The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. It is one's attitude that determines whether life unfolds into a place of blessedness or wretchedness. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns come with roses. It all depends on your perspective.
This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the shelter of the Most High God.
Perhaps the worst enemy we have is not the devil but our own tongue. James tells us, "The tongue is set among our members as that which . . . sets on fire the course of our life" (James 3:6). He goes on to say this fire is ignited by hell. Consider: with our own words we can enter the spirit of heaven or the agonies of hell!
It is hell with its punishments, torments and misery that controls the life of the grumbler and complainer! Paul expands this thought in 1 Corinthians 10:10, where he reminds us of the Jews who "grumble[d] . . . and were destroyed by the destroyer." The fact is, every time we open up to grumbling and complaining, the quality of our life is reduced proportionally -- a destroyer is bringing our life to ruin!
People often ask me, "What is the ruling demon over our church or city?" They expect me to answer with the ancient Aramaic or Phoenician name of a fallen angel. What I usually tell them is a lot more practical: one of the most pervasive evil influences over our nation is ingratitude!
Do not minimize the strength and cunning of this enemy! Paul said that the Jews who grumbled and complained during their difficult circumstances were "destroyed by the destroyer." Who was this destroyer? If you insist on discerning an ancient world ruler, one of the most powerful spirits mentioned in the Bible is Abaddon, whose Greek name is Apollyon. It means "destroyer" (Rev. 9:11). Paul said the Jews were destroyed by this spirit. In other words, when we are complaining or unthankful, we open the door to the destroyer, Abaddon, the demon king over the abyss of hell!
The president without a country
By Pat Boone
"We're no longer a Christian nation." - President Barack Obama, June 2007
"America has been arrogant." - President Barack Obama
"After 9/11, America didn't always live up to her ideals."- President Barack Obama
"You might say that America is a Muslim nation."- President Barack Obama, Egypt 2009
Thinking about these and other statements made by the man who wears the title of president. I keep wondering what country he believes he's president of.
In one of my very favorite stories, Edward Everett Hale's "The Man without a Country," a young Army lieutenant named Philip Nolan stands condemned for treason during the Revolutionary War, having come under the influence of Aaron Burr. When the judge asks him if he wishes to say anything before sentence is passed, young Nolan defiantly exclaims, "Damn the United States ! I wish I might never hear of the United States again!"
The stunned silence in the courtroom is palpable, pulsing. After a long pause, the judge soberly says to the angry lieutenant: "You have just pronounced your own sentence. You will never hear of the United States again.. I sentence you to spend the rest of your life at sea, on one or another of this country's naval vessels - under strict orders that no one will ever speak to you again about the country you have just cursed."
And so it was. Philip Nolan was taken away and spent the next 40 years at sea, never hearing anything but an occasional slip of the tongue about America. The last few pages of the story, recounting Nolan's dying hours in his small stateroom - now turned into a shrine to the country he fore swore - never fail to bring me to tears. And I find my own love for this dream, this miracle called America , refreshed and renewed. I know how blessed and unique we are.
But reading and hearing the audacious, shocking statements of the man who was recently elected our president - a young black man living the impossible dream of millions of young Americans, past and present, black and white - I want to ask him, "Just what country do you think you're president of?"
You surely can't be referring to the United States of America , can you? America is emphatically a Christian nation, and has been from its inception! Seventy percent of her citizens identify themselves as Christian. The Declaration of Independence and our Constitution were framed, written and ratified by Christians. It's because this was, and is, a nation built on and guided by Judeo-Christian biblical principles that you, sir, have had the inestimable privilege of being elected her president.
You studied law at Harvard, didn't you, sir? You taught constitutional law in Chicago ? Did you not ever read the statement of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and an author of the landmark "Federalist Papers": "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers - and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation - to select and prefer Christians for their rulers"?
In your studies, you surely must have read the decision of the Supreme Court in 1892: "Our lives and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian."
Did your professors have you skip over all the high-court decisions right up till the mid 1900's that echoed and reinforced these views and intentions? Did you pick up the history of American jurisprudence only in 1947, when for the first time a phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson about a "wall of separation between church and state" was used to deny some specific religious expression - contrary to Jefferson' s intent with that statement?
Or, wait a minute . were your ideas about America 's Christianity formed during the 20 years you were a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ under your pastor, Jeremiah Wright? Is that where you got the idea that " America is no longer a Christian nation"? Is this where you, even as you came to call yourself a Christian, formed the belief that " America has been arrogant"?
Even if that's the understandable explanation of your damning of your country and accusing the whole nation (not just a few military officials trying their best to keep more Americans from being murdered by Jihadist) of "not always living up to her ideals," how did you come up with the ridiculous, alarming notion that we might be "considered a Muslim nation"?
Is it because there are some 2 million or more Muslims living here, trying to be good Americans? Out of a current population of over 300 million, 70 percent of whom are Christians? Does that make us, by any rational definition, a "Muslim nation"?
