Sharing some Independence Day Prayers. One of my favorites is the first one that was shared by "Ethics Daily," and was shared amongst our Church Members. The other two were other prayers brought in by other Church Members. Thank you for allowing me to share this with all of you and I pray everyone has a Happy and Safe 4th of July Celebration.
Gracious God, as we celebrate our nation's Independence Day, we approach you with hearts that are simultaneously brimming with gratitude and weighted with concern.
We are grateful for the privilege of living in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." We are thankful for specific liberties that allow us to freely choose our vocation, our community of worship, our place of service and our venues of recreation. And we are indebted to generations of veteran servants who risked life and limb in the pursuit and protection of these liberties. From the "mountains to the prairies" we are inspired by some of the most diverse and beautiful terrain on our planet. From "sea to shining sea" we are privileged to access a mother lode of the world's natural resources. We have access to prime healthcare, comfortable housing, diverse modes of transportation, more than adequate clothing and an abundant selection of food. We are blessed far beyond our deserving.
But during this season of celebration our grateful hearts are heavy with concern. From our many different perspectives and ideologies we are concerned about things like the threats of terrorism, the brutalities of war, the abuse of political power, the divisiveness of harsh and misleading political rhetoric, a lack of civil discourse, a growing sense of moral anarchy and the possibility of an approaching storm or natural disaster. These concerns lead to heightened anxiety about the stability of the market, the costs of insurance and the tenure of our employment. And these anxieties often divert us from our mission to "minister to the least of these" and to "love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly" with you.
These concerns and anxieties also remind us of our need to confess our sins, personally and corporately. We confess that we have too often taken our freedom for granted and we have too frequently been slack in our citizenship. We confess that at times we are too quick to criticize naively and too slow to intercede prayerfully. We confess that our self-interests have too often taken priority over the best interest you have in mind for our nation and for our world. We confess that we have been irresponsible in our stewardship of "our space and our stuff," often consuming and storing compulsively without conscious regard for sharing. We confess that we have too often trusted in our own initiatives and ingenuity more than we have trusted in you.
You tell us in time-tested Scripture that, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)
As we approach this Independence Day, we ask you to forgive our sin and to heal our land.
On this day, we pray for the leaders of our nation, our state, and our community that they will lead with wisdom and discernment.
We pray for the men and women who serve in our nation's military that they will fulfill their mission with courage and return home safely and soon. We pray for our enemies that their swords will also be "turned into plowshares."
We pray for the churches, cathedrals, and temples of our nation and our community that we will be lighthouses of grace and mercy, ever pressing toward the mark of our high calling.
Because you are the freedom-loving God, lead us to exercise our freedom responsibly and to pursue "liberty and justice for all" of your children around the globe.
We pray in the strong name of the one who came to set us free. Amen.
Dear Lord,
There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.
On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchases with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives.
Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families.
Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Those in the Armed Services
O God, we implore Thee, watch over those exposed to the horrors of war and to the spiritual dangers of a soldier's, a sailor's, or an airman's life. Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, or fear to practice it. Do Thou by Thy grace fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that, being preserved from vice, and serving Thee faithfully, they may be ready to meet death whenever it may happen, through Christ our Lord.
O Sacred Heart, inspire them with sorrow for sin, and grant them pardon. Mother of God, be with them in battle, and, if they should be called to make the supreme sacrifice, obtain for them that they may die in the grace of Thy Divine Son.
Personally, I've learned the hard way, and others I love are learning these lessons, too.
My daughter, God love her, she was pregnant and driving a car which wouldn't be big enough for her three children. She told her cousin she would buy her car, and put the one she was driving up for sale. Her cousin was still using her car, when my daughter had a miscarriage. My daughter being a woman of her word, still bought the car. While parking hers in the yard, a "nice" young woman showed up. She has two kids, and a very sick Mom. She couldn't afford $800 dollars all at once, so my daughter let her make payments. This can only be done if you are a lien holder. She had to put work in her new car and has been trying to move out. Monday a registered letter is delivered. The car has been towed. It had been towed on June 26. There are no keys in it. It was left on the side of the road. No payments were ever received. She now has to pay towing fees, impound fees, a tow fee for pulling it back, and before she can sell it, if the woman didn't totally kill it, she will have to have a new key made just to start it. If she doesn't pay for this or get it out today, they add another $250 on it for auction fees. So it doesn't pay to be nice! Now she said she will become a cold hearted biotch! I'm beginning to feel the same.
You all be careful cause being nice to people will only come back and bite you!
