A chaplain is “a member of the clergy attached to a special group” such as a military unit. According to ACLJ, in 2006, “Newly issued military regulations restricted chaplain’s freedom to pray according to the dictates of their conscience – some were told not to pray in Jesus’ name or to refer to any ‘specific deity’.”

A recent ALCJ Victory Report states that the Senate finally reinstated earlier regulations that were more protective of the free exercise of religion. They also agreed to, “. . . visit this issue fully when the new Congress returns.”

Military chaplains carry their faith, instead of an M-16, into the war-zone, helping soldiers cope with the harsh realities of war. Authorized in 1775 by the Continental Congress, this ministry group called the Army Chaplain’s Corps is the oldest in the military, representing more than 200 denominations. Note: One thing these chaplains see is a lack of devoted atheists during combat!

HOLIDAY HANGOVER

by Sharon Cromwell, Source: Chuck Colson (Breakpoint)

January holds a financial holiday hangover for many. We are warned in Proverbs 22:7, “. . . the borrower is servant to the lender.”

If we become unfaithful in paying our debts, it affects our Christian witness. We must use financial discipline!

Because of bankruptcy reforms in 2005, people at a certain income level are required to come up with a court-approved plan to partly repay their creditors. Judge Robert Littlefield has ruled that the reforms have “effectively closed the door for debtors” to make charitable contributions. A couple in New York listed $100 monthly tithe as an expense, but the bankruptcy trustee stated that this wasn't the kind of “reasonably necessary” expense intended by the reforms. A bill had been proposed that would allow everyone in bankruptcy to continue regularly giving to churches and charities.

Remember that giving tithes and offerings are a Biblical requirement; so is honoring your debts.

INFANTICIDE

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: Betraying the Least of These by Chuck Colson

England’s Nuffield Council on Bioethics has recommended that babies born before twenty-two weeks be given no special treatment to save their lives. They said that babies born after that should be given intensive care only if both doctors and parents agree on it! The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecology called for “active euthanasia” of disabled babies, and the Anglican Church of England backed them up. They claim to be doing this in the “best interests” of the babies and their families.

The disabled life of Terri Schiavo was seen by some as inconvenient to others and not worth living.

Human life is made in the image of God, and Jesus said in John 10:10, “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.”

1 John 3:8 says, “. . . For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” Sin and sickness are works of the devil. New Testament scriptures show us the way to victory over sin and over every bondage of the devil. If you need a miracle, seek God through prayer and His Word! God is bigger than any mountain!

TAKE OVER?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: Daily Alert, Washington Post, Jerusalem Post, Arab News-Saudi Arabia, Reuters, New York Post, Battle Cry, TownHall.com-column by Dennis Prager

There are 1.5 to 2 million registered American Muslim voters. What does this have to do with a church newsletter? Keith Ellison, D-Minn., the first Muslim elected to the United States Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran. He and his supporters are saying they can take an oath of office on whatever they hold to be their holiest book!

In the Washington, D.C. area, eight Muslims ran for office in Maryland in 2006. Why? Radical Muslims openly profess that they will rule the world, so why is America allowing their influence in our media, schools, government, etc.?

In Gaza, gunmen attack Internet Cafes where owners are afraid Muslim fundamentalists are trying to turn Palestine into a Taliban-style country, where people are executed for watching TV!

In Saudi Arabia, a woman was arrested for being behind the steering wheel of a moving car. Their law says that can lead to immoral behavior!

Our government has warned American private financial services of terrorists calling for a cyber attack to destroy the databases of online stock trading and banking Web sites. The New York Post warns that terrorists may be planning attacks in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Detroit as Iran is quickly going nuclear.

Where Islam rules, their justice means the elimination of all freedom of religion and usually death to Christian converts! Christians had better pray for America and stand up with courage against her enemies. John 14:27 says, “. . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

How much influence does Islam have in America? Because O’Neal Dozier, Pastor of an African American church in Pompano Beach, Florida, called Islam a cult on the radio, he was removed from all positions of influence in our government. This was the day after the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) demanded that he be dismissed! He had also been passing out tracts on Islam, because a new Muslim mosque is being planned in his town! However, Pastor Dozier has redoubled his efforts to spread the gospel!

Romans 12:21 says, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Pray for this man and others who stand up against this anti-Christ religion!

UNBELIEVING BELIEVERS

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

There are promises found in the Bible given by God for our every need. The Bible is our infallible authority, our deed of inheritance, and our guide for life. God’s words of comfort bring stability and strength to our lives. Answers are found to help us deal with discouragement, worry, loneliness, condemnation, dissatisfaction, and confusion. Specific instructions are given how to deal with physical sickness, financial trouble, and marital problems.

With these promises available to believers in Jesus Christ, why do we have so much trouble believing God for the fulfillment of them in our personal lives? Many times we go through periods of doubt and unbelief, and we become “unbelieving believers”! Unbelief only brings fear and torment.

As long as something lines up with the Word of God, we need to only believe. Jesus said to Jairus, and He says to us today, “Be not afraid, only believe.” (See Mark 5:36.)

January News

One in Thirty-Two

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: www.crosswalkmail.com, commentary by Prison Fellowship President Mark Earley

According to the Department of Justice, one in every thirty-two American adults is under some kind of correctional supervision. That is more than 7 million people - 2.2 million in prison and jail, 780,000 on parole, and more than 4 million on probation. These need the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ while incarcerated. It prepares them to live right when they get out! Please pray for our LHF prison ministry! Thanks.

Planned Parenthood - When Congress gives our tax dollars to Planned Parenthood under the Title X program, essentially, we are funding the abortion industry! Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow of the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) advises that we stand with them in support of Senator Vitter’s bill to cut off federal funding to Planned Parenthood!

For more information e-mail:

jsekulow@aclj.org or write:

American Center for Law and Justice

P.O. Box 90555

Washington, D.C. 20090-0555

Phone: (800) 296-4529

RELIGION LAW

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: Felix Corley, ASSIST News Service

Romania is rushing to pass a new government-backed Religion Law. On December 12, 2006, spokesperson Fr. Constantin Stoica said, “In two weeks time Romania will be a member of the European Union (EU) and this law is necessary for this.” The new Law is set to replace the 1948 communist-era Religion Law, which has remained in force in the post-communist era. The powers it will give the state and “recognized” communities has provoked complaints from many religious communities and human rights activists. Different religious communities have different rights under the Law.

FEBRUARY

HEART’S DESIRE

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 I rise to face each day,

I call out to God to show me the way.