Why are we not, then, a "Chinese nation"? A "Korean nation"? Even a "Vietnamese nation"? There are even more of these distinct groups in America than Muslims. And if the distinction you're trying to make is a religious one, why is America not "a Jewish nation"? There's actually a case to be made for the latter, because our Constitution - and the success of our Revolution and founding - owe a deep debt to our Jewish brothers.
Have you stopped to think what an actual Muslim America would be like? Have you ever really spent much time in Iran? Even in Egypt? You, having been instructed in Islam as a kid at a Muslim school in Indonesia and saying you still love the call to evening prayers, can surely picture our nation founded on the Quran, not the Judeo-Christian Bible, and living under Shariah law. Can't you? You do recall Muhammad's directives [Surah 9:5,73] to "break the cross" and "kill the infidel"?
It seems increasingly and painfully obvious that you are more influenced by your upbringing and questionable education than most suspected. If you consider yourself the president of a people who are "no longer Christian," who have "failed to live up to our ideals," who "have been arrogant," and might even be "considered Muslim" - you are president of a country most Americans don't recognize.
Could it be you are a president without a country?
Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said:
'It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ'.
A Breath of Fresh Air! Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin Christian values in the White House!Watch this video and get excited about what God is doing!http://www.netbroadcasting.tv/sarah_palin.html
Kevorkian run for Congress moves ahead ----------------------------- ONLY IN AMERICA!
Tuesday, 8-Jul-2008 1:24PM CDT
Story from United Press International Copyright 2008 by United Press International (via ClariNet)
DETROIT, July 8 (UPI) -- Assisted suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian is one step closer to running for Congress from Michigan this fall, Oakland Country officials said.
Oakland County's elections director, Joe Rozell has verified 3,200 signatures on petitions supporting Kevorkian's candidacy. He legally needed only 3,000 names to run, the Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday.
Kevorkian has announced plans to run for the Ninth Congressional District seat as an independent, seeking a position currently held by Republican Joe Knollenberg. Democrat Gary Peters, a former Michigan Lottery Commissioner, is also in the race.
Kevorkian was convicted of second degree murder for one of an estimated 130 assisted suicides he allegedly participated in during the 1990s and spent more than eight years in prison.
Have a great 4th of July!
Washington's Miraculous Deliverance
The account of George Washington at the "Battle at the Monongahela" was included in student textbooks in America until 1934. During the French & Indian War, George Washington fought alongside of the British General Edward Braddock. On July 9, 1755, the British were on the way to Fort Duquesne, when the French surprised them in an ambush attack. The British, who were not accustomed to fighting unless in an open field, were being annihilated. Washington rode back and forth across the battle delivering General Braddock's orders. As the battle raged, every other officer on horseback, except Washington, was shot down, until even General Braddock was killed, at which point the troops fled in confusion. After the battle, on July 18, 1755, Washington wrote to his brother, John A. Washington:
"But by the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!"
Fifteen year later, Washington and Dr. Craik, a close friend of his from his youth, were traveling through those same woods near the Ohio River and Great Kanawha River. They were met by an old Indian chief, who addressed Washington through an interpreter:
I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far Blue Mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man's blood mixed with the streams of our forests that I first beheld this chief (Washington). I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the redcoat tribe -- he hath an Indian's wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do -- himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss -- 'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you. Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy: Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man (pointing at Washington), and guides his destinies -- he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle. He (Washington) was never born to be killed by a bullet! I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle, and after all could not bring him to the ground!
Taken from America's God & Country Encyclopedia, p 636-637
OBAMA IS NO JOSHUA
By Cal Thomas
Tribune Media Services
Barack Obama’s presidential campaign plans to strike at the heart of the Republican base by attempting to woo Evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics to his side.
The Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody first broke the story on his blog “The Brody File.” Obama’s campaign for the conservative Christian vote, which has largely gone to the Republican presidential candidate in recent elections, has been dubbed the “Joshua Generation Project.” Joshua, Moses’ successor, led the Israelites into the Promised Land. It wasn’t the group that fled Egypt in the Exodus, though. They died in the wilderness, lacking faith in God’s promise. It was the next generation that Joshua led into Canaan. Apparently, if we have enough faith in Obama, he will lead us all into a new America, but if we vote for John McCain, we will demonstrate a lack of faith (in Obama) and die in the political badlands.
Obama is better at biblical language and imagery than any Democrat in modern times. He certainly beats Howard Dean, now the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who once offered Job as his favorite New Testament book. This is cynical manipulation of the devout and it is no better when Democrats do it than when Republicans use religious language for partisan advantage.
Obama has declared himself a committed Christian. He can call himself anything he likes, but there are certain markers among the evangelicals he is courting that one must meet in order to qualify for that label.
Some insight into Obama’s “Christianity” comes from an interview he gave in 2004 to Chicago Sun-Times religion editor Cathleen Falsani for her book, “The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People.”
