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Hope Fellowship Church Newsletter
Newsletter
Article Archives
2002
Afghan Man's Response to Christian Love
Self Denial
Israel Today
You Choose
Not Potato Chips
Great Wrestlings
Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
In His Presence
Peace of Mind
Churchianity
House Full, Field Empty
Uncertain Riches
What Are You Speaking?
Delight in the Lord
Taters
Shiphrah and Puah
Belly Of
Hell
Esther
&Mordecai on the Rollercoaster
Multi-Faith Religion?
Agreement and Union of God's People
Ask the Rabbi
Prayer and Praise
My Day Of Pentecost
Soldier in God's Army
Victory Now
Jews News September
Love in Marriage
God Gave Me A Pencil
Wait
Alert
Our Powerless Foe
Church and School Family Center
Witchcraft
School News
Jews News November
A Hebrew Thanksgiving
Big God, Little Devil
Samantha Has A Reason To Sing
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January 2002
Afghan Man's Response to Christian Love
by Sharon Cromwell
An Afghan refugee named Daoud Abdullah was recently helped
by a Christian after fleeing from Afghanistan to escape the
warfare. He said, "It's almost unbelievable. All of our
lives we have been told that Christians were our enemies."
While talking to a native missionary he said, "But when
we came out with nothing but what we could carry, these Christians
were the only ones who helped us."
"At first I was puzzled why you would do this,"
Daoud said. "I thought you must have some hidden motive.
But now I have learned it's because you believe that Jesus
Christ gave his life for you, and that makes you want to give
your life for others. "We have always believed that Jesus
never died. According to the Koran, God would not allow evil
men to kill his holy prophet, so Jesus was taken up to heaven
and some other man was crucified instead. But now I have seen
in the Book that God did allow Jesus to be crucified and then
raised him from the dead. So now I can understand how someone
who believes Jesus died for him would be willing to give his
own life to help others who are in need."
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Self Denial
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 3/24/93)
There has to be a boldness and a willingness to come open
face to the world in Christ Jesus. There must be a love for
God in you that will not deny the Lord. If you are a disciple
of the Lord, He is talking to you in Luke 9:23 which says,
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and
follow me."
Sanctification is commanded of the Lord. Jesus explicitly
tells us to deny ourselves and fleshly lusts. The Bible says
in 1 Peter 2:11, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers
and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against
the soul;"
Matthew 10:24-25 says, "The disciple is not above his
master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the
disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his
lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub,
how much more shall they call them of his household?"
Verse 32-33: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before
men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in
heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I
also deny before my Father which is in heaven."
Jesus, our master, commanded us to (1) deny ourselves, and
(2) confess Christ. Denying of self is not pleasant. Our battle
ground is in the mind, which is being turned over to the mind
of Christ so that we can walk in the Spirit. To walk in the
flesh is called being carnally minded by the Bible. It works
against the knowledge of God. The Lord gave me a saying:
To keep God is to deny self.
To keep self is to deny God.
The only way you can grow in the Lord is to deny yourself.
The only way to lose the Lord is to confess self or to walk
in self,
And ever so certainly push the Lord out.
Matthew 10:28 says, "And fear not them which kill the
body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Jesus told us this so that we would not be so quick to deny
the things of the Lord. Don't be afraid of people as you live
a Christian life before them.
Did you know that you can deny the Lord by saying nothing?
Many times the door will open for us to testify for the Lord
Jesus Christ to somebody. Yet, some just stand and look at
the door. They don't say a word, because they don't want to
stir up trouble, and people might shun them. However, you
deny Him access to sinners through your lips. You are called
to witness what Jesus Christ has done for you. Don't quench
the Spirit of the Lord. Speak out, and let the anointing of
God do its work.
If you are afraid of men, you don't fear God in perfection.
Many times we fear men worse than we fear God. Matthew 10:33
says, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will
I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." We
should pray, and fast, and seek the Lord saying, Not my will,
but thine be done. As we do this, we can go through every
door that opens and obey every unction that God gives us.
Be instant in season and out of season. When you give up something
you value, that is a sacrifice of denial!
Jesus found out in Gethsemane what the will of God would
do to His life. A lot of times the will of God will destroy
you, but it will raise up Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Your Gethsemane is while you are debating about obeying the
Lord. There is going to be a crucifixion, but after every
Gethsemane and every crucifixion there is a resurrection!
Romans 8:7 says, "Because the carnal mind is enmity
against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither
indeed can be." God's will for your life is rarely ever
your will, and the carnal mind has another avenue. When you
obey God, you must deny self. You must get rid of all the
things that pull you away from God. These things work against
your mind and the will of God and are things you wrestle all
the time. Your flesh is warring against the Spirit of God!
You must have God's will and whatever goes along with it.
If it doesn't line up with your will, then realign your will
with His. Study the Word of God and make sure.
When God deals with you, don't let people talk you out of
the will of God for your life. Accept, confess, and do what
God has called you to do. God has a plan and a work for YOUR
life. He will use YOU if you will deny yourself and accept
the Lord.
If it looks like it is going to be trouble you might think
that surely God is not leading you, but you can almost guarantee
He is! He led David to the giant! He led the three Hebrew
children to a fiery furnace. He led Moses to 98 years of labor!
These things were written down for the glory of God in His
Word for eternity.
Our Lord Jesus Christ denied himself. He said in John 5:30,
"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge:
and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will,
but the will of the Father which hath sent me." The power
of God does not flow in man's will! As you yield to God and
become IN Christ Jesus, the power of God will manifest, and
the anointing will be there for anything. Jesus said in John
14:13, "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that
will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Quit running from self denial. Crucifixion of self is a necessity
for the Christian. You may be praying for someone who is fighting
you. They only know that you irritate them! They know that
whatever it is you are doing, they don't like it, but praise
God that somebody will hold on for souls!
If you are occupied with "things", how can you
be occupied with God? If you worry about what everybody else
thinks, how can you care what God thinks? Many times when
you do not deny self, you deny God, and He cannot bless you
or move for those you are praying for. He wants us to touch
souls for Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to, ". . . lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run
with patience the race that is set before us. . . ."
If you have disobeyed God, ask Him to forgive you and give
you another chance. If He leads you into a fiery furnace,
you will find that the only thing burned off of you will be
the bonds. God will set you free! I pray that God will deal
with every saint who has not denied himself, that they will
be sanctified, set apart, and made ready for the miracle working
power of God!
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Israel Today
by Sharon Cromwell
Do you ever think of Israel and the Jews other than when they
are mentioned in the Bible? Zola Levitt, a Jew himself, brought
out a good point: . . . people tend to love Jews who are dead,
like the prophets, Peter, Paul, etc., or Jews who are going
to live in the future, such as in the Kingdom to come, but
they don't love the Jews of today. (Taken from January 2001
Levitt Letter)
Jesus is Jewish. When He came to redeem men, He wept because
His own received him not. Revelation 22:17 says, . . . "And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is . . . longsuffering to
us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance." Jesus yet desires the Jews
to repent.
For about 1900 years, the Jews were dispersed in many different
lands. At the close of WWI, the Balfour Declaration started
a serious increase in the amount of Jews who were returning
to their homeland, Israel. According to prophecy, this meant
that the judgment of Satan and the establishment of Christ's
kingdom on earth was getting closer.
The Israeli people have survived severe persecution since
they began to be restored as a nation. The Nazi Holocaust
was one of the worst persecutions of the Jews. During this
time, about 6 million of the 18 million Jews in the world
were killed.
In 1947 the U.N. voted to partition Palestine into an Israeli
section and an Arab section. Israel declared independence,
and the new State of Israel was recognized by the U.S. and
the Soviet Union and was admitted as a full member of the
U.N.
There have been many peace treaties in Israel. However, remember
that the prophet Daniel spoke of the Antichrist in Daniel
8:25, who, ". . . by peace shall destroy many. . . ."
Be aware of what is happening in Israel in these current
days. PRAY for Israel and that our nation will not turn against
them. God's promises can not and will not be made void. Psalm
122:6 tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It also
says that those who love Israel shall prosper, and I prefer
not to go against God!
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You Choose
by Gail Redman
God did not create human beings as robots. We have been given
a free will. God is sovereign and completely in control of
all that takes place in this world. However, each day we make
choices that affect our future. Consider how the following
choices we make affect our happiness and favor with God.
Do I just slide at work, or do I perform as unto the Lord?
Am I lazy, or do I ask God for strength to complete the tasks
that He has for me each day?
Do I go to the lake or sleep late on Sunday, or do I joyfully
attend church?
Do I watch television, or do I read the Bible and pray?
Do I waste money on worldly possessions and neglect paying
God the tithe that belongs to Him?
Do I murmur and complain about my problems, or do I take
them to God with complete confidence that He is in control?
Do I say God understands my sin, or do I repent of my sin
and allow God to set me free?
Every day we make choices. Are you making choices that bring
confusion, turmoil, and a curse, or are your choices bringing
the favor and blessings of God?
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February 2002
Not Potato Chips
by Sharon Cromwell
I have heard for many years of the chip that is to be placed
in people so the end time Antichrist can control human beings.
