The Undergrounded

A “trigger” for the Perfect Storm ?????

2011-04-12T11:53:00.001-04:00

This little piece of information, when added to the "Perfect Storm" scenario of the last post , could be the very thing to trigger of the world's economic meltdown……..it's a good thing we're not dependent on the "WORLD'S" economic system!

http://www.debka.com/article/20838

The 2nd Spiritual Warfare Webinar starting April 19th

2011-04-11T19:24:00.001-04:00

I am going to be starting another 12-13 week webinar series on SPIRITUAL WARFARE FOR THE 21^ST CENTURY. If you would like to check out the testimonials from some of the current students go to the following website to see what they have to say. You can then register if you like and join in on the study starting APRIL 19^TH. All you will need is a headset or microphone & speakers hooked into your computer. This training is free of charge and you will receive a CD with all of the power point slide on it for the entire course of study……..this crucial information needs to be spread to as much of the body of Christ as possible as preparation for the difficult times ahead (2 TIMOTHY 3 & 4)

http://www.theundergrounded.org/webinars.htm

Is it “PERFECT STORM” time yet?

2011-04-05T08:14:00.001-04:00

Take a few minutes and read this chilling article by Charles Cooper of Prewrath Resource Institute. The last line of the article is one we had all pay very close attention to!

A Perfect Storm: America's Destiny Can Turn on a Dime!

I am nervous! Someone is at work. Is it God? What about Satan? Or is it both? I do not want to

ascribe to God what Satan is doing and, most assuredly, I do not want to attribute to Satan what

God is sovereignly allowing to come to pass. But something ominous is going on. It seems that

America is being set up for a great fall.

Satan would like that because America has been a force for good in the world for more than 200

years. Many millions have come to know Jesus Christ because of the missionary efforts of this

nation over the past 100 years. The name of Jesus has been carried throughout the world due, in

part, to the high regard of many nations for America. So, I completely understand why Satan

would want to see America's role in the world greatly diminished.

On the other hand, it would surely seem that God must soon unleash the judgments that His

righteousness demands. Murderers go free on technicalities in clear violation of God's covenant

with Noah; the sin of homosexuality is legalized and protected by the courts in explicit disregard

of God's covenant with humanity; the murder of the unborn generates untold dollars for clinics

of death; men lie, cheat, and steal in the name of business, while widows and orphans are

neglected, scammed, and suffer want. Again, the President instructs the nation that marriage

between men or between women is constitutional, and it is discriminatory to think to oppose and

act against it. The list is endless. Yet many continue to claim that they not only believe in the

God who created the heavens and the earth, but that He sanctions these attitudes and actions. I

completely understand why God must – sooner or later – take action against our nation. After all,

the Bible is crystal clear: these sins are an abomination before God!

Satan has always been America's foe, but Americans have now made an enemy of God, and it is

only a matter of time before one or the other acts successfully against us. It would appear that

America is heading into a perfect storm – a storm of her own making to be sure! Slowly and

nearly imperceptibly, forces are aligning themselves in such a way that a single spark will set off

a dire chain of events that will bring great suffering upon our people. It is difficult for me to

believe that these things are happening by accident.

Allow me to make my case. First, there are over 310,000,000 people living in the United States.

Of that vast number, less than 1% claim farming as an occupation (with about 2% actually living

on farms). There are only about 960,000 persons that farm as their principal occupation, and a

like number of farmers are mainly involved in a line of work apart from farming. The number of

farms in the U.S. stands at about two million. Keep in mind that the number above does not

distinguish between those who farm to feed America and those who farm to grow corn for

ethanol production, etc. A mere 46,000 of those two million U.S. farms account for 50% of the

sales of agricultural products (USDA, 1997 Census of Agriculture data). America now imports

more food that it produces. Just one growing cycle interrupted by a significant drought or pest

infestation would produce a major crisis.

Second, while America's ability to feed its people is declining, our large cities are growing larger

and larger. There are 366 metropolitan areas in the United States with a population greater than

50,000. The top twenty areas have a combined population of just fewer than 115 million people.

Thus, one-third of America's population lives in areas where the production of food cannot

sustain the population. New York City alone could not feed itself for one week during a crisis.

Do you remember the crime rate in New Orleans just after Katrina? How long would it take for

murder in order to steal food became rampant if a major crisis hit a large urban center in

America? The concentration of 10, 15, or 20 million people in a small area, with neither the

ability to grow food nor secure it elsewhere, would lead to unparalleled crime in a very short

time. Yet, people continue to move into the big cities.

Third, cities, states, and the federal government have all but filed for bankruptcy. Yet, instead of

strongly encouraging and incentivizing the American people to buy and completely pay off their

home mortgages as soon as possible and purchase hard assets such as land, gold, and silver,

which are not ever likely to lose total value, the government prefers its own plan.

The government encourages Americans to invest our pension plans in the stock market (which,

by the way, has collapsed three times in the past!). The stock market subsequently invests those

pension plans in risky ventures like the dot.com and housing bubbles, both of which burst with

the result that millions of people have had to delay retirement. They are hoping that the market

will get back to its all-time high. Paper money has and always will have a very uncertain future,

especially as we go ever deeper into debt. With the United States presently over 14 trillion

dollars in debt, our future is more precarious today than it has ever been. Many of the same

economic conditions that preceded the 1929 collapse of the American economy are present once

again, but with one difference: America is now more than 14 trillion dollars in debt. One true

crisis with the dollar and the American economy will have nowhere to go but down. Millions and

millions will lose their hopes and dreams in a market crash. So far, we have too many people that

need to eat, too few people working to feed them, and most people's money invested in a stock

market that is artificially bloated and supported by debt.

Fourth, in the 70s, the world began to lose respect for America. Jimmy Carter's decisions to

negotiate with terrorists have emboldened our enemies. Radical fundamental Islamists are now

quite willing to use their bodies as bombs to kill and strike fear in our hearts. They think they are

succeeding in lulling Americans into the silence of passive resignation and a willingness to go

along to remain safe. Islamic extremists are now employing America's values to gain access and

set up their network for a final blow against Western democracy in America.

Al Qaeda extremists have stated and demonstrated that their ultimate goal is the destruction of

the West by any means necessary. Their hatred for us, their commitment to Islam, and their

willingness to die in order to achieve their goals suggests they are biding their time – waiting for

the perfect opportunity to hurt us severely.

Fifth, in just a few years America will have the largest elderly population in the history of the

nation. The same generation that is responsible for the death of more than 80 million abortions is

now reaching the age when to have had children is the most critical aspect of growing old. Those

unborn children were supposed to secure their parents' and their grandparents' future in their old

age. But with so few workers, Social Security cannot provide enough income to sustain the

population. Healthcare for the nation is now under serious assault. And with great numbers of

people in the senior citizens' category, many of whom living carefree lives without much

attention to taking care of themselves, and then adding a medical system that is proving itself

more and more inadequate to care for the elderly, a crisis or epidemic among the elderly would

result in the death of millions. With no money or medical help, the elderly will be on their own,

and many without children to care for them.

Sixth, the past forty years have witnessed a slow searing of the American conscience. Our youth

are trained from birth to see the killing of others as nothing more than a game. The graphics in

video games are extraordinary in their ability to make their imaginary scenarios look and feel

real. Game makers are now experimenting with adding smell to their games. Not only do they

want our young people to see events with incredible graphics so close to reality that they forget

it's a game, but they also want them to smell the gun powder, and the burning and decaying

flesh. They want the gamers to experience every possible sensation necessary so that the game is

perceived to be reality. The downside is a generation of kids that have a difficult time

distinguishing between what's real and what's make-believe. Not only do they not fear death, but

they have no qualms about killing others. A society no longer fearful of killing or being killed is

a dangerous one.

