Sunday, May 30, 2010

Judgmental: 50% Judge... 50% Mental

This week, we have heard several sermons on the subject of being judgmental. My friends and I got together to study the scriptures and came to the conclusion that this must be a very important topic to come up so frequently. There are a number of scriptures that address this issue... but the one that follows covers the topic quite thoroughly:
1DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves.
2For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you.
3Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye?
4Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye?
5You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother's eye.
Matthew 7:1-5 [AMP]
Why is it that people seem to think that we can go around casting the first stone when we are just as guilty before the eyes of God than the person we are judging? Perhaps we should simply exorcise the spirit of judgmentalism out of our lives once and for all?  And, while doing so... let us beware of what comes out of our mouths. Judypie gives us two meditations that will help you in that regard:


Speak Words of Kindness

The law of kindness is in my mouth and I purpose to speak words of wisdom. I realize that the words that I speak contain the power of life and death and in the name of Jesus I loose from myself an attitude of sarcasm and bind to myself an attitude of kindness. I bind mercy and truth about my neck and write them upon the table of my heart. When my words instigate anger forgive me and help me correct my speech. When an angry person challenges me help me remember that a soft answer turns away wrath. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
Proverbs 31:26 [AMP]
To have respect of persons and to show partiality is not good, neither is it good that man should transgress for a piece of bread.
Proverbs 28:21 [AMP]
Truly I tell you, whatever you forbid and declare to be improper and unlawful on earth must be what is already forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit and declare proper and lawful on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.
Matthew 18:18 [AMP]
Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3 [AMP]
A SOFT answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:1 [AMP]

Imitators of God

Father, we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so we will walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith and joyfully abounding in it. Love is our foundation, and we pray that Christ will be at home in us. May we be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height -- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fullness of God, and walk as Jesus walked in love, in harmony and unity with one another. Amen.
As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7 [AMP]
May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
Ephesians 3:17-19 [AMP]
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
—Matthew 11:28

...the Lord is all I need. He takes care of me. My share in life has been pleasant; my part has been beautiful.
—Psalm 16:5-6



When I lived in Texas, I would often see this guy at a number of Christian events. I felt that this guy was looking at me and wanted to fight, so rather than risk getting excommunicated by starting a brawl in church, I just avoided the guy. He showed up at concerts, at prayer services... and I just felt that this guy was cruising for a bruising. When I went to my friend Sylvia’s wedding reception... dude was there! And to my greatest surprise, Sylvia took me by the arm and walked me over to the guy and introduced us. Well, we didn’t fight. In fact, we became close friends.

This is an example of how the devil kills, steals, and destroys (John 10:10) by putting people at odds with each other for no reason whatsoever.  I decided to judge a Christian brother... yes... I got in league with you-know-who... and it almost turned into a disaster!

One more meditation from Judypie before we close this week’s blog:


Take Responsibility for your Attitude

Wrong attitudes are like dirty garments. They don't fall off your body; they have to be removed. Get rid of wrong attitudes by the planting of the word of God in your heart and mind. Do you complain about your job and how others treat you, or do you approach your job with enthusiasm and gratitude? Do you blame others when you are faced with adversity or do you take responsibility for your attitude and behavior? You can remove wrong attitudes by changing your mind and attitude toward God. Love the Lord your God with your entire spirit, soul and body and love others even as you love yourself. Determine to lay aside every wrong attitude and run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the race that is set before you (Hebrews 12:1). Your attitude will determine your success in life.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I purpose to have the same attitude, purpose and humble mind as my Lord. He is my example for greatness! As a citizen of Your Kingdom, I am standing firm in united spirit and purpose, contending with a single mind for the faith, pursuing the destiny, which You handcrafted just for me. I will not be intimidated in anything by my opponents and adversaries. You are my light and my salvation. Amen


Here are a few scriptures to meditate on (hold your mouse over each):
  • Philippians 2:5
  • Philippians 1:27
  • Psalm 27:1

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Israel Prepares for War

ISRAEL BEGINS FIVE DAY NATIONWIDE DRILL TO PREPARE FOR WAR

* Fmr. Delta Force commander Lt.-Gen. Jerry Boykin to speak at 2010 Epicenter Conference.



By Joel C. Rosenberg


(Washington, D.C., May 24, 2010) -- Israelis on Sunday began a massive nationalwide home front exercise to prepare for the possibility of a major with Iran, Syria, and/or Lebanon.

