From the Ends of the Earth - Derek Prince

     Psalm 61:1–2

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.   NIV

     Those words have a very special meaning for me; they were given to me by the Holy Spirit at a time of crisis in my own life and in a remarkable and unusual situation. I was going through a time when I was facing disappointment and sorrow and, really, it seemed that the waves and the billows of God were going over my own soul.

     I was in a jet airplane on my way from the United States to Australia. I opened my Bible in the plane to those words, “From the ends of the earth I call to you.” And I thought to myself, That’s remarkable, because that’s where I’m headed for – the ends of the earth, the farthest part of the earth from the land where those words were written.

     And I thought, Why am I going there, what’s God’s purpose? And I read the words again, “From the ends of the earth I call to you; I call as my heart grows faint.” And I realized that in His infinite wisdom God was taking me all that long journey not merely to preach to others, but to spend time in prayer myself, to wait upon God, to call to Him from the very ends of the earth. And there came a special week in my life at that time when I spent most of my time in prayer calling to God and as I prayed there at the opposite end of the earth, God heard my cry, solved my problems and showed me the way out.

     So remember that: Call to God in your hour of need.
 

—Derek Prince

The Way Out Is Up

     Psalm 50:14–15

Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.  NIV

     There’s the divine way out of trouble. You’re in the midst of trouble, pressures are against you, and you don’t see any way out. But there is a way up, a way to God: “Sacrifice thank offerings.” That sounds senseless, doesn’t it?

     In the midst of all the pressures and the trouble, stop worrying and start thanking God. Lift your voice in thanksgiving to God. Offer Him an offering of thanksgiving. Something that costs you something, something that goes against the grain, but it’s a sacrifice acceptable to God. And God says, “When you offer Me that sacrifice of your thankfulness in the midst of all the trouble, then I’ll intervene on your behalf. I will deliver you and you will honor Me.” God is waiting to deliver, but the way that He wants us to prepare for His deliverance is to offer Him thank offerings right in the midst of the trouble.

     In the last verse of the same psalm He says this, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” You see, when you offer God thanksgiving in the midst of trouble, that’s the purest expression of faith that you can make. And when you offer Him that thanksgiving you prepare the way in your life, in your heart, that God may show you His salvation, that God may come to your rescue.
 

—Derek Prince

Is Your Church Worship More Pagan than Christian?

Todd Pruitt

There is a great misunderstanding in churches of the purpose of music in Christian worship. Churches routinely advertise their “life-changing” or “dynamic” worship that will “bring you closer to God” or “change your life.” Certain worship CD’s promise that the music will “enable you to enter the presence of God.” Even a flyer for a recent conference for worship leaders boasted:
"Join us for dynamic teaching to set you on the right path, and inspiring worship where you can meet God and receive the energy and love you need to be a mover and shaker in today’s world…Alongside our teaching program are worship events which put you in touch with the power and love of God."
The problem with the flyer and with many church ads is that these kinds of promises reveal a significant theological error. Music is viewed as a means to facilitate an encounter with God; it will move us closer to God. In this schema, music becomes a means of mediation between God and man. But this idea is closer to ecstatic pagan practices than to Christian worship.

Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. He alone is the One who brings us to God. The popular but mistaken notions regarding worship music undermine this foundational truth of the Christian faith. It is also ironic that while many Christians deny the sacramental role of those ordinances which the Lord Himself has given to the church (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) they are eager to grant music sacramental powers. Music and “the worship experience” are viewed as means by which we enter the presence of God and receive his saving benefits. There is simply no evidence whatsoever in Scripture that music mediates direct encounters or experiences with God. This is a common pagan notion. It is far from Christian.

In his helpful book True Worship Vaughan Roberts offers four consequences of viewing music as an encounter with God. I will summarize them.

1. God’s Word is marginalized.
In many Churches and Christian gatherings it is not unusual for God’s Word to be shortchanged. Music gives people the elusive “liver quiver” while the Bible is more mundane. Pulpits have shrunk and even disappeared while bands and lighting have grown. But faith does not come from music, dynamic experiences, or supposed encounters with God. Faith is birthed through the proclamation of God’s Word (Rom 10:17).

2. Our assurance is threatened.
If we associate God’s presence with a particular experience or emotion, what happens when we no longer feel it? We search for churches whose praise band, orchestra, or pipe organ produce in us the feelings we are chasing. But the reality of God in our lives depends on the mediation of Christ not on subjective experiences.

3. Musicians are given priestly status.
When music is seen as a means to encounter God, worship leaders and musicians are vested with a priestly role. They become the ones who bring us into the presence of God rather than Jesus Christ who alone has already fulfilled that role. Understandably, when a worship leader or band doesn’t help me experience God they have failed and must be replaced. On the other hand, when we believe that they have successfully moved us into God’s presence they will attain in our minds a status that is far too high for their own good.

