insist upon it that I have sent you - sent you to teach the most erudite and profoundly learned; and when you shall claim it, I am with you always to back your claim, and men shall be willing to sit at your feet to be taught the name of Jesus.

I do not know whether all your missionaries have caught the idea of Christ - “Go ye and teach all nations” but most of them have, and these have been honored with many conversions. The more fully they have been simple teachers, not Philosophers of the Western Philosophy, not eager disputants concerning some English dogma, I say the more plainly they have gone forth as teachers sent from God to teach the world, the more successful they have been.

“Go ye, therefore, and teach.” Some may think, perhaps, there is less difficulty in teaching the learned than teaching the uncivilized and barbarous. There is the same duty to one as to the other: “Go and teach.” “But they brandish the tomahawk.” Teach them, and lie down and sleep in their hut, and they shall marvel at your fearlessness and shall spare your life. “But they feed on the blood of their fellows, they make a bloody feast about the cauldron in which a man’s body is the horrible viand.” Tech them and they shall empty their war kettle, and they shall bury their swords, and bow before you, and acknowledge King Jesus.

“But they are brutalized, they have scarce a language - a few clicking sounds make up all they can say.” Teach them, and they shall speak the language of Canaan, and sing the songs of Heaven. It has been proven, brethren, that there are no nations incapable of being taught, nay, that there are no nations incapable afterwards of teaching others. The African slave has perished under the lash, rather than dishonor his Master. The Esquimaux has climbed his barren steeps, and borne his toil, while has recollected the burden which Jesus bore. The Hindu has patiently submitted to the loss of all things, because he loved Christ better than all. Feeble Malagasay women have been prepared to suffer and die, and have taken joyfully suffering for Christ’s sake.

There has been heroism in every land for Christ. Men of every color and of every race have died for Him. Upon His altar has been found the blood of all kindred that be upon the face of the earth. Oh! Tell me not, they cannot be taught. Sirs, they can be taught to die for Christ; and this is more than some of you have learned. They can rehearse the very highest lesson of the Christian religion - that self sacrifice which knows not itself but gives up all for Him.

At this day there are Karen Missionaries preaching among the Karens with as fervid an eloquence as was ever known by Whitfield. There are Chinese teaching in Borneo, Sumatra, and Australia, with as much earnestness as Morison or Milne first taught in China. There are Hindu evangelists who are not ashamed to have given up the Brahminical thread, and to eat with the Pariah, and to preach with him the riches of Christ.
There have been men found of every class and kind, not only able to be taught, but able to become teachers themselves. And the most mighty teachers, too, of the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Well was that command warranted by the future facts, when Christ said, “Go ye, teach all nations.”

But, brethren, he text says, “Baptizing them.” They are to be taught, and afterwards they are to be baptized. I know not why it is that we yield to the superstitions of our Christian brethren, so much as to use the word baptize at all. It is not an English word, but, a Greek word. It has but one meaning, and cannot bear another. Throughout all the classics, without exception, it is not possible to translate it correctly, except with the idea of immersion. Believing this, and knowing this, if the translation is not complete, we will complete it this morning.

“Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, immersing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Now I think that our Missionary Society, while it may take precedence in matters of time - for it was the first that was ever commenced with the exception of the Moravians - ought also to take precedence in matters of purity, because we can carry out this text in every country, teaching first, and baptizing afterwards. We do not understand the philosophy of first baptizing, and afterwards teaching. We hold that we must teach first, and then, when men are disciples, we are to baptize them. Not the nations; the Greek does not bear that interpretation, but, those who have been made disciples we are to baptize into the Sacred Name.

We think that the brethren do serious damage to the Gospel by baptizing children. We do not think their error a little one. We know it does not touch a vital point, but we d believe infant baptism is the prop and pillar of Popery, and it being removed, Popery and Puseyism become at once impossible. You have taken away all idea of a nation godliness and a nation religion, when you have cut away all liberty to administer Christian ordinances to unconverted persons. We cannot see any evil which would follow, if our brethren would renounce their mistake; but we can see abundant mischief which their mistake has caused, and in all kindness, but with all fidelity, we again enter our solemn protest against their giving baptism to any other than disciples, to any but those who are followers of the Lamb.

Throw down her hedges? Give her supper and her baptism to those that are not Christ’s people? Break down her walls? Remove her barricades? God forbid! Except a man be renewed in heart, we adre not allow him to participate in the ordinances which belong to Christ’s Church. It is a disastrous thing to call unconverted children Christians, or to do anything which may weaken their apprehension of the great fact, that until they are converted they have no part or lot in this matter.

Brethren, if you differ with me on this point, bear with me, for my conscience will not let me conceal this solemn truth. To you who agree with me I say, while our other can do in some things more than we can, and we rejoice in their efforts, and would heartily bless God that they wold show more activity than ourselves, yet we ought to be ashamed of ourselves if we are a whit behind. We are a body of Christians who can fairly and purely teach and baptize. We can obey this command of Christ abroad as well as at home, without running counter to our practice in one place by our practice in the other. We ought to be first and foremost, and if we be not, shame shall cover us for our unfaithfulness. “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

(Continued in Part II: The Argument)

Witnessing of Wrath To Come; Not Joy and Happiness

2009-10-23T11:58:00.007-05:00

A few years ago, I attended a Christian conference in Katy, Texas, where I had the privilege of hearing Kirk Cameron speak. Kirk is an actor who gave his heart to the Lord several years ago. He teamed up with well known evangelist Ray Comfort (Living Waters Ministry) and together they have produced a series of DVD ministering videos called “The Way of the Master". Kirk is well known for his starring in the “Left Behind” movies.

In their ministry, Kirk and Ray approach people from all walks of life and show them the NEED to turn away from sin and accept Jesus as their Savior. As anyone has read any of my articles would know, I am a strong proponent of this type of evangelism. Too many people are walking around today deceived into believing they are saved when they are not.

While it is true that, once saved, you cannot lose your salvation, thanks to misguided evangelists seeking numbers, rather than strong believers in Christ, many think they are saved due to a (five) minute prayer. Meanwhile, most professed Christians are living in all ranges of iniquity, including fornication, adultery, pornography, alcohol and drug abuse, blasphemy, and even supporting the most heinous of sins-- abortion.

I have heard so many arguments from people claiming to be Christians regarding (my) view of the Gospel… “Is just the way you interpret it”, they’ll say. They truly believe that God’s word is acceptable in many different forms, depending on how each individual interprets it, as long as that individual thinks he or she is doing the right thing. It is truly sad. What they are saying, in essence, is that they can play stupid, and all will be fine in the end. God said His people will be destroyed due to ignorance. That means ignorance is no excuse. Worse yet, is the fact that the ones of whom were presented with the truth, and rejected it, will be the most harshly judged.

This brings me to the next most popular argument… “Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
Oh, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been hit with that one. Totally misunderstood, even atheists use that one. Judging sin is not the context by which Jesus meant we were not to judge others. As much as misguided sentiments like “pray about it, and you’ll be fine”, oftentimes we tend to use scripture to enable our disconnect from doing the right thing, and still seem godly about it. It’s always human nature to rationalize our own lackings. When it comes to sin, we are commanded to judge it, especially, in as far as pointing it out, and hopefully the recipient will be nudged to be convicted of it, and repent. Silly atheists!!!

At the conference, Kirk gave the best analogy I had ever heard regarding the need to make it clear why a person needs the Lord.

Two men are seated on a plane. The first is given a parachute and told to put it on as it would improve his flight. He’s a little skeptical at first, since he cannot see how putting on a parachute could possibly improve his flight.

He decides to experiment and see if the claims are true. As he puts it on he notices the weight of it upon his shoulders, and he finds he has difficulty in sitting upright. However, he consoles himself with the fact he was told the parachute would improve his flight, so he decides to give it a little time.

As waits he notices that some of the other passengers are laughing at him for wearing a parachute on a plane. He begins to feel somewhat humiliated. As they continue to point and laugh at him, he can stand it no longer. He sinks in his seat, unstraps the parachute and throws it to the floor. Disillusionment and bitterness fills his heart, because as far as he was concerned he was told an outright lie.

The second man is given a parachute, but, listen to what he is told. He’s told to put it on because at any moment he could be jumping 25,000 feet out of the plane. He gratefully puts the parachute on. He doesn’t notice the weight upon his shoulders, nor that he cannot sit upright. His mind is consumed with the idea of what would happen to him if he had to jump without the parachute.

Let’s now analyze the motive and the result of each passenger’s experience. The first man’s motive for putting the parachute on was solely to improve his flight. The result of his experience is that he was humiliated, disillusioned, and somewhat embittered against those who gave him the parachute. As far as he is concerned it will be a long time before someone gets one of those things on his back again.

The second man put on the parachute solely to escape the jump to come. And because of his knowledge of what would happen to him if he jumped without it he has a deep rooted joy and peace in his heart knowing that he is saved from sure death. This knowledge gives him the ability to withstand the mockery of the other passengers. His attitude toward those who gave him the parachute is one of heart felt gratitude.

Now listen to what the modern Gospel says: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. He’ll give you love, joy, peace, fulfillment, and lasting happiness.” In other words, Jesus will improve your flight. The sinner responds, and in an experimental fashion he puts on the Savior to see if the claims are true. And what does he get? The promised temptation, tribulation, and persecution. So what does he do? He takes off the Lord Jesus Christ; he’s offended for the Word’s sake; he’s disillusioned and embittered--- and quite rightly so.

He was promised peace, love, joy and fulfillment, and all he got was trials and humiliation. His bitterness is directed at those who gave him the so-called “Good news.” His latter end becomes worse than the first, and he’s another inoculated and bitter “backslider.”

Instead of preaching that Jesus improves the flight, we should be warning sinners that they have to jump out of a plane. That it’s appointed for man to die once, and then face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). When a sinner understands the horrific consequences of breaking the Law of God, he will flee to the Savior, solely to escape the wrath that is to come. If we are true and faithful witnesses, that’s what we should be preaching-- that there is wrath to come-- that God “commands all men everywhere to repent: because He has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:30,31).

The issue isn’t one of happiness, but, of righteousness. It doesn’t matter how happy a sinner is, or how much he is enjoying the pleasures of sin. Peace and joy are legitimate fruits of salvation, but, it’s not legitimate to use these fruits as a drawing card for salvation. If we continue to do so, the sinner will respond with an impure motive, lacking repentance.

Can you remember why the second passenger had joy and peace in his heart? It was because he knew the parachute was going to save him from sure death. In the same way, as believers we have joy and peace in believing because we know that the righteousness of Christ is going to deliver us from the wrath that is to come.

With that thought in mind, let’s take a close look at an incident aboard the plane. We have a brand new flight attendant. It’s her first day aboard the plane. She’s carrying a tray of boiling hot coffee. She wants to leave an impression upon the passengers, and she certainly does. As she walks down the aisle she trips over someone’s foot and slops the coffee all over the lap of the second passenger. What’s his reaction as the boiling coffee hits his tender flesh? Does he go , “Man that hurt!!!” ? Yes, he does. But, then does he rip the parachute from his shoulders, throw it to the floor, and yell, “Stupid parachute!!!” ? No, why should he? He didn’t put the parachute on for a better flight. He put it on for the jump to come. If anything, he clings even tighter to the parachute and even looks forward to the jump.

If we have put on the Lord Jesus Christ for the right motive-- to flee from the wrath to come-- when tribulation strikes, when the flight gets bumpy, we won’t get angry at God, and we won’t lose our joy and peace. Why should we? We didn’t come to Christ for a better lifestyle.

If anything, tribulation drives the true believer closer to the Savior. Sadly, we have multitudes of professing Christians who lose their joy and peace when the flight gets bumpy. Why? They are the product of a man-centered gospel. They came lacking repentance, without which they cannot be saved.

"They Just Don't Understand": The Fate of Rifqa

2009-10-15T06:49:00.007-05:00

Fathima Rifqa Bary, a 17 year old who ran away from her parents in Ohio in fear for her life stated to media, "They just don't understand." That is why I write this, because most DO NOT understand, as much as they think they do understand.

Rifqa was raised in a devout Muslim family. A few years ago she accepted Christ. As much as she stayed low key of her Christian faith, was spotted by people from the local mosque involved in certain activities. Rifqa had already suffered abuse with injuries noted by her school (cuts and bruises). When the mosque made it public that Rifqa was an apostate and her father threatened to kill her, she took it seriously, as well she should.

The Koran teaches (ch 4, v89) that if one becomes an apostate of Islam they are to be killed by anyone which whom gets the opportunity to do so. In Muslim states it is no problem. Since they are in Democracies (until they can change that) they must abide by the respective country laws. Regardless, there have been many 'honor killings' here in the U.S.; two right here in Texas. Last year a Muslim father shot and killed both his daughters as he learned one of them dated an American. This brought shame on the family. This is the chilling 9-1-1 call.

Monday, 10/12/09, Florida Judge Daniel Dawson ordered Rifqa be returned to her parents in Ohio. I was not surprised. In fact, I expected it. Anything else would be a negative connotation toward the satanic Islamic religion which you are force fed is 'peaceful and loving'. It is only "kooks and fanatics" like myself which slander Islam with hate mongering.

In reality, it is ignorance which enables Islam to gain a foothold in Europe, and is very close to accomplishing the same in America. Muslims spew the rhetoric that it is only 'radical' Muslims which support violence and plan to take over the world. They have Muslim college students get on facebook and twitter and seek all forums involving any conversation on Islam. Their specific mission is attempting to convince infidels that if you are anti-Muslim you are a bigot, or worse, a Christian is a hypocrite. No Christian wants to be called a hypocrite.

Muslims will quote scripture out of context, and the typical Christian will either stay away from the debate or buckle under the pressure as they do not know the Gospel enough to retort. In essence, many Christians are ignorantly led to believe, falsely, we all worship the same God, and Islam is just another religion. So many people, even Christians, do their bidding for them. Especially young people, whom never read the Koran, will begin to argue with me regarding what they believe vs. the facts.

Average Americans and many Christians just do not understand Islam, but, do not want to be labeled a bigot or a hypocrite. We are all supposed to love our brothers and sisters of another faith. Right?!! And we should share the Truth (Gospel) with them anytime we get the opportunity. Once presented to them, if they reject it that is their responsibility. But, to accept the religion of tyranny, which is exactly what they solicit, is blasphemy. You better get this. It is utter blasphemy, and no matter how many times you said a short prayer professing your faith to Jesus, you are on a straight path to hell if you defend the lies and rhetoric of Islam.

In Rifqa's case, it is very possible a young girl may end up dead when she has asked for help, because so many defend the gutter religion. the ridiculous hypocrisy here is the liberals who scream they are for your rights are the very ones enabling Islam to meet their goal of making you their slave. It is due to rhetoric mostly spun by the liberals we wouldn't think of doing anything that would upset or offend our Muslim 'brothers'.

There are a few in the media who are starting to get involved and ask questions. Even so, they are not stepping across the line and 'calling a spade a spade'. For those not familiar with the old saying, you would not call a spade a rake, that would be ridiculous. If I needed a spade, but, ask you to bring me rake, not a lot will be accomplished. The fascists are able to get along with the constant rhetoric which discounts the truth, merely because we will not call a spade a spade.

Islam is not a peaceful, misunderstood religion. You are led to misunderstand, through deception. There are over a billion Muslims in the world. I have been told I cannot judge all of them because of the beliefs of a few. This is the deception. It is a few, who call themselves Muslim, but, follow another doctrine. These are considered apostates just like Rifqa, and face the same fate. Why do you think Muslims are killing other Muslims around the world? It is because they do not follow the true doctrine of the Koran, and are considered apostates.

It is exactly the same as Jehovah Witness, Mormon, or any other religion which professes to be Christian, but, deviates from the Gospel and deceives their followers. They are not true Christians by definition, but, many accept their doctrine through ignorance, and are not saved.