However, Thursday, December 20, 2001, I received an e-mail
titled "Why the idea of an implanted ID chip makes my
skin crawl". I pursued the article found on zdnet.com
and found some disturbing information. The following paragraph
describes the chip:
"The chip itself is described as the size of a Tic Tac
mint and can be implanted with minimally invasive surgery--local
anesthesia, a small incision, and a Band-Aid to cover the
wound. The VeriChip can store about a paragraph's worth of
information, which can be "read" by a palm-sized
scanning device from outside the patient's body."
Some versions of the chip might allow additional information
to be appended and/or rewritten in the field. The article
was referring to the changes in information for medical purposes,
but I suppose they could just go ahead and change your identity
while they were at it, if they wanted to???
The article says, ". . . application also leads us to
potential for abuse, like placing identity information into
you or me against our will." It also says, ". .
. the chips could be implanted at birth as a sort of digital
birth certificate." This "VeriChip" has been
called the Digital Devil by some.
Revelations 13:11-16 says, "And I beheld another beast
coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb,
and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power
of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them
which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly
wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh
fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of
those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the
beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should
make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword,
and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image
of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak,
and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the
beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and
great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in
their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might
buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the
beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him
that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for
it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore
and six."
Revelation 16:2 says, "And the first went, and poured
out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and
grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast,
and upon them which worshipped his image."
God's judgment is righteous. Evildoers go to hell and those
who overcome sin by the blood of Jesus go to be with Jesus.
Revelation 19:20 says, "And the beast was taken, and
with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him,
with which he deceived them that had received the mark of
the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both
were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."
Revelation 15:2 says, "And I saw as it were a sea of
glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory
over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and
over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having
the harps of God."
The bottom line is that IF this is the mark of the beast,
and you take it, you are doomed for hell.
Matthew 24:44 says, "Therefore be ye also ready: for
in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
Pray to God and obey Him. Read your Bible.
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:
and by the fear of the LORD
men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6
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Great Wrestlings
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 03/04/01)
Jacob and Esau were twin brothers who looked nothing alike.
Jacob was smooth and a man of tents. Esau was a hairy man
of the field. They struggled, even as they were being born.
When they were grown, Jacob beguiled his brother into selling
his birthright to him for a mess of pottage. For the lust
of the flesh, Esau sold him the spiritual things of his life.
When it came time for Isaac, their father, to die, Jacob
had convinced him that he was his brother Esau. Isaac's eyes
were so dim that he could not see. Jacob used trickery to
get Esau's blessing, and Esau threatened to kill him. Their
mother told Jacob to flee to the land of Laban, her brother.
Many years later Jacob decided to go back home, but he had
to pass by Esau's territory, his herdsmen, and servants. Jacob
was terrified. When you leave home on such terms, you have
to go back and face some things! However, whatever it is that
you have to face is nothing in comparison to what you are
going to face if you don't get things right!
Some people keep a grudge going until it destroys them! Jacob
was about to enter Esau's country. He sent messengers and
presents ahead of him, doing what he could to appease his
anger. To show his sincerity, he sent food and animals worth
a lot of money. Then he strategically sent his family over
in different ranks so that if Esau attacked one, the others
could escape. Yet, Jacob's messengers told him that Esau was
coming to meet him with four hundred men.
Genesis 32:24-28 says, "And Jacob was left alone; and
there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched
the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was
out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me
go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee
go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy
name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called
no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power
with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
Sooner or later you will be left to face God alone. We try
to side step things when the Spirit of the Lord begins to
deal with us, and we try to justify ourselves. However, Hebrews
12:1 tells us to lay aside every weight, and the sin which
doth so easily beset us. There is coming a day or a night
when God is going to deal with you, and that is your time
to wrestle it out and get the victory!
Jacob was wrestling for his soul. He had to get a hold of
God, so he wrestled all night long. Some people wrestle 15
minutes and give up. Others will wrestle an hour or all night,
but they give up before victory! As Jacob wrestled, the man
caused Jacob's thigh to be out of joint. The devil doesn't
fight fair, but Jacob continued to wrestle with the strength
of a wounded man, knowing that if he ever let go he was a
dead man. Some have not yet reached this point of wrestling
in their soul. I wonder how many of us would say like Job
in Job 13:15, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in
him. . . ."
By the Spirit of God it is a fact that I can defeat the enemy.
Therefore, it is ridiculous for me to compromise with him.
It is time we get the victory over the devil! There is a war
going on, and souls of men are at stake, yet most people couldn't
care less. If you have never striven for holiness you will
not understand. If you have not warred to keep from sinning
you will not understand. If you have never rebuked the devil
and got victory over him when he was tempting you with something
you really like, then you don't understand. However, if you
have fought the battle and won, you understand what I am talking
about.
Sometimes the battles rage and seem to intensify in your
heart, but I have noticed that as you overcome, there are
fewer of them. Perhaps there are some things deeply ingrained
in your soul and life that you are wrestling. You just haven't
been able to break free, because you think it is so much a
part of you. Jacob wrestled, and fought, and WON.
Sometimes you wrestle with that which, in the beginning,
looks like sin, and before you get done wrestling it looks
like nothing! Then you will almost have any excuse for it,
because you are tired of the wall, and you are tired of the
wrestling, but we need to get sanctified! It will be a bit
of struggle all the way to the end, but when you struggle
and war for something it is more precious to you!
Jacob was wresting for his life, his family's lives, and
for reconciliation with his brother. By the time that he got
done warring he was crippled, yet he believed God. He got
what he asked for when he got rid of everything that he had!
You can't have everything you want, and what God has got.
You have to lay your stuff down, because if your hands are
full you can't pick up anything else.
Decide that what God has given you, no devil, no flesh, and
nothing else is going to take it from you! It becomes precious
to you. Set your face like flint, and believe the Living God!
Esau did not come just to greet Jacob with 400 men, but to
destroy him! When God got done with the situation, and after
Jacob had wrestled all night long to victory, Esau ran to
meet him, and embraced him, and they cried like babies. Remember
that this was in the beginning a life or death situation!
Now, think about this. Esau didn't do any wrestling. It was
just Jacob, but God still brought the two brothers together.
Maybe the one that you are at odds with won't care, and will
even sleep while you wrestle all night long, or they are getting
ready to destroy you while you are seeking God! Perhaps they
won't care a thing about God while you fast, and pray, and
believe God, but you are wrestling for your soul and theirs!
Imagine your enemies hugging your neck and saying, Will you
forgive me? I'm sorry. I never realized what God had for me.
I never realized what sin really was. Then you end up saying,
I never realized I had some aught. It is like getting a breath
of fresh air or like taking a shower that never ends. Relief
doesn't even come close to it. It is glorious!
Now the two clans had come together and were at peace instead
of at war! Think what will happen when our brethren (Christ's
bride, His church) all over the world, became as one instead
of at war. The only way that will happen is if we wrestle
it out, and find out what our enmity is between us and God.
Then He will make the unity.
Some of you are still wrestling old things, and you are so
sick of them. Every time you go to pray and believe God that
thing is standing there. Now is the time to believe God and
wrestle on through to victory. I pray that every soul will
turn from wickedness to righteousness; from self-centeredness
to godliness; from worldliness to sanctification. I pray that
hearts are moved and drawn to God in the name of Jesus!
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Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
by Gail Redman
Christians know that God never fails us or forsakes us. (Deuteronomy
31:6) However, man has a tendency to walk in the flesh and
operate according to what he feels. When we are born again,
Christ takes up residence within us. By faith we accept this.
When I was born again, I didn't feel anything. However, as
I walked in the light or faith that I had, the awesome feeling
of the presence of God came."
Think about times when you did or said something that God
did not approve of. Why do you think you felt so terrible?
You felt this way because Christ is in you. This very presence
of God was grieved by your actions and revealed it to you
by conviction.
Grasp hold of the awesome power that resides within you.
Start walking daily, talking to the Lord and Savior of your
soul just like you would a best friend.
Do not be downcast if you are going through a dry spell spiritually.
If you are a Christian, Christ is there, as close as He can
get, because His residence is within the recesses of your
heart.
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March 2002
In His Presence
by Gail Redman
We live in a fast-paced society. Many times even believers
are so busy doing church work that the most important thing
is neglected. We neglect "alone time" seeking the
face and presence of our Creator. God created human beings
so that He could fellowship with them. God's eternal purpose
is to be glorified. We must desire to exalt and glorify our
God through worship, testimonies, and a sanctified life of
holiness.
As we observe the awesomeness of our God through His creation,
it should be impossible for us to just lightly esteem His
presence. There should be a fear and reverence of the presence
of God. Our hunger and desire should be for more and more
of the presence of God. God wants to change us so that He
is glorified. When somebody is healed, God is glorified.
As we press in to a closer walk and intimacy with God, there
will be obstacles Satan will place before us to sidetrack
us. Determination, a made-up mind, and God's mercy will keep
us on the path that leads to God's presence.
There are times we refer to as "dry spells" with
God. Does this mean that God does not care or has left us?
No! This is only a time of testing and to keep us in balance.
