We welcome your stories and articles that will help to inspire and/or refresh our fellow pastors and clergy!

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Taste and See

By Dr. Michael Halleen

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)

Dec 8, 2008 - It's said that "familiarity breeds contempt," but it's true, I think, only for the contemptible. That's because familiarity is the acid test of character. Under its white light all one's virtues and vices stand out in bold relief. The person who deserves respect usually will get it-eventually, as the facts become known. It's the one who is trying to conceal his activities or hide her motives who fears familiarity.

Erik Larson's 'The Devil in the White City' (Viking Books; 2003) tells the fascinating story of H. H. Holmes who carried out a series of murders in Chicago during the World's Fair in 1893. The author describes how Holmes was constantly hiding his actions and purposes from tenants, employees, creditors, wives (he had several) and chance acquaintances. Familiarity would have led to prevention of his evil and brought him the contempt he deserved.

Just a generation earlier, however, another Midwesterner was at the height of his service to his country. During his presidency, Abraham Lincoln was perhaps the most misunderstood and condemned person ever to occupy that office. Yet in the intervening years we have become increasingly familiar with every detail of his life and career. There is scarcely an event he attended or letter that he wrote that has not been the subject of the most careful study. Still, after all this scrutiny, he is regarded as our greatest president, our "First American." Familiarity has bred admiration and respect.

Few of this year's "best sellers" will be remembered in a decade, but the works of a Shakespeare, Pushkin and Dickens (to name a few)-thoroughly studied and endlessly quoted-will live as long as language itself survives. Familiarity has not lessened our regard. The latest tune runs through our brain for a time, but it cannot stand the test of familiarity. Only the music of a Bach or Mozart, the hymns of a Wesley or Watts, can do that.

The Bible invites us to become familiar with God. "Come and see," the disciples said to others about Jesus. "Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden," the Lord said to those who heard him. "Come, follow me," was his invitation to those who were wondering how to make their lives meaningful. Try God, a bumper sticker urges. God stands up to all our scrutiny, to any question or doubt we may bring.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Get acquainted-or reacquainted-with God. That familiarity will breed faith, hope and blessing.

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Christian Education: 7 Essentials for an Effective Teaching Ministry

By Paula Marolewski

Dec 3, 2008 - All too often, planning for Christian Education involves desperately flipping through the church directory and asking, "Who might be willing to take a class?"

Is it any wonder, then, that classes fall flat, attendance is poor, and results are non-existent?

Instead, we need to approach Christian Education with foresight and strategy, being certain to include these seven essentials:

1. Develop a balance of classes. The teaching body should be organized so as to teach a balance of classes at all times, and over the course of time, that complement and build on each other. For instance, balancing a doctrine-focused class with a practice-focused class, balancing topical studies with biblical book studies, balancing lecture-style with discussion-style classes, balancing basic studies with in-depth studies.

2. Mentor new teachers. New teachers should be intentionally and carefully mentored in their spiritual gift. All spiritual gifts require growth, education, and coaching - teaching is no exception. Mentoring should take place with an experienced teacher, in a safe environment, within a purposefully established relationship that allows for constructive critique and optimum growth.

3. Perform regular evaluations. It is imperative that each teacher evaluate him or herself on a regular basis with regard to personal holiness and effective ministry. Additionally, however, it is necessary that the teaching body as a whole evaluate itself with regard to their combined ministry to the church body, and whether or not as a whole they are upholding their calling and achieving their goals.

4. Choose topics with care. Subject matter should be chosen very carefully, taking three main points into consideration: first, what is a teacher's area of expertise and passion; second, what are the expressed needs and desires of the church body; and third, what is the Spirit's leading.

5. Provide diversity and opportunity. Encourage rotation among the teaching body so as to give all teachers opportunities to teach, and opportunities to rest. Such rotation also prevents "cliques" or "followings" from developing within the church body, and exposes the church to a variety of teaching styles, perspectives, insights, and subject matter.

6. Encourage discipleship. While not everyone feels comfortable or called to teach in front of people, we are all called to discipleship. Training should take place in this area, but in essence it is simple: encourage people to find someone they can learn from and someone they can help, and walk in those relationships. We all need to be learning from others, and passing on that which we learn. Such relationships will help make Christian Education a way of life for the church.

7. Be accountable. There should be clear leadership and accountability in the church among the teaching body. Such leadership will help balance classes, organize a teaching schedule, and oversee the corporate goals of the church.

With proper care, planning, and preparation in the area of Christian Education, we will see the Word of God go forth with power in our churches, and in each person's life!

About the Author: Paula J. Marolewski provides challenging and interactive adult Bible studies for individuals, Bible studies, small groups, and adult Sunday School classes at Sink Your Roots (www.SinkYourRoots.com). Studies include such topics as Debunking the Myths about Knowing God's Will. The above article is an excerpt from Called to Teach.

Source: Narrow Is the Path

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Defending David Wilkerson

By Andrew Strom.

Nov 7, 2008 - There are large sections of the modern 'Prophetic' movement who for a long time now have bitterly opposed all that David Wilkerson stands for. They describe him as a "Doom and Gloom" merchant - always warning of what is coming and calling the nation and the church to REPENTANCE.

I received an email from some U.S friends awhile ago who had just gone back to a Pentecostal church after some years. They told me, "If I bring up David Wilkerson, they all get a hateful, angry look on their face." Isn't that terribly sad.

Even though David Wilkerson is the one man who has consistently warned America of cataclysms just like the ones we are seeing, he is still denigrated. Even though he is proved right, still they detest him! I think it is because his major message is "REPENT".

And he doesn't pussy-foot around like a lot of these other so-called "prophets".

When the "God Wants You Rich" prosperity message began to spread, David was one of the few leaders who publicly refuted it and called the people to repent from the "love of money". Many hated him for that. Especially because he is so direct and up-front.

And when the 'Toronto Blessing' came along, with churches full of the most weird and often ugly behaviour - he called it like it was. He was one of the few (if any) Pentecostal leaders who actually stood up publicly and refuted this new 'spirit' that was invading the church. You can imagine how despised he was for that.

There is a 'Prophetic' movement in the world today that is in my opinion very far removed from the word 'Prophet'. It sells truckloads of books and holds untold conferences, but at the end of the day it is a mealy-mouthed travesty of the word 'Prophetic'. It retains its popularity because it is almost always "positive" and up-lifting. The voice of an Amos or Jeremiah is rarely (if ever) heard in its ranks - let alone a "John the Baptist". It is almost never blunt or confrontational - especially about sin.

A lot of this movement has a chronic obsession with the 'religious spirit'. Everywhere these people look all they can see are religious spirits of legalism, pharisaism, etc. Thus they are always talking about "grace, grace, grace". The words "Sin, Righteousness and Judgement" are almost a horror to them, because they are so fearful of being 'religious'. And thus when they come across a prophet who actually preaches on Sin, Righteousness and Judgement (-which are the very things Jesus said His Spirit would CONVICT of), they reject him. Every true prophet that I know of down through history has been a 'Sin, Righteousness and Judgement' preacher. So has every true Revivalist. (Finney, Wesley, Whitfield, Edwards, etc). It is part of the job description!

We have invented a new meaning for the term 'Prophetic' in our day that is far below the standard of the Bible. And far below the standard that must be in place to see a true Revival.

I think it was God's spokesman Ezekiel who coined the term "pillow prophets". That is the last thing that America needs in her hour of crisis. What is needed are voices who truly tell it like it is - who WARN the people, no matter what the cost. -A 'clear trumpet sound'.

David Wilkerson has been just such a voice. And he is almost a 'lone' voice - though thank God he is widely heard. I believe God has placed him in New York for this very hour - the city that combines world political power (-The U.N) with world financial power and world media power. David is "God's man" in that city - I truly believe this. And if he says that God's message to America through these tragedies is "REPENT" then personally I will believe him rather than any mealy-mouthed 'prophet' who says therwise. I am going to listen to the "man on the spot".