A community in Daytona Beach is talking about a moritorium on new churches. It's something being discussed by the Midtown Redevelopment Board. One member says the large number (about 30) of churches in the area take up valuable property and leave no room for new businesses to move in. Also, churches don't pay tax, or generate tax for the city.
What do you think? Do communities have the right to say churches can't be placed in certain areas? How many are too many?
I know some of you read the Bible, and have even studied it. I have some software called Bible Explorer that I use mostly.
I know some of you have read the Bible, but have only read PARTS of it.
Some of you have read the whole thing, and you put it away.
Some have never read it, yet somehow they claim to be authorities on it.
I know that some churches, which I choose not to name, actually discourage reading the Bible, teaching that only the ordained are qualified to read it and interpret it.
Politicians routinely use parts of the Bible in their speeches, but it is all too often out of context.
So, DO YOU read the Bible? Not just in the past, but do you routinely read it?
With all that is going on, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what's most important. I will ask in prayer that I am shown what I have done wrong, and for those who I have done wrong against, I ask for simple forgiveness.
To Be Willing to Forgive
Father, I pray for those who have falsely accused my name, and others in my circle of family and friends to take their need to forgive seriously... For I have fully forgiven those as well Lord.
Unforgiveness is a sin that affects many lives, and the hurts they've suffered seem to justify it by worldly standards. But I ask that You help these I'm praying for to rise above the principles of the world and to live as Jesus taught, loving their enemies—those who hurt them—and forgiving unconditionally from their hearts. (Matthew 5:44; 18:21–35)
Help them be willing to forgive those who have sinned against them so they may ask You to forgive them as they have forgiven others. If they hold anything against anyone, help them to forgive—just as in Christ You have forgiven them. May every hurt that grieves them be forgiven. (Matthew 6:12; Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13)
When forgiveness is impossible in their own strength, may they be willing to receive Your strength to forgive—for through Christ they have strength for anything. (Philippians 4:13)
Help them see that forgiveness is not an emotion—they don't have to feel like forgiving—but an act of will, made possible by the power of the Spirit who lives within them. (Ephesians 3:16)
In Jesus' name, amen.
To Put Others First
Father, I'm praying that I, myself, and others in my circle of family and friends will have servant hearts...
May they desire to have servant hearts, considering others better than themselves, putting others' needs above their own. (Philippians 2:3–4)
May they imitate Christ, who became a servant, humbling Himself to become human just like us, living a life of obedience even to death. Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give His life. (1 Thessalonians 1:6; Philippians 2:6–8; Matthew 20:28)
May they serve one another in love, always wholeheartedly as though they are serving the Lord Jesus, not men. May they use the spiritual gifts they've received to serve others with the strength You provide, so that in all things You may be praised. (Galatians 5:13b; Ephesians 6:7; 1 Peter 4:10, 11b)
May they always be eager to serve, treating others as they would want to be treated. (1 Peter 5:2b; Matthew 7:12)
Help them to live for others, asking, "How would I want to be treated in this and every situation?"—and responding just that way.
In Jesus' name, amen.
To Accept Each Other
Father, I'm praying for myself and all those in my immediate and extended family and those around me..
May we not only love but accept and enjoy each other. May Your love, joy, peace, and patience be at the heart of our relationships with one another, along with Your kindness and goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23a)
May we encourage each other, and build one another up in every circumstance. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
May we be willing to love each other as unconditionally as You love us, for such love forgives the wrongs of others and makes up for their many personal faults. In love, help us forgive without holding on to anger, resentment, or disappointment. (1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 18:21–22; Ephesians 4:26)
May we love and accept one another just as we are, not waiting for change or perfection—as in Christ You have accepted us. Help us be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other as You have forgiven us. (Ephesians 1:5–6; 4:32)
Help us not to bring past issues into the present.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Love Your Enemies
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Matthew 5:9; Luke 6:27-31
Keep Us From Pettiness
Keep us, O God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed. Let us be done with faultfinding and leave off self-seeking. May we put away all pretenses and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgment and always generous. Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle. Teach us to put in action our better impulses-straightforward and unafraid. Grant that we may realize it is the little things of life that create difficulties; that in the big things of life we are as one. Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind. Amen.
Prayer for Humility Incline us O God! to think humbly of ourselves, to be saved only in the examination of our own conduct, to consider our fellow-creatures with kindness, and to judge of all they say and do with the charity which we would desire from them ourselves.
