In the following article on World Net Daily, Gary Cass, chairman of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, made the following statement;
Church shootings on rise in U.S. 'Leaders must be prepared to defend congregations'
"Self-defense is not just a right, but a Christian duty. Jesus told his followers, 'if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one,'" said Cass. "Christians are not to be a soft target for the hateful and deranged. Church leaders have a duty not to allow a crazed gunman to come and shoot up their congregation. Thank God for security officer Jeanne Assam and for New Life Church's security preparations."
This is a classic example of someone taking scripture out of context to try and make something that Jesus said to His disciples a mandate for all believers. Take a look at the whole conversation;
Luke 22:21-38 "But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table. "For indeed, the Son of Man is going as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!"
And they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing. And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. "For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. "You are those who have stood by Me in My trials; and just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
But he said to Him, "Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!" And He said, "I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me."
And He said to them, "When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?" They said, "No, nothing." And He said to them, "But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. “For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, 'AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment."
They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough."
Now, maybe it’s just me but I don’t see (or hear) Jesus instructing all of the disciples (the new CHURCH LEADERSHIP) to go out and make sure they all buy a sword to defend themselves. If anything, that was going to be the exception because He had already told them that many of them were going to suffer persecution and death all for His Names sake.........minutes before;
Luke 21:815 And He said, "See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not go after them. "When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately."
Then He continued by saying to them, "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven."But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name's sake. "It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. "So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. (emphasis added)
So what’s it going to be…………….what is going to be YOUR testimony to this world as they watch on the evening news. This writer has to disagree with Mr. Cass, I don’t think we should have armed security guards as part of our witness (martyr in the Greek) to this world who needs to see the "real" Jesus. The Jesus that was willing to lay His life down so that the world would have a chance to be saved from the penalty of sin. He passed this onto His Church.......that He is building......
G3144 μάρτυς martus mar'-toos
Of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally [judicially] or figuratively [generally]); by analogy a “martyr”: - martyr, record, witness.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Yet another "spirit" thing
The following excerpt was taken from;
Colorado Church Gunman Sought Revenge After He Was Kicked Out of Missionary Training
"It appears that the suspect had been kicked out of the program three years prior and during the past few weeks had sent different forms of hate mail to the program and-or its director," police said.
KUSA-TV in Denver reported late Monday that Murray posted several rants on a Web site for people who have left evangelical religious groups. The most recent post was on Sunday morning.
According to the station, which did not identify the site, Murray wrote, "I'm coming for EVERYONE soon and I WILL be armed to the @#%$ teeth and I WILL shoot to kill. ...God, I can't wait till I can kill you people. Feel no remorse, no sense of shame, I don't care if I live or die in the shoot-out. All I want to do is kill and injure as many of you ... as I can especially Christians who are to blame for most of the problems in the world."
According to KUSA, if the time on the posting is accurate, it was posted after the 12:30 a.m. shooting Sunday morning in Arvada and before the 1:10 p.m. Sunday afternoon shooting in Colorado Springs.
After the events of the past couple of weeks there really seems to be no doubt now that the spirits of murder and suicide have been poured out in abundance upon this nation. There is also no doubt that the things Jesus said were take place before His return are coming about ………..right on His schedule.
Matthew 24:8-13 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
We must make absolutely sure we are following the right Jesus and listening to the right Spirit! We must also make absolutely sure we are presenting the right Jesus and follow up in discipleship to make absolutely sure they receive the right Spirit. It was obvious in this young man's so-called "Christian" walk that he was deceived by the wrong spirit...........and wound up doing that "spirit's" bidding.
Colorado Church Gunman Sought Revenge After He Was Kicked Out of Missionary Training
"It appears that the suspect had been kicked out of the program three years prior and during the past few weeks had sent different forms of hate mail to the program and-or its director," police said.
KUSA-TV in Denver reported late Monday that Murray posted several rants on a Web site for people who have left evangelical religious groups. The most recent post was on Sunday morning.
According to the station, which did not identify the site, Murray wrote, "I'm coming for EVERYONE soon and I WILL be armed to the @#%$ teeth and I WILL shoot to kill. ...God, I can't wait till I can kill you people. Feel no remorse, no sense of shame, I don't care if I live or die in the shoot-out. All I want to do is kill and injure as many of you ... as I can especially Christians who are to blame for most of the problems in the world."
According to KUSA, if the time on the posting is accurate, it was posted after the 12:30 a.m. shooting Sunday morning in Arvada and before the 1:10 p.m. Sunday afternoon shooting in Colorado Springs.
After the events of the past couple of weeks there really seems to be no doubt now that the spirits of murder and suicide have been poured out in abundance upon this nation. There is also no doubt that the things Jesus said were take place before His return are coming about ………..right on His schedule.
Matthew 24:8-13 "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. "Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
We must make absolutely sure we are following the right Jesus and listening to the right Spirit! We must also make absolutely sure we are presenting the right Jesus and follow up in discipleship to make absolutely sure they receive the right Spirit. It was obvious in this young man's so-called "Christian" walk that he was deceived by the wrong spirit...........and wound up doing that "spirit's" bidding.
Monday, December 10, 2007
"Packin" for Jesus !!!!
In light of the church shootings in Colorado yesterday I would imagine by now that the great theological minds of our time are set to debate. Church administrators (who don’t usually have Mondays off) are searching out former TSA workers to bolster their staff. Businesses are already considering the great expansion of metal detection equipment and x-ray machines set up in church foyers. Pulpit manufacturers have their plans for the “shield”, and pews are being fitted with armor plating behind the fancy, soft cushions. Our major automobile manufactures are pressing their design teams to come up with the “ultimate in safety” minivan for Christian families to drive to and from church, complete with bullet proof glass, armor plating & GPS tracking, And of course, for that long walk to and from the sanctuary, the fully armed, former SWAT team member, “security” employee in his high speed, armor plated golf cart.
Now this may sound a bit “out there”, but with the progression of events that we see happening all around us today I truly wonder……. where does it all end in regard to “peace and safety”! Paul reminded his readers within the “church” at Thessalonica that these days were coming;
1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
He also reminded them of something else;
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
Paul was writing and speaking to them as one who knew what he was talking about. If there was anyone in scripture who could have used “security” personnel with him on his travels it was Paul.
2 Corinthians 11:24-28 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
But, I venture to say, he had the greatest “security” Person with him 24/7, just like his brother David;
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
Now I ask you………..how far will you go for “peace & safety”. And who is your “peace and safety” guy?
Think about it! And then think about taking a risk and “being the church” instead of searching out the ultimate “safe” church to “go to”.
Are you “packin” your bag for Jesus………or are you “packin” something else!
Now this may sound a bit “out there”, but with the progression of events that we see happening all around us today I truly wonder……. where does it all end in regard to “peace and safety”! Paul reminded his readers within the “church” at Thessalonica that these days were coming;
1 Thessalonians 5:3 While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
He also reminded them of something else;
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
Paul was writing and speaking to them as one who knew what he was talking about. If there was anyone in scripture who could have used “security” personnel with him on his travels it was Paul.