David hates sin and deception so much, and loves God and the people so much, that he cannot stand to be silent when God's heart-truths are being trampled underfoot. That is the mark of a true prophet. Keep it up, David!

God bless you all.

Andrew Strom.

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Your are My Witness

By Elizabeth Marks

Oct 15, 2008 - Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:15-17 NKJV

When Paul wrote letters, he fully expected those letters would be read aloud for all to hear. He encouraged the Colossians not only to read the letter but personally take the message to Laodicea and read it to everyone there. He wanted this message to be shared with others in the body of Christ. Do we think about the bible the same way? Do we read it aloud among our friends and family? Do we take it with us wherever we go, that we might share it with others along the way? If not, why?

Jesus told his followers what they were to do, now that Jesus was going back to heaven. Acts 1:7-8 “And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He said they would be witnesses of Him.

What does a witness do? From a court of law standpoint, a witness can be crucial to whether a case is won or lost. A witness, especially an eye-witness, has knowledge about what is being discussed. They can shed light on the matter that no one else can. They have “inside” knowledge.

Now, apply that description to yourself. You are a witness of Jesus Christ. You have first hand knowledge of how Christ changed your life by setting you free from your sins and giving you a new life by His Holy Spirit in you.

We are to be the salt & light of the world according to Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

From Matthew 5:13 above we see that it takes effort to stay “salty”. We need to be diligent in our relationship with Christ that we may be flavorful to the world. From Matthew 5:15-16 above we see that we should not hid our light, but instead let it shine for all to see. What’s preventing you from letting your light shine today? Pray and ask God for His wisdom, power and discernment about how to stare His glorious news with others.

May all who read this “take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

About the Author: Elizabeth Marks was born and raised in Southern California. After being married for 10 years with a five year old son, her and her husband were on the brink of divorce in late 1999. During that dark time, they both came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through Saddleback Church’s Celebrate Recovery program. From that moment on, everything changed. Life was new again! Now filled with the God’s love, their hearts are renewed, their marriage restored and they were blessed with a second son in 2004!


Now grateful for God’s second chance, Elizabeth and husband, Steve, have celebrated 18 years of marriage in 2006. Elizabeth has a heart full of passion for encouraging and strengthening fellow believers through her words. Need some hope? Go to Think On It Devotions& for daily renewal from God’s Word.

Source: Christian Article Bank

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The Rapture - to be or not to be?

By: Sylvia Huffnagle

Sept 26, 2008 - The verses I use below are not to prove that there will be a rapture of the true church because I know of no verse that proves that. I am using these verses to build a case for why I believe there will be a rapture of the true church.

Some of the scriptures will seem more valid than other because some of them are for a certain way of thinking and others are easily discernable.

II Kings 22:19-20: Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. 20: Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. they brought the king word again. (Talking about Josiah the king. I show in these verses that god does this kind of thing. He does provide a haven for those who are not guilty of whatever He is dealing with the people about.)

Isa: 26:1-21: In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. 2: Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. 3: Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4: Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: 5: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust. 6: The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy. 7: The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. 8: Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. 9: With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. 10: Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD. 11: LORD, when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them. 12: LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. 13: O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name. 14: They are dead, they shall not live; they are deceased, they shall not rise: therefore hast thou visited and destroyed them, and made all their memory to perish. 15: Thou hast increased the nation, O LORD, thou hast increased the nation: thou art glorified: thou hadst removed it far unto all the ends of the earth. 16: LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them. 17: Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD. 18: We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. 19: Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. 20: Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. 21: For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain. (That may have been for then, but it fits now just as well and I think we can take these words to heart.)

Zeph: 2:3: Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger. (This scripture certainly give hope of a rapture.)

Three good points:
Lk: 12:40-46: Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. 41: Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? 42: And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? 43: Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44: Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. 45: But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 46: The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. (Vs 46 sure doesn’t sound as if the earth is experiencing the wrath when He comes. First of all Jesus says that He is coming when people are expecting Him and then he talks about His servants being tempted to party. Now if the wrath were going on, who would be partying?)

Lk: 17:27-37: And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27: They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28: Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29: But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30: Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. 31: In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32: Remember Lot's wife. 33: Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. 34: I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. 35: Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 36: Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 37: And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. (Again, it sounds as if He is coming when people are still living ordinary life. The wrath is described as the worst turmoil the earth has ever had--it does not sound like a “life goes on” type of situation, but Jesus describes His coming in a “life goes on” situation.)

Lk: 21:34-37: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35: For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36: Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (See, Jesus does talk about an escape from the horrible things that are coming on the earth.)

I Thes: 4:15-17: For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (The end of the age harvest sounds different from this. [Rev:14:14-20: And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15: And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16: And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. 17: And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18: And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. 19: And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.20: And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. ] Notice Vs 16-- those are taken first and then the wrath.

I Thes: 5:9: But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (Who will make the rapture? Those who know they have been redeemed and are walking by faith and love because of their hope. Notice that they are not appointed for god’s wrath--if no rapture--how are they going to get away from it?)

Rev: 22:12: Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (If the wrath were just ending, I would think the people who were still alive would already be wailing.)

This one is as close to a promise of the rapture as I can find:
Rev: 3:8-11: I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9: Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11: Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Scriptures that tell who will go through the wrath and who will not:
Rom: 1:18: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom: 2:5: But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

Rom: 2:8: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

Rom: 5:9: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Eph: 2:1-3: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Eph: 5:6: Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col: 3:6: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

1Thes: 1:10: And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1Thes: 5:9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rev: 18:1-19: And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2: And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3: For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4: And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. 5: For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. 6: Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. 7: How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. 8: Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. 9: And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10: Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. 11: And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: 12: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13: And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. 14: And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. 15: The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16: And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! 17: For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, 18: And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! 19: And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. ( Babylon is the great city of lies being build right at this time. All philosophy that causes rebellion and disobedience to God is Babylon or babbling.)

Rev 18: 20-24: Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. 21: And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. 22: And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; 23: And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. 24: And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. ( I believe Vs 4 is where the rapture takes place and we are all rejoicing in heaven in Vs 20-24.)

Source: Narrow is the Path

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God’s Plan for Reconciliation

By Dr. Michael A.Halleen

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Sept 8, 2008 - The son of an alcoholic father who had abandoned his family, Gerald and his seven siblings had been raised in a succession of foster homes. The father lived on the streets of Chicago, until the night his body was found in an alley. Gerald asked me to officiate at the funeral.

The casket stood open prior to the service, Gerald beside it, weeping for the father he had hardly known. His pain and desire to have back those lost years were so great that at one point he even climbed on to the casket and tried to embrace his father’s dead body.

The only member of his family to go to college, Gerald earned a graduate degree in psychology and spent his working life as a therapist. Helping others find reconciliation with one another and peace within was perhaps a means by which he hoped also to find his own. He told me once—no doubt out of his own experience—that “there is a place in the human heart left ever hollow” when one cannot be reconciled to those most important to us. Sadly, after years of struggle with depression, Gerald, an earnest Christian, died too young, his hollow place unfilled.

Reconciliation . . . Theologians have long debated about just what occurred when Christ gave up his life on the Cross. The question seems to boil down to this: Was God’s wrath being placated through Jesus’ sacrifice so that the Father might be reconciled to sinful humanity? Or, on the other hand, was God demonstrating infinite mercy in removing humanity’s sin and reconciling the world to Himself? Who, in other words, was being reconciled to whom? God to us, or us to God?

I make no pretense of wisdom in such matters. But I do identify with the observation of the nineteenth century Swedish theologian Paul Peter Waldenstrom who noted that John the Baptist did not say, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the wrath of God,” but rather “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Gerald desperately wanted—needed—to be reconciled to a father who had rejected him. His memory is an encouragement to me about the nature of our relationship with God. In seeking to be connected to the Father’s love—that relationship we want and need—we are never turned away. The Father’s arms are always open, and the Savior’s mercy has no end.

