Thursday, January 31, 2019
I Want...
"I don't want revival...I want Christ! If we have Christ, there will be a revival." - Paul Washer
Re-evaluate Your Party; Re-evaluate YOURSELF
I grew up in a family of long-standing democrats.
The democratic party was known as the party of the people, the party of the worker, the party of the blue collar guys.
What happened to this advocate of equal rights for all citizens? For giving a voice to the 'little guy'?
It's become the party of lawlessness--
lawlessness at our borders
lawlessness in our medical facilities
lawlessness in our legislative bodies
lawlessness regarding our Constitution
lawlessness regarding our freedoms
lawlessness in our medical facilities
lawlessness in our legislative bodies
lawlessness regarding our Constitution
lawlessness regarding our freedoms
May this once great party evaluate itself, may its members evaluate themselves and weigh the positions taken by their party against the faith in which they were raised by their parents.
If a political party stands against your faith, against the tenets of your GOD, you are affiliated with the wrong party.
Sacrificing At What Cost
Sacrificing At What Cost
From: Today God Is First by Os Hillman
January 31, 2019
From: Today God Is First by Os Hillman
January 31, 2019
..."I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." - 2 Samuel 24:24
One day I was having lunch with a man who had a certain amount of notoriety in his life. After a time of getting to know each other, he said, "How can I help you?"
Those words surprised me coming from a man who obviously already had many requirements on his time. My first thought was that I was impressed with the individual. My next thought was to wonder whether it was a genuine offer or just an effort to impress me with his humility and Christian piety. I have since discovered he was sincere.
This encounter reminded me that each of us must be willing to give to others without a motive to get anything in return. It is simply an act of serving others. Jesus said that we must consider others more important than ourselves. When is the last time you did something for another without a motive of getting anything in return?
When King David came to offer a sacrifice and pray for the removal of a plague on Israel, he was given the opportunity to make the sacrifice without the cost of purchasing the sacrificial animals.
But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."
So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. David built an altar to the Lord there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the Lord answered prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped (2 Samuel 24:24-25).
David, understanding the principle of giving, said he could not offer anything to God that did not cost him something.
Otherwise, it was not a sacrificial gift.
When was the last time you sacrificed for another with no expectation of getting anything in return?
We can all give something to others, such as our time, our money, or our expertise. This is real Christianity that models the Spirit of Christ. The next time you meet with someone, why not consider how you might be a blessing to that person.
Why not ask, "How can I help you?"
Quote-C.S. Lewis
"Jesus did not say, 'Go into all the world and tell the world that it is quite right.' The Gospel is something completely different. In fact, it is directly opposed to the world." - C.S. Lewis
A Message to New York
A Message from a Pastor regarding the new abortion law in New York:
Death is riding over New York City on a pale horse.
Rev. 6:8: "And I looked, and behold a pale horse; and his name on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." Carolyn Sissom
LORD JESUS, we pray against this pastor's vision. We pray that instead of visiting death and destruction upon the governor and the state, YOU would visit the people with such an outpouring of YOUR HOLY SPIRIT that the citizens would demand that this vile abortion law be removed from the state.
GOD in Heaven, we pray that Americans in general would open their blind eyes to see that the intent of abortion is not concern for the life of the mother but a desire to control the population of people of color.
Help Americans to see the diabolical intent behind the diabolical procedure. Help Americans to see that the destruction of any life that YOU have created (for YOU are indeed the AUTHOR and FINISHER of life) is an abomination in YOUR sight.
Help Americans to repent of the vile practice of abortion that is so rampant and to return us to being the defenders of life and the true worshippers of the LORD of LIFE.
In YOUR mighty name we pray, JESUS. Amen.
"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
STOP THE ASSAULT
Democrats!
STOP THE ASSAULT ON AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE!
News recently broke that the new Democrat majority in the U.S. House of Representatives attempted to remove "so help you God" from the oath witnesses take at the beginning of Congressional testimony. The House Committee on Natural Resources was working on their committee rules for the new 116th Congress, and had removed "so help you God" from the oath, so that it reads: "Do you solemnly swear or affirm, under penalty of law, that the testimony that you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
This change allowed no reference to God. After public outrage, the Committee chairman reversed course and allowed "so help you God" to stay.
Despite being fixed, this should never have been contemplated.
You may recall that during the 2012 Democrat Platform Committee, the DNC added "God" back into the platform during the convention only to be booed. It may not be popular to the Democrat delegates, but at least it was added back in.
The new Democrat controlled Congress wasted no time in showing the Left's distain for God and for America's Christian heritage. Therefore, we must not waste any time in responding to their assault and letting them know efforts like this to undermine America's Christian heritage will not be tolerated by the American people.