My friend, my guide, my peace,

He alone allows my burdens to cease.

During the day He is close by my side,

Standing in heaven with His arms open wide.

How could I face my trials within,

Without my dear Jesus as my friend?

I long in my heart to look in His eyes,

And thank Him so deeply for His great sacrifice.

He alone has given me perfect peace.

Oh, my desire is to sit at His feet!

As a bride to be longs for that marriage day,

I wait for my Master to lovingly say,

“Come to the feast prepared for my bride.

You did not choose the path that is wide.”

Oh, come quickly, my heart burns

As my inner most being yearns

To see the one who saved my soul.

Daily preparing me to meet that goal.

WORD FROM THE LORD

This word from the Lord was brought forth on Sunday, January 21, 2007, during an LHF regular evening service.

How is it that you question me? What is it that you hope and don’t believe? How is it you can read my promises and not take them to heart? For the heart is deceitful. It is wicked. That is true, but I have shed my love abroad in your heart. I have given faith to receive the promises that I have given. Yet I look upon the land and look at my body and I grieve over the lack of faith - the unbelief.

How is it that my people don’t receive my promises, that my people live in hope and not in belief? For there is a difference. Believe, for I am God. I will not fail. I will not lie, and what I have promised I will deliver if you will but believe. Believe me. ~

February News

HATE CRIMES BILL

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: Payton Hoegh, CNSNews.com, 01/18/07

Faith McDonnell is the Institute on Religion and Democracy (IRD) Religious Liberty Director. She said, “Too often in this post-9/11 world, human rights and religious freedom, are sacrificed on the altar of political correctness, diplomacy, and oversensitivity masquerading as tolerance.”

She reports that the persecution watchdog, Release International, has predicted that 250 million Christians will be persecuted in 2007. Release International says, “Abuses suffered by Christians include kidnapping, forced conversion, imprisonment, church destruction, torture, rape and execution.”

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is an independent panel that compiles a list of the worst religious freedom violators. According to McDonnell, those “designated as ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPCs) are eligible for U.S. government sanctions or other action aimed at changing their behavior.” On the list are Saudi Arabia, China, Iran, Burma, North Korea, Sudan, Eritrea and Uzbekistan.”

A hate crimes bill was reintroduced to Congress in January. Tom Minnery is the senior vice president of government and public policy for Focus on the Family. He says the hate crimes bill threatens our future “by not aggressively prosecuting criminal acts, but by giving Washington the power to decide what constitutes criminal thought.”

HOW IS BRITIAN?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

ONE MINUTE or ONE HOUR

Source: Worldwide Kingdom/Revival News 01/11/07

In WWII a group in England agreed to drop every thing at a certain time every night to jointly pray for the safety of England’s people and for peace. Now you can join with other people for one minute in praying for peace, safety, and the mercy of God on the United States of America, our troops, and our citizens. This group will be praying each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central) (6:00 PM Pacific).

Psalm 9:17 says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God,” but Jesus said in Mark 11:23 that we can move mountains! Pray that America repents and keeps God’s blessing. Can you pray one minute? Jesus wanted to know why the disciples couldn’t pray one hour with Him in the garden!

TENSION?

Source: www.openheaven.com/forums 12/24/2006

More people in Britain think religion causes harm than believe it

does good, according to a Guardian/ICM poll; eighty-two percent say faith causes tension in a country where two thirds are not religious!

ISLAM WANTS BRITIAN

Source: Jonny Paul (Jerusalem Post), 01/17/07

Recently a Channel Four TV documentary exposed the Islamic extremism found in British Mosques. After investigation, Mosques were cited to have “. . . preachers proclaiming the supremacy of Islam, preaching hatred for Jews and Christians and for Muslims who do not follow their extreme beliefs, and predicting an imminent jihad.” Muslims in Britain were urged to dismantle democracy, and Wahhabism (extreme Islam) influence was noted throughout the UK.

WHY NOTHING CHRISTIAN?

Daily Alert, (Yediot Ahronot-Hebrew)12/21/06

In December of 2006, if you were in Britain and were flying to Saudi Arabia, you would find that the second largest airline in Britain ordered its air crews not to take the New Testament along, “so that they don't enrage the Muslims.” However, they were required to take ample Korans for the flights. British Airways told a stewardess to stop wearing a cross! However, according to IRN, British Airways is now changing its uniform policy to allow all religious symbols to be worn openly.

March

IT SHALL PROSPER

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

1 Corinthians 1:21 says, “. . . it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

According to an Internet posting by www.openheaven.com (01/22/07), Christian radio is having an impact on Guerrilla fighters in the jungles of Columbia. One young fighter got saved and confessed, “Because of my rebellion and poverty, I decided to leave home.” Jim Munger, of Trans World Radio, says their small FM station “could be heard by the guerrillas, and he was listening to the Gospel on that station.”

The men are threatened with death if they try to abandon the forces, so pray for miracles in their lives. Munger says, “. . . they're almost like a captive audience. When we produce programs we realize that there are people from all walks of life, including guerrillas that are listening and are becoming Christians.”

In Isaiah 55:11 God said, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

FAITH…JUST A LITTLE FAITH

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

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) This can come through either the written or spoken word. Faith rises within us as we read and believe the Word of God. If I need a dose of faith, I also love to read the teachings of Smith Wigglesworth. This man of God was not moved by circumstances but by faith in what God’s Word declares possible. Below is a portion of one of Smith Wigglesworth’s teachings on Christ In Us.

“When Satan can get to your body he will, if possible, make the pain, or the weakness, so distracting that it will affect your mind, and always bring your mind down to where the pain is. When that takes place, you haven’t the same freedom in the Spirit to lift up your heart and shout, and praise the Lord, because the distraction of the pain brings the elementary power which ought to be full of praise to God, down into the body. And by that means – concerning everybody who is afflicted – ‘the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence’.

Beloved . . . Anything that takes me from a position where I am in an attitude of worship, of peace, or joy, of a consciousness of the presence of God, of an inward moving of the powers of God that makes me able to lift myself up and live in the world as though I was not of it (because I am not of it); anything that dethrones me from that attitude is evil, is Satan.”

JUST WHAT IS IT?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Sources: Levitt Letter & Daily Alert 01/19/07

Patrick Cox, contributing editor of Levitt Letter, says, “. . . much of Islam is, by our definition, not religious at all. Rather, it is political – committed to establishing coercive, non-voluntary mechanisms for protecting and promoting Islamic goals.”