Live today in confidence, faith and hope! No hollow places! We have been reconciled to God!

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

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Hear the Voice of God: My Sheep hear My Voice

By Joseph3333

July 24, 2008 - In the beginning, I was like everyone else and I don't believe that God can speak to us. Yet after consistent trying, I discover that I have done it and I have managed to plug my spiritual phone line to the throne of God; that is why I bothered to write a book about this. The bible says in Luke 11:10, “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” And again in Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, “It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”” Bread refers to the bible and the mouth of God refers to God speaking actively to us.

This is an article about how to hear the voice of God in 14 different ways. This article references the book (My Sheep Hear My Voice) written to show and teach the Christian community the importance of hearing directly from the throne of God. Have you ever wonder if God can or will speak with us? The answer is yes, God is alive and he still speaks to his people. This may be the most important words that you will ever read for the next 15 minutes that will bring a real and important change in your life. It’s a breakthrough wisdom that comes from not just words but real life experiences that will point you into extreme peace and prosperity.

Personally, I have spent over 10 years to practice the art of hearing from God and executing most of my decision based on his guidance and I have been having a great and fantastic time with the Lord. All his instructions to me brought me peace, joy and success. Just to be candid about our beliefs, how can anyone claim that they worship a true God and yet in reality they live a life without any ability to hear from him? If God is our shepherd and we never receive any instructions and commands from him, then we are not glorifying the true living God. We are no different than worshipping dead idols and graven images when we can not hear from God. Conversely, if God is alive doesn’t he want to talk with us, since we worship him?

If we then know he is alive and yet does not speak to his people, then our claims are fictional and in conflict with our beliefs. This book (My Sheep Hear My Voice) testifies to all the people of the world that God speaks to his people, and not just one way but in at least 14 ways. These ways are not for the special exclusive group of people, it is for all his children and those who bother to take the time to listen to his reply when he speaks. I have done it with patient verification and constant testing and found that I was able to communicate with my God, thus I believe that anyone who seeks him will find as well. This is not a theoretical, theological conceptual exercise; it’s a real life activity. It’s a book that is written based on true life experiences. Most Christian don’t experience the voice of God because they expect God to speak to them in a very loud voice and be very spectacular, however, God speaks in very gentle ways and he does not intrude on us to freak us out.

When the instructions which God has given to me were actually obeyed and executed; the results were remarkable and rewarding. God says in the end times that he is seeking true worshippers who worship him in spirit and in truth. In spirit is to be led by the spirit of God and in truth is according to the word of Jesus, the son of God. I can no longer imagine how to live a good life without God’s council. I found that each time I obeyed his suggestion and advice, my tasks were easier and smoother and success was sweet. So without spiritual power and help, some of us may not be able to fulfill our destiny.

Therefore, in order for the will of God to be fulfilled throughout the earth, all his disciples and followers must be doing his will by seeking his voice. And God says again in the book of Proverbs 8:34-35, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the lord.” And again in the book of Proverbs 8:34-35, it says, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the lord. This book is a tribute of my 10 years of communion with the Lord, God, and I am testifying for him. God is alive, and he talks to me, and he want to talk to you. If you can believe and spent time to listen, you shall surely hear his voice. And I know you will because Jesus says, ask and you shall be given and seek you shall find and knock; the door will be opened.

This book which can be found at www.Kingscepter.com and it describes the details and shows that God will speak to us in the following ways:

If you thought that I got this gift or ability suddenly, then you are very wrong. The first time when I tried to speak to God and wanting him to reply, I got only dead silence. It was not immediately evident to me how to speak to God, but slowly, I decided to try and practice. I did not just read the book, I decided to practice the ways in the book, and I expected God to speak to me in those ways. In the beginning, it was very comical and foolish to do the things that I did, but I was not led astray nor was I embarrassed when I first made up my mind to seek the council of our Lord Jesus and God. When I decided to seek God, he began to turn his attention towards me.

You may wonder what was it that motivated me to want to hear his voice. Well, it’s sad but true, we do not seek God until we need him desperately. For me, I had 5 crises that happened to me in the year 1997, I needed a miracle in short. I found God and he spoke to me. God also gave me confirmations through scriptures that he is the one who spoke to me. This gave me peace and assurance, he is a good God, and we should not fear that we will hear a different voice. I was elated, surprised and very excited about this new found counselor. Then, I read that God can do anything even impossible things, and that is when I decided that God can speak to me in anyways he chose. The bible says in John 10:27, “My sheep hears my voice; I know them and they follow Me.” and again in John 10:3 – 5, “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and he sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Here is a simply analogy, I want you to reflect on your natural father; how do you recognize your father’s voice when he calls you on the phone. What is it about the voice that makes you recognize that it is your true father on the other line? First, it was the tone of his voice, and second it is the way he uses certain words, and thirdly, it is the way he speaks and his unique speech, fourth, it was the historical relationship with him that he can use certain events to jolt your memories all these combined together, gave you an idea that it is truly your father who is speaking to you. So have no fear that you will hear a wrong voice, we have a way to know if God is the one speaking to us. God is a spiritual being and he can talk to you, provided you believe he can and will speak to you.

Finally, be blessed in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and my prayers will accompany you as you seek to hear his voice. He promised me through the bible verse: Isaiah 32:3, “Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. Then the mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.” Let your ears and eyes be opened as you seek to hear from him, and may he also cause you to hear, and see what goodness he has prepared for those who seek him. Finding him is finding an eternal treasure, for if God is for you, who can be against you. Whatever may be your situation, if God speaks to you, you will find a second chance and a way in the wilderness and he will lead you out of your trouble, I know because I came out of the wilderness because I hear his voice and like a sheep I followed the voice of the Shepherd and I came out of my pits. Truthfully, what have you got to lose? Go check out this book which was created to serve those who sincerely want to find a connection to the throne of God. You can find this book at www.Kingscepter.com.

About the Author: Joseph3333, Numbers 33:33, Job 33:33, Ezekiel 33:33, Pro-Temp President of Thy Scepter, A business owner organization. Member of C MBC, FGBMFI, Singapore. Email: prophet3333@yahoo.com. Website: www.Kingscepter.com. www.kingscepter.com, prophet3333@yahoo.com, king James Bible, NIV bible, NASB bible.

Source: NarrowIsThePath.com

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Eight Steps to Effective Leadership

By Sean Mize

July 9, 2008 - As a Christian leader, you are held to high moral, ethical, and social standards. As a leader, you are held to high standards, but as a Christian leader, that bar is raised even higher. Why? Because both the Christian and non-Christian social environment has tended to expect that Christians measure up to their self-proclaimed moral and ethical standards, as they rightly should. What can you do to be sure you ‘stand up to the test’ in the area of Christian leadership?

1. Probably the most important thing you can do as a Christian leader is to clean up your act---if there is anything in your life, moral or ethical, which would not stand up to scrutiny if the entire world found out---you must eliminate it immediately. Do not give anyone an occasion to think that you are a hypocrite.

2. Be sure that every decision you make is honest and ethical. You cannot effectively lead, as a Christian or not, when your decisions and actions are not above-board, fair, and honest.

3. As a Christian leader, commit to telling the truth no matter what. As a Christian leader, when you lie or tell half-truths, people tend to feel that your entire faith is a sham. In fact, if you are habitually lying and telling half-truths, your faith may indeed be a sham.

4. Learn everything you can about the tasks at hand, even if it means working in the trenches for awhile. No one likes to be led by someone who has never done what they are doing. This doesn’t mean you have to become an expert, just participate in the menial work long enough to understand the frustrating aspects of the work. Another benefit to this is, when you have actually done the work, you can more effectively
brainstorm solutions to challenges when they arise.