If all we ever had was blessing, blessing, blessing, we would
be proud, arrogant, spoiled brats. A promise given to us in
Deuteronomy 4:29 is: "But if from thence thou shalt seek
the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with
all thy heart and with all thy soul."
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Peace of Mind
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 04/01/01)
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou
wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee."
Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus." However, "peace at any cost"
with compromise is nothing more than a setup of the devil.
The Bible says in Hebrews 12:14, "Follow peace with
all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord:" If you are a peaceful person it is not hard to
walk in holiness. If you don't have peace, out of the abundance
of your heart your mouth will speak. Then trouble comes, and
it breaks union with God. An individual who is not peaceful
is not Christlike. If you want peace, you have to get your
mind stayed on the Lord.
Billions of dollars are spent on drugs in the form of sedatives.
However, the Bible teaches that if you are upset, or angry,
frustrated, or nervous, to get your mind stayed on the Lord.
You have to come to Christ first. The devil leaves, Christ
comes in, and you begin a new walk. You can't make Christian
applications to a sinner life!
People get addicted to many things while trying to find peace.
Some think that they can find peace and satisfaction in activities
or in other people, but only the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ,
can bring true peace.
The leading sickness in the United States is not a physical
problem; it is mental trouble. Strokes, heart attacks, and
other infirmities in the physical body are caused by the condition
of the mind! Many tormented people are in the hospital because
of a troubled mind! The mind can cause the physical body to
break down, because your body is in subjection to your head.
Your life is in subjection to your mind. The condition of
your mind is who you are. That is your soul manifesting. Your
mind is filled with your life and all that goes on with your
body and surroundings.
Therefore the condition of the mind is the most important
thing that you have, only after the condition of the heart,
with which man believeth unto righteousness. If your mind
is messed up, yet you have a heart to believe, God can change
your mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit
of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
He is talking strictly to genuine Christians in this verse!
If we stay saved, we won't go crazy! When you receive the
mind of Christ, it is yielded to God and you can be subject
to the law of God. A Christian without a sound mind is not
a Christian!
James 1:8 says, "A double minded man is unstable in
all his ways." A Christian can't stay double minded but
so long, because you can't serve two masters. If you get a
little of God, and a little of the world it will bring confusion.
When a person cannot think straight, cannot think for themselves,
and cannot remember what they are saying while they are even
saying it, it means that the mind is going or has already
gone. It is not a sound mind, and God did not give you that.
God is not the author of confusion! God is the author of peace.
When you dabble in the world it starts affecting your peace,
because condemnation comes in!
When you lay down at night to go to sleep, you might as well
get up again if God is dealing with you. However, some people
can't go to sleep, because their mind won't shut down. Their
body is aching, tired, and worn out, but their mind is going
constantly. There is so much stuff to think about! They think
back to years ago, and then up to five minutes ago. Then they
go elsewhere and get into supposition, worry, and doubt.
Realize that the mind will say one thing, and the Word of
God says another. Jesus said in John 15:7, "If ye abide
in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you." The Bible says in Proverbs
13:13, "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed.
. . ." You have got to read the Word of God! It is not
an option. The Bible says in Romans 10:17, "So then faith
cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The
devil will tell your natural mind that you aren't even saved,
and if you consider it long enough, you start doubting God!
Quit fretting! A sane mind is a controlled mind. The Word
of God will help you. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are
of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any
praise, think on these things."
Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose." Therefore, if you are
going through a hard time, there is a reason. Get your mind
on the Lord, and be amazed how small the problem can get.
Jesus said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my
peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto
you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
Some try to believe God, while they watch for the devil at
the back door, like God might miss something!
We have control over the vast majority of what we see, hear,
and experience. Consequently, we control the way we live.
Put things in your mind that edify you as a Christian and
that bring faith. If you want to have a sound mind, don't
look at or listen to insanity or foolishness. Don't be a partaker
of wickedness. You must be converted, and walk in that which
is holy! 1 John 4:4 says, ". . . greater is he that is
in you, than he that is in the world." We're to be overcomers.
A person is transformed by the renewing of the mind. Romans
12:1-2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
When you are driving down the road you have to keep your
eyes on the road. If you get to looking to the left hand or
to the right hand, you will leave the path and have a wreck.
You have a free will and a mind to decide what you want to
do.
Romans 8:26-27 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth
our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as
we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us
with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth
the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because
he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will
of God." God fills people with the Holy Ghost, and He
by-passes the mind!
If your mind is continuously on your troubles, let God set
you free, and then you won't be confused, or troubled, or
doubtful, or vexed, or fearful, or unbelieving. God has bought
us with a price, and we are not our own. Let's live for Him
with a whole heart and a sound mind.
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Churchianity
by Sharon Cromwell
Zola Levitt (a Jewish teacher) says there is a “. . .
religion called ‘Churchianity,’ or American-style
Christian faith.” He says that, “Those not watching
Israel today are simply missing the outworking of God’s
plans for the End Times. When you boil ‘Churchianity’
down to its essentials, you simply end up with Replacement
Theology, and her ugly daughter anti- Semitism.” Anti-Semitism
is hostility toward Jews as a religious or social minority.
Replacement Theology is a view that holds that the Church
has replaced Israel. This mistaken view holds that Israel
was, according to Thomas McCall, Th.D., “. . . condemned
to extinction with no divinely ordained future for the Jewish
nation.” However, it is clearly taught in the New Testament
that, “. . . the Church is completely different and distinct
from Israel, and the two should not be confused.”
Zola says, “People who belong to ‘Churchianity’
have little tolerance for unbelievers around them, seldom
witness and don’t particularly favor Jews or their homeland.
Their Bible knowledge is next to nothing, and they don’t
realize that prophecy is marching on to a drastic and soon
conclusion.”
The vast majority of the Jews right now are unbelievers.
“If ‘all Israel’ is to be saved when the Messiah
returns, then obviously all Israel was in unbelief before
that time,” says Zola.
“Those not familiar with the Word do not love the Chosen
People or the Promised Land. . . .”
Zola says, “What confounds me is when believers behave
as unbelievers. Believers in God and in Jesus Christ must
somehow find a way to love those whom they love, and that
involves loving the Jews.”
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning
his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering
to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance.” God does not want any soul
on this earth to go to hell.
Matthew 22:36-40 says, “Master, which is the great commandment
in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And
the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and
the prophets.”
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
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April 2002
House Full, Field Empty
by Richard Bundren
Matthew 9:36-38 says, "But when he saw the multitudes,
he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted,
and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then
saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous,
but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
Luke 10:1-2 says almost the same thing: "After these
things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them
two and two before his face into every city and place, whither
he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest
truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore
the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers
into his harvest."
Everywhere that He sends you, He wants to come. Matthew 13:38
says that the field is the world. The world is right outside
your doors, and that is where He placed you and me!
John 4:35 says, "Say not ye, There are yet four months,
and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your
eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to
harvest." People are dying and going to hell every day!
If they aren't harvested in time, they will fall off the stalk
and perish.
When we don't take the gospel outside the church doors, we
are no different from the ritualistic religions of the world.
We have absolutely no effect upon the world. The harvest is
ripe, and it grieves the heart of the Father that there are
none to labor in His harvest. You and I are the answer to
the prayer for labourers for God's harvest. We have been born
again, and we are to go out into all the world and preach
the gospel and gather in the harvest. It is not just the preacher's
job!
Have we forgotten that somebody prayed for us and that somebody
witnessed to us? We saw somebody that was real, and we knew
that it was possible to be saved. Don't let the cares of the
world destroy the very purpose that God has called us to.
The joy of the Lord is our strength, and if we lose it we
are weakened till we don't have any witness.
I saw a sign on a church door that said, "Enter to Worship;
Leave to serve." Have we forgotten our calling? The Bible
says in Romans 11:29, "For the gifts and calling of God
are without repentance."
Christ is our example, and we are supposed to allow His fruit
to be produced in our lives. If I claim to be a Christian
and the first little thing that goes bad on the job just gets
me so frustrated that I can't do anything, what about that
guy who is watching me? He will say that I am no different
from him.
Psalm 107 says over and over, "Oh that men would praise
the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to
the children of men!" When we praise Him He is pleased,
but then the next minute His heart can be so grieved. When
we praise Him we mean it with our heart, but somehow we have
lost the backbone and the grit to go out and walk a life that
is holy! There has to be a change in us. We represent Jesus
Christ!
God is not pleased with you and me when we refuse to work
in the harvest. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Wherefore seeing
we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us," The race is out there, not in the church.
We come in to be renewed and strengthened. Let's lay aside
everything that hinders, and let's keep our joy and peace.
Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit
is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
This fruit is to be manifested through the believer who has
Christ in his heart. Are you disciplined so you live a life
that is pleasing to the Lord?
Where has the Lord sent you? That is where He wants to come.
John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Christ the
Messiah, and so are we to go out and prepare the way for Christ
to come to sinners. If you will go and produce the Spirit
of Christ Jesus in your life everywhere you go, Christ will
come and the harvest will be great. Otherwise, you can go
out and talk about Jesus, but your actions make null and void
your witness.
What about it? Will you go work in the fields today? Let's
proclaim the Lord not only with our mouths, but also with
our actions, our deeds, and our attitudes. The fields are
white for harvest. WILL YOU GO?