4. Division is increased.
If we identify a feeling as an encounter with God, and only a particular kind of music produces that feeling, then we will insist that same music be played regularly in our church or gatherings. As long as everyone else shares our taste then there is no problem. But if others depend upon a different kind of music to produce the feeling that is important to them then division is cultivated. And because we routinely classify particular feelings as encounters with God our demands for what produce those feelings become very rigid. This is why so many churches succumb to offering multiple styles of worship services. By doing so, they unwittingly sanction division and self-centeredness among the people of God.

Scripture is full of exhortations to God’s people to sing and make music to the Lord. Our God has been gracious to give us this means to worship Him. But it is important to understand that music in our worship is for two specific purposes: to honor God and to edify our fellow believers. Unfortunately, many Christians tend to grant music a sacramental power which Scripture never bestows upon it.

Todd Pruitt serves as Lead Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Raised a Southern Baptist, he is a graduate of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He blogs regularly at Ref21 and 1517. Todd, along with Carl Trueman and Aimee Byrd, is one of the hosts of Mortification of Spin. He and his wife Karen have three children.

Read this article at - http://www.christianity.com/church/worship-and-hymns/is-your-church-worship-more-pagan-than-christian.html

Delighted in God

       Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.     NIV

     Notice that first word: “Delight yourself.” I heard someone once ask this question of a group of people: “Do you enjoy your religion, or do you endure it?” I think that to the majority of people religion is something to endure. It’s a kind of painful duty that they have to go through with, but that’s not the way God wants us to experience Him. He doesn’t want us to endure Him; He wants us to enjoy Him.

     The Westminster Confession, which is the basic doctrinal statement of the Presbyterian Church, says this: “The supreme duty of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” Have you ever thought of enjoying God? God says, “Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart.” That doesn’t mean simply that God will do for us everything we might wish or think. It means that He’ll put in us new desires – godly desires, beneficial desires, the kind of desires that God has Himself. And then He’ll satisfy those desires because He’s put them there in our heart in the first place. And all that comes when we delight ourselves in the Lord. When we find real joy and pleasure and satisfaction in our personal relationship with the Lord. Then out of that comes that blessed peace that He will put into our hearts – those desires which He Himself has and which He wants to share with us, desires that are beneficial in their fulfillment.
 

—Derek Prince

Franklin Graham: "I can't help but wonder if we are in the last hours before our Lord Jesus Christ returns…"

We are close, but not hours away...at least until we see a third temple in Jerusalem and a renewed covenant established (likely the Old Covenant renewed) by a powerful military leader in Jerusalem. 

I don't know if we have hours, days, months, or years—but as Christians, God calls us to take the truth of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
The following is an open letter written by Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and president of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. (Photo via BGEA)

Dear Friend,
As you watch the news, do you feel as I do—that it seems the world is coming apart at the seams? There appears to be no end to the bad news. The killing of Christians by Muslims from Indonesia to Bangladesh to Pakistan. China tearing down church buildings. Christians tortured, beheaded, and crucified in Iraq, with villages burned and churches destroyed, and much the same in Syria.
American pastor Saeed Abedini is still imprisoned in Iran for his faith. Throughout Northern Africa, the Middle East, and many parts of the world, the Church of Jesus Christ—and anyone or any group who bears His Name—is under attack. In our own country as well, there is great opposition to the Church of Jesus Christ. We see this throughout the media, the entertainment industry, government, and politics.
Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 24 when they asked Him about the signs of the end of the age. He said there would be wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, and pestilence. He told them, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name's sake" (Matthew 24:9, KJV).

Read the rest of this article at - http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=14529

Delivered from Fear

       Psalm 34:4–5

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.    NIV

     That’s the testimony of personal experience. It’s not theory, it’s not theology, it’s not even just a creed. It’s the testimony of a man who was in a terribly difficult and dangerous situation. He turned to the Lord, he sought the Lord in prayer and his testimony is, “The Lord answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

     Are you oppressed with fear? I suppose the majority of people in our contemporary culture have some kind of fear that gnaws at them, that takes away their peace. Why not try David’s remedy? Why not seek the Lord, pray to Him, and ask Him to deliver you from all your fears?

     Then David goes on to say, “Those who look to Him [the Lord] are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame.” There’s a deep principle there – that whether we look to the light or the dark we will reflect what we are looking at. If we look to the darkness we’ll be somber and dark, but if we look upwards to the Lord, who is the light, our faces will become radiant with the Lord’s light. And the Scripture says, “We’ll never be ashamed, we’ll never be disappointed. The Lord will never let us down.”

     Why don’t you try that? Why don’t you call to the Lord, ask Him to deliver you and look to Him so that your face may be radiant?
 

—Derek Prince

A Throne for the King

Psalm 22:3

Yet thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.     NASB

     What a beautiful revelation that is – when we realize that the throne that God sits upon is the praises of His people.

     God is Holy. God is a King. He’s the King of kings and Lord of lords. We do not make Him a King by praising Him, but we offer Him the throne, which is His due.