5. Lead by example. Do you expect your employees or secretaries to arrive on time for work, and dressed well? Then you must do the same. Sometimes it is so easy to think that you have earned the right to come in whenever you feel like it, or to return from lunch whenever you wish. Sure, you may have earned the right, but you gain far more by setting the example for performance. Do you expect others to work overtime when a project is behind projections? Then you must be willing to do the same.

6. Although you may feel you have earned the right to delegate away all the work, continue to be involved in productive tasks. By doing some of the work, not only do you gain the respect of your employees, but also you keep in touch with the flow of things. As a leader, it is easy to become disengaged from the actual productive segment of your business, and resultantly make decisions that look good on paper and sound good around the boardroom table, but are actually worthless when the rubber hits the road.

7. Constantly reevaluate your own performance. Often, you may spend so much time correcting the actions of others and solving crises you didn’t create, that you develop a sense that others aren’t as capable as you. Consequently, you may not recognize when you are falling into bad habits that also need to be corrected. Be the first to recognize and correct your own short-fallings.

8. Avoid pride. Once in a position of leadership, especially if you are good at what you do, it is easy to begin to feel that you are invincible. Once that occurs, you become vulnerable to pride, and may make decisions you would frown on if your subordinates made the same decisions. Maintain full responsibility for your actions, and keep them above-board at all times.

Bonus Step:

9. Learn to manage your time. When you are in a position of leadership and find yourself delegating away most of the time-consuming tasks, it is easy to lose control of your time. Again, when your employees see you wasting your time, they will tend to do the same.

About the Author: To subscribe to a free weekly newsletter with more Christian success tips like these, click here:Christian Success Newsletter. Written by: Sean Mize, Christian entrepreneur and Christian time management authorChristian Success Network . © Sean Mize 2006

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By His Wisdom!

By Dr. Michael A. Halleen

By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place. Proverbs 3:19

April 28, 2008 - A few thoughts which I count as wisdom, underlined in my notes from years ago . . .

We have been created to heal. If one is accidentally cut, the bleeding soon stops, a scab forms and within a few days the skin is restored—in most cases hiding the wound altogether. This principle of healing operates for the soul as well as for the body. Emotional injury heals too, given time for the process to work. It is the way we have been made.

By wisdom God created healing. We are wise to believe we will get well.

Progress is made in small steps, one at a time. Ancient philosophy gave us the thought that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Eric Sevareid, the late news correspondent and author, and several others had to hike 140 miles through the mountainous jungles of Burma during World War II after their plane had gone down. He writes of how one foot had been punctured by a nail, and soon both feet developed severe blisters. “Could I hobble 140 miles? Could the others, some in worse shape than I? We were convinced that we could not. But we could hobble to that ridge, we could make the next friendly village for the night. And that, of course, was all we had to do.”

By wisdom God leads us day by day, moment by moment. We are wise to have faith that one step will make a difference.

The most important life-change we can make is in our attitude. The way we think profoundly affects the way we live. When circumstances cannot be changed, we need to change our outlook on them. As a teenager, I went to a wilderness camp in northern Minnesota. For eight days we paddled canoes through the boundary waters, portaged along wooded trails, stayed in tents and ate food from envelopes. It rained the entire time. Nothing ever got dry. I was cold, wet, homesick and miserable. Our guide, a YMCA staff member and cheerful, good-natured ex-Army sergeant, whistled and sang as he led us through the rain and endless mire. “Gentlemen,” he said, “when the facts won’t budge, you have to bend your attitude to fit them.” I survived the camp and learned to sing in the rain.

By wisdom God allows us to decide. We are wise to understand that, when necessary, we can make life better by deciding to alter our way of looking at it.

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

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Anger and Your Health!

By Dr. Michael A. Halleen

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

April 21, 2008 - Bob Byberg was a physician and friend who had a warm and humane way of practicing his craft, whether by appointment in his office or in incidental contact in the church foyer. On one occasion he told me, “It isn’t a question of whether an illness is physical or emotional, but how much of each.”

Every thoughtful person recognizes that anger, resentment and similar negative emotions are sometimes contributors to poor health. It has been well established that these factors can cause chemical reactions in the body that over a period of time are detrimental to one’s well-being. Dr. Bob said he suspected that many people suffer poor health not from what they eat but from what’s eating them. So the apostle’s counsel not to let the sun go down while we are still angry has physical as well as spiritual value.

Anger, like all emotions, cannot be prevented from arising when it is stirred within us. And, like other emotions, it is neither good nor bad in itself. It is just there. It is neither sinful nor unhealthy to feel anger. The problems come with actions we may think are justified by our anger or when we allow anger to linger beyond its useful life—in most cases no more than thirty seconds. Anything longer than that is usually just ego.

Dr. Bob and I once stood beside the casket of a mutual acquaintance, and I asked him if he had been the man’s physician. He smiled and said, “Yes, but I never could do anything to treat his anger.” He went on to say that he was sure the resentments the deceased man had carried had lowered his body’s capacity to resist the series of illnesses he had suffered.

I recently attended a conference at which I bumped into one of two men who had caused me to be summarily fired from a position of interim minister at a church in which they were elders. For far too long I had carried feelings of anger toward them. But at our meeting I realized that those feelings had melted away. I searched for them and found that I have been able—though only after many sunsets—to let them go. I thought of Dr. Bob and wondered if there might have been some connection between my lingering resentment and the two hospitalizations I went through in the intervening years.

Maybe, if I had handled those feelings before sunset that day….

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

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The Osteen Bible and other Apostasy Milestones

by Rev Michael Bresciani

April 15, 2008 - The word apostasy is derived from the Greek word “apostasies” which literally means “desertion.” In the last few years of time as we know it the Bible clearly promises there will be a falling away or apostasy in the church and in long held theological principles.

If you need to ask if an apostasy or a desertion is occurring today you probably don’t own a radio or a television set. Long held beliefs are being questioned, set aside and abandoned altogether with alarming frequency. Here are some prime examples.

On January 5, 2008 a CBN newswomen Kristi Watts interviewing mega pastor Joel Osteen posed the question “What about the s-word, the d-word and the h-word.” Osteen acknowledged that he understood that the interviewer was referring to the words sin, devil and hell.

He quickly admitted that those were words he did not use in his messages because they tended to promote a negative approach to things. With more than 1300 clear references to the devil, sin and hell throughout the bible Osteen raised more questions than he answered.

The first question might be “who commissioned him to re-write the bible." A second more important question might be "what did Christ die for?" Up to now we thought he died for the sins of the world. The third question is derived from the bibles own answer to the second question and is inevitable. What’s the point of the rest of the bible if that’s not true, or important?

Recent interviews with Larry King, Glenn Beck and others have proven that Osteen is a charming uplifting communicator who is hard not to like. His messages are always positive and are not unlike those of any motivational speaker or self esteem guru but he is working under the title of “pastor” and that’s were the doubt is raised.

Osteen is far from the first person to remove the parts of the bible he didn’t like. Thomas Jefferson used a jackknife to cut out all references to hell and eternal punishment from the bible. Jefferson was a “deist” and that is a common belief among all deists. One major difference between Jefferson and Osteen is that Jefferson never called himself a pastor.

The biggest question is about timing. As churches slide away from biblical tenants and secularism creeps into the church all over the world isn’t the very timing of this new “happy feel good ultra positive gospel” just part and parcel to the promised apostasy? Millions think it is!

Many of the sermons Osteen preaches are on how to deal with critics. It seems that 44,000 weekly participants in his church services and 7 million viewers of the weekly televised broadcasts are getting some flak along with him. In a success worshipping, big is better society in this country not even that kind of success can curb the doubt of many people who have only to read their bibles to see that Osteen is leaving out a big part of the story; many would say the very heart of the story.