It's a perfect storm if the dollar suffers a significant weakening, and if a strategic terrorist attack

is successful against a particular American interest, and if a health epidemic among the elderly

occurs (drug resistant diseases are increasing exponentially, perhaps one more AIDS-type

epidemic), and if a significant natural disaster strikes America's food production or our ability to

import food. There are five or six more "if scenarios" that I shall not name, but if our country

experiences several of these events, a significant portion of our nation's population will suffer.

Someone is positioning the circumstances and situations of our national life like pieces on a

chessboard – to the end that America could fall with profound and lasting consequences. I do not

know what the end of all these things will be! Yet, the potential is frightening. Jesus said,

"Watch and wait." So let's become "Wait-Watchers". And may we wait and watch well!

SIGNAGE

2011-03-26T06:52:00.001-04:00

As I have traveled all over the world one thing has always struck me, the more developed the country is the better the road signs are…….STOP, CURVE AHEAD, DO NOT PASS, YIELD, ETC. In countries like Pakistan, when you get out of the cities there is a basic mentality of "the biggest vehicle makes the rules for the road"………no road signs……..scary! That got me to thinking, what do you suppose the signage along the "narrow road" looks like;

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide
is
the gate, and broad
is
the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait
is
the gate, and narrow
is
the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

I believe the very first "warning" sign was right at the beginning of the road…….it's the "Y", or "fork ahead"…..your choice! If you make the correct choice, and that's a major "IF"! It isn't too far down the way that you encounter the next sign;

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Now, in my estimation, the destination of "LIFE" has got to be one of the most developed places you could find……so naturally…..the road that takes you there should have an abundance of warning signs along the way. Here are just a few that I found on the "ROAD MAP";

BEWARE - 14 verses in the NT

TAKE HEED – 26 verses in the NT

ON THE ALERT – 15 verses in the NT

WATCH OUT – 3 verses in the NT

STAND FIRM – 8 verses in the NT

Now, on the contrary, the destination of "DESTRUCTION" has got about as many signs on the super highway as the rural roads in Pakistan.

Matthew 7:13
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.

So, the moral of the story is…….are you one of those people that when they come to the "Y" on the road……and you choose the correct way to LIFE……..ARE YOU PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE WARNING SIGNS? Have you been stopped by "LAW ENFORCEMENT" for violations along the way because you weren't paying attention to the signs? Have you tried to take a "DETOUR" off of the road that was more of a "SCENIC ROUTE"……with a lot less "SIGNAGE" to spoil the view?

GIVES US SOMETHING TO PONDER IN THESE "DIFFICULT" DAYS….ON THAT NARROW ROAD……WITH ALL THOSE SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR!

2 Timothy 3:1 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.

Deluding Influence Part 6

2011-03-19T16:39:00.001-04:00

The next area of focus in the "deluding influence" we will consider is; coming to an understanding of the "God sending" of this influence. It is established in scripture that God cannot sin or be part of a temptation to sin…..so how is this possible with a deluding influence that He sends upon any human being…….who is made in His likeness? I believe Jon Gill's commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:11 gives an excellent explanation of this;

….for the efficacy of error (deluding influence) is not to be considered as a sin, of which God cannot be the author, but as a punishment for sin, and to which men are given up, and fall under the power of, because they receive not the love of the truth, which is the reason here given: and this comes to pass partly through God's denying his grace, or withholding that light and knowledge, by which error may be discovered and detected; and by taking from men the knowledge and conscience of things they had, (see Romans 1:28ff). So that they call evil good, and good evil, and do not appear to have the common sense and reason of mankind, at least do not act according to it……….

Romans 1:18-32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

A very interesting side note to this are the words that Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3;

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.

It makes one wonder if God wasn't warning Timothy to avoid such men as these because of the deluding influence He was going to be sending on these unsaved individuals that would ultimately lead to judgment……..probably a good warning for us to behoove as well…….also a good reminder to make absolutely sure of your genuine (Born Again) salvation experience as well as anyone you lead to that saving knowledge.

One crucial area of PREPARATION

2011-03-12T11:01:00.001-05:00

The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan that happened yesterday was a very good example of having a plan in case of an unexpected emergency, not that anyone could have foreseen a catastrophe of that magnitude and made any kind of preparations.

However, if you know that something is eventually coming that will have a negative impact on your daily life it is only wise to ponder it and see if there is something you can do ahead of time to lessen the impact of the negative thing.

If you know something will have a negative impact in a spiritual sense then you look in scripture for principles that will lessen that impact. One of the biggest areas that I personally see is the intense study of spiritual warfare……a very neglected area in most modern day churches. That is the main reason I have decided to start an on-going Internet based study on Spiritual Warfare for the 21^st Century, click on the following link to learn about this and register if you like;

http://www.theundergrounded.org/webinars.htm

Another area of preparation that we can look at does come from the earthquake in Japan, that is, being totally dependent on an outside source for ELECTRICITY. When you look at the number of people that really weren't in the major part of the earthquake but are still effected by not having electricity……it is staggering. Just things like 1.keeping food edible, 2. Being able to communicate with loved ones, 3. Everything in your home that uses electricity that won't work. This is overwhelming for most people who have never had to deal with this kind of thing.

In looking at this one thing personally, and pondering it a bit, we have decided to consider having to live as if we were camping somewhere where there is no electrical hookups. We have purchased items that work off of 12 volts, have bought an extra deep cycle battery with a solar panel for charging them when we don't have electricity, we bought a 12 volt ice chest to keep food cold after you cook it on a butane gas stove, we purchased a 12 volt to 110 volt AC inverter so we can charge our computers and cell phones………just a few things like this will help tremendously in times of crisis.

Now for Christian persecution preparation, you need to add in the whole idea of making sure your neighbors are truly born again as you so you can work together during a crisis instead of having to defend what you have from your neighbor……who could be your worst nightmare depending on his or her spiritual condition.

This is just one area of preparation to consider. In the days ahead I will try to highlight several others so we can honestly say that we have done all…….and then stand firm in the Truth.

DELUDING INFLUENCE Part 5

2011-02-24T08:46:00.001-05:00

I believe we have pretty much established who are going to be the "deluded ones", now we will switch our attention to "when" this deluding influence is scheduled to take place (everything is on God's schedule, you know).

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 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. (Emphasis added)

Well…….that was pretty simple. Paul is reassuring the church at Thessalonica that the rapture hadn't taken place yet……..and they had missed it. However, he establishes two very important FACTS here that were both for the Thessalonian believers and all true believers down through history……right up to today. The first fact is that Paul fully expected them to "not be quickly shaken". This tells me that he was absolutely assured of their real & genuine salvation (as we spoke of in the past 4 posts)……..the enemy (a spirit) doesn't waste his time on those who are not genuinely "born again"! He focuses his attention on those who have the ability to impart the gift of reconciliation to those who need it desperately……..remember, he does not want his kingdom to shrink any further than it already has….and time is getting short for him.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 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.

The second FACT
is probably one of the most important ones for all true believers, especially in today's heightened spiritual climate. He unequivocally establishes that the rapture (gathering together to Him), and, the unmistakable biblical phrase (the day of the Lord) are one in the same……at the same time. In coming to an understanding of how our enemy works it is really easy to see how he has quickly shaken some of us from our composure over this whole issue of the rapture of the church. It really is a classic attack that he has used down through history on believers. It's not "divide & conquer"……..it's "divide & confuse"…….once you have confusion you spend endless hours in debate and argument of your point…….and less and less time in IMPARTING TO THE LOST THE GIFT OF RECONCILLIATION.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 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.

The prophet PAUL has told us that He is not coming back until the apostasy takes place first and the man of sin is revealed! Let's really attempt to stay on target here and truly believe what has been written down here by God's Holy Spirit……..GO AND SHARE THE GIFT THAT HAS BEEN IMPARTED TO YOU………Hmmmm, where have we heard this before?