2 Corinthians 11:24-28 Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.
But, I venture to say, he had the greatest “security” Person with him 24/7, just like his brother David;
Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
Now I ask you………..how far will you go for “peace & safety”. And who is your “peace and safety” guy?
Think about it! And then think about taking a risk and “being the church” instead of searching out the ultimate “safe” church to “go to”.
Are you “packin” your bag for Jesus………or are you “packin” something else!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Could it be a "spirit thing".....ya think!
As we awoke this morning we were greeted with the big question;
What Drove Young Killer To Commit Mall Slaughter?
I am quite sure that this will be the main topic of all the TV news casts and radio talk shows in the hours to come. They will of course bring all of their so called “psychological experts” in and banter back and forth as to what mental condition this young man suffered from. They will discuss his upbringing, his social skills (or lack thereof) and, of course, any medications he has been on in his short 19 years of life. But, in light of 2 Timothy 3, I am wondering if so much of what we are seeing could be a direct result of the evil spirits we have allowed to operate pretty much unabated within our so-called Christian society (and I use the term “Christian” very loosely). Take a look at what Paul foresaw of the conditions man would be in as we got close to the “last days”;
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
Now if you take every one of these character traits and let them run their course in a person’s life you will have a pretty messed up individual. However, you interject some of these “spirits” into the mix and you come up with circumstances like happened in Omaha.
Let’s take “lovers of self” and stretch it out a bit. You begin by allowing your focus to be shifted off of God & His Word and onto yourself (remember, Paul is writing about so-called “Christians” here, “holding to a form of godliness”). Once the focus is shifted then you give opportunity for spirits to influence your thought processes (remember, the battle is in the mind, or physique). Once spirits have access they can run their course until they get their final results, which is usually death of the one being influenced and perhaps even some innocent individuals around him or her. Abortion is a classic example of this. A woman gets her focus off of “Truth” and puts it on “self”. This will run its course until something (or someone) gets in the way……..like a BABY! Once the mind has become so influenced that you become the center of all things, then spirits will take the opportunity to give you an alternative to your situation……….which results in murder…….of the BABY, Once the murder is accomplished then these same spirits convince the person that “it’s just a blob of cells” or “it’s your god given right to choose what you do with your body” (you will notice I used a small “g”). The result is that the baby’s “GOD given right to life” was over trumped by her “god given right to self”. If these "spirits" do their thing well they will then heap huge amounts of guilt on the woman until she ends her own life to end her mental (physique) torment. If it wasn't for God's grace intervening I personally believe there would be a suicide for every abortion taking place today.
One of the most “selfish” acts in our current society is suicide. I just wonder how much of the young shooter’s physique had been influenced by these “spirits”of murder & suicide. And, as we see this pattern being unfolded almost every day now, where will it end.
I can’t even imagine the number of “spirits” that have been poured out on our decadent society…………and what these spirits are capable of……….and what’s to come before Jesus returns to put these “spirits” in their “place”.
What Drove Young Killer To Commit Mall Slaughter?
I am quite sure that this will be the main topic of all the TV news casts and radio talk shows in the hours to come. They will of course bring all of their so called “psychological experts” in and banter back and forth as to what mental condition this young man suffered from. They will discuss his upbringing, his social skills (or lack thereof) and, of course, any medications he has been on in his short 19 years of life. But, in light of 2 Timothy 3, I am wondering if so much of what we are seeing could be a direct result of the evil spirits we have allowed to operate pretty much unabated within our so-called Christian society (and I use the term “Christian” very loosely). Take a look at what Paul foresaw of the conditions man would be in as we got close to the “last days”;
2 Timothy 3:1-5 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
Now if you take every one of these character traits and let them run their course in a person’s life you will have a pretty messed up individual. However, you interject some of these “spirits” into the mix and you come up with circumstances like happened in Omaha.
Let’s take “lovers of self” and stretch it out a bit. You begin by allowing your focus to be shifted off of God & His Word and onto yourself (remember, Paul is writing about so-called “Christians” here, “holding to a form of godliness”). Once the focus is shifted then you give opportunity for spirits to influence your thought processes (remember, the battle is in the mind, or physique). Once spirits have access they can run their course until they get their final results, which is usually death of the one being influenced and perhaps even some innocent individuals around him or her. Abortion is a classic example of this. A woman gets her focus off of “Truth” and puts it on “self”. This will run its course until something (or someone) gets in the way……..like a BABY! Once the mind has become so influenced that you become the center of all things, then spirits will take the opportunity to give you an alternative to your situation……….which results in murder…….of the BABY, Once the murder is accomplished then these same spirits convince the person that “it’s just a blob of cells” or “it’s your god given right to choose what you do with your body” (you will notice I used a small “g”). The result is that the baby’s “GOD given right to life” was over trumped by her “god given right to self”. If these "spirits" do their thing well they will then heap huge amounts of guilt on the woman until she ends her own life to end her mental (physique) torment. If it wasn't for God's grace intervening I personally believe there would be a suicide for every abortion taking place today.
One of the most “selfish” acts in our current society is suicide. I just wonder how much of the young shooter’s physique had been influenced by these “spirits”of murder & suicide. And, as we see this pattern being unfolded almost every day now, where will it end.
I can’t even imagine the number of “spirits” that have been poured out on our decadent society…………and what these spirits are capable of……….and what’s to come before Jesus returns to put these “spirits” in their “place”.
Monday, November 26, 2007
A Recipe for What?
1 cup of Annapolis Summit
1 cup of Israel
1 cup of Palestinian Authority (?)
1/2 cup of Syria
10 cups of Iranian influence
1/8 teaspoon of the US dollar
10 cups of Russian weaponry
10 cups of China's worldwide influence
5 cups of Hamas & Hezbollah influence
a pinch of Lebanon's current problems
a pinch of Hugo Chavez
20 gallon drum of Islam
55 gallon drum of spiritual wickedness
Mix well
Place ingredient's in a pressure cooker for an uncertain amount of time.
What you have when it is fully cooked is a perfect end times scenario to be served with massive doses of fire and brimstone.
Bon-A-Petite!
1 cup of Israel
1 cup of Palestinian Authority (?)
1/2 cup of Syria
10 cups of Iranian influence
1/8 teaspoon of the US dollar
10 cups of Russian weaponry
10 cups of China's worldwide influence
5 cups of Hamas & Hezbollah influence
a pinch of Lebanon's current problems
a pinch of Hugo Chavez
20 gallon drum of Islam
55 gallon drum of spiritual wickedness
Mix well
Place ingredient's in a pressure cooker for an uncertain amount of time.
What you have when it is fully cooked is a perfect end times scenario to be served with massive doses of fire and brimstone.
Bon-A-Petite!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
The Perfecting of the "Sheep Suit" - Pt. 2
Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
In part 2 of THE PERFECTING OF THE SHEEP SUIT let’s examine these “wolves” in a little more detail. You get the first clue about these people (wolves) in the admonition given by Jesus; “so (or therefore) be shrewd as serpents”. This word shrewd has got a very deep meaning to it and was one chosen by the writers of the New Testament to imply the severity of the situations He was sending His disciples into.