In Canada ministers of both Catholic and protestant churches are being prosecuted, imprisoned, fined and censured for quoting verses of the bible that condemn the gay lifestyle. A movement in Canada has begun in the legislature to begin taxing church properties like Sunday school rooms, kitchens, parking lots and anything not directly used as a sanctuary for worship. Severe limitations are being considered on the building of new church buildings.

Leaders like Tristan Emmanuel an ordained Presbyterian pastor, speaker and activist who prepares Christians for leadership and service in the public square warn that America is on the same slippery slope as Canada. It may not be long before American ministers will have to answer for saying what the bible says about gays, same gender marriages, pre-marital relations and other currently not politically correct long held beliefs derived from the bible.

Europe has demonstrated that it is far ahead of either Canada or the United States in secular progressive ideas and actual legislation.

In Spain during the last week of December 2007 almost two million Spaniards took to the streets of Madrid and filled up Madrid’s famous Colon Plaza in a powerful show of unity. The Spanish were calling for an end to Spain’s socialist governments attack on the institution of marriage. The Catholics were joined by representatives of the Episcopal and other protestant churches but were all snubbed by Spain’s ruling socialist party.

Cardinal Archbishop Antonio Canizares of Toledo lambasted the socialist government and said that “ Spain's family is threatened by unjust and evil laws." The ruling socialist party of Spain snuffed its nose at the Pope, Cardinal Canizares and the demonstrators with a statement that read “we won’t take a single step back” The new more tolerant government of Spain will not tolerate over a thousand years of traditional and biblically derived beliefs about marriage and the family.

The ruling party touting a more tolerant society wasn’t the least bit tolerant with the Catholic and protestant believers of Spain and concluded their response with "We will continue working to ensure that Spanish citizens are freer and have more rights, and so that, at the same time, that our society is increasingly more respectful and tolerant," referring to its "gay marriage" policy.

Apostasy is inevitable and it is the byproduct of a world that is being turned upside down and where previously held values are scoffed at sometimes just because a minority might be slightly offended. Many of the charges brought against Canadian ministers were lodged not because someone was physically accosted, libeled or maligned but only because they were “hurt.” Many are left wondering who may be “hurt” next. Perhaps convicted murders, rapists, pedophiles and burglars are hurt because we have put them in jail.

The twisted view of political correctness will continue to pervert the most established traditions and beliefs known to man until the world will be changed for good; but no good will come of it. The topsy turvy effect of the tolerance and multicultural movement is gaining exponentially in spite of warnings and bible teachings to the contrary.

Writer Ray C. Stedman said in his book “Gods Loving Word” “As a society, we have our values upside down. Our government creates entire bureaucracies to monitor minute amounts of suspected carcinogens in our food, air, and water---yet it also pays subsidies to farmers for producing one of the worst, most highly cancer-causing substances around: tobacco. We are told we must save the whales, yet we allow unborn babies to be slaughtered at a rate of 3,000 abortions per day. School teachers are allowed to teach witchcraft and New Age philosophy in our public schools, yet the Bible, prayer, and the Ten Commandments are banned. We sentence peaceful pro-life activists to prison and we turn convicted repeat killers and rapists loose on society."

Where does it end? That’s easy to answer; it ends with the physical and imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth to remove forever the reins of government from the hands of men. In the mean time believers can only continue with what they know to be right according to the bible…the whole bible; with the s-word, d-word and h-word included.

Believers who know what Christ has commanded can say what Peter said after being released from prison where he was sent for preaching the gospel. When the rulers asked Peter why he kept on preaching the gospel after they had commanded him to stop he replied with “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

As for anyone changing, de-emphasizing or deleting any part of the word of God they should keep this in mind. When judgment begins to unfold a group of people who have already departed from earth are seen under the care and protection of Christ himself. It is said that their deaths were for their faithfulness to the “word of God.” (Revelation 6:9) If some people have allowed their blood to be shed to proclaim every word of God where does that put someone who throws parts of it out to please a crowd? That answer is yours to decide.

About the Author: Rev Michael Bresciani is the author of two books and is a columnist for several online and print publications. Visit The Website for Insight to find powerful articles, news, movie reviews and much more from across the USA and around the globe. http://www.americanprophet.org

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Forecast America 2008 - The Church and the Nation

by Rev Michael Bresciani

March 19, 2008 - As a fledgling believer about four decades ago I began to have dreams. They were like movie previews of events to come usually personal but at times more universal in nature. It was spooky enough having the dreams but even more unsettling was the fact that of several thousand dreams over the years not one was ever wrong.

Always checking the dreams against the Bible to make sure there were no inconsistencies was my first rule of interpretation. But often my dreams needed no interpretation; they came on a “what you see is what you get” basis. I saw the events exactly as they happened; no interpretation needed.

I’ve never accepted the ability to view the future as merely novel or interesting but have approached it all with the deepest sense of responsibility. The Bible strictly warns that if someone purports to have heard from God when they have not they will be totally responsible for that error, or lie if they are mistaken or just being presumptuous.

Very few dreams had to do with world events for which I have always been thankful. I believe I will see more as the need arises. In one dream I did see the return of the Lord and in another message I was warned of an economic collapse in America that will dwarf the stock market crash and the dust bowl days combined. I can see the future but I can’t predict what God may show me about the future.

What has guided me over the years has been the definition of a prophet I found in the Bible and one other source. The biblical definition says “And he said, hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” (Nu 12:6)

The other definition was that a prophet is one who “tells forth the will and counsel of God.” This definition implies that prophecy is not relegated to only speaking about the future and is in perfect harmony with a verse from the book of Revelation that says “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” ( Rev 19:10)

Today more Bible prophecy is being fulfilled than in any other time in history. The two major events having to do with Jesus Christ are his first coming (Messianic prophecies) and then his second coming (pre-millennial prophecies.) Obviously the bulk of prophecies yet to unfold are pre-millennial. Up to about one quarter of the Bible is made up of pre-millennial prophecies.

As a boy I watched my grandfather load himself and a few of my uncles into an old flatbed truck and travel 35 miles to a nearby city to consult with a Portuguese Feiteceira (witch) who would tell him why his poultry business was not doing so well at times. He would slay a few chickens and throw them on his neighbor’s front yard to break the curse and go on with business as usual.

This is not prophecy as the Bible sees it. In fact this book that speaks so much about future events has serious warnings about seeking the future or pretending to know the future. Prophesying for money, prognosticating, witchcraft, necromancy, (reading the liver) astrology, stargazing, psychic reading and soothsaying are all strictly prohibited by the scriptures. If God has something to say he alone picks his mouthpieces and he alone certifies them. The most unique thing about these oracles is this; they never prophesy anything that conflicts with or denies the “prior” revelation…the Bible.

Many people are studying the prophetic side of the scriptures today. That study is referred to most often as “eschatology.” Unfortunately not everyone doing these studies is qualified. Those who are Biblically grounded and who shun liberal interpretation are seen to be the most reliable. These matters are not for the novice or the person who is just dabbling.

Many certified eschatologists are also good at making predictions or accurate forecasts about the future because they compare current events against the prophecies in a responsible and balanced fashion. You won’t hear a lot of “thus saith the Lord” from these kinds of people. They will research, analyze, and speculate in a learned and biblically grounded manner and their view of things can generally be trusted. It behooves the hearer to pick your prophet with care.

One thing you will never hear from a real prophet is the naming of a specific date or time for the return of the Lord. Christ strictly warned that no man would know the exact time of his return. (Mt 24:36) What Christ did say was that we would be able to see the season or the generation in which his return was imminent (Mt 24:32) and not to see it would be our folly. Refusing to see it is even worse and even that was prophesied to come as well.