     You see, Jesus said: “When two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.” His presence in our midst is guaranteed. It depends upon His faithfulness, not our response. But when He comes in our midst – as the King of kings and the Lord of lords – it’s very right and appropriate that we respond to Him as a King. As a King, He merits a throne; nothing else becomes Him. And it is our privilege to offer Him the throne. When we praise Him, when we exalt Him, when we sing praises and glorify His name and extol His majesty, then we are acknowledging His Kingship and we are responding in a way that is appropriate. We are offering Him a throne to sit upon – the throne of our praises.

     Oh, let’s be careful that we respond to the Lord by giving Him His throne.
 

—Derek Prince

KNIGHT: Living in the devil of a time

 

A progress report from the CEO of sin and evil

Illustration by Alexander Hunter for The Washington Times

By Robert Knight

-

The Washington Times

                

Given the sheer volume of bizarre cultural shifts just in the past few weeks, it’s time for another “if I were the devil” column.

If I were Beelzebub, I’d work to destroy Western civilization, because its chief religions, Christianity and Judaism, have a timeless book that reminds people of my existence. I’m most effective when unacknowledged.

To this end, I’m working to do away with institutions that are in the way of my goal of destroying humanity. These pesky confederations include churches, observant temples, private groups and governments that support so-called traditional values such as honor, fidelity in marriage, strong families, personal responsibility, civic pride, charity and patriotism.

When these things are compromised, I move on to the game board’s next square — economic freedom, which I cannot abide and which cannot thrive without the virtues imparted by those irritating groups just mentioned. For a look at one of my greatest successes, take a walk through what used to be Detroit.

Once free enterprise is broken to the saddle of the state, I can throttle freedom of speech, religion and association, using some of the giant corporations spawned in the unprecedented liberty created by America’s system of constitutional rights, including private property.

In fact, I used some of those firms just the other day to induce the Boy Scouts of America to commit suicide, one of my prized outcomes. Under corporate-donor pressure, the Scout leadership threw aside the common-sense rule preventing open expression of homosexuality. This pretty much did the trick in Canada. It may take a few years, but the Scouts in the United States are finished, believe me. If you like what you see in the inner cities among fatherless boys, you’ll thank me later.

For a look at where else I want to take the United States, let’s go to Great Britain, where much of America’s loathsome attachment to Christianity and individual liberty was birthed. Once-proud England is, thanks to my touch, a sea of churning resentments, entitlements, ethnic upheaval, crime and moral depravity. I hate to brag, but this is some of my best work.

Take the Girl Guides. They are the English version of the Girl Scouts, and were founded in 1910 with an oath that requires girls to love God and to serve “my queen and my country.” Not anymore. Under Chief Executive Julie Bentley, a former head of Britain’s Family Planning Association and self-proclaimed feminist, the reference to God has been replaced by a call to “be true to myself” (ah, the Imperial Self, my greatest invention, dating all the way back to Eden) and “develop my beliefs.” What beliefs? Who cares? Beliefs are in the mind of the beholder, and I’m here to spread confusion, not truth.

Another wonderful change is the Guides’ decision to change the vow to “serve my queen and my country” to a promise to “serve the queen and my community.” This is great on a number of levels, starting with the more antiseptic “the queen” instead of “my queen.” The transmutation of “my country” into “my community” is a masterpiece of political correctness, pandering to immigrant communities that stubbornly resist the British melting pot. Some of them are creating a separate legal system that removes their women from the protection of British law even as I polish my trident and indulge in a triumphant giggle.

Back to Scouting. In Canada, the same pattern is unfolding. The Girl Guides in 2010 changed their promise to be true “to myself, my God and Canada” — or “myself, my faith and Canada” — to “myself, my beliefs and Canada.” I want it even shorter — simply “myself” has a nice ring — but progress is progress.

In 1993, the Girl Scouts USA opened their leader ranks to lesbians and atheists and adopted a policy allowing girls to substitute “Allah” or “Buddha” or perhaps “Elvira” in the Girl Scout promise, “On my honor, I will try to serve God and my country.” Most of the girls and their local leaders peddling cookies are blissfully unaware of such fundamental ferment at the top, and I’m determined to keep it that way. So keep this under your hat, will you?

Other projects going smoothly include weeding Christians out of the U.S. armed forces, concentrating ever more power in Washington, D.C., through Obamacare, expanding the Infernal Revenue Service (no, it’s not a typo), opening the floodgates of pornography even wider, and pushing for universal preschool to get the tykes away from bothersome parents sooner.

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be finishing up perhaps my most important project since World War II: Using the Supreme Court to wreck the most vital, irreplaceable institution in society — marriage. If I can persuade one more justice that the Constitution harbors the “right” to abolish marriage through radical redefinition, I can unleash the power of the state against all those “religious” folks who cling to their, well, religion.

But not all of them.

One of my subsidiaries, the Episcopal Church USA, is doing marvelous work muddying up what the Bible clearly says is right and wrong. I’m thinking of upping their budget to purchase a new, improved smoke machine.

