Living Hope Fellowship Church

Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that the LORD'S mercies and His compassions fail not. �They are new every morning. . . .� It is a new year, so get a fresh start at the target.

What TARGET? Do we have a destination in mind? TeamCE 2001 Youth Ministry Leader�s Guide says, �Eighty percent of the work is being done by twenty percent of the people.� It also says that there are two rules for �team-based� ministry. Jesus has to be a shared treasure, and there must be involvement!

Are you personally focused on the target? Is your purpose aimed at winning souls for Jesus? Focus means �a point at which rays meet . . . especially the point at which an image is formed by a mirror; adjustment that gives clear vision; center of activity�. Do all the directions of your life meet at the cross of Jesus? Have you focused on the cross to the point that you mirror the image of Jesus Christ? Have you adjusted your vision so you can clearly see the goal of the gospel? (See 2 Peter 3:9.)

Ephesians 3:20 says God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. Matthew 16:18 tells us that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ, so let�s get going. God is for us as we go for Him!

ARE YOU STANDING ON MIRY CLAY?

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri who is a regular

contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

I do not have dreams very often that I think are from God. However, recently I had a dream that I feel God used to speak to me about sin. This was my dream. Someone that I love very dearly was taken back in time to when they were a small child with cowboy boots on their feet. This child had dug a long, deep pit and was walking back and forth in it.

I was standing above watching. All of a sudden the ground started bubbling and becoming soft. This person was completely swallowed up and engulfed by mud. I immediately jumped in the pit and was trying desperately to get them out. No matter how hard I tried to get them out, I could not find them.

In the dream, I was fran-tically trying to get the attention of others to help and call 911. I was thinking, �They have been submerged too long. By now their lungs are full of mud.� Then I awoke. I was disturbed when I woke up and asked God, �Are you trying to tell me something by this dream?�

This is what I feel God showed me. Miry clay is like sin. Sin takes us into a pit. Other believers may want to deliver us, but it takes the hand of God to get the mud out of our eyes in order that we can see the light. Sin swallows us up and no matter how bad someone else wants us out of the pit, only God can set us free.

There is only one sure foundation, the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Sin can deceive us into believing that we are on a solid foundation, but all of a sudden we are in a pit.

Where are you standing?

Is your foundation solid or shaky? It is dark in the horrible pit of sin with sin choking out spiritual life. Keep your eyes on heaven and your feet on the only solid foundation, Jesus Christ.

Psalm 40:2 says, �He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.�

Text Box:

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

Source: June 27, 2004 issue of the Pentecostal Evangel

(An Assemblies of God publication.) www.pe.ag.org

Article by Rebecca Flores-Perez, newsletter staff

In the June 2004 Pentecostal Evangel were copies of several letters from soldiers. One in particular caught my eye. We often think of military personnel as being too tough for God or too heathen to know Him. Let me tell you that there are people on the front lines who truly believe in God and live the Christian life. They may not make the headlines on CNN, but their names are written in the Book of Life!

A soldier by the name of Timothy recently wrote his wife and this is some of what he had to say:

�The church is growing and there is life there. The chaplains are making a big

effort to bring God to these people and bring these people to God.

Please pray for strength, inspiration and anointing for the leaders here. The worship team has talented people who love God. Please pray for

visions and experiences with God. I would love to see the Holy Spirit

really poured out on this place.

Please pray for the Iraqi people that God would bless them and give them peace. Nothing can stop the violence here like the presence of God.

I am starting to meet people who are interested in God where I never would have expected them. I am hoping to start a Bible study in the living area.�

That was very encouraging to read! We have been praying for a move of God in our soldiers in Iraq. Please help us pray for Soldier Timothy and his God-given desire to reach souls for Christ by sharing the Gospel.

ARE YOU RAPTURE READY?

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

A visiting evangelist recently stated that the Lord had told him that the majority of the church is not ready for the rapture. He searched his heart asking, �Lord, am I ready?� We need to ask ourselves that same question. Not everyone that claims to be a Christian will go in the rapture.

Scoffers mock the coming of the Lord, but 2 Peter 3:14 says, �. . . seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.� We need look for the coming of the Lord and not be practicing sin. A mystery of iniquity is at work in our world and people are deceived by their sin.

Christians are children of God and do not walk in darkness. Our eyes are open to spiritual truth and the light of the Gospel. We do not want to be like the foolish virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13) who allowed the oil (Holy Spirit) to run out. In this parable, we are warned to watch. Has the oil of the Spirit run out of your vessel? As evil increases and the perils of the times vex many, we need to be walking in the Spirit and daily drawing nigh to God for strength to endure to the end.