According to Lily Mazahery of the Jerusalem Post, the Islamic Iran government has “established a system of legalized prostitution, through the practice of ‘sigheh’ or ‘temporary marriages”, by which a mullah arranges a ‘legal union’ between a man and a girl (some as young as nine years old) for a fee.” Lily says, “Under this system, men are free to enter into as many temporary marriages as they so desire, without having any legal obligation or responsibility toward the women and children that they ‘marry’, only to use as sexual objects and slaves.”

The union can last for 99 years or only for an hour! This whole thing is hideous!

COMPARISON QUOTES:

CHRISTIANITY – quote Ephesians 4:31-32 from the Bible:

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

ISLAM – quote from Yusufali, Koran 9:005:

“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the Pagans wherever ye find them, and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war).”

MARCH 2007 NEWS

A PRAYING NAVY CHAPLAIN

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

An evangelical Navy chaplain is appealing the Navy's decision to fire him for disobeying an order by praying in Jesus' name while in uniform, which would end his 15-and-a-half-year career. According to Chad Groening (Agape Press), “Klingenschmitt hopes the powers that be will ultimately allow him to stay in the Navy, especially in light of the fact that Congress has now overturned the Navy regulations requiring non-sectarian prayers outside a chapel setting -- the very policy the military officer says he risked everything to fight.” U.S. lawmakers have now rescinded the Navy policy that he was punished for, but they are still trying to kick him out. Pray for our nations leaders!

APRIL

CENSORING CHRISTIANS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: OneNewsNow.com, 03/08/07

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that “. . . municipal employers have the right to censor the words "natural family," "marriage" and "family values" because that is hate speech and could scare workers.”

Richard D. Ackerman, who along with Scott Lively argued the case for the Pro-Family Law Center, says they will appeal and take it to the United States Supreme Court.

Ackerman said, “If we fail to get U.S. Supreme Court review, however, it will be up to each individual Christian in the United States to stand up for their rights to be heard on the issues of the day. If we choose to be silent, silenced we shall be.”

GIVING OUT BIBLE

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

According to American Family News Network, “On January 19, two members of The Gideons International were arrested and charged with trespassing for handing out the Bibles on a public sidewalk outside of a school in Florida, even though they did not step onto school grounds.” ADF Legal Counsel David Cortman says, “The First Amendment protects the right of citizens to distribute Bibles and engage in other religious speech on public sidewalks. . . .”

FYI – The Gideons International describe themselves on their website (03/19/07): “The Gideons International serves as an extended missionary arm of the church: Our sole purpose is to win men, women, boys and girls to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through association for service, personal testimony, and distributing the Bible in the human traffic lanes and streams of everyday life.” You will find a Bible Reading Calendar and four very good Bible Study Rules at www.gideons.org! ~

I KNOW JESUS AROSE FROM THE DEAD BECAUSE…

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

1. He showed himself alive for forty days after his passion. Acts 1:3

2. There were five hundred eyewitnesses of Him being alive after death. 1 Corinthians 15:6

3. I am not the same person that I was before the miraculous new birth that took place in my life. 2 Corinthians 5:17

4. Christ lives within me and is my hope of glory. How could Christ live within me if He were dead? Colossians 1:27

5. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, why did His disciples lie about it and give up their lives preaching the gospel of a risen Savior?

6. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, how come approximately 2,000 years later people are making movies about this event and flock to churches to celebrate His resurrection?

7. Every Christian has a testimony of being born again and other miracles that have taken place in their lives that confirm that Jesus truly is the risen Son of God.

APRIL 2007 NEWS

HATE CRIMES LEGISLATION IS SERIOUS - worldnetdaily.com/news/article ARTICLE_ID=54260, 02/15/07

Two Christians in Australia have been indicted for criticizing Islam, and another for criticizing Zionism. In Holland, fornicators and adulterers cannot be criticized. In both Canada and France, legislators were fined for criticizing homosexuality. In Sweden three years ago Pastor Green spent a month’s jail time for preaching that homosexuality is sin. Adoption was denied to a British couple since their “Christian faith might 'prejudice' them against a homosexual child put in their care,” says Peter LaBarbera, of Americans for Truth. In the United States, a Boston adoption agency quit because of a state nondiscrimination law that only allows agencies that place children in homosexual-led households to be licensed by the state! “Hate crimes” make up only one-fifteenth of 1 percent of all crimes, but it will be used to come against Christians! Pray!

NEWS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

SIU NEWS - OneNewsNow.com, 03/19/07

Christine Mize is a Southern Illinois University graduate student. She asked permission of her social work professor to add a faith-based recovery program in her research project but was informed that her grade would be lowered if she did.

Mize omitted that information, but added a letter about protection of religious speech at colleges. The professor consequently refused to grade her paper, resulting in an “Incomplete” grade. It is a required class for Mize’s degree.

On March 7 a letter was sent by Alliance Defense Fund attorney Amy Smith to SIU officials in Mize’s behalf. The paper was then quickly graded, but Smith says they violated Mize’s rights in an “. . . egregious manner” and that, “. . . the result of what she [the professor] told Christine was viewpoint discrimination, based on Christine coming at a problem from a Christian viewpoint.”

HPV NEWS - OneNewsNow.com, 02/23/07

In January Texas Governor Rick Perry issued an executive order requiring all 11- and 12-year-old girls in the state's public schools to receive Merck's Gardasil vaccine. Efforts are being made to overturn that order.

Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America (CWA) says that, “over the past 20 years, the number of mandated vaccines for children has doubled - and at the same time, there has been an increase among children of cases of diabetes, asthma, autism, and learning disabilities.” Wright says, “It is unclear if there is a connection, but there is enough concern that another vaccine should not be mandated without further research.”

CORRUPTING KIDS -CWA, example from GLSEN

Much of the material going into our schools now under the guise of fostering “understanding and diversity” produces an actual outcome of homosexuality and gender confusion. Our tax dollars should not be used to expose children to deviant sexuality. One of the songs that targets audiences from kindergarten through sixth grade is about a boy in high heels saying that when he is queen he will behead the swine who jeer at him. This itself conveys violence and intolerance!

Let’s get drastic with the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ, and intercede to God for our families, schools and communities for victory over Satan!

HB 138 and HB 139 is legislation which will clearly make Illinois and its citizens participants in killing human lives. It supports stem cell research, human cloning and tax payer funding for it. info@illinoisfamily.org)

The House Committee Passed the Homosexual “Civil Unions” Bill. Pray against this. (Illinois Family Institute Update 3/21/2007)

URGENT! —Please Pray against this bill. Hate Crimes Bill [H.R.1592] was introduced in the House on March 20, 2007. Status: Referred to the House Judiciary Committee. www.afa.net, 03/21/07

MICHIGAN, USA - Source: OneNewsNow.com

Escalating Muslim population in Dearborn, Michigan has led to Sunni-Shiite splits similar to those in the Middle East. However, both groups want Islam to dominate the U.S.