DELUDING INFLUENCE Part 4

2011-02-21T12:39:00.001-05:00

In the last posting we took a closer look at the "they & them" in 2 Thessalonians, so I believe it is now time to look at those the writer was thankful for, those who were not a part of this delusional crowd. We not only need to look at who they were but why they would not be counted with the delusional.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

The first clue that we have is the FACT of God choosing them from the beginning for salvation. There has been great debate over the centuries as to predestination VS free will, and I am sure that we are not going to come to any type of conclusion within this little BLOG…….however…….there is great merit in the FACT that because of the seal of God's Holy Spirit imparted to all those who truly are BORN AGAIN, He knew beforehand who was actually going to accept that prerequisite or not. Secondly, Paul made the observation of God "calling them through the gospel"…..or the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way. Lastly is the commendation of them "standing firm" and "holding to" the traditions (or, the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH) as taught by those walking in the TRUTH and talking about the TRUTH.

So again, by using simple deductive reasoning; if you want to be sure that you are not going to be part of the deluded crowd just respond to God's invitation (it's His desire that all would be saved), His way (through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ), with real repentance for your sin and acceptance of His guarantee of finishing the job (regenerating power of God's indwelling Holy Spirit).

Everyone else (the Theys & Thems) are invited to board the good ship DELUSION for a guaranteed trip to a much "warmer climate" with some pretty "HOT' entertainment! And since we also have His divine proclamation that the "gospel" WILL be preached to every person on the planet before His Son returns…

Matthew 24:14 "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

…..the "Theys & Thems" will be without excuse!

Understanding the deluding influence part 3

2011-02-18T08:41:00.001-05:00

OK………since we opened up the biblical "can of worms" in the last posting……..I felt it necessary to explore this whole biblical principle of being "culturally saved" vs. " biblically born again"…….there really is a major difference that has eternal consequences.

Besides the mandate set forth by Jesus himself;

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

John 3:7
"Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

You have the admonition of Peter to add to the severity of the eternal consequences;

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.

So, if we go back to the one verse from the last posting;

2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. (Emphasis added)

We can plainly see in order to be "truly" saved it requires a "receiving" of the love of the "truth". Now it is absolutely necessary for proving this point that we add just one more scripture to the equation;

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. (Emphasis added)

Jesus was right in the middle of explaining to His disciples that is was necessary for Him to go away (die on the cross) so that the comforter/helper (paraclete GR) could come, and not just be with them but would truly indwell them (the biblical proof of being born again).

John 14:16-17
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 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.
(Emphasis added)

He then moves into this portion of scripture to name this indwelling Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth"……AGAIN (John 16:13)! So, by using simple deductive reasoning here you can plainly see that the "theys" talked about in 2 Thessalonians 2:10 are really nothing more than unsaved people who think in the minds that their eternal position has been adequately dealt with. This is a classical deception used by the enemy of our souls to help insure that his kingdom does not shrink any further. That is why Jesus gave this pointed admonition to His disciples;

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.

The "many coming in My name" are the "they & them" spoken of in 2 Thessalonians and 2 Timothy.

NUFF SAID ABOUT THAT!

Understanding the “deluding influence” part 2

2011-02-16T06:08:00.001-05:00

In the continuing effort to understand this "deluding influence" that God himself is going to send, I believe we are going to have to dissect this whole portion of scripture very carefully so as not to be "self-deluded" in the process. So, let's take just the 2 verses that speak of this "deluding" now that we have established the context;

2Th 2:11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,

2Th 2:12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. (Emphasis added)

I am thinking that it is going to be necessary to first establish who the "them & they" are in these two verses. It's obvious because of the wording used at the beginning of verse 11 that God is referring to individuals prior to that moment of time …..or perhaps a better term would be "types of individuals". So, let's go back;

2Th 2:10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. (Emphasis added)

Wow……that was simple. The "they & them" types are people calling themselves "saved" but are truly not born again as described in the verse as "not receiving the truth"……..or, not ever being regenerated by God's Holy Spirit. Where the author of this letter is Paul (being directed to write by God's Holy Spirit)…..Paul also wrote to Timothy about the "they & them";

2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their
own desires,

2Ti 4:4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.(Emphasis added)

I believe through some simple deductive reasoning we can determine who these "they & them" really are…..it's not rocket science. So, if we keep this portion of scripture in context you go directly back to;

2Ti 3:2-5 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. (Emphasis added)

Wow……that was simple too……….."People calling themselves "saved" but not really biblically born-again by the regenerating power of God's indwelling Holy Spirit…………Hmmmmm!

I believe that's enough to ruminate on for today.

Attempting to understand the “DELUDING INFLUENCE”

2011-02-15T12:16:00.001-05:00

Before we can even begin to see what God's Holy Spirit is trying to convey in this whole "deluding influence" area of scripture it will be necessary to read the context and see what the original language says. So, that will be the first thing we do in this attempt to discover the truth. Take a few minutes today and read this portion of scripture in at least 3 translations……..not transliterations or paraphrase versions of the bible.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 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. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.

For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.

For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. (Emphasis added) NASB

"deluding" G4106 πλάνη planē plan'-ay

Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety: - deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.

"influence" G1753 ἐνέργεια energeia en-erg'-i-ah

From G1756; efficiency ("energy"): - operation, strong, (effectual) working.

A "WORKING" knowledge of Spiritual Warfare

2011-02-12T10:47:00.002-05:00

I was reminded again recently of 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth".

As I took this verse apart (accurately handling) some things came to light that I had not considered before, things that dealt with Spiritual Warfare. In being "diligent" it really is the opposite of slothful, which is one of the key weapons the enemy uses to keep us from the best and being willing to settle for just a "place" in heaven. "To present yourself approved" tells me that one day we will all stand before Jesus and give an account (Romans 14:12). We will stand before him as a "workman", which tells me we have been given a job to do and that being only ONE job (Acts 1:8). Now come the part where Spiritual Warfare comes in; "who does not need to be ashamed".......ashamed of what? It really is that simple......we will be ashamed that we did not do what He commanded us to do.....("we shall be His witnesses"). Two major weapons of the enemy come in to play here, the first being, putting anything and everything in our "fleshly" path to distract us from the one thing He gave us to do. Remember, witnessing is so much more than handing out an occasional tract.......it's really a lifestyle that matches our words of witness. The second weapon the enemy uses comes into play because of NOT "accurately handling the word of truth". God's Word, or the proclamation of the gospel of truth, is something that has eternal consequences for the hearer. For those who are following after the wrong Jesus (the spirit of Antichrist in disguise) the twisting of the gospel has become an art form that has permeated the church of Jesus Christ.......all because they would not handle the word of truth accurately.

So, can you now see how important it is to have a WORKING knowledge of Spiritual Warfare. Our enemy will do anything and everything to get you off track just enough to make you ashamed as you stand before God.

Think about it.........and "submit yourself to God, and the devil will flee"!

Keep your eyes on the Middle East

2011-02-10T09:01:00.002-05:00

Egypt is really close to meltdown.....click here to see what is transpring.

On the ROAD day 36 & 37 - ALMOST HOME

2010-11-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

It's been a GREAT ADVENTURE
Last day of speaking

Bunkin with the BIG GUYS on the last night.

Flying J Truck Stop in Tallahassee, FL

Well, we're toolin down I-10 just outside of Tallahassee, FL on day 37..........almost home. It has been an incredible trip with places we've seen and people we've met along the way. We not only survived the 37 days "inside the box".........we had a blessed time. We also learned much about what to do and not to do in the RV world (as you have seen in previous posts). The Mighty T has run flawlessly for over 7000 miles with no mechanical problems..........getting almost 20 miles per gallon........climbing hills like a power wagon.........UNTIL WE GOT INTO FLORIDA. I am thinking that it must be the tainted gasoline in this state (way too much ethanol). Where this thing was made in 1988 (way before ethanol) that it just doesn't like what we're having to feed it.....so it rebels. We're back down to about 15 MPG and a marked difference in power going up hills (it's a good thing Florida is mostly flat). Oh well.........

Darcie's last 3 meetings were such a blessing with large groups of people really wanting to understand and then desiring to get involved. We really see God doing something in these difficult days to prepare His people to "stand firm" in the power of the Holy Spirit......just like our persecuted family is doing on a daily basis.