G5429 φρόνιμος phronimos fron'-ee-mos
From G5424; thoughtful, that is, sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while G4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative): - wise (-r).
As you can see from the Greek definition above there are many parts to this word, each with its own distinct purpose when dealing with people who have the attributes and heart motives of wolves. Wolves in their very nature have learned to capitalize on the weaknesses of the sheep. So it was in Jesus’ time and carries on through this very day. Sheep tend to very non-observant and focused on usually one task at a time. That is why there are numerous admonitions throughout the N.T. for disciples to “be on the alert”, and “See to it”………..
Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. (emphasis added)
By using the different meanings of the word “shrewd” let’s be people who are not easily fallen prey to the “wolves” that are out to eat us alive.
Let’s be people that are of “cautious character”, not just taking the word of someone because they have an “Osteen smile” plastered all over their face as they woo the sheep into their web of half truths.
Let’s be people of “intelligence or mental acquirement” when the “Warren wolf” comes up with a “better idea” than Jesus had……….let’s just take some time and “think” as brother Ravi suggests.
Above all, let’s be people who are “wise” in the Truth and the truth of God's Word, ever on guard when the enemy comes in like a flood with his “lying wolves” that are “lying in wait” for non-observant sheep.
In part 2 of THE PERFECTING OF THE SHEEP SUIT let’s examine these “wolves” in a little more detail. You get the first clue about these people (wolves) in the admonition given by Jesus; “so (or therefore) be shrewd as serpents”. This word shrewd has got a very deep meaning to it and was one chosen by the writers of the New Testament to imply the severity of the situations He was sending His disciples into.
G5429 φρόνιμος phronimos fron'-ee-mos
From G5424; thoughtful, that is, sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while G4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative): - wise (-r).
As you can see from the Greek definition above there are many parts to this word, each with its own distinct purpose when dealing with people who have the attributes and heart motives of wolves. Wolves in their very nature have learned to capitalize on the weaknesses of the sheep. So it was in Jesus’ time and carries on through this very day. Sheep tend to very non-observant and focused on usually one task at a time. That is why there are numerous admonitions throughout the N.T. for disciples to “be on the alert”, and “See to it”………..
Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. (emphasis added)
By using the different meanings of the word “shrewd” let’s be people who are not easily fallen prey to the “wolves” that are out to eat us alive.
Let’s be people that are of “cautious character”, not just taking the word of someone because they have an “Osteen smile” plastered all over their face as they woo the sheep into their web of half truths.
Let’s be people of “intelligence or mental acquirement” when the “Warren wolf” comes up with a “better idea” than Jesus had……….let’s just take some time and “think” as brother Ravi suggests.
Above all, let’s be people who are “wise” in the Truth and the truth of God's Word, ever on guard when the enemy comes in like a flood with his “lying wolves” that are “lying in wait” for non-observant sheep.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The Perfecting of the "SHEEP SUIT" Pt. 1
Matthew 7:15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Act 20:29 "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
Growing up in the 60’s there were some songs that have stuck in my head over the years. One of them seems to be highly prophetic even with its simple lyrics. The song was “Little Red Riding Hood” by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs. Now I can imagine that many of you are cocking your head at this point and looking at this writer with question marks swimming around……but please, hear me out.
One of the lines from this song goes like this; “I’m gonna keep my sheep suit on, until I’m sure that you’ve been shown, that I can be trusted walkin with you alone”. That got me thinking about the cunning & crafty nature of the wolf, using whatever means necessary to insure he gets what he is after. In the real story of Little Red Riding Hood the wolf answers Red Riding Hood’s questions with a series of lies about his eyes and ears that sound acceptable to her……. until he gets close enough to reveal his true “wolfly” nature and intentions.
It’s no wonder that both Jesus and Paul use this creature to warn the unsuspecting sheep of the extreme danger they are in allowing these “wolves” into their sphere of spiritual influence. The wording that they used also is an indicator of something important; Jesus saying “who come to you”, Paul saying: “will come in among you”. It wasn’t “might come to you”, it’s “will come to you”. Any “thinking” sheep should understand the difference between “might” & “will”, and in doing so, plan accordingly. That is why today’s “wolves” within the church are employing every “ears & eyes” tactic they can to get close enough to the sheep to use their “teeth”.
In the next few posts I will try to expose some of these “eyes & ears” of these stinkin wolves. That’s one of the things you can depend on………..wolves have a distinct odor when you get close to them……………for the “wolves” Jesus and Paul speak of…….. it’s a “sulfur smell”!
Act 20:29 "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
Growing up in the 60’s there were some songs that have stuck in my head over the years. One of them seems to be highly prophetic even with its simple lyrics. The song was “Little Red Riding Hood” by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs. Now I can imagine that many of you are cocking your head at this point and looking at this writer with question marks swimming around……but please, hear me out.
One of the lines from this song goes like this; “I’m gonna keep my sheep suit on, until I’m sure that you’ve been shown, that I can be trusted walkin with you alone”. That got me thinking about the cunning & crafty nature of the wolf, using whatever means necessary to insure he gets what he is after. In the real story of Little Red Riding Hood the wolf answers Red Riding Hood’s questions with a series of lies about his eyes and ears that sound acceptable to her……. until he gets close enough to reveal his true “wolfly” nature and intentions.
It’s no wonder that both Jesus and Paul use this creature to warn the unsuspecting sheep of the extreme danger they are in allowing these “wolves” into their sphere of spiritual influence. The wording that they used also is an indicator of something important; Jesus saying “who come to you”, Paul saying: “will come in among you”. It wasn’t “might come to you”, it’s “will come to you”. Any “thinking” sheep should understand the difference between “might” & “will”, and in doing so, plan accordingly. That is why today’s “wolves” within the church are employing every “ears & eyes” tactic they can to get close enough to the sheep to use their “teeth”.
In the next few posts I will try to expose some of these “eyes & ears” of these stinkin wolves. That’s one of the things you can depend on………..wolves have a distinct odor when you get close to them……………for the “wolves” Jesus and Paul speak of…….. it’s a “sulfur smell”!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Sing a little louder
I am guessing that most everyone who takes time to read these BLOGS has heard the following true account..............but as an act of my will I take the time to reread it at least once a year............and weep. You see, this not only applies to the apathy in our Christianity in regard to abortion........it crosses over into the depth of our relationship with the Lord Jesus. Do we have His heart of compassion.......do we experience the depth of His pain when He hears the cries................or do we just drown it out with our "songs" of ____________!
You fill in the blank with your own personal "song". Can you even identify your own personal "song"? Sometimes it's a hard slap of reality how many "songs" we actually have.......I know it was to me.
Sing a little louder!
After a speech, pro-life activist Penny Lea was approached by an old man. Weeping, he told her the following story:
"I lived in Germany during the Nazi holocaust. I considered myself a Christian. I attended church since I was a small boy. We had heard the stories of what was happening to the Jews, but like most people today in this country, we tried to distance ourselves from the reality of what was really taking place. What could anyone do to stop it?