As for you, reader, what has God done for you lately? Oh, his followers claim that He’s keeping you breathing, holding all of your very atoms in place and balancing the heavenly hosts so that life can thrive here on Earth — and that He sent His own Son to die for your sins and grant you eternal life.
Remember, though, He’s not as much fun as I am — or appear to be. I play on the keyboard of your sinful nature, and strive, unappreciated, to turn every heart into a black hole of self-centeredness, where that cursed light rarely penetrates or escapes.

So do me a favor. Get out of my way, and let the “good times” roll.

Robert Knight is senior fellow for the American Civil Rights Union and a columnist for The Washington Times.

Read more at - http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jun/24/living-in-the-devil-of-a-time/?page=all

Dr. Ben Carson Explains History, Scripture and the Disaster of Political Correctness To President Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast

Dr. Benjamin Carson who has quite an amazing life story himself which you may have seen on cable.  It's "Gifted Hands:  The Ben Carson Story".  Here Dr. Carson sets the record straight for Mr. President on political correctness, the need for Biblical direction in government law-making, and what America used to mean to everyone, and still means to many.  In other words, he probably won't be invited back anytime soon.

Message to Believers - RUN!

Well said. 
 

It's All Lies - by SOTT.Net

If anyone is offended, just turn it off.  I couldn't pass this up, it was just too funny.

Stability, Security by Derek Prince

 Psalm 125:1-2

Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. NIV

Those beautiful words of the psalmist picture two things of which the world today knows very little. They picture stability and security. The world craves those two things and seeks them in various ways but does not ever find them in a true or abiding form. But there is a place of stability and security. It’s described there: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be shaken but endures forever.” That is stability, that is security. And in the next verse the psalmist gives the beautiful picture of how the Lord provides both stability and security for His people: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” If you have ever journeyed to Jerusalem no matter if you go from the north, south, east or west, one thing is very sure, to come to the city of Jerusalem you have to pass through the mountains for they surround Jerusalem on all sides. The psalmist says, “Just as the mountains surround and protect the city of Jerusalem, so the Lord with His own personal presence surrounds and protects His people.” No evil can come to us that does not pass through the Lord, for He surrounds those who trust in Him just as the mountains surround Jerusalem. He gives them true stability and security.

STAND!

(Commentary by Watchman73)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stand in the fire against the idol worship of Nebuchadnezzar

As the beast system rises day by day, so does the tyranny. Everywhere you look it seems that the spirit of antichrist is growing and evermore pervasive. I live in an area of the country considered to be free and full of bible-believing, God-fearing people. A state where we puff out our chest and say “God bless America” and “God bless Texas.” Sadly, most have no idea how far we are beyond “God bless America.” God’s judgement is coming upon this land faster than people can comprehend. The worst drought in decades is upon us, causing sharp spikes in future food prices; the world economy is on the verge of total collapse; earthquakes and volcanos are increasing at an alarming rate; and the world is closer than ever to thermonuclear World War III. Shame on those folks who call themselves Christian, but cannot discern the times in which we live! Shame on those folks who call themselves Christian, but hold on desperately to the notion that we can “fix” a spiritual problem with a political solution! Shame on them for turning their backs on Jesus and refusing to watch for him as we were commanded!

The result of a people in love with the world instead of a fearful love for God, is a corrupt, ignorant, and wicked society that is full of pride and arrogance. The spiritual blindness of the people is so great, that most embrace the tyrannical laws and expanding loss of freedom we see unfolding daily.
In fact, there are many who love the power given to them by our illegitimate, fascist government. They sit smuggley on boards and committees, disconnected from reality and the will of God. They swagger through our hallways, clipboard in hand, loving their authority over the commoners. All are out of touch with the will of God, and cannot begin to comprehend their decision to serve Satan.
I am reminded by God’s word that although we face persecution from the wicked, we are to pray for them and not repay them with evil. But I am also reminded that we must resist evil, and after putting on the full armor of God, STAND.

That, my brothers an sisters, is what we must do as followers of Christ in this late hour! A call to repentance as a nation is impossible now; however, a call to repentance as an individual is the answer to the impending doom that faces us all. Jesus Christ is our only hope. He’s our only “out” from this fallen world. He came as a lamb to the slaughter to show us the way, and he will come again as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to put down all of the wicked! Praise him continually and seek him constantly for his protection and guidance. Stand up to the workers of iniquity and FEAR NOT, for he is with us. If we abide in him, we are covered by the power of his blood. Be blessed in Jesus’ name! MARANATHA!
Watchman73

Are You Ready For 150 Days of Craziness?

By VL

Whether we believe the Mayan Long Count Calendar's accuracy or date (Dec. 12, 2012) is not really the point.  Untold millions already believe it is true.  And this will have wide ranging effects on a world that is at it's tipping point.  We are now 150 days and counting from the Mayan "end of the age", and more significantly, we can tie in many links to Biblical prophecies.  For example -

- One of the first major signs mentioned is the White Horseman, in Rev. 6:2.  The White Horseman is a "conqueror", one who topples leaders of nations.  If we look specifically at the Mediterranean Sea nations, almost every single country has had their leader ousted through scandal, election or overthrow by NATO forces (see M. Qaddafi, H. Mubarak) 

- The next sign is the Red Horseman of Rev. 6:4.  He has the power to take away peace and make war.  While we haven't seen open war between nations yet, we are in the middle of a cyber war involving the U.S. and China.  And Syria, one of the last Mediterranean nations not to fall, has become the lynchpin to World War 3.  Russia and China along with Iran have come down firmly on Syria's side, while NATO forces have joined with Israel in opposition.  With British and Russian troops (and probably U.S. special forces) already on the ground inside Syria, it would seem a major war is a matter of when, not if.