“I’m rooted in the Christian tradition,” said Obama. He then adds something most Christians will see as universalism: “I believe there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.”
Falsani correctly brings up John 14:6 (and how many journalists would know such a verse, much less ask a question based on it?) in which Jesus says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” That sounds exclusive, but Obama says it depends on how this verse is heard. According to Falsani, Obama thinks that “all people of faith — Christians, Jews, Muslims, animists, everyone — know the same God.” (Her words.)
Evangelicals and serious Catholics might ask if this is so, why did Jesus waste His time coming to Earth, suffering pain, rejection and crucifixion? If there are many ways to God, He might have sent down a spiritual version of table manners and avoided the rest.
Here’s Obama telling Falsani, “The difficult thing about any religion, including Christianity, is that at some level there is a call to evangelize and proselytize. There’s the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven’t embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they’re going to hell.” Falsani adds, “Obama doesn’t believe he, or anyone else, will go to hell. But he’s not sure he’ll be going to heaven, either.” Again, that is contrary to what Evangelicals and most Catholics believe.
Here’s Obama again: “I don’t presume to have knowledge of what happens after I die. When I tuck in my daughters at night and I feel like I’ve been a good father to them, and I see that I am transferring values that I got from my mother and that they’re kind people and that they’re honest people, and they’re curious people, that’s a little piece of heaven.”
Any first-year seminary student could deconstruct such “works salvation” and wishful thinking. Obama either hasn’t read the Bible, or if he has, doesn’t believe it if he embraces such thin theological wisps.
Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesn’t meet that requirement. One cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith, including the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man and be a Christian. Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called “false prophets.”
(Direct all MAIL for Cal Thomas to: Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y. 14207. Readers may also e-mail Cal Thomas at tmseditors@tribune.com.
A few lines from Obama's books - in his own words:
From Dreams of My Father:
'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela.'
From Audacity of Hope:
'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'
This man wants to be your president! I hope you plan to vote. The coming election will set our national destiny.
Come on down to the Barn! A little natural training in the barn yard might help some folk we hear about on TV.
From our perspective we see this as a developing trend of deception. The church (believers not buildings or institutions) needs to learn more and more how to use her spiritual eyes and ears to know the truth.
Fred Hughes
Click Here ---- I ask you to watch this short video and understand how much we need to pray for the USA and the times we live in! - More at www.newt.org
Reprint by permission: Ron Krebbs, D.D.
YOUR MIRROR TELLS LIES
All of us constantly receive the message that even the smallest flaw somehow diminishes our value to society. Regardless of the product we buy, the program we belong to, or the faith we embrace, none of us can escape confronting our own imperfections.
Whether I am alone with my thoughts or in a crowded room or just looking at my reflection in the mirror, I’m reminded that I don’t measure up to the ideal. And since my flaws are more obvious to me than to anyone else, I may begin to think of myself as a statistic or failure.
People will do things in their quest for worldly acceptance that they would not have even imagined doing otherwise--from cosmetic surgery to suicide or murder.
If we could view beyond our earthbound perimeters into the heavenly realm----a place just as real as our own world but invisible to the natural eye----we would discover One who fully knows and appreciates our worth. It is a place where, “there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).
Yes, Someone knows your true value and dignity can never be measured by a tailor, calculated by an accountant, molded by a surgeon, or applauded by an audience.
Because God has the ability to look beyond your shortcomings, you can be assured of three things.
1. God will use you for His glory.
Danger lurks behind feelings of inferiority. They can become excuses to disobey God spiritually and immobilize you. When God called Moses to lead Israel to the promised land, he tried to convince God of all of his failings, his speech impediment, his lack of leadership experience, his upbringing in a household led by worshipers of idols, and the murder that led to his fleeing into the wilderness. In my life and in yours Gods will marches forward regardless of our perceived shortcomings. Whenever I feel that others have cast me out, abandoned me, and written me off, I have learned to take heart as I know that I may be on the very threshold of being used by God in an extraordinary way.
2. God will accept you just as you are.
Psychologists say the need for acceptance is at the core of our social behavior. The greater our desire for acceptance, the more vulnerable we are to getting hurt emotionally or of succumbing to peer pressure. The road to peer pressure is paved with conformity to their expectations, but God loves me perfectly right now , He desires conformity to His expectations and plan, yet my failure to see His plan does not diminish His love for me. Jesus addressed this as He taught those in His presence the parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32). Your Heavenly Father is poised to accept you--- no strings attached.
3. God will honor your faith.
The Gospel of Luke records a story of an encounter that Jesus had with a Roman military official whose slave was dying. The messengers sent to contact the Christ and to plead with him for the slave were fully persuaded that their master was worthy to receive a miracle. After all, he was an active supporter of the religion of the Jews. They wasted no time in bringing this to the Lords attention. But as Jesus approached, we find that the mans assessment of himself was not nearly as grand as those around him. He sent a second group to seek the Lord and to relay the message: “Lord don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But if you will only say the word, then I know that my servant will be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7) Think of it a man highly esteemed within his community, did not see himself as deserving a face to face dialogue with Jesus. Yet his readiness to take Jesus at His word was praised and rewarded.
