by admin | Mar 17, 2008 | Family/Marriage, Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments
My son Greg decided to take his wife, Mary, and the whole family to Maui for a vacation to celebrate Mary’s 50th birthday. They live in southern California and I live in the northern end, and I was delighted when they insist ‘Nana’ come along. Well, I was a little hesitant because I had pictures of snorkeling, beaches and bikinis–not exactly my lifestyle at my age. But it didn’t take too much pressure to convince me this was an opportunity of a life time. I had never been to Hawaii, but always had the desire! See there–it’s never too late!
Other friends decided to come along and there seventeen in the party. Greg rented one big house and friends a small one for four people. We co-ordinated activities and began to truly enjoy the tropical weather.
The first couple of days there was a little dark cloud in my mind. Here comes the truth in all of this. This trip was in November and in the weeks before leaving I had become acquainted with two African Pastors. John from Kenya and Camarade from Rwanda. Both have families, orphanages and a church. As I learned first hand of their needs I had endeavored to help, and still have that strong desire. I had helped African projects before but this was my first time to know someone personally.
As we began to enjoy the beach (I watched the snorkeling) and some leisure time I began to talk to the Lord. “I don’t feel right about spending the money on this trip (although it wasn’t my money or my decision), when I know how much need there is for Camarade, and John. Lord is this right?” And the little black cloud hovered!
The second day the Holy Spirit began to speak to my heart. The Holy Spirit can give you a word, a sentence or more and the revelation comes with it in a bigger picture. “If people did not spend money there would be no economy, there would be no jobs, and there would be no help for any ministry work.” I was immediately aware of how true that is. Our inclination at times is to judge others for what they spend and how much, and can be hard on ourselves. And, it seems especially the rich….big houses, yachts, expensive cars.
Whoa, think a minute with me. All those things have to be built. The components shipped, cars manufactured, trucks, railroads, and ships delivering, importing, exporting and all that goes with it. If the rich stop being rich, there will be no one to feed the poor.
So I realllly began to enjoy the trip. My son is far from rich except in faith and love for others. His company produces a browser to protect children from the Internet, because of his love for children. Tuki.com or CEN.com will take you for a visit. He works long hours and to see him relaxing and enjoying so much time with family was wonderful.
This trip was to celebrate my daughter-in-law’s 50th birthday! Well, check out the gallery of pictures I have posted, she is beautiful and doesn’t seem to age. She has been a great Mom and a tremendous partner to my son. They have been through great losses, spiritual battles, and changes in their lives in business and residence to provide for their family. It was a wise decision to enjoy family and vacation when the opportunity was available.
Greg was also a speaker at an investment conference in Honolulu. Greg, Mary, Candace and I flew to Honolulu on Saturday. The girls shopped, Greg and I went to the meeting. I met new friends and some delightful Christians with whom we spent the night at their home. Their home on the ocean was a picture post card and the dinner they provided was yummy!
During the trip I had opportunity to minister making my trip complete–how could I go any where and not share Jesus with someone? I’m ole’ hat to my family, I needed fresh ground in which to plant. And, last but not least, definitely not least I went hang gliding over Maui! The thrill of a lifetime, 3500 feet in air, on a seat back of an instructor with just two wings and a small engine. Afraid to snorkel in 10-15 feet of water, but absolutely goofey about flying miles in the air….go figure!
I hope Mary enjoyed her birthday party as much as I did, and the lesson I had forgotten about appreciating our commercial economy and what it has done for the world. God bless America! Let’s fight for rights we have enjoyed and continue to bless others with our abundance!
P S There are pictures from our trip, posted on the Gallery, click top of page.
by admin | Mar 17, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Kingdom Comments, Politics
Allegations that Planned Parenthood has committed $180 Million in fraud should make us wake up and take notice….well, some of us have taken notice of Planned Parenthood in the past, unhappily.
For those who have learned, speaking of myself, I had to learn that life begins at conception and abortion gives no choice to the baby that was just conceived. So some of the activities of Planned Parenthood have not been in the best interest of bringing Kingdom of Heaven to earth as Jesus taught us to pray.