"The exercise, 'Turning Point 4,' is due to last five days and be carried out in all parts of the country," reported Haaretz. "During the first three days the drill will involve the Israel Defense Forces' various command centers, the police, emergency services, ministries and other government offices. The exercise, which is held annually in May, will be broadened on Wednesday to include civilians, with a siren sounded at 11 A.M. throughout the country. Civilians will have to seek cover in shelters or other secure areas."

* "The main scenario for the police will be a strike on Be'er Sheva by missiles fitted with chemical warheads....The distribution of gas masks, something already underway over the past three months, will be expedited during the drill to include other parts of the country. Home Front Command will be tested on its ability to shift to emergency distribution on a national level.

* "Extensive participation by volunteers, nongovernment organizations and youth movements is expected to be part of the drill, especially in helping local authorities reach people and communities in distress or needing special assistance."

The Joshua Fund continues to prepare for war by stockpiling supplies in our new warehouse and training and equipping those running seven food distribution centers. At the Epicenter Conference, I'll give an update on how those preparations are coming and how you can be involved in helping. Please keep praying for peace and please keep praying for our team and our allies in Israel as we keep preparing for the possibility of war.

------------------------------------------------

What are the implications of a regional war with Iran? Former Delta Force commander Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin will provide analysis at the the 2010 Epicenter Conference. Please be sure to register today at www.epicenterconference.com to join us in Philadelphia June 25-26. Pastors, please visit the same site to sign up to show the live webcast to your congregation. Thanks and God bless you.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

In Search of America’s Vital Signs

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The Presidential Prayer Team



         
        Pulse
        Temperature

        Blood pressure

        These are the basic readings taken whenever you go into a doctor's office, to assess your physical well being ... to provide vital signs as to how good, or how bad, your overall health is at that time.

        Now imagine -- if the nation's vital signs were being taken right now, what would they read? And what would they really say about the spiritual health, and future longevity, of the United States?

        As we pray for our country along with you, we are convinced that America is in critical condition. The continued onslaught against our Christian values, and the nation's undeniable Christian heritage, is increasing. And like a cancer spreading in the body, this assault threatens to place our country on life support.

        One vital sign that our nation is in trouble is the concerted attack on Christian public prayer-- one that hasn't, and will not, go away just because the National Day of Prayer has now passed. Despite bold and successful public prayer throughout our nation on May 6, groups such as the Freedom From Religion Foundation (the organization that challenged the National Day of Prayer as being unconstitutional) remain stalwart, claiming in a recent video that 1) our Founding Fathers did not pray during the Constitutional Convention, 2) that the Constitution itself is godless, and 3) that George Washington did not kneel in prayer at Valley Forge.

        These groups are being heard, as evidenced by Judge Barbara Crabb's decision in April to rule the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional. However, all of us on The Presidential Prayer Team have been hand-picked and chosen by God for " ... such a time as this" (Esther 4:14) to passionately pray for our country-- and let our voice be heard in the nation!

        Throughout the summer and all the way to the mid-term elections in November, The Presidential Prayer Team will provide for you:
  1. Campaigns that'll bring us together in prayer.

  2. Ways for you to speak out against what you see happening in the courts and in the nation's capitol.

  3. Educational information about the candidates and initiatives that'll impact the political and social direction of our country.
        Today, we'd like to start by asking you to tell us what you believe the issues and concerns are that you believe has the United States in critical condition as a Christian nation. We want to know what your concerns are, why they are important, and what is the biblical reference or response to your concern. We will then publish the top concerns as the major Vital Signs that we need to pray for and take a stand about in the days to come.

Tell us what has the U.S. in critical condition as a Christian nation!

Send us your America's Vital Signs by email to VitalSigns@PresidentialPrayerTeam.org

        We are so pleased at The Presidential Prayer Team that our improved Weekly Update e-mails, new Vantage Point daily devotional series, continued website improvements, new writing team and expert web development team have all been put into place-- at far less expense and with far greater efficiency-- so that we, as a ministry, are now better positioned internally and financially to move forward and act " ... for such a time as this."

        Thank you for your prayers and financial support-- and get ready to go to our knees, and take a stand, for America!

                The Presidential Prayer Team

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ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL PRAYER TEAM

Since 2001, The Presidential Prayer Team has been the source millions of Americans have turned to for encouragement and inspiration to pray for America, our President, our national leaders and our Armed Forces.