- Among other signs we see the stage set for widespread famine (the third horseman, Rev. 6:5-6, as major grain and rice producers in the U.S. and Australia lie under massive droughts, or are still trying to recover.  Other nations like China and India are having problems simply feeding their own, with major issues of failed GMO crops in India and flooding in China.  With many African nations still struggling under poor leadership and no organized agricultural plans, this situation will continually worsen.  Note also in the passage in Revelation that the famine is linked with the worthlessness of money.  The world wide financial crises scream for us to beware the third horseman.

- Other signs include the continued onslaught of old diseases (like Tuberculosis and plague) along with new ones (pick a bird or swine flu) and emerging threats like the chimera/nano disease Morgellons.  These signs are preparing the way for the fourth horseman, which includes pestilence.  (Rev. 6:8)

- Throw in miscellaneous events that are lingering, like the coming London Olympics where many have already spoken of terror threats linked to the belief that Iran or Israel will ignite a massive war during the games.  And how about an American election featuring two horrible candidates, the political identical twins Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.  Will we even have an election by the time November arrives?  Throw in extreme weather events and the occasional mass murder for political motives like the Aurora shooting, and we have all the makings of 150 days of crazy.  All of this chaos working perfectly for those "powers behind the scenes" desiring a world descending into chaos so that they can bring in their savior.  The time is getting close, so close.

We will revisit the topic in 50 days, God willing.  Remember always to watch and pray.  "Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near."  (Luke 21:8)

RNC confirms Ron Paul will be up for nomination

Probably the last valid opportunity for Christians to vote for an honest man in 2012.  Let your voices be heard in Tampa!

By: Mason Buran


The Republican National Convention is quickly approaching (August 26th). For over the past year, avid Ron Paul supporters have won delegate spots in various state conventions across the country. Through this hard-work, Ron Paul will officially be allowed to be nominated for the nominee of the Republican Party.

For the past three days, Ben Swann (Fox19 Cincinnati) has been in contact with a Republican Rules Committee member. In order for a candidate to be elected for the Republican Party nomination, the candidate must have a plurality in five or more states. If by rule, binding and non-binding policies are applied to delegates, it would still not affect the process of voting for placement of a candidate's name into the potential nominee ballot. Presidential hopeful Ron Paul does have a plurality in five or more states (Nevada, Maine, Minnesota, Louisiana, and Iowa). This means that Ron Paul will be eligible for nomination on August 26th in Tampa Bay.

The Ron Paul Revolution is planning on amassing 100,000+ supporters to Tampa in order to celebrate Paul's 30+ year career in American politics. However, the Republican National Committee senses pressure from the Paul supporters. The RNC has attempted to block access in order to make the convention as exclusive as possible.
Ben Swann conducted an interview with members of the RNC Rules Committee and they did answer the questions with the previous information. However, due to the RNC being a private organization they are not subject to following by their "rules" or "statements." Whether the RNC abides by their statements, we will find out this August.

The Ron Paul Revolution carries on to Tampa Bay with assurance that Ron Paul has the potential to be nominated. Whether or not Paul does win the nomination, we are all in for something special this August.

Are You Ready To Fight?

By Gary Wilkerson

Don’t settle for partial victories just because you are weary, frustrated or feeling helpless. God never stops at half a victory. The moment you feel so tired you can’t take one more step is often the moment He is about to give the greatest victory — when the breakthrough is about to come.

The church is not meant to be composed of masses and crowds who want comfort, pleasure and everything handed to them on a silver platter. The church is meant to be like “Gideon’s 300,” warriors who say, “God, I know this is going to be a fight. I know it is going to be wearisome and will even cause tears to flow but, God, I’m with You in this battle!”

You may feel that you have prayed the last prayer you’re ever going to be able to pray about the need that is pressing you. You are exhausted but you must stay in the fight. Don’t stop praying and don’t give up. Yes, it has been a long day! Nighttime is coming and inside you are saying, “It’s time for me to sleep.” But instead God says, “No, no, the fight is just starting.”

What has happened to the all-night prayer meetings in churches? What has happened to people waiting on God? What has happened to people who fast and pray for a breakthrough?

The church was called into battle. It was not begun just to have good services and a nice building with lights that go off and on during the music. That’s not why we’re here! We are here to do battle against the gates of hell because we have a promise that hell will not prevail (Matthew 16:18). We do not have a promise that it won’t be strenuous or that all we have to do is whisper and the gates of hell will not prevail. No! There is going to be a battle and Satan is not going to give up easily — but we have a promise.