It is in the spirit of the aforementioned that I make my predictions for America for 2008. They are “soft predictions” so don’t get nervous. But do watch carefully because you will lose most of the bets against their accuracy if you are a gambling person.

If a liberal democrat of the top contender variety is chosen to lead this county in the upcoming election all bets are off. My forecast for America if that happens is far too bleak. That eventuation would produce the fastest and most severe downward social and moral trend this country has ever experienced. I am speaking here of a Clinton or Obama win in the race for president as if I really needed to say that.

Keeping in mind that the President represents only one part of our three branches of government and the social trends of the population can often outweigh all three branches of government. We can’t hold a single leader up to more than they can produce. If a conservative values based individual like Alan Keyes or Mike Huckabee is chosen the difference will be large but the will of the people must never be left out of the equation.

In fact it is the “will of the people” that is my next prediction. Government by representation has severely faltered in America over the last decade. Our reps are not voting our will like they used to. In the EU failure to get the remaining countries into the EU block of nations has resulted in the abandonment of popular votes and referendums. Now the parliamentary decisions are being counted on more than ever rather than the will of the people. Enter America.

Government that Ronald Reagan tried so hard to make less lumbering and unwieldy has re-fattened in the last decade. The fed will tell us how we are going to live; it’s easier than wading through millions of opinions and cumbersome referendums. Top reps are streamlining much legislation on local, state and federal levels with or without regarding the “will of the people” to wit California’s twisted and almost unbelievable passing of SB777. Lest we forget the other brazen example of the slaughter of “for the people and by the people” the NAFTA derived Mexamerica superhighway controversy looms large as a perfect example of leaving out the “will of the people.”

As for sharing pulpits with candidates who think babies have no rights and gays should have even more rights that is all part of the well defined “apostasy” of the church promised in Biblical prophesy. Preachers with mega-churches who refuse to call men to repentance and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross are also part of the predicted “falling away.” Prosperity gospel, cotton candy religion and feel good theologies are all elements that will leave the church divided and impotent more in 2008 than ever before. I predict that apostate churches will flourish in 2008. I can add that these churches will be the first to be struck down by the Antichrist and the most severely dealt with by secular forces in the not too distant future.

Conversions to Christianity will continue to flourish in third world countries as they are now in parts of Africa, Central America and South America. China will continue to see the Christian faith grow in spite of fierce resistance and persecution. This must not be read as proof that the apostasy is not underway. God is able to keep both promise and prophecy fulfilled and moving forward at the same time. One of the last day’s signs is that the gospel will be preached throughout the world at the very same time that whole nations will be tearing up the roots of the church and eventually directly opposing and persecuting the church worldwide.

I believe that natural disasters will occur with greater frequency than ever before in 2008. Perhaps some serious earthquakes in the western US and some deadly weather conditions around the rest of the country. As always no one in the secular world will acknowledge that any of this has to do with Gods direct influence. Increased frequencies of any natural phenomena will be noticed but attributed to natural causes and glibly explained away by scientists and other “experts.”

On the positive side many wandering stars will be re-gathered in 2008. Thousands of people who have been straddling the fence for years will return to the faith they were once tutored in. Additionally new converts will sweep across every age group and the intensity of their conversions will be notable. They will be accompanied by dreams, visions and even some miracles. An entire generation of Joel 2:28 Christians will begin to emerge in 2008. If you know the scripture this promise has probably just lifted your heart and maybe produced a smile on your face, if you do not know what Joel 2:28 says nothing said here will make any difference anyway.

Finally events in the rest of the world will catapult America into some sudden foreign policy changes. Iran will prove to be the peskiest and ultimately the most dangerous influence in the Middle East. Europe will flex new muscle politically, militarily and the Euro will push the dollar down to new lows before a worldwide economy emerges. 2008 will see upheavals in the economies of several countries and Canada will be among them.

Hollywood, TV and media in general will plunge to new depths of prurient immorality and the government will have little effectiveness in curbing it. It will be a year of giving the people “what they really want” even if it is choking them to death.

2008 could be said to be the year of the sinking ship. An old analogy used by evangelists years ago now will take on new meaning in 08. A large ship stranded at sea with no power or ability to communicate is sinking fast as the Captain comes down to the grand ballroom to announce what looks like the greatest act of benevolence ever seen at sea. He announces that the ships stores are open to all and they can have anything they desire and they can do anything they want to do. The passengers are gleefully delighted and begin to indulge themselves without reservation.

A few sailors and passengers who know what is really going on try to warn the rest that the ship is taking on water from below and is sinking. These doomsayers are mocked, scorned and ridiculed. The analogy is simple the ship sinks! The more personal license and uninhibited behavior that is encouraged in any society is directly linked to the amount of time to the final plunge to the bottom. 2008 will be taking on water at an alarming rate and a few sailors will be trying to herald the warning against a backdrop of self assured collective solipsism and the deep blindness caused by self indulgence. God help us in 2008.

As I move down the one way road toward the end of my walk in this old world two things grow stronger everyday. One is the love I have for my God and his son the Lord Jesus Christ, the other is the love I have for America. It is because of both that I can say that with prophetic fulfillment comes a dark night upon the whole earth. I can say with Christ that if your going to work some good with your life you had better do it now because “the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4


If you are a conservative American don’t be discouraged because a few names have fallen off the wagon. Remember the alternatives and that most of the liberals were not ever on the wagon to begin with. Fight the good fight.

As for faith in God remember as the ball drops this year in Times Square there is also a door closing to a countdown of God’s prophetic timetable. Don’t bother with a New Years resolution and don’t insult God by bringing in the New Year with a drunk and a midnight kiss. Its not about resolutions or reformations it’s about repentance. Pause as the New Year comes in and get right with God.

With a simple and heartfelt prayer in the privacy of your home, office or car you can call upon Christ to forgive all your sins and invite him to come into your life. He won’t refuse anyone and that always included you. Happy New Year America!

About the Author

Rev Michael Bresciani is the author of two books and is a columnist for several online and print publications. Visit The Website for Insight to find powerful articles, news, movie reviews and much more from across the USA and around the globe. http://www.americanprophet.org.

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Changing the World

By Michael A. Halleen

A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. Mark 15:21

March 17, 2008 - The man who carried Jesus’ cross was “the father of Alexander and Rufus.” The only reason Mark could have had for mentioning this little detail was that his readers, the early Christians in Rome, knew these two. They were part of the fellowship. So what kind of story do we have here, implicit in the presence of these two names?

Simon is a faithful Jew from Cyrene, a city on the African coast, a thousand miles west of Jerusalem. On a pilgrimage to the Holy City for Passover, Simon is caught up in Jesus’ forced death march to Golgotha. He sees this weakened, bloodied man collapse under the burden of bearing the cross and instinctively moves in to help, only to hear the sergeant of the guard order him to carry it himself.

Arriving at the place of execution, Simon stays close, to watch. He hears Jesus say “Father, forgive them.” He overhears the centurion’s remark about this being the son of God. The seed is planted in his heart . . . the Spirit moves in its mysterious way . . . Simon believes . . . this is Messiah!

His wife and young sons wait anxiously in Cyrene for stories of Simon’s long-anticipated pilgrimage. What he tells them alters their lives as profoundly as bearing the cross had altered his own. Men from the synagogue listen to his story, then some neighbors, and soon a small band of Jewish believers gathers to talk and pray. Over the next several years, they hear from travelers about other groups in other towns. . . communication happens . . . networks form.

Then a contingent of believers from Cyrene, Simon among them, goes to Antioch to share in ministry and offer encouragement (Acts 11:20). There they are first called “Christians.” The Cyrenians start to talk to Gentiles too (Simon recalls the centurion’s interest in Jesus), and Paul is summoned to Antioch to begin his outreach to Gentiles. There he meets the man who had carried Jesus’ cross—and his family.