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Uncertain Riches
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 04-09-93)
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 we read, "Charge them that are
rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us
richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be
rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against
the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
In Revelations 3:15-16 Jesus spoke and said, "I know
thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou
wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither
cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
These words were for the church at that time and also for
today. Verse 17 says, "Because thou sayest, I am rich,
and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest
not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind,
and naked:" These had known God, but He blots them out
of His book of life, because they are lukewarm. They thought
they didn't need God, and didn't even know that they were,
". . . wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind,
and naked."
I believe what God says in 3 John 1:2. "Beloved, I wish
above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health,
even as thy soul prospereth." The condition is, ".
. . even as thy soul prospereth", but we see many who
are twisting the Bible. Many who desire to become rich are
being taken for a ride by a prosperity doctrine that leaves
out holiness.
Wealth is a gift from the Lord that is distributed to you
that you might give out again. Money itself is not evil. 1
Timothy 6:10 tells us that, ". . . the love of money
is the root of all evil. . . ."
Some declare that gain is godliness, but this is not the
case. Jesus makes this clear to us in 1 Timothy 6:5-6 which
says, "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:
from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment
is great gain."
If you are rich financially, God has blessed you with that
richness for a purpose. There is a responsibility with it.
Jesus said in Luke 12:48, ". . . For unto whomsoever
much is given, of him shall be much required. . . ."
We are not supposed to just hoard and lay up in store for
ourselves. Tithes and offerings are to be given back to God
for His work. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, "But thou shalt
remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power
to get wealth. . . ." God desires for us to use money
for the expansion of His kingdom here on earth whether we
are rich, or poor, or somewhere in between.
Mark 12:41-44 says, "And Jesus sat over against the
treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:
and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain
poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them,
Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more
in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all
they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did
cast in all that she had, even all her living."
A rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked how he should
inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to obey the commandments,
but he said he had done that since he was a young boy. In
Mark 10:21 we read, "Then Jesus beholding him loved him,
and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell
whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt
have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and
follow me." Look at the young man's response in Verse
22: "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved:
for he had great possessions." His possessions were more
important to him than Jesus Christ!
Many legitimate ministers labor under burdens and hardships,
because they must labor and also preach and try to move in
the Spirit of the Lord for their flock. However, because some
withhold offerings of the good gifts that God has given them,
the ministry suffers. Those who are self-willed and miserly
do not prosper the ministry.
Luke 6:38 says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you;
good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running
over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure
that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
This scripture is true, but many who foster the "prosperity
doctrine" of our day expect a return to keep for themselves.
The greatest prosperity is that your name is written down
in the Lamb's Book of Life.
Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures
upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure
is, there will your heart be also."
If riches become your God, your security, or your way of
life, it will choke you away from the things of God. Get your
security from knowing that you have obeyed the Word of the
Lord! Matthew 13:22 tells us that the ". . . care of
this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word,
and he becometh unfruitful." Riches can make you so occupied
seeking your own ways that you will have no harvest for God.
It has been prophesied that our money will collapse. However,
if you are obedient to the Lord in all things, God will see
you through, and you will survive. However, if you hold back,
and don't spend for the things of God, as God directs you,
how will you be sustained? Ecclesiastes 5:13 says, "There
is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches
kept for the owners thereof to their hurt."
Proverbs 23:5 says, "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that
which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings;
they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."
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May 2002
What Are You Speaking?
by Gail Redman
1 Corinthians 10:10 says, "Neither murmur ye, as some
of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer."
The world that we live in is full of negativity and sin.
People by nature tend to murmur and complain. It is common
to hear people griping about their jobs, about how slow someone
is when being checked out at the store, how high taxes are,
and how others take advantage of them.
The God that we serve is a perfect God who desires to bless
us. The Bible contains promise after promise of blessing to
those who keep His commandments and believe. What do we do?
We keep these promises from coming to pass by unbelief and
by speaking death into our lives.
The enemy of our souls wants us to be swallowed up in a pool
of murmuring and complaining. Nothing positive comes from
a life spent being negative and speaking against others. When
someone is discontent, they will bring the same attitude to
those they are around. Their murmuring and complaining spreads
like a cancer and destroys the attitudes of others.
A vivid example of this in the Bible is found in Exodus.
The Israelites murmured against Moses and Aaron, who were
placed in authority by God. In essence, the Israelites were
murmuring against God.
Do you live in a bubble of self pity of constant complaining?
God hears every word that goes forth from our lips, just as
He heard what the children of Israel murmured in their tents.
Can you imagine what would happen in a church that has absolutely
no complaining against those in authority? Prayer should be
offered up daily by all members for those in leadership positions.
Revival cannot come to a church with division and strife.
We must come into one mind and one accord! Pray for the unity
and strength of all church leaders and members.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delight in the Lord
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
(preached 04/10/94)
Psalm 37:4-5 says, "Delight thyself also in the LORD;
and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit
thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring
it to pass."
Matthew 8:13 says, ". . . as thou hast believed, so
be it done unto thee. . . ." Psalms 37:7 says, "Rest
in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:" Are we to rest
in front of the television? No! Rest in the Lord! God knows
your desire. He knows what you have fasted for, sought Him
for, fought for, and knocked for! God said that He will bring
it to pass!
Matthew 21:22 says, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall
ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." The Bible
also says in Revelation 21:7, "He that overcometh shall
inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be
my son." Proverbs 10:24 says, "The fear of the wicked,
it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall
be granted." If you are seeking the Lord; if you are
crucifying self with the affections and lusts; if you are
yielding your body as a living sacrifice to God; then every
promise in the Word of God is for you!
You must obey God's commandments. Psalm 84:11 says, "For
the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace
and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk
uprightly." If you are walking uprightly according to
God's Word, then He is not going to withhold anything from
you!
If you start praising the Lord, fasting, praying, studying
God's Word and obeying it, then God will give you the desire
of your heart. However, how come it takes so long? Your flesh
must be crucified, because no flesh will glory in His presence.
God is going to take away all of the self will and pride.
Then you will know it didn't come because of your own ability.
Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you, which
was also in Christ Jesus:"
Revelations 21:7 says, "He that overcometh shall inherit
all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
When things are going crazy, seeking the Lord with all your
heart, and call upon Him, because He is there to answer and
to deliver. Don't go to your habits, or the TV, or someone
who isn't living for God! Go to the Lord, and He will help
you.
John 10:10 says, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal,
and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have
life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Isaiah 58:13-14 says, "If thou turn away thy foot from
the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call
the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and
shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine
own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou
delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride
upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the
heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath
spoken it."
Do you see the conditions that you need to meet to make Psalms
37:4 real to you?
Isaiah 54:17 declares, "No weapon that is formed against
thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against
thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage
of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of
me, saith the LORD." You will have protection throughout.
Ephesians 6:12 says that there is spiritual wickedness in
high places, and He promises that WE shall ride upon the high
places! Luke 10:19 says, "Behold, I give unto you power
to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
People want to just punch a button and get answers from God,
but delighting ourselves in the Lord requires more than most
people think! We need old time Holy Ghost, heaven sent, fire
burning, rapture ready, revival that brings deliverance. How
do we get it? Isaiah 58:6 says, "Is not this the fast
that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo
the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that
ye break every yoke?" That is right. God says that He
has chosen a fast, and God is the same yesterday, today, and
forever.
How come you haven't seen every yoke broken? It is because
you aren't doing the fast that He has chosen! Understand that
you have to perform the doing of it before it has an effect!
If you aren't doing your part, God won't do His part!
Quit trying to push buttons, because the only thing that
will work is if we delight ourselves in the Lord our God!
Get a hold of Jesus, and He will answer! Hebrews 11:1 says,
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen." He is talking about NOW!
If you want it now, then get real now!
Delight yourself in the Lord, and you will lose the fear
and unbelief that you have. You will get rid of all your uncleanness.
Let Jesus set you free, and watch God move, because as we
learn to delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the
desire of our hearts!
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Taters
by Author unknown
Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just
content to watch while others do the work. They are called
"Speck Taters". (Proverbs 18:9) "He also that
is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great
waster."
Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at
finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called
"Comment Taters". (Galatians 6:1) "Brethren,
if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to
do, but don't want to soil their own hands. They are called
"Dick Taters". (Proverbs 4:24) "Put away from
thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."
(Proverbs 8:13) "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:
pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth,
do I hate."
Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking
others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too
sour or too sweet. They are called "Agie Taters".
(Proverbs 6:14-19) "Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth
mischief continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his
calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without
remedy. These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are
an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and
hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked
imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A
false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord
among brethren."
There are those who say they will help, but somehow just
never get around to actually doing the promised help. They
are called "Hezzie Taters". (Proverbs 27:1) "Boast
not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day
may bring forth."
Some people put up a front and pretend to be someone they
are not. They are called "Emma Taters". (2 Peter
2:17-18) "These are wells without water, clouds that
are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is
reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words
of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through
much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who
live in error."
Then there are those who love others and do what they say
they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they
are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine
into the lives of others. They are called "Sweet Taters".