February 2005

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

Psalm 116:15 says, �Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.�

I heard a story of a woman who wanted to be buried with her fork in her hand. She said it was because her grandmother told her when she attended socials and dinners, and the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would tell her to �keep her fork�! That meant something better was coming, usually dessert! The woman wanted to remind people that she knew the best was yet to come after death.

It takes faith to believe God to save your soul. You will have eternal life with Jesus after death if you continue in Christ (see Romans 11:22). If you fear death, your faith in God needs perfecting.

Psalm 139:23-24 says, �Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.�

March 2005

AUSTRALIA

by Sharon Cromwell

source: Brian Pickering, National Coordinator,

Australian Prayer Network, P.O. Box 31, Epping NSW 1710

In 2004 Australia showed great progress in re-establishing Christian values into their nation�s society. Their very first National Day of Thanksgiving was May 29, 2004!

Because many Christians acted, the Marriage Act of their nation was amended to limit marriage to between a man and a woman! Praise God! Even a new political party called Family First was formed with instant electoral success!

The previous year at least 100,000 people prayed seriously, as it was the Year of Prayer for Church and Nation.

They are believing, as they stay �resolute, yet humble� that God will provide further advancement for the kingdom of God in their nation in 2005! PRAISE GOD!

FOR DISCUSSION

by Sharon Cromwell

Do you have trouble sharing your blessed hope in Christ Jesus? An old adage says that practice makes perfect! So - have you practiced witnessing? Get someone to practice with you. Here are three examples of possible situations you can start with.

1. Someone you know is dying with an incurable disease, and you aren�t sure they are saved.

2. Your boss looks sad. Should you say something about the Lord�s joy, or are you intimidated by the possibility of loss of job, friendship, etc.?

3. You know of someone who is considering an abortion. Do you find out more and then try to witness and help find options for her?

Always obey the unction of the Spirit of God, because you�ve already prayed. . . .

Right?

PHONY?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

source: Bzone Guy Ron Weide, bzone@navpress.com

Ron Weide rode his bike to church activities as a teenager. Riding home late, he would hear eerie and mysterious noises in the fields and ditches around him. He said, �As boys tend to do, I dreamed of being a macho, muscular, boxing karate expert.� Ron said when he became afraid, he would say something in a deep tone such as, �Boy, it�s a good thing I�m 6' 5", 250 pounds, can bench press 500 pounds, and am the karate champion of the world.�

When you are afraid of what people think, do you become a phony? 2 Corinthians 10:12 tells us that we are not wise if we measure or compare ourselves among ourselves!

If our love is perfected (see 1 John 4:18) we won�t have fear, but confidence in God. Ron Weide says leaders and teachers have an �awesome responsibility and privilege.� We should not act like somebody we are not.

Weide says, �Be who God has uniquely made you and use your unique gifts, talents, experiences, upbringing, education, and passions to help those whom you are leading into a deeper amazement of God�s grace and even more meaningful and loving relationships with each other.� He says, �. . . your life is too valuable to be spending it on trying to impress others or scare off things in the bushes that don�t even exist.�

Joshua 1:9 reminds God�s people to be courageous, and not afraid, for God is with them.

WHAT KIND OF BELIEVER ARE YOU?

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

I believe there are different categories of believers. I may not have included every category, but I feel I have listed enough for you to get the point. Ask yourself, �Into which category of believers do I fall?�

(1) Some people are non-believers. They will tell you they do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They say He was only a prophet or a good man.

(2) Another category of believer is someone who believes and trembles just as the devils believe and tremble. (See James 2:19.) However, this individual has faith without works. Saving faith is lacking, as there is knowledge of God, but no repentance.

(3) There are other believers who possess saving faith, but they suffer loss of reward. Every man�s work will be revealed as to what sort it is. The only sure, solid foundation is Jesus Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

(4) Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac, his son, upon the altar. (See James 2:21.) A believer whose faith is perfected by his works falls into this category.

Faith perfected by works is what we should strive for, because real faith pleases God, and nothing shall be impossible to him that believeth!

WORK UNDER PRESSURE?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

Source: www.openheaven.com/forums

Two Christian sisters, Chung Lee and June, were vacationing in Phuket when chaos hit. Engulfed in the flood, dead bodies everywhere, they grabbed a column of the hotel. A Thai woman who could not swim grabbed June and hung on to her, screaming. Amazingly, June led the Thai woman in prayer and she accepted Jesus as her Savior!