A railroad track ran behind our small church, and each Sunday morning we would hear the whistle from a distance and then the clacking of the wheels moving over the track. We became disturbed when one Sunday we noticed cries coming from the train as it passed by. We grimly realized that the train was carrying Jews. They were like cattle in those cars!
Week after week that train whistle would blow. We would dread to hear the sound of those old wheels because we knew that the Jews would begin to cry out to us as they passed our church. It was so terribly disturbing! We could do nothing to help these poor miserable people, yet their screams tormented us. We knew exactly at what time that whistle would blow, and we decided the only way to keep from being so disturbed by the cries was to start singing our hymns. By the time the train came rumbling past the church yard, we were singing at the top of our voices. If some of the screams reached our ears, we’d just sing a little louder until we could hear them no more. Years have passed and no one talks about it much anymore, but I still hear that train whistle in my sleep. I can still hear them crying out for help. God forgive all of us who called ourselves Christians, yet did nothing to intervene.
Now, so many years later, I see it happening all over again in America. God forgive you as Americans for you have blocked out the screams of millions of your own children. The holocaust is here. The response is the same as it was in my country - SILENCE!"
You fill in the blank with your own personal "song". Can you even identify your own personal "song"? Sometimes it's a hard slap of reality how many "songs" we actually have.......I know it was to me.
Sing a little louder!
After a speech, pro-life activist Penny Lea was approached by an old man. Weeping, he told her the following story:
"I lived in Germany during the Nazi holocaust. I considered myself a Christian. I attended church since I was a small boy. We had heard the stories of what was happening to the Jews, but like most people today in this country, we tried to distance ourselves from the reality of what was really taking place. What could anyone do to stop it?
A railroad track ran behind our small church, and each Sunday morning we would hear the whistle from a distance and then the clacking of the wheels moving over the track. We became disturbed when one Sunday we noticed cries coming from the train as it passed by. We grimly realized that the train was carrying Jews. They were like cattle in those cars!
Week after week that train whistle would blow. We would dread to hear the sound of those old wheels because we knew that the Jews would begin to cry out to us as they passed our church. It was so terribly disturbing! We could do nothing to help these poor miserable people, yet their screams tormented us. We knew exactly at what time that whistle would blow, and we decided the only way to keep from being so disturbed by the cries was to start singing our hymns. By the time the train came rumbling past the church yard, we were singing at the top of our voices. If some of the screams reached our ears, we’d just sing a little louder until we could hear them no more. Years have passed and no one talks about it much anymore, but I still hear that train whistle in my sleep. I can still hear them crying out for help. God forgive all of us who called ourselves Christians, yet did nothing to intervene.
Now, so many years later, I see it happening all over again in America. God forgive you as Americans for you have blocked out the screams of millions of your own children. The holocaust is here. The response is the same as it was in my country - SILENCE!"
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Weapon of Marginalization
In any warfare there are always key weapons at the hands of the commanders that inflict the most damage to an enemy. These weapons are constantly being upgraded to insure maximum effectiveness. So it is with marginalization.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
mar·gin·al·ize /ˈmɑr dʒə nlˌaɪz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mahr-juh-nl-ahyz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object), -ized, -iz·ing.
to place in a position of marginal importance, influence, or power: the government's attempts to marginalize criticism and restore public confidence.
From the very beginning the enemy of our souls has attempted to use this weapon to thwart the plans that God has for his people. In the garden of Eden he marginalized God’s warnings about eating of the forbidden fruit;
Gen 3:4-5 The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
As we move through history this weapon has truly become more refined and in combination with other weapons become ever so deadly. Anthrax in itself is bad, but when added to other biological agents it becomes super deadly. To marginalize the truth (God said the day you eat of it you die) you need to appeal to the desires of the flesh in just the right way. In Eve’s case it was “good looking fruit – able to make one wise – be like God”. It’s easy to marginalize truth if you add enough deceptive agents to your basic weapon. The threat of “you’re gonna DIE Eve” was very skillfully eliminated with “lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life”.
Now, cross this over into today’s warfare for the souls of men (and women). God’s still warning us through His Word and His Spirit to be the church of Jesus Christ His way using His guidebook and His Spirit. He uses people who are walking in His Spirit and relying on His Spirit to guide them into all truth (John 16:13). The enemy however, has refined this key weapon and quite effectively marginalized these people with the same old combination, “eyes, flesh, pride”.
On the surface, or what you can see with your EYES, the Purpose-Driven paradigm and The Emergent Church look like they are right on the money, expanding in size and beauty……..”good lookin fruit”……..to the natural eye. However, God’s Word (The TRUTH) encourages us to not look with our natural eyes, but Spiritual ones.
1Co 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
Now, what of this “flesh” thing? “Good to eat, EVE”. The flesh, if given its way, will marginalize the Spirit in a heartbeat………the key is not to give it its way. That is not an easy thing to say the least, that’s why the enemy couples it with deadly weapons……it is “weaponized”. Today, he applies this in a myriad of ways within this apostate church movement. Flesh likes sermons that stroke it, and doctrines that don’t convict it, and programs that excite it, and music that woos it……….get the point? The Truth is marginalized because it is the direct opposite of all of this…..thus the people who walk & talk the Truth are pushed further and further into the background.
The final component of the weapon is the one that pushes people over the edge. “You can be like God, Eve”. The spirits driving these modern day pseudo-church movements are doing a most effective job because of the rampant “pride of life” in today’s society. False Christs, teachers & prophets are everywhere. They are sucking people into this web of deception at an alarming rate. This writer feels that the success of these charlatans, Rick Warren Joel Osteen Erwin McManus Rob Bell Brian McLaren to mention a few, is due to the crafty way the enemy has marginalized the Truth and those who proclaim it.
For those who still have ears to hear what the Spirit is screaming………..flee…….and do not be silent in the process. You will be marginalized in this pseudo-church's eyes…..but in God’s you will be rewarded.
Jam 5:3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
mar·gin·al·ize /ˈmɑr dʒə nlˌaɪz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mahr-juh-nl-ahyz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object), -ized, -iz·ing.
to place in a position of marginal importance, influence, or power: the government's attempts to marginalize criticism and restore public confidence.
From the very beginning the enemy of our souls has attempted to use this weapon to thwart the plans that God has for his people. In the garden of Eden he marginalized God’s warnings about eating of the forbidden fruit;
Gen 3:4-5 The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
As we move through history this weapon has truly become more refined and in combination with other weapons become ever so deadly. Anthrax in itself is bad, but when added to other biological agents it becomes super deadly. To marginalize the truth (God said the day you eat of it you die) you need to appeal to the desires of the flesh in just the right way. In Eve’s case it was “good looking fruit – able to make one wise – be like God”. It’s easy to marginalize truth if you add enough deceptive agents to your basic weapon. The threat of “you’re gonna DIE Eve” was very skillfully eliminated with “lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life”.