Prayer to Do Good Forgive me, most gracious Lord and Father, if this day I have done or said anything to increase the pain of the world. Pardon the unkind word, the impatient gesture, the hard and selfish deed, the failure to show sympathy and kindly help where I had the opportunity, but missed it; and enable me so to live that I may daily do something to lessen the tide of human sorrow, and add to the sum of human happiness.
Prayer to Do What's Right O Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven, Earth, and the Universe, help me to be, to think, to act what is right, because it is right. Make me truthful, honest, and honorable in all things; make me intellectually honest for the sake of right and honor and without thought of reward to me. Give me the ability to be charitable, forgiving, and patient with my fellow men. Help me to understand their motives and their shortcomings, even as thou understandest mine! Amen.
Prayer for Peace Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one creator; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, Where there is injury, pardon Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, not so much to be understood as to understand, not so much to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.
My church said farewell to our pastor today. He had been with us for six years during a 23 year career. Pastor Ben is a good priest and a dedicated clergyman. He got our church very involved in helping the poor in Central Florida and in taking care of family members of people who worship with us.
Do you have a favorite pastor or clergy member you'd like to call attention to? Blog it here.
My oldest daughter is a friend of Heather, and Danielle is Heather's older sister. Heather is, so far, the only viable bone marrow donor who is compatible with her sister. While Dr.'s in Gainesville are trying to bring Danielle's strength up to being able to accept the transplant from her sister, the expenses the family has had to endure are mounting.
My daughter, Heather, and several of their friends had a successful car wash today! Thank you, to anyone who stopped and generously gave to help Danielle !
The blog below tells a little bit about Danielle, she is only 22 years old, and she just got married last year.
PLEASE put Danielle on your prayer list. Her situation is extremely grave.
This is part of a blog that Heather, Danielle's younger sister, wrote about her.
"Tuesday, June 03, 2008
THE UPDATE WITH DANIELLE
For everyone one who wants to know the latest on Danielle's Cancer.
She is in Gainsville right now. The latest news from the doctor was not so good. It seems that Danielles cancer is very agressive and resistant to all the different types of chemos she has been given. Shes in a bad situation right now, she needs a bone marrow transplant and I AM A MATCH!!!! however her cancer has to be in remission before the transplant can be done. She has been talking to all the specialist and they seem to be in a tough spot. Since her cancer is resistant to the chemo even the extreme kind. They say that her option now is to do radiation, however the doctor told her that there is a possibility this may not work since raditation is only met for certain areas of the body for example if you have lung cancer you can radiate the lungs. Her cancer is in the Lymph nodes which runs throughout your whole body. They dont think that she is strong enough to handle that kind of treatment because radiation is very extreme on the body. The doctors have been in confrence calls with other doctors all over the country to try and figure out what is the best course of action. Danielle remains in good spirits, we all are. We remain optimistic and hopeful. We are waiting on our miracle. Danielle is in a hotel in gainsville with my mom and is doing all her testing and prep for the radiation which she will start next monday. This weekend she had nothing scheduled so Fred and I and the kids all got a hotel room to be with her Nicole and her family also got a room. Her husband Jason was of course by her side. And Vivienne was also there. We went swimming, out to eat and we talked we watched movies and munched on snacks we cried, we laughed, and we enjoyed our time together. She is my best friend... Please pray for her because she needs everyone prayers right now. Her radiation is going to be for about five weeks and since they are staying in a hotel, it is becoming very expensive with the hotel, food and medicines and their everyday needs.. so we are planning on have a yard sale and will be asking for any donations .. so if anyone would like to help please let me know.... email me, call me. ALL IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! If you have any other question please feel free to ask..."
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. Make that colorful rainbow out of your life!
Well, as stated, tommorow i will be married 27 yrs. Unfortunately hubby and I wont be spending it together. See his father is in S. Dakota , dying of cancer, the cancer is consuming his whole body. Hubby went to see him in hospital for Fathers Day, thought he was doing better, and by the time he got back to Fla. His father took a turn for the worst. Of course in this economy, money has been real tight. Hubby tried to rent a car to drive to S. Dakota, but with no major credit card, he was denied a vehicle, I guess cash isnt good enuf these days. So he is driving the best vehicle we own, to S. Dakota, and when word comes I will be hustling to fly out to S. Dakota, for services.
I request your prayers for Hubbies Dad, that he has peaceful last days and can enjoy his children, for these last days of his. And for the safe arrival of my husband, in said S.Dakota.