It is only illegal in sharia law to kill another (true) Muslim. The Koran teaches ALL infidels must die before their messiah (grand Mahdi) can return. That means even if you live to be a ripe old age, your grandchild may be forced to choose between Islam or die, someday. It is even worse for Jews. The Koran teaches Jews cannot be converted, and should be killed at any given opportunity. Yet, we are led to believe that only a distinct few 'radical' Muslims wish to harm the Jewish people. True Muslims are radical, as their Koran is radical and satanic.

What boggles the mind is how little we are willing to learn about something we ignorantly defend. Our political leaders do not want you to know the truth, as it is against their political ambitions. The Leftists in our government work hand in hand with the jihad of Islam, as they both strive for global unity and one governance. The major obstacle for both the socialists in power now, and Islam (also socialists) is the American Constitution. It is being ignored at every turn.

As President Obama ignored National Prayer Day, and stayed away from cameras for the first time to avoid controversial questions, he gave a celebratory speech at the beginning of Ramadan. Obama disgustingly pointed out there is a correlation between Christian and Muslim principles. He is either the most ignorant or the most boldly deceiving President in history.

Just like Rifqa, we are being ignored of the detriment which faces every citizen. Rifqa will eventually be handed back over to her parents. They are not citizens, and are possibly going back to their country of Sri Lanka. If they get Rifqa back to Sri Lanka, even if her parents do not kill her, the Mosque will. Honor killing is the #1 cause of death in Muslim states. It is perfectly legal to kill your wife if she is suspected of adultery. No questions asked if you kill your child because they dated a boy of another faith. And, no problem-- if you know of someone to have left the Muslim faith (an apostate) to behead them slowly, with a kitchen knife. More on Children beheaded

New pics reveal Hamas-linked C.A.I.R. backstage media coordination in Rifqa's case

Healing Part II: Forgiveness

2009-10-02T11:25:00.003-05:00

When we forgive we are releasing a prisoner…our self!

Hard as it may be, we find that patience and perseverance in the Lord is the only healthy way to ride out the storms (Healing Part I) in life. God has a perfect plan and His perfect Will for our lives is not always apparent. We stray from the path He intends for us, or we are ‘side swiped’ by an event which entangles us in confusion, and devastating pain.

All the self help books in the world will not take the place of God’s Counsel. Ten years of psychotherapy will not achieve what God can achieve in us, in the blink of an eye. He knew a long time ago the place you were going to be tonight. He knew your pain. Pain is not His Will for us, but, since we are not always obedient and operate for our own good, He does it for us. Like a good father; like a good shepherd.

As it goes with the lamb which constantly strays, the Good Shepherd must brake our legs, sometimes, in order to get us back where we belong-- for our own good. The Lord knows exactly what state our soul is in. He knows at what stage of our understanding He can say one word, just one, and we will comprehend exactly what he is telling us. This is where He wants us ultimately and always. A close relationship. Where the Good Father only has to ‘speak once’ and we get it.

Now comes the more difficult part of healing. The pain and suffering we endure is really trivial once it is behind us. It seemed so great at the time, but, barely conjures up a memory. The truly hard road is that of FORGIVENESS, but, we must take it like it or not.

It cannot be a shallow, outwardly gesture. Rather, it must be a process which encompasses our soul until we reach a different realm of understanding. His understanding. We cannot think like God. It is inconceivable to us how the all merciful, all loving Father moves. Part of our process, our journey, must be forgiveness. It is obviously very important to our Father in Heaven, as He will not forgive us, until we have done so ourselves.

That said, it is all part of the whole LOVE thing, in which He is constantly trying to steer us. We are ever so stubborn when it comes to the type of love He wants us to give and receive. If only we would follow His Word, the complete process, and obey the demands of unconditional love.

When we have reached a certain level of understanding in our heart regarding a situation, or a person in our life, the Lord gives us the next step, word, or opens a door, as He knows we can handle it.

I have heard and read many sermons and articles on forgiveness. The two most common misconceptions of evangelistic preachers these days are right out of most secular ‘self-help’ books.

1. Forgiveness does not mean forget

2. Forgiveness is for yourself, not the other person.

I have heard many preachers, for which I have the utmost respect, adamantly pushing these two key issues when it comes to forgiveness.

It is further deception by the enemy to lead the sheep silently to the death, and away from the goodness our Father has in store. It is through our selfishness in most cases we find it impossible to forgive. Sometimes for the smallest things. But, there is oftentimes huge issues, recent or maybe years past. Maybe we don’t even know we hold bitterness for a certain person. We discounted a situation a long time ago; our concept is that it was forgiven, when it was just forgotten, for now. If an issue goes unresolved it lays dormant deep inside us, until such time it is uncontrollably brought out by a memory, or a word spoken, or even a fragrance.

The Lord knows we don’t truly forget, unless we truly forgive. Likewise, if we truly forgive, then we must forget. When He forgives us, it is forgotten as if it never happened. Unlike a criminal court, as a man stands accused of a crime, and his previous crimes may be held in account for his punishment. When we are truly sorry for our sin, and repent, He is faithful to forgive. Thank God for that, RIGHT?!!

No matter how strong the offense (or trespass) which was perpetrated against us, we must be obedient to God’s command to forgive and forget. If we are to hold onto the smallest portion of the incident in our heart, or in our mind, without completely letting it go, then what have we accomplished? It is like undergoing surgery for a tumor, but, deciding to leave just a little bit in there, for old times sake. Why bother with surgery?

The second issue for which I appeal to your charitable nature. Yes, forgiveness is for ourselves, BUT, also for as much as the one who trespassed against us. The process of healing cannot be a clinical, calculated procedure if we are to get it right. Likewise, forgiveness is not a ‘paint-by-numbers’ and reach the end-result experience. We must give up a part of ourselves which is perhaps the most difficult part to surrender. Our pride, or center of being. We must step out of our self, in the same way we would leave our comfort zone to help the needy during the holidays, or run out in the middle of the night to answer the call of a distressed family member.

The one thing we most commonly put aside when we think we have dealt properly with forgiving someone is that person is also a child of God. They are also growing in the way God sees fit. Or, maybe they don’t yet have a relationship with the Lord, but, you are blessing them exponentially by giving of yourself when they most often feel they don’t deserve it. This may drive them to the Lord on their own accord. If we are holding a hard heart, or ill feelings against them, we are not only hurting ourselves, but, we are denying an opportunity to bless them. If you reject that idea, then you haven’t truly forgiven, as you told your self you did.

The whole purpose for the Lord to constantly steer us to the path of charity (which refers to love in the KJV) is so that we might lose that ever damning , overwhelming sense of self, or self centeredness, which keeps us from following all His guidelines for loving one another.

Christ forgives us without conditions. We don’t deserve it--it is by His Grace alone. We want to place limitations and conditions on our forgiveness of others, without grace? Just saying your forgiven without the true heart experience and surrender to God’s charitable ways, is just as meaningful as “I’m sorry” and not meaning it. Don’t waste your time. Also don’t waste your time going to church, as God does not want you to bring Him offerings while you knowingly have an unresolved issue with a brother or sister, or neighbor.

Jesus not only said we were to forgive seventy times seven, but, we were to ‘turn the other cheek’. I know this is hard to do, and we will not always take that path, especially in the heat of the moment, when our feelings have been destroyed by another whom we trusted. We forgive to bless our trespasser as well, whether we like it or not, as it blesses us in the end.

God Bless America (once again)

2009-09-27T06:30:00.010-05:00

2 Chron 7:14 ~ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (KJV)

America was once a blessed nation; it can be once again, when we bless God once again. Many are fooled by evangelists into believing they should just pray about it, and God will handle it. That's not biblical. We screwed it up by ignoring God. Why would He fix it? He is waiting for us to fix it, or He will turn us over to our enemies. That's biblical.

Most evangelists and Pastors have been advising, and in some cases demanding their church not watch news or read newspapers, as it is "Too depressing." I've heard more ridiculous things come out of clergy's mouths before, but, this ranks high up there.

What the apathetic and uninformed portion of America does not understand, because their is no rocket fire or brigades in the streets, the Second Revolution is taking place. If "We The People" lose, they will wish they had awakened before it was too late. The REAL victims will be our most precious children and their children.

Notices were sent out from both Bush and Obama administrations to every registered licensed ministry requesting they advise their members to avoid news media. Of course, that was before a stronghold was placed on most media sources by the Obama camp. Works are in progress to totally control what you hear and see through media, so enjoy it while you can. Obama's new communication Czar has gone on record praising Hugo Chavez for his successful revolution in Venezuela, and media take-over.

The portion of America which has no problem with government taking care of their children is thoroughly incapable of taking care of them properly themselves. Our children should worship God, rather than a self serving politician. Only then will the outcome be favorable for generations to come. We will have to answer for the outcome...

The saddest realization from all this usurper awareness is around half the country has no problem with government "taking care of them" and making all their decisions.

"To the disempowered, it seems much easier or even more acceptable to leave one's life in the hands of third parties (governments, aid agencies, and even God) than to try to alleviate one's circumstances through one's own effort. Disempowerment - whether defined in terms of a lack of self-confidence, apathy, fear, or an inability to take charge of one's own life - is perhaps the most unrecognised problem in Africa today." ~ Wangari Maathai

It is President Obama's clear intention to make everybody on the globe equal, thus eliminating our unique form of government and capitalist society.

I regularly receive comments from "Christians" advising I should not be reporting such things about our President, but, praying for him. God ordained government to promote justice, not evil. There is nothing biblical about giving into tyranny. If George Washington, or all who signed the Declaration of Independence had just prayed about it, we would still be under British rule. If we do not give up this stupid apathetic state we have adapted we will eventually be under New World Order rule.

We are losing America, because America as a whole drifted away from God. We have allowed evil to get out of hand and run rapid, through apathy on our part. We refused to speak up in fear of being called "politically incorrect" or a "racist" or "homo-phobic" or anything they could think of to shut up the opposition to their sinful ways becoming the norm. The "Moral Majority" was being attacked and propaganda made them out to be wackos. Unfortunately, we cannot say we were part of the moral majority, because the opposition has won, so far, because we heard the cry of a few in battle, but, we looked the other way ad waited for the next person to handle it. Deserters!!! This was once a blessed nation, it can be once again, as soon as we bless God once again. He didn't make this problem, and He won't fix it alone. We should pray always, but, prayer alone won't cut it. And it's gonna take more than a few to fight the "Spiritual Battle". We need to recruit and work tirelessly FOR OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE.

Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God~ Thomas Jefferson

Shake It Off!

2009-09-20T08:28:00.003-05:00

"Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you
go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet."
Matthew 10:14

As Jesus began to prepare His disciples for their calling as
leaders in the Church, He decided they needed to go out on
their own and learn to do what they had previously seen Him
do. For soon Jesus would no longer be physically with them
and they needed to know who to operate in His absence. So He
gathered the disciples together and instructed them to go
out into the surrounding cities to preach and demonstrate
the Kingdom of God. At the very end of His instructions,
Jesus tells his disciples to do something, that is not as
spectacular as His other instructions, but is essential to
their having success in what they have been assigned to do.
This essential piece of wisdom that Jesus shared with his
disciples has just as much application and revelation for
us today, as it did when He originally spoke these words
over 2000 years ago.

Jesus first instructs His disciples to take no money for
their journey, preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick,
raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and when
it is all said and done - know when to "shake the dust off".

Jesus said that their ability to shake off criticism, rejection,
opposition and other people's opinion of them was just as
important as their preaching the gospel, healing the sick,
raising the dead, cleansing lepers and casting out demons.
Jesus knew that their ability to overcome persecution and
rejection was critical to their ability to succeed at what He
told them to do. If they succumbed to criticism and rejection,
there would be no preaching, healing, raising or cleansing
because they would quit and abandon what they were sent to do.

We too must learn to shake off the dust that others cast upon
us to stop us and move forward in life. There are times in life
when we will have to go at it alone! If you never learn to
shake off what life and others will place upon you, you will
find yourself bound and unable to move forward in life because
you're carrying things and burdens that God never intended
for you to carry.

Not only must we learn to shake off the dirt that others place
upon us, but we must also learn to shake off the dirt that
we've accumulated and held onto over the years. There are
things in our pasts that have clung to us to remind us of what
we used to be. This dirt may be failures, words that have
wounded us or mistakes we've made that we are trying to make
up for that hinder us in moving forward into our assignments
and callings. Many of the disciples had less than desirable
pasts that they had to shake off and move forward despite
their history. There was Matthew the tax collector who had
to shake of the guilt, shame and condemnation of his past
occupation in order to move forward in the ministry that
Christ had given him. If Matthew had not learned to shake
off what he knew about himself, and what others were saying
about him, he would not have been able to minister with the
conviction and power necessary for him to do what Christ
instructed him to do. The enemy will use other people's
attitudes and opinions to try to cause you to doubt yourself
and forfeit what God has for you.

What is it that you've allowed to lay dormant because of
rejection, opposition or someone's opinion of you? Has someone
said something to you that has caused you to doubt yourself,
your ability, purpose or future? If so, do what Jesus told
His disciples to do - "shake it off" and keep moving!

Redeeming The Time

2009-09-11T13:20:00.002-05:00

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but
as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what
the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17

One of the most precious gifts God has given mankind is---
time. A major characteristic of time is that you will
never have more of it than you have right now. With each
breath you take, you are that much closer to taking your
last breath. We all reach a point in life where we realize
that we've lived more life than we have left. The older
we become the more careful we are of what and with whom we
spend our time on. We begin to realize that we truly do
not have time to waste!

Some of you may look over your shoulder at your past and
smile with satisfaction at how you used the time that you've
given, while others may reflect on their past and wish that
they had the ability to do some things all over again. However,
what is done is done. We must do the best we can with the time
we have left.

What do you do when you now have the wisdom to do a thing
right, but you don't have the time to do it all over again?
What do you do when opportunities, like water, have slipped
through your fingers and the doors that were open are now shut?
You may be asking: "Is there any way to regain what I've lost
over the years?" The truth is, you will never be able to
reclaim the time lost - but you may be able to "redeem" the
time you have left!

The Bible instructs us to "redeem the time". If we are
instructed to redeem the time, the next question that must be
asked is: "How do we go about redeeming our time?" The answer
actually lies within the word redeem. The word redeem in the
Greek is "Exagorazo". It is a compound word made up of the
preposition "ek" which means "to come out of" or "from", and
the verb "Agorazo" which means "to put to work in the
marketplace". The marketplace is simply a system of exchange.
The way to redeem your time is to exchange the system in which
you are investing your time.

Many Believers, although born again by faith, still operate by
a system dominated by the flesh. Anything that is not logical
or probable they shy away from because they fear not being in
control of the situation. They are operating under a system
of works, which can only pay them a wage, which correspondingly
controls their worth. This is the reason a person can work
hard all their life and discover that the time they spent
working was wasted because it could not give them what they
earnestly desire - freedom and fulfillment.

God's system, or the Kingdom of God, is one of redemption that
is founded on faith. Our productivity and worth is not based
on our abilities or efforts, but our faith and obedience to
God's Word. Everything we receive in this system is a gift.
Jesus said, to seek first the Kingdom of God and His
righteousness and all things will be added onto us
(Matthew 6:33). God does what we can't do by our believing
(in faith) that He can do it!

In the Bible, Abraham tried to have a son, under the system
of flesh (or his own abilities and efforts) for almost 100
years without success. God gave Him in a moment, by faith,
what he could not produce by his flesh over a lifetime. God
redeemed Abraham's time because Abraham switched systems. He
received by faith what he could not produce by in his flesh.

Like Abraham, God has allowed some of you to live long enough
to know that your system doesn't work. God can fix in a moment
what has been broken for years. It all depends on the system
that you are investing your time and efforts in. It's not to
late! Switch today and redeem your time!