Life is a privilege not a choice!
Is this all about religion? No, it is a moral stand for equality of life. It was easy to see how compassion would create a venue for this destruction of unborn babies. Who in their right mind would condone unwanted pregnancies–bringing in more children to add to the roles of single mothers and children on welfare. It sounds good, but behind the curtain of ignorant mercy hides an evil desire to do away with the genius, inventors and oh yes, politicians of tomorrow.
Who would condone unwanted pregnancies? No one! But, who would want the demise of millions of babies. I would hope no one. That does not seem to be the case. We have hundreds if not thousands trying to have a baby, and turn to all kinds of alternative methods instead of healing the flow of unwanted babies, by adoption.
“Abortions are very common. In fact, more than one in three women in the U.S. have an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. ” is a fact from the Planned Parenthood website. This is a reason to offer abortion instead of assistance and adoption?
My hope and prayer is, that this allegation will lead to investigation and an overhaul of Planned Parenthood with new people, guide lines and agenda. That the political machine behind replacing abstinence with abortion will come to naught.
Whatever the devil and his demons cause for evil God can turn to good with prayer, and dedication of purpose on the part of His children who are called by His Name.
I do not believe we can forgive behavior, but the people involved in the behavior. Let us storm the Heavenlies with our prayer, declaring the Will of God and the Desires of His Heart be done on earth as it is in Heaven!
Wheeee….that sound like a good plan! (excuse the pun)
One last comment on Mr. Spitzer that he and others caught up in destructive activities will seek out a church that offers healing and deliverance! A personal responsibility!
by admin | Mar 14, 2008 | Kingdom Comments, Politics
Two top items on our news today, strike at the very heart of ethics and morals for America! I have heard that if a Pastor taught on certain sins a lot it was because that was his own struggle. How interesting that Eliot Spitzer (we are told) was dogmatically ruthless and tough on prostitution and yet alledgedly indulged himself in that ‘profession’.
The press is asking “Why” would someone like Eliot take a chance on losing everything, for something like that. There are a lot of answers, and here is mine. Somewhere in his life he came into agreement in his mind with prostitution, or possibly suffered some kind of sexual abuse, got a hold of some porn magazines, etc. An array of sexual improprieties will open the door to a spirit of lust.
We hesitate to talk about such evil agents as though they don’t exist and yet we cannot explain things like this miss-guided action that could de-rail a person’s life and cause pain to family and friends. Once an evil spirit has access to the mind of their victim, they wait patiently to temp and motivate action. And they may only work on one area. Does the person, such as Eliot think he is too powerful and clever to get caught? Of course, evil spirits tell their victims whatever they need to hear to take action and they seem to know what that is. Possibly give the person a picture of how pleasant it would be and tops it off with something like—how exciting it would be, especially as a Public servant, or in ministry.
C. S. Lewis wrote a great little book called the SCREWTAPE LETTERS that is an insight into a reality that most are not willing to face. Frank Peretti wrote several fiction books (THIS PRESENT DARKNESS and others) that well describe the work of the devil and his demons. Hollywood makes movies about such things, not quite so accurately, as I have written about in my own book ANGELS AND DEMONS, HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE. If that is the problem as I suggest, the person is a victim as well as the people injured by their actions. One great difference, people are held accountable by the world and by God for our free will decisions.
The devil made me do it is a reason not an excuse. And, how difficult it would be to try and legislate deliverance and restoration for offenders. So what is the answer? Better education in the church and the world about the results of sin and immoral decisions. We are too eager to condemn sin instead of giving reasons why God hates behavior that will harm us. More education on the devil, evil in the world, and the demons made from a positive offensive position–explaining there are better choices to be made and what those choices are.
The Catholic Church had a good idea in offering confession to someone sworn to secrecy. Anyone in a shameful awkward place should be able to confess to some one who can help. But not just a listener but a believing Jesus following person who is willing to help with resolution or take them to someone who can help.