Now, cross this over into today’s warfare for the souls of men (and women). God’s still warning us through His Word and His Spirit to be the church of Jesus Christ His way using His guidebook and His Spirit. He uses people who are walking in His Spirit and relying on His Spirit to guide them into all truth (John 16:13). The enemy however, has refined this key weapon and quite effectively marginalized these people with the same old combination, “eyes, flesh, pride”.
On the surface, or what you can see with your EYES, the Purpose-Driven paradigm and The Emergent Church look like they are right on the money, expanding in size and beauty……..”good lookin fruit”……..to the natural eye. However, God’s Word (The TRUTH) encourages us to not look with our natural eyes, but Spiritual ones.
1Co 2:12-14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
Now, what of this “flesh” thing? “Good to eat, EVE”. The flesh, if given its way, will marginalize the Spirit in a heartbeat………the key is not to give it its way. That is not an easy thing to say the least, that’s why the enemy couples it with deadly weapons……it is “weaponized”. Today, he applies this in a myriad of ways within this apostate church movement. Flesh likes sermons that stroke it, and doctrines that don’t convict it, and programs that excite it, and music that woos it……….get the point? The Truth is marginalized because it is the direct opposite of all of this…..thus the people who walk & talk the Truth are pushed further and further into the background.
The final component of the weapon is the one that pushes people over the edge. “You can be like God, Eve”. The spirits driving these modern day pseudo-church movements are doing a most effective job because of the rampant “pride of life” in today’s society. False Christs, teachers & prophets are everywhere. They are sucking people into this web of deception at an alarming rate. This writer feels that the success of these charlatans, Rick Warren Joel Osteen Erwin McManus Rob Bell Brian McLaren to mention a few, is due to the crafty way the enemy has marginalized the Truth and those who proclaim it.
For those who still have ears to hear what the Spirit is screaming………..flee…….and do not be silent in the process. You will be marginalized in this pseudo-church's eyes…..but in God’s you will be rewarded.
Jam 5:3 Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!
Monday, October 8, 2007
Eyes on Jerusalem
Jesus & the prophets wept over God's Holy City. God's Word mentions this city 735 times. God has done miraculous things throughout history to preserve this city. According to His Holy Word is has great plans for the new city after the world is finished with the old one;
Rev 3:7-13 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 'I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
'Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie--I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (emphasis added)
And according to this prophetic utterance.........He's got plans for those who mess with His Holy City;
Rev 3:9 'Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie--I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
The Battle for Jerusalem Begins
Psalm 122:6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
"May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces."
" For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, "May peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. I know for a fact that the God who loves His Holy City is not going to settle for the worldly peace the characters of the synagogue of Satan are trying to implement right now. His peace will come in the form of the Prince of Peace who, when He comes, will deal with it once and for all.
Are you preparing yourself for "that" peace?
Rev 3:7-13 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: 'I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
'Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie--I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 'Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
'He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (emphasis added)
And according to this prophetic utterance.........He's got plans for those who mess with His Holy City;
Rev 3:9 'Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie--I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.
The Battle for Jerusalem Begins
Psalm 122:6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
"May peace be within your walls, And prosperity within your palaces."
" For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, "May peace be within you."
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem. I know for a fact that the God who loves His Holy City is not going to settle for the worldly peace the characters of the synagogue of Satan are trying to implement right now. His peace will come in the form of the Prince of Peace who, when He comes, will deal with it once and for all.
Are you preparing yourself for "that" peace?
Saturday, October 6, 2007
ANTI-Prayer.....The "Silent Killer"
In the natural we know that cancer, in many cases, has been dubbed the silent killer because of its invisible nature. As I was in prayer this morning I believe God showed me something about the “silent killer” of the church, that silence being, diminished corporate prayer.
In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, in the very complete analysis of spiritual warfare in chapter 6, he ends it with an exhortation to PRAY;
Eph 6:18-19 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
Now my understanding of this from the original Greek sentence structure, is that prayer was not an additional weapon, but was to permeate the whole of the armor. It is taught this way in the Spiritual Warfare Seminars I am conducting:
Is not considered a separate piece of the armor, but saturates the whole of the armor.
It is the armor’s effectiveness
It is our communication with the commander of the battle who activates the armor
Prayer has a fullness – It’s not just petition Eph 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray
This is a very important part of spiritual warfare and is crucial for victory over the enemy of our souls. Now if you’re the enemy, and you want victory, you employ tactics that will weaken your opponent. In the case of the church it’s simply devaluing corporate prayer by substituting it with something fun or entertaining. Remember the story of Peter in prison in Acts 12 and how he was miraculously released by an angel? Do you remember what the church was doing?
Act 12:11-12 When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.
This is a very powerful picture of what the latest crazes and movements are doing within the church to cripple it so they will not be able to stand firm as we are instructed to several times in Ephesians chapter 6. Think about the last time your church had an all night prayer meeting. What is the least attended meeting in the “church week”? It appears to this writer that the enemy of our souls has found a very successful “silent killer” and willing accomplices to help him along his path:
The Emergent Church (2 Timothy 4 at its best)
The Purpose Driven Church (This is a great E-Book)
The P.E.A.C.E. Plan (The end result is anything but peaceful)
Let’s get back to basics and do some real damage to the kingdom of darkness working within our midst. Let’s gather ourselves together and PRAY.
Monday, October 1, 2007
While they are saying, "Peace and safety!"
While "they"are saying "Peace and safety!"
Have you ever wondered who exactly the "they" are that Paul is talking about here in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 ff? I do know this.............I do not want to be anywhere close to this "they" crowd, and yet it seems as though the "they" crowd is at the heart of the whole current process in the Middle East that will usher in the antichrist. And, according to this report below, the "they" crowd has been at it for a long time, like for generations, which is also a bit disturbing. It's bad enough to be part of a country that is pushing this "Roadmap to Hell", but when so-called Christians compromise their faith so they won't have to take a stand against the corrupt culture...........that is even more disturbing.
The United Methodist Church Denomination will be voting in April of 2008 to become part of the "they" crowd. The Presbyterian Church USA was toying with the idea but then reversed the decision a little later down the road. The United Church of Christ promised a more "balanced" approach to the entities of the Middle East. Seems like the "theys" are popping up everywhere as we come down to "crunch time."
I guess we, "the truly saved crowd", could be labeled "anti-they". And as Paul put it to the Thessalonian crowd.........."therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are also doing.
The only big question you have to ask yourself is; "am I one of the truly saved crowd or will I compromise my faith and become a "THEY!" And, do I care enough about the eternal future of the "they" crowd to risk reminding them of what Jesus is going to do with the "they crowd!"
Rice says talks 'gaining momentum'
1Thessalonians 5:1-11 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
Have you ever wondered who exactly the "they" are that Paul is talking about here in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 ff? I do know this.............I do not want to be anywhere close to this "they" crowd, and yet it seems as though the "they" crowd is at the heart of the whole current process in the Middle East that will usher in the antichrist. And, according to this report below, the "they" crowd has been at it for a long time, like for generations, which is also a bit disturbing. It's bad enough to be part of a country that is pushing this "Roadmap to Hell", but when so-called Christians compromise their faith so they won't have to take a stand against the corrupt culture...........that is even more disturbing.