Saturday, May 22, 2010

Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord, Part Two

In our last blog on the subject of Casting Your Cares Upon the Lord, Part One, we made note of the fact that the most popular search item on the Powerhouse Podcasts site is our seven minutes of wisdom podcast entitled Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord!

On last check... we are still getting more hits on that subject than on any other at the Powerhouse. And so, we thought we should bring a little bit more on that subject to you.

Germaine Copeland of Word Ministries wrote the following:

The human body and central nervous system cannot tolerate the burden of worry, fretting, and anxiety. This type of burden causes a chemical imbalance in your DNA and interferes with the production of necessary hormones for physical, mental and emotional health. Worry is probably the major cause of sickness. The Holy Spirit taught me to cast all my burdens on the Lord during a crucial time in my life. I chose not to worry and declared that God cared for me and my household. The Holy Spirit taught me how to take off my cares and lay them on the Lord. I approached God boldly in prayer and read His Word aloud to myself until worry subsided. Today I teach classes on Overcoming Worry, but find that some Christians are determined to worry and have their anxiety attacks. The choice is yours. You can lug around the worries and cares or you can talk to the Lord about any situation whether it is financial, marriage relationship, the death of a loved one, or children gone astray. Choose to cast the care of any circumstance that is causing you to worry over on the Lord because He cares for you.

That about says it all, doesn’t it? Worry makes you sick. Worry makes you physically weak. Worry makes you spiritually weak. Worry is like faith in reverse... rather than believing God for the victory, you are believing your problems for defeat. How about making a decision to exorcise worry from your life, once and for all?

Have you ever said, “That person gets on my nerves” or possibly had someone say that about you? Well… if people are getting on your nerves, don’t worry. Judypie has a meditation to deal with that too! Just pray this prayer:

To you, O Lord, I pray. My enemies will not triumph over me, and I will never be disgraced for trusting you. Show me the path where I should go, point out the right road for me to walk. Lead and teach me for you are the God who gives me salvation. Thank you for seeing me through eyes of everlasting love and kindness. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

And, after praying that prayer... read Psalm 25.

We listen to Pastor Gregory Dickow each week and are impressed by his 40 day fast from wrong thinking. It has nothing to do with not eating... but it has a lot to do with not worrying! Free your mind... and the rest will follow!

By the way, you can listen to our Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord podcast by clicking here.

For additional blogs on casing your cares, click the links below:

Cast Your Cares - Part 1

Judypie: Cast Your Care

Strength in Difficult Times

Spiritual Strength

Suicide Ain’t Painless

Having Done All... Stand

Perfect Peace

In The Time of Trouble

No Condemnation

Hope, the Anchor of the Soul

Worry

In the Midst of the Storm

Psalm Eight

How Much Do You Really Trust God

Perfect Peace

Joy and Gladness

Being Rejected


And, on that note, we present you with the following meditation from our gospel powerhouse, Judypie.


All Things are Possible


Jesus made an amazing statement when he said that all things are possible to him who believes. How is it possible for the impossible to become possible? Establish your belief system according to the word of God, and bring your thoughts into agreement with your God-given hopes and dreams. Take control of your thoughts for they will give birth to your words, words will become actions, actions will become habits, and habits will become character and your character becomes your destiny. Your faith-filled words will give substance to your hopes and your destiny will be fulfilled.

Heavenly Father, I am not limited in doing what You have called me to do. Jesus, my Lord, said that everything is possible for him who believes. Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. The circumstances, finances, connections, the skilled people and the anointing needed to fulfill your will have already been provided. You have made every provision I will ever need. I affirm that no word from my Father is without power or impossible of fulfillment! I will stand and look to You for all my needs. In Jesus name. Amen.

Scripture meditations (hold your mouse over the following):

  • Mark 9:12
  • Luke 1:37

As you focus on the meditation and scriptures above that Judypie have given us, you can feel your faith growing, now, as your cares and worries wash away.

If you feel that maybe God can’t or won’t bless you because of some sin in your life... here is another meditation from Judypie that answers those issues:

Receiving Forgiveness


Father, You are my source of love, forgiveness and acceptance. All other sources have left me emotionally wounded and confused. I built my walls of self-protection, turned my back on You and the spring of living water; I dug my own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. I repent of my transgressions. In the name of Jesus, I ask You to cleanse me and take away my guilt. Jesus, I drink from the living water; I believe on You, and out of my innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. Amen.