Thank you all again for your "prayers along the way".........we experienced them in so many ways as we traveled. Thank you also for wanting to "journey" with us, I pray we were able to communicate enough information to stay connected and engaged. We hope to continue to update this blog with the new and additional things we are looking at being involved in....

Blessings.................Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 35 - An excercise in CONTRAST

2010-11-20T07:40:00.003-05:00

Walmart Campgrounds - Hammond, LA
Miramar Beach Campground - Oh My!

From sea to shining sea....in 5 days!

As you can see by the "day count" that we have gotten off.........somewhere.........I guess when your "on the road" for 7000 miles you can do that........real easy. Anyway.....somewhere back around day 33 we stirred out of our slumber in the Kerrville, TX Walmart at about 6 AM.......got some "brown juice" to get the other half of my heart going........and hit the road again for another "power drive" to Hammond, LA.......to another Walmart Campground. This one was quite unique.......with so many lights in the RV parking area that you couldn't tell when the sun went down. We arrived with about an hour of day light left so after a great dinner - imitation crab meat scampi, salad & leftover asparagus - we watched a movie on our computer (that we got out of the $3.00 bin at Big Lots) and went to bed. Our alarm clock was a truck mounted parking lot cleaning vacuum at 4 AM that had to make sure they got every little piece of trash from around the Mighty Toyota........the Mighty Toyota is not very sound proof. Since we really couldn't go back to sound sleep after that we decided to get up and get moving around 5:30......so with another dose of "brown juice" we headed toward Florida.

We pulled into our next "campsite" a little after 12 noon.......wow......what a contrast. One of the couples from the church where Darcie is speaking this weekend owns this beautiful beachouse in Miramar Beach and is letting us stay for the two days we are here. The Mighty T just fit in the driveway and with electric & water hookups we could have stayed very comfortably...........but we chose the house.......go figure. We're just praying the Mighty T isn't insulted and chooses to rebel on the last 300 miles home on Monday. Maybe I should at least wash it to get some of the road grime off.......... after all.........this is a "gated community".......and the Mighty T needs to maintain some dignity in its "old age". You can see by the beach picture that the occupants of the Mighty T have all sorts of dignity..........my VOM "I'm a criminal" T-shirt was almost clean!

Darcie is speaking at a brunch today and 2 churches tomorrow. We hope to drive a little toward "home" tomorrow night after the meeting and spend the night in one of Florida's "world famous" rest areas........... so it's back into a radical CONTRAST again.

Blessings.........Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 31

2010-11-17T21:22:00.004-05:00

535 miles of nothin but TEXAS!
Perky Darcie got first shift

Tim in a trance for the last shift

Nuff said.........that was pretty much the day. We are bunking down at Wal Mart in Kerrville for the night........then start all over again tomorrow for another 530 miles to Baton Rouge, LA. The Mighty T just keeps on perkin along........still getting almost 20 MPG consistently now.

More tomorrow.......

On the ROAD day 30

2010-11-16T23:37:00.002-05:00

Staying with OLD friends in Phoenix the night of the 29th
Darcie and Marcia had not seen each other in over 20 years

Our dear aunt Daryl, 86 years young

The dessert FOX on the Old West Highway

Sundown on the Arizona / New Mexico Border

Days 28 & 29 were jammed with speaking, driving and very little sleeping. We left Elk Grove, CA at 8:30 PM and drove until midnight to get a little ways through the valley toward Los Angeles.......didn't make it very far and spent the night in a rest area that was anything but restful. We got up a 6:00 AM and started making our way to Phoenix where we spent the night with some dear friends (and family).........the Strows. We hadn't seen them in over 20 years since we lived in Flagstaff so it was a great time of remembrance of the "good ole times". We left out this morning at about 9:30 and drove a few miles to see Darcie's aunt Daryl for a few minutes before we headed for our one night stay in Las Crusas, NM. We took the scenic route out of Phoenix through exciting towns like, Globe, Miami, Superior, Pima, and a bunch more. It took us a little longer but it was well worth it.

When we got almost to Las Crusas we spotted 3 bright lights in the sky that looked like and airplane coming in for a landing........but there was no airstrip. They kinda hovered over the freeway about 500 feet in the air........then flew in back of us for about 20 miles.......turned around and came back........and then just disappeared. We thought we heard the "do do do do - do do do do" music until we saw the sign for the UAV testing center.........guess they were tracking the Mini Winnie......

Thanks for your prayers............got another long day tomorrow.

Blessings.............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 27

2010-11-13T21:28:00.003-05:00

Sundown on the Golden Gate
Sittin on a rock on the bay!

A precious little Spanish speaking church in San Pablo

Darcie & Zaida

This has been a wonderful day with sleeping in (a little), a nice casual breakfast, a nice hot shower in the Minnie Winnie and a casual drive down to the San Francisco Bay. Before we got there we whipped a nice lunch while we washed clothes at a local Laundromat. We spent the afternoon overlooking the Bay bridge and Alcatraz and then drove the few miles to the little Spanish church for the evening meeting.

I am updating the BLOG while Darcie is speaking tonight as we have to drive 75 miles after the service to our camping spot in the church parking lot in Lodi.........where Darcie speaks tomorrow morning. We then have to drive up to Sacramento area for the evening meeting and then down to about Bakersfield before spending the night.......so I am not sure if the BLOG will be updated for a few days.

Blessings..............T & D

On the ROAD day 26

2010-11-12T22:34:00.002-05:00

Me and the Mighty T
We have to go back UP that stinkin hill!

Home Group in hills above Oakland

The Mighty T on the top overlooking Oakland

We are spending 2 nights in a campground.........on a hillside.........that overlooks the hill that we are sitting on tonight at this home meeting. The home meeting last night was back down that same hill on the other side.........so the Mighty T has been gettin a work out........probably going to need a new clutch once we return to Florida (pray that we make it back to Florida). The occupants of the Mighty T got their own work out today with a hike up and down the hills of the campground...........we're probably going to need a new clutch as well.

Tomorrow starts the whirl wind part of the trip. We drive to San Pablo for an evening meeting then over to Lodi to spend the night in a church's parking lot as Darcie speaks in 2 morning services Sunday morning. We then drive up to Elk Grove (by Sacramento) for an evening service........then drive a few hours towards Bakersfield to spend the night.......somewhere.......we're not sure yet! We then have to make it to Glendale, AZ by Monday afternoon.........whew..........

Pray for us.

Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD days 24 & 25

2010-11-11T21:57:00.003-05:00

Sunrise in the Los Padres National Forrest
We get in for 50% off........yippee!

Slap on the feed bag before the "Big Chill"

Around the good ole campfire before the "Big Chill"

Well, our 2 days off.........way out in the woods.........no phone.......no electricity.......no running water..........and plenty of "Big Chill". We had a home meeting in Salinas on Monday night after the "Big Rains" of Sunday so we stayed in the brother's driveway so we wouldn't have to drive up into the forest after dark. Tuesday morning we took our casual drive up the mountain and got settled into our campsite early enough to gather some firewood and rustle up some grub. I couldn't resist the "senior access" picture..........it's actually me (Tim) who qualified for lifetime pass........Darcie is still W A Y to young for that type of thing.

We spent the first night without electricity in pretty good shape. We sat around the fire for about 30 minutes and then went inside the Mighty Toyota to play some games we brought along (No "Chopped" on the computer for the next couple of days). We used our lantern for lights and only used the RV batteries for the water pump and a little heat from the furnace just before we went to bed. It only got down to 55 degrees that first night so we were toasty most of the night. I got up at 6:00 AM and flipped the furnace on and got it warmed up to 70 degrees in about an hour.........so Darcie crawled out from under the covers to greet the beautiful day ahead.