They and others finally reached safety on a balcony. Even then Chung Lee said her sister, �. . . prayed in Jesus� name to break and bind all the fear in them,� and some accepted Christ. The sisters only suffered minor cuts and bruises through what was such a tragedy for some. We must learn to reach out and let God�s love flow through us, no matter what our situate

April 2005

THE VISITORS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

Source: The Southern Illinoisan, Wednesday, February 9, 2005, VOL. 112, NO. 40

contact info: writeon1@shawneelink.net

Rev. Randy Steele, Ph # (618) 625 2006

Rev. Randy Steele, senior pastor of Southwest Christian Church in Mt. Vernon, was contacted by the FBI on November 23, 2004. Later that day two FBI agents questioned him concerning his sermons! Rev. Steel had been preaching a series of eight sermons about �controversial cultural issues�. They asked about specific quotes from a sermon that Rev. Steele said was, �. . . about abortion and what the Bible says about the sanctity of life.� That was preached six months previous to the questioning.

Rev. Steele mentioned during his sermon on Memorial Day, �There have been 1 million die in all the wars and more than 43 million abortions. . . .� He said he tied that information together by saying, �We are in a different type of war that is being fought under the presupposition of freedom.� Although this pastor mentioned the words abortion and war in the same sermon, it was NOT a call for violence.

Someone told the FBI that Rev. Steele had said (during a sermon on homosexuality) that he was willing to go to jail for his beliefs. Actually, he was referring to what a pastor in Canada had said. That man was arrested for speaking about homosexuality in his church.

After the questioning, Steele asked the agents where it went from there and they both told him �nowhere�. Thank God! Steele does not plan to quit preaching on topics considered �controversial or politically incorrect.�

Steel says, �As a pastor I believe that as Christians we are called and it is our duty to speak the truth no matter what. I don�t think as a pastor that I have an option. I think I have to speak the truth that the Word of God teaches; otherwise I don�t have anything to say. And we have to continue to speak the truth in love to all people and to share the message of Christ, because it�s the only message that�s going to change the lives of people.� Steel invited the FBI agents back to church to hear the Word of God!

WHY DOES EVIL HAPPEN?

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

Why does evil happen? This question has been the debate of theologians for centuries. I believe that we can turn to the Bible for the answer.

There are no accidents. God is in control of everything that takes place in this world. Since God is love, and He is perfect, why does an omnipotent God allow things to happen to our nation? God is not the author of sin (see James 1:13).

In the Genesis account of creation (see Genesis 1:31), we are told, �And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. . . � Man was created with a free will, not as robots lacking the ability to make choices. Paul made a statement in Acts 14:16 that shows God allowed man to go his own way. It says, �Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.�

Sometimes God allows man to do the evil he intends, to bring judgment on an individual or a nation. However, God can limit how far evil can go or keep man from the sin that he intends. The September, 2001 issue of The Navigator�s Daily Walk had awesome insight concerning the scattering of the nation of Israel in judgment. It says, �God initiated the judgment

(Zech. 7:14); God�s enemies executed the judgment (Zech.7:14); but God�s people are charged with the ultimate responsibility for the judgment, because their sins were the underlying cause (Zech. 7:11-13).

God is calling His people to repentance. Do you have spiritual ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church in this last hour? (See Rev. 2:11.)

May 2005

ARE THEY READY?

Editorial by Rebecca Flores-Perez, newsletter staff

Source: The Barna Group, Ltd. (Ventura, CA)

How would you answer the following question? �Do you think America�s young people (under the age of 13) are being adequately prepared for life in the following areas:

1. Emotionally

2. Intellectually

3. Morally

4. Physically

5. Spiritually

The Barna Group held a survey last year involving a little over 1,000 people with this question among other issues that concern today�s Christian. Surprisingly enough, both men and women ran closely in their views on this matter. The results were that the moral and spiritual development lags the most.

It seems everyone is waiting for someone else to do their job for them. Apparently, parents feel that society is letting them down. Unfortunately, we expect society to cure its own ills. We�ve heard how society raised the children who opened fire on their fellow classmates. However, Mr. George Barna says, �The family is obligated to invest in the life preparation of their own children. Passing youngsters off to agencies ought to be a secondary option, not the primary means through which values, skills, and perspectives are developed....�

Scientists have proven that there is a window of time, the first five years of each person�s life, in which all behavior and emotional issues are learned. If behavior issues are not solved while they�re young, it is very difficult to �retrain� that behavior.