It Is Well

2009-09-05T15:13:00.005-05:00

When the man of God saw her at a distance, he said to Gehazi his
servant, "Behold, there is the Shunammite. "Please run now to meet
her and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your
husband? Is it well with the child?' " And she answered, "It is
well."' 2 Kings 4:25-26

Do you have "It is well faith?" "It is well faith" is faith that
is wholly based on the Promisor's promise and not on how things
appear. Can you look at your present condition and still say,
"It is well?" If not, you are more than likely focusing on the
wrong thing.

As sure as each moment of life brings you a moment closer toward
death, you will be faced with a factual situation that contradicts
what you are believing God for. As a matter of fact, that is what
your situation is after - your faith. The bible says in
James 1: 2-3, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." The
various trials where directed at their faith. Our faith is what
causes us to overcome what we do see, to receive what God has
said we will see, but has not manifested yet.

The enemy wants to use the facts of our situation to frustrate our
faith and what God has said concerning us. Our breakthrough will
be determined by our decision to stand on our faith and not on the
facts. Facts change, but the Word of God never changes. Facts
are based on circumstances, while faith is based on the surety of
God's Word. The Bible says, "God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He
not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it
good?" (Numbers 23:19).

The most valuable possession you can have is genuine and
unshakable faith in God's Word. It is what enables
you to endure and overcome hostile and oppressive living
conditions. With faith, no person, thing or situation has the
final word. This is why the Bible says, "we walk (live) by faith
and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7)

In the text, this Shunammite woman was materially prosperous but
had no child. Because she cared for the man of God he promised
her a child. She eventually had the child who grew to adulthood
but later died while in the field. The woman placed her dead son
on the bed of the one who promised her a son and set out to find
him. When questioned about where she was going she replied, "It
will be well". As she approached, the prophet's servant asked how
things were going and she again replied, "It is well".

Her son is dead, her husband had given up on his son and when she
finally finds the one who promised her a son, she doesn't cuss,
faint or fight. She reminds him of God's Word. She was holding
onto her faith in the Word instead of the fact that her son was dead.

Too many of us give up on things too easily because their
realization seems unlikely or impossible. We have allowed
blessings, callings, dreams and breakthroughs that God has sent us
to die because it appeared that they would never happen. The next
time you think of abandoning a dream or promise that God gave you -
remember the Shunammite woman's response to facts. When the facts
say, it won't work, it will never happen or things will never
change, say what the Shunammite woman said: "It Is Well!"

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Promoting Islam in School Okay; Speaking Against Islam Is Not

2009-08-30T16:23:00.005-05:00

5/10/09, Houston Texas--A public school principal in Texas arranged for an instruction in Islamic relations by an organization whose leaders have been linked to terror groups by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.

This school’s mandatory event took place despite the principal being notified by the School District Superintendent to not have the students participate in this event. School District students at Friendswood Junior High School in Houston, TX were required to attend an assembly scheduled by the principal, where two women from the Houston Division of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) provided indoctrination. The assembly went beyond an objective presentation, as the students were told that “Adam, Noah and Jesus are prophets, [and also] announced ‘there is one god, his name is Allah.’” Further, the students were also taught the five pillars of Islam with prayer instruction, all without parental consent.

Making the situation all the more egregious, one parent reported that the approximate 40-minute presentation was delivered by a representative of a “spinoff [organization, CAIR] of the defunct Islamic Association for Palestine, launched by Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzook . . . who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide services to Palestinian Islamic Jihad.” It is notable that several staff members of CAIR have been convicted of terrorist activity, have “reported ties to al-Qaida,” and have been “suspected of aiding Saudi sheiks tied to Osama bin Laden”; and one member was “sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for financial ties to a high-ranking terrorist.”

Of the incident, one outraged school board member has been quoted as asserting that “[t]his is part of a nationally orchestrated effort to indoctrinate students through the school system." Moreover, one “parent complained the Muslims ‘were given full attention of our kids, during academic school time, to present their religious beliefs. … This was put right at the end of the school year … which will most likely prevent a Christian response.’”

8/25/09, GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- A lawyer for a north Florida school district says a handful of students have been sent home from Alachua County schools this week for wearing shirts that read "Islam is of the Devil."

School district staff attorney Tom Wittmer says the shirts might have offended or distracted others and violated the district's dress code.

The shirts are connected to a local church called the Dove World Outreach Center. Church Senior Pastor Terry Jones tells The Gainesville Sun that spreading the church's message is more important than education.

The congregation says a 10-year-old elementary school student was sent home Monday because of the shirt. Three high school students were sent home Tuesday and a middle school student also had to change clothes.

'Take that thing off your head'
ROTC student suspended for telling Muslim to respect flag, remove hijab

Posted: August 29, 2009
11:20 pm Eastern

© 2009 WorldNetDaily

Mark and Heather Lawrence

Maybe it's because her dad served in the U.S. Marines ... or because her high school mascot is a fierce-looking eagle ... or because she plans to enlist in the Army next summer after Graduation, to defend her country ... whatever the reason, when Heather Lawrence saw a fellow student refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and recite it with the class, the 16-year-old Junior ROTC member saw a teachable moment and took it.

And for that, she's been suspended five days.

Lawrence's troubles with administrators at Springstead High School in Spring Hill, Fla., began last Wednesday when she noticed a female Muslim student refusing to participate in the Pledge. The student was wearing a hijab, the traditional Muslim headscarf.

Later in the day, Lawrence encountered the student between periods and told her she should stand for the pledge, reported Hernando Today.

"Take that thing off your head and act like you're proud to be an American," Lawrence told her.

Ever wonder why you keep seeing these stories of U.S. institutions advancing the cause of Islam? Get "Islam & The End Times" on DVD. Joel Richardson probes the connections you've probably never heard.

Although the student walked away and filed no complaint, a teacher overheard Lawrence's comment and reported her to school administrators. On Friday, Lawrence was called to Assistant Principal Steve Crognale's office and her father was called and informed she would be suspended for five days.

"I said, 'That is absolutely ridiculous,'" Mark Lawrence told Hernando Today. "I thought it was very unfair."

When pressed to justify the suspension, Crognale said it was because she made a threat, the father claimed. Under further questioning, Lawrence said Crognale "backed off" and said Heather had "caused mental duress" for the Muslim student, even though she had made no complaint. Crognale said school policy allowed him to suspend Heather for 10 days.

Lawrence noted that Heather and her sister stood for the flag pledge when the pair attended school in Mexico in 2004.

"They were in a third-world country and they had to honor their culture," he said. "People don't have to do that here."

Ramzy Kilic, executive director of the Tampa chapter of the Council for American-Islamic Affairs criticized Heather's comments.

"The student should not have said that," he said. "If she had said, 'Why didn't you stand for the Pledge and act like an American?' that would have been a more-appropriate reaction."

Kizlic, WND has reported, successfully pressured CBS in 2007 to suspend a Christian television program that had been airing in the Tampa, Fla., market for four years.

"You have someone in the States who is able to enjoy our educational and health care systems, yet it's okay for them to be disrespectful, and it's not okay for my daughter to speak her mind," Mark Lawrence told the Tampa Tribune. "That's her First Amendment right. That's her freedom of speech."

Springstead principal Susan Duval said she stands behind Crognale's suspension of the girl, saying Heather violated the district's policy against "bullying" and harassment and was disciplined for her "atrocious" comment and not for telling the Muslim student to stand.

"It makes me ill," Duval said. "That is not what this school is about. These students should feel safe and secure here. We may have differences of opinion, but no student should have to tolerate harassment."

Principal Duval has experience with suspension herself, reported the Lakeland Ledger. In 2004, Duval was suspended for one day with pay and a three-paragraph reprimand added to her file for plagiarizing a widespread Internet document titled, "Everything I need to know I learned from Noah's Ark" for her commencement address. The Hernando County School Board's student code of conduct promises a "zero-grade, detention, in-school suspension" for offenders.

Do we really want Obama talking to our children when he allocates $17 million to Hamas for "Training" purposes ?

Change You Are Deceived To Believe In: The Health Care Lies

2009-08-25T11:11:00.010-05:00

The presumed President Barack Hussein Obama is still doing almost daily campaign trips around the country to sell his Socialized health care take over plan. Originally it was called "Health care reform". Now he is calling it "Insurance reform". Either way it all boils down to Constitution reform.

The important thing is everything Obama claims regarding the plan is outright lies.

Obama isn't being straight when he says current health care proposals don't provide government funding for abortion. They do. If Democratic plans are passed, your taxes will pay for abortions.

In an Aug. 19 conference call sponsored by the liberal group 40 Days for Health Reform, Mr. Obama accused his opponents of "bearing false witness"(a biblical term) and of "divisive and deceptive attacks" on a whole host of claims about the various health bills backed by congressional Democratic leaders. A number of the president's counterclaims were dubious, but his most demonstrably false statement was: "You've heard that this is all going to mean government funding of abortion. Not true." (Read more about abortion in Obamacare)

Obama and his cronies have stated over and over "There will not be 'death panels', that is just scare mongering." This is also a lie. I have read the whole bill proposed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Vital care needed will be determined by bureaucrats based on availability and "Quality of life" decisions.

In other words, care will be rationed for those who are considered more 'worthy' of the money and time involved. In a 51-page end-of-life counseling book the Department of Veterans Affairs is now using--called "Your Life, Your Choices." As of July 2nd, the VA is referring veterans to the book. That's interesting in itself, because the Bush Administration ended use of the book in 2007. And it has now been reinstated. What makes the book controversial is that--according to critics--it seems to push veterans in the direction of "pulling the plug." For instance--page 21 is a worksheet in which the veteran is asked to consider various situations and then check--whether in each case, life would be "difficult, but acceptable"--"worth living, but just barely"--or "not worth living."

You might think that the scenarios would involve irreversible comas and the like. But no--they include: "I can no longer walk but get around in a wheelchair"--"I live in a nursing home"--"I am a severe financial burden on my family"--and "I cannot seem to 'shake the blues'".

Dr Alfred Bonati said in The Washington Times today:

My fellow physicians and I share one interesting thing in common with professionals in the federal government: We all take an oath relating to our jobs.

A physician pledges to "apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism." We also pledge to "remember that [we] do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability."

A federal employee pledges to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic ... ."

Both pledges are solemn and profound. But they are very different. My question to the well-meaning authors of current health care legislation on Capitol Hill is this: Will the federal employees who implement a government-run health care option begin to take the Hippocratic Oath in addition to their traditional oath of office?

Will federal bureaucrats pledge to keep in mind the human consequences of their decisions? Will they pledge, as doctors do, to "remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug"?

I suspect they will not. After all, the employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who implement Medicare and Medicaid currently do not. They simply agree to defend the U.S. Constitution (as well they should, however that might relate to their jobs).

Under the proposed health insurance scheme being advanced by President Obama and his allies in Congress, Americans would be compelled to:
--Pay for abortion on demand by financing insurance companies that pay for abortion services.
--Fund the leading provider of abortion in the nation, Planned Parenthood.
--Foot the bill for government panels that would foster the notion that self-termination (i.e., suicide) is a sound moral and financial option for the elderly.
Pay for abortifacient contraceptives.

Additionally, the Obama proposal fails to protect vital conscience rights for health care providers, thereby exposing them to the threat of being required to perform abortion-related services.

We are calling on pastors and Christian leaders nationwide to hold forums in your churches where these matters can be discussed and exposed. And it's to that end that we are offering for download FRC Action's Townhall Kit - so that you can create your own townhall meeting, just as churches did more than two centuries ago, to inform and activate the people in your pews and communities.

Evangelists are telling people to not watch the news as it is too depressing. Really?!! Watch and see how depressed you get when the results of your apathy take hold. There is nothing biblical about being ignorant to what is happening so you cannot respond wisely.

This was once a Blessed nation. It can be once again. If you are praying about it and waiting for God to fix our neglect and mistakes, guess what... you're still sadly mistaken. God is waiting for us to correct it. When a nation has left His Will, He will allow tyrants to take it over; that is Biblical.

Get Up and Wash Your Face!

2009-08-15T10:01:00.006-05:00

"David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David
fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. David
perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his
servants, "Is the child dead?" And they said, "He is dead." So
David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and
changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and
worshiped". 2 Samuel 12:18

Life doesn't stop just because we've been hurt, lost something or
dealing with a difficult situation. It doesn't slow down because
we are tired or need help - it keeps on moving. Before you know
it, something else is coming your way and if you don't get moving
- it too will run you over. Therefore, we must learn how to
properly respond too and effectively deal with the varying
transitions and seasons in our lives.

David had a son born out of an adulterous relationship with
Bathsheba. Because of David's sin, God declared that the child
would die. During this turbulent time, David refused any comforts
offered him and laid prostrate before the Lord in heaviness.
However, the day came when he realized his worst fear- his son
died. David's response to this news shocked those around him
but demonstrates a principle that we too must apply when dealing
with hardship in our lives.

The Bible says that upon receiving the news that his son was dead,
David: (1) Got up, (2) washed and anointed himself, (3) changed
his clothes, and (4) went to church and worshipped. Many of you
may be saying, "Wait a minute!" "His son just died!?" Yes, this
is true. But David realized that there was nothing he could do
about it. So David got up and started to deal with the things
that were still within his control. David decided to live the
rest of his life. It was his son that died, not him.

David told me to tell you that the first thing you need to do is
to "get up". Don't become stuck at the place of your loss. I call
these places "grave sites". Grave sites are places you visit to
remember a loss. They were never intended to be the residence
for the living. Grave sites are places you stop by - but not
stay. Secondly, you must wash and anoint yourself. David knew
that whatever it was that he did, it did not determine who he was.
He was God's anointed. You may have made some mistakes in your
life, but they do not define "who" you are. You must learn to
wash your past off and walk in the anointing that God has declared
over your life. Thirdly, change your clothes. You should not
look like where you came from but where you are headed. These
clothes may be old associations, habits or thoughts that are
remnants of your past. Take them off and put on that which
communicates your future, not your past! Last but not least,
worship God! The reason we become stuck in weeping is because
we neglect to worship. In loss or gain, sickness or health, ups
or downs - God is still worthy of your worship. When we
understand, that regardless of our situation, God is still God,
we allow Him to do what only God can do in our lives.

Maybe there is something in your life that you wish you could
change but can't. You've been trying to make amends for something
that you can do nothing about. The Bible says that after David's
son died that He worshiped, took Bathsheba as his wife, and God
replaced what He had taken - another son named Solomon.
Restoration will not happen until you decide to "get up and wash
your face!"

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Christians Unite: Stand Up and Be Heard (For a Change)

2009-08-11T11:07:00.007-05:00

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter"~ Martin Luther King Jr. *There are dozens, even a few hundred at rallies to protest the assaults on our Republic. There should be hundreds of thousands. Take the time to write a letter to your Representative, at least. OR...

Prepare your explanation for your grandchildren now. Do not blame God. Be honest and tell them it was our fault, as God gave us wisdom and the tools to preserve our great Nation, but, we chose to just "Pray about it" and leave it to Him to fix the wrongs we let build up through our apathy.

Our Constitution was structured to limit government of its power over the people. Leftists hate these provisions and devote their life to changing them just as Patriots should devote their life to preserving them, for the sake of generations to come. They will look back and say, " fill in the blank". God Bless America and guide its people to correct the foul through truth and wisdom...

Romans Chapter 13 clearly limits the authority of civil government by strictly defining its purpose: "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil... government must not be a "terror to good works." It has no power or authority to terrorize good works or good people. "Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God"~ Thomas Jefferson

Do you realize the slap in the face and the spit on the grave of the millions who have given their lives to maintain the freedoms we take for granted? It sickens me. The current threat to our Republic, for which our flag stands, should never have happened. It is only through apathy and self greed of all individuals who seek to gain what they may from the blessings God bestowed upon us as an example to all nations.