Night #2 was a little different story.........no sitting around the fire........drank lots of hot coffee and tea........played games by the lantern in sweat shirts and jackets.........put furnace on for about an hour before bed at 9:00 PM.........and hit the rack. I awoke at 6:00 AM again and flipped on the furnace as it was a balmy 37 degrees outside.........and a toasty 39 degrees inside.........the furnace stayed on for 2 hours this time before we got it to 60 degrees where Darcie very reluctantly crawled out of bed to greet the day.

You learn much about primitive camping.........in the winter...........in California!

It's been fun!

And we're still alive and lovin each other........even through the learning experiences.

Blessings..........Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 23 sunrise

2010-11-08T10:38:00.004-05:00

I (Darcie) spoke at Turlock, CA this past Thursday to a group of retirees. After I finished speaking a woman came and said I should meet Marcella King. Marcella is 93 yrs and was in Oslo, Norway when Richard Wurmbrand spoke at their church shortly after his ransom from Romania. Marcella and her husband helped raise money and get Richard and Sabina to the United States. She was blessed to hear how God used their obedience when He directed them to help Richard and Sabina. I loved meeting this dear saint. She was filled with joy and thankfulness because had chosen to use her for such an important task. Marcella and her husband have been a voice for the persecuted without opening their mouths because their obedience made a way for many to hear what was happening in the hostile and restricted nations.

A little crowded for us!

Sunrise on the Mighty Toyota

Days 20, 21 & 22 were very busy days & nights with some quality time with a dear brother and sister that we have known for many years. After the Thursday night meeting at their church we decided to "Road Trip" together over to Clovis for the VOM conference the next day. It was really great to be with over 500 brothers and sisters who came from all over CA, some driving for several hours to and from Clovis. We were so busy with set up and then the conference itself that we failed to get any pictures so you will have to use your imagination. We got back to Los Banos Saturday night at about 8:30 PM and then stayed up as long as our eyelids remained open just to fellowship with our dear "California Family" who we stayed with. Sunday morning was a rainy time that lasted pretty much all day (no pictures again). Darcie spoke at a community church in Hilmar, CA........where they have one of the largest cheese factories in the world and supply most of the cheese for fast food restaurants.......quite a place for such a small community.........I guess California really does have contented cows......again, I didn't get a picture. After a great lunch at the Cheese Factory we trucked on down to this quaint little campground (over 300 spaces) where we drove around until we could find an available spot and pitched our aluminum tent for the night. We are sitting down to breakfast (bacon & schrooms omelets) and plan to take a little walk seeing as how it has stopped raining. We are off to Salinas tonight and then plan 2 days off.........in a primitive campground with no running water or electricity.......in the woods.......where I don't think we will have Internet access so you will again......have to use your imagination........and pray we make it out alive.

Blessings............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD end of day 19

2010-11-04T22:36:00.003-04:00

Calvary Chapel Los Banos, CA
A special, special lady

What an incredible day.........we drove the short 15 miles to the town of Turlock where Darcie was able to share with a group of senior saints in an extended care facility. One of these dear saints (the lady pictured above) came up to Darcie afterward and told her that she and her husband were actually in Norway when Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand were ransomed out of Romania.......they were instrumental in raising the $10,000 needed for the ransom. What a precious saint. You never really know who you are going to cross paths with on this "Great Adventure"........... Darcie will probably add more to this tomorrow but I wanted to get these pictures out while she is sharing tonight.

The first picture is inside this tiny Calvary Chapel fellowship in Los Banos, CA where they had it all prepared for us to come complete with a great meal before hand. I thought this picture was such a picture of the right kind of focus for a church to have.........the cross of Christ and an emphasis on prayer. Everyone in the fellowship showed up on this Thursday night eager to hear and learn of their persecuted family.......we will be spending a couple of nights with some dear saints we haven't seen in a few years that moved to CA from FL

Darcie and I still can't believe God allows us to do this.......we are truly blessed.

Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD days 18 & 19

2010-11-04T17:08:00.002-04:00

The PRIME parking spot
Cruisin after the schrooms

Day 18 was a nice travel day with a great breakfast at Marie Calendars with a sweet couple who are volunteer Reps for VOM in the Morgan Hill area. Darcie and I hadn't been in a Marie Calendar's since 1978 while in Bible college in Phoenix as they don't have any on the east coast. We drove to Modesto where Darcie spoke to a wonderful congregation and I started working on reviewing the on-line course VOM is starting next year, it looks like it is going to be really helpful for anyone wanting detailed teaching on Christian Persecution. I am hoping to be one of the facilitators of this course once I go through the material.

The top picture is another one of those "prime" parking spots we are discovering along the way. We had a fairly level surface with electric hook up and hot and cold running traffic on road 40 feet from the back of the Mighty Toyota..........not a very good nights rest. Darcie is taking a nap right now before she speaks to a retirement home audience......they are probably also taking their nap now as well. We have another meeting tonight in Los Banos before we can retire for the night at some dear friends home.

We did have a great breakfast of eggs and "schrooms" before climbing in the Mighty Toyota and heading out of our prime parking spot. Darcie is feeling much better with her cough almost gone.....thanks for praying.

Blessings............T & D

On the ROAD days 16 & 17

2010-11-03T10:51:00.004-04:00

Gettin the "schrooms" dude!
Sunrise on the Mighty Toyota

A trip to California wouldn't be complete without pickin some "schrooms".........we got some little brown ones and some big ones to stuff and pop in the tiny toaster oven of the Mighty Toyota. Seriously though.......we spent the night in a town famous for their "Fungus Festival". We hope to go to the next town today where they process most of the garlic in California.......they say on a good day you can smell it for miles..........we figured we would permeate the old RV with the odor in case we have any bugs hitchin a ride.

Darcie had a meeting last night and even though she is physically feeling better she ran into some problems with her projector not working.......pray that we can get a replacement from Best Buy as it is only 6 months old.

We stayed in this quaint little RV park in the hills above Morgan Hills, CA last night mainly so we could empty the holding tank of the Mighty Toyota so I can fix the drain. Our alarm clock this morning was wild turkeys.........lots of wild turkeys.

Keep us in your prayers as we head back up north for the meeting tonight.......

Blessings..............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD days 14 & 15

2010-11-01T10:51:00.003-04:00

One of the more pleasant duties
You're gonna love this one!

Darcie - On the Mend

Days 14 & 15 proved to be days of challenge.......I failed to get any pictures of day 14 so the first picture above will have to suffice. We had a great morning with the folks at a Seventh Day Adventist church in Rocklin, CA with me giving a quick 5 minute intro in 2 services and challenging them to come back that evening to hear the full presentation from Darcie.........who was still "On the Mend" from the nasty cold she picked up while "On the ROAD". She was able to speak at the evening meeting and there was a great response from this group of people. We then had to drive the Mighty Toyota southwest about 90 miles to Napa to get settled in for the night at a Calvary Chapel parking lot. While backing into the spot they had chosen for us I failed to see a metal stake sticking out of the ground (it was raining though). We heard a funny sound in the way back of the RV so I stopped.........drove forward about a foot.......and heard a "snap".........not good......it turned out to be the sewer drain. Fortunately it snapped off after the drain valve and not before.........so we didn't decorate the church's parking lot with contents of the holding tank.......I am hoping to find a dump station today and empty the tank (as best I can) and then find an RV dealer that has one of the drain valve assemblies. Pray with us for that very "important" piece of equipment.

After the Napa morning we drove back up to Loomis, CA.......another 95 miles to a precious little Baptist Church where we had a prime spot to park the Mighty Toyota with a welcome sign (picture above). Darcie was able to share at both Napa & Loomis but is still having some trouble with a nagging cough.......keep her in your prayers.

That brings us to this morning........the "prime RV parking spot" is right across the street from a High School.......where the students arrive at about 6:30 AM......before the sun comes up.......and the drum section of the marching band starts their practice on the front lawn at about 7:00 AM (it was still too dark to get a picture or I would have put it in). The front lawn of the school is about 300 feet from the "prime parking spot". I was up and on my 3rd cup of coffee.....but Darcie was still trying to sleep........trying being the operative word. Needless to say it was a very interesting alarm clock...........but Darcie says she really enjoyed the morning drum serenade.