I suggest that mothers who have the option of staying at home with their children while they�re young at least pray about it. Today, too many of our children are learning their first words at secular day care centers. While the world laughs at the two-year-old who can speak more profanity than conversational words, I find it appalling.

As children reach school age, another factor to consider is the amount of time they must spend in a school environment and the influences they encounter. Not all children can attend a Christian school. However, parents can still provide a positive influence through consistent, in-home Bible study and regular church attendance.

As for attending church and Sunday School, I feel strongly that parents should attend with their children. I call parents who drop their children off at church or Sunday School, but don�t themselves attend, �peek-a-boo parents�. These parents have a tendency to handle the small issues, but when it comes to the nitty gritty on larger issues, they allow their children to �find out on their own.� This attitude totally opposes Proverbs 22:6: �Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.�

Joshua 24:15 states, �...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.� Isn�t it time parents start exercising their God-given control?

FYI (for your information)

source: the American Family Association

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

AFA has alerted us that in March of 2005 - 61,000 elementary schools were to receive a video or DVD called We are Family. The producers of this video have recently openly promoted homosexuality on the WAFF website. It is advised that you contact your child�s teachers to see if they intend to use the suggested reading materials and/or teacher�s guide that accompanies the video. Pro homosexuals use such things under the guise of tolerance toward other groups. AFA suggested that you get other parents involved, and ask the principal specifically if the subject of homosexuality will be discussed if brought up by a stud

GIVE UP? NEVER!

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

I heard a story about a shipwreck survivor who ended up on an uninhabited island. Of course he prayed for God to send someone to rescue him. One day his feeble hut caught fire, causing him to cry out against God in hurt and anger. However, the next day a rescue ship arrived. They had seen his �smoke signal�.

Be encouraged. God is still working! God�s grace is sufficient; GOD IS ABLE, and God doesn�t lie!!! See Ephesians 3:20 and Numbers 23:1

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

IS THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MAY

The Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in 1775. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. In 1952, President Truman signed into law a joint resolution by Congress declaring an annual National Day of Prayer. President Reagan amended it in 1988 to designate the first Thursday of every May as the National Day of Prayer. Please participate May 5, 2005.

God bless America!

NEW FACILITY

by Pastor Kevin Badgley

As many of you already know, we are currently meeting with a building contractor on details for a new Family Center here at LHF. It will include a gym, a stage, a cafeteria, classrooms, and offices. Having nearly 17,000 (seventeen thousand) square feet of floor space, it will be a major undertaking for us all.

We believe God would have us equipped to meet the needs of those in the care of this ministry and our surrounding area. The facility will also enable us to work in areas of ministry that we currently cannot. We also see it as a means for us to work with other ministries to reach our area for Christ.

The Word of God says in Proverbs 29:18, �Where there is no vision, the people perish. . . .�, but 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, �. . . where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.�

This ministry is dedicated to bringing revival to the people and meeting their needs of this life as well. Our goal is to equip young and old alike in the Kingdom of God and to help them be self sufficient in this world. It is the truth that makes men free � that is what we�re about.

If you would like to be a part of this vision of God, let us know.

Thank you. Pastor Kevin Badgley

June 2005

A PRISON MINISTRY UPDATE

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

Prison ministry is mentioned in Matthew 25:36. It is not always possible to go to prisoners, but we can still minister to them. We have been putting gospel literature into inmates� hands, and one wrote and said,

�I am so much into the Word. Ever since I finished Living Hope Fellowship�s Bible studies . . . I am now doing Bible Studies from over thirty churches all over the country. I have over thirty certificates including two from LHF. The Word of God is literally addicting.�

This inmate tells us that he is in a prison that houses death row inmates. He says they have groups who pray twice a day. In his own words he says,

�We pray for unity in the body inside these walls and outside these walls. We pray for families, the persecuted church, peace on the compound, those ill and terminally ill, those in need, those in authority, our military, our president, and our court cases. We pray for a lot more. There�s just so much.�

You and I can pray for those in prison, for those in prison ministry, and like this inmate said, �There�s just so much� to pray for. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, �. . . be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.�

Nine inmates have gone through our simple Basic Bible Course and received certificates. Five have received certificates for our Church Course. They and others receive benefit from sermon books by our Pastor, plus encouraging letters and supplementary reading material from Ann Evans, our Prison Ministry Coordinator. We appreciate your prayers for every ministry at LHF. Thanks.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

If Christians truly have spiritual eyes to discern what is going on, they will be on their knees daily praying. We are in a spiritual battle that is won with spiritual weapons. The believer in Jesus Christ must know the identity of their three enemies � the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Many Christians love the world more than they love God. Coming out of the world and being separate from the sins of the world is a constant struggle.