Everything God has blessed us with, and Patriots such as fallen heroes and those of whom gave their entire lives, has been for naught if we do not take a stand to preserve our principles. The leftists silence us by using those same principles against us. Oftentimes, I am accosted by non-believers and Socialists quoting scripture to use against me. But even Christians preach to me, "We are supposed to support our leader" or "We should be praying about it, and leave it to God to make it right." Of course, it is usually out of context and misinterpreted, but, through their rhetoric they have persuaded many Christians to fear being labeled a "hypocrite". Truly, the hypocrite is one who does nothing and claims holiness.

Leftists try to hold us to our morals and principles as an assault, as they possess no morals. It is by our convictions, through the Holy Spirit, that constantly remains their threat. It is not a Democrat vs. Republican war. It is not a Holy war. It is a war of good vs. evil. It is a war, nonetheless. To stay silent is not Biblical, but, an excuse to let others fight the war for us.

What Would A Modern Preacher Have Done?

2009-08-10T00:36:00.005-05:00

Today, especially in America, we have murderers and people plotting to kill that call themselves Christians. There are hundreds of thousands living in adultery saying, "God is good." All forms of sexual perversions and pornography are just as prevalent among those who proclaim Christianity, as those who are non-believers.

Just as a government "gone wild" we must look at the main source of this debauchery of delusional "Christians" - Church leadership. Pastors, preachers, and evangelists preaching that which does not resemble the Gospel. Not the Gospel Jesus taught. So many argue the vague 'warm and fuzzy' message they have received for so long, as though it were true.

Demons believe in Jesus. Atheists can quote scripture. Most people that label themselves "Christian" have less chance of entering the Kingdom than the atheist. Why? Because the atheist knows they are not saved, and always have the opportunity before it is too late. The deceived "Christian" is arrogant and in most cases silent, thank God, and are in danger. The ones that have been delivered the wrong message and are proud to spread it, are dangerous.

Unfortunately, most will not pick up a Bible on their own and study the Word, but, take the word of another man. Some modern day evangelists have just been deceived and see the Word through the perspective by which they've been taught. Sadly, many teach the wrong message intentionally, as a "Positive thought" type money maker. In either case, they are professing to hear from God, in order to manipulate. They are not only false prophets, but, this is blasphemy in the worse form (denying the Holy Spirit) and is unforgivable.

Do not take ANYONE'S word for what is the Word of God. Get into the Word for yourself. Know for yourself what Jesus wanted you to know. It is required of us as Christians to spend time in the Word. Did you know God speaks to us through His Word? I'm not just referring to the 'teachings', as it were. The Lord actually will communicate with you, by leading you to the message he has for you, through the Holy Spirit.

Many things may not be clear to you, or you do not understand. If you have faith, and you should, stay persistent and it will 'pay off'. God is faithful, and will reward you for seeking a relationship with Him. As you seek Him, and draw Him into your life, He will reveal His Will for you. As long as you persevere, even when it gets tough, you will see His Glory.

FAITH without works is meaningless. You will not hear that from most preachers. Rather, the popular word of today is to just have faith. Nowhere, and I mean nowhere in the Bible does it state we are to just have faith and God will take care of everything. In the true sense of that statement, it is entirely misleading. Couple that with the desire of the receiver to bend it for their gratification, and someone's soul is in trouble. On a daily basis I have arrogant "Christians" accosting me with their misinterpretations. No matter how I explain it, they are convinced we are not to get involved in current events, "Just pray about it."

It is such a good thing David picked up that sling and hurled it at Goliath, rather than praying and waiting for God to hurl it. I would not be able to write this message if it were not for our founding fathers acting and not just staying in their 'prayer rooms' waiting for a Republic to be formed on its own. The point is, we have been deceived into our comfortable little lives for so long, the deception becomes reality for us, to the point of argument without reason. Our apathy and rejection of the truth has become the norm for so long it has become our religion. Christians in other nations, where it is already illegal, die everyday as they will not deny their Saviour.

Stopping the Cycle of Self Destruction

2009-08-09T09:52:00.004-05:00

"I said to them, "We according to our ability have redeemed
our Jewish brothers who were sold to the nations; now would
you even sell your brothers that they may be sold to us?" Then
they were silent and could not find a word to say".
(Nehemiah 5:8)

In this text, Nehemiah addresses a very serious issue that
hindered his people in their efforts to restore what was
broken and lost in their lives. If you read chapters 1 through
4 of the book of Nehemiah and then read Chapter 5, it seems
out of place. Chapters 1 through 4 tell us how the work
began and the progress they were making. We are also
introduced to their enemies who conspired together to stop the
work the people have begun. Chapter 4 ends with Nehemiah's plan
to continue the work in the face of possible attack by their
enemies. However, in Chapter 5, we discover a problem much
greater than an invading army. We discover that the real enemy
is not an external one, but an internal one.

As the days passed and the work continued, I believe Nehemiah
began to notice a drop in the progress they were making. It
was as if they had reached a certain point in the restoration
process and could go no further. They had not been attacked
by an enemy but seemed defeated. The people were saying
amongst themselves:

"The strength of the burden bearers is failing, yet there is
much rubbish; and we ourselves are unable to rebuild the
wall" (Nehemiah. 4:10).

They were saying they could not do something they were
already doing - rebuilding the wall. As a result, Nehemiah
began to search for a cause and discovered that there indeed
was an enemy in the camp - themselves!

The people were not only speaking against the work they were
trying to finish but were enslaving one another as well. They
had been captive for so long, under Babylonian and Persian rule,
captivity became their mentality. Nehemiah, in Chapter 5:8
tells the people, "We worked hard for our freedom, but now
you're repeating the same cycle we've been delivered from"
(paraphrased). They were repeating a negative learned
behavior. They tore down with their own hands the very thing
they were trying to build - their identity. The very people
necessary to rebuild the wall they were enslaving, thereby
hindering the restoration process. They were repeating a cycle
of self-destruction.

Oftentimes, people subconsciously hinder what God is doing in
their life by saying and doing things that are contrary to what
they are trying to achieve. They may lash out at people that
try to help them because they may be afraid of change or the
unfamiliar.

Self-destruction is the enemy's weapon of mass destruction!
More hopes and dreams have been killed by "friendly fire" than
"enemy fire". Many Believers consciously and unconsciously
participate in cycles of self-destructive behavior. They destroy
the very things they are trying to build with their actions
and words. Like the wall, they've lived with brokenness for so
long that brokenness has become commonplace - even expected.

If you continue to experience the same disappointments and
failures in life, even when the circumstances are favorable,
you may be consciously or unconsciously stuck in a cycle of
self-destruction. Breaking the cycle of "self-destruction"
starts with your building your "self perception".

The enemy wants you to develop a mentality of failure so that
you forfeit the opportunities and blessing that God places in
your life. When the people examined themselves instead of
focusing on others, the Bible records in the first verse of
the next chapter (Chapter 6) that, they finally "finished the
wall". Their restoration was facilitated by the revelation
that my real enemy is really "in me!"

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

God's Wrath Is Hell

2009-08-08T02:16:00.003-05:00

Do you know what will happen after you die?

"Eternal Life Does Not Depend On Works"

2009-08-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

8/4/2009, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania~ George Sodini, a 48 year old white male, walks into an LA Fitness Center and opens fire. Witnesses stated the man did not say a word before he began shooting what would end up being 52 shots, in all. The deadly rampage ended when the assailant took his own life. The result was 4 dead, 9 injured.

It has been reported one of the injured was an ex-girlfriend, although, on a blog Sodini kept in the form of an online diary, he states he had not had a girlfriend since the 1980's. Sodini also kept a fairly detailed description of his intentions online. He stated he attempted to pull off this assault twice before, in January and May, but, "Chickened out."

A large portion of the American population believes our penal system is too harsh on criminals, and oppose the death penalty. For a few decades now, there has been a push from the "Time out" believers to have empathy for perpetrators. Many books have been sold and people convinced that any type of corporal punishment is wrong. They advise we should take into account what kind of past or childhood the aggressor had. None of this is biblical. I am compelled to think of what kind of future their victims have, if any.

In this case, Sodini had gone on written rants for the better part of a year, with one fatal error in his thinking. In one of his final entries, he makes it clear he believes he is going to Heaven after he carries out his deadly plans. On August 3, he wrote:

"Maybe soon I will see God and Jesus, at least that's what I've been told. Eternal life does not depend on works, or we'd all be in hell."

The whole reason I do what I do, whether successful or not, is the ridiculous number of people misled by bad evangelism, or watered down Gospel. I believe Mr Sodini is responsible for his own actions, regardless what kind of childhood or bad preaching he received. By the same token, however, Every Pastor or evangelist out there soothing the conscience of their subjects are just as responsible.

I do not yet know which, if any, preacher or evangelist Mr Sodini ever listened to. He may have received a feeble attempt by an acquaintance to deliver the Gospel. He may have read a message from an evangelistic website, or attended just one sermon as he accompanied someone to a service once. It does not matter... EVERY PREACHER AND EVANGELIST delivering watered down or warm and fuzzy sermons is responsible to a GREAT degree, for what Sodini carried out. They spread the deception of the enemy, we don't have to be righteous.

Most people want to believe all human beings are basically good. Really?!! By whose standards? Who sets those standards? By our creator's standards, we are filthy, and that is all should matter. The Gospel Jesus gave his life to deliver was not intended to make us feel all warm and fuzzy. The Gospel was not intended to relieve us of our conscience getting in our way of success and prosperity. "The Seed" in the Bible is not a monetary denomination Jesus set up for false prophets to line their pockets.

Good works, ALONE, as it is explained all throughout the Gospel, will not get you to Heaven. The old "fire and brimstone" preachers were not afraid to tell there flock like it was. You sin, you go to hell, regardless what you believe. That was then. Now, we have evangelists by the thousands preaching we are forgiven for everything past, present, and FUTURE.

The evangelists will tell you it doesn't matter what kind of sin you commit, Jesus died on that cross so you can give it all to Him and not feel guilty. As of late, the common belief is that if you try to not sin and be righteous, that is sin, in and of itself, as you are attempting "Good works." I know there are many who will read this and accuse me of having it wrong. No, you are wrong. There are many people out there who actually follow this kind of doctrine. They call themselves Christians, and tragically they will go to hell. God hates sin! There is much more to being saved than saying a short prayer.

Don't fret, the evangelists which think they are holy men or women of God preaching these sermons will be with you in Hades to discuss with you where it all went wrong. The 'preachers' claiming God speaks to them and said if you give them $1000.00 you will see numerous blessings open up in your life, will soon be accountable.

Mat 7:21, "Not all who say to me 'Lord, Lord', shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but, those who do the will of my Father who is in Heaven."

The outcome of these warm and fuzzy, self motivational sermons is this: Statistics show divorce rate is no different among those whom profess Christianity than it is in the secular community. Abortion and adultery, also just as prevalent among 'Christians' as with non-believers. Through the psyche illuminated from these misguided 'Gospel messages' we have confusion and surmounting conflict in the church. The confusion is strictly the fault of the Pastor that walks the fence, and doesn't wish to offend anyone.

To recruit a 'new believer' many evangelists make the sinner believe it is so easy to accept a life of Christ, they wonder why they put it off for so long. The evangelist feels good as he can chalk up another (soul saved?). The new 'believer' feels good as they can now go on with their iniquity and not feel guilty in knowing they were 'putting it off'. Nothing has changed in the 'new believer's' life, except they now walk in the 'world' believing they are saved, and call themselves Christian.

Gal 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and this life I must live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

At this time, I don't know what Sodini's range of belief was, or whether he had ever actually accepted Christ as his Saviour. It doesn't matter one iota. We do know he believed that Jesus exists in Heaven, as he was expecting to see him. There is no difference whatsoever in Sodini's rationale, wherever it came from, and most 'believers' in the world.

I know of many people who live in adultery, hate, greed, sexual perversions, and even support killing babies, but, everyday say, "Praise the Lord," and "I am so Blessed, God is good." I have people (Christians?) constantly attack and insult me vulgarly, as I dare to disrupt their way of thinking. I assure you I do not do what I do out of bitterness, or hate, as I've been so often accused.

Did Jesus Reveal Identity of Anti-Christ?

2009-08-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

While this video is scripturally correct, and translated properly, it is not biblically correct that Barack Obama would be the Antichrist. Although, he is definitely anti- Christ, as are many in the world. Theological studies have shown many details referring to logistics and such that would make it virtually impossible for Obama to be THE Antichrist.

Obama certainly sets a good stage for the Antichrist arrival onto the global scene. Certain situations must be in place for the Antichrist to create the illusion he can repair the damage done to our globe and create world peace. The New World Order would have to be a little further along for the proverbial cards to be lined up.

The introduction of the 'global dollar' and the elimination of individual rights and capitalism must be all but extinct, which is exactly the goal of the Obama administration. All should take heed to the current situation in our country and the Middle East.

The economy will have to be in such turmoil the people will gladly accept any resolve...enter the global dollar. It will be embraced, when ten years ago someone would laugh at you if you suggested such a thing. The President of Russia proudly displayed the global dollar already being minted in Europe.

Mat 24:42-44, "Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what hour of what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."

Deception Through Religion

2009-07-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

"Thou Shalt

Not Have any

Strange Gods

Before Me"

***

This is the 1st

Commandment;

the one which

is broken and

disregarded

the most.

Without adherence or respect to this, the very first command of God, we are just 'spinning our wheels' with the rest of our efforts. Of coarse, atheists are not concerned about this issue. I am appealing to the 'believers' who have been deceived. The deception of Satan has been suffused throughout the planet for ages. Today his influence has convinced even spiritual leaders that maybe there is a better way to view what God really meant by 'this commandment or that one'.

The real misconception of this very first Commandment, again, is the product of Satan's deception. A professed Christian is convinced they don't have to worry about this issue; they don't bow down to Buddha, or praise Allah. Most Christians living in the mainstream believe they only worship their (concept) of 'God in the Bible', they profess to believe in. However, many studies have shown most people professing to being a Christian, never pick up a Bible, even if they own one. In fact, many rank themselves a little higher in spiritual devotion, just by the simple reality they possess a Bible, like wearing a cross. How can we know who we worship if we don't have a relationship with God? If we wear a cross, but, are not aware of its meaning, at all times, it is just a bauble.

The sad truth is: 1) most people professing to be Christian, do not worship the true Creator on a regular basis, and 2) that which one focuses most of their time, is what they are worshiping.

One definition of religion in a dictionary is any object of conscientious regard or pursuit.

For some this is money, or other worldly things which bring us temporary pleasure. Sadly, for others, this is actually an icon or another human which they have made an idol. Most established religions are stemmed from the Old Testament. The most prominent of which is Islam, created from the illegitimate son of Abram (later called Abraham, by God), Ishmael; Gen,16:15.

The Jewish Torah is basically the Old Testament; it teaches Jesus was just a prophet, and not the Son of God. Then, there are the vast number of religions which were primarily formed as an alternative to the true teachings of the Holy Bible, but, still claim Christianity as the basis of their belief. The lot of 'believers' which is succumbed to Satan's deceptions the most, both objectively and subjectively, is the non-denominational 'Bible Believing' churches, which stray from the true integrity of the Word of God. This is because there is no distinguishable discernment in the hearts of those whom are seeking spiritual guidance, but, are not devoted to a relationship with the Father on their own time.

Satan empowers secular ideals and special interest groups as he knows the basic heart of most people is to do good things. This is true in 'believers' as well as atheists. The common 'believer' has to have a cause to display to the world they are really nice people. This also temporarily fills the void left by the lack of devotion to the God which they believe in, but, aren't quite ready to repent for. Many Christian Pastors are empowered by Satan, as well. If they are teaching false doctrine or have been deceived, themselves, into believing "This surely must have been what God meant", they will open the door for so many others to steer away from the integrity of the Word and seek the "warm and fuzzy" word. This usually leads to the pastor having a certain following which worship him, and not God. As the ego (or pride) of many pastors grow, they step out of God's Grace. As the rest of the world sees this, it fuels the fire of skepticism.

I have had "Christians" tell me God's Word is what is true for each individual, the way we wish to interpret it. They can explain that to their comrades in the lake of fire.