BABIES - Source: OneNewsNow.com

A new British study links increased miscarriages to previous abortions. The study is to be published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

ABORTION - Source: OneNewsNow.com

State level pro-life laws have effectively reduced abortions in the U.S. among adults and teens, according to an Alabama University social scientist.

CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTERS

Source: info@illinoisfamily.org, 03/05/07

Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) do not offer abortions. Daniel T. Zanoza, a free lance journalist and political analyst with a degree in political science and social work, says abortion is not a political issue, and “Those who call themselves pro-life, do so on moral grounds, believing all life is valuable and the unborn have rights.”

CPCs offer support for those with unplanned pregnancies. They also offer assistance and referrals. Studies say that the suicide risk of those with induced abortions is 2-4 times more than for other w

BEING FRUGAL

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff,

Source: Frugality Opens Doors to Giving - by Deborah Smith Pegues

Frugality means “economical, thrifty”. Jesus taught frugality. He had the disciples gather up the leftover food after feeding more than 5,000 people with only five loaves and two fishes. That was 12 baskets full. God can use your surplus for the Kingdom of God. With awareness we should practice frugality every day.

Deborah Smith Pegues, an experienced certified public accountant and a Bible teacher says, “We are never more like Christ than when we are giving,” but she adds, “. . . we should not allow our desire to be frugal to keep us from fully enjoying the things that are within the bounds of what God allows.”

Jesus said in John 10:10, “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.” However, we should enjoy that abundant life without being wasteful. Let’s open our eyes and see the avenue God has provided for our overflow of His blessings. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”!

MY COOKIES

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

I heard a story about a lady who just loved her own spot in a tea room every day in London, England. She had favorite tea and cookies there, but one day her ritual was disrupted by another customer. She mostly ignored him and focused on her book, her tea, and her cookies. As she bit into her first cookie, the man across the table from her reached over and took a cookie for himself!

Now, this man was uninvited to her spot and was eating her food! She feared to upset the big man, but he did it again, and her sharp look only brought a smile from him!

Then he took the last cookie and gave her half! Huffy about it, she went to pay her bill.

She was shocked when she found in her purse an unopened package of the same cookies! The amiable stranger had actually shared his cookies with her. We tend to think we are always right, but sometimes we are not. God help us to see the truth about ourselves.

How willing are we to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Heaven? Romans 14:7 says, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” Do we miss opportunities to show that God is God? Isaiah 43:12 says, “. . . ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.”

QUOTE

“You leave out God, and you substitute the devil.” Winston Churchill

“Pray without ceasing.”

Paul, Bible, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 150:6

PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens!

MAY NEWS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

HOSTAGE DRILL Source: OneNewsNow.com, 04/12/07

A hostage drill at a New Jersey high school recently portrayed conservative Christians as terrorists! Real police portrayed gunmen described as “members of a right-wing fundamentalist group who don’t believe in the separation of church and state.” The scenario was that the gunmen were seeking justice for a daughter who had been expelled for praying before class.

Historian and constitutional expert David Barton says the stereotyping used in this drill indicates what is going on in public schools in the Northeast region of our country! He says that in the same area, some federal courts say it is okay to teach very small children about homosexuality, and they don’t think they need to tell parents about their liberal indoctrination. A study done by the University of Connecticut names this ‘negative learning’ and Barton says, “. . . that kind of indoctrination or philosophy is having an adverse effect academically.”

NON-CHRISTIAN ISRAEL

Source: OneNewsNow.com. 03/28/07

Jim Brown of OneNewsNow.com says the Christian radio talk-show host Janet Parshall, a high-profile American evangelical, “. . . decided not to speak at a conference after she learned that the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus “condemns” and does not associate with groups that share the gospel of Jesus Christ.” The strict religious political party Shas wants legislation in the Knesset that gives up to a one-year prison sentence for people who share the gospel in Israel! A proposed law in Israel does not specify which religion it applies to and therefore also forbids the proselytism of non-Jews to Judaism!

PRISON CHILDREN Source: Prison Fellowship

In China and many other countries, children are sometimes imprisoned with their parents because there is no one to take care of them.

UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE Source: OneNewsNow.com, 04/03/07

Dr. David Stevens, CEO of the Christian Medical Association (CMA), says Christian believers should be aware of ethical and moral concerns in a proposed government-run universal healthcare program. Stevens questions whether a mandated system would force or encourage promotion of unethical and immoral practices. He says that with a single payer system, “. . . a sole entity begins making the decisions on all the moral and ethical parts of healthcare, from cloning to stem-cell research to abortion.”

DOUBLE ATTACKS - Source: Daily Alert, 04/16/07

Globally in 2006, physical attacks on Jews more than doubled those in 2005 according to a report released by Tel Aviv University.

JUNE

SINCERELY WRONG

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

Sincerely means “genuinely or honestly”. Wrong means “contrary to truth”. We can believe a lie and be damned, because we are sincerely wrong! 2 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

A fool says in his heart there is no God, but he is sincerely wrong. (Psalm 14:1) Some teach all religions lead to God, but they are sincerely wrong. (John 14:6)

We can trust in our riches and fall, because we were sincerely wrong. (Proverbs 11:28)

We can believe that it is not necessary to fellowship with believers, but we are sincerely wrong. (Hebrews 10:25)

We can believe that we do not need to forgive someone who has wronged us, but we are sincerely wrong. (Matthew 6:14-15)

We can believe it is not necessary to tithe, because we are struggling with our finances, but we are sincerely wrong. (Malachi 3:8)

Are you sincerely wrong in your thinking about anything? Any ideas or beliefs we have that do not line up with God’s Word make us sincerely wrong!

THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

Be it known unto you all . . . that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10 & 12

JESUS

WHAT KIND OF FATHER 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

The family unit was in existence in the beginning. Liberals want to redefine the family, but homosexuals cannot procreate. This has never been nor ever will be God’s definition of family. Children in modern society are confused by the liberal, perverted agenda shoved from all directions.

What does God have to say about fathers? A godly father should be obedient to the Ten Commandments.

Psalm 112:1-3 shows us that a righteous father blesses his family. Children are a gift and a blessing from God. A man of God has rule over his home and as a godly leader of the home brings love and peace to the home environment.