It’s going to take a battle! Are you ready to fight?

Why Are Oil Prices Rising? Because The Oil Companies Want Them To

Let me make this simple.  The major oil companies are computing their per quarter profits in the billions.  BP, despite nearly destroying the Gulf of Mexico, destroying thousands of jobs and leading to the death of an unknown number of people turned massive profits last year.  The oil prices are rising because the oil executives want them to, and no one can or will do anything to stop them.

As for the "crisis theory" which is being pushed by mainstream media, it's a complete farce.  We are already being told that fighting in the Middle East, especially with Iran, will cause prices to hit $5 a gallon or more.  We currently get 0% of our oil from Iran.  That is a zero.  We do get around 17% from Saudi Arabia, but their oil shipments to the U.S. would be unaffected by shipments coming through the Strait of Hormuz.  Europe and China would be affected by such a war, but not the U.S.

So here is what we can expect.  Prices will jump this year, maybe to the dreaded $5 a gallon price or higher.  The media will say it's some crisis that caused the jump.  A hurricane hitting a processing center or a war in the middle east.  And we will pay the price, unless you can ride a bike and are ready to start using it.  One more reason to pray for the return of Messiah.  Our world needs it's only true ruler.  Now more than ever. 

Tim Tebow Exposes How Shallow American Christianity Has Become

 The article brings up some interesting points.  How many people knew that either Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers were Christians?  And Kurt Warner is absolutely wrong on his opinion here.  Tim Tebow is being who he is, and making a lot of Christians here think, why am I not like that?

By Coach Dave DaubenmireNewsWithViews.com

“America! America! God Shed His Grace on Thee; And Crown Thy Good, With Brotherhood…” -America The Beautiful

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! -Isaiah 5:20

In case you have not noticed, sleeve-wearing Christian Tim Tebow has been causing quite a stir across the football world with his unashamed living out of the Gospel. His I-love-Jesus-more-than-anything approach to life has proved to be quite unsettling to those who are uncomfortable with his bold proclamation of Romans 1:16.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

In my lifetime I cannot name a single public figure, apart from those who make a living off of the Gospel, who has been as bold of a witness as Number 15 for the Denver Broncos.

He is not the only Christian in the NFL. The past two Super Bowl Champions had Christians under center, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, Aaron Rodgers of the Packers, yet one would have to dig to find stories of their witness to their Faith.

Former Super Bowl QB Kurt Warner of the St. Louis Rams claims Christ, yet he recently advised Tebow that he would be better off if he removed Jesus from his sleeve…or at least put a sweatshirt over the top of his arms.

“But I’d tell him, ‘Put down the boldness in regards to the words, and keep living the way you’re living. Let your teammates do the talking for you. Let them cheer on your testimony.’ Kurt Warner

Yeah right Kurt. Hide that light under a bushel. That I’ll-show-them-Christ-by-the-way-I-live approach hasn’t gotten us very far in spreading the Gospel. America is a vast moral wasteland because we have hidden the light.

Kurt Warner is good with postgame prayer...I think

In this country we no longer “crown the good.” Because of our silence our culture has evolved to the point where we “crown the bad.” Tim Tebow is bad. Lady Gaga is good. Tim Tebow won’t be at the Super Bowl, but Madonna will.

In the NFL the Material Girl trumps the Spiritual Guy. (I wonder if Kurt Warner would ask Madonna to tone it down a bit.) It seems to me that the wrong folks are ashamed.

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1. Bold Christianity would make Madonna run to the locker room.

Tim Tebow is a mirror. He exposes how shallow most of our Christianity is. That’s what makes us so uncomfortable…"I am a Christian, but I am not as fanatical about it as Tebow is."

No kidding. I wonder which one is more like Jesus…you or Tim Tebow? Would Jesus tell Tim to “tone it down?” Would Jesus tell you to?

No. He doesn’t have to. You already have toned it down yourself. That’s why Christianity is so under assault in the culture. We are ashamed of the Gospel. We are ashamed to speak up for what is right.

We have allowed them to put a crown on the head of the evil. We have failed to understand that nature loves a vacuum. The removal of the Christian standard of morality from our culture has opened the floodgates to secular debauchery.

Silence isn’t golden…it is yellow. Our Christian-laryngitis has resulted in no prayer in schools, no Ten Commandments, sodomite-“marriage,” legalized baby-murder, Christ-less Christmas…

I wonder if any of the heathen have asked Lady Gaga to tone it down? Have they impugned her for her vicious assault on the morality of America’s children?

It is one thing when the God-haters want Tim to tone it done. It is quite another when those on his own team are knocking the ball out of his hands.

Even in the church we no longer “crown the good.” Humanism has forced its way into the void, and the Gospel has been relegated to a self-help, best-life-now, felt-needs formula for success in life.

Tim Tebow crushes that paradigm like a snot-snorting, blitzing line-backer.

Jesus IS life. Tim Tebow has his arms around something bigger than the NFL!

In this age of self-centered narcissism Tebow carries a different message. The answer to America’s problems is not government. The problems in America are Spiritual. Turn to Jesus and not to politics.