I have enjoyed blogging with you all, and I may be gone for a bit...but i will be back... ut oh (lol)
Thanks in advance for all prayers going our way
For Pops.....Thanks Dad for always accepting me as your daughter -in law..it meant so very much to me , and I love you so much for that simple gesture. I'm gonna miss bashing..good ol mama in law together LOL
For Hubby.....Please arrive safely, Happy Anniversary, even though it doesnt seem to happy at this time, but know I will always love you. You are a good son, father and mostly husband. I did right in choosing you, to spend the rest of my days with.
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem,
I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear
someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome...
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all ... especially those who denounce Him, God bless America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
After much research concerning ethical philosophy, I have come to a conclusion. The only thing keeping society from a Utopian state is a Machiavellian philosophy. " A persons morals has no affect on their direct reality." This is true IF you look at the world from a Naturalist standpoint. The naturalist standpoint is directly from human observation of the outside world. We fit into the mold, but what makes us different is our conscious understanding of said mold. It is a personal decision to be "just human," and not strive for perfection in all aspects of life. An enlightened awareness has shed hate, greed, violence, and arrogance. An awareness of the Machiavellian philosophy SHOULD make one decide to take the morally ethical road. As a firm believer in karma being universal, good morals are essential in teaching fairness and respect to one another. Teaching, another human standout from the animal kingdom, more on that later... I believe the walls of OUR Utopian society are every individuals choice between morals and/or Machiavelli. I would stand ground in a society where I know everyone is intelligent enough to have a worldly conscience , willing to play for the HUMAN BEING team. Letting go of high school drama. Your world is what you make it, and also what you don't. You have not to renounce your faith to be in a humanist utopia, Just keep it a personal aspect of your life, All we really want subliminally is to have faith in something bigger than us to protect us from the unknown. We should embrace change and strive for perfection. All is forgiven, must we be forgiven if we are aware of our actions and do the right thing in the first place? Let us be at one with the universe instead of at war. The beauty of the oneness of GOD is that it is a universal aspect of conscious being. Do not take pride in the hat on his head, the names written in stone or in books, take faith in fairness, and respect towards one another, self-integrity... Infinitely Large
To infinitely small
Let us evolve our collective consciousness, No more petty bickering amongst ourselves...
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- A key evangelical leader is accusing Barack Obama of distorting the Bible and pushing a "fruitcake interpretation" of the Constitution.
James Dobson is taking aim at examples Obama cited in 2006 in asking which Biblical passages should guide public policy. Dobson says the likely Democratic presidential nominee has wrongly equated Old Testament texts and dietary codes that no longer apply to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament.
Dobson refers to a speech Obama gave to a liberal Christian group in 2006 where he said passages in the book of Leviticus suggest slavery is OK and eating shellfish is an abomination. Dobson says Obama said Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was "so radical" it's doubtful "our own Defense Department would surviveits application."
Dobson's comments are to air today on his Focus on the Family radio program.
An Obama spokesman says a full reading of the speech questioned by Dobson shows Obama is committed to reaching out to people of faith and standing up for families.
America remains a nation of believers, but a new survey finds most Americans don't feel their religion is the only way to eternal life — even if their faith tradition teaches otherwise.
The findings, revealed Monday in a survey of 35,000 adults, can either be taken as a positive sign of growing religious tolerance, or disturbing evidence that Americans dismiss or don't know fundamental teachings of their own faiths.
Among the more startling numbers in the survey, conducted last year by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: 57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life, in conflict with traditional evangelical teaching.
In all, 70 percent of Americans with a religious affiliation shared that view, and 68 percent said there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of their own religion.
IS THIS A GENERATIONAL CHANGE? ARE WE MORE ACCEPTING OR ARE WE GETTING LAZY IN OUR RELIGION? I USED TO SEE THE WORLD AS A LOT MORE BLACK AND WHITE THAN I SEE IT NOW. I BELIEVE THE GREY AREA MIGHT HOLD ALL THE WORLDS ANSWERS.
Regardless if you are a person of faith or not but more so if you are, these tough times should not be breaking people up. Tough times call for coming together as a family. I don't know about you but I go through hard times alot easier when I have someone on my side encouraging me rather than going it alone.
I see and hear about so many men and women breaking up over financial problems. Yes it is hard when you are out of work and the house is getting taken away, the kids need diapers etc. however, why add lonliness and divorce? I understand there are times when one spouse or the other is lazy and just won't help out, but when they are doing all they can, don't let the stress of the situation ruin the love you have for each other.
If you are a believer, you have no excuse. God has brought you two together and if you have children, those kids need their Mom and dad. Kids of divorce are three times as likely to get a divorce as they see how easy it is to just get out of the relationship. Remember those vows you made? " For better or for worse"?