God commands us to honor our fathers and mothers and the blessing we receive is long life. Sadly, there are more dysfunctional families than families that have godly fathers and mothers raising children according to God’s ways. Some fathers have abused their children or have abandoned them, shirking their financial responsibilities.

Fathers, you have the ability to bring blessing upon your home. You are role models for your children.

As a body of believers, our desire should be restoration for families that have been divided, salvation for those not yet converted, and stability and strength to families attending church together.

June 2007 News

WORLDVIEW – FAMILY? Source: OneNewsNow.com, 04/27/07

The European Parliament (EP) recently condemned Poland and called it hateful and repulsive for refusing homosexual propaganda in its schools. They even passed a resolution calling for “worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.”

Conversely, Dr. Allan Carlson, international secretary of the World Congress of Families, says that Europe has, “. . . a few champions of the family. . . .” Latvia, Croatia, Slovakia, and Poland still try to protect the natural family.

SINGING SENIORS OneNewsNow.com, AFA, 04/27/07

Bozeman Senior Center members in Montana sometimes sing a religious song before meals. Fearing an ACLU lawsuit or loss of funding for the Meals on Wheels program, the managing board stopped the singing. Alliance Defense Fund attorneys resolved a similar situation in Balch Springs, Texas, and helped to resolve this one. A unanimous vote returned the seniors to their singing! That’s a happy ending!

BIBLE READING AT THE CAPITOL Source: OneNewsNow.com

Last month, the Holy Bible was read aloud from cover to cover in 90 continuous hours at the U.S. Capitol! It celebrated First Amendment rights - freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Michael Hall, organizer of the event said, “. . . we're reading right at the seat of the nation's power. And we believe God's Word transforms anyone who listens to it.” Ninety non-English Bibles were available. People were invited to read, listen, and pray.

WILL OF THE PEOPLE? Source: Truth and Tyranny Report by Coral Ridge Ministries

Activist federal judges are not following the will of the people according to the 11/30/05 Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll. In America:

93% approve of “In God We Trust” on U.S. coins

82% approve of prayer at public school graduations

76% approve of the Ten Commandments displayed on government property

THE THOUGHT POLICE? Source: American Family Association

Chuck Colson says the Hate Crimes Law has the potential to limit “. . . free speech rights of Christians and pastors who openly state the Bible's views on sodomy.” Totalitarian governments enslave and control their citizens. The Thought Police can spy on and punish citizens with rebellious thoughts! President Bush has issued a statement promising to veto this bill if it reaches the White House, but what if…? Pray earnestly, Christians

CHRISTIANS Source: OneNewsNow.com, 04/24/07

A Christian police officer in Pennsylvania was relieved of his duties because he refused to take part in illegal harassment and detention of a group ministering on a college campus.

JULY

BIT OF HISTORY

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: Levitt Letter, March 2007

The 15 years previous to President Jefferson’s inauguration in 1801, the United States paid the Muslims millions for safe passage of American ships or the return of American hostages. That amounted to 20 percent of the U.S. government’s annual revenues in 1800! In 1805, American Marines marched into Tripolitania, forced Tripoli to surrender, and freed the American slaves. This victory is remembered in a song, “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli….”

The Koran that Keith Ellison, the first Muslim U. S. congressman, recently used to pledge his allegiance to the U.S. belonged to Jefferson. However, after reading the Muslim book of jihad, Jefferson wisely chose to use the “medium of war” as the only way to put an end to the Muslim problem.

As Christians, the only way we will win the war against the devil is to fight him, using the weapons God has provided for us. To win, we must fight. The battle is the Lord’s, but we are His army. (See 1 Samuel 17:47 and Exodus 15:3.)

RADICAL PRAISE

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

David was a man who loved and worshipped God with exuberance! He was someone who would be considered a radical worshiper by many in the modern church. Dancing before the Lord with all his might brought criticism from his own wife. When Michal saw David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised David in her heart (see 2 Samuel 6:14-16).

I believe that radical praise will be needed in this last hour in order to surround and plunder the enemy’s camp. God desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth. As a matter of fact, that is the only way a true worshiper will praise God! (See John 4:23.) There are people who worship God in vain (see Matthew 15:9).

When we begin to worship God the way David did, there will be Michals in the crowd mocking and disgusted by the exuberance. The devil’s crowd dances to the devil’s music with zeal and fervor, but “How dare a child of God dance before the Lord,” is what some will be thinking! How much MORE should children of God praise Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world?

It is time to praise the Lord with all our might! Just thinking about the promises in the Bible should make us want to shout. Let us join together in unity, ready to worship God with all our might each time we come to God’s house! How dare we allow the devil’s crowd to have more zeal than us!

JULY 2007 NEWS

NATIONAL ID

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: Chad Groening, OneNewsNow.com, 05/23/07

Tom DeWeese, president of the American Policy Center (APC), says the REAL ID ACT is “. . . a federal takeover of state departments of motor vehicles.” This became law in May 2005,but actual enforcement has been delayed until December 2009. DeWeese says the Act transforms a driver's license into a national identification card, and full implementation could cost $14.5 billion dollars, and that it will not stop terrorists from getting driver's licenses or protect us from identity theft. He says, “Individuals without the new license would not be permitted to enter federal buildings or board airplanes unless they could produce a passport or another form of photo ID approved by the federal government.” Does this take us closer to “the Beast”?

SCHOOL HATE CRIME?

Source: OneNewsNow.com, 05/15/07

In April 2007, in Sacramento, California, about 3,000 to 4,000 students stayed home on the “Day of Silence”, a (pro-homosexual event). However, about 50 public school students gave out literature and wore clothes that stressed the dangers of homosexuality. Some were sent home, some were suspended, and some were given “Saturday school”.

The head of the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), Brad Dacus, says if the suspensions are not withdrawn, legal action will be required.

FRANCE

Source: Chad Groening, OneNewsNow.com,06/15/07

An evangelical church located in a Paris suburb was forced to vacate the 1,000-square-foot building, after long standing Islamic intimidation. Many other area churches have been closed along with difficulty in obtaining new facilities. Christine Thabot, the pastor’s wife, says the church had been paying 8,000 euros a month ($9,400 U.S.) in rent, yet Muslims are able to get land to build a mosque by paying one euro to the authorities!