(Ecclesiastes 9:10) "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,
do it with thy might. . . ." (3 John 1:5) "Beloved,
thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren,
and to strangers;" (Romans 12:17) ". . . Provide
things honest in the sight of all men." (1 Corinthians
3:9) "For we are labourers together with God. . . ."
What kind of tater are you?
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Shiphrah and Puah
by Sharon Cromwell
Mother's day honors women for bearing, nourishing, and protecting
children with sacrificial love.
Shiphrah and Puah were Hebrew midwives who disobeyed Pharoah's
orders to kill all newborn Hebrew baby boys. They were willing
to protect and save the lives of children, even though it
involved civil disobedience, because they feared God. Luke
12:5 says, "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:
Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into
hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."
Exodus 1:15-21 from the Bible says: "And the king of
Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives, of which the name of the
one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah: And he said,
When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and
see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill
him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the
midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded
them, but saved the men children alive. And the king of Egypt
called for the midwives, and said unto them, Why have ye done
this thing, and have saved the men children alive? And the
midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not
as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered
ere the midwives come in unto them. Therefore God dealt well
with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very
mighty. And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God,
that he made them houses."
Life is precious! Don't waste it. Live so that in the end
you also have eternal life.
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June 2002
The Belly Of Hell
by David Wilkerson (edited)
Proverbs 14:26 says, “In the fear of the LORD is strong
confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.”
I believe Jonah disobeyed because he had no righteous fear
of God. Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the LORD had prepared a
great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly
of the fish three days and three nights.” God had hidden
his face, and the prophet had no one to turn to. Hell for
Jonah wasn’t the seaweed sweeping over him, or being
pounded back and forth. It was the sense that God had lifted
his hand from his life. It was all meant to test Jonah in
his disobedience. Jonah 2:1-2 says, “Then Jonah prayed
unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, And said, I
cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard
me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my
voice.” Jonah 2:7 says, “When my soul fainted within
me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee,
into thine holy temple.” Another great fish is being
enrolled by God in the troubled waters under our ship of prosperity.
America is about to be cast overboard and swallowed up by
an economic hell. I have written of foreseeing 1,000 fires
burning in New York City. I now believe those fires will come
from an economic collapse. After September 11, the market
tumbled. I see no signs of Nineveh-like repentance. We’d
all rather believe we’ll somehow be given a lifeboat
and avoid going into the belly of suffering. But in reality,
the whale’s belly is God’s ultimate act of mercy.
He has tried to bring us to repentance by his goodness, but
we’ve grown fat in our prosperity and forsaken him even
more. Now the Lord is saying, “I don’t know how
else to save you except through this kind of dark hell. Maybe
in the belly of a broken economy you’ll wake up. Perhaps
as you face a time of panic and fear, you’ll return to
your calling.” God isn’t trying to destroy America.
I believe he’s trying to save it. He’s also trying
to get his church back to its mission. His desire is that
out of this time in the whale’s belly, families will
turn back to him. Ministers will stop their sin and foolish
preaching, and churches will come alive. A praying remnant
will emerge with biblical values, to go into the world and
preach with true authority. The storm we’re in is meant
to teach us God means what he says. It’s all about getting
a revelation of his fear as well as of his mercy and grace.
If you’re walking in disobedience, run to him now. Quickly
repent, and pour out your soul to him. He won’t keep
you long in the whale’s belly. He’s a loving God
who longs to restore you.
Esther &Mordecai on the
Rollercoaster
by Sharon Cromwell
Esther on the rollercoaster: down-a stranger, up-picked by
the king, down- plot to kill Jews, fasting and prayer made,
up-God gives favor and Jews come out on top. Mordecai on the
rollercoaster: down-a stranger, informed king of plot to kill
the king, up-king realizes it and honors him, down-Haaman
plans to hang him and kill all the Jews, up-God heard and
brought deliverance! Psalm 75:6-7 says, “For promotion
cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from
the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and
setteth up another.” (These two were of God’s people
in a strange country. From humble beginnings, God desired
to promote them, although the devil planned to destroy them.
God’s plan was fulfilled.) Life is not all “peaches
and cream”, nor is it always a “bed of roses”.
Esther and Mordecai were of the Jews who were taken to another
country when Israel sinned against God. Esther was chosen
from among all the fair young virgins of the land for King
Ahasuerus. Her Uncle Mordecai informed her of a plot by Haaman
to destroy all the Jews. He told her, “For if thou altogether
holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement
and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but
thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth
whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
(Esther 4:14) There was risk involved with her speaking to
the king without him calling her. He had already put out Queen
Vashti because of her impudence for refusing to come at the
king's commandment. Esther told Mordecai in Verse 11: “All
the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces,
do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come
unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there
is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom
the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live:
but I have not been called to come in unto the king these
thirty days.” However, she knew she would not escape
any more than the other Jews. She said in Verse 16: “Go,
gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan,
and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days,
night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and
so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the
law: and if I perish, I perish.” Esther obtained favor
of the king and within days revealed Haaman’s plan to
kill the Jews. Esther 8:11 says, “Wherein the king granted
the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together,
and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause
to perish, all the power of the people and province that would
assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the
spoil of them for a prey.” Esther 8:17 says, “And
in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's
commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness,
a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land
became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.”!!!
The book of Esther is less than seven pages long in a small
Bible. Read of all the things that happened to Mordecai while
this was going on and how he also was promoted for his faithfulness
and stand for God and right.
Multi-Faith Religion?
by Sharon Cromwell
Someone who has not been founded in the Bible may be confused
about so many different “religions”. I read about
a “church” in the U.S. where currently Muslims,
Jews, Christians, Buddhists, and others supposedly all worship
together. They say that they “cut across all lines to
reach what is true.” They are deceived, and some of them
even worship devils. Interfaith, multifaith, and transdenominational
sound like unifying words, but they don’t all have the
same god! Amos 3:3 says, “Can two walk together, except
they be agreed?” There is only ONE TRUE GOD, the One
who authored the Bible. From the truth of God’s Word
we find that there is no other name by which we can be saved,
but Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Acts 4:12
says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there
is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved.” In Isaiah 44:8 God Himself said, “.
. . Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know
not any.” Exodus 34:14 says, “For thou shalt worship
no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous
God.” Deuteronomy 6:15 says, “(For the LORD thy
God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD
thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off
the face of the earth.” It is true that God is love (1
John 4:8 & 16), but Revelation 22:12 tells us that every
man will be rewarded according as his work shall be. Romans
2:1-11 is quite specific about it. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 talks
about some who, “. . . received not the love of the truth,
that they might be saved.” Many are searching for the
truth, but have found deceit. Jesus is the Truth. John 14:6
says, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth,
and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
The Bible speaks of the working of Satan with power and signs
and lying wonders in 2 Thessalonians 2:9. Therefore, power
by itself is not a sign of truth. We must worship God in spirit
and in truth. Denominationalism has separated those who do
believe in the true God and His Son Jesus. All should seek
God and be united in service to Him. Paul found an altar inscribed
with, “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” and told the people that
God, “. . . made of one blood all nations of men for
to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined
the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after
him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of
us:” Acts 17:26-27.
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July 2002
My Day Of Pentecost
by Gail Redman
The word Pentecost comes from a Greek word meaning fiftieth.
It occurs fifty days after Passover and lasts for one day.
The typical significance of the Pentecost is made clear from
the events recorded in Acts, Chapter 2. Just as the appearance
of God on Sinai was the birthday of the Jewish nation, so
was Pentecost the birthday of the Christian Church. I will
never forget my day of Pentecost, the day I was baptized in
the Holy Ghost. It is such a good gift from God and belongs
to all born-again believers. What I experienced lines up with
scriptures revealing the Baptism of the Holy Ghost that early
believers were blessed to receive. On April 13, 1992, I attended
a revival service in New Madrid. The evangelist had an altar
call for born-again believers who were not baptized in the
Holy Ghost. He said that he would read scriptures taken from
the Bible and people would be filled with the Holy Ghost.
I did not understand anything about this experience, but I
was not antagonistic toward this teaching. A friend sitting
next to me kept tapping me on my arm encouraging me to go
to the altar. I remember thinking, “I’ll just go
to the altar, listen to the scriptures that he reads, and
if nothing happens just go sit back in my seat.” Wow,
was I in for a blessing! Even before I made it to the altar,
the power of God was upon me. The evangelist read scriptures
and to this day I do not remember any of them. I do remember
being told to open my mouth. When I did, the power of God
fell upon me, filling me with the Holy Ghost. It felt like
being struck with power that you knew came from God. I could
feel God’s love for me that I had never felt before.
The power felt like it hit me in my chest and was coming from
heaven above. My hand immediately shot to the air and I was
instantly praising God in a language I did not know. I wanted
everyone to receive this gift from God, because it was so
pure and so full of joy and love. How did my life change after
my day of Pentecost? (1) I had a holy boldness in witnessing
that I did not have before. (2) I had a heavenly language
that I use every day to communicate with God above. (3) I
started operating in the gifts of the Spirit for the first
time. (4) I had a strong desire to read the Bible. Scriptures
started making sense and there was a deeper depth of understanding.