Most of all the church needs responsibility to be the church. You know, a place where the wounded go, not just a hang-out for those of us who are not presently facing the same situation. But for the grace of God there go I. We don’t think we would do whatever they have done but we haven’t walked in his or her shoes. Deliverance should not be something to fear, but something to face with hope and desire for a better life. I am not speaking of the world because barring a miracle of God the person will reap what they sow, and pay for an act they have commited against society. I am speaking of being more concerned about their spiritual well-being than their physical position in life. What can we do? We can pray the same way I suggested in the last Blog:
- First forgive the person, (not the behavior) John 20:23
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Second, ask God for the grace to cleanse me of all judgment of that person’s character and nature; since that is God’s business and not mine.
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Third, ask the Holy Spirit to draw them into the Divine wisdom, mercy and grace that they need to become men and women of God in their position, what ever that may be.
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Fourth, I ask God to bless them with attributes opposite of those in the offense.
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Fifth, I ask the Holy Spirit to release the Spirit of Prophecy (of Jesus) in their presence.
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Six, I bind the forces of darkness, deaf and dumb spirits, spirits of lust and greed not to interfere. I declare there will be no retaliation against me, my family, property or finances for these prayers.
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Seven, I thank the Holy Spirit, Jesus and my Heavenly Father for all they have done and are doing! Then rejoice!
Of course there are times to sign petitions, to go to congress, to protest, to boycott; absolutely stand for the things of God. But, always with prayer beforehand, committing the way unto God and believing for His favor–without condemning individuals.
I have learned how easy it is to curse a person with my words, or condemn them with my opinions. Curses always boom-a-rang on those who make them, and condemnation creates anger, bitterness and hostility. And how am I doing with all of this? I’m a work in progress, and the more I share, the better I become.
Eliot Spitzer and family need our prayer. Our officials, those in authority–home, church, school, government–need our prayers of protection. And what about Planned Parenthood alledged fraud? More on that in Part Two!
by admin | Mar 14, 2008 | Jesus Talk, Politics, Relationship Not Religion!
Well, I am the one who blew it. One act of Christian failure is so painful, especially when it involves a principal you try to live by. I have been so caught up in the political rhetoric of who did what and when, that I just teamed up with the enemy to be an accuser with a capital A. Not because I changed or added to the message but because I was so judgmental of the person involved.
Absolutely I am required to look at the behavior and the platform of those who are in office and those who are running for office. But there is that one little verse–well, maybe several hundred–about not judging others, not running to evil, especially not to lie about others.
I sent out an email to personal friends about someone in office, believing that the email I received was true. Well, it was not! It was about a person already in office and it did sound like the person, from what I have heard. I have known for years when I receive something of that kind, there are steps I should take.
The Bible says, It is the goodness of God that brings one to repentance! It is down dog awful hard to be the goodness of God while accusing and condemning another person. The steps I have learned and practice (when I am not in a fog bank of stupid) are:
First forgive the person, (not necessarily the behavior) John 20:23
Second, ask God for the grace to cleanse me of all judgment of that person’s character and nature; since that is God’s business and not mine.
Third, ask the Holy Spirit to draw them into the Divine wisdom, mercy and grace that they need to become men and women of God in their position, what ever that may be.
Fourth, I ask God to bless them in the area of behavior that is not in line with His will and ways.
Fifth, I ask the Holy Spirit to release the Spirit of Prophecy (of Jesus) in their presence.
Six, I bind the forces of darkness, deaf and dumb spirits, spirits of lust and greed not to interfere. I declare there will be no retaliation against me, my family, property or finances for these prayers.
Seven, I thank the Holy Spirit, Jesus and my Heavenly Father for all they have done and are doing! Then rejoice!
Of course there are times to sign petitions, to go to congress, to protest, to boycott; absolutely stand for the things of God. But, always with prayer beforehand, committing the way unto God and believing for His favor–without condemning individuals.
I have learned how easy it is to curse a person with my words, or condemn them with my opinions. Curses always boom-a-rang on those who make them, and condemnation creates anger, bitterness and hostility. And how am I doing with all of this? I’m a work in progress, and the more I share, the better I become.