We must return to an America where good is crowned.

But that is not the message of the world. They want an America where everyone is on the same level. Homosexual marriage is as valid as heterosexual marriage; Humans are on the same level as the baby seals; Abortion is on the same level as appendicitis; Dr Phil is as wise as the Apostle Paul; Christianity is on par with Islam, Buddhism, and Taoism; Sinners are no different than saints; Jesus and Mohammed share the same throne.

No standards…no judge…no right and wrong…no good and evil. America is ravaged with the gospel according to Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

No wonder we crown the bad.

But there is hope. Tim Tebow has revealed something about us. For those who have eyes to see, God has used him to reveal a hunger for righteousness in the hearts of Americans.

In spite of the fact that his bold-Christianity has been pillaged by those on the right as well as those on the left, Tim Tebow has touched a nerve in the soul of America, and no matter how hard they may try, the secularists cannot not gauze over the blood seeping out of a heart that is yearning for something to believe in.

That’s Tim’s message, you know. Believe, not in yourself or your abilities, but in the ONE who makes all things possible.

Tim Tebow has torn off the scab and exposed the spiritual-malignancy sweeping over this land.

The media is telling him to tone it down…other Christians are telling him to tone it down…but Mom and Pop America is telling him to turn up the volume.

Did you know that the Bronco’s playoff game against the Patriots was the most watched non-Super Bowl football game in history?

Did you know that Tim Tebow was recently voted the most popular athlete in sports-obsessed America?

How can that be?

Because in their hearts, most American parents wish their son had turned out like Tim Tebow, and they long for their daughter to marry a man like him. They have had enough of the Lindsay Lohans, the Charlie Sheens, and the decadence of America’s pop culture icons.

The dirty little secret is that fly-over country wants a return to a crowning of the good.

Did you know that after the game with the Steelers that John 3:16 was the most “googled” phrase on the internet?

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” -Romans 14.

Living the Gospel is not enough. I say roar Tim Tebow, ROAR! Proclaim the Truth of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! Let the world see that you don’t have to be in Detroit to root for a Lion!

God has put a crown on Tim Tebow. He is not ashamed to wear it.

WARVANGELICALS

By Coach Dave DaubenmireNewsWithViews.com

I want you to know right up front that I am not a pacifist.

I believe in a strong military, and that national defense is one of the Constitutional responsibilities of our government. When a “terrorist” blows up a group of people He should be swiftly put to death.

I believe in a strong national defense and that our obligation is to America first.

But I do not believe in continuous wars, especially the politically-correct ones.

You know what I am talking about.

The types of wars we fight today are, for the most part, offensive, even though our leaders try to convince us that they are necessary for our defense.

Most are not. At least not in my life time. America has been at war somewhere in the world for the entirety of my 59 years on this earth. WWI was known as “the war to end all wars,” which of course it didn’t. It was just a slogan. Americans like slogans. Slogans often masquerade the real issue and make us feel better about jumping on the bandwagon..

The war on terror, the war on drugs, the war on poverty, and the war on ignorance are all nothing more than sloganeering. It is high time the American people came to the realization that each one of those wars was never engaged with victory as the goal. It was the fighting of the war, the funding of the war, and the perpetuation of the war that they were interested in.

Billions of dollars have been thrown down a rat-holes fighting wars that they knew could not be won. And many became rich. The same applies to military wars.

Today we continue to fight in Afghanistan even though America is insolvent.

No one can tell you why we are there. I think it somehow connects to 19 Saudis flying planes into the Twin Towers back in 2001 and “The War on Terror”, but that is just a guess.

Somewhere along the line somebody figured out that there were a lot of dollars to be made in war. Bullets and bombs were needed for war and a sinister group of warmongers figured out a way to make millions by performing their “civic duty” by supplying the ammo...often to both sides.

Christian/conservative Republicans are the greatest promoters of this perpetual-state-of-war. They serve the Prince of Peace by cheering, and voting, for war.

Someone coined the term "Warvangelicals." They are determined to evangelize the world through the barrel of a rifle. Jesus warned us to be careful…those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.

If you listen closely you will hear the rattle of death reverberating through the American economy. Misuse of the "sword" is bringing death to America.

Wars will not destroy America, but paying for them will. Will the Republican Party even permit you to be a member if you happen to be against the wars?

I am for a strong military, but am against an ever-increasing Department of Defense budget. Did you know that America has military facilities in over 138 different countries including 218 in Germany, 115 in Japan, and 86 in South Korea? “War-mongers”, not liberators,is what the Eastern World calls us.

We have nearly 1.5 million Americans currently serving in the Armed Forces. Nearly 20% of them are deployed overseas. This “Policeman of the World” approach is enriching the Industrial/Military complex, but busting the banks of the American people. Over 400,000 Americans are enriching the economies of other nations through their deployment.

The world has changed, but America is stuck in the “Cold-War” mindset. Why is it the job of Americans to pay for the defense of Germany…or Japan…or South Korea? The American economic coffers are being bled dry. “Those who live by the sword…”How did war become a Christian/Conservative value?