I can say all this as I have been there. Out of work, sick, about to lose the house,bills and overwhelming you. The Bible says " This too shall come to pass". It may take longer than you would like but I can say from example, sometimes great things come from bad situations. Look at my blog about my house being taken away by the state. I won't go into details but I am out of that $1,500 a month mortgage now and for once I am not living from pay check to pay check.
Please be blessed and have faith, your answer is right around the corner. Now hug your husband, your wife, your significant other, give your kids a big kiss and tell them you love them. Tommorow is a new day :)
I wasn't sure if this should be Faith or Political Blog.... But I am pretty upset at the Christian Values of the Black community. While Obama supports Abortion, and other non Christian values, why IN THE WORLD ARE THE BLACK CHRISTIAN VOTERS selling out?
I guess skin is thicker than their Souls... Jesus did warn that people would cave in on their beliefs on a dime.
How you can support Obama and try to follow and associate those CONTRARY to the WORD OF GOD is beyond me.
Do you know anyone doing missionary work? We had a visit in church today from a missionary priest. He's been working almost twenty years in China to spread Christianity in the Szechuan province. He explained that the country is still mostly an atheist country.
The missionary priest explained that when he talked to students at the university about Christianity, they were fascinated by it and hungry for it. This mission to China has made a big difference over the last twenty years.
Do you know anyone doing missionary work? Blog it here.
A few months ago we had a long discussion concerning the arrest of two Gideons who were passing out Bibles on a public sidewalk outside of a school in Key Largo, Florida. As a follow-up to that post, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Moore ruled yesterday that the law they were accused of violating was unconstitutional because it violated the 14th Amendment. Score one for the good guys.
I made the trip to Holy Land on June 16th, the same day the news crew was there. I thought that the experince was very insperational, and very spiritual. I for one am glad we made the trip. My young friend Isaac Fazio was able to be part of the news cast as Sampson whom knocke down the pillows on the building. Thank you Fox for the broadcast. I made this trip with my Friends Isaac, Debbie Fazio and Amy Powell
Ignited Church in Lakeland, pastored by Stephen Strader invited Todd Bentley for some services a couple months ago. Bentley is from Canada, and when you look at this guy, you might be scared if you ran into him on the street. People are coming from all over Florida and the world to wherever this group can find a place to meet. The church building is too small to handle the crowds, so they have occupied local facilities that can accommodate the crowds. Interesting note, Ignited Church was once Carpenter's Home in Lakeland and the building was sold to Without Walls, and now that building is back up for sale. Maybe they should buy it back, it seats around 10 thousand. Just a thought.
Anyway, back on track.
People are coming for healing. I believe some are receiving healing, but many more are not. I was in the local Kangaroo store yesterday wearing my I Love Jesus hat, and the clerk asked me if I had been to Lakeland yet. I have not. She proceeded to tell me that she and her husband took their granddaughter there for prayer the night before. The prayer team prayed for her, the growth around her neck associated with her Thyroid condition, according to them decreased in size.
I have watched pieces of this "outpouring" on line, where people who claim to have faith that they will be healed come up to Todd and exclaim that they have already quit taking their medications. I don't know if that is faith, or if it is stupidity. I recall going to see Oral Roberts as a child for a healing crusade in the Detroit Area. People came forward for the prayer of healing. Oral Roberts was very clear and admonished people to keep taking their medications and check with their physicians. Oral Roberts has wacked out quite a bit over the years, but that advice stuck with me, and every "healing" ministry needs to take that advice.
I am skeptical about such things citing the Revival at Brownsville near Pensacola where 20/20 did stories on the woman who jerked around in the choir and they said that was the Holy Spirit. Then there is what has been called the Toronto Blessing where people laughed uncontrollably and some even barked like dogs, and people said that was God.
Then the appeals for money are a definite turnoff. I've always been taught that if you are doing God's work, then God will provide. I feel that those who spend more than a moment on an appeal for financial support are missing the mark. Doing God's Work = God Provides. If you have to beg for money to keep going, I assert that you are not doing God's work.
As I have watched online on GODTV parts of the "Florida Outpouring" as it is being billed, I can't help but wonder if this really a move of God? As I see Todd Bentley with swift action direct his hands, thrusting them towards peoples midsections, or wherever they are ailing, and watching them fall down? They call the falling down part being "slain in the spirit". If I'm correct, and I think I am, the only ones in the Bible to be slain by the Spirit were Ananias and Saphira, and they were struck dead (slain) for lying to the Apostles. I fail to see the significance of the falling down. I believe it is usually intentional. I know there are those who will say that when the power of God is present, it is so overwhelming that all one can do is fall down in the presence of a Holy God.