You may measure yourself as a nobody, while others around you think differently. And yet, the miracle is that God honors your faith.
God will take our weakness, our doubts, struggles, and immaturity, and look beyond them if we only take Him at His Word, remembering His promises and living in the fact of (Matthew 10:30-31).
by Ron Krebbs, D.D.
Help, I'm Spiritually Dying & I Need A Touch From God!
Many Christian people are experiencing something like a slow cancer that just takes the strength from your body and leaves you lifeless. There were days that were full of life and great excitement in serving the Lord at the church you attended, but that all seems so distant now.Spiritually there is dryness as though something in your heart has just died and blown away at some point. Something very sinister is working to destroy your victory!
The Church in North America and Western European churches is experiencing great decline.Oh, the advent of the mega church has given the impression that the church is growing, but it is false over all!According to Christian researchers like The Barna Group, the decline of the church has been steady now since around the early 70s orlate 60s.In America today 41% of our citizens have no church affiliation at all, although 45 percent of Americans say they pray every day!An impressive 64 percent of Americans say Jesus is the Son of God, and 68 percent believe in the resurrection of Jesus.A whopping 77 percent say they were raised and trained as a child to be a Christian.Every year 2,765,100 church attendees in Europe and the United States stop going to church altogether.In America 80% of the churches have fewer people attending than 20 years ago!Something has gone very wrong!
God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!We call these three the patriarchs.
We can gain some insight by looking at these three, the times, and situations they lived in.Abraham was the founder of the faith and was moved by faith.He, like the early settlers and founders of America, had to leave where he lived.By faith they struck out to an unknown world totally reliant upon God�s leadership, their relationship, and their ability to hear what God was leading them to do. Faith, obedience, trust, and honesty were hallmark descriptions of these founding fathers.Abraham�s son, Isaac, came next in line. Isaac inherited the blessings of Abraham, but he was controlled by his feelings.Isaac was “fooled by a feeling” when Jacob posed as Esau.Faith is always a target of the enemy.Satan will do anything to steal our birthrights!Isaac had been taught and trained by his father, Abraham, but because of the great blessing he inherited, he was not forced to focus his faith as his father had.Isaac was busy building upon the earthly things, rather than the spiritual things his father had taught him. The result of abundance sometimes robs children of time with their father. As the blessings of Abraham passed to the third generation, we see Jacob and Esau in a situation of great abundance, more than enough for both to prosper.Faith was not in these sons, but flesh was the ruling factor in both of their lives.Esau sold out for a bowl of soup.Isaac, his father, was fooled by the lie of Jacob, the deceiver.The same deception is present today, because so many are being controlled by the flesh.
The church is perhaps following the same pattern.Abraham was hungry for God.Isaac was hungry for nothing (apathetic while in the blessing).Esau was hungry in the stomach and empty in the head.Jacob was hungry for the blessing, but he tried to acquire it by the flesh.Have we moved too far away from what God originally intended?Can we come full circle and get hungry for God again?
I believe that many are hungering and thirsting for God.But where are the fathers?Who will show us how to walk in faith again?Where are the churches and leaders that know how to help?
There are churches and leaders that are walking and leading in love and faith.However, there are too many churches and leaders that are complacent in their abundance, and they are not producing sons of faith.There are also churches and leaders that are selling out everything for a cup of soup that will satisfy their flesh temporarily, but it has no lasting stamina.Finally, there are some churches and leaders that are out to deceive and steal the birthrights and lives of others to satisfy their fleshly desires and build their own kingdom instead of God�s kingdom.These churches want the blessing that does not belong to them, and they have no faith to get their own blessing.
Jesus attended a couple of those churches. Here is an example of how they responded to him.Many of you have experienced the same response.
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? (Luke 13:16)
Jesus went into the synagogue on the Sabbath, and a woman came in whose body was bent over. She could not lift herself up. She must have been bound with something like arthritis, because she could not stand up straight. She needed help and she came to the church to get what she needed. She had likely been to this church before.
Who caused this woman to be bent over? Was it the will of God that she could not stand up straight like other human beings? Did God cause it? No, I don�t think so!
Jesus said to this woman in Luke 13:13, "Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity." When He touched her, she was healed.Immediately she straightened up. You would think that everyone would have been ecstatic!A major supernatural event had just taken place in their church!Surely everyone is happy and shouting and celebrating!No!
The rulers of the synagogue became angry, because Jesus had healed the woman on the Sabbath.I have heard a pastor say, “You know, some people think more of a day than they do of a miracle.”Notice that Jesus then said that Satan had bound this woman for eighteen years (Luke 13:16). Jesus came in that church with more authority than the pastors at that church had.His authority was what ticked them off!Pride! They could not perform the miracle, so they had to trump up something, so the people would be “fooled by a feeling.”They had no faith, no power, and no authority.They just had a lie and an accusation that they hoped would cover up their fleshly inabilities.