Our story becomes plausible when we find among Paul’s greetings to his friends in Rome this word: “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord,….” (Romans 16:13)

It’s never a pleasure to carry a cross, to bear a burden of suffering—our own or that of another. But when we do, ripples are set in motion that turn hearts . . . and change the world.

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

You Are Rich, a collection of sixty Monday Moments, is available as a book. Send $12.00 for each copy ordered to Monday Moments, P.O. Box 641, Excelsior, MN 55331. Three books or more can be purchased for $10.00 each. Make checks payable to Monday Moments.

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Stillness And Sorbet

By Michael A. Halleen

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

March 10, 2008 - Fine restaurants have the right idea. After each course, they serve a small sorbet, something to clear the palate. It is a timeout, a minute or two to let go slowly of what has been and to allow the tongue—-and mind—-to prepare for the pleasures to come. Too often we live at a fast food pace, moving from one experience to another without reflection, from one encounter to the next without clearing the head. Our lives need more sorbets.

It is in those in-between times that we can put things in perspective, reflect on what has occurred, let the flavors subside before moving on to the next course. I encourage my business clients to take time to celebrate, if only for a minute, a victory of the past week, congratulate one another and consider what contributed to that success, however small. We benefit from contemplating for a moment the conversation we have had before rushing ahead to the next call. And we gain something by allowing ourselves to acknowledge a mistake or missed opportunity, even to feel the pain of a loss, before plunging into the next minute of the day—or phase of life.

Some monastic orders, I am told, have a practice called statio. It means they stop one thing before beginning another. Rather than rush from one activity to the next, they pause and recognize this time between the times. It is an idea which I try to communicate to churches I serve as an interim minister. The gap between pastor leaders can be a beneficial time of reflection and refreshment for a congregation. The Psalm writer suggests that it is in pauses—-stillness—-that we recognize the reality of God’s presence, both in what has passed and in what is yet to come.

The father of cellist Yo-Yo Ma lived in Paris during World War II, holed up alone in a garret during the years of German occupation. In order to restore sanity to his world, he practiced violin pieces by Bach during the day, and through the long night hours of blackout, he played them again in the dark from memory. His son Yo-Yo took up his father’s advice to play a Bach suite from memory every night before going to bed. "It isn't practicing," he says, "it's contemplating. You’re alone with your soul."

Sorbet...statio...Bach suite. Stop for a moment. Experience stillness. God is there.

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

You Are Rich, a collection of sixty Monday Moments, is available as a book. Send $12.00 for each copy ordered to Monday Moments, P.O. Box 641, Excelsior, MN 55331. Three books or more can be purchased for $10.00 each. Make checks payable to Monday Moments.

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For Today

By Michael Halleen

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. Job 7:6

March 3, 2008 - Where does time go? A high school classmate turned 70. Seems like last week we were playing catch in the backyard. A niece is getting married. Wasn’t it yesterday her mother was telling me about the surprise pregnancy? I was invited to speak again this summer at a camp in Michigan and checked to see when I had last been there—1982! What? Where does time go?

The house I grew up in seemed perfect to me as a kid, but the family grew to a point where we had to move. “We couldn’t afford a new house,” my mother told me in talking about the decision many years later, “but it had to be done. Your grandfather said, ‘You have to think about today. Today is when we have to live.’”

Some of us imagine that if it were possible to go back to yesterday, to the good old days, we would find happiness. Life in that bungalow on Kipling Avenue was idyllic in my memory—long summer evenings . . . ball games in the street . . . friends in every house . . . skating rink in the back yard . . . board games on Friday nights—everyone cozy and safe. But old days have passed, swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. Today is when we have to live.

Others look to the future to bring happiness, like that land developer who hung a sign years ago in a field near our house. It said Now Leasing Luxury Suites—Ready Spring 2003. As of this morning the field is barren and snow-covered. The suites will not be ready this spring either. The future may not be as ready for us as we are for it. Today is when we have to live.

As a teenage exchange student I traveled to Denmark on a converted World War II transport ship. Periodically there were emergency drills during which we could hear the bulwarks closing below deck, one by one, dividing the ship into watertight compartments. It would be good if we could put the things of this day into a day-tight compartment, not allowing problems of yesterday or worries about tomorrow to get in. No one gains success by dwelling on past failures. No one finds happiness by fretting over future concerns. Today is when we have to live.

This is the day that the Lord has made, the Bible says. “Spend the afternoon,” Annie Dillard reminds us. “You can’t take it with you.” Time flies, the days swifter than a weaver’s shuttle. But this one—today—we have to live.

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

You Are Rich, a collection of sixty Monday Moments, is available as a book. Send $12.00 for each copy ordered to Monday Moments, P.O. Box 641, Excelsior, MN 55331. Three books or more can be purchased for $10.00 each. Make checks payable to Monday Moments.

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Fountain of Life

By Micheal Halleen

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psalm 36:9)

February 21, 2008 - I have found that that many people want to pray—or think they ought to pray—but feel they cannot. They hear passionate or formal prayers in the church and are convinced that if that is what it takes, they will never be able to pray. So I offer here a few simple prayers I use, all borrowed from others and changed to fit me. Use them if they help you. But it is also okay to pray in your own words, however uncertain they may be. God is not concerned about eloquence. A simple thought simply expressed to God is profound prayer.

Beginning the day.... God, thanks for bringing me to this new day. I accept it as a gift from you. Lead me in every problem I face and every decision I make. Help me to treat people kindly and truthfully. If I should forget you at some point today, may I at least remember that you don’t forget me.

Needing guidance.... Lord, I need direction. Make my mind alert. Deepen my understanding. Help me to be willing to do what you want for me rather than what’s easy or familiar. Keep me sensitive to your will and always ready to follow it.

Facing crisis.... Father in Heaven, what I do at this moment may affect the rest my life. Help me to think straight and creatively. Calm my mind so that ideas and insights might come to me as they are needed. I lay the whole matter before you. Show me what to do and how to do it.

Feeling hurt.... Dear God, I feel wounded and unhappy. Help me to rise above my feelings. Pour your love on this pain in my spirit and heal it so I won’t carry this hurt any more.

Worrying about tomorrow.... Lord, I admit that I’m worried. Sometimes my faith in you is weak. Touch me with your peace. Help me to know that you are God and that I don’t need to be afraid. I give myself into your grace and ask for your comfort.

Before eating.... God, thanks for all the good things of life—for food, for loved ones, for our home, for everything that makes life good. We owe it all to you.

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

You Are Rich, a collection of sixty Monday Moments, is available as a book. Send $12.00 for each copy ordered to Monday Moments, P.O. Box 641, Excelsior, MN 55331. Three books or more can be purchased for $10.00 each. Make checks payable to Monday Moments. ( Minnesota residents add 6.5% sales tax.)

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Obedience to God

By Mike Halleen

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart … (and) your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39).

Posted February 15, 2008 - A colleague sent me an article he had written inviting readers to name as many as possible of the 153 commands Jesus gave his followers and to identify which of them we are actually obeying. The answer he expected, of course, along with feelings of guilt, was “Not many.”

But Jesus himself said the whole Law was hung on just two commands, to love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. There are in fact many directives in the Bible the specifics of which we ignore. We do not often think about why; we just know that it is no longer necessary, relevant or appropriate to conform to a literal understanding of the words. Jesus told us to wash one another’s feet (John 13:14), but we do not. The principle of serving one another in humility and hospitality (love) remains, but it is up to us to find the ways to do so in our time. “Give to the one who asks you,” he said (Matthew 5:42). Yet every week I refuse to give to one who comes to the church door seeking money because I know that his needs are better met by the social service agencies to which I (in love) direct him.

A congregational committee asked me to help identify potential candidates to serve as elders. We read carefully from Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus about qualifications for the office. I suggested that the Apostle would roll over in his grave if he thought we might take his words, however inspired, as law—from which he struggled to free the church throughout his ministry. We follow his counsel when we ask “What are the qualities of a godly, deserving leader today, in our world?”