I grew up in a pentecostal church, in fact the same denomination as Ignited Church. I left that denomination because of the over emphasis on the non-essentials, like speaking in tongues. Like I said, I believe God heals, I just don't think he makes a spectacle of it.
Is it an outpouring of God's healing power? Or is it just a show?
I believe there are lots of people who are sincere about it, but my gut feeling says, watch out! God is not mocked.
I plan on attending one of these nights. I plan to simply be a spectator. Maybe I'll be proved wrong. Then again....
I have been told that I take the Holy Scriptures much too literally. I have to ask, "What other way is there to take God's Word?" Then they say, "But you don't want to offend people." And I have to ask, "Are they offend by my words, or by God's Words? Should we obey mankind rather than God?" Then they asked me what I thought about Feminism.
Naturally, I go straight to the Holy Scriptures, because I believe: "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work." -- 2nd Timothy 3:16-17"
The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church." -- 1st Corinthians 14:34-35
A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. -- 1st Timothy 2:11-14
My thought is that this demonstrates the nobility of a real man. He would choose to face God's curse and his eventual death with the woman he loves, rather than to live on without her.
Eve's greatest sin, on the other hand, was to follow her desire (as initiated by Satan's lies) to be more than what she was, and to forsake her appointed role as a suitable and appropriate helper, as initiated by God Himself. The simplest definition would be "rebellion."
She was Created by God Himself from a piece of Adam, she was brought to the man by God Himself, assigned to her station by God Himself, and married to the man by God Himself. Adam was cursed because he subjected himself to her by following into her sin.
Anyone who picks and chooses which passages they will adhere to, and which they will ignore or discard, is in grave danger of God's Judgement, not mine. These words were written by Paul, not to degrade women, but to instruct them in a truth about God's economy for living in the flesh. Paul's teachings were directly from the risen Messiah, and must not be discounted as merely cultural . . . . . . "that was then and this is now" is pure unadulterated error.
The one and only exception that I see would be if there were no men of faith in the congregation. I am not saying that women may not be commissioned to ministries. Women are particularly well equipped for Compassion Ministries, Ministries to other women, and Ministries to children. And, the sharing of their own personal Testimony can also be considered a Ministry.
Spiritually, we are equals, because in the spiritual realm there is no male or female. And, so, the ground at the foot of the Cross is definitely level. But that equality is manifested in the spiritual realm, and is not appropriate to the physical realm. And so I say, in accordance with other Scripture, any form of Feminism that goes beyond the goal of ending abuse is rebellion against God.
As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people, your leaders cause you to err, and they confuse (destroy and swallow up) the course of your paths. -- Isaiah 3:12 (Amplified)
In the realm of the ungodly and unfaithful, however, men being bossed around, ruled over, and belittled by women and children is quite the norm, simply because "modern" women do not desire equality, but mastery and subjugation, just as any other politician would.
Dictionary meaning of Rapture: the carrying of a person to another place or sphere of existence. The Rapture, Theology. the experience, anticipated by some fundamentalist Christians, of meeting Christ midway in the air upon his return to earth. Archaic. the act of carrying off.
* I personally believe that "Rapture" may mean "spiritual resurrection" to some. But I see many relaying the meaning by stating "they can't wait for the day to be carried off." And from the meaning below, since the word "Rapture" is not stated in the King James Bible, is it that the meaning of "Rapture" is a form of meaning in being taken away from the "Actual Truth?"
READ THIS MEANING CAREFULLY: Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This rapture 1600, "act of carrying off," from M.Fr. rapture, from M.L. raptura "seizure, rape, kidnapping," from L. raptus "a carrying off" (see rapt). Originally of women and cognate with rape (v.). Sense of "spiritual ecstasy" first recorded 1629
In reference to the book of Revelations - many teachers teach an interpretation that when Jesus returns for the 2nd time, we will automatically be "raptured" out of here. In the Book of Ezekiel, scripture tells us that God is against those who teach His children to "fly away." That is what Satan (or evil doers) want us to do. Satan wants us to "fly away" from Jesus and not stand with Jesus, nor bow to Jesus, nor to put the "Gospel Armor of The Truth" on in order to stand with Jesus to fight against Satan. If we have work to do for Jesus in the here and now on Earth, what would make that change with the 2nd coming of Christ?Scriptures state that in the millennium, we will be present with our Lord and will dwell with Him where He is. So as stated in the Book of Revelations, when we come to dwell together with our Lord - why would we want to "fly away?" Again, no where in the Bible does it mention anything about the "rapture." This is one of man's interpretation of what he believes he is reading and therefore, for the sake of money, and/or because Satan has entered this man's way of thinking, teaches this "Falseness" to God's children.