Christians are soooo confused. Willfully ignorant might be a more appropriate description. Flag-waving Christians are the most ardent supporters of military intervention. Sadly, they know nothing of the theory of just war.

The Principles of Just Wars are:

1. Just cause/right intention: A just war must be fought only for purposes of self-defense against armed attack or to right a serious wrong.
2. Proper authority: A war is just only if waged by a legitimate authority.
3. Last resort: A just war must be the last resort; all peaceful options must be exhausted before the use of force can be justified.
4. Probability of success: There must be a reasonable chance of success; deaths and injury that result from a hopeless cause cannot be morally justified.
5. Beneficial outcome: The outcome of the war must be better than the situation that would exist had the war not taken place.
6. Proportionality: The violence and destruction must be proportional to the injury suffered.Does that sound to you like any of the “conflicts” that we have recently found ourselves embroiled in? America has not fought a “just war” since WWII.

Now, Evangelical favorite Rick Santorum wants to bomb Iran.

My greatest concern from a military point of view is not that Iran may bomb us, but that we are vulnerable to an attack here at home. Fighting in Afghanistan, or keeping Iran from getting a bomb, will not increase security here at home. The enemy is already amongst us. Perhaps we can catch them at the airport!

(Oh I am going to lose half of my friends because of what I am about to say…but I’ve got to say it.)

Much of the reason we are such interventionalists in the Middle East is the position held by most Evangelicals that we have a religious obligation to defend Israel. To say otherwise is to be called “anti-Semitic,” “anti-Israel,” or “un-Biblical.” Listen to how often the Republican candidates mention the word “Israel.” This a Pavlovian trick that makes Evangelicals mouth’s water.

I am not anti-Israel nor anti-Semitic. I am pro-America. If we don’t return to an America-first policy we won’t be able to defend ourselves, let alone our friends in the Middle East.

America has spent a generation arming Israel. Estimates are that Israel is currently in possession of as many as 400 nuclear warheads. American foreign aid to Israel paid for most of their weaponry. They are far and away the most powerful, well armed military in the Middle East.

I understand that God has an “everlasting covenant” with Israel. I understand that those who “bless Israel” will be blessed. I understand that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. But I can not find one Biblical admonition to "protect" Israel. I do find the Lord asking us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Do we “bless Israel” by sending foreign aid to her enemies?

Is it the obligation of the US Government to defend the nation of Israel? The Covenant was a Covenant between God and Israel. God will keep His promise. Why do Christians see it as our obligation to do for Israel what God has promised HE will do? A broken, financially bankrupt America cannot protect Israel. Only God can do that.

The Kingdom of God is a Spiritual Kingdom, not a natural one. It is the “Spiritual Israel” that God has made the Covenant with. Remember, He told us that "My Kingdom is not of this world." It is to natural-Israel that Jesus will return and set up his “everlasting Kingdom.” Does He need our intervention to help him keep His Word?

Remember that popular bumper sticker after 911…THE POWER OF PRIDE? Perhaps that is our problem.

Warvangelicals are more concerned with protecting Israel than they are in protecting America. There is nothing “Christian” about invading a sovereign nation and killing innocent women and children. Has the American military now become the “Army of God.”

It is not popular to say it in Evangelical circles, but Christians should not rejoice in the killing of innocent Muslim women and children. Each one is a potential child of the Living God and Christians should be more interested in flooding the Middle East with Bibles rather than bombs. Just War...remember? Currently, they are more interested in “spreading democracy” than they are in spreading the Gospel.

God is judging America, not because we are turning our backs on Israel, but because we are a decadent, insolent, greedy, blood-thirsty nation that winks at the shedding of innocent blood in the womb, while we “high-five” the killing of innocent children in other parts of the world. We have rejected God. Our works are "continuously evil in His sight" and our hands are stained with innocent blood.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deut. 30:19.

America is dying because we have chosen death and Warvangelicals are the varsity cheerleaders of the War Party.

There, I said it. Are we still friends?

Tim Tebow - An Example Of Grace Under Fire

Just a quick note to add to the cavalcade of Tebow articles, especially in light of last weeks excellent performance in leading his Denver Broncos to a playoff upset in overtime over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I appreciate that Tim always thanks his Lord Jesus Christ, in every interview, day after day.  He is truly not ashamed of who he is or Whom he believes in. 

What I appreciate even more is the way he has handled the criticism, much of it in the form of pure vitriol spilled by numerous reporters and writers.  He is truly a polarizing figure because of his close association with Jesus Christ.  However in all of the abuses, he responds with true grace.  Always positive, always honest, always kind, even when the questions or quotes are not.  This alone should be an example to the church today.  Tim wins over the hearts of folks daily by the way he acts.  He does not act like your typical athlete, but he does act like a Bible based Christian.  In the face of an increasingly selfish, rude, mean-spirited and cruel world, let us, God's people, emulate Tim Tebow by showing the same grace he has in difficult times.  You have no idea how far such a testimony might reach.