Today is a day off......right.......

Blessings.............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 13

2010-10-29T10:52:00.002-04:00

Oh a difference a day makes!

Sunrise in Lake Tahoe, CA on the Mighty Toyota

You can see by the top picture that day 13 proved to be a day that took it's toll....so to speak. I drove 650 miles from south of Salt Lake City, UT to South Lake Tahoe, CA with the Mighty Toyota fairing the best. We lost our headwinds and it actually got close to 20 mpg in some stretches of the long highway across Nevada (I think the fuel injectors experienced a healing). Darcie, on the other hand, needs a healing..........she came down with a severe head cold with high fever and spent most of day 13 right in the over the cab bed (first picture)..........please pray for her today as we head down to Sacramento......she was supposed to speak tonight but unless we see another miracle healing I don't think that's going to happen. I will go and take her place but the poor group of people will lose out.

Now.....as for me......you can see by the top photo that it was a 3 cup day with the strong coffee. We pulled into Lake Tahoe at 6:00 PM and I hooked up the Mighty Toyota, cooked dinner, ate dinner, checked my e-mail on the Windstream website (pray for my computer as on day 13 my Microsoft Outlook experienced a problem and will not open now.......it needs a healing).......and joined Darcie on the over the cab bed at 9:00 PM. I slept all the way through to 7:00 AM when Juan Valdez, and his donkey, beckoned me to rise and partake.

Be back later.......

Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 12

2010-10-27T19:47:00.002-04:00

Food Network Streaming
Food Network Observing

Nice Campsite with beautiful view of Utah peaks

Well, we drove the 360 miles from Laramie, WY to Heber City, Utah in pretty good time.......it's much warmer but still haven't got Darcie out of the RV.

Food Network Observer just put some grub on the table so will sign off for tonight. Keep us in your prayers tomorrow as we have a 650 mile drive to South Lake Tahoe, CA.........we may decide to stop early........somewhere in Nevada.........maybe.

Blessings...............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD days 10 & 11

2010-10-27T08:21:00.002-04:00

Hmmmmmm..........
Hmmmmmm..........

As Dorthy would say;

"We ain't in Kansas anymore!"

Days 10 & 11 were major travel days.......left Buffalo, NY early in the morning flying to Kansas City, MO........driving the mighty Toyota through rain & 30 mph head winds to Johnson Lake State Park in Elwood, NE........getting into campsite at 8:30 PM where we quickly hooked up the electricity (between rain drops) and went to bed. We woke to 40 mph winds rockin the old RV, drank some coffee, ate breakfast & took off again for a supposedly 6 hour trip to Laramie, WY.........yeah right. The 6 hour trip turned into a 9 hour trip with the Mighty Toyota blasting its way through those 40 mph headwinds and climbing about 5000 feet in altitude. The last picture (above) is at the summit of 8500 feet where Darcie said "get a picture".........you'll notice in the 2nd picture above where she was during the picture........in fact.......she hasn't gotten out of the RV since the Pony Express office in NE at about 11:00 AM........yesterday.....We then proceeded to the KOA in Laramie......got our campsite.......opened the door of the Mighty Toyota........snow blowing sideways all over me as I hooked up the electric (first picture above).

We awoke this morning at 3 AM with the same 40 mph wind rockin the RV (at least the snow has stopped) and an interior temperature of 64 degrees.......however the temp in the compartment where the water pipes are was a balmy 24 degrees.....so needless to say the toilet would not flush until I opened up the bottom compartment doors and blew some of that 64 degree air inside. I decided to get up at 4:30 again and make the coffee..........right in the middle of the brewing the circuit breaker tripped so I had to turn off the heater until the coffee was done (priorities ya know).

We are hoping to take off today around 9:00 AM for our supposedly 6 hour trip to Salt Lake City.......yeah right........as far as I can tell we still have that 40mph headwind that now will be swirling around through the canyons.

Keep us in your prayers as we "HEAD WEST".

Will try to update tonight if we arrive early enough.

On the ROAD day 9

2010-10-24T09:56:00.002-04:00

I know that I missed a day yesterday but the conference in Lima, NY kept us both very busy with many things going on all day and evening. It was a wonderful conference with about 700 people in attendance and a chance for Darcie and I to reconnect with some old friends we had met over the years of traveling.

We are in Conesus, NY this morning and will be in Marion, NY this evening. This is a cute little (OLD) church in a cute little (OLD) town around the Finger Lakes of NY. We will be driving to Buffalo after this evening's service as we have an early flight back to Kansas City, MO to resume our travels WEST. It looks like we will be hitting some very cold weather around Laramie, WY (19 degrees) so we will see how insulated the mighty Toyota Minnie Winnie is. If we freeze to death in the middle of the night I hear that's a pretty decent way to go!

I will try to send the next update from somewhere in Nebraska tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Blessings.................Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD stinkin cold day 7

2010-10-22T11:28:00.002-04:00

OK..........maybe not that cold...........
We are in Rochester, NY where it is 40 degrees with a 10 MPH wind blowing a light rain on these Florida bodies........Darcie is speaking at Roberts Wesleyan University this morning and then we will head down to the VOM Conference site to get things set up for tomorrow. It's forcasted that tomorrow will be warmer so we are hoping for a great turnout.

Darcie speaks once tomorrow and twice on Sunday in 2 different churches. We have to drive back to Buffalo after the evening meeting as we have an early flight on Monday back to Kansas City, MO to return to our "journey" to California.

Thanks again for the prayers while "on the ROAD"

Blessings..............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 6

2010-10-21T12:51:00.002-04:00

Well..................at least I changed the picture. We have had such a great time in MO that we failed to take any "updated" pictures of our abode. We are currently in the Kansas City airport waiting on our flight to Buffalo, NY for the VOM conference this weekend. I suppose we could have gotten a picture of that but airport pictures are so boring.

We again want to thank each of you for your prayers for us along the way.........we have really experienced His grace and mercy along the way......so far.

Plane is almost here so will sign off for today.......

Blessings............Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 5

2010-10-20T11:41:00.003-04:00

I just realized that I probably need to have an updated picture for day 6........the blogger and the RV look a bit more used and abused than on day 1! It was a cool 48 degrees in the RV this morning so I am very glad the heater was tested before we left..........it worked great. We have checked the weather forecast across the country for the upcoming week and next Tuesday night in Laramie, WY is supposed to be down to 18 degrees.............hmmmmmm.

This is our work day with trying to work up a schedule for the upcoming 3 months of 2011.......doing laundry.........Etc. We have had a wonderful time with friends in Webb City and are looking forward to the next few days in New York for the VOM regional conference on Saturday and some extra speaking on Friday & Sunday. We will be driving the mighty Toyota to Kansas City, MO and flying to NY. tomorrow morning.....early. Thursday and next Monday will be travel days so the updates will probably be small..........but will try to give any interesting "encounters" we may have along the way.

Thanks for praying us along............blessings................Tim & Darcie

On the ROAD day 4

2010-10-19T14:15:00.003-04:00

Sorry I missed day 3...........we drove from Tupelo, MS to Webb City, MO and met up with some old friends that we will be staying with for a couple of days. The mighty Toyota is perkin right along with no problems other than a slight leak in a roof vent during a pretty heavy rain storm last night.

I have a bunch of paperwork to do today so this will be short and sweet.

Bye for now..............Tim & Darcie

From the ROAD day 2

2010-10-17T20:15:00.004-04:00

Well...........we are settled in for the night in Tombigee State Park, Mississippi. I guess it's pretty here but we got in after dark so we will have to wait until morning to see.

It was rather an uneventful day with 410 miles of driving and little else going on. Tomorrow is a 463 mile drive to Webb, MO where we are going to connect up with some old friends from our Flagstaff, AZ days.

Thanks for the prayers........the mighty Toyota is chugging along just fine with only a few clanks and clunks coming from somewhere underneath.............we just turn the radio up a little louder and they disappear.