Tony Perkins
President
Family Research Council
President
Family Research Council
Liberals Outraged
Liberals outraged as Trump endorses Bible literacy classes in public schools - LifeSiteNews
President Donald Trump raised a lot of eyebrows Monday by endorsing biblical literacy education in public schools, earning praise from socially-conservative supporters and scorn from secular critics. Legislation is currently pending in at least six states that would encourage public schools to offer elective courses on the Bible's historical and literary significance.
Backed by groups such as the Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, National Legal Foundation, and WallBuilders, the bills are meant to recognize that "the Bible is an integral part of our society and deserves a place in the classroom," according to North Dakota GOP state Rep. Aaron McWilliams. The president spoke out in favor of the push Monday, tweeting it was "great" to give students "the option of studying the Bible."
Supporters of the proposed courses stress that the courses are options that won't be forced on any student, and argue that students of all faiths should have an understanding of how biblical principles shaped the thinking of America's Founding Fathers.
- Thank You, Lord, for President Trump's encouragement to have our children read and understand the Word of God in our public and private schools. We pray his influence will bring many people into Your Kingdom.
- Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Say 'Goodbye'
Hannity on Stone arrest: "We've lost our country. Say 'Goodbye.'"
If the pre-dawn raid of Roger Stone's home by FBI agents in tactical gear with weapons drawn is a sign of things to come, America has lost its constitutional republic, contends Fox News television and radio host Sean Hannity.
"We are a democratic republic. The Constitution that we cherish so much is the foundation of all law and order in this country. If you don't apply the laws equally, only going after one group of people because of their political views, and you protect people with other political views, you've lost our Constitution. We've lost our country," said Hannity in an opinion piece compiled by FoxNews.com from his radio show.
"Without equal application of our laws and equal justice under the law, there's one thing left to say to our great nation: 'Goodbye.'"
Citing Obama administration scandals such as Fast and Furious, the IRS targeting conservatives, Benghazi, and Hillary Clinton's missing emails, Hannity said, referring to the arrest and indictment of Stone, "it's good to know the feds finally got their man after they let so many liberal democrats get away."
- Father, it is clear those in power wanted to send a message with this unnecessary, pre-dawn raid of Roger Stone's home, harassment of his wife, and media involvement. We pray for true justice in our land, the equal application of the law, and the removal of every corrupt government employee.
- "The wicked band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them." (Psalm 94:21-23)
Advancing Socialism
Advancing Socialism by Bill Wilson
With the media firmly in their pocket, Democratic Party leaders have successfully blamed President Donald Trump for shutting down the government. Isn't it interesting how if a Democratic President shuts down the government the Republicans get the blame; if a Democratic led Congress shuts down the government the Republicans get the blame; and if the Republicans shut down the government, the Republicans get the blame.
It's a great gig for the liberals, especially when they have the liberal media agreeing with them. There is no win for a Republican when the government shuts down. In this visceral environment of obstruction and revolution, everybody loses, especially as socialism advances.
It is the Democratic Party that wants free healthcare, free education, free food, a minimum national salary, free abortions, free and open borders, and taxes to control the climate. These cost taxpayers billions upon billions of dollars.
Instead of pulling people up, they push people down to the lowest levels. Yet, if someone asks for something that is far less costly, would protect citizens, reduce crime, and aid in the national security at a fraction of the cost of their precious programs, those making the ask get the blame for all the woes of the world. This is class warfare. It is the pitting of citizens against one another. It is socialism progressing to communism, and it is happening before our very eyes. Disaster awaits.
William Bradford described the Pilgrim's failed socialist experiment of The Virginia Company Charter in OF PLYMOUTH PLANTATION:
"The experience that was had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years and amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanity of that conceit of Plato's and other ancients applauded by some of later times; that the taking away of property and bringing in community into a commonwealth would make them happy and flourishing, as if they were wiser than God."
Bradford was familiar with Plato's "Republic" espousing a utopian society under socialism. In ending this experiment that nearly cost the colony their lives, Bradford wrote: "...God in his wisdom saw another course fitter for them." This was the first capitalist system and the Plymouth colony then prospered.
Even many Christians believe in socialism, citing Acts 2:44, "And all that believed were together and had (shared) all things in common."
There is a tremendous difference between voluntarily sharing and being forced to share the fruits of your labor by the government.
Socialism has its roots in communism. The Communist Manifesto requires that all religion and morals be abolished; that government replaces God.
All wealth is redistributed so that everyone has the same-everyone would be forced to pay for the student loans, healthcare, rent and wages of others. This is a far cry from the blessing of voluntarily sharing with others.
The first commandment, Exodus 20:1 says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
That includes government. Moreover, Bradford is still right. Man is not wiser than God. Young people would be wise to heed his advice.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Take a Moral Stand
Franklin Graham Tells Catholic Leaders to 'Take a Moral Stand' Against Cuomo Over Abortion Law - CBN News
Evangelist Franklin Graham is calling on Catholic leaders to "take a moral stand" in light of New York's Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to sign a new law that removes restrictions on late-term abortions and allows babies to be aborted up until the moment of birth.