When you are sick, you are under bondage. It is not a blessing.It is not freedom.If you are paralyzed and bedfast, you are in bondage. You want to get up and move, but you cannot; you are helpless. Sickness is bondage.Leadership that is apathetic, or fleshly produces bondage.Do you suppose that Jesus told that woman, “Now that you are healed, be sure to let these great leaders help you keep your healing!”Do you think that Jesus told her that she should make this her home church?No, Jesus would not have had her submit to the bondage of these synagogue leaders!Who the Son sets free is free indeed!I am sure Jesus would have recommended that she follow after God wherever He could be found.This woman was a daughter of Abraham. She has the blessing of God and the inheritance of faith. She deserved to be free of the bondage she was in, and so do you!She was bound by a disease, and Jesus set her free.He will set you free of any disease, too!You may not be bound by a disease, but by traditions, rules, and regulations.Complacent parents, or leaders, may have you bound up.Jesus is here to set you free, no matter what others might have to say.Have faith in God!Faith works by love.Love covers a multitude of sins.Jesus has the authority to set you free.Hunger for Him.Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.God knows we have needs.He will keep you from spiritually dying, if you seek Him with your whole heart.You are a son or daughter of Abraham!You can walk by faith.When you need a touch from God, Jesus will show up wherever you are.Find a church that teaches faith, walks in love, and has enough authority to set the captives free.You do not need to be dying and dry, you need to be walking in the blessing and abundance of God.Jesus gave His ministry to you.It is part of your inheritance.Do not sell out to someone who wants to control you, or to acquire approval or position. If you are a child of God you are accepted!You have no need of man�s approval or any church position.You are a son or daughter of God!
Too many people are out there saying, “Help I�m Spiritually Dying & I Need A Touch From God.”Jesus has given his ministry to you, so you can help them.You have the ministry of reconciliation, the ability to untangle them and set them free in Jesus! God will bless and equip you with all you need to minister in His name!
Fred Hughes
There are articles that come from leaders that help us grasp the times and gravity of the time we live in. James Robison has been a great leader for many years and I believe he has something strong to say here. With his permission and my affirmation, I provide it here for your benefit.
A Time For Anger by James Robison
Admiral Yamamoto awoke a "sleeping giant" at Pearl Harbor.
There is a time for righteous indignation. While we should be most concerned about our own shortcomings, failures and self-centered tendencies, external situations do occur that warrant our indignation -- even our anger.
Consider the despicable and deadly acts perpetrated on innocent people. Suicide bombers, radical militias and other purveyors of terror intend to disrupt the peaceful lifestyles of others and force on them their oppressive beliefs. The recent attempts in London and the successful fire bomb in Scotland should not only make the United Kingdom furious, but it should bring about the focused wrath and resistance of the entire world.
What happened on 9-11 should not only have been a point of fury on the part of the United States, but every nation on earth. It's time to be angry! If ever the world united on a single front, it should be against all terrorists, against all who in any way support it and, as President Bush said in his speech before Congress following the 9-11 attack, "against those who harbor them."
America responded slowly to the aggression of Japan and Nazi Germany. It wasn't until we were attacked at Pearl Harbor that our wrath unfurled. But our response was sure, certain and unified. It was direct and effective because we had every reason to be angry. The course of human history altered in a positive way and to the benefit of all nations. Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who was responsible for the attack at Pearl Harbor, reportedly lamented, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."
Too many people in the world are brainlessly remaining asleep and passive while the most despicable, heartless forces in human history attack the free world. Although the rhetoric focuses on America and Israel as the primary targets, terrorists' sights are set on all free people.
Many issues ought to stoke the fires of anger. Our own country's failure to enforce immigration laws leads to human trafficking and exploitation. This is not right. Pedophiles and others who prey on our precious, innocent children deserve our fury and punishment. Drug pushers who create addicts and ruin lives merit a resolve to shut them down and heal those they hurt.
Anger can be useful, if directed in the proper way. When we are motivated by love and compassion, there is no tolerance for those who totally, blatantly, openly, unapologetically assault the helpless and the innocent with no regard for the rights of others. Inaction equals indifference. If we truly care for others, we are compelled to stand against the evils that threaten their wellbeing. Death and destruction are on the move. I say that it is time for an angry and united free world to find effective ways to put a stop to it.
Publishing Information
Author: James Robison
Word Count: 473
About the author: James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International, an international humanitarian aid ministry; host of the television program, Life Today; and author of The Absolutes: Freedom's Only Hope.
Media Contact: Randy Robison, editor@jamesrobison.net PO Box 701 Euless, TX 76039 817-267-4211
I cannot tell you how many e-mails I get through the website.