The good that has come out of my rinky-dink mistake is that the Lord has put on my heart to start a prayer campaign for the candidates, starting the week after Easter until the election. One candidate and family per week! Think of the power of all that prayer in agreement!
So, my hope is, that you will join with me as we make a difference in the lives of those courageous enough to run for office and put themselves in the gladiator arena of the media and public opinion.
Was this ‘sin’ so awful? There are no major or minor sins in the Kingdom of God, just plain ole’ sin– a better get it right mistake. I am so grateful for the ones I can find and change, God help us for the ones we don’t see.
Just when I think I have enough to do, the Lord has another idea, and I stepped right into this one. I am grateful for that, the friend who called me on the error and very grateful to the Lord that He will use what the enemy meant for evil to energize and create good!
by admin | Mar 8, 2008 | Kingdom Comments, Politics
The Bible to me has more interesting stories than even Hollywood. Even more amazing is what Hollywood does with those stories–forget that for now–there is one particular story that is on my heart this morning.
That is the story of King Abah and Queen Jezebel in First and Second Kings. Jezebel is the picture of evil, selfishness, lust and power. Abah on the other hand allows whatever Jezebel wants and does what she tells him. Ahab is the king of indifference. Many things in the Old Testament of the Bible are physical stories that apply spiritually in the New Testament–and present day. This to me is one of those stories.
Many books have been written about the spirit of Jezebel, such as the one by Pastor Francis Frangipane, THE THREE BATTLEGROUNDS, that give good coverage of this spirit and how it works.
I want to suggest that both spirits are alive and well hovering and working in our country in our politics. I am not about to suggest where Jezebel is working but rather my concern is how active the spirit of Ahab is, especially in the Christian community. Ahab has a strong apathetic influence over minds, even entire areas (more like a principality than a spirit–check out Ephesians Chapter Six) to do nothing.
We Christians can be very critical…choosing not to like any candidate running for office and think in some bazaar way, not taking any action, not voting will in some way speak for us. Great balls of fire, something is better than nothing. Others Christians may say well, it is in God’s hands, we don’t need to do anything. (Ahab is really busy with dispensing those thoughts)
I am reminded of the Jewish people in the Old Testament telling Samuel they wanted a king to judge over them like all other nations. Samuel argued with them, God argued with them, but they contended and insisted they have a king. God relented and had Samuel appoint Saul King. Notice the peer pressure–“like all other nations”. (I Samuel 8:5) The kings they got from that time forward were evil and oppressive, not all, thank God but many!
We get the people we vote for and pray for. How many of us raise our children to go into politics and make a difference in strong moral, ethical and Godly ways? I know I didn’t.
Most of us do not have the time or the resources to raise up a candidate of our choice, but we sure can campaign, call, email, protest and vote. The spirit of Ahab dulls our minds to a true agenda of responsibility, and Jezebel jumps in with all the reasons we are too busy, too tired, too broke and actually just too preoccupied. You don’t believe that spirits do that—WOW, I hate to think we are void of social conscience all on our own.
Joan, a new friend, reminded me this week of ‘our condition’ and I thank her for that. Busy or not, and I am busy, I am going to start sending protests to Sacramento, because I live in California, against some of the new legislation. Also, to Washington, D.C. I have hesitated in the past because, I reasoned and Ahab agreed, they probably wouldn’t listen anyway. Happy horse-feathers, that’s a lousy excuse, Ahab and Jezebel probably toast champagne on that one!
More importantly I am going to pray for those running for office until the election, as well as those in office. Prayer the Bible says, will move mountains, and I know that to be true. I am not going to moan in my prayers or condemn but forgive and bless the men and women and their families. Not just the candidate I personally support but all the candidates–that God would move on behalf of this country, that the Holy Spirit will draw them into the wisdom and knowledge that will benefit all mankind, and bless our Nation.
Well, Ahab, Jezebel, your term in office for influencing me is over. I plan to take the authority Jesus died and was resurrected to give me, to push for better things, action not apathy, and Divine intervention in all the affairs of men. I pray for supernatural protection for myself, my family and all those who choose to join me in this effort to save the country we know as One Nation Under God!