The confusion, which Satan has so cleverly led the majority to adapt, is to be a Christian is just another religion. This allows us to fall victim to the lie, "You believe what you want, and I can believe what I want", and still be convinced we are righteous in doing so. This is why Satan loves religions. It is a tool, to classify Christianity in this regard. A Christian believes in the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible is the inerrant Word of God. From the beginning of humanity, Satan's mission has been to draw us away from that simple fact. His whole sales pitch to Eve was, "God didn't really mean that". The Word of God is our 'way of life'. Whether we choose to believe that, or not, is irrelevant. By translating it to mean what we want it to mean(through deception), changes nothing; it just means we don't get the point. By intentionally changing the meaning, for our own personal gain, or lifestyle, is blasphemy.

Satan does not pay any attention to the ones already in his clutches; there would be no point to that. Rather, he concentrates all his power and demons to the ones attempting the hardest to be righteous. If he can knock them off coarse with temptations of the world, he has also diverted the ones they were assigned to lead to God. Anything which diverts our attention away from serving the Master, is a score for Satan. His whole desire is to destroy us. All he needs to accomplish that is his lies (or deception). He is the prince of lies. It has worked from the beginning of man, and it will continue to work, except in the hearts of those whom are firm in their faith that Jesus is the true Son of God, the only way to the Father, and His Word is true.

If you don't believe because you think God has shown you no physical proof, then why would we need faith? Faith is the basis of our Grace. He has given us all the proof we need throughout history... it is up to us to remove the stubborn walls so we can accept it. Once all the world has had the opportunity to hear the Gospel and believe, Jesus will return to judge His enemies. With satellite and far reaching missions, do you understand that time draws near?

Religion, and the aspects of it, is a dangerous thing. Do not allow yourself to be led astray. The Holy Bible is not a religion. It is not meant to be tricky or serve any hidden agendas. It is written allegorically to provide us with all the proof we need to assure ourselves, and others, that it is true, and Jesus is the only true way to our salvation. Do not sacrifice your salvation based on the ignorance of man. If you earnestly get into the Word and have faith in Jesus, God will lead you. Find a Bible believing church, but, do not neglect your personal growth in the Word and a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Deadly Deception

2009-07-27T16:42:00.001-05:00

"If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples
of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will
make you free." They answered Him, "We are Abraham's
descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone;
how is it that You say, `You will become free'?" "If the
Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:31-36)

The deadliest deception in life is to go through it believing
you are free, when in fact you are really bound! If you
never realize you are bound, you will never fight for your
freedom. The tragedy in being bound and not knowing it, is
that you never live the life God created you to live.

In the text, the Pharisees make a statement that reveals their
true condition - bound. They tell Jesus that they are:
"Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to
anyone". The Bible is clear in that, throughout the Nation
of Israel's history they were at various times enslaved
(Egyptians, Philistines and the Babylonians).

As a matter of fact, they where presently under the Roman
Empire's rule. They had become so accustomed to being in bondage
that their bondage appeared to them to be freedom. It is
possible for you to become so familiar with a situation (no
matter how dysfunctional, painful or out of order it may be)
that it becomes the standard by which you measure life.

What is bondage to one person may be freedom to another. Our
perception of life can become skewed by our circumstances.
Self-deception is the precursor to self-destruction.

Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 2:11, "so that no advantage
would be taken of us by Satan, ... we [should] not [be]
ignorant of his schemes. The enemies' primary mode of
operation is deception. He offers us a counterfeit of true
freedom, hoping that we will embrace the substitute never
having experienced the real thing.

Much of the fruitlessness in the lives of Believers today is
a result of unidentified bondages. Bondage does not have to be
painful to be bondage. As a matter of fact, the worse kind of
bondage is bondage that you've become comfortable with.

You can recognize bondage if it hinders your ability to
experience the fellowship, fullness and freedom that God has
planned for your life.

Jesus said, "the truth will set you free". Take a moment,
get away from everybody and everything, close your eyes and
ask God to reveal to you anything that is hidden in your
heart and life where you've been operating in deception.
Allow the light of His Word to illuminate your life and path.

Let this be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
Discover the freedom and fullness of living transparently
and you will really know what it means to truly be free indeed!

How Long?

2009-07-23T16:18:00.000-05:00

"And He asked his father, "How long has this been happening
to him?" And he said, "From childhood. "It has often thrown
him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him but
if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" And
Jesus said to him, " `If You can?' All things are possible
to him who believes." Immediately the boy's father cried out
and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:21-24)

In this text, Jesus asks a timeless question that is just as
relevant today as it was the day it was spoken. Whenever you
read that Jesus asked a question, it is a teaching moment.
He never asks questions because He doesn't know the answer
or for edification. For Jesus knows what is in the hearts of
men. Whenever Jesus asks a question, He is not only speaking
to the individual before Him, but to those who would
subsequently read the account.

Jesus, after coming down from the mountain, is immediately
presented with a situation. He is met by a father who has a
demon-possessed son. This is not something that has recently
come about, but is something that he has been living with for
years. It is a persistent problem. A problem that has not
become better but has grown worse over time. A problem that
he was able to hide in his home for a while, but has grown to
the point that it has spilled over into his public life.

Now the problem has taken over and he is no longer able to control
it. It shows up at the most inopportune times. It now affects
his relationships and his ability to live and enjoy life. He
has become a captive to this issue in his life. Jesus seeing
this man asks a question that appears simple, but is the key
to the man and his son's deliverance.

Jesus, the God-Man, who knows the beginning from the end,
asks: "How long has this been happening...?" It was a question
designed to cause the man to reflect on his situation. How
long have you been living with this dysfunction, disorder,
habit or issue in your life? How long have you been putting
up with this issue that you should have cast out along time
ago? How long have you been tolerating its presence and
accepting less than what God has for you in your life? How long
have you allowed this situation to fester? Jesus is asking you
and I the same question.

You can live with a situation so long that dysfunction becomes
normal and sin becomes acceptable. Suffering becomes routine
and disappointment is now expected. Things that you would
originally have cast out and cast away a long time ago, you now
tolerate.

In Jesus' question "How long", he illuminates the path to
deliverance for the father's son and for us as well. This
question causes us not only to look back at the origin of our
issue(s) or situation(s), but the reason why they remain an issue,
and how we can prevent them from continuing in our lives.

The first step toward deliverance is recognition. The question,
'How long?", was designed to cause the man to reflect upon his
situation. To cause identify the origin of his problem. How did
it begin and how did it get to the place it is today? It is
important for us to understand and identify the source and origin
of our pain, before we attempt to deal with it. If you don't
identify its origin, you may only be treating a symptom and not
the source.

Secondly, the question also insinuates that this was something
the father had control over. I believe that Jesus was really
asking him, "How long have you been willing to tolerate this
situation?" There are some thing in life that God has given us
the power and responsibility of handling ourselves. We pray and
seek others to help us with our issues, when the answer and power
to deal with them, has already been given to us.

Thirdly, you must believe that things can change. The reason this
problem became a persistent one is found in Jesus' statement to
the father that, "All things are possible to him who believes."
Many of our situations don't change because we've lived with them
for so long, that we no longer believe or expect them to change.
What you believe matters the most.

Jesus did what the father should have been able to do. You may be
dealing with or tolerating a situation that seems impossible.
It has become an impossibility because you have given up on
believing that it can change. You must believe that you deserve
better. You must believe that the rest of your life will be better
than the life you have already lived.

You have the power to make a change that will not only affect
your life but those you love. Your belief that deliverance and
breakthrough in your life is possible will determine "how long"
you must endure you current situation. Jesus said, "All things
are possible to him who believes." This includes you too!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Run For Your Life

2009-07-19T11:07:00.001-05:00

Are you running in the wrong direction? Are you following false doctrine? Who is your ignorance of the situation benefitting? Certainly not yourself...definitely the enemy. If your position is to just 'pray about it' (God will handle it) that is fine, but, please do not preach that to others as it is not biblical. It's a personal preference.

The Khilafah Conference 2009 is scheduled to be held July 19, 2009 at the Hilton Oak Lawn hotel.

A group committed to establishing an international Islamic empire and reportedly linked to Al Qaeda is stepping up its Western recruitment efforts by holding its first official conference in the U.S.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global Sunni network with reported ties to confessed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and Al Qaeda in Iraq's onetime leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. It has operated discreetly in the U.S. for decades.

Now, it is coming out of the shadows and openly hosting a July 19 conference entitled, "The Fall of Capitalism and the Rise of Islam," at a posh Hilton hotel in a suburb of Chicago. Hizb ut-Tahrir insists that it does not engage in terrorism, and it is not recognized by the State Department as a known terror group.

But some terrorism experts say it may be even more dangerous than many groups that are on the terror list. "Hizb ut-Tahrir is one of the oldest, largest indoctrinating organizations for the ideology known as jihadism," Walid Phares, director of the Future of Terrorism Project at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told FOXNews.com.

Phares said that Hizb ut-Tahrir, rather than training members to carry out terrorist acts like Al Qaeda, focuses instead on indoctrinating youths between ages of 9 and 18 to absorb the ideology that calls for the formation of an empire — or "khilafah" — that will rule according to Islamic law and condones any means to achieve it, including militant jihad.

Hizb ut-Tahrir often says that its indoctrination "prepares the infantry" that groups like Al Qaeda take into battle, Phares said.

"It's like a middle school that prepares them to be recruited by the high school, which is Al Qaeda," he said. "One would compare them to Hitler youth. ... It's an extremely dangerous organization."

Phares said Hizb ut-Tahrir has strongholds in Western countries, including Britain, France and Spain, and clearly is looking to strengthen its base in the U.S.

"The aim of this conference is to recruit within the Muslim community in America," he said. "The Middle East governments go after them, but in the U.S. they are protected, so having a base here is going to help their cells around the world."

Representatives of Hizb ut-Tahrir declined to comment when contacted by FOXNews.com.

Oren Segal, director of Islamic Affairs for the Anti-Defamation League, said the conference is cause for concern.
"While they're not, for the most part, engaging in violent activities, and they publicly say that they're against violence, there have been examples around the world where people who have spun off of this group have engaged in violent activity," Segal told FOXNews.com. "That's why they're banned in several Arab and Central Asian countries, as well as Germany and Russia."

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is one of the group's most famous alumni, New Statesman journalist Shiv Malik reported, citing intelligence sources. In addition to plotting the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he also is implicated in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993, the Bali nightclub bombings and the murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

Malik's report, the public policy institute the Nixon Center and the counter-extremism think tank the Quilliam Foundation agree that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq until he was killed in June 2006, also was once a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir.

They say other former members include Asif Muhammad Hanif, a British man who blew himself up outside a bar in Tel Aviv, killing four people (including himself) and wounding more than 50; and Omar Bakri Mohammed, a radical cleric currently banned from Britain who praised the 9/11 attacks, raised funds for Hezbollah and Hamas and called for attacks on the Dublin airport because U.S. troops transferred there on their way to Iraq.

Segal said Hizb ut-Tahrir is becoming more active online in the U.S. — particularly on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace — and now it may be able to add a significant number of Americans to its ranks.

But one place the group will likely not be recruiting is a local Islamic school that backed out of hosting the conference. The non-profit Aqsa school in Bridgeview said Hizb ut-Tahrir had deceptively portrayed the conference as a bazaar-type event where traditional food and clothing would be sold. "They misrepresented themselves and the event. We don't want to be in the middle of something like that," the school's business manager Rana Jaber, told CBS News.

The conference's new venue doesn't seem to mind. Hilton Oak Lawn General Manager Rick Harmon said Hizb ut-Tahrir used its own name when it reserved the room for the conference, but the hotel was not aware of the content of the event, which includes lectures entitled "Capitalism is Doomed to Fail," "The Global Rise of Islam," and the "Role of Muslims in America," until after the contract was signed. Still, Harmon said the hotel is open to all kinds of meetings, that don't necessarily reflect its position or beliefs.

"We're United States citizens and an American business — if it's legal, we're able to host it, as long as it's nothing that disrupts our other guests' privacy and security," Harmon told FOXNews.com. According to the Khilafah Conference 2009 Web site, the group aims to do neither.

"Hizb-ut-Tahrir is convinced that change must start in the minds of people, and therefore does not accept for people, or societies, to be forced to change by means of violence and terror," it reads.

The site, which includes a promotional YouTube video, says the group "does not work in the West to change the system of government, but works to project a positive image of Islam to Western society."

But former member Ishtiaq Hussain said Hizb ut-Tahrir is repackaging itself as a moderate organization as a tactic, while in reality it is "extremist."

"They don't recognize countries like Israel, for example; they don’t believe Israel should exist," Hussain, now a trainer for the Quilliam Foundation, told FOXNews.com. "Some of their leaders have denied the Holocaust, and they believe homosexuals should be thrown off the highest building. ... It's actually a very dangerous group."

Hizb ut-Tahrir itself has also published writings that seem to contradict its tenet of non-violence. In his book, "How the Khilafah Was Destroyed," Sheikh Abdul Qadeem Zalloom, the former global leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir, says anyone who rules by a non-Islamic system should "either retract or be killed ... even if this led to several years of fighting and even if it led to the killing of millions of Muslims and to the martyrdom of millions of believers."

Islamic Supremacist Group Holds First U.S. Conference
Friday, July 17, 2009
Diane Macedo

A Fixed Fight

2009-07-18T00:55:00.000-05:00

"Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great
multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's.
'You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves,
stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf,
O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not fear or be dismayed;
tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you"
(2 Chronicles 20:15-17).

If you are a boxing fan, you are familiar with the
statement: "the fight was fixed". If there was ever a
fixed fight, the one in 2 Chronicles 20 was just that.
Three nations, that God forbade the nation of Israel from
destroying earlier, has now come together to destroy them.
The Bible records the Nation of Israel saying to God:

"Now behold, the sons of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir,
whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of
the land of Egypt (they turned aside from them and did not
destroy them), see how they are rewarding us by coming to
drive us out from Your possession which You have given us
as an inheritance" (2 Chronicles 20:10-11).

Unbeknownst to the Nation of Israel, God was using these
nations to serve a higher purpose. This seemingly
impossible situation was orchestrated by God to: (1)
demonstrate to Israel that He was able to care for them,
no matter how severe their situation seemed, and (2) that
their ability was not determinative of their success, but
their faith in Him. God allowed Israel's problem to grow
until it was out of their control. Now they stood face to
face with a situation that they could no longer avoid.
This situation was not to destroy them but to teach them,
that the battle is not theirs, but the Lords.

Many of you may be facing situations in your life that
seem to have come out of nowhere, when in reality they are
old problems that have re-surfaced. This problem seems to
be unavoidable and insurmountable. You've thought about
and considered every scenario, trying to find a way of escape
and delivery but none have been revealed. You've prayed to
God about it but He seems to have turned a deaf ear to your
prayer. Now it appears that you are on the brink of losing
everything. Just remember, that God did not allow the
problem in your life to destroy you but to develop your
faith in Him. He already knows how you are going to win.
The fight has been fixed! Weeping may endure for a night,
but joy is coming in the morning! (Psalms 30:5).

This problem is only temporary. God never intended for you
to have to fight this fight. It is too big for you. God
has allowed the situation to get to this point to reveal
to you that: (1) no problem is too big for Him, (2) you
are never alone, even when it seem like it, and (3) that
the fight is really His. Understand, that the decisive
factor in your success is not "what" has come against you -
but Who is with you. Remember, it may look like you are
insufficient, out numbered and unable to overcome what is
facing you. In the natural this might be true if it was
up to you alone. However, the battle is not yours but
the Lords.

Before the battle ever begins, God has already declared
you delivered and victorious. Your fight is not against
the problem, but yourself. You must fight to hold onto
your faith in God, even when the facts contradict what
God has promised. Remember, facts change everyday, but
the truth of God's word never changes regardless of the
facts. When your opponent or problem raised up against
you, it was already defeated. The fight has been fixed -
it just has to be told so.