Sometimes it is overwhelming. There is such a great cry for ministry needs, especially in most of the African countries, India, Pakistan, and Asian countries.Almost daily we receive requests to come and bring our teams and minister.In response to these I try to, at the very least, reply and send them an e-copy of one of my books to encourage them in the Lord.
Explaining why we cannot come to them is very difficult at times. My heart just breaks, and I so want to say we are coming. That is why your gifts are so important.Through your financial support of Decision Ministries, we can go and minister to some of these precious people.They so desperately need a team to come and build them up, meet some of their physical needs, and bring a fresh word of faith that will give them hope for life.Your gifts make that possible.Won�t you please partner with us today?Just go to the “Partner With Us” tab on the website and safely use your credit card, or find our mailing address information in that same location.
Pray for the teams as they go out, and ask God if you should be a team member.Change your life while your changing others!
On Saturday, August 26, 2006 I received an e-mail that I want to share with you. I gave a word of knowledge to a pastor in Kenya, Africa.Here is the sequence of e-mail communications.
I just heard the Lord speak this into my spirit, and so I gave it out to this pastor. He was one of four that I responded to that day.
Fred Hughes --------------------------------------- 8/18/06
Pastor, do you have a young daughter who is in need of medical surgery?
If not, who are you praying for that fits that description?
I have seen in my prayers a compassionate physician coming soon to do that surgery for her and bring her into full recovery and restoration.
God bless you and your church in Jesus Name.
Fred Hughes
Dear pastor, Fred
Greetings in the Holy name of Jesus Christ.
I thank God for you and what God is doing through you and the way he is using you.
Thank you very, much for your prayers. Well, pastor really I have a burden of begging God for this dear one who is under going surgery in Nairobi Hospital and she has been there for two and half months. It has been a great burden especially on the side of finances because this is my brother�s daughter and our family is unable to raise $2500 for the surgery and to clear the bill. Please remember us in your daily prayers .God is wonderful in revealing things.
God bless.
Pastor Onesmus.
A short time later (Aug. 26th) I receive this letter from Pastor Onesmus.
Dear sir,
I greet you in the Holy name of our Dear King Jesus. My Dear Fred, You are a prophet!! The daughter who was in Nairobi Hospital now she is out, she was discharged yesterday. God opened ways and we got the money which was needed for the bills. Brother my wife Jane and the members of my church want to see you. I want to meet you face to face. What can I do to see you brother? Here we see that God used the principles of the prophet's reward to extend life and also create provision through obedience - If you would partner with a prophet whether you are experiencing famine or not - you can be guaranteed that there will be no lack and also no shortage of refreshment and a continued flow of revelation and anointing.I and my ministry, we want to partner with you.
Pastor Onesmus Mark Omesa
My reply to the pastor�s wonderful praise letter and testimony is below.
How wonderful our God is!
We will meet face to face one day whether it be on earth or in heaven, I know not.
But we can celebrate our wonderful Lord for this great thing He has done. It is so amazing the way He has chosen to give all of us a great testimony ofwhat great things God has done. "They overcame him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony." (Rev. 12:11)
There is no one who can ever take this great testimony away from you, or me, or your church, or your brother and his wife and little girl. We all have a new overcoming testimony to tell -- a testimony that will cause faith and hope to rise up in others and in all things give glory to our God.
God is Love, and God is lovely!
Fred Hughes
This kind of ministry is ongoing, and God�s hand is not too short to reach people around the world.I am praying for ministry help in this area. I cannot respond to all of the e-mails in a timely and anointed fashion.
I also produce almost everything on this website at the moment, so I am in need of assistance, so that I can devote more time to the study of the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4).
Decision Ministries International is in need of your constant prayers, financial gifts, and volunteer ministry work. This ministry is your ministry. It is much larger than Irene and I, and we thank God for that!If God is leading you to become part of this ministry, please contact us and let us know.
Confessions (means to say the same thing -- to agree with what God is saying about you)
There is mighty power in our confessions. The Bible says in Hebrew 3:1, "The Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus." Jesus is Apostle and High Priest of OUR CONFESSIONS! Wow!
(Thanks to Ron Leonard, Nashville,TN. for sending us the confession below. It will challenge and bless you!)
"The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His! I will not look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed. My present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished with low-living, sight- walking, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I do not have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, depend on His presence, walk by patience. I am uplifted by prayer, and labor with power. That is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus! (A national pastor who was later martyred in Zimbabwe, Africa)
I want to share an article that has grabbed my attention in a way I can not communicate outside of saying, this is truly a sign of the times in which we live. ~ Fred Hughes
Designing Your Baby
The technology is in place to order up a child�s physical traits or intellect. The issue is how far we want to take it.
By Scott McCredie for MSN Health & Fitness
It started a decade ago with Dolly the Scottish sheep, the world�s first cloned mammal. Then a year later came Lucy the Canadian mouse, the first mammal with artificially implanted genes that could be inherited by her offspring. Since then, the world has expressed a mixture of confusion, horror and optimism at the potential of genetic engineering to prevent diseases in humans and “enhance” physical or cognitive traits.