The United Methodist Church Denomination will be voting in April of 2008 to become part of the "they" crowd. The Presbyterian Church USA was toying with the idea but then reversed the decision a little later down the road. The United Church of Christ promised a more "balanced" approach to the entities of the Middle East. Seems like the "theys" are popping up everywhere as we come down to "crunch time."
I guess we, "the truly saved crowd", could be labeled "anti-they". And as Paul put it to the Thessalonian crowd.........."therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are also doing.
The only big question you have to ask yourself is; "am I one of the truly saved crowd or will I compromise my faith and become a "THEY!" And, do I care enough about the eternal future of the "they" crowd to risk reminding them of what Jesus is going to do with the "they crowd!"
Rice says talks 'gaining momentum'
1Thessalonians 5:1-11 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
Friday, September 28, 2007
PRAYER.....in the correctness of Christ
TURKEY: ALLEGED INSTIGATORS NAMED IN MALATYA MURDERS
Christians called to fast, pray ahead of trial; European parliamentarians demand justice.
Summary:
ISTANBUL, September 28 (Compass Direct News) – An e-mail message to Turkish Protestant leaders in June surfaced in the Turkish press last week, revealing the names of Malatya officials alleged to have plotted the murder of three Christians there last April. The Firat News Agency (ANF) reported on September 18 that an anonymous e-mail message signed simply “A.A.” had named a colonel in the Malatya gendarmerie along with an Islamic faculty member as the instigators of the plot to kill the three Christians. The ANF article identified the officer as Mehmet Ulger but gave only the initials of several others. A September 19 article in Birgun newspaper, however, listed the name of the faculty member as Ruhi Babat. It also identified a member of parliament from Malatya, one military commander and another suspect, claiming that the murder conspiracy had been planned for four or five months. The Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey is calling on Turkish congregations to designate each Thursday for prayer and fasting for the upcoming murder trial.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY
This story reeks of corruption at the highest levels, but that really should not surprise us. The plotting and scheming of our real enemy, Satan, has been refined into an art. Christians everywhere are being subjected to one form of persecution or another that vary in degrees, but all have the same spiritual source. We do need to pray for this trial, but let's do so with a full understanding as is given in the following portion of scripture;
Romans 8:26-28 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
I believe we need to ask ourselves; What are my weaknesses in regard to praying correctly in Christ? Do I pray hard enough to experience the "groanings too deep for words"? Is my heart and mind searchable? Do I fully understand the depth of "knowing" when it comes to God causing all things to work together for good? Am I called to His purpose...........or my own?
Let's Pray!
Christians called to fast, pray ahead of trial; European parliamentarians demand justice.
Summary:
ISTANBUL, September 28 (Compass Direct News) – An e-mail message to Turkish Protestant leaders in June surfaced in the Turkish press last week, revealing the names of Malatya officials alleged to have plotted the murder of three Christians there last April. The Firat News Agency (ANF) reported on September 18 that an anonymous e-mail message signed simply “A.A.” had named a colonel in the Malatya gendarmerie along with an Islamic faculty member as the instigators of the plot to kill the three Christians. The ANF article identified the officer as Mehmet Ulger but gave only the initials of several others. A September 19 article in Birgun newspaper, however, listed the name of the faculty member as Ruhi Babat. It also identified a member of parliament from Malatya, one military commander and another suspect, claiming that the murder conspiracy had been planned for four or five months. The Alliance of Protestant Churches in Turkey is calling on Turkish congregations to designate each Thursday for prayer and fasting for the upcoming murder trial.
CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY
This story reeks of corruption at the highest levels, but that really should not surprise us. The plotting and scheming of our real enemy, Satan, has been refined into an art. Christians everywhere are being subjected to one form of persecution or another that vary in degrees, but all have the same spiritual source. We do need to pray for this trial, but let's do so with a full understanding as is given in the following portion of scripture;
Romans 8:26-28 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
I believe we need to ask ourselves; What are my weaknesses in regard to praying correctly in Christ? Do I pray hard enough to experience the "groanings too deep for words"? Is my heart and mind searchable? Do I fully understand the depth of "knowing" when it comes to God causing all things to work together for good? Am I called to His purpose...........or my own?
Let's Pray!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Olmert & The APPLE of His Eye
Abu Mazen: Olmert Agreed to Make Jerusalem Arab Capital
This is a "must read" people..................it is almost unbelievable if we didn't know and understand that this has to take place before Jesus can return and clean up this stinkin mess. I am so grieved that our own government is playing into this whole scenario, but even that was foretold many centuries ago.
Rev 16:12-14 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.
This is a "must read" people..................it is almost unbelievable if we didn't know and understand that this has to take place before Jesus can return and clean up this stinkin mess. I am so grieved that our own government is playing into this whole scenario, but even that was foretold many centuries ago.
Rev 16:12-14 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Global Warming.....to the MAX
As I was flying home Monday morning, I was looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and thinking about how the lack of hurricanes over the past couple of years has been attributed to Global Warming. Come to think of it, almost everything is being attributed to Global Warming now days. The hype over a half of a degree in the global temperature is almost unbelievable. Scientists debating.............political candidates going bonkers.................world economics being effected..............panic over ice caps melting and polar bears drowning. All of this fear, and fear mongering going on..............do you ever wonder if the whole world has gone mad. Well, I suppose that's true.........Jesus said it was going to be like this, and I guess He should know.
What really amazes me though is that so-called Christian people can get all worked up over Global Warming and not even give a thought of the "GLOBAL WARMING" God has promised in His word;
Rev 8:5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Rev 8:7 The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Now that's Global Warming to be concerned about. Instead of putting all sorts of time and money into "saving the planet".............we should be more concerned about "introducing the planet to Jesus" and letting Him "save the souls" before He "smokes the planet".
Just my opinion.
What really amazes me though is that so-called Christian people can get all worked up over Global Warming and not even give a thought of the "GLOBAL WARMING" God has promised in His word;
Rev 8:5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.
Rev 8:7 The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Now that's Global Warming to be concerned about. Instead of putting all sorts of time and money into "saving the planet".............we should be more concerned about "introducing the planet to Jesus" and letting Him "save the souls" before He "smokes the planet".
Just my opinion.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Gloom, Despair & Agony on me............
Here comes another trip back in time........
"Gloom, despair and agony on me
Deep dark depression, excessive misery
If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all.
Gloom, despair and agony on me."
This is the now infamous song from Buck Owens and the gang on Hew Haw, a primitive TV show of the 60's. Even though it was quite primitive, by today's standards, it spoke of a deep & dark truth. Today, some 40 years later, ANXIETY & STRESS are major killers of the body. Our enemy likes that for a number of reasons, the biggest being a life cut short before it could accomplish what God had destined it to be & do. Our brother Paul spiritually understood this and was reminding the saints in Phillipi of this danger;
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
This word "anxious" has a root word in the Greek that let's us see why this is so dangerous;
merimna mer'-im-nah
From G3307 (through the idea of distraction); solicitude: - care.