Learning How To Avoid Making Bad Decisions

2009-07-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

"One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived
home exhausted and hungry from a hunt. Esau said to Jacob,
"I'm starved! Give me some of that red stew you've made."
(This was how Esau got his other name, Edom - "Red.") Jacob
replied, "All right, but trade me your birthright for it."
"Look, I'm dying of starvation!" said Esau. "What good is my
birthright to me now?" So Jacob insisted, "Well then, swear
to me right now that it is mine." So Esau swore an oath,
thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his younger
brother. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau
ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to
the fact that he had given up his birthright"
(Genesis 25:29-34, NLT).

How many of you have made bad decisions in your life? It
may have been five, ten or even twenty years ago and you are
still paying for them. A decision that took only moments to
make ends up costing you years of your life trying to recover
from it. It may have been a financial, marital, relational or
occupational decision that has shaped your world as it exists
today. One thing is for sure: If you knew then, what you know
now, you would have chosen differently.

For some of you, one bad decision has kept you from experiencing
the fullness and purpose that God has for you in your life. However,
bad decisions do not have to be fatal - they can also be formative.
One of the most difficult but necessary skills we must develop
in life is how to make decisions. When we make the best
decisions, we gain ground. When we make good decisions, we
maintain ground. However, when we make bad decisions, we lose
ground and oftentimes much more. There is no formula that can
be applied to every situation that will enable us to avoid making
bad decisions. However, the Bible does contain principles that
can be applied to our situations to enable us to make the best
decisions possible considering our circumstances.

In Genesis chapter 25, the Bible presents us with a situation in
which Esau makes a bad decision. Not only does his decision
impact his life, but the lives of generations to come. If Esau
where here today, I believe he would give the following advise:

1. Never make a decision while needy. "Esau
arrived home exhausted and hungry from a hunt. Esau said to Jacob,
"I'm starved! Give me some of that red stew you've made" (verse 29-30).

A man could sell a thirsty man a glass of water for all he owns.
This actually happened when Joseph was placed over Egypt during
the great famine. People came from far and near giving him all
their money, land and the right to 20% of their future produce.
"Need" clouds our vision and ability to make sound decisions.
Whenever we make decisions in the midst of a crisis, or ones that
are based on need, it will more than likely be shortsighted
decisions and will end up costing us disproportionately more than
what we received.

2. Never allow anyone to make you decide "now" on
something that can wait. "Jacob replied, "All right, but trade me
your birthright for it." (verse 31).

There are very few decisions in life that need to be made right now
on the spot. Often, by waiting and praying prior to making a
decision, we can more fully take into consideration the totality of
our situation and the consequences of making the decision. If
someone tries to pressure you into making a decision right now
about something that doesn't require an immediate decision, you
will more than likely regret the decision.

3. Avoid empowering or exaggerating your need.
Jacob replied, "All right, but trade me your birthright for it."
"Look, I'm dying of starvation!" said Esau. "What good is my
birthright to me now?"

Often, we become victim to pressure because we exaggerate or
create a need that does not exist. Esau was not dying - he was
merely hungry. His exaggerated perception of his situation, paved
the way for him to lose what was most valuable to him. We know
that the birthright was important to him because in the Book of
Hebrews we are told that he sought after it with great weeping
(Hebrews 12:17).

4. Never exchange something enduring for something
temporary. "Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau
ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to the
fact that he had given up his birthright"

When Esau finished eating his stew, the fact remained, that he would
become hungry again, but Jacob now owned an enduring blessing and
birthright. Decisions that are made based on your flesh will more
than likely be bad ones. These decisions generally momentary
satisfy, but have long-term consequences.

Short sighted and quick decisions are a major means by which the
enemy robs Believers of the blessings that God places in our lives.
Since God has given you authority over the enemy and his kingdom,
he must convince you to give him what he cannot take. He's been
using the same trick from the very beginning. It was a bad decision
that caused Adam and Eve to fall in the garden. Satan offered them
a piece of fruit for something eternal.

You may be struggling to overcome the consequences of bad
decisions made in your past and wondering how you can stop paying
interest on something that happened years ago. The answer is - by
making good, better and the best decisions now. It was a good
decision that empowered you to overcome the death Adam caused by
his fall. Make better decisions today and experience all God has
planned for your tomorrow!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and
Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Waiting On Something To Move

2009-07-14T12:03:00.000-05:00

"Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is
called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In
these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt,
withered, waiting for the moving of the water. And a certain man
was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years."
John 5:2-5, KJV

I can remember driving home one night from work when I caught a
flat tire. I didn't have a cell phone, flashlight or spare tire.
There I was, on the side of the highway praying that someone
would stop and help me get to a phone. I sat inside of my car
with my flashers on for over three hours waiting for someone to
stop. I will always remember the helpless feeling of being
totally dependant upon the benevolence of a stranger.

Finally, someone did stop and agreed to give me a ride to a phone.
I was in his car for less than 5 minutes. To my surprise, there
was a payphone less than a half a mile away that I could have
easily walked too. I waited hours for someone to do what I
could've done for myself.

In the text, Jesus recognized a certain man who has been infirm
for over 38 years. Jesus picked him out from a multitude of
what the Bible describes as "impotent folk". Maybe Jesus
recognized him from the many years He and His parents would go
to Jerusalem to observe the various feasts. Maybe, his specific
condition was such that it drew attention to itself. However, I
believe the reason Jesus singled him out from the crowd was
Jesus saw something within the man that the man didn't see within
himself. There are three lessons we must take from this text
that will cause us to overcome the things that have kept us from
experiencing wholeness in our lives.

First, this man's infirmity had become his identity. The Bible
gives us his condition, but never gives us his name. We must be
careful not to allow our problems, issues, situations or weaknesses
to define who we are. It is possible for you to deal with
something for so long that it begins to determine who you are
and what you strive for in life. As a result, you lower your
expectations and settle for much less than what God has planned
for your life.

Secondly, sometimes those around us fortify our infirmity.
Oftentimes, our immobility is in part due to the company we keep.
People are more willing to tell you what you can't do as opposed
to what you can do. They kill any dreams you may have of moving
on by telling you all of the risks involved with the move, instead
of encouraging you to take a leap of faith. The reason many of
them do this is because they fear that you just may succeed at
what they were afraid to attempt. Often, deliverance is found in
doing what others around you have never done and risking the
possibility of failure.

Finally, Jesus saw and knew his condition. Jesus knows exactly
what you are going through and how long you've been going through
it. He knows the desires of your heart and wants you to realize
them. However, He allows us to experience the disappointment and
frustration of relying on other to do what we must trust God to
do. When this man's hope in others exhausted God stepped in.
Jesus did in a moment what he and others couldn't do over a 38
year period of time.

Are you waiting on something to move in your life before you
attempt to achieve it? The Bible says this man waited 38 years
for something to move, remaining in the same impotent condition.
Jesus is saying the same thing to us He said to the man at the
pool; "If you want to reach a dream or goal in your life, stop
waiting on someone to help you achieve it- "Get up and ... walk!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and
Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

You Must First "Be" What You Hope To Become

2009-07-11T11:59:00.000-05:00

"Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy
name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have
I made thee." Genesis 17:4-5, KJV

I can remember when I began to write my first book. I
felt as if God was leading me to do it, but I wasn't sure
of how to start. I had never written a book before and did
not personally know anyone who had done so themselves. As
I considered actually doing it, doubt and fear ran through
my mind saying, "No one knows who you are. What do you have
to say that hasn't already been said? Who do you think you
are? As these thoughts went through my mind, I heard God
say, "I'll tell you who you are, - you are an "author".
Now get started writing!"

At that moment I realized something that revolutionized the
way in which I approached achieving the things in life I
hoped to achieve. I realized, in order to become an author
I had to first do what authors do. I had to first write. If
I had waited for someone to declare me an author before I
began writing, I would have never authored my first book.
Part of my ''being" what I was seeking to "become", I began
to read as much as I could about the publishing process,
and went to industry events that authors frequented, so I
could familiarize myself with that environment. I had to
"be it" before I could ever "become it".

There are some promises and opportunities in life you cannot
afford to wait until they present themselves to begin the
process of preparing for them. You must be ready for your
moment when it comes. You must become so pregnant and
possessed with your promise that when your moment comes you
are able and ready to deliver. You must position and prepare
yourself to operate at the level you intend to occupy before you
actually occupy it. If you practice being what you hope to
become, when the opportunity arises, you won't be intimidated
by it because you have already prepared for it.

So many people fail to realize what they hope for because
they believe that they must wait until everything is in place
before they attempt to accomplish anything. They want all of
their resources and support in place first and leave no room
for faith in God. Because this ideal rarely materializes, they
allow their hopes to go unrealized and are unprepared for the
opportunities that do present themselves.

This is backwards. In the Kingdom of God "we walk by faith and
not by sight" (2 Corinthians. 5:7). "Faith is the substance of
things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen"
(Hebrews 11:1). Anything that God places in your heart to
accomplish you already possess the substance necessary to cause
it to manifest in your life. You must believe that whatever God
has promised you already exists and is yours before you actually
possess it. Just because you can't see it (yet) doesn't mean
it doesn't exist. If God said it - it's already done!

Oftentimes in the Bible, when God spoke a promise concerning a
person He spoke it in the past tense. When God told Abraham
that his name would no longer be "Abram" but "Abraham", because
He had made him the father of many nations, Abraham was still
childless! Did God lie? Never! God was simply revealing to
him what He had already done. In order for Abraham to receive
his promise he had to operate within his promise. Every time
Sarah called him "Abraham" he was reminded of who God had made
him - the "father of many nations".

What is it that you are hoping will manifest in your life? You
must be what you're becoming because transformation is the
precursor to manifestation.

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Arab Festival 2009: Sharia in the US

2009-07-08T12:43:00.001-05:00

This what we can expect, but, on a much higher scale, if we continue to be apathetic or "Politically Correct".

more about "Arab Festival 2009: Sharia in US", posted with vodpod

This is what we can expect, but, on a much higher level, if we continue to be apathetic and turn a blind eye. "Politically Correct" is a label the left created so we would abandon our principles and accept the will of a few. The few are growing and attempting to abolish our Constitution with the help of our presumed President. As you can see in the video, the people that were just trying to ask a question regarding the absurd claim that Islam is against terrorism, were accused of preaching and made out to be trouble makers.

Even Christians, with the help of certain Pastors, like Rick Warren, are ignorantly believing Islam is just another religion we should respect. Warren is the Pastor of Saddleback Church in Lakewood ,California, and author of Purpose Driven Life. Over the past weekend, Rick Warren was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Muslim Conference. Mr Warren calls for unity in the "global" issues, and calls for all Christians to "Team up" with Muslims in solving the world's problems.

To a Muslim, we Americans and Christians are the only problem. Christians and Americans had better wake up to how much of a problem that is for us. Muslims do not play by the same rules. They do not believe in loving everyone, as Christians are taught. The Koran teaches they are to love and make peace with Muslims only. All others not converted must die. A Muslim that converts must die.

They will use God's Word against Christians stating we are to love one another. God says go to all nations and offer them the Gospel. If they reject you, brush off the dust and move on. God did not say we are to accept their way of life into ours, but, to stay with like minded people.

Most Christians think jihad is a radical group. Rather, jihad is the Muslim equivalent to a Christian Soldier, or evangelist. The big difference is jihad's mission is to convert all infidels (or non-Islam) and if they refuse, the Koran states they must be eliminated (or die).

I have found, since I started to enlighten people of the true nature of Islam, that most Christians believe Islam worships the same god as we, but, they just do not believe Jesus was the Son of God(Koran teaches Jesus was a prophet). This is the "Politically Correct" deception. The Islamic god is NOT the God of Israel.

Our God is the Son, and the Father, and the Holy Spirit...The Holy Trinity. Our God is alive and well. The god of Islam is dead.

The God of Israel's Holy Word teaches us to hate the sin and love the sinner. The Koran teaches it is alright to deceive and take advantage of anyone other than a Muslim. All infidels must be destroyed before their messiah (the grand mufti) can return. This is why many Muslims believe they can hurry the process along so it will happen in their lifetime, by creating a third world war.

Also, I have found that many Christians believe since it is all written that New World Order, and the end times, is coming anyway, why bother trying to stop it? They believe that we should only pray about it, and hope for the best. When I expressed my desire to go to Washington, D.C., in support of Israel, Several Christians became ANGRY at me and quoted unrelated scripture, saying anyone who is a friend of the world is an enemy of God. They never talked to me again.

This is how so many Christians are deceived. The enemy, working through evil agendas, has cleverly managed to create the illusion to believers that we are supposed to do nothing and hope for the best through prayer. There is nothing more further from the truth. Read Mark 13:32-37; we are to stay diligent and continue to work while the Master is away, and not be asleep when He returns.

This is a video every American should watch. These are not radical Muslims. This is a professor in Kuwait, speaking to large room of common everyday Koran believing Muslims who cheer for the 9/11 terrorists, calling them heroes, and the most holiest men in the world.

And Don't Miss Rick Warren's next book... The Purpose Driven Jihad

Jesus Is Everything

2009-07-01T11:36:00.001-05:00

This may be a hard message to swallow, but, you better swallow it!!!

more about "Jesus Is Everything", posted with vodpod

For More From Paul Washer:

Paul Washer's Shocking Sermon (full length)

How Do You Know You Are Saved?

Paul Washer vs Joel Osteen

Heart Cry Missionary Society

Jesus Makes The Difference

2009-06-29T17:09:00.001-05:00

"Observing the boldness of Peter and John and realizing them to
be uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and knew that
they had been with Jesus."
(Acts 4:13)

What a powerful statement! The religious elite, having observed
Peter and John's conduct and character, while enduring persecution,
said that they reminded them of Jesus.

Peter and John had just healed a man who was lame from birth,
preached until 5000 men came to Jesus, and immediately thereafter,
were thrown into jail on bogus charges. The following morning they
were brought before a court comprised of some of the same people
who sent Jesus to the cross. In the face of this hostile situation,
they stood boldly imbued with power of God. They did not speak
until they were lead by the Holy Spirit. They said what He told
them to say, and did what He told them to do. They did not allow
their flesh to give occasion to their accusers to find fault with them.

The Bible says that Peter and John's witness was so strong, that
the one's who questioned them, after listening to them speak,
"had nothing to say in response." (Acts 4:14). The ones who
forcible detained them had to set them free - untouched. Peter
and John passed the test with flying colors. Their accusers where
looking for a fight and end up seeing Jesus - again!

Often, when we are faced with conflict or volatile situations we
allow our flesh to govern our conduct. We become part of the
problem instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through
our problem. We go to church on Sunday and leave Jesus at the
door on our way out to face the remainder of the week. Jesus wants
to come home with you. He wants to go to work with you. He wants
to give you wisdom on how to talk to those who are trying to trap
you. He wants to show you how to relate to those who despitefully
use and don't appreciate you. He wants to be the strength and
wisdom you need to overcome what it is that has mounted an attack
against you. However, you must let Him do the talking. The
prophet Isaiah says that God: "will keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You"
(Isaiah 26:3-4, KJV).

Are you stressed out about a current or pending situation? How
do you handle conflict and persecution? When you're going through
what you go through, what do people see? Better yet - "Who do
they see?" Is it you or Jesus? Stand in the power of His might.
For "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"
(1John 4:4). Remember, Jesus makes the difference!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Recognizing the Enemy

2009-06-26T09:16:00.000-05:00

"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not
ignorant of his devices." 2 Corinthians 2:11

The key to experiencing victory in your life may lie in your ability
to recognize your enemy. Can you recognize the work of the enemy
in your life? Most people would say, "Yes!" However, I am convinced
that a vast majority of Believers cannot? When I think of the
battle that we, as Believers, must wage in life against evil, my
thoughts gravitate towards the war in Iraq. Militarily, the U.S is
far more powerful and sophisticated in training and weaponry, but
yet and still, we are experiencing an ever-increasing number of
casualties. There is a reason for this. The reason is our enemy
is hard to recognize. The enemy in this battle does not always
wear a uniform by which he can be easily identified. In many
instances, it is not a he but a she. Women, children and unassuming
old men are sacrificing themselves in order to inflict as much
damage on the U.S. Armed forces as possible. Armed Service men
and women face daily, the possibility that the person who just walked
by or is eating at a diner across the street, is actually there to
steal, kill and destroy any future or hope they have.