Scripture meditations (hold your mouse over the following):

  • Jeremiah 2:13
  • John 7:37-39
  • Psalm 51:2, 7

Forgiveness is a given for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. 1 John 1:9 in the Bible tells us that. But if you have never accepted Jesus... then the next meditation from Judypie allows you to put that care to rest permanently. And, if you are already saved... this meditation will bolster the assurance of your salvation:

Salvation


Father, we believe in our hearts that You raised Jesus from the dead, and we confess Jesus is Lord over our spirits, souls and bodies. Father-God, You planted us like strong and graceful oaks for Your own glory, and anointed us to rebuild the ancient ruins… reviving them though they have lain there many generations. We thank You for forgiving all our iniquities and healing all our diseases. We decree that our families and future generations shall come to the knowledge of the Truth and be saved. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation.
Romans 10:9-10 [AMP]

1BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!
2Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--
3Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
4Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
5Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!
6The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.
7He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.
9He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge.
10He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
14For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.
17But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children--
18To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts].
19The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
20Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
21Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.
22Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 103 [AMP]

Eternal Life


Father, this is eternal life that we may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I thank You for sending Jesus to earth; to know Him is to know You. I thank You for the Holy Spirit who comforts and helps me – teaching me all things that You have said. I pause and take time to meditate on Your promises as they are first place in my thoughts, in the name of Jesus. You are my Strength, my Light and my Salvation. Amen.

Click on the following scriptures to study more on Eternal Life:


And now that you have exorcised worry from your life IN THE NAME OF JESUS, now you can devote your energy to living a pure life. Here are some additional meditations from Judypie that will help you throughout the upcoming days:

A Pure Heart


What is in your heart will be revealed during times of stress, trial or tribulation. Some Christians do not give heed to what they are watching on television or the music they hear or the material they are reading, and they fill their minds with ungodly thinking. Some major on negative, pessimistic thinking, and they do not see a silver lining anywhere. To be pure in heart you must saturate your mind with the Word of God through reading, meditation and prayer. Scriptural prayers that are written to help you renew your mind to God’s Word. Develop the mind of Christ by choosing to concentrate on the magnitude of God and His promises to you. You can change your attitude from negative to positive and become a world changer!

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You do I wait all the day long. Laus Deo!

Father, it is you who creates a pure heart and a steadfast spirit within me. Lord Jesus, thank You for cleansing me. You have blotted out and canceled my transgressions, and you will remember them no longer. You do not keep a record of my sin because I have truly repented and turned from my wicked ways. I am cleansed and pruned by the living word which you have given me. I will not forget all your benefits but affectionately and gratefully bless your name. You heal all my diseases and forgive all my iniquities. Thank you. Amen.

Scripture Meditations (hold your mouse over the following):

  • Psalm 51:10
  • Isaiah 43:25
  • John 15:3

We hope that this will help you in the area of casting your cares upon the Lord. We will close this post with one final prayer and scripture meditation from Judypie:

Security


Father, in the name of Jesus, I bless my family and co-workers daily with faith and love. May we be filled with hope for the word of truth; the gospel is our mainstay. The Prince of Peace is our Companion and Strength for this day. We are secure, for we have received Your abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness through Jesus Christ. At night we rest in perfect peace, consoled by thoughts of Your love for us, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Meditations (hold your mouse over the following):

  • Colossians 1:5
  • Romans 5:17

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Keith Green Movie Coming!


Read the story at The Los Angeles Daily News

New report finds Israel has 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas

U.S. GOVERNMENT REPORT: ISRAEL HAS 122 TRILLION CUBIC FEET OF NATURAL GAS OFFSHORE

* 2010 Epicenter Conference to examine whether we are seeing events consistent with Ezekiel 38-39

By Joel C. Rosenberg
(Washington, D.C., May 17, 2010) -- A recently-released report by the U.S. Department of Interior indicates that Israel has massive reserves of natural gas and oil supplies just offshore, lying under the Mediterranean. "The U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and a mean of 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Levant Basin Province using a geology based assessment methodology," stated the report's executive summary.

Israelis for years have lamented that if God wanted to bless them with a "promised land" He could have given them the oil-rich Arabian peninsula. Thus the report has become big news in the Israeli media and the energy industry. Several oil and gas companies are already at work there and have made more modest discoveries in recent years. But this is by far the biggest development to date and some reports indicate Israel could begin using the natural gas -- and possibly exporting it -- within two years.