Cuomo says he is Catholic but came under fire from church leaders after he signed the abortion law. Some even called for Cuomo's excommunication from the faith. But not everyone agreed. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York, told "Fox & Friends" Monday morning that Gov. Cuomo isn't going to be moved by excommunication, "so what's the use?"
Graham, however, urged the archbishop to stand firm. "I call on my friend Cardinal Dolan to take a moral stand. Whether it moves the governor's calloused heart or not, it will have a great impact on not only the church in New York, but on the church worldwide. My question would be--if the church loses its moral voice, then what's the use?
"It's about standing for right over wrong, good over evil," Graham wrote Tuesday on Facebook.
- Father, the injustice of this law and its implicit depravity have united Your Church. Hear our prayers and judge this law. We ask You to dry up every womb where the mother would choose or be pressured to have an abortion.
- What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. (Ezra 9:13)
Is Your Life An Offering to the Lord?
Is Your Life An Offering to the Lord? by Dr. D. James Kennedy
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” 2 Timothy 4:6
God calls only a small percentage of those who follow Christ to be martyrs for Him. Certainly, Paul was one of those.
Paul’s last epistle was 2 Timothy, and in the poignant 4th chapter he writes, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” He is ready to be offered, the sacrifice is ready to be poured out.
This is now his second imprisonment. He was released after the imprisonment during which he wrote Philippians, then he continued his missionary journeys, probably traveling all the way to Spain. But now he has returned, has once more been captured, taken prisoner and thrown into a dungeon, and this time there is to be no release in this world.
Paul is not afraid of death because Christ has conquered the grave. When he was drawn up out of that prison, led out of the city of Rome down the Appian Way, and the headsman’s ax flashed in the Roman sun, the Apostle Paul experienced immortality, and he received the crown of righteousness.
We can indeed rejoice that in Christ death has lost its sting. Whether martyred or not, we should live for Christ in such a way that we, too, can look forward to receiving a crown of righteousness.
Lord, give me strength to make my life an offering to You. Help me to avoid carrying a burden You have not given me, but also help me be ready to follow You even unto death…
BY GOD’S STRENGTH, WE ARE A LIVING SACRIFICE.
Prophetic--Iran Against Israel
Prophetic--Iran Against Israel by Bill Wilson
The US intent to pull out of Syria has changed the political dynamics in the Middle East. There are several prophetic aspects in play.
We see those aspects in several current circumstances: Syria is a vassal state of Iran, and these two are two named as end time agents under the influence of events that impact nearby Israel; then add in Turkey, who wishes to emerge as the Islamic leader in the Middle East, and we also have yet another player in end time prophecy.
Russia is also a power broker as an ally with Iran, Syria and Turkey. Agents of each--Hamas, Hezbollah, and to whatever extent it remains, ISIS-are anti--Israel terrorist groups also adding to the mix.
Iran is beginning to rattle the swords of war, so we now have modern nations aligning with those of ancient prophecy.
According to ASHARQ Al-AWSAT, an Arab world news site, Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri announced Sunday that Iran will change its military strategy to "offensive" from "defensive" to defend its national interests.
This means that Iran will act offensively to defend Syria against Israel using such things as preemptive strikes and other military actions that Iran regards as a threat. This offensive strategy also could apply to Turkey, if that country moves against the Kurds in what is now a "safe zone" in Syrian territory.
The stirrings here are made very interesting by the Isaiah 17:1 prophecy that "Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."
The Times of Israel adds another piece to the end time puzzle being assembled before our very eyes, reporting, "The deputy head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Monday that Tehran's strategy was to eventually wipe Israel off the "global political map."
Asked by a reporter in Tehran about Israeli threats to strike Iranian forces deployed in Syria, Brig. Gen. Hossein Salami was quoted by Iranian news outlets as saying, "Our strategy is to erase Israel from the global political map. And it seems that, considering the evil that Israel is doing, it is bringing itself closer to that... We announce that if Israel does anything to start a new war, it will obviously be the war that will end with its elimination, and the occupied territories will be returned. The Israelis will not have even a cemetery in Palestine to bury their own corpses.""
We know that Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38 (which says Gog of Magog (in Turkey) will lead a coalition of forces against Israel "in that day") are end time prophecies by the context of the preceding chapters and those after them.
There are many details that must fall in place, not the least of which the Beast (Gog/Assyrian/antichrist) will be revealed before the Day of the Lord occurs.
Notwithstanding, this situation in Syria is progressing the dynamics of prophecy and bears watching. We are so caught up with divisive politics in the United States, that we may be missing key elements of these end time prophecies falling into place.
Christ enumerates the chronological order of the end times in Matthew 24. He said there will be wars and rumors of wars. We are not there yet, but the prophetic war drums are sounding in the distance.
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