On a daily basis you and I wage war against an enemy that we
cannot see and who does not want to be recognized. When most
people think of evil, or picture the enemy, they visualize a man in a
red suit with horns and a pitchfork. Many look for what Hollywood has
depicted as evil - some wild and out of control person. Evil is
much too clever to be so obvious. Satan experiences the most
success in secret, carrying out covert operation in the lives of
Believers. Strategically, killing, stealing and destroying people's
hopes, dreams and lives while going undetected. This is his primary
mode of operation.

This is why Paul instructs the Corinthian church (and us) not to be
ignorant of, the devices of the enemy. Many people wonder, "How
did I get in the condition that I'm in?" "How could I have done
what I did?" "Why do I feel this way?" "How can I think about or
meditate on such things?" If you've thought or said any of the
above, you've been attacked - and didn't know it.

You must understand that evil will very seldom come at you as
full-blown evil. It will present itself as something harmless,
inconsequential, small and even cloaked as something good. It does
this because it knows that "good people" will not readily embrace
something that is obviously evil, so it must appear to be something
other than what it really is. This is why so many "good people"
become victims to bad habits, bad relationships and find themselves
in bad situations. They've allowed something that appeared good
into their lives, which turned out to be something other than good.

This takes spiritual discernment. Jesus understood this and was
able to discern between what appeared to be genuine concern for His
well-being and demonic activity. When Jesus told His disciples of
His pending suffering, Peter pulled Him aside and proclaimed that he
would never let Jesus suffer. Jesus looked Peter straight in the
eye and said: "Get behind Me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23). What
appeared to be genuine concern by a friend was actually a device of
the devil. As a matter of fact, the first place we find a demon
mentioned in the New Testament is in a place that we would least
expect it. It was not in a graveyard, nor some dark enchanted
forest - but in church! Mark 1: 23 records, "there was a man in
their synagogue with an unclean spirit". In every instance the
enemy presents himself in a place and manner that would not cause
those who are his target alarm. He uses "good people" and "good
places" to camouflage his true identity and objective. He depends
on us not being able to detect his presence and activity until it
is too late. He employs gradual compromise to bring us to a point
of vulnerability and weakness.

Some of you may be wondering, "Why is it necessary to recognize
the enemy?" The answer is your life depends on it. Your ability to
detect the enemies' point of entry in our lives will not only affect
the quality our lives, but its quantity as well. You may not
recognize the one thing that you've given place to in your life
that is an agent of the enemy to keep you defeated, frustrated and
broken. As long as it is allowed to stay, nothing will change.

Here are 10 ways to help you rightly appraise and discern the
things that are presently part of your life, as well as those
things you are considering allowing into to your life.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Does it draw you closer too and strengthen your relationship
with God or does it draw attention to yourself?
2. Will it cause others to see Christ more clearly?
3. Is Jesus and the Kingdom of God glorified in your doing it?
4. Can it be supported biblically?
5. Is the benefit an enduring one or does it only satisfy an
immediate need?
6. Is your life being enriched or depleted by it?
7. When speaking to others about it can you be nakedly honest
regarding every detail and your involvement in or with it?
8. Do you have to rationalize its legitimacy in your life?
9. Do you have genuine God given peace in your spirit concerning
your involvement or decision(s)?
10. Must you comprise God's Word or morality for it?

By shining the light of God's Word and truth upon our lives we are
now able to detect the enemies presence and position ourselves to
wage a more victorious warfare!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute; and a dear friend, in Christ!

Ark of the Covenant Unveiled?

2009-06-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

Ethiopian patriarch tells Pope he will show artifact to world

The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world's most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.

Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, "Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."

The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.

"The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries," said Pauolos. "As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now."

Want to know more about the ancient box holding the Ten Commandments? Get "Exploring the Ark of the Covenant" – a two-DVD set!

According to Pauolos, the actual Ark has been kept in one church, but to defend the treasure, a copy was placed in every single church in Ethiopia.

He said a museum is being built in Axum, Ethiopia, where the Ark will be displayed. A foundation of D'Acosta will fund the project.

The Ark of the Covenant is the sacred container of the Ten Commandments as well as Aaron's rod and a sample of manna, the mysterious food that kept the Israelites alive while wandering in the wilderness during their journey to the promised land.

The Bible says the Ark was built to the specifications of God as He spoke to Moses. It was carried in advance of the people and their army by priests. It was also carried in a seven-day procession around the walled city of Jericho.

The idea that the Ark is presently in Ethiopia is a well-documented, albeit disputed, tradition dating back to at least 642 B.C. The tradition says it was moved to Elephantine Island in Egypt, then to Tana Kirkos Island in Ethiopia and finally to its present site at St. Mary's of Zion Church in Axum.

Ethiopians believe it is destined to be delivered to the Messiah when He reigns on Mount Zion – the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 3:16 points to a time when the Ark will vanish not only physically, but from the minds of the people: "And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more."

The Book of Revelation says the Ark is in the temple of God in heaven (Rev. 11:19). Muslim scholars say it will be found near the end of times by the Mahdi – a messianic figure in Islam.

Related News Article via Arutz Sheva, Israel National News

UPDATE: June 29, 2009

A few days ago my attention was drawn to this article on World Net Daily, in which Patriarch Pauolos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church reportedly stated that Ethiopia was about to make the Ark of the Covenant public, supposed to take place on Friday (June 24th):

"Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from the Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.

I was excited to hear the news, but skeptical that the Ethiopians would actually reveal the revered ark (if they have it). As it stands now, they keep seven deacons in the Church of St. Mary in Axum who will kill anybody who tries to get inside the inner sanctuary to view the holy object - that's right, kill. I was thus at first very skeptical that the Ethiopians would suddenly change their tune and decide to reverse centuries of policy of keeping whatever is in that Church a closely guarded secret. The announcement was supposed to be made in Rome on Friday afternoon.

Well, Friday came and no announcement. Then Saturday. And then Sunday. Something seemed fishy. Kudos to the blogger Richard Bartholowmew who tracked down a report from the Italian news agency Adnkronos, which was the source of the Ark story. Apparently, the rumor that the Ark was going to be revealed was based partially on bad translation.

World Net Daily Update
Ethiopian church speaks out on Ark of the Covenant

Separation and Isolation: A Revelation

2009-06-24T20:13:00.000-05:00

I believe there are times in our lives when God removes
us from the routine of life, and separates us from others,
so that he can spend some time with us. Without God "taking
this time" with us, we would drift through our lives
preoccupied and distracted by life, never pursuing the
destiny and purpose He created us for. Because these places
of separation are often uncomfortable, we resist them and
conclude that God must be punishing us, when in reality He
is preparing us through separation.

It is in these dry places, where no one else can help us
(including ourselves), that we discover that God is our source,
our healer and protector. We discover that our true source is not our
jobs, families, education or money - but God alone! This
level of revelation cannot be gained unless we have spent
some quality time with God. Oftentimes, if we don't
voluntarily "make this time" for God, He will involuntarily
"take this time" for Himself.

Separation Is Often an Indication of Designation
If it seems like everyone and everything that you've always
looked to for support is gone--it is not a coincidence but rather
divine providence. It may be an indication that God is readying
you for a transition in your life. Ask Abraham, the one whom
God separated from his family to give him and his descendants
a "Promised Land". Ask Joseph, the one who was forcibly removed
from his father's house (of which he was the least of 12
brothers) so that he could become the second most powerful
man in the world. Ask Moses, the one whom God separated from
Egypt and prepared in the desert for 40 years to deliver His
people from slavery.

Ask David, the youngest son of Jesse,
the one whom King Saul removed from his father's house and
placed in the palace where he could observe firsthand what
it meant to be king. Finally, ask the apostle Paul, the one
whom God separated from the Pharisaical order so that he could
become a leader and pillar in the Kingdom of God. Separation
is indication of God's designation of those He is calling.

Separation Is a Sign of Preparation
God is preparing and positioning you to discover something
about Himself that He cannot reveal to you while you are
surrounded by others. He needs to separate you from the people
and things that you have placed in positions that belong to Him.
They would only distract you from hearing and seeing the things
He wants to show you. During this time of separation and
seclusion, we also discover things about ourselves that we
otherwise would have never known.

There is no one to impress or save face with when we are alone.
God has the ability to show us who we really are so that He can
begin the process of molding us into who He's called us to be.
God will remove our support and separate us from the things that
we've become familiar with in order that He might reveal to us
something much greater--Himself.

In Deuteronomy 8:2-3, we read that God purposefully lead His
people into the wilderness for the purpose of proving Himself
to them. God used this place of isolation to develop their
confidence in Him as their God. They did not labor for their
living, they simply believed God and received their living.
There was no Wal-Mart in the wilderness, therefore they had
to trust God for their food, clothing and care. God proved
to them that He was their one and only "true Source". They
would have never received this revelation, without this time
of separation and sanctification with God.

Believe It To See It

2009-06-23T00:44:00.000-05:00

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the
LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good
courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the
LORD" (Psalms 27:13-14, KJV).

Many of us over the years were taught that, "seeing is believing".
As result of this, our situations look much like those around us
because it is all we've learned to believe God for. David
understood that one of the most important decisions he could make
in his life was to be selective in what he chose to believe.

As a matter of fact, it was what he believed that kept him from
fainting when he faced seemingly hopeless and impossible situations.
If you were to read the entire 27th Psalms you would find that David
faced some pretty stressful and seemingly hopeless situations. In
this Psalm, he was surrounded by enemies who were committed to
utterly destroying him. However, in the face of all of this, David
was able to maintain his composure and gain the victory by holding
onto what he believed. Lets take a look at what David believed so
that we too may learn the secret to overcoming the things that we
must face.

First, "You must believe that you will see what you've been asking
God for".

No matter how dark and grim the situation may appear, you must
maintain an expectation, that better will come. Better yet, that
it is on its way. Your ability to see what it is that you're
believing God for, allows you to receive it before you see it. As
a matter of fact this is necessary. The text says that David would
have fainted "unless" he had "believed to see" what it was he hoped
for. His belief that he would see something better enabled him to
stand instead of fainting while he was waiting.

Second, "You must know that God's goodness is greater than your
situation"

David's focus was on his problem, but on"the goodness of the Lord".
He proclaimed in Psalms 23, "surely goodness and mercy will follow
me all the days of my life". He was being hunted by his enemies,
while at the same time being shadowed by God's goodness. He didn't
say maybe- but "surely goodness ... will follow me"! Do you believe
this? Even in the midst of your situation? God's goodness may not
keep you from trouble but it will keep you through the trouble.
Your trouble is an opportunity for you to become acquainted with
God's goodness (Ps. 27:5). I never knew how good God was until I
learned to lean on His goodness.

Finally, "You must believe that God wants to bless you now - in
this life".

God wants to bless you now - while you are still alive - here on
earth - today! Too many Believers' expectation of being blessed
is only in the after life in heaven, when they live their life
enduring situations that they should be overcoming. Make no
mistake, Heaven is going to be grand, but God has given you a life
to live here on earth, which includes experiencing His goodness.
Life is not all about suffering, pain, loss and grief. "Life is
your license to experience God's goodness in the land of the
living." That is the here and now!

It is my suspicion that many of you are facing situations that
cause you to feel as if you are about to faint. The problem may
be that you don't believe that you will ever see anything better.
You must develop a conviction that it is God's will that you
experience His goodness in this life. God has not brought you this
far for you to fail. If failure was your outcome, He did not have
to bring you through the last battle that threatened to end it all.
His plan is that you win. He has some goodness for you in this
life. However, you must believe it, in order for you to see it!

By Dr. J.C. Matthews, Senior Pastor of Dunamis Life Ministries and Chancellor of The International Kingdom Institute.

Secret Footage: Tracking the Exodus

2009-06-21T18:27:00.001-05:00

Secret footage uncovering evidence from the exodus of the Jews out of Egypt coinsides with the Bible.

more about "Secret Footage: Tracking the Exodus", posted with vodpod

Healing, Part 1: Riding Out The Storm

2009-06-20T07:35:00.000-05:00

Heavenly Father, let me get out of your way as you make me an instrument of your peace.

We will all face trials and difficulties in our lives. Oftentimes, bad things even happen to seemingly good people. Sometimes, it is the attacks of the enemy to knock us off our path of righteousness in our walk with the Lord. The more devoted we attempt to be, the harder evil will try to make us stumble, so as to make us look like hypocrites to those of whom justify their iniquity.

Whatever the difficulty we face, God has our back. As we enter into a trial, which is usually allowed by God to bring us to a higher level of spiritual relationship with Him. Many times, as in the case with Job, it will start out as an attack from the enemy, and God will allow the situation to go just far enough to effect our life, in His Glory, or the lives of people around us.

The important thing to know, is that the outcome will be effected by how we deal with the trial we have been given. The degree of our faith will determine how prolonged our suffering must be to achieve our required level. The level is determined by our degree of faith. When situations are cast upon us we do not understand, the first human reaction is usually from emotion.

The level of pain we experience in any situation is determined by our willingness to allow our emotions to control our actions, or reactions. Most people want to re-act, rather than act, in an appropriate manner in accord with a healthy outcome. The enemy know our weaknesses, and what will hurt us the most. He will attempt to show us things, which may, or may not, be true.

The most important action, especially in the more severe trials, is not to re-act. The more we stress or give into the emotions, the more our perspective will be redirected away from a more perfect solution to the crisis. Panic just makes any situation worse than it is, and hinders any progress to a solution. Any emotional level of dealing with any type of crisis, deters us from a healthy outcome. We have all heard the old advice to never make an important decision while under emotion.

I have seen so many people, while in the midst of a trial, continue to hurt, and give into the emotions which control their thoughts and perspective. There can never be a rational decision made, or most especially, a profession of faith, while we are letting emotions rule our outcome. Faith, in the unseen works of the Lord, is the only way to a healthy resolve for all involved. Our Father in Heaven wants us to come to Him for our needs. When we ask for His help, in Jesus' name, we are to have faith He has heard our petition, and is responding in the best way for our need and for His Glory.

People will pray for a need and continue to fret over the need. They will pray the same prayer over and over, as though God didn't hear them, and continue to suffer, as though in disbelief He will answer. If we do not believe He is working on our life, He will not. If we insist on staying in the trial, we will. The prolonged suffering is entirely up to us. As we have faith, and let the situation go, we show others around us His Glory in how He is working. If we show calamity in our life, and no Glory to our Lord, what have we gained, but, calamity?

God's people were led out of bondage in Egypt, only to wander around the same mountain for forty years, as they had no faith God would lead them to the Promised Land

The shortest distance to a solution in our trials, is the distance between our knees and the ground; the distance of our hands stretched toward Heaven. Sometimes, especially depending on our stubbornness, God will wait until the darkest hour to respond to our prayers, as He wants everyone around us to know, without any doubt, that it couldn't have been anything other than His intervention, for His Glory. This is especially true when He knows we will not testify to His Glory, which, sadly, most professed Christians will not do.

In some situations, the resolve is not always the one we hope for, but, the one more suitable for our needs. The Lord knows all things considered and has already enacted certain protection and a path for our good, and for our salvation. Through our faith, we enable His wisdom to bring us to the best resolve. For example, in the case of a marriage gone awry, it may not be in our best interest for the covenant to be restored, even though that is His Will.