So where does this technology stand? Are we any closer to creating so-called “designer babies?” And is there a developing darker side in which parents intentionally alter a baby�s genetic makeup, so he has the same condition, such as deafness or dwarfism, as his parents?
If the last question shocks you, be clear that a survey published by the medical journal Fertility and Sterility showed that about 3 percent of U.S. fertility clinics�four out of 137 responding clinics that perform embryo screening�already have performed procedures to help couples create children with a disability such as dwarfism or deafness.
First, a few definitions are needed. According to Marcy Darnovsky, associate director of the Center for Genetics and Society, in Oakland, Calif., when people say “designer baby” they often mean different things. Some refer to the ability to select the sex of an embryo; others interpret it as selecting the embryo (fertilized egg) itself. Embryo selection is increasingly used for in vitro procedures when couples are at high risk for certain genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. It allows them to screen out embryos carrying genes associated with the disease.
Most scientists avoid the “designer baby” phrase altogether, preferring “germline engineering” or inheritable genetic modification (IGM), defined as the altering of genes that pass on to future generations. This contrasts with non-inheritable gene therapy, such as when altered genes are added to body tissue, say, a diseased lung, in efforts to improve function.
More Reality Than Science Fiction
Although the technology for doing IGM has existed since 1978, it is now only done in non-human animals. If a scientist, for example, wanted to test a new anti-cholesterol drug on mice, rather than trying to find mice with naturally high levels of cholesterol, he could order a line of mice whose genes had been changed to give them this condition. As of yet, however, the technology hasn�t been perfected. Mistakes often are made in the gene-altering process that lead to developmental abnormalities. This is one reason�and a good one at that�the technology hasn�t been attempted in humans.
But some people advocate developing IGM for use in humans. They see IGM as a way to make life better for their children. And what parent wouldn�t want that?
“None of us want to pass on to our children lethal genes if we can prevent it,” says W. French Anderson, professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. “And that's what's going to drive germline gene therapy.”
But this kind of argument is a little misleading, says Darnovsky. The technology already exists today for screening out embryos with “lethal” genes, without adding to or changing the genes of a future child. The technique used for this is called pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Like in vitro fertilization (for infertile couples), it involves removing several eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with the husband�s sperm, and allowing the embryos to grow to several cells each. Then one cell is extracted from each and genetically analyzed. As scientists continue to unravel the code of the human genome, genes associated with other diseases and other traits will be identified.
My stance on immigrations is the same as Theodore Roosevelt!
Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."
Theodore Roosevelt 1907
Dear friends, I just have a little to say about the conflict in the Middle East that is on-going.
First, it will continue to be an on-going problem; it will not go away! There is only one way this conflict will end. When Jesus sets his feet on the mountains of Jerusalem, the conflict will be at its end. Not until then will there be lasting peace. What is happening is a testing of the nations.
There is an alignment of the nations who will support Israel and her land and those who will come against her and try to take her land. I tell you a truth: to fight against Israel is to fight against God. We need to continue to pray for our leaders to understand that to oppose Israel, or to join in any effort to cause her to lose land is unwise.
The land that has been promised to Israel by God belongs to her. Therefore, to stand against Israel is to stand in direct opposition of God. That is a foolish place to be standing. I believe we are at a critical time for the nations. Pray that this nation will remain the friend of Israel.
Don't believe everything you see on TV or in the news!
"Blog" - A penny for your thoughts!
The idea of a blog (web-log) was just not on my agenda. I thought, I have a website! Then it hit me: you already have a blog set up, just use it, so here it is! I have read a few of the ramblings of other people who have blogs and to be frank, most of the time it is just that, rambling! I can do that! So this is where I will just do a little rambling. The balance of the website is devoted to ministry, but here I may talk about politics, or give an editorial, or preach a sermon - anything goes! Ahhh, what freedom!
A great story!
A pre-school teacher took her class on a field trip to a park. They were all marching in formation entering the park. Suddenly, a firetruck zoomed by, lights flashing, and sirens screaming. Sitting regally on the rear of the truck was a Dalmatian dog, ears flapping in the wind.
The children immediately began discussing why the dog was riding on a firetruck. "They use him to keep the crowds back from the fires," said one. "No," said another. "They use him for good luck." A third child brought the argument immediately to a close. "No," she said firmly, "they use the dog to find the fire hydrant."
Have a great week! "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."
Rebuilding the Nation
The Heart of Nehemiah
NEHEMIAH 1:2-7
THAT HANANI, ONE OF MY BROTHERS, AND SOME MEN FROM JUDAH CAME; AND I ASKED THEM CONCERNING THE JEWS WHO HAD ESCAPED AND HAD SURVIVED THE CAPTIVITY, AND ABOUT JERUSALEM. AND THEY SAID TO ME, ''THE REMNANT THERE IN THE PROVINCE WHO SURVIVED THE CAPTIVITY ARE IN GREAT DISTRESS AND REPROACH, AND THE WALL OF JERUSALEM IS BROKEN DOWN AND ITS GATES ARE BURNED WITH FIRE.