(5) I started praying for long periods of time. (6) I had
a strong desire to serve and please God. (7) I was instantly
set free of sins that had control over my life. Yes, everyone
needs the Baptism of the Holy Ghost!!! Don’t walk, but
run to the altar to receive from God.
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July 2002
AGREEMENT AND UNION OF GOD’S PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
IN EXTRAORDINARY PRAYER FOR REVIVAL
by Jonathan Edwards, 1703-1758, a minister in the 18th century
who preached during “The Great Awakening” (edited
)
“. . . God's people will be given a spirit of prayer,
inspiring them to come together and pray in an extraordinary
manner, that He would help his Church, show mercy to mankind
in general, pour out his Spirit, revive His work, and advance
His kingdom in the world as He promised. This would be characterized
by greater worship and service of God among believers. Others
will be awakened to their need for God, motivating them to
earnestly cry out to God for mercy. They will be led to join
with God's people in that extraordinary seeking and serving
of God which they see around them. We are, unfortunately,
too little inclined to pray because of our laziness and immaturity,
or because of the distraction of our own worldly, private
affairs. We have prayed at times, but without special seasons
for prayer, we are, likely, to neglect it either partially
or totally. But when we set aside certain times for prayer,
resolving to fulfill this commission unless extraordinarily
hindered, we are less likely to neglect it. We will be renewed
in the importance, necessity and unspeakable value of the
mercy we seek from God, and by frequent renovation, the vision
to pray will be kept alive in our hearts at all times.”
* Pray for revival, and let it start with YOU. Be sure to
read 1 Peter 5:8-10!
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Ask the Rabbi
Copyright 2002 The International Fellowship of Christians
and Jews, used by permission. For more information, visit
www.ifcj.org.
What is the story behind the Arab-Israeli conflict? This question
has been asked many times since the Palestinian violence began,
and particularly since it has escalated into a full-scale
campaign of murder by suicide attack. Whatever else may be
said about the present conflict, we must clearly understand
that the refusal of Israel’s right to exist is still
at the heart of Palestinian and Arab policy. This is not just
a dispute over the size of Israel’s borders. Arab hostility
against Israel is not a modern phenomenon, by any means. The
present conflict has roots that go back many generations.
Palestinian claims to sovereignty over portions of the Holy
Land, and particularly over Jerusalem, are illegitimate not
only in light of biblical history, but in light of centuries
of history in the Common Era (C.E., Jewish designation for
the time since Jesus’ birth). False Claims Jewish identification
with the land of Israel goes back almost four thousand years
to the time when God told Abraham to leave his homeland of
Ur Kasdim and to go “to the land that I will show you”
(Gen. 12:1). God promised to give this land to Abraham and
his descendants through Isaac forever. Israel became a nation
two thousand years before the rise of Islam in the seventh
century C.E., and has had a continual presence in the Holy
Land for many centuries. The only Arab dominion after the
conquest of the Holy Land in 636 C.E. lasted no more than
twenty-two years. In 1948, Arab refugees were encouraged to
leave Israel by Arab leaders who promised to purge the land
of Jews. These refugees were never absorbed into their own
people’s lands, despite a vast Arab territory into which
they could have settled. On the contrary, their Arab neighbors
turned the Palestinians away. Israel has given the Palestinians
most of the West Bank, autonomy under the Palestinian Authority,
and has even supplied them with weapons which are now being
turned on Israel. Under Arab rule in parts of Israel, Jewish
synagogues were destroyed and access to Jewish holy sites
was denied. But under Israeli rule, Muslim and Christian holy
sites have been preserved, and people of all faiths have full
access to them. Jewish Capital The insistence that Jerusalem
must be the capital of an independent Palestinian state is
ludicrous. Jerusalem has been the Jewish capital since the
time of King David. Jerusalem is mentioned seven hundred times
in the Hebrew Scriptures, but not once in the Koran. Mohammed
never visited Jerusalem. The holy city is the rightful capital
of the Jewish state. Sadly, the world community as a whole
has historically sided with the Arabs—and the same thing
is happening today. Israel is locked in a struggle for survival
and urgently needs the support of its loyal friends. Pray
for children in Georgia whose teacher reads her student’s
palms and practices other witchcraft in the classroom of a
public school. Pray for an Illinois worker. The company inspected
the cubicles for offensive items and told the worker to take
away a religious card that was displayed there. Pray for a
man in Georgia. His work place does not allow him to read
the Bible during lunch break at work. God answered prayer
and a man in Florida continues to have Sundays off. Due to
CLA attorneys educating an employer on equal treatment for
religious workers, an employee in the state of South Carolina
was allowed to keep on distributing Gospel tracts during his
free time at work. CLA provided legal information that led
a company in Connecticut to allow use of their conference
room for a service for the National Day of Prayer. There are
many such battles going on everywhere. Please have intercessory
prayer for your brothers and sisters in the Lord every where!
Our Lord is a miracle working God! “Now unto him that
is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him
be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
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Prayer and Praise
by Sharon Cromwell
Information taken from The Legal Alert (David C. Gibbs, Jr.)
Christian Law Association (www.christianlaw.org)
Pray for children in Georgia whose teacher reads her student’s
palms and practices other witchcraft in the classroom of a
public school. Pray for an Illinois worker. The company inspected
the cubicles for offensive items and told the worker to take
away a religious card that was displayed there. Pray for a
man in Georgia. His work place does not allow him to read
the Bible during lunch break at work. God answered prayer
and a man in Florida continues to have Sundays off. Due to
CLA attorneys educating an employer on equal treatment for
religious workers, an employee in the state of South Carolina
was allowed to keep on distributing Gospel tracts during his
free time at work. CLA provided legal information that led
a company in Connecticut to allow use of their conference
room for a service for the National Day of Prayer. There are
many such battles going on everywhere. Please have intercessory
prayer for your brothers and sisters in the Lord every where!
Our Lord is a miracle working God! “Now unto him that
is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him
be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
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August 2002
Soldier in God's Army
by Ryan Harris
18 year old Evangelist from Paducah., Ky Excerpted from a
sermon at LHF in June 2002.
Many Christians are bold in words and intentions but cowards
in the field. They answer God’s call at first, but take
the first possible opportunity to back out. Endurance is the
true test of a soldier! 2 Timothy 2:3-4 says, “Thou therefore
endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man
that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
We are in the middle of a battle as old as time! There are
two opposing sides. One is the World, the Flesh, and the Devil,
and the other side is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Will you be a soldier for God? To be a soldier, first you
must enlist in the army. You are then the property of your
King. The king will provide for the soldier. You will always
be in uniform and recognized as a soldier, where ever you
are. Your reason for existence is to fight! A good soldier
is loyal to the cause, fighting for the cause and not the
pay. He is also obedient to the King. God believes in training
and testing soldiers. He tested Gideon’s army. The first
test was for fear. Some were afraid and did not truly believe
in the cause. They would have been hazardous in battle. Fear
is contagious, and in an undisciplined or inexperienced army
panic will spread. We must resolve to trust God. God discards
the fearful and will also discard the carnal. Some pretend
to be a part of Christ’s army, but make no resistance
to the enemy. The second test God made on Gideon’s army
was that of self indulgence. The majority were more concerned
with their own needs than the safety of the army and their
leader. Those who used one hand for getting water and the
other for holding their weapon were true soldiers. The third
test was perseverance. They were faint, yet pursuing. No matter
how great their victory, God’s army will not slow down
or stop. We may be tired, but we are following the leadership
of our commander. We must be committed to total victory. Do
you pass the test? What kind of soldier are you? How deep
is your commitment to the cause of Christ? Some are fearful,
some are carnal, some do not go on to total victory, and some
are AWOL, but there are some good soldiers. Find your place
in God’s army and FIGHT! I AM A SOLDIER! from the Internet:
I am a soldier in the Army of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ
is my Commanding Officer. The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare. I have
been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried
by adversity, and tested by fire. I am a volunteer in this
Army, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will either retire
in this Army at the rapture or die in this Army; but I will
not get out, sell out, be talked out, or pushed out. I am
faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable. If my God needs
me, I am there. If He needs me in Sunday school, to teach
children, work with the youth, help adults, or just sit and
learn, He can use me, because I am there! I am a soldier.
I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed
up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier. No
one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice
me, or lure me. I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,
saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and
building His kingdom! I am a soldier. No one has to send me
flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts. I
do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to.
I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough
to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn
me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit. When Jesus
called me into this Army, I had nothing. If I end up with
nothing, I will still come out even. I will win. My God will
supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always
triumph. I can do all things through Christ. I am a soldier.
Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather
cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat
me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me and
hell cannot handle me! I am a soldier. Even death cannot destroy
me, for when my commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to a captain and then bring me back to
rule this world with Him. I am a soldier, in the Army, and
I’m marching, claiming victory. I will not give up. I
will not be turned around. I am a soldier, marching heaven
bound. Guess what? If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your
Savior, you have already enlisted! The question is, “Are
you on: 1. Active Duty: Serving the Lord faithfully, daily,
and on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.