If one partner in a marriage covenant is corrupted into a life of selfishness through adultery or other fleshly desires, it would be disastrous to bring them back into our lives. The wayward partner is not in a relationship with the Lord, and would only tend to further place us in harm's way. God will not allow us to be placed into a situation where it will lead us away from Him. He expects us to grieve our loss, but, at the same time, have faith that He is acting for our good.

When we are caught up in our desire to make an arcane situation resolute to our perspective, we are not trusting God's wisdom. He wants His children in a place of acceptance and reliance on His purpose for our lives. Whether it involves a relationship, a career, health matters, big or small, we must trust in His judgement, rather than our own. If we are in perfect faith and unity with the Holy Spirit, we already posses the same powers to 'move mountains' in our life, as Jesus possessed when He walked the earth.

All Christians should have heard at one time or another we are to worship with joy, when going through trials, or storms. That is not always easily achieved in the midst of our suffering, but, it must be, for God's perfect Will to be achieved. We cannot go in a different direction, than that of the Will of the Father. The sooner we comply, and let go of our will, the sooner His work is realized, and His Will revealed. At times our suffering may be so great, it is difficult to utter a sound. This is when we need to persist the most.

When we are hurting so bad it seems impossible to pray, just keep saying Jesus' name over and over. He doesn't expect fancy prayers, but, for us to become humble as little children, and consider Him as our Father, whose only purpose is to give us what we need. If our worldly parents, who are corrupt with sin, want the best for us, imagine how our Holy Father, with pure agape love, cares for us. When we have petitioned the Lord in the middle of a storm, for His perfect resolve, we must know in our heart, it is done.

Find some Praise and Worship music, and focus on the Lord's face; praying for His Will and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will give us peace if we ask for it. Let go of what troubles you and think about reaching out in prayer for others. There will be moments of sorrow and grieving, but, with an overlying understanding that He will never abandon you, the Holy Spirit will lift you up and out of any depression, or oppression, which the enemy uses to overwhelm, and lead us away from our blessings.

The Bible, the inerrant Word of God, is the greatest self-help book in the world. I could have spent thousands of dollars on counselling, and not received the guidance I've received in my times of trouble as that of our awesome Father, who art in Heaven. Once we have made it through the storm, it is time for forgiveness. Forgiveness is the next necessary step in healing. We will address this next. Have faith in the Lord, and Praise Him.

If you are trying to make God your co-pilot, you are sitting in the wrong seat!!!

Obituary of a Dear Friend

2009-06-15T15:33:00.000-05:00

The Death of Common Sense
© Lori Borgman Sunday, March 15, 1998

Three yards of black fabric enshroud my computer terminal. I am mourning the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense. His obituary reads as follows: Common Sense, aka C.S., lived a long life, but died from heart failure at the brink of the millennium. No one really knows how old he was, his birth records were long ago entangled in miles and miles of bureaucratic red tape. Known affectionately to close friends as Horse Sense and Sound Thinking, he selflessly devoted himself to a life of service in homes, schools, hospitals and offices, helping folks get jobs done without a lot of fanfare, whooping and hollering.

Rules and regulations and petty, frivolous lawsuits held no power over C.S. A most reliable sage, he was credited with cultivating the ability to know when to come in out of the rain, the discovery that the early bird gets the worm and how to take the bitter with the sweet.

C.S. also developed sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adult is in charge, not the kid) and prudent dietary plans (offset eggs and bacon with a little fiber and orange juice).

A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, the Technological Revolution and the Smoking Crusades, C.S. survived sundry cultural and educational trends including disco, the men's movement, body piercing, whole language and new math. C.S.'s health began declining in the late 1960s when he became infected with the If-It-Feels-Good, Do-It virus.

In the following decades, his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal and state rules and regulations and an oppressive tax code. C.S. was sapped of strength and the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, criminals received better treatment than victims and judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional baseball and golf.

His deterioration accelerated as schools implemented zero-tolerance policies. Reports of 6-year-old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing classmates, a teen suspended for taking a swig of Scope mouthwash after lunch, girls suspended for possessing Midol and an honor student expelled for having a table knife in her school lunch were more than his heart could endure.

As the end neared, doctors say C.S. drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments regarding regulations on low-flow toilets and mandatory air bags. Finally, upon hearing about a government plan to ban inhalers from 14 million asthmatics due to a trace of a pollutant that may be harmful to the environment, C.S. breathed his last.

Services will be at Whispering Pines Cemetery. C.S. was preceded in death by his wife, Discretion; one daughter, Responsibility; and one son, Reason. He is survived by two step-brothers, Half-Wit and Dim-Wit.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Institute for Rational Thought. Farewell, Common Sense. May you rest in peace.

*Note: This piece was first published March 15, 1998 in the Indianapolis Star. It has since been published in newspapers and magazines around the world and is a favorite of radio talk show hosts. This month, a Yoga magazine in Spain, a high school in Idaho, a writer in Ireland and retired teacher in Australia (among a slew of others) have asked to reprint it.

The column is somehow more relevant today than when Lori wrote it 11 years ago. It is circulated widely on the Internet, often "edited' and "adapted" and sent to her several times a year. Imagine her surprise to see it attributed to some guy named Anonymous.

You may visit Lori Borgman's Website and view her other writings and subscribe here.

The major contributor to the cause of the death of Common Sence was found to be Politically Correct.

Spiritual Warfare: Everyone Should Be Armed

2009-06-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

The enemy is just like an NBA or NFL head coach. He will not bother with the teammates on the sidelines, the ones not called to play regularly. Satan focuses on the players on the court, which pose the biggest threat. He studies their strategy and their weaknesses, so as to know exactly where to hit them, for the win, and your defeat. God is the winning coach. Follow His direction and Satan is defeated every time.

In the heat of the moment, or in the middle of play, sometimes we forget the strategy, and drop the ball. That will happen, not to worry. Just pull from the instruction manual, pick up the ball, and run again. Never give in, and never give up. I promise you, as I am a walking testimony of His Glory, if we focus completely on the Lord, His goodness will be revealed.

Everybody, at sometime in their life, will drop the ball, and cannot seem to recover it. Satan is all about the lie. He can convince the best, at some point, they just aren't worthy, or good enough. If not caught early, and resisted with zeal, doubt can get a foothold. It becomes imperative in everyone's life, to let go of troubles, and trust completely in the Lord. We can't begin to conceive of the many ways He will work behind the scenes in our lives, for the best plan for us, and for His Glory. Oftentimes, He will wait until the darkest hour to reveal His Glory, for reasons best suited to our needs.

So, as we strive harder to be a disciple of Christ and make a difference, Satan will blindside us, when we are not ready. Before you know it, evil works can be all around us, and it seems there is nothing we can do about it. In my recent dificulties, I have struggled with grieving, but, at the same time God's Grace has carried me through. I have prayed with others experiencing attacks in their lives, and feel hopelessness.

When the enemy's attacks become overwhelming, the only one able to fight our battle is God. We are still responsible to do our part, which is rebuke the enemy, fight in and through the Holy Spirit, and stay solid in our faith. In seeking to help others, I have realized many do not have the Spiritual Warfare Prayer, nor use it. I encourage you with all my heart to stay persistant in seeking Him, wait for as long as it takes for an answer to your specific need, and do not waiver. First get into worship and praise of the Lord, so as to loose all stray or ungodly thoughts, and be completely in the Spirit. Then, recite the Spiritual Warfare Prayer:

I put on the full armor of God that will quench all the firey darts of the evil one.

I put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, and I gird my loins with the belt of truth. My feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, and I pick up my sword, which is the word of God. I pick up my shield of faith that will quench all the firey darts of the evil one.

I put on my crown of honor and glory, the mantle of zeal, the robe of righteousness and the garments of praise. I put on the Lord Jesus Christ and I put on the armor of light.

I cancel every arguement, every negative confession, every word curse, every judgement, every bad report, every hex, every jinx, every spell, every backlash, and every retalliation that Satan has assigned against my life and the lives of my loved ones, in Jesus name. I cancel these assignments with the name and the blood of Jesus Christ.

Father, I call for the warring angels of God to be dispatched on my behalf, to destroy every assignment that Satan or any demonic influence has against my life, or my family's lives, in Jesus name; Amen

I plead the blood of Jesus over our mind , will , and emotions; I plead the blood of Jesus over our hearing that we might hear the voice of God, and obey the commands of God, and the voice of the liars would be silenced, in Jesus Holy name; Amen!

I nuetralize the powers of darkness over my unsaved loved ones with the power of the cross and the name and the blood of Jesus Christ.

Father, I ask that you open the door to my loved one's hearts to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that righteousness would be poured out from Heaven into their heart, so that righteousness and salvation can sprout up together in Jesus Holy name; AMEN!!!

Copy and paste into notepad, print, and keep it with you. Say it with someone, if at all possible, but, you can achieve ground on your own. Keep a copy with you and say it throughout the day, as often as possible. Eventually, you will memorize it. Each segment has its own significance, so don't shortcut. Believe! and God Bless you...

Repent First: Then We are Washed Clean By The Blood

2009-06-07T23:51:00.000-05:00

"Regret" is a plain sense of sorrow for offensive or immoral behavior. "Penitence" is a sincere admission of transgression with an implication that the penitent intends to undertake moral improvement. "Contrition" is an absolute relinquishment of self to complete and perfect penitence for misdeeds. "Compunction" is a simple pang of conscience for a contemplated action of questionable morality. To "REPENT" is a deep commitment to turn away from our sin (or that which offends God).
*
We must REPENT and give control of our life to God. This is God's Blessing to us, by His Grace, to exercises our gift of "freewill" to choose Him, REPENT, and follow Jesus' path. Glory to the Lamb of God! In His infinite mercy and inconceivable love, He forgives us and blesses us, even when we do not deserve it.
*
Today's evangelists are doing a great disservice to their listeners by preaching a watered down version of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their words serve only Satan, as their followers fall away from Grace and God's Blessings He intended for us. We cannot be seeking, or doing, God's Will for us as we live for the world. We fool ourselves into believing that we must get by in the world, or give into desires of the flesh, and God does not hold it against us.
*
We live in 'secret sin', or what we consider 'little sins', which aren't hurting anyone. If it offends God, who is Holy without compromise, it hurts us and our relationship with Him. We can't possibly receive that which He has intended for us. We may feel like everything is fine, and we are getting away with our desires, for now, but, we are heading for disaster. Many live in adultery, or with hate for one another, and say they are "Blessed by God". They are so confused.
*
Many people are walking around calling themselves Christians, and believing they are, but, live far out of the Will of the Father (Mat 7:21). They live in iniquity, which they never gave up from the time they said a little prayer, sometime ago, and tagged themselves "Christian". God hates all sin, large or small. The watered down Gospel we receive does not depict the true God's Holy and Just nature. Evangelists would have us believe that attempting 'good works' by walking in righteousness is not what God expects from us. The truth is, 'good works' will not alone get us to Heaven, but, is completely expected of us, by God's commands.
*
I encourage you to read The Four Step Program if you are seeking knowledge regarding salvation, and what it takes. It really is very simple, but, it is acquired in steps, not just one simple act of reciting a prayer and saying we believe it. I say to you, out of love, you are only fooling yourself and gain nothing if you have not truly turned your life over to the Lord. If life went on as usual for you, and you do nothing to resist temptations, and live in sin, you were never really saved at all.
*
The first step in accepting God's greatest gift of salvation, is to admit we are a sinner. Then we must repent, or turn away from that which offends God (sin). We do not become sinless Saints. We are still human, and expected to slip. We are convicted by the Holy Spirit in our hearts that we have offended God, and we immediately repent, and ask forgiveness. He is faithful to forgive us. We do not continue with the sin, until we are satisfied, knowing it is wrong, but, we will seek forgiveness afterward.
*
Our own President claims to be a Christian, but, supports killing God's creations. What a horrible message to the people he leads, that you can be a Christian and choose any ridiculous thing in life regardless it offends God in the most heinous ways. These types of Christians have no idea what the Bible says, or believe it. This is what a Christian is. A follower of Jesus' Gospel, and God's commands. We cannot call ourselves Christian and do evil. It is mixing water with oil...it doesn't!
*
The Blood of Jesus does not mix with sin, it covers it, washes it clean. The very first thing to be accomplished in order for us to be washed clean by the blood, is to repent, and stay away from sin as much as possible. If we are aware that what we are doing is wrong, God always provides a way out of temptation. We cannot use the excuse, "The devil made me do it". We have been given intelligence to know right from wrong. We have been given the Holy Spirit, if we truly accepted Christ, and if we seek His assistance, He will assist us out of temptation, always.
*
God does not force us to turn away from sin, or the world. He gave us freewill, to choose for ourselves. This is what our salvation is dependant upon. Our choosing to walk in the other direction, away from the world and fleshly desires, is exactly what a Christian makes. We are also expected to read His Word, and serve Him, by speaking of His 'goodness' to others.
*
The Lord's Word is clear, and inerrant. If we do not believe that, then we are not "Christians". We have compromised the commands of the Gospel, to suit our desires. Hence so many religions which are supposedly based on the Holy Bible. Everyone wants to interpret God's Word to suit their own needs and desires. It is not a smorgasbord, where we pick and choose what we like for today. Just like man's law, or civil law, we cannot decide we don't like the way it sounds, so we don't have to obey it, as it was written by men.
*
God's law was written by men, by the will of God, and the accounts of Jesus' life. Man's law was written by men, by the will of the people, mostly inspired by God's law. We cannot choose to ignore man's law. God's desire for a relationship with us, is based on our faith, and depends on our exercising our freewill to choose Him. However, we must take the narrow path, that leads to the narrow gate, into His Kingdom.
*
Evangelists not only lie, but, take snippets out of context, to support their Warm and Fuzzy Sermons. They count on appealling to those, especially whom, refuse to get into the Word on their own. They sell books, many books, appealing to those, especially whom, refuse to repent, but, do not want to realize they are so far away from God. We cannot blame the evangelist as we are standing in Judgement.

Video Every American Should See

2009-06-03T23:47:00.001-05:00

These are not what we have been fed as "Radical Muslims", but, typical, everyday, Koran believing Muslims. It is not just a few, but, all Muslims want Jews, Americans, and all infidels dead. It is their religious belief. Stop pandering to the tyranny that is taking over our country. Watch this, then act. Stop playing Obama's game and speak out against the take over.

more about "Video Every American Should See", posted with vodpod

Paul Washer's Shocking Sermon

2009-05-30T22:16:00.001-05:00

This is not a "Warm and Fuzzy" sermon, but, you better listen up, especially if you profess to be a Christian, and going on the word of a preacher, or evangelist. Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord', will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat 7:21)

more about "Paul Washer's Shocking Sermon", posted with vodpod

This is not, I repeat, NOT Old Testament law, but, Jesus' spoken word. You, whom are duped into believing you can live in iniquity, and still be saved as you said a short prayer sometime ago, must re-think your position. You are only fooling yourself... and where will that get you. You will glide through this short life, enjoying your fleshly desires, and loving the world, without guilt. Isn't that nice? When you reach the end, which could be today, you may not act stupid in front of your Judge, the Almighty. You have been mistakenly and misguidedly believing for clemency from your maker, as wealthy preachers have been preaching the wrong Gospel to you.

I tell you this in love, consider the possibility you are wrong, and you must answer for all your sin and evil works. We cannot have a relationship with our Lord if we regard iniquity, or love the world. The Holy Spirit does not dwell in us, as we harbour hate and bitterness. We are not going to Heaven, and can truly say we are saved, when we support or practice such evil as living in adultery, abortion, and all forms of blasphemy, without repentance. We cannot continue to live in the sin, and merely just keep saying, "I am sorry God".

Please, pick up a Bible, and read the New Testament, but, remember, as you read the passages, especially in Paul's books, which pertain to salvation... they are referring to BELIEVERS! That is, ones whom are standing in faith in God's inerrant Word. They didn't come by faith after reciting a short prayer, as today's evangelists would have you believe, to increase their numbers. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. There is NO OTHER WAY!!!