Paul uses this strong word with them because he knows in his own life how the enemy of our souls wants to distract each of us and prevent us from being "all we can be in Jesus Christ". The anxiety & stress he was warning them about was going to be a direct result of the persecution that was going to come as they took their STAND in Him. The cure for this ANXIETY & STRESS was "in EVERYTHING with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And then comes the promise that we can "take to the bank";
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
You notice it says "WILL guard", not might guard, or maybe guard.............it's He Will guard.
So the question you have to ask yourself is this;
What song are you gonna sing when the enemy comes in like a flood and your soul's gotta sing somethin? Are you going to join Buck Owens and the gang.............or would you like to sing a "new song".
"Gloom, despair and agony on me
Deep dark depression, excessive misery
If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all.
Gloom, despair and agony on me."
This is the now infamous song from Buck Owens and the gang on Hew Haw, a primitive TV show of the 60's. Even though it was quite primitive, by today's standards, it spoke of a deep & dark truth. Today, some 40 years later, ANXIETY & STRESS are major killers of the body. Our enemy likes that for a number of reasons, the biggest being a life cut short before it could accomplish what God had destined it to be & do. Our brother Paul spiritually understood this and was reminding the saints in Phillipi of this danger;
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
This word "anxious" has a root word in the Greek that let's us see why this is so dangerous;
merimna mer'-im-nah
From G3307 (through the idea of distraction); solicitude: - care.
Paul uses this strong word with them because he knows in his own life how the enemy of our souls wants to distract each of us and prevent us from being "all we can be in Jesus Christ". The anxiety & stress he was warning them about was going to be a direct result of the persecution that was going to come as they took their STAND in Him. The cure for this ANXIETY & STRESS was "in EVERYTHING with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And then comes the promise that we can "take to the bank";
Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
You notice it says "WILL guard", not might guard, or maybe guard.............it's He Will guard.
So the question you have to ask yourself is this;
What song are you gonna sing when the enemy comes in like a flood and your soul's gotta sing somethin? Are you going to join Buck Owens and the gang.............or would you like to sing a "new song".
Monday, September 3, 2007
Important post on Undergrounded News
There is an important post on the Undergrounded News Blog that should be considered
http://theundergroundednews.blogspot.com/
http://theundergroundednews.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 31, 2007
Danger, Danger......Saints of God
Back in the early days of TV there was a program called "Lost in Space", a crude look into the future. One of the characters , Will Robinson, had a "personal robot" that would warn him of impending danger by shouting out "warning, warning, danger, danger Will Robinson. I always thought that was pretty cool, to be able to walk through the "unknowns" of outer space securely.
Today as Christians, we are facing some very dangerous and uncertain times;
2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
The word "difficult" has the expanded meaning of "tumultuous" of "dangerous". The rest of the verses in the chapter go on to explain the condition of the apostate church with a final warning from Paul to "avoid such men as these".
2 Timothy 3:5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
Will Robinson had his robot...........Timothy had his teacher/mentor, Paul........who do we have ??????
This is where God Himself steps in through the Holy Spirit who resides in us, not on the outside shouting at us......"warning, warning".
John 14:17 {that is} the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, {but} you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
By keeping this verse in context you can see that Jesus had just given His disciples some very unsettling news..........."I am going away, and where I am going you can't come". Then comes the most wonderful "BUT" in the scriptures. He was going to put the greatest "warning system" in us, not next to us, but IN US. Wow.............what else could anyone ask for as we face these unsettling times ahead.
So.............as the world looks for their "robots", let us, as true disciples in Jesus Christ, put our complete trust and weight into Him and rest in the guidance of God's Holy Spirit.........and..........let us live our lives like we know it!
Today as Christians, we are facing some very dangerous and uncertain times;
2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
The word "difficult" has the expanded meaning of "tumultuous" of "dangerous". The rest of the verses in the chapter go on to explain the condition of the apostate church with a final warning from Paul to "avoid such men as these".
2 Timothy 3:5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.
Will Robinson had his robot...........Timothy had his teacher/mentor, Paul........who do we have ??????
This is where God Himself steps in through the Holy Spirit who resides in us, not on the outside shouting at us......"warning, warning".
John 14:17 {that is} the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, {but} you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
John 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
By keeping this verse in context you can see that Jesus had just given His disciples some very unsettling news..........."I am going away, and where I am going you can't come". Then comes the most wonderful "BUT" in the scriptures. He was going to put the greatest "warning system" in us, not next to us, but IN US. Wow.............what else could anyone ask for as we face these unsettling times ahead.
So.............as the world looks for their "robots", let us, as true disciples in Jesus Christ, put our complete trust and weight into Him and rest in the guidance of God's Holy Spirit.........and..........let us live our lives like we know it!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Man saves Man........
Saints:
There is an very interesting article on the Old Truth.com website entitled;
Man saves Man and decisions are the plan
Also, check out the video in the center of the article..........I hope it doesn't look too familiar to your church's practices in regard to salvation for the lost.
I also have an article written by Dr. Roy Hargrave entitled; An Idol called Evangelism. If you would like a copy of this please send me an E-mail at cppinstitute@windstream.net and ask for a copy. I have been given permission to distribute this as an educational tool.
The prophet Hosea said some very sobering words;
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
I wonder how many people are on the path to destruction because of this decisionistic -pseudo salvation that is being thrown out to the unsuspecting lost........all for the sake of NUMBERS on a church role. I do believe Jesus had a few things to say about people who offend one of these "little ones".......I beleive you could make the case that "little ones" could be lost sinners in search of a savior......... I would hate to stand before him and try to justify my position on "getting that decision at all costs". But.......that's only my opinion.
There is an very interesting article on the Old Truth.com website entitled;
Man saves Man and decisions are the plan
Also, check out the video in the center of the article..........I hope it doesn't look too familiar to your church's practices in regard to salvation for the lost.
I also have an article written by Dr. Roy Hargrave entitled; An Idol called Evangelism. If you would like a copy of this please send me an E-mail at cppinstitute@windstream.net and ask for a copy. I have been given permission to distribute this as an educational tool.
The prophet Hosea said some very sobering words;
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
I wonder how many people are on the path to destruction because of this decisionistic -pseudo salvation that is being thrown out to the unsuspecting lost........all for the sake of NUMBERS on a church role. I do believe Jesus had a few things to say about people who offend one of these "little ones".......I beleive you could make the case that "little ones" could be lost sinners in search of a savior......... I would hate to stand before him and try to justify my position on "getting that decision at all costs". But.......that's only my opinion.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Testing the waters
Saints:
The following article was found on World Net Daily and is another example of "testing the waters". The day will come when this will more than likely be S.O.P., we had best be prepared for that day. I do applaud this man for being willing to suffer for the cause of the gospel. Wonder how many of the other inmates got to hear the 'good news' while he had his captive audience.