Obedience to God is a matter of observing the principles set out in God’s Word. What that obedience looks like is determined by local circumstances. “According to your faith it will be done to you,” Jesus said to two blind men as he healed them (Matthew 9:29). Faith was the issue, not the particulars of the healing procedure. According to their faith, it was done.

Our lives are lived in proportion to what we offer. Love people, we get people to love. Trust much, we receive much. Focus on the good, we find the good coming to us. Have big faith, and we discover, as Carl Sandburg said of Lincoln, “far lights and tall rainbows to live by.” And that is obedience to the will of God.

Dr. Michael A. Halleen writes very insightful and inspirational messages known as "Monday Moments". If you would like to recieve these messages please contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net.

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Who’s Pushing Your Buttons?

By Patrick Odum

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Posted January 31, 2008 - I had a computer problem today. Now, I generally know how to use a computer, but I'm helpless when it comes to fixing them. So please don't laugh when I tell you about my “problem” and how I solved it. It's not charitable to make fun of the intellectually challenged.

The problem began when I started to work on a document and noticed that the letter “c” was being keyed in repeatedly: a long string of c's was quickly beginning to fill my screen like a fast-growing digital tapeworm. I looked at the keyboard: the “c” wasn't pressed down. I fiddled around with the key. Ran a little piece of paper underneath it to see if a bit of dirt had worked its way in there. Then I tried the universal repair technique of those who don't speak Geek: I restarted.

All well and good, except when I got to my log-in screen a relentless line of little dots began to fill the password box. I didn't need a computer genius to tell me that those little dots would have been c's if I could have seen them. And, at the risk of compromising my security, I'll tell you that my password is not an infinite string of c's.

Not knowing what else to do, I fought Chicago traffic to take the computer to a repair shop. Waited in line while a couple of customers who quite obviously knew little about computers wasted my valuable time. When I finally got to the counter, I opened my computer and turned it on so the guy could see all the little c's filling the screen.

There were none. The thing worked perfectly.

Feeling foolish, I got back in the car and fought the traffic again back to my office. I put the the accursed hunk of electronics back on my desk and flipped it on….

Ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

Now I was frustrated. Now I was angry. I was also at a loss. I swiveled my chair around, got up to go do something else, and that's when I noticed on the bookshelf behind me….

The wireless keyboard…

Upon which a book had fallen…

Which was holding down the C key.

Yes, I have a wireless keyboard receiver connected to my computer, and no, it didn't occur to me that the wireless keyboard could have been the source of my problems. I wasn't using the wireless at the time, OK? And I asked you not to laugh….

Besides, my problem might not be one that's as foreign to you as you might think.

My plight with my computer illustrates (if you'll give me the benefit of the doubt) how important it is that you know who's pushing your buttons. Maybe you can relate. It's not always easy to see the influences that affect the way we think, or the way we speak, or the way we relate to others. It isn't always a simple matter to discern exactly what acts upon us to determine our values and priorities. Very often we don't even stop to think about what it is that makes us act as we do, want what we want, hate what we hate, love what we love. And that's when we're vulnerable.

No one ever enters into a marriage with the plan to destroy that marriage with an affair. But it happens regularly enough, doesn't it? No one ever sets out to demolish a friendship with bitterness and anger, and yet they are demolished. No one ever plans to get expelled from a degree program for cheating. No one intends to become an alcoholic or a junkie, or to alienate a child, or to fall away from God. No one wants anything like that to happen. But it happens. Usually because someone isn't paying attention to who's pushing his or her buttons.

“Don't conform to the pattern of this world,” the Bible reminds us. “Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking,” says Eugene Peterson in The Message. That's exactly the point. Keep your eyes open, and know who's pushing your buttons. When something that doesn't belong in the heart and mind of a child of God comes out of you, ask yourself where it came from. Chances are, someone or something other than the Spirit of God was pushing your buttons.

But there's good news for those of us who are often dismayed and discouraged by what comes out of us. That good news comes in two parts. Part one is that Jesus came to take away our guilt. He lived in the same world we live in, and he knows what it's like to have to guard against your buttons being pushed. He died so that those times we've defaulted to the world's patterns won't have to define us. He resisted being forced into the mold of the world in which he lived. He obeyed God and in doing so opened heaven's floodgates of forgiveness.

And then there's part two. If your life is tangled up in Jesus' - and it is if you've acknowledged him as your master and given your life to him - then you're in process. You're being changed. Transformed. You're being renewed from the inside out. Because of Jesus, there is a “Pardon Our Progress” sign on your heart and God is hard at work with sleeves rolled up. I know, the world still pushes your buttons sometimes. Old habits are hard to break, after all. But there is hope, because God is making you into something brand new.

One day you'll see him face to face and the work will be done. Until it is, just be sure to take note of who pushes your buttons. Pray for uncompromisingly clear introspection. Guard yourself against those influences that compromise the integrity of your heart. Don't just give in to the world, following its pattern like sheep lining up to be slaughtered. Instead, seek the insight and influence of God's Holy Spirit.

You'll be transformed, a brand-new creation. You'll “C”.

To read more from Patrick Odum, please visit his website at Faithnet.Faithsite.com.

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The Call to Stand and Stand Firm

By David Crowe

Standing requires courage 

Posted January 22, 2008 - This past week I attended a private two day meeting in Washington D.C., of 60 prominent pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage and morality Christian leaders from across the nation who are engaged in the culture war. With an ever increasing hostility to Christians and Christianity and the implementation of a pronounced secular, even pagan agenda through the courts, the media, and legislatures around the nation, more and more Christian leaders are concerned.

 I was asked beforehand to lead the opening devotional. I shared the clear Command and Call of Scripture to be strong and courageous and to  'Stand Firm' in the  battle for marriage, family, religious freedom and morality, no matter how false the recriminations of those trapped in sexual sin, a determined and co-opted secular media, and those in government who have believed their falsehoods. 

 My personal conclusion afterwards is that if America's Evangelical Christians take their citizenship seriously in the 2008 elections, standing firm against the forces of evil manifesting in civil government, and the media, we can thwart the efforts to redefine America under a secular anti God agenda. 

 If we refuse, on the other hand, to turn out our votes, as we did in 2006, we will be a nation "Gone Under" as Ronald Reagan warned.  It will be the Christians, by their failure to take their 'salt and light' responsibility and opportunity seriously who will not only bear the responsibility, but place our religious freedoms and our children's future in jeopardy more directly than anyone else.

In our Pre Conference Video, Rick Scarborough, President of Vision America and one of our speakers at the last two conferences, is shown saying to Christians and church leaders who do not want to engage the culture with courage and Biblical truth, "Sleep on. I will find someone else."  It is my prayer that each of you will respond to the Call of God and choose to be the 'someone else' that Oregon, and America, needs. 

Father in heaven, have mercy on us, your wayward children.  We are, as You have said, like 'sheep' who wander off and have no idea of the snares into which we have thrust ourselves. We have strayed a far off from the responsibility our Forefathers bled and died to give us.  We have chosen to ignore the sin that so easily besets us, even embracing it, and justifying it with the reasonings of fallen men.  By our neglect we have served ourselves and looked the other way. And now, our communities, state and nation are in distress, even peril.  Forgive us LORD. Move in my heart LORD and those of my brethren, to be 'strong and courageous' and to 'stand firm' as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.  In His most excellent Name, and for His sake and those who remain until You return, Amen. 

Pray for . . .

Watch the Pre Conference Video

Please forward our emails and the Conference link to friends in the faith.  We need your help in making the Conference known to as many as possible.  Our budget does not allow for costly marketing and advertising.

For more information about David Crowe, please visit his web site at RestoreAmerica.org.

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