We must die daily to the desires of our flesh and surrender our will to the plan and purpose of God. If we continue in our sin, we have not allowed God to deliver us, but we have allowed our flesh to get the victory.

God allows the devil to tempt Christians, but 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.�

Many are too busy to attend prayer meeting. Satan will make sure that there is always something to keep us distracted. When we make a decision to put God first, it involves a sacrifice of our time. It is necessary to guard our time and eliminate certain activities that interfere with our prayer time.

Some believers are bound and defeated their entire lives in areas such as sickness and disease, finance, relationships, and wrong or negative thinking. Total victory never comes to the Christian who fights spiritual battles with carnal weapons!

We have been given instructions on how to battle against our adversary. Read James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, and Ephesians 6:10-18.

Revelation 12:11 tells us three ways that we overcome: (1) By the blood of the lamb, (2) By the word of our testimony, and (3) Loving not our lives unto death. I challenge you to study these verses, asking the Holy Spirit to shine a light on your area of weakness. We will have battles, but the victory belongs to the people of God!!!

July 2005

BRING YOUR OWN UMBRELLA

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

James 2:18 says, �Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.�

I heard a story about a farm community�s drought. A special prayer meeting was called to ask God for rain, and quite a few came. However, only one small girl had the faith to bring her umbrella!

Lots of Christians pray, but how many expect an answer? Obey the Lord, and be encouraged that He is ready to answer!

Isaiah 65:24 says, �And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.�

Jeremiah 33:3 says, �Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

DEAD DUCK SLAVERY

author unknown

story retold by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

A little boy was visiting his grandparents and accidentally killed his grandmother�s pet duck. Dismayed, he hid it in the woodpile. His sister saw it and took advantage of it, making him do all her work. After several days, he confessed to his grandma, at which time she told him she had seen the whole thing! She said she had forgiven him and wondered how long he was going to let his sister make a slave of him!

The lesson here is that the devil will make a slave of you unless you confess your sins to Jesus!

1 John 1:9 says, �If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.�

MARRIAGE

source: (Center.For.Reclaiming.America@cfra.info,

Dr. Gary Cass, Executive Director for Center for Reclaiming America)

An e-mail message from the Center For Reclaiming America says, �A federal judge in Nebraska has unwittingly exposed the lie of states being able to protect themselves where the marriage issue is concerned.�

If you stand with CFRA for godly marriage, you can be a part of the Emergency Petition Presentation to Congress by going to http://www.cfra.info/31/petition and signing.

SPIRITUAL MATURITY RATINGS

Source: BARNA UPDATE JUNE 14, 2005 The Barna Group, Ventura, CA, by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editorWorst In Bible Knowledge

Nine out of ten adults contend that their faith is very important in their life, and three out of every four adults who consider themselves to be Christian say there are aspects of their faith life they would like to improve.

Each adult surveyed was asked to rate their maturity in relation to seven dimensions of their spiritual life. Most people saw themselves as possessing average maturity in those areas.

�Among adults who deem themselves to be Christian, almost half (48%) rated themselves above average in their ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Only 5% rated themselves below average.

Four out of ten adults (41%) felt they were above the norm in serving other people, while only 8% felt they were below average. The other half said they were about average.

Consistently living your faith principles - About one-third of adults (36%) said they were above average in this regard, while a majority (55%) rated themselves as average. Only 7% of adults claim to be below average.

One-third of adults (36%) stated that they are completely or highly developed in the area of worship, with just one out of seven (14%) saying they are below average in this faith domain. Almost identical ratings were provided in regard to providing spiritual leadership to their family (33% above average, 14% below average).

The two aspects of spiritual life that people were most likely to acknowledge struggling with were sharing your faith with others (23% above average, 23% below average, with 53% average) and Bible knowledge (21% above average, 25% below average, 53% average).

Each survey respondent was also asked to identify an aspect of their faith that they would most like to improve. Among the improvements listed by 1% or less of the population were: loving people, accountability, financial generosity, living consistent with their faith principles, prioritizing their faith, enhancing the role of faith in their family, and having influence based on their faith.