Blessings..................Tim & Darcie

From the ROAD

2010-10-16T06:37:00.002-04:00

Well........almost from the road! I am actually in the carport at 6:30 AM testing out this first road report.........Darcie is still sleeping. I am also testing out the heater.......it's a cool 49 degrees here this morning and since we are driving the northern route to California I thought it might be a good idea to test it here rather than freeze to death somewhere in Wyoming. It seems to work OK.....praise the Lord.

We hope to leave around 9:00 AM for our first stop in Fitzgerald, GA to spend the night with some dear friends that we have known for over 30 years..........since our Bible school days in Phoenix.

Thanks for praying us "onward"!

Blessings.............Tim & Darcie

A New Workshop for the 21st Century

2009-08-14T19:49:00.004-04:00

The time has come for those who are truly Born Again to earnestly prepare themselves, their families and their church body for the rapidly approaching tumultuous times spoken of in 2 Timothy 3&4. Christian persecution is a reality in many countries around the world and the current environment of intolerance and liberal thought in America will make it a reality here very soon. Timothy Gill, the CPP Workshop’s creator and implementer, has had more than ten years of service to the world wide persecuted church. He will be bringing much of their wisdom and the scriptural principles they walk in daily to this equipping workshop for Christians here in America.

For more information on this workshop contact Tim at cppinstitute@windstream.net

The "Change" Montra

2008-09-05T09:15:00.002-04:00

As I watched the RNC acceptance speech by John McCain last night I heard that phrase echoed again............"CHANGE". Senator Obama is using the same phrase only with a little bit of a different meaning. What really disturbs me is the number of people down through history who campaign on this phrase, I could list quite a few just in my lifetime........but one will suffice.
Probably the most famous was Fidel Castro. He promised the people change in economics, healthcare, education and crime. After his successful campaign was complete the change in economics was; those in the government had all the money and the average citizen now lives on 12 to 15 dollars a month.......with of course....a government handout for some basics in food (complete with ration cards and government run distribution centers).
Healthcare was a great one too........the government now runs healthcare so everyone is given access to it........if you can find it. The average doctor/nurse are on the high pay grade for Cuba....about 15 dollars a month......so there's not much incentive to do a good job. Medicine is hard to come by unless you are part of the government.....hmmmmmm. When I was down there I could go to the international pharmacy and buy anything I needed....but my national pastor friend was not allowed in the store (the pharmacist was not allowed to sell anything to a national or face criminal charges). I had to go in and buy the antibiotics for his son who was very sick......great change Huh!
Education was the next target for Castro.....now all children are required to go to the government schools where they are brainwashed in Castro's brand of Socialism.........I guess that won't be much of a change for us here in America other than Christian schools being illegal when the great "CHANGE" comes our way.
And the last great change Castro brought about was crime control........he just took away all the guns from the citizens..........only government is allowed weapons..........hmmmmm, this could be fun.

Make no mistake about this upcoming election......."CHANGE" will come. The way this writer sees it is the only "CHANGE" we really need is a change backwards to what Jesus said to His disciples. He made it crystal clear.....no room for politically correct wording........

Mat 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Now the only question left is whether or not His disciples will obey and risk all to bring about the correct "CHANGE".............or just compromise into the PC change......your choice.

In Your Hand

2008-05-05T05:27:00.002-04:00

The phrase “in your hand” is used 26 times in the scripture, all in the Old Testament. God used a staff in the hand of Moses and Joshua to rescue His people and to execute judgment upon His enemies. So, the questions comes down to, why is this phrase not mentioned in the New Testament? Could it be that God is still asking us “what is in your hand that I want to use”, but we have been too busy to listen?

I was awakened again this morning at 3:00 AM which is not uncommon……..it seems that the best time for God to have my undivided attention is around that time. It felt keenly aware He was asking me that question……”what have I put in your hand?” My first thought was this computer and the website where I could disseminate informational warnings as I have been doing for a while now. But, for some reason, that didn’t seem like it was the full picture, I really felt there was more to it. As I prayed I was led to the front of my bible where my dear wife had written down a prophetic message I perceived back in October of 2005, it was this; “the seasons of My warnings are drawing to a close”. That was it, nothing further.

Over the past few months I have been increasingly aware that all sorts of warnings have been emanating from all sides……a very possible war with Iran in the Middleast…….worldwide economic problems with probable collapse of our economy in 2-5 years……..worldwide food shortages leading to famines……and on and on. And then there are the warnings of the wolves in sheep’s clothing that are popping up everywhere now, deceiving and being deceived. So, if “sounding the alarm” was not all I was to be about doing, what more was there to do?

Tim……what else is in your hand…….

As I sat on our back porch (one of my favorite places to pray) looking out over our little 5 acre parcel I was reminded of how we walked the perimeter of this property 18 years ago and asked God to use it for His glory to bless and be a blessing. Over the past few years since my elderly mother came to live with us I have been led to get this property back into shape as it had become very overgrown. We used to grow incredible gardens and raised rabbits for meat……..but everything stopped after we started traveling and speaking full time. I truly believe it’s time to once again use what God has put into my hand to bless His people. If just half of the dire warnings come about the needs of my “neighbor” are going to be great. What I have in my hand can be used to help sustain His people during these very turbulent times that lie just over the horizon………and be a great witness of His love for those who don’t know Him yet.

Now……the question comes down to this……what has God placed in your hand....and how does He want to use it........have you asked Him?

"PRACTICING" Discernment

2008-04-02T07:16:00.003-04:00

As I was reading a very intriguing article the other day on the Apprising Ministries website I ran across a quote from A.W. Tozer that grabbed my heart. He was considering the dangers of the lack of “discernment” within the church today and what the end result would be if we continued down this path. I have since done a little investigating and came across another quote that prompted me to write this commentary. Here it is;

“The red corpuscles are like faith - they carry the life giving oxygen to every part of the body. The white cells are like discernment - they pounce upon dead and toxic matter and carry it out to the drain. In a healthy heart there must be provision for keeping dead and poisonous matter out of the life stream.” A.W. Tozer

I found this article off another Blog site; The Death of Discernment In The Church, this one really caught my eye. I keep asking myself why this is and what is the root cause that so many seem to be very alarmed about. I have come to somewhat of a conclusion that is wrapped up in the word “practicing”.

The word “practice”, and all of its various forms, is used 37 times in the NT alone. It’s obvious to anyone that if you want to be good at something you must practice it on a regular basis. The enemy of our souls knows this quite well too as he tempts us to “practice” anything but what is good, just and so-on. The apostle Paul was quick to point out the need to practice the right things and the battle within the flesh to practice anything but. The writer of Hebrews said it best I believe;

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

He points out that there is a difference between “encumbrances” and “the sin”, they are two different entities. I believe that encumbrances are the things that just eat up our time so we don’t spend it practicing what we need to practice. He also implies that there were those who were successful at this and we were to act as they acted.

This really helps us to understand why “discernment” is taking a back seat to everything else going on within the Body of Christ. The human nature part of the Body of Christ will spend its time pleasing the fleshly side. When you do that to a human body the evidence is obvious…….too many Twinkees tend to expand the portion of the body that doesn’t need any more expansion. The “Twinkees” of the Body of Christ are those things that satisfy the fleshly side and deprive the Spirit led side. Doing an evaluation of every program in your church will probably reveal just how much flesh is stroked and how much flesh is crucified……..I think you will find the numbers staggering in most assemblies. The same applies to the number of so-called Christian books being sold in the Christian book stores.....whole lotta "flesh strokin" there. This also applies to us on a personal level, how many of our waking hours are spent on things that have little or no meaning, simply time eaters. I know in my own life this is a constant battle, just trying to discern what is priority is mind numbing at times. Discernment is the life’s blood of the Church, so if the enemy wants to damage the Body he just tampers with the blood supply…….resulting in Spiritual anemia.