40TH ANNIVERSARY

Source: dailyalert.org, 05/15/07

Jerusalem, divided during the 1948 War of Independence, was reunited in the June 1967 Six-Day War. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the city's liberation. In 2006 Jerusalem was 64% Jews, 32% Muslims, and 2% Christians. (Ha'aretz)

PRO-LIFE SPEECH

Source: Ed Thomas, OneNewsNow.com, 05/25/07

A previous ruling giving pro-life ministry protesters the right to display large signs at a Labor Day parade in Granite City, Illinois was reaffirmed in May of 2007. A city ordinance had banned “. . . all signs larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches in size within 25 feet of any portion of the city's parade route,” according to OneNewsNow.com. These protests are important because Illinois has no parental notification law.

UNDERMINED

Source: Jim Brown, OneNewsNow.com, 06/08/07

The Culture and Media Institute (CMI) has published a report about the Media’s assault on American values. The report finds that 68 percent of Americans say the media negatively impacts moral values, and 73 percent say that about the entertainment industry. The CMI director argues that watching TV makes you less likely to accept personal responsibility, more favorable to dependence on the government, and less likely to “. . . value religious principles and obedience to God.”

AUGUST

RELIGIOUS LITERATURE by Daniel Webster (1823) Source: chick publications catalog

“If religious literature is not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be; if God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy; if the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; if the power of the gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness, will reign without mitigation or end.”

SERVICE by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

If you are “too big for your britches”, you are stuffed with pride! Jesus came in the flesh as a servant. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Max Lucado, in his article Don't Be Too Big To Do Something Small, stated, “Serve someone by swallowing your pride.” Servanthood requires a lack of pride. Matthew 23:11 says, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

Knowing how people can be, and having been disappointed before, remember that 1 Corinthians 15:58 says that our labor for the Lord is not in vain!

Satisfaction comes when we do things according to Colossians 3:23 - “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”

THE GOSPEL by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: BBC News Via BCN

Inmates at an Arkansas prison told a BBC reporter to let the world know that salvation comes to them through Faith-Based Prison Programs. The School of Christ organization has had testimonies that prisons were changed after using their gospel literature. We at LHF have received prison testimonies that our Bible studies and Pastor’s sermon books have helped inmates. We thank you for your prayers for LHF prison ministers and ministry.

THE RIGHT GLUE

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

Glue sticks things together, and there are different types. If the wrong type is used, the substances that you are trying to bond together might not hold. Apply this to your Christian walk. The glue that keeps us on the straight and narrow path is prayer and reading our Bible. In order to be an overcomer, we must put God first in our lives. If we do not have alone time in the day to spend with God, our priorities are out of order. Perversion is all around us, and the world calls evil good and good evil. Time is short before the coming of Jesus. Build your foundation on the Lord Jesus Christ. That glue will hold your life together eternally!

August 2007 News

CANADIAN APOLOGY by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: OneNewsNow.com

Twelve Canadian pro-family groups issued a letter of apology for Canada’s homosexual marriage law as a warning. Brian Rushfeldt is executive director of the Canada Family Action Coalition (CFAC), and one who signed the letter. The law changing the definition of marriage in Canada to include homosexuals “was forced down the throats of people through our Liberal government's manipulation,” Rushfeldt says. The Parliament never discussed the resulting impact on children. More than half of the homosexual marriages in Canada are by people from other countries who get documentation, go home, and try to force law changes in their own country.

CATHOLICS ONLY?

Source: MSNBC News Services, July 10, 2007

Pope Benedict XVI has again declared the universal dominance of the Roman Catholic Church, approving a document released Tuesday, July 10, 2007 that says Orthodox churches are defective and that other Christian denominations are not true churches. On July 7, 2007 he also revived the old Latin Mass. A 2000 document the pope wrote is heavily criticized among Protestants and other Christians, because it says they are “not true churches but merely ecclesial communities and therefore did not have the “means of salvation”.”

CIVIL RIGHTS? Source: OneNewsNow.com

Two homosexual women have filed a civil rights complaint against a Methodist-run campground in New Jersey that refused to host a same-sex union ceremony.

ACLJ says PRAY Source: The Battle for Liberty Report

* The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is in federal court with McLean Bible Church v. McLane, et al. because Fairfax County, Va., says a Bible church must become an official college or university in order to hold Bible studies or religious ministry classes in its facilities.

* In Tennessee, Teen Challenge, a Christian drug rehab program, has been denied use of property already zoned for rehab services.

* Congress is trying to pass a “Freedom of Choice Act” that would enshrine Roe v. Wade into law and open the floodgates for abortion.

FAIRNESS DOCTRINE or FORCED COMPROMISE? Source: OneNewsNow.com

The U.S. House has only temporarily blocked the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, which would require broadcasters to give equal time to liberal and conservative views on controversial issues. Congressman Mike Pence says “Faced with the reality of extraordinary red tape, record-keeping, potential legal costs, and a potential threat to their broadcast license, most radio stations will do as they did for decades during the era of the Fairness Doctrine, and simply move on to a different format.” Please pray for liberty.

PRAISE—FAITH BASED INITIATIVE Source: ACLJ

The Supreme Court decided to turn away church-state separationists’ federal lawsuit challenging the use of taxpayer dollars to fund a program of President Bush's faith-based initiative.

PRAY TO WHO? by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: OneNewsNow.com

Does the Senate opening invocation by a Hindu chaplain on July 12, 2007 denote official approval by our government of paganism? Praying to other Gods is forbidden in the first of God’s Ten Commandments. Disobedience is sin and brings God’s judgment!

Pierre Bynum, national prayer director at the Family Research Council in Washington, DC. sued the U.S. Capitol Police in 1997 for threatening to arrest him a year earlier for praying inside the Capitol building!

The Hindu prayer indicated a pantheistic view of God (the doctrine that God and the laws and forces of nature are one). Former Navy chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt witnessed the prayer, which was interrupted twice from the gallery—Christians began to pray, “God have mercy on our nation. God have mercy on America.” He says security officers escorted them to jail, “. . . because they prayed in Jesus' name, out loud, when this other man was praying a Hindu prayer out loud. He was praying a prayer of idolatry, violating the First Commandment. . . .”

Rafael Juarez (one who posted his opinion about it on the Internet) said, “This is another devilish strategy for the advancement of “tolerance” and secular ecumenism in the United States and another milestone in our slide toward a one world religion and government.”

Tricia (another person who posted an opinion about the Hindu Senate prayer on Internet) said, “Many will say that Christians are being intolerant because we would not accept prayers to any god besides Jehovah on the senate floor.

The issue is all about who God is. If God is made in our image (that is, if we craft a god or gods to suit our preferences) it doesn't matter what god we pray to, but if we are made in God's image then we had better be certain we are praying to the true and living God.