What intrigues me is that such developments are consistent with several Bible prophecies that indicate petroleum will be discovered in Israel in the last days, adding to the nation's prosperity. For more details, please see Chapter Five of my 2006 non-fiction book, Epicenter: "FUTURE HEADLINE: ISRAEL DISCOVERS MASSIVE RESERVES OF OIL, GAS."

Just five weeks left to the 2010 Epicenter Conference. Please be sure to register today at www.epicenterconference.com to join us in Philadelphia June 25-26. Pastors, please visit the same site to sign up to show the live webcast to your congregation. Thanks and God bless you.

-------------------------------------------------

OTHER KEY STORIES ON THE WEBLOG (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/)

* Israel plays wargames assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
* Russia to sell jets, air defense systems to Syria
* NYT: Iran strikes nuclear deal with Turkey -- "Iran announced an agreement on Monday to ship some of its nuclear fuel to Turkey in a deal that could offer a short-term solution to its ongoing nuclear standoff with the West, or prove to be a tactic aimed at derailing efforts to bring new sanctions against Tehran."
* Iran step could boost ability to enrich uranium, diplomats say
* Washington Post: Iranian cleric wants creation of 'Greater Iran' -- "A radical cleric called Saturday for the creation of a 'Greater Iran' that would rule over the entire Middle East and Central Asia, in an event that he said would herald the coming of Islam's expected messiah, [the Twelfth Imam]"

(Graphic source: U.S. Department of Interior) 

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Meditations from Judypie

Freedom from Hang-ups

Sometimes we find it difficult to keep the words of Jesus: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. (Matthew 22:37-30 LB) It is our hang-ups that hinder us and keep us from loving one another. Believers have the God-given ability to deal with unhealed hurts, unacknowledged anger and unresolved issues. Why? Because Jesus was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed--and we were healed! Allow Jesus to bind up and heal your brokenness, and learn how to let go of hang-ups that cause you to do what you don't want to, and hinders you from doing what you want to do.

“This is the day the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Grace to be me

Father, I thank You for salvation. By grace I have been saved through faith…it is the gift of God. Sin shall no longer be my master, because I am under grace. Your grace is sufficient for me—for every situation that I face today—for Your strength is made perfect in weakness. From the fullness of Your grace we have all received one blessing after another in the name of Jesus. Amen.


Hold your mouse over the following scriptures:
  • Ephesians 2:8
  • Romans 6:14-15
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9
  • John 1:16

Looking Beyond Circumstances

Jesus is my Lord, and I will not lose heart. Even though my outward man is perishing, yet my inward man is being renewed day by day. For this light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while I look at the things, which are not seen. Thank You for the eternal things that will never pass away in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Hold your mouse over the following scripture:
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

A Shining Light

Father, Your Word affirms that Jesus Christ is building me up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to You. I belong to a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people; that I should show forth Your praises. You called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. I pray that I may be blameless and harmless, a child of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom I shine as a light in the world. I desire to hold forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain. In Jesus name. Amen.


Hold your mouse over the following scriptures:
  • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
  • Philippians 2:15-16
  • 1 Peter 2:5,9

Accepted by God

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing the work of my hands. I can walk confidently fulfilling my destiny because You love, accept and approve of me. I am strong even though I feel weak, and my works shall be rewarded. I am steadfast, never giving up in the face of adversity. Because I am Your child and a partaker of Your divine nature, I will stand firm until Your will prevails and satan’s plans have been demolished. In the name of Jesus, I affirm Your love for me. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Hold your mouse over the following scriptures:
  • Deuteronomy 28:12
  • 2 Chronicles 15:7
  • Ephesians 6:13-14

More Than a Conqueror

Who shall separate me from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword? For Your sake I am killed all day long; I am accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me. Hallelujah! Amen!

Hold your mouse over the following scripture:
  • Romans 8:35-37

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Israel Ready for War?

ISRAEL PRIMED FOR WAR WITH IRAN SAYS VICE PRIME MINISTER

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins confirmed to speak at 2010 Epicenter Conference on how to mobilize support for Israel.

By Joel C. Rosenberg
(Washington, D.C., May 11, 2010) -- Israel is primed and ready for a war with Iran should that become necessary, says Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon. Yaalon is slated to be the keynote speaker at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia next month. He will give participants an exclusive briefing on the Iranian nuclear threat and the prospects for war in the Middle East.