2. Reserve Status: Backing up the Active Duty group? Serving
once a month, on weekends, and two weeks during the summer?
Serving only when called upon, or Twice a year - Christmas
and Easter? 3. Are you AWOL?
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September 2002
Victory Now
(by Gail Redman, who is a dentist in East Prairie)
As followers
of Jesus Christ, we will go through seasons of trials and testings. However, there are Christians who have certain areas
in their lives where they never get the victory. Why? It is
never God’s fault when His people walk a defeated life.
If we are not submitted under the authority of God in any
area, we should not expect to be an overcomer in that area.
Let me give you an example. Joe Christian goes to church every
Sunday with his wife and kids. He reads his Bible, prays,
and even fasts once in a while. However, he is always struggling
with his finances. It seems there is never enough money to
go around. He does not believe it is necessary for a New Testament
believer to tithe. He throws in a dollar every now and then,
and feels that is enough until his finances are in order.
Guess what? He is not under the authority of God concerning
his finances. He is King of his Finances and isn’t doing
a very good job! Until we put God first in every area of our
lives, we will not be victorious. Many times believers are
rebuking devils when submission and obedience to God’s
commandments is all that is necessary. God often requires
us to take a step of faith. When we are obedient to the voice
of God, we will never be disappointed or short-changed. It
is impossible to out- give God. It is time to take a fine-toothed
comb to our lives and search for those areas where we are
not in submission to authority, especially to God. If we take
this step, I believe that we can go forth as overcoming believers
proclaiming the words: “Victory NOW!!”
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JEWS NEWS September
You can be sure that Jews have not forgotten the holocaust.
Recently Palestinian supporters at San Francisco State University
surrounded a Jewish group and shouted, “Hitler didn’t
finish the job,” and “Get out or we’ll kill
you.” This is only one of 100+ recent such riots. Pray
for the Jews. The International Fellowship of Christians and
Jews has started a Stand for Israel campaign to increase support
for today’s Jews. For more information, you can visit
their new Web site, www.standforisrael.org.
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Love in Marriage
by Danny Beggs. Danny is on the ministerial staff at LHF
Luke tells us that Jesus went to eat with one of the Pharisees.
A woman in the city, which was a sinner, brought an alabaster
box of ointment, and while weeping began to wash his feet
with tears. Then she wiped them with the hairs of her head,
kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. You
don’t have to remind a sinner what they have done when
God has convicted them, because they realize their sins. This
woman was convicted of her sins, and she was repentant. The
Pharisee was critical, but Jesus taught him something in Luke
7:40-44. The one he forgave the most loved him the most. Many
marriages are unhappy, and many end in divorce. Perhaps adultery
was committed in the marriage, and sin is sin in God’s
eyes. The Bride of Christ needs to realize that we commit
adultery against Jesus when we sin, because we are supposed
to keep ourselves chaste and clean. Christians get dirty,
and we go to Jesus Christ and expect God to forgive us of
our sins. 1 John 1:9 promises us, “If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Psalm 103:12
says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath
he removed our transgressions from us.” He said He would
cast them into the sea to never remember them again. God also
says that we have an obligation to forgive. Instead of turning
to our spouses we sometimes turn on our spouses in anger,
whether the offense is real or imaginary! People offend us,
but it is worse with a spouse, because we expect more from
them. No matter how repentant or how bad the offender feels,
some will not totally forgive. At the least little thing it
is thrown up in their face again. That is not forgiveness,
but condemnation. That is what the devil does to us. Some
say they can forgive, but they can’t forget. The Lord
forgets our sins when He forgives us. We are to forgive and
forget also. How many times a day, as the bride of Christ,
have we broken the heart of Jesus? Whether people forgive
you or not, God will forgive you. Jesus says that if you have
sinned much, you have the capacity to love much. When spouses
who have been cheated on show the true unconditional love
of God, they forgive, and they don’t bring it up anymore.
However, the devil will bring it up every chance he gets!
If you don’t forgive, then you are not going to get into
Heaven. That one who hurt you so much, when forgiven, is capable
of loving you more than they were ever capable of before,
if given the chance. Our salvation is based on forgiveness
and the unconditional love of God. Jesus wants us to have
that love. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be
overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such
an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest
thou also be tempted.” If your spouse is not bought by
the blood of Christ, and you are, then the burden falls on
your shoulders. Try to restore them. They are hurting too,
being ashamed and disgusted with themselves. Jesus was sacrificed
on the cross and gave His blood for you and me while we were
yet sinners. If you believe Jesus saved you, changed you from
a sinner to a saint by washing you in His blood, then have
faith in Him when you have anything else that you need to
get under the blood! Jesus’ blood is enough to wash you
clean. When God looks upon us, He sees us redeemed, bought,
and purchased by His Son. God has unconditional love for us,
and we have an obligation to pass that unconditional love
along to others. Through His unconditional love and grace
God forgave the woman in Luke, Chapter 7. Christians in the
Bride of Christ have committed adultery against Jesus through
sin, but He is willing to forgive. We need to turn from our
sins, because we can’t have two masters. Get all your
transgressions and mistakes under the blood. He will forget
those sins, and He expects us to forget them and NOT do them
again! We must show God’s love to others, even when we
feel they don’t deserve it. We did not deserve what God
did for us. When the devil tries to make you hurt someone
for what they have done to you, think about how many times
we have hurt Jesus. God has willingly and unconditionally
forgiven us and taken us back. Let us show forth that same
unconditional love of Jesus Christ that will bring sinners
in to be saved!
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GOD GAVE ME A PENCIL
by John Randolph, who attends LHF
As I was hauling a load
of grain to Cairo, Illinois, I was also listening to a preacher
on the radio. His words about Christ were so inspiring, I
wanted to hear more. At the end of the broadcast, an address
was given to order his tapes. I could not find a pencil in
that truck, and my memory isn’t good. I arrived at the
grain company, stopped the truck, and turned the radio off.
I got out and was rolling the tarp when another truck pulled
in behind me. The driver came over and when we were done talking,
he just reached in his pocket and gave me two pencils. I said,
“Thank you. I wish I had these a little while ago.”
He told me I was welcome and got back in his truck, and I
got in mine. As I was pulling up to unload, I turned the radio
on again. The same preacher was being interviewed and his
address was given again. I knew right then that God wanted
me to listen to those messages, so I wrote the address down.
God will do little things to open our eyes, and God provided
a pencil when I needed it. My life has been changed forever.
Praise God!
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October 2002
Wait
(by Charlene Randolph, who attends LHF)
When I came to God I had a lot of anger. Because I was His
child, He convicted me, and I went through one trial after
another. When I had too much pressure from too many things
to do and not enough time, I lost my temper and took it out
on everyone around me. On my job, the department heads depended
on me, but even they received my anger. Because of this, some
were afraid to ask me to do things for them. Jesus had some
cleaning to do, so every time I turned around I had more pressure
than ever, and I’d “lose it”. I’d go to
the restroom and get on my knees and pray, “Lord, help
me to get rid of this anger.” It seemed like I went through
the same trial daily for many days! Finally I knew I needed
the Lord to take this from me! Again, I was at work and I
was feeling too much pressure, but this time I stood in the
aisle, stomped my feet, and said, “Lord, I don’t
want to go through another trial, so I’m standing here
waiting for you.” When coworkers came by and asked, “Char,
what are you doing?” I told them, “I’m standing
here waiting on the Lord.” They looked at me strangely
and left. If customers asked what I was doing, I told them
the same thing! I began to notice every time I said I was
waiting on the Lord, I received more joy. Before long I was
excited and had an overflow of joy! Workers said, “What’s
wrong?” and wanted to know if I was on drugs. I told
them no, that Jesus was in my life. I had lost track of time
as I stood there, and I wondered how I would get my work done,
but now things were different. It didn’t bother me, because
I had an all new attitude when I went to my office. I looked
on my computer to do my work, but it was already done, and
I really got excited. I called my manager to the office and
told him what happened! I have learned that any time I start
to feel pressure to give it to God, and He will take care
of it! Praise God!
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Alert:Pro-Family Agenda
Partial article taken from “The Legal Alert”, CLA’s
April 2002 issue. Reprinted by permission.
One conservative group in California is taking a page from
the liberal activist playbook and has filed a ballot initiative
that would require their city to promote family values. Called
the “Family First Ordinance,” this initiative would
amend the city charter to make the promotion of abstinence,
marital fidelity and devotion to children a priority of city
government. The measure, if citizens approve it, would require
the city to set up a permanent public awareness campaign contrasting
the benefits of family values with the harmful consequences
of promiscuity, adultery and neglect of children. Residents
would be continually reminded of pro-family values through
billboards and other advertisements. Similar to federal directive
during the Reagan years, city government would also be required
to file a “Family Impact Statement” for all laws
and policies the city council adopts. The initiative calls
for establishment of a seven-member “Family First Citizens’
Commission,” that would be charged with promoting a climate
in which families can thrive. Supporters of the initiative
believe it is time for pro-family citizens to stop playing
defense and promote a positive agenda to help families. CLA
reprinted this ordinance for others to consider introducing
in their own communities. For complete article and a copy
of the FAMILY FIRST ORDINANCE contact: Christian Law Association
P.O. Box 4010 Seminole, FL 33775-4010 (www.christianlaw.org)
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Our Powerless Foe
by Gail Redman, who is a dentist in East Prairie)
One morning as I awakened, the Lord spoke to my heart that
we are fighting a powerless foe. This does not mean that Satan
and his cohorts do not have power. We are given a promise
in the Bible in Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you
power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the
power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been given
miraculous power over the enemy. As parents, we have a God-given
authority over our children. However, if we allow our children
to dictate the rules, they are actually ruling our homes.