Most people do not know what faith maturity looks like. George Barna, who directed the research, said, �Perhaps the outcomes of the survey will encourage church leaders to help people not only prioritize their spiritual development, but also to consider what spiritual transformation looks like in practical terms.

THE INTIMIDATER

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth newsletter.

To intimidate means to make afraid or to force or deter as with threats. Intimidation is a technique or device that Satan uses to cause us to be fearful. Here are some of the lies that are used by the kingdom of darkness to evoke fear: �You can�t do that.� �You are going to die!� �Your family will never be saved.� �God doesn�t love you.� �God will never forgive you of your sins. You are just too bad.� �Nobody likes you.� �God will never use somebody like you.� �You are going to lose your job.� �You will always be a nobody.� Do you get the picture? The intimidator never runs out of lies to whisper in your ear to cause you to doubt the goodness of God.

The good news is that the devil is a liar and a defeated foe. Our God is a God of love. We are told in 2 Timothy 1:7, �For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.�

Our job is to know the Word of God so that we will recognize the lies of Satan. 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.�

What a promise!!! It is time for believers to kick out fear and possess the promises that belong to God�s children.

August 2005

BACK TO SCHOOL

More from Jay Alan Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel. Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood, Case #04-1144

FAST FACT: Polls have found that about 75% of all Americans support requiring minors to notify their parents or get their consent before having an abortion.

Jay Allen Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel, says, �A high school student can�t get an aspirin without parental consent � and the idea that they would have an abortion or surgery without notifying the parents, to me seems absolutely ridiculous.�

THE WAR AGAINST THE CROSS

Source: ACLJ - American Center for Law & Justice, P.O. Box 90555,

Washington, D.C. 20090-0555. by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

1Corinthians 1:18 says, �For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.�

Acts 13:10 tells us there are enemies of all righteousness who will pervert the right ways of the Lord!

From an American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) pamphlet we read that , �. . . the ACLU issued a directive instructing any town whose seal bears the symbol of a cross to remove the symbol immediately and voluntarily, or face a lawsuit.�

This was another attempt to remove all religious observances and references from American public life! However, ACLJ sent a legal memorandum to every city targeted by this anti-faith campaign of the ACLU, advising them to resist the intimidation and that the ACLJ would help them protect their city seals.

Romans 8:31 says, �. . . If God be for us, who can be against us?�

What do you value? It is good to recognize who stands for what, before you make a stand with them. Do you know the differences in the ALCJ and the ACLU?

This table clearly shows the difference.

ISSUE ACLJ ACLU

Abortion against for

Ungodly Federal Judges against for

Public Ten Commandments for against

Free expression of religious faith for against

Making child pornography illegal for against

God for against

The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) fights for godly values. Even the Times magazine declares that the ACLJ is a �powerful counterweight� to the liberal American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Joshua 24:15 teaches us that we have to choose, but Joshua said, �. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.� We must agree with him!

September 2005

FULLY RESTORED

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

Sin separates us from God. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us that sin easily besets us, but in Ephesians 3:16 Paul taught we can be �. . . strengthened with might by his [God�s] Spirit in the inner man.� When we are truly sorry for sin, God helps us to change!

Sin angers our holy God, but Hosea 14:4 says, �I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.� Ezekiel 18:30 says, �. . . Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.�

The prodigal son of Luke, Chapter 15, forsook his old ways, and returned to his father in humility and sincerity, and was fully restored. That is the only way we get back full fellowship with God and a conscience void of offense (see Acts 24:16). We must intercede and pray that hearts won�t be hardened in rebellion. See Proverbs 29:1 and 2 Peter 3:9.

The conscience of a backslid Christian bothers and condemns him.

Separate yourself from temptation and sin and ask forgiveness. 1 John 1:7 says,

�. . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.�

Proverbs 28:13 says, �He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.� There is no peace of mind or freedom from condemnation until you are free of sin. Restoration brings peace and joy. You love the Lord, and you know that He loves you. (See 1 John 3:19-22.)

Your position changes when you sin. Peter denied the Lord, but weeping bitterly did not solve everything. In John, Chapter 21, Jesus restored Peter�s position in God in front of the disciples, telling him to feed His sheep. They had no reason then to bring up his past. When he got the Holy Ghost, he preached repentance to those who not only denied Christ, but to those who crucified Him! (See Acts 2:38)

God will restore your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, �Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.� Our hearts must be purged of the desire for sin (see Proverbs 23:7).