The Catholic and Orthodox churches as well as the "Reformed" denominations have no tradition of such a teaching and reject the doctrine, in part because they cannot find any reference to it among any of the early Church fathers. Some also reject it because they interpret prophetic scriptures in either an a millennial or post millennial fashion, as being more spiritual than physical. In a Catholic Bible, e.g. The Douay Rheims Bible, 1 Thes 4:15~17 and 1 Cor 51~55 seem clear on this subject. These passages describe "The resurrection of the living" or "First resurrection" which other denominations have named "The Rapture."
Studying the Scriptures of the Bible, it has been questioned about the timing of the 2nd coming. There are speculations that the time is beginning now, or even started back in 1948, will we see it's completion in our life time? Or will the time reference "One day with the Lord is equivalent to 1,000 years" come into play? Or does Humanity have a long way to go and plenty of chances remaining to still make it right? After all, isn't that what the Bible, God's Word is trying to tell us?
I for one would like to know, if "Rapture" is not mentioned in the Bible itself, and even the Bible is against it, why is man teaching it? The Book of Revelation tells us to be very careful of those who teach "false prophecies." Also, along with the Book of Revelation, other Books in the Bible tell us repeatedly to not let any man take away or distort our abilities to learn the Word of God, The Truth, and live the way God wants us to live. We are all God's children - no one is better that the other, no matter what our age is. Continuously study and research the Bible daily - find the Truth for yourself and not man's interpretation.
Ezekiel 13:20: Wherefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I am against your pillows wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.Clearly in
Ezekiel 13: God despises false prophets. "I am against those who teach my people to fly away to save their soul - God has work for us to do. Put the Gospel Armour on, and save souls through the Holy Spirit - to save those from the temptation of Satan (or just plain evil). The word Rapture is not in the Bible and because of this not being a written word in the Bible, it should be considered a false doctrine. Even in the Book of:
Luke 21-12-25: 21:8 = Don't be deceived. Message about the end of times - You will be dragged into synagogues (synagogues of Satan) and prisons and you will be accused before kings and governors of being My followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about Me (Jesus). So don't worry about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply. Jesus tells about his return - So when all of these things begin to happen, stand straight, and look up, for your Salvation is near.
Luke 2:34: Jesus tells about remaining watchful. Keep a constant watch, and pray that if possible, you may escape these horrors, and stand before the Son of Man. Don't let Me find you living in careless ease and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware. And then we have:
1st Timothy- This Book teaches us that we preserve the Christian Faith by teaching Sound Doctrine and modeling right living. We must know the Truth in order to defend it. We must truly believe that Christ came to save us. We should stay away from those who twist the words of the Bible for their own purposes. Then goes on to teach us against False Teachings.
Don't let people waste time in endless speculation over myths and spiritual pedigrees. For these things only cause arguments; they don't help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction (Paul to Timothy) is that all the Christians, there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.
1st Timothy 1:3-4: Stay away from religious speculation and pointless theological arguments. They expend time we should use to share the good news with others. You should avoid anything that keeps you from doing God's work.
1st Timothy 1:3-11: How can you recognize false teaching? (1) It promotes controversies instead of helping people come to Jesus. (2) It is often initiated by those whose motivation is to make a name for themselves. (3) It will be contrary to the true teaching of the Scriptures. To protect yourself from the deception of false teachers, you should learn what the Bible teaches and remain steadfast in your Faith in Christ alone.
Revelation 22:17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water freely." (King James Bible) Meaning from the Life Application Study Bible in correlation with the King James Bible, Salvation cannot be earned, but God gives it freely. We live in a world desperately thirsty for living water (The Truth) and many are dying of thirst. But it's still not too late, let us invite everyone to come and drink.
Revelation 22:18 - 22:21: (again from the study of the King James Bible in correlation with the Life Application Study Bible) This warning is given to those who might purposefully distort the message in the Bible. Moses gave a similar warning in Deuteronomy. We, too, must handle the Bible with care and great respect so that we do not distort it's message, even unintentionally. We should be quick to put it's principles into practice in our own life.No human explanation or interpretation of God's Word should be elevated to the same authority as the text itself.