I believe it would behoove everyone who calls themselves a born again believer to consider learning this whole area of correct Spiritual discernment…….and then begin to “practice” it within your sphere of influence. You may not be the most “popular” one in the crowd, but you will be the most praised when you stand before Jesus and he points out the number you may have rescued from the apostasy.

Incidentally, part of the “practicing” could begin with reading the above article “The Death of Discernment in the church”, it’s quite good………and, of course, laying off the “Twinkees”!

You be the "JUDGE" .... I Wonder?

2008-03-13T07:17:00.006-04:00

It seems as though the tyrants in the black robes are busy doing their thing....again. They've been at it a long time.....just like Christians have been doing their thing a long time as well. The following verse speaks volumes as to how we are to react when faced with the types of things being done in the articles below;

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Emphasis Added)

Now we all know where this is all heading because of the Word of God, but I just wonder how many of today's Christians will have the same response as Peter & John when they are hauled before the same "Judges" as in earlier days. I wonder how many of today's Christians really don't believe they would ever be placed in this position. I wonder how many of today's Christians will be willing to suffer the consequences of that response if it is given. I also wonder just how far today's Judges will go to silence today's "vocal" Christians. Here are just a couple of stories in the ongoing saga of out-of-control tyrants in black robes and the "Christian's" response.....so far.

Court challenged to allow Christians right to pray, too

'Perfect storm' hits California parents

"For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard"

I wonder...........will this be our response as well?

Our nation's "REALITY SHOW"

2008-02-28T07:19:00.004-05:00

Now tell me......did anyone else not see this coming.....Hmmmm.
I mean.....after all......you can't have a "ONE WORLD" government, monetary and religious system with sovereignty of any kind. Come on people.........wake up and smell the noxious sulfur odors emanating from our once-proud & free nation. Our whole socio-economic-political system is running full tilt into socialism at an alarming speed......and "we the people" (Gee, where have I heard that archaic phrase before).......or maybe I should say "sheeple" are being led right along at the same rate. But then again.......this was to be expected.

It's time to stop watching reality shows and realize we are right in the middle of our own..........and the grand prize will be a free trip to hell with the anti-christ and his whole entourage. We need to make sure we are one of the first "voted off " this show to join the rest who will suffer greatly for their faith......but.... come away with the best grand prize of all.......eternal life with Jesus Christ. Instead of working on strategies to stay on the stinkin show (no pun intended...right)...we should be preparing as many as we can to be "losers" to be "voted off".
After all........Jesus was "voted off" a long time ago.....but...... He's comin back with all the "losers" to play the "final round". And you do not want to be anywhere near the "winners" of our nation's REALITY SHOW!

'Virtual Fence' Along Ariz.-Mexico Border Delayed Three Years

Just my opinion !

Whoops.......Another DUCK

2008-02-23T13:54:00.002-05:00

I really don't know how many "DUCK INDICATORS" it's going to take until we, as a civilized society, come out and say; "It's a DUCK". We all watched again in horror as this plain and ordinary guy walked into a classroom and opened fire on the students, killing 5. Now, here comes the following article;

School shooter studied Hamas, says friend
'He would especially enjoy practicing his Arabic on me'

This is just another piece of evidence that the spirit behind Islam (that peaceful religion that Hamas holds religiously to) is being energized by the spirit of anti-christ as told to us in 1 John 4:1-3.........check it out for yourself if you don't believe me.

And, please, start calling this duck a DUCK............it's not a peaceful chicken......it's a DUCK!

Pro "Choice"......but which one?

2008-02-09T08:13:00.000-05:00

A very interesting scenario is beginning to unfold within the realm of politics and true Christianity. I truly believe God is “pulling some strings” within the political landscape to allow Christians the opportunity to “choose”…….they will either “choose” to stand firm in their convictions and suffer persecution, or, they will “choose” to compromise and join the rapidly expanding apostasy.
With Mitt Romney dropping out of the race as a GOP candidate, the majority of conservatives will now be pushing everyone to back John McCain to help insure victory. True believers, who will vote their conscience, will more than likely back Mike Huckabee if he stays in the race. This will create a split in the party and pretty much guarantee defeat. If he drops out, true believers will probably not vote at all because of their convictions, this too will guarantee defeat. This is going to give the majority the opportunity to blame the true believers for losing the election. So, here is the dilemma……..do you compromise your faith knowing full well that McCain does not hold to Biblical moral or ethical standards? Do you compromise so you won’t have to worry about the majority persecuting you? Do you compromise because the majority of other so-called “believers” are doing so? Or, do you stand firm in your convictions and take whatever consequences and/or persecutions come from it.
True Biblical Christians know the answer to that well before it comes about because that’s the way it has always been from the very beginning…..true Christianity will never be accepted by the majority……it will always be persecuted for its convictions……..Jesus said it would. Apostates will compromise everything to insure they are not persecuted. Now I know some are saying; “if we don’t come together and keep the White House we’re doomed!” Guess what…….according to the Scriptures we’re already doomed….we were doomed before we were born….the only thing that matters is what your personal status is with Jesus Christ. It’s not your corporate status as a nation….but your personal status that is important. We can’t be so concerned about what other people will do or say to us…..but what Jesus will do and say to us at the judgment seat of Christ. Presidents, Kings, Queens, Princes and countries will all come and go……but the Word of God is the only thing that last’s forever.
Now….. guess what…….you get to “choose”……..very soon now. My suggestion is that you “choose” wisely!

James 1:5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

By the way..............the above verse includes "women"..........a double minded "woman" is unstable in all of her ways.............can you think of anybody.......Hmmmmmm!

China on the left, Arabs on the right......stuck in the Middle with ???????

2008-01-31T12:59:00.000-05:00

Well.............I guess you could say that it's pretty much like what the opposing armies did in the Old Testamant...............they just divided up the spoils of their enemies after they totally subdued them.

Ever wonder who's going to hold your mortgage next week?

BIZNETDAILY
Arab nations eye control of U.S. companies - Ready to move with $1.7 trillion in windfall profits from oil-price spike

A "Mandate" or "Knee-Jerk" Reaction

2007-12-15T07:37:00.000-05:00

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.

Yet another "spirit" thing

2007-12-11T06:51:00.000-05:00

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.

"Packin" for Jesus !!!!

2007-12-10T08:12:00.000-05:00

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!

Could it be a "spirit thing".....ya think!

2007-12-06T09:13:00.000-05:00

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”.

A Recipe for What?

2007-11-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

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!

The Perfecting of the "Sheep Suit" - Pt. 2

2007-11-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

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.

The Perfecting of the "SHEEP SUIT" Pt. 1

2007-10-30T07:22:00.000-04:00

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”!

Sing a little louder

2007-10-27T16:59:00.000-04:00

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!"

The Weapon of Marginalization

2007-10-20T08:20:00.000-04:00

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!

Eyes on Jerusalem

2007-10-08T07:38:00.000-04:00

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?

ANTI-Prayer.....The "Silent Killer"

2007-10-06T09:17:00.000-04:00

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.

While they are saying, "Peace and safety!"

2007-10-01T10:13:00.000-04:00

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.

PRAYER.....in the correctness of Christ

2007-09-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

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!

Olmert & The APPLE of His Eye

2007-09-24T08:14:00.000-04:00

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.

Global Warming.....to the MAX

2007-09-19T07:53:00.001-04:00

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.

Gloom, Despair & Agony on me............

2007-09-08T06:55:00.000-04:00

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".

Important post on Undergrounded News

2007-09-03T11:21:00.001-04:00

There is an important post on the Undergrounded News Blog that should be considered

http://theundergroundednews.blogspot.com/

Danger, Danger......Saints of God

2007-08-31T11:03:00.000-04:00

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!

Man saves Man........

2007-08-26T18:21:00.000-04:00

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.

Testing the waters

2007-08-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

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

"Hate Crimes"......get ready

2007-08-17T13:12:00.001-04:00

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.

Commentary on Mike Evan's request letter

2007-08-15T14:33:00.000-04:00

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.

Welcome

2007-08-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

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..........