Then we can obey Luke 9:23 and take up our cross daily and follow Jesus!\

STRADDLING THE FENCE

by Gail Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth Newsletter.

To straddle means to: �place oneself with a leg on either side of or to appear to take both sides of (an issue); avoid committing oneself on�.

We are commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:17, �Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.�

We cannot expect to receive the blessing of God if we are straddling the fence. There is no peace in this condition, because we are convicted of sin so we cannot really enjoy it. James 1:8 says, �A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.�

Are you a fence straddler? A fence straddler cannot enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because sin separates us from God. Our heart is condemned and we have trouble going boldly unto the throne of grace. The good news is that if we confess our sins, repent, and ask God to set us free, we then have an advocate with the Father. We can then enter into the presence of God. If you are a fence straddler, get off of the fence and decide today who you want to serve!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes

3:1-8

WHY?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter editor

Toddlers frequently ask, �Why?� Many Christians ask the same thing. We aren�t always going to know why, because faith pleases God. Do you trust Him?

It is said that some people escaped personal tragedy of �9/11� because of �little things� that happened. Listed here are 11 of those things:

1. Son started kindergarten

2. It was his turn to bring donuts

3. Alarm clock didn't go off on time

4. stuck in traffic because of an auto accident

5. Missed the bus

6. spilled food; had to take time to change clothes

7. Car wouldn't start

8. Had to answer the telephone

9. Child dawdled and wasn�t ready on time

10. Couldn't get a taxi

11. New shoes caused a blister, so he stopped to buy a bandage

Learn not to fret. Trust God that He is directing your path. Christians can walk in the �steps� of faith and know that his steps are �ordered by the Lord�! See Romans 4:12 and Psalm 37:23.

OCTOBER 2005

KATRINA REMINDS US

by Sharon Cromwell, LHF newsletter editor

Source: www. Maxlucado.com/Katrina

Jesus scolded the religious leaders around Him for not being able to discern the signs of the time. Matthew 16:3 says, in part, �. . . O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?�

A message by Max Lucado, �What Katrina Can Teach Us�, outlines three things we should remember. The first one is that possessions are temporary. Luke 12:14 tells us, �. . . a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.�

1 Timothy 6:17 warns the rich not to �. . . trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God. . . .�

The second thing to remember is that you have to deal with both sinners and saints. Max Lucado said, �We saw humanity at its best. And we saw humanity at its worst . . . Someone said, �The heavens declare the glory of God but the streets declare the sinfulness of man.��

Max also said that, �The main problem in the world is not Mother Nature, but human nature.�

If you will notice, the word SIN has an I in the middle of it. We are so self (I) centered!

The third thing he wants us to remember is God�s grace! Titus 3:5 says, �Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;�

People and parts of our country were destroyed. There is a mess to clean up. Max Lucado says, �That is what God offers to do with us. He comes into sin-flooded lives and washes away the old.� However, some will refuse Christ Jesus like some refused to be rescued from the hurricane they had been warned was coming.

We have read about another flood in Genesis 6:8, �But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.� God�s grace is for whosoever will come to Him. (See Revelation 22:17.)

Matthew 16:26 says, �For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?�

November 2005

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

by Gail Redman.

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

who is a regular contributor to LHF�s Love of the Truth newsletter

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we turn our focus on things for which we are thankful. Throughout the year we should have an attitude of gratitude, but human nature tends toward complaining. It demands an effort on our part to push back wrong thinking and choose to praise God for His abundant blessings!

Instead of dwelling on our failures, being unthankful, jealous, or bitter, we should thank God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. Praise and thanksgiving will push back our negativity and usher in the blessings of God

Instead of griping we should say, �God, thank you for taking me just like I am. I know you have a good plan for my life. I thank you that I can rejoice because my name is written in the Lamb�s Book of Life. I can choose to be happy and thankful no matter what I go through, because I know you love me. God, I also know that with your help I can wake up each day with an attitude of gratitude.�

Now this is your work assignment for the year�rise up each day looking at the positive and thanking God for everything good that is in your life instead of dwelling on the negative!

CULTURE OF DEATH VERSUS ETERNAL LIFE

Source: COP, DAILY ALERT, 10/17/05 , A Hang-Tough Nation � by Mortimer B. Zuckerman (U.S. News)

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

A missionary we know personally recently asked for prayer for some Muslims who are always seeking revenge. He said their religion does not teach forgiveness. God and Christianity is all about love and forgiveness, along with judgment for disobedience to the Word of God.