The Book of Revelation ends with an urgent plea, "Come, Lord Jesus!" In a world of problems, persecution, evil, and immorality, Christ calls us to endure in our Faith. Our efforts to better our World are important, but the results cannot compare with the transformation that Jesus will bring about when He returns. Jesus alone controls human history, forgives sins, and will re-create the Earth and bring lasting peace.
Revelation is, above all, a book of hope. It shows that no matter what happens on Earth, God is in control. It promotes that evil will not last forever. And it depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all of those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Note: In reading the Book of Revelation, if these words are seen and understood as the following: "waters" are the people, "tongue's" are the Word, the "two edged sword" is "God's Truth, it may be helpful in reading through the parables of what's written.Again, below is in reference to both studies from the King James Bible in correlation with The Life Application Study Bible:
Revelation 1:4-6: The Trinity - The Father ("the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come), The Holy Spirit ("The Sevenfold Spirit), and the Son (Jesus Christ) is the source of all truth.
Revelation 2:6:We should accept and love all people and refuse to tolerate any evil. God cannot tolerate sin and He expects us to "stand against it." The world needs Christians, who will stand for God's Truth and point people toward right living. (So in knowing this, why would we want to be raptured out of here? It does not make sense!)
Revelation 11:1-11:2: John measured the Temple to show that God is building walls of protection around His people to spare them from spiritual harm and that there is a place reserved for all believers who remain faithful to God. This is a way of saying the true believers will be protected through persecution, but those who refuse to believe will be destroyed.
Revelation 11:10:Sinful people hate those who call attention to their sins and who urge them to repent (or change). They hated Christ and they hate His Followers. When you obey Christ and take a stand against sin, be prepared to experience the world's hatred. But remember the that the great reward is awaiting you in heaven far out weighs any suffering that you face now.
Revelation 12:6-12:11: God will not let Satan take the souls of God's true followers. As we face the battle with Satan, we should not fear it or try to escape from it, but we should loyally serve Christ who alone brings victory.
Revelation 13:10-13:18: Don't fall into Satan's trap and turn away from God when hard times come. Instead use those tough times as opportunities for growth. Throughout the Bible we see miracles performed as proof of God's power, love, and authority, but here we see counterfeit miracles performed to deceive. This is a reminder of Pharaoh's magicians, who duplicated Moses signs in Egypt, true signs and miracles point to Jesus Christ, but miracles alone can be deceptive. That is why we must ask with respect to each miracle we see, is it consistent with what God says in the Bible. The second beast order's the people to worship a statue in honor of the first beast - a direct flouting of the second commandment allowing the Bible to guide our faith, and practice will keep us from being deceived by false signs, however convincing they appear to be, Any teaching that contradicts God's Word is False.(I find it interesting that Saddam Hussein erected a statue of himself and was brought down, which statue do you think is next?)
I could go on with the Book of Revelations, the Book of Ezekiel, and many other's that do not promote any such thing called the "Rapture." So when referring to the Bible and it's written context, as the Bible even states, in studying word for word, we should not add to it, nor should we change the meaning of what's already written.
And with the timing of Revelation, many do speculate that the "Year of the Fig Tree" began in 1948. And "Babylon of Old" is Iraq today, (know who the king of Babylon is: Satan). Saddam Husseinwas in the process of rebuilding the "Babylon of Old, " refer to the Book of Daniel. This will be saved for another topic of discussion.
So in knowing this, if presented with a choice of flying away or defending God, The Word of God, The True belief in Jesus, would you "fly" or would you stay and defend what is needed to be done? I for one plan on staying and keep leaving each day in Faith and Truth that the Word of God will prevail and will be done as stated in the Bible.
People who choose to control others through fear are the
ones who lack the power of self control.
The need to dominate another by using mental, verbal or physical actions
defines their lack of self love. Doing
these in a negative way is working against the nature of love. What they do not understand is the reaping
what they sow. The bigger they are the
harder they fall. These acts always bring the downfall of the
perpetrators. Jails, institutions, and
death that is sometimes as long and painful as they had made others suffer.
Those who control using Hell, their elected or official
positions, or those who expect another to cower through blackmail, will be
revealed in the coming days. Always are always will. What goes around comes
around. Planetary aspects and transits
can usually pinpoint the times. The planets are aligned for the exposure of
such.
Lying, cheating, and stealing another’s possessions,
mentally, physically, or spiritually will suffer the same fate and worse. That
is a matter of fact. Man’s Law or God’s what Law do you live by?
Since man is a human who is not infallible, faith in an
unseen power greater than the Universe is far better to live by. To understand
the Laws of Attraction by treating others as we wish to be treated. Turning the
other cheek is energetically deflecting the negative