"There is no doubt that the technological capabilities, which improved in recent years, have improved range and aerial refuelling capabilities, and have brought about a massive improvement in the accuracy of ordnance and intelligence," Yaalon told a conference of military officers and experts, reported Reuters. "This capability can be used for a war on terror in Gaza, for a war in the face of rockets from Lebanon, for war on the conventional Syrian army, and also for war on a peripheral state like Iran."

Also, I'm pleased to announce that Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, will speak at the 2010 Epicenter Conference as we seek to educate and mobilize Christians to show unconditional love and unwavering support to Israel at this critical moment. Tony will join Janet Parshall and me on Friday night, June 25th for a panel discussion on practical ways that Christians can bless Israel. Tony will specifically discuss Israel-related legislation moving through Congress and how to support or oppose such measures, as needed. Other Christian leaders joining us on that panel will be Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, Kay Arthur, Pastor Greg Laurie, Pastor Joe Focht, and a special guest.

On Saturday, June 26th, the conference continues with additional guests, including Vice Prime Minister Yaalon, Hormoz Shariat (the "Billy Graham of Iran"), and a video presentation by Mosab Hassan Yousef (the "Son of Hamas"). I will be giving the final keynote address on Saturday night.

For more information, or to register individually or as a church, please visit www.epicenterconference.com. I hope you will join us!

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter on Joel's weblog (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com), please click here


PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.


GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here and visiting our new website, www.joshuafund.net.


GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.


GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here (www.epicenterconference.com)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord, Part One

One of the most popular search items on the Powerhouse Podcasts site is casting your cares upon the Lord. Apparently, a lot of people are having severe troubles in their lives and are looking for a way to get relief from those problems.  They could be dealing with:
  • Financial problems
  • Fear of terrorist attacks
  • Unemployment
  • Bad relationships
If you are seeking in this area, know that the answer is as close as your Bible.  The Apostle Peter tells us, in his first epistle:

6Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
7Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
8Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
1 Peter 5:6-8 [AMP]

Whatever is bothering you... whatever is taking your sleep away... whatever is driving your blood pressure upwards... whatever seems an insurmountable obstacle... just humble yourself under God’s mighty hand.

You can’t handle it yourself... so why even deceive yourself by thinking that you are big and bad and tough enough to handle it?  Just take it to the throne of Almighty God (who loves you more than you could ever comprehend) and let Him deal with it... and then keep your eyes open so that satan can’t harm you.

By the way, you can listen to our Cast Your Cares Upon the Lord podcast by clicking here.


For additional blogs on casing your cares, click the links below:

Cast Your Cares - Part 2

Judypie: Cast Your Care

Strength in Difficult Times

Spiritual Strength

Suicide Ain’t Painless

Having Done All... Stand

Perfect Peace

In The Time of Trouble

No Condemnation

Hope, the Anchor of the Soul

Worry

In the Midst of the Storm

Psalm Eight

How Much Do You Really Trust God

Perfect Peace

Joy and Gladness

Being Rejected


Below are some meditations from Judypie that will also help you to cast those cares of yours upon the Lord:

Trust in the Lord

LORD, You are my rock, my fortress, my Deliverer, my God, my Strength, in whom I will trust; my Buckler, and the Horn of my Salvation. You are my High Tower. For Your name’s sake lead me, and guide me. You brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and You established my goings. You are my Strong Habitation, whereunto I may continually resort; You gave the commandment to save me for You are my Rock and my Fortress. In the name of Jesus, You are my Foundation. Amen.


Hold your mouse over or click these scriptures:
  • Psalm 18:2
  • Psalm 31:3
  • Psalm 40:2
  • Psalm 71:3

Meditation

Oh, LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, even purposes planned of old [and fulfilled] in faithfulness and truth. Father, You so loved the world that You sent Your only begotten Son to take away our sins. Jesus, I turn to You in every situation for You are my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. I bind my emotions to the control of the Holy Spirit and my thoughts to the wisdom of God. I renounce old, unpleasant memories that exalt themselves above the knowledge of God, and choose to bring them into obedience to the Royal Law of Love. Prince of Peace I pray that you will be glorified in my public and private life, and in all my relationships, in the name of Jesus. Amen.


Hold your mouse over or click these scriptures:
  • Isaiah 25:1
  • John 3:16
  • Isaiah 9:6-7
“I shall grow old, but never lose life’s zest,
Because the road’s last turn will be my best”
In My Father’s house are many mansions... John 14:1

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Lord, I thank you for loving me. When I feel weary, I choose to release my faith by acknowledging you as my Strength, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer and my Shield. Your Word is active, operative, energizing, and effective. I give thanks to you, my Lord, I sing praises to Your name, O Most High, I choose to show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night for You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works; at the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing. The joy of the Lord is my strength, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Amen.