Any religion without the teaching of forgiveness is destructive. Revenge and hatred are boundless, fueled by Satan.

In John 10:10 Jesus 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.�

There are radicals in a �culture of death� who want to kill ALL Americans. This problem was not created by intervention in Iraq. M. Zuckerman says, �There was no Iraq war in 1993, when they first tried to blow up the World Trade Center, nor before 9/11, when they did blow it up. The attack on the USS Cole took place after U.S. forces contributed to the NATO-led operation in Kosovo that saved the lives of many, many Muslims.�

Much of the hatred toward us is because of an aggressive anti-Western religious teaching called Wahhabism.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee suggests that there is a 70% probability of a successful terrorist attack within the next ten years with weapons of mass destruction.

Our former secretary of defense, William Perry, puts the odds of a nuclear attack in the next five years at 50%.

We�ve been warned of danger. However, Isaiah 12:2 says, �Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation

OUR NATION

Source: CLA Email Alert. Contact the Christian Law Association: general legal counsel's office at (727) 399-8300. by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

PLEDGE Under Attack Again!

Michael Newdow is the atheist who took the pledge case to the U.S. Supreme Court, but lost it because of a technicality.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton ruled that the pledge's reference to one nation "under God" violates school children's right to be "free from a coercive requirement to affirm God."

Please pray that the Court will uphold this traditional patriotic exercise, our Pledge of Allegiance!

PRAYER IS LEGAL

Source: CLA Email Alert

The CLA fights to preserve religious liberty in America. Student prayer in public schools is still constitutional!

S.J. RESOLUTION 14

Stand for Israel, ifcj.org

S.J. Resolution 14, the states that the U.S. should recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel by moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem�and that such action must take place before U.S. recognition of a Palestinian state.

THANKS

Author unknown

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Painful, doubtful, fearful or miserable moments,

TRUST God.

Glad moments,

PRAISE God.

Difficult moments,

SEEK God.

Quiet moments,

WORSHIP God.

Every moment,

THANK GOD!

INVOLVED

Source: Voice of the Martyrs July 2005 issue, Students of the Cross by Tom White,

article by Sharon Cromwell, of newsletter staff

In his article, Tom White said, �In my old 1966 Random House Dictionary, I found these challenging terms describing the word �involve�:

* the act of entangling

* something complicated

* to bring into difficulties

* to absorb fully

* concerned in an affair in a

way likely to cause danger or

unpleasantness

* committed or engaged

Realizing the meaning of the word �involve�, we understand why few �get involved�!

Tom White says that our religious-political freedoms are not permanent rights without our involvement! The enemies of Christ are heartily involved with their agenda of evil!

Erwin Raphael McManus, in his book An Unstoppable Force states, �. . . To live outside of God�s will puts us in danger; to live in his will makes us dangerous.� It makes us dangerous to the devil�s agenda. God will give you power to combat evil.

Pray till you are passionately involved in spreading the good news of deliverance and salvation!

OTHER NOVEMBER 2005 NEWS IRAN & THE BOMB

Source: COP, DAILY ALERT 09-29-05, Ephraim Kam

Israel has assessed that Iran�s acquisition of nuclear weapons will occur within three or four years. Americans add another year or two to that timetable.

DECEMBER 2005

SHUT DOWN

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

In an article in the IRN News Digest (07-10-05), Herb Dean mentioned that sometimes people �shut down their spirit� when they are offended. Dean says that, �Deferred hopes, wounds by others, betrayals, disappointments, misunderstandings, and being misunderstood all damage our heart, and if we are not careful we begin to shut down and pull away.�

The offended person does not want to be around those who hurt them. We must forgive, to be forgiven. Have you, as a child, been angry at someone and pretended to brush off the place where you brushed against them accidentally ? Have you jerked your shoulder sideways to keep yourself away from them? That was a manifestation of your inner feelings. Zechariah 7:11 says, �But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder. . . .�

We know that offenses will come, but our relationship with God and people can only function properly when offenses are forgiven and released. God�s grace is sufficient for us!

Reject the devil, and all his lies, and all his troublemaking. Focus on God�s truth and love, and come back into the fullness of joy God has promised to them that love Him!

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.�

God promised abundant life, so don�t let ANY thing shut you down. Go, and be happy in Christ Jesus!

WORLD NEWS-Source: Daily Alert, (Washington Post) 11/22/05

Islam is now officially recognized as one of Russia's four principal religions; Russia has applied to join the Organization of Islamic State

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