It is the same way with the power of darkness. If we allow
Satan to rule our thoughts, actions, and lives, we are not
using the authority that we have been given to live a victorious
life. Remember: “(For the weapons of our warfare are
not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of
strongholds;)” (2 Cor. 10:4) Why do we tremble when Satan
throws us a curve ball? We are the ones with the power. Start
using the authority God has given you to walk in power to
live an overcoming Christian life. Praise be to God!!! “.
. . we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
(Rom. 8:37)
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November 2002
CHURCH & SCHOOL FAMILY CENTER
by Pastor Kevin Badgley
We are in a building program at LHF! We know God is sending
Revival to the area and we have been working on the Family
Center which includes picnic, play, and sports areas. Plans
are being made to start the gymnasium, with our Christian
school to be added on soon afterward. If you would like to
be a part of this work of the Lord, we covet your prayers
foremost. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution,
we greatly appreciate those too! Some of you may even wish
to “Partner” with us on a scheduled basis, such
as monthly or quarterly. Just make your check to Living Hope
Fellowship and put FAMILY CENTER on the memo. Living Hope
Fellowship has, for 16 years, given thousands of dollars per
year in various ministry helps: audio and video tapes, newsletters,
food, home and vehicle repairs, local and foreign missions,
as well as upkeep and expansion of our facilities, all without
charge. This has been done without denominational coverings
or assistance, as we are an independent work. How we do Thank
and Praise God and His Son Jesus Christ for all His goodness
to this ministry! If you would like a copy of our booklet,
About LHF, let us know. It explains our history and faith
as well as how God has miraculously brought us through to
work in the vision He has wrought for us. God bless you, Pastor
Kevin Badgley
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WITCHCRAFT
by Mrs. Shayne Bundren, Principal of LHFCS
Due to the introduction of Harry Potter, Pokemon, and the
onslaught of merchandise portraying sorcery and witchcraft
across our nation, I was prompted by the Lord to share with
you what God’s Word tells us about sorcery and witchcraft.
Both the Old and New Testaments proclaim that sorcery and
witchcraft are an abomination unto the Lord. 2 Timothy 3:16
states that, “All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may
be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Therefore we must heed God’s teachings about sorcery
and witchcraft from both the Old and New Testaments. One of
the most prominent users of witchcraft in the Old Testament
was King Manasseh of Judah (2 Chronicles 33:1-11), who began
his reign at the age of twelve. God’s word tells us that
Manasseh did evil in the sight of the Lord like unto the abominations
of the heathen. Manasseh’s evil practices included observation
of times, use of enchantments and witchcraft, and dealing
with familiar spirits and wizards. The Lord brought great
affliction upon Manasseh and his people due to their evil
practices. Jeremiah 27:9 says to hearken not “. . . to
your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters,
nor to your sorcerers. . . .” Malachi 3:5 states that
the Lord “. . . will be a swift witness against the sorcerers.
. . .” Perhaps Isaiah 47:9 should most effectively impact
those of us who are parents. It tells us that widowhood and
loss of one’s children shall come upon God’s people
for the multitude of their sorceries and the great abundance
of their enchantments. In the New Testament, Acts 13:6-10
describes the efforts of a certain Jewish sorcerer, a false
prophet by the name of Bar-Jesus, who withstood the Apostle
Paul to keep him from sharing the Gospel with a government
official. Paul responded to this sorcerer by saying “.
. . O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of
the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not
cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” The Bible
states that the sorcerer was then blinded by the hand of the
Lord. Sorcery and witchcraft pervert the righteous ways of
the Lord. The spirit of witchcraft can be subtle, and even
cloak itself in innocence. For example, a movie portrays a
character whose problems are solved by ghosts or witches.
The movie seems to have a happy ending. However, demonic powers,
not God, receive the glory for solving the problems. Characters
in video games defeat their enemies with supernatural powers
(morphing, etc.) If the characters are not using God’s
power, exactly whose power are they using? Whose power is
being glorified? God’s Word tells us in 1 John 4:1 “Beloved,
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they
are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into
the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 advises us to, “Abstain
from all appearance of evil.” As sorcery and witchcraft
are an abomination to the Lord, any merchandise portraying
these things will not be allowed in LHFCS. Parents, as you
decide what you let your children watch on television, see
at the movies, and buy at the store, I encourage you to ask
yourselves, "Is this Christ-honoring?"
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School News
by Brianna Simoneau
Brianna is 11 years old and is a student in the fifth level
in LHFCS. She authored and typed this article for GPM office
at LHF.
Since the beginning of school eight young people have dedicated
themselves to the Lord, and at least four of them have been
baptized in water. We thank God for this. I hope more people
get saved. I think this school is teaching them about God
more. I got saved the first part of 2002. I was glad I got
saved. I felt rejoiced, and I am doing things differently
now.
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Jews News November
by Sharon Cromwell
Source: Land Without Peace, by Charles Krauthammer, The Washington
Post
PRAY for the peace of Jerusalem! The Palestinians want statehood,
but if this happens, Israel’s attempts to stop terrorism
in their country by pursuing them into Palestinian territory
becomes an invasion of another country. Charles Krauthammer
of The Washington Post has this to say about it: “The
terrorists will now have sanctuary. Every time Israel pursues
them, the Security Council will be called into emergency session
and America will be censured unless it condemns this Israeli
“invasion.” The net effect will be more terrorism
and increased resentment of American diplomacy.” PRAY
that our nation does not turn against Israel, because in Genesis
12:3 God was talking to Abraham and said, “And I will
bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.
. . .”
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A Hebrew Thanksgiving
by Sharon Cromwell
Americans have Thanksgiving holiday in November and we think
of the Pilgrims and the Indians sharing a feast with thankfulness.
An autumn harvest festival for Jewish families is called Sukkoth.
Sukkoth has been celebrated for over 3000 years. Sukkoth is
known by Hag ha Succot, the Feast of the Tabernacles, and
by Hag ha Asif, the Feast of Ingathering. Sukkoth begins on
the 15th day of Tishri, five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkoth
gets its name from the huts (succots) that the Israelites
dwelled in for 40 years before they were able to move into
the Promised Land. The huts were comprised of branches, and
so were easy to travel with in the desert. Sukkoth is celebrated
for 8 days, in which the Jews build temporary huts like the
ones used by their ancestors. On the roof is foliage arranged
to let light in. Many Jews in the world today still journey
to Jerusalem for this holiday. Many hotels of the city provide
sukkahs attached to their eating areas so their clientele
can eat in the airy booths. Both the physical harvest and
the pilgrimage to Jerusalem were important as offerings of
sacrifices of thanksgiving to God for the Israelites.
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December 2002
Big God, Little Devil
by Gail Redman
A missionary from Thailand recently spoke the words, “Big
God, little devil!” These four words have really impacted
my spirit man. It is as we minister in the spirit, not the
flesh, to our big God that the devil we thought looked so
big, crumbles.
Big God, little devil! Big God, little cancer! Big God, little
kidney stone. Big God, little financial problem. Big God,
little problem at home or work. As we approach each test or
trial with the attitude that our God is big and the devil
is a defeated foe, our faith soars regarding the ability of
our God.
Little devil tries to magnify our problems, but our big God
has promises given to us in the Word of God that we can claim
for our lives and families. Believers have been given power
over this little devil (see Luke 10:19). His lies cannot hurt
us unless we choose to believe them. Lies such as, “You’ll
always be sick. Your husband or kids will never serve God.
You will never be delivered of drugs, alcohol, nicotine, gambling,
or other addictions. You can never serve God. God doesn’t
love you.”
This little devil rambles on and on about what we will never
have or be if we serve God. Give this little devil a black
eye and speak the words, “Big God, little devil!!”
If we say it enough maybe we’ll start believing what
we know to be true, but what the little devil is always trying
to steal - our faith in our big, big God!!!!
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Samantha Has a Reason to Sing
by Preston Rose
(Preston and family attend LHF. Preston plays drums for us.)
When my daughter, Samantha, was about two years old, hospital
personnel gave her a shot by mistake. It affected the muscle
and left a one inch deep indentation approximately the size
of a quarter in her hip. They said it would never grow back
and be normal, but would probably be much worse. It was that
way for about a year. I decided to believe God to heal her
and laid hands on it every night and prayed for it. Gradually
it started healing and growing back. Finally it was just a
red place. I would not accept that and told the devil that
was leaving too! It took about another month of nightly praying
and believing and the red place disappeared also! You cannot
tell it was even there. Praise God! The doctor just scratched
his head and said, “I don’t know!” This case
is documented.
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Living Hope Fellowship, Inc.
E-mail
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