Giving out gospel tracts becomes a federal case
67 year old man jailed 2 days for violating 'parade' ordinance
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57304
The following article was found on World Net Daily and is another example of "testing the waters". The day will come when this will more than likely be S.O.P., we had best be prepared for that day. I do applaud this man for being willing to suffer for the cause of the gospel. Wonder how many of the other inmates got to hear the 'good news' while he had his captive audience.
Giving out gospel tracts becomes a federal case
67 year old man jailed 2 days for violating 'parade' ordinance
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=57304
Friday, August 17, 2007
"Hate Crimes"......get ready
Saints:
I found this short video on the AFA website and thought it best to pass it on along........I would recommend you take 8 minutes out of your day and "have a look"
http://www.afa.net/play/index.html
I also found a post on the Slice of Laodecia website on this issue, you may want to check that out as well.
http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/?p=659
And, of course, we should all pay attention to what is happening on the Repent America scene;
http://www.repentamerica.com/index.php?face=8%3A48%3A12+PM&on=1
Please realize that this is just another step to produce the apostasy that needs to come about BEFORE Jesus returns according to the apostle/prophet, Paul.
2Th 2:1-4 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
Now if you have a question in regard to the timing of the above portion of scripture you might want to check out this "educational" website;
http://www.prewrathrapture.com/
Of course.........checking this one out will take you much more time than 8 minutes.
I found this short video on the AFA website and thought it best to pass it on along........I would recommend you take 8 minutes out of your day and "have a look"
http://www.afa.net/play/index.html
I also found a post on the Slice of Laodecia website on this issue, you may want to check that out as well.
http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/?p=659
And, of course, we should all pay attention to what is happening on the Repent America scene;
http://www.repentamerica.com/index.php?face=8%3A48%3A12+PM&on=1
Please realize that this is just another step to produce the apostasy that needs to come about BEFORE Jesus returns according to the apostle/prophet, Paul.
2Th 2:1-4 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
Now if you have a question in regard to the timing of the above portion of scripture you might want to check out this "educational" website;
http://www.prewrathrapture.com/
Of course.........checking this one out will take you much more time than 8 minutes.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Commentary on Mike Evan's request letter
I had mentioned in yesterday’s commentary that I would be making some comments on the cover letter sent out by Mike Evans in regard to his book The Final Move Beyond Iraq and the direction he is going with the Jerusalem Prayer Team. However, before I write anything I want everyone to know I whole heartedly believe we are to be praying for the peace of Jerusalem as commanded by the scriptures. Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you.
I am looking forward to reading the book as I can see by his credentials that he has some real insight into the dealings of the Middle East. But there was something in the cover letter he sent out to one of his prayer team that made some red flags go up. The idea behind the program of the cover letter was to add to his prayer team by getting some of the existing members to send out copies of his book to people they think are prayer warriors. Along with this request was another to give him the names and addresses of those who were receiving this book. That part was a bit “borderline” for me, but the real “red flag waving” came in with the following paragraph after his request toward the end of the cover letter.
“After twenty-one days of fasting and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me to ask you to help birth a national prayer campaign, “If my People” for the U.S. and Israel from the King Solomon prophecy in II Chronicles 7:14;m God says He will “heal our land”.
I have some real problems with people who state that the Spirit of the Lord has spoken to them by using the Word, that the Spirit wrote, out of context and coming to a conclusion like “God says He will heal our land” The first problem is the scripture out of context. It is very plain to see that because of the sentence structure in II Chronicles 7, verse 13 must accompany verse 14 to be contextually correct and completely understood.
2Ch 7:13 "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,
2Ch 7:14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked NASB
As anyone can see, “and my people” must be tied to all of verse 13 because of the comma in the NASB or semi-colon in the KJV……….you cannot separate it out into a separate sentence or thought. The reason most people do this is because it removes God’s sovernty and allows a person to force the verse to read another way. What Solomon is saying here is that God is in ultimate control and if the people who are called by His name will behave as they are commanded, even when He brings about discipline, then He will hear their prayers and grant their request. That’s a far cry from what is being proposed in the cover letter. It sounds more like “arm twisting” God into doing our bidding just because we pray…..and the reasoning behind it is purely selfish in nature. What gives us the idea that we can alter God’s plans for bringing Israel into a position where they will do anything for peace…..including signing a contract with the antichrist. What that process is going to look like is entirely up to God’s sovernty and has little to do with how we pray for “land healing”.
If this truly were the case then all of the Christians throughout all of history who have been tortured and killed for their faith would not have had to go through it if they would have just prayed a little more and taken some of the scripture OUT OF CONTEXT.
I am looking forward to reading the book as I can see by his credentials that he has some real insight into the dealings of the Middle East. But there was something in the cover letter he sent out to one of his prayer team that made some red flags go up. The idea behind the program of the cover letter was to add to his prayer team by getting some of the existing members to send out copies of his book to people they think are prayer warriors. Along with this request was another to give him the names and addresses of those who were receiving this book. That part was a bit “borderline” for me, but the real “red flag waving” came in with the following paragraph after his request toward the end of the cover letter.
“After twenty-one days of fasting and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me to ask you to help birth a national prayer campaign, “If my People” for the U.S. and Israel from the King Solomon prophecy in II Chronicles 7:14;m God says He will “heal our land”.
I have some real problems with people who state that the Spirit of the Lord has spoken to them by using the Word, that the Spirit wrote, out of context and coming to a conclusion like “God says He will heal our land” The first problem is the scripture out of context. It is very plain to see that because of the sentence structure in II Chronicles 7, verse 13 must accompany verse 14 to be contextually correct and completely understood.
2Ch 7:13 "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,
2Ch 7:14 and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked NASB
As anyone can see, “and my people” must be tied to all of verse 13 because of the comma in the NASB or semi-colon in the KJV……….you cannot separate it out into a separate sentence or thought. The reason most people do this is because it removes God’s sovernty and allows a person to force the verse to read another way. What Solomon is saying here is that God is in ultimate control and if the people who are called by His name will behave as they are commanded, even when He brings about discipline, then He will hear their prayers and grant their request. That’s a far cry from what is being proposed in the cover letter. It sounds more like “arm twisting” God into doing our bidding just because we pray…..and the reasoning behind it is purely selfish in nature. What gives us the idea that we can alter God’s plans for bringing Israel into a position where they will do anything for peace…..including signing a contract with the antichrist. What that process is going to look like is entirely up to God’s sovernty and has little to do with how we pray for “land healing”.
If this truly were the case then all of the Christians throughout all of history who have been tortured and killed for their faith would not have had to go through it if they would have just prayed a little more and taken some of the scripture OUT OF CONTEXT.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Welcome
Well, I have joined the bloggermania craze and hope to be a little more disciplined with my commentaries on current news items. I ask for your prayers for wisdom and will continue to seek out His guideance in this venture.
In the coming days I will be examining some things in the book The Final Move Beyond Iraq by Mike Evans & some of the comments in his cover letter. Has anyone read this book and would have a comment on it?
More to come..........
In the coming days I will be examining some things in the book The Final Move Beyond Iraq by Mike Evans & some of the comments in his cover letter. Has anyone read this book and would have a comment on it?
More to come..........
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