Click these scriptures:

In A Time of Trouble

Father, give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless. It is through You that we will do valiantly, for You shall tread down our enemies. You arm us with strength and make our way perfect. You make our feet like the feet of a deer and we stand on the heights. You train our hands for battle, give us Your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains us. In the name of Jesus we are more than conquerors through You, our LORD, our God. Amen.


Hold your mouse over or click these scriptures:
  • Psalm 18:32-35
  •  Psalm 108:12-13

Free from Fear

You can turn fear out of doors by declaring your faith in God's Word. Praying aloud will stop the tormenting thoughts. Believe God; He is faithful, and He watches over His word to perform it.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for delivering me from the fear of death. You are with me; I will not be afraid. You are my God, and I will not be dismayed. I have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but I have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Amen.


Hold your mouse over or click these scriptures:
  • Hebrews 2:14-15
  • Isaiah 41:10
  • Romans 8:15
  • Psalm 34:4

Sunday, May 2, 2010

This World Hates Jesus

I recently went on invitation to hear a friend do their comedy routine.  I was aware of this person having rejected Christianity (which was taught to them at an early age) and their having saved family members.  I was also aware that their comedy routine would not be 100% G-rated.  Still, I attended to support someone I considered a friend.

The opening acts made pot shots at the church and about Jesus.  These bothered me, but I just said quick prayers for them and waited for the main act.  For the most part, I was familiar with my friend’s comedy and settled in for a few chuckles... that is, until the topic went towards Christianity. At first, the jokes were mildly politically incorrect.  Then, they became somewhat inappropriate.

There was a respite when I thought that line of thinking had ended.  But when my friend made a statement that I felt was outright blasphemous... with the caveat:  “And I’m keeping this in my act,” I couldn’t take any more.  To make matters worse, a guy seated behind me shouted, “YEAH!  KEEP IT IN YOUR ACT!”

At that point, I had to leave... noting the pained expression on the face of one of the employees of the venue.  I imagine that “humor” struck that person the same way.  Walking to my car, I prayed for those people... interceding on their behalf.  I had witnessed first hand the animosity that the world has toward our Savior.
It made me wonder... why such outright animosity towards Jesus? 

There were no jokes about Buddhists... or Hari Krishnas... or practitioners of Islam.  Nothing was said that might offend practitioners of Judaism or even Scientology. 

Nope...

This was a full-on assault against the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Not just against Jesus... but against my Jesus.  While driving home, I had to ask the Lord, why?  Why are people so hostile against You?

I found a great article on the subject that was just recently published.  You can read it at Bible Knowledge on the internet.
But here is a scripture that helped me understand this phenomenon (and may help you):
1BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
2By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source];
3And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.
4Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.
5They proceed from the world and are of the world; therefore it is out of the world [its whole economy morally considered] that they speak, and the world listens (pays attention) to them.
1st John 4:1-5 [AMP]
The world hates Jesus because the spirit of satan occupies the world... and satan hates God. 


The fallen angel formerly known as lucifer (light bearer) rebelled against God and received a colossal smack-down.  He now awaits his eternal destiny in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone... and he wants to drag humanity down with him.  One of his tricks is to accuse God of things in order to turn people away from God.  The word h’satan translates into English from Hebrew as the accuser.  The devil accuses God of all sorts of things and the world believes those lies.
You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.
John 8:44 [AMP]
The world hates Jesus because He is the truth (John 14:6)... and satan, the god of this world, is the father of lies. 


Jesus is the bearer of life... yet satan kills, steals and destroys (John 10:10).  Rather than receive the high life that Jesus gives... people accept the low-life from that low life devil... and then blame God when their life turns out to royally suck.
The world cannot [be expected to] hate you, but it does hate Me because I denounce it for its wicked works and reveal that its doings are evil.
John 7:7 [AMP]
The world hates Jesus because Jesus denounces the world for its wicked works...


The world revels in evil works that are instigated by the devil.  What does the devil tell people who need money?  He may inspire them to knock someone over the head and take theirs.  Or, kill them for a valuable item that will eventually rust or decompose.  What does the devil tell a guy who wants sex?  He may have the guy assault and rape a woman -- justifying that her revealing clothing made her deserve it.  People think their crimes are right... and yet the word of God is considered as being wrong.  These people are blinded.
For the god of this world has blinded the unbelievers’ minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God.
2nd Corinthians 4:4 [AMP]
The world hates Jesus because satan has blinded their minds. 