It doesn't appear that the God of the Bible is very tolerant of having other gods before Him. Full of grace, full of mercy, full of forgiveness, yes, but tolerant of other gods, no.”

TEMPLE MOUNT by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: WorldNetDaily.com

There are four Islamic minarets on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, the holiest site in Israel and Judaism. A minaret is a tower usually attached to a mosque from which Muslims are called to the five Islamic daily prayers. The Temple Mount’s first minaret was constructed on in 1278 and the last in 1367. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

recently permitted Muslims to start building a new minaret, the first built on the Temple Mount in over 600 years. It is to rise 130 feet above Jerusalem’s ancient walls.

“This proves Jewish conspiracies for a synagogue will never succeed and solidifies our presence here,” one official of the Islamic custodians of the Mount said. One Israeli

archaeologist even says the new minaret will “serve to solidify Islam’s takeover of Judaism’s holiest site.”

The First Jewish Temple was built by King Solomon in the 10th century B.C. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. The Second Temple was rebuilt in 515 B.C. after Jerusalem was freed from Babylonian captivity. It was destroyed by the Roman Empire in A.D. 70. Each temple stood for about four hundred years.

The Jewish Temple housed the Holy of Holies, which contained the Ark of the Covenant, upon which God’s presence rested. The Al Aqsa Mosque (built c. 710) now sits on the site. It and the Dome of the Rock (built c. 690) are two major Muslim religious shrines.

Currently, Israel controls Jerusalem, but the Israeli government granted management of the site to a Muslim Council (Waqf), and only Muslims can pray there. After clashes with the Palestinians the Temple Mount was closed, but was reopened to non-Muslims in August 2003. During “open” days, Jews and Christians can visit only if they conform first to a strict set of guidelines, which demands that they not pray while there, among other things. Visitors are not allowed in the mosques without Waqf permission. Sovereignty over the Temple Mount is part of the Arab-Israeli conflict, as both claim it.

Those in Judaism believe it is the final site of the Third Jewish Temple to be rebuilt with the coming of the Jewish Messiah.

SEPTEMBER 2007

LAST WORDS by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

The recent, tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis provokes us to challenge our trust in normal assumptions. It reminds us that things which have been tested and deemed solid and trustworthy may fail us.

Jonathan Edwards many years ago preached a sermon entitled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. He said, “It is no security to a natural man, that he is now in health, and that he does not see which way he should now immediately go out of the world by any accident, and that there is no visible danger in any respect in his circumstances. The manifold and continual experience of the world in all ages, shows this is no evidence, that a man is not on the very brink of eternity, and that the next step will not be into another world.”

Many are the warnings God gave in the Bible to shun sin and hell. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Our lives will come to an end, and Revelation 22:11 says, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

Revelation 22:14 says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

We do not know the last words of those involved in the bridge collapse. I hope they were all ready to meet God, but I doubt it. In the last chapter of the Bible, God’s Word, the last words written were these in Revelation 22:21, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

God sent Jesus and His amazing, redeeming grace. He clearly showed us that any one who accepts that grace and obeys His commands will enter heaven and eternal life! Come to Jesus and receive it.

RESPONSIBILITY by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Under pressure, many will abandon their responsibility to Christ, their family, their job, and their friends. Even the disciples forsook their Master. We have to pray and decide to commit to God BEFORE pressure or persecution comes. Hold your ground. Keep your godly commitments.

Colossians 1:11 says, “Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”

EVANGELICALS NOT WELCOME AT UNIVERSITIES? OneNewsNow.com, July 24, 2007

According to the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), the MSU School of Social Work professor Frank Kaufman, “told all his students to write a letter to the Missouri legislature expressing support for homosexual adoption, and for each individual student to sign his or her name to it.” Emily Brooker, a MSU student and an evangelical Christian, refused to do so. She was charged with violating three of the school’s “Standards of Essential Functioning” - diversity, interpersonal skills and professional behavior. An ethics committee grilled her for two-and-one-half hours about her religious beliefs.

ADF filed a federal lawsuit against MSU's School of Social Work on Brooker’s behalf. The school purged the grievances against Brooker and forced Kaufman to resign. Afterward, Alan Cooperman of The Post said independent investigators, “found such a ‘toxic’ climate of intellectual ‘bullying’ that they suggested shutting down the social work school and restarting it with a new faculty.”

A study by the Washington-based Independent Women's Forum (IWF) showed that almost a third of college students “. . . said they had been forced to take a philosophical position they were uncomfortable with for an assignment.” ~

DOCTOR PRAYS by Sharon Cromwell,newsletter staff, Source: openheaven.com

Recently Dr. Crandall of the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Florida recommended prayer for patients, and says they can be miraculously healed and even revived from death! A 53-year-old mechanic died after a heart attack, and as his body was being prepared for the morgue, Crandall said the Holy Spirit led him to pray for him. There was no life in the man, and Crandall prayed, “Father, God, I cry out for the soul of this man if he does not know You as his Lord and Savior, please raise him from the dead right now in Jesus name.” The man revived and told of his trip to hell and cried out to Christ for salvation! Crandall says every week they see a mighty miracle in their office!

SEPTEMBER 2007 NEWS by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

INTIFADA NYC? Source: OneNewsNow.com, 08/14/07

In Brooklyn, New York, Dhabah Almontaser resigned as principal of Khalil Gibran International Academy, a first-ever publicly funded middle-school madrassa. This was after she defended “Intifada NYC” T-shirts! The school is set to open soon, but opponents are concerned that the school’s organizers will still promote an Islamist ideology. Several imams from radical mosques are on the school’s advisory board. According to the Encarta Dictionary online, Intifada means “Palestinian uprising”. Pray for our country!

SOUTH KOREA SENDS MISSIONARIES Source: openheaven.com, 08/04/0

South Korean Christians on a trip sponsored by the Korean Foundation for World Aid were recently kidnapped in Afghanistan. Although only about 30% of South Korea’s 49 million people are Christian, in 2006 they sent out over 16,000 Korean missionaries to 173 countries. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Korea!

ABORTION Source: OneNewsNow.com, 08/07/07

The Silent No More Awareness Campaign is our nation's largest network of women who have been hurt by abortion. They assert that an Arkansas law “which requires abortion businesses to post a sign stating that women cannot be forced to have an abortion they do not want” is needed in all our states. Their spokeswoman, Janet Morana, says most women “. . . had their babies killed not by choice, but by force — thus having their supposed "right to choose" stripped from them.”