NOW IT CAME ABOUT WHEN I HEARD THESE WORDS, I SAT DOWN AND WEPT AND MOURNED FOR DAYS AND I WAS FASTING AND PRAYING BEFORE THE GOD OF HEAVEN. AND I SAID, ''I BESEECH THEE, O LORD GOD OF HEAVEN, THE GREAT AND AWESOME GOD, WHO PRESERVES THE COVENANT AND LOVINGKINDNESS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. LET THINE EAR NOW BE ATTENTIVE AND THINE EYES OPEN TO HEAR THE PRAYER OF THY SERVANT WHICH I AM PRAYING BEFORE THEE NOW, DAY AND NIGHT, ON BEHALF OF THE SONS OF ISRAEL WHICH WE HAVE SINNED AGAINST THEE; I AND MY FATHER'S HOUSE HAVE SINNED. WE HAVE ACTED VERY CORRUPTLY AGAINST THEE AND HAVE NOT KEPT THE COMMANDMENTS, NOR THE STATUTES, NOR THE ORDINANCES WHICH THOU DIDST COMMAND THY SERVANT MOSES.
The heart of Nehemiah has come to our country and to the church. When Nehemiah heard of the condition of Jerusalem, he was grieved to the depths of his spirit. He did not try to fix the problem himself, but he went to the Lord. I commend our president and our governor of Texas for calling a nation and a state to prayer during 9/11. President Bush has remained a strong proponent of prayer in these times of war and terrorism.
America has been brought to her knees in this dark hour. Let her not forget to pray, while she is there. For when she stands again, and she most assuredly will, she will stand having first made herself right with God. Secondly, she will stand with wisdom and revelation after having been in the presence of God. Ultimately, she will go forth. Let her go in the blessing and power of His hand and His righteousness, not her own.
In this great hour there is as the prophet Joel said, "Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision." Many people are being tested in the area of their belief systems. They need truth, not opinions.
There is a remnant in the body of Christ today made up of people who have escaped the challenge and indoctrination of the spirit of religion. They are in great distress. They are desperate to discover true relationship with God.
I believe thatGod has been dealing with us in the area of worship to prepare our hearts for deeper intercession. However, we need to understand that there has always been a spirit of Cain.
Cain wanted the worship of the flesh; he hated the worship of the spirit, because he wanted his own gift to be accepted. God did not accept Cain's offering of fruit and vegetables, because it was the fruit of his hand. Like Cain, religion has caused the hijackers and the suicide bombers to think some act of their hands would please God. They all know now that is not true. His brother Abel's gift was a goat, a sacrifice unto the Lord. There was something about the spirit in which it was done. The heart of Abel's relationship was pleasing to God. Cain became indignant with that kind of worship, and he killed his brother. Today, the spirit of Cain still wants to destroy relationships and worship. I believe that America is at the very edge of a promised-land revival. Christian music and worship, along with the greatest revelation from the Word of God we have ever seen, is coming from great men and women of God from almost every denomination and movement in this country. It is really not shocking then, to understand that someone with that Cain spirit wants to destroy what we have.
We can see that spirit demonstrated in the attitude that says, ''It is not about God, it is about me and what is happening with where I am going! Are people noticing Me, My business, My ministry, or My church?" God is clearing the decks of false fire offered by false worshipers. The good news is this: God is full of grace and help in times of need.
A spirit of intercession is coming upon the church. It is coming within the remnants into those who have distress about the condition and standing of the body of Christ and of our country and of our world. God is raising up those who have been moved by the compassion of the Lord to see the Kingdom of God and this nation established once again in His name. Americans have had a bitter wake-up call.
NEHEMIAH 1:8-9
REMEMBER THE WORD WHICH THOU DIDST COMMAND THY SERVANT MOSES, SAYING, 'IF YOU ARE UNFAITHFUL I WILL SCATTER YOU AMONG THE PEOPLES; BUT IF YOU RETURN TO ME AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS AND DO THEM, THOUGH THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN SCATTERED WERE IN THE MOST REMOTE PART OF THE HEAVENS, I WILL GATHER THEM FROM THERE AND WILL BRING THEM TO THE PLACE WHERE I HAVE CHOSEN TO CAUSE MY NAME TO DWELL.
Intercession will begin working in the heart to bring repentance back into the nation. This national tragedy (9/11) and this war on terror can bring people back to God as people return to His presence and intercede. I believe that God will begin to heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
People who stand outside funeral services with hate signs, or those who make their own child's death dishonorable by making a platform of complaint, will not move God's healing hand.
If My People who are called by My name............................................. Ron Campbell