In the words of that character portrayed by Jack Nicholson... YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!  The deceived people in the world can’t recognize the truth of Who Jesus is... the truth of what Jesus has done... and the truth of how Jesus can change their lives.  What is simple logic to us is total nonsense to those who are blinded by the lies and deceptions of satan, the enemy of God. 

And yet, it all comes down to choices.  We can choose to reject God and accept the lies of the devil... or we can make the right choices.  If we do so, we will find ourselves walking in the light of God and His immense love for us.  Judypie gave us a bit of wisdom in that regard.  Perhaps the meditation below might help you make those good and right choices in your life:


God sets before you life or death – the choice is yours. How do you choose life? By choosing to be spiritually minded, which is life and peace; to be carnally minded is death (Romans 8:6). You can choose to think like the world (carnally minded), or you can become God-inside-minded. Read and meditate on God’s Word, memorize and personalize Scripture, pray Scriptural prayers. Put God’s Word first. Choose life!
Father, You have set before me life and death, blessing and cursing. I come before You choosing life that I—and my children might live. I choose to love You, Lord my God, to obey You and to cling to You, for You are my life and the length of my days. Thank You for blessing me with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I turn away from everything wrong, whether of body or spirit, and purify myself, living in the wholesome fear of God, and give myself to You alone. In the name of Jesus, I give Your Word first place in my daily life. Amen.
Hold your mouse over these scriptures:
  • Deuteronomy 30:19-20
  • Ephesians 1:3
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1


One final thought.  I was thinking about a song by Keith Green, “How Can They Live Without Jesus” where Keith makes a telling observation in part of the lyric:
So many laughing at Jesus
While the funniest thing that He’s done
Is love this whole stubborn rebellious world
While their hate for Him just goes on
Yes, while comedians and others get on stage and blaspheme the One who loves them... and people in the audience laugh and mock and jeer...

While atheists say “there is no God” and yet they wantonly use His holy name as a curse... or just throw it around in vain... or connect it with a profanity...

While all of this continues, God’s agape loves goes on.  He loves those who hate Him While the deceived people in this world continue to shake their fists skyward and spew venom... Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and continues to love them.
6While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly.
7Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die.
8But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 [AMP]
Those of us who are recipients of Christ’s love... and are ambassadors of the Gospel to this world... let us reflect that love towards them and pray them in... if we can.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

News on Upcoming Epicenter Conference


ISRAELI VICE PRIME MINISTER TO SPEAK AT 2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA ON IRAN NUCLEAR THREAT

* Register today
* Churches invited to sign up for live webcast
* Prayer request: The Joshua Fund leading pastors conference in Iraq



By Joel C. Rosenberg




Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon has just agreed to be our special keynote speaker at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia this summer. He will give us an exclusive, inside look at the Iranian nuclear threat, the rising threats from Syria and Hezbollah, the state of U.S.-Israel relations, and the importance of building a strategic relationship between Israel and evangelical Christians.

He will speak on Saturday night, June 26th, at the Kimmel Performing Arts Center.

Ya'alon previously served as the Chief of Staff for the Israeli Defense Forces. I believe his presentation will be a fascinating complement to that of Lt-General Jerry Boykin -- former head of Delta Force -- in terms of helping us understand the geopolitical threats to the U.S., Israel and our allies. We are honored to have both of these men and I hope you will register today to join us for that conference. Also, The Joshua Fund staff will be at the conference to meet you and answer your questions about who we are and what we are doing to bless Israel and her neighbors in real and practical ways.

For pastors not in the Philadelphia area, please sign up your congregation to show the live webcast of the conference.

Full details on all of this -- plus our new video blog reports -- can be found at www.epicenterconference.com.

-------------------

PRAYER REQUEST: PASTORS CONFERENCE IN IRAQ -- Please pray for me and several members of The Joshua Fund staff as we lead a conference for pastors and ministry leaders in Iraq. We are joined by several American pastors who have been close friends of this ministry. We are teaching through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. The team is also be teaching at several Iraqi evangelical churches, doing humanitarian relief work, and praying for the spread of the gospel and for new, strong, Bible-teaching churches to be planted throughout this important Middle Eastern country. Please pray for safety, for physical and spiritual strength, and for the Lord to teach and encourage the local believers through us. Thanks.


LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.