MUSLIM BULLYING Source: OneNewsNow.com, 08/02/07

In August the Young America's Foundation (YAF) was threatened by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) by a lawsuit if they did not cancel a speaking engagement with Robert Spencer, whose speech was titled, “The Truth about the Council on American-Islamic Relations”. This, his books, and hundreds of his articles expose Islam as the world's most intolerant religion. Jim Brown of OneNewsNow.com says that a YAF spokesman stated, “their intimidation tactics and bullying” will not work on them. Brown says, “Attorney Joseph Sandler, who wrote the demand letter on behalf of CAIR, is also general counsel of the Democratic National Committee.”

CHURCH LAND – PRAY Source: OneNewsNow.com

Miami in Dade County, Florida does not require other assembly-use businesses to own a minimum amount of land to operate, yet they require two Christian groups to do so.

EEOC AND SWIFT Source: OneNewsNow.com, 07/25/07

Several months ago Swift & Company meat-packing plant in Grand Island, Nebraska refused to let Muslim workers take extra breaks for Islamic rituals, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) intends to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Jan Markell, founder of Olive Tree Ministries in Minnesota, says, “CAIR will defend Islam in America no matter what the case is. The threat from CAIR is that they exist to make Islam in America look good, when it’s anything but.”

ENEMIES OF CHRIST IN LAOS Source: crosswalk.com & Jeff M. Sellers, 08/09/07

In August 2007, authorities arrested and imprisoned about 200 members of a 1,900-strong Laos Evangelical Church in Bokeo province in northwestern Laos, falsely accusing them of being separatist rebels. Many are Hmong refugees fleeing persecution in Vietnam.

Local village heads, communist committee members and others hostile to Christians are urging police to send Christians to prison. Among other charges, they are accused of being part of an “American religion” and breaking religion laws. Worshipping together is now prohibited and villages are under tight police control. Pray earnestly for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ.

CHURCH REFUSES TO BOW Source: AFA ActionAlert, 08/14/07

Homosexuals are harassing and publicly ridiculing High Point Church of Dallas, Texas for refusing them use of their building for a memorial service celebrating homosexuality

OCTOBER 2007

ARE YOU FULL OF THE SPIRIT by Dr. Redman

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

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

We live in times of prosperity, yet we have soaring gas prices, poverty, drug and alcohol addictions, and multiple mental disorders. Times are evil, and sorrows will increase as we draw nearer to the coming of the King of Kings.

A carnal Christian lives so close to the world that a nonbeliever has a hard time seeing Christ working through them. Will they be ready for the rapture of the church? We are supposed to stay full of the Spirit so the world will know we are different. After all, we are new creatures in Christ!

Quality time in the presence of God is required to remain full of the Spirit! Daily reading the Bible, praying, and walking in obedience to God’s Word is essential for EVERY Christian.

Are you nervous, stressed out, depressed, or angry? What has been entering your mind, eyes, and ears? Hours of television turn the joy of the Lord into the woes of the world.

We make choices every day that affect how we feel and think. It is time to get on a spiritual diet. Feed on the bread of life, not the bread of strife.

YOU choose your eternal destiny.

CULT OR NOT?

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: Geoff Botkin & The Vision Forum, Inc.

Cults are evil systems of so-called religious worship, and they should be denounced. Heresy (religious doctrine opposing God’s Word) is evil. However, reexamine God’s Word before you brand a person or a group as a cult. God will judge those who call a genuine work of Christ a cult, because they have slandered His own. Do not become an enemy of Christ yourself. See Psalm 105:15.

The expression “cult” is used by many anti-Christian governments today to try to eliminate Christianity! Tragically, much of America has become uncomfortable with REAL, applied Christianity.

There are some awful anti-Christian laws being proposed in America, and some have passed. Christians who don’t comply with these laws may be labeled as cultic or even arrested.

Will you stand with JESUS?

GOD CARES WHAT WE CALL HIM

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: Albert Mohler, who hosts the Salem Radio Network

A Roman Catholic bishop from the Netherlands suggests that Dutch Christians pray to Allah! Another bishop says that eventually the name Allah will be used by Dutch churches. Yet another one said, “. . . What does God care what we call him?” This is according to The Herald Sun [Melbourne, Australia].

GOD CARES. God called Himself “I AM” and has many other names in the Bible. The word Allah is the Arabic word for deity, but Allah cannot be used as a generic term for deity which means “a god”.

Albert Mohler says, “Allah is not a personal deity in the sense that the God of the Bible is. Furthermore, the Qur'an explicitly denies that Allah has a son, and Islam considers the notion of a triune God to be blasphemy. Thus, from its very starting point Islam denies what Christianity takes as its central truth claim - the fact that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of the Father.

If Allah has no Son by definition, Allah is not the God who revealed himself in the Son. How then can the use of Allah by Christians lead to anything but confusion . . . and worse?”

Jesus is God’s Son in human flesh, which Islam rejects. If Allah has no Son, he is not God, the Father. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus commanded, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” A Christian cannot baptize in the name of Allah, as Allah has no son and no Holy Ghost! Allah is not the God of the Bible!

PUBLIC PRAYER IN JESUS’ NAME

Source: Legal Alert, June-July 2007, a monthly publication of the Christian Law Association (edited by Sharon Cromwell, LHF newsletter staff)

One of the serious issues facing Bible-believing Christians in America today is their right to continue praying in Jesus’ name in public. Particularly at risk is a Christian’s right to pray in Jesus’ name at legislative meetings such as city councils, county commissions, and state legislatures. It is interesting that most of those who want to ban prayers in Jesus’ name do not call for similar bans on Muslim prayers to Allah.

Some private groups like professional organizations, condo associations, or community children’s clubs are unnecessarily deciding to censor their own speech and ban prayer in Jesus’ name at private meetings or luncheons. SUCH CENSORSHIP IS NOT LEGALLY REQUIRED. Private groups can make their own rules without fear of “separation of church and state” lawsuits.

Christians who offer prayer in Jesus’ name do so according to God’s Word. John 14:13(a) says, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.” John 14:14 says, “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 16:23(b) says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

One of the most important rights of American citizens is their right to practice their faith without government interference. Our Constitution gives everyone the right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

The Bible tells us that Jesus will be an offense and a stumbling block. But this is America – a nation that was founded on Biblical principles! The problem today is discrimination against Christians who dare to use the name of their Lord and Savior in public. As for legislative prayers, in the 400 years since Christian settlers first came to this land and for the more than 200 years since America’s Constitution was adopted, legislative prayers have always been offered in Jesus’ name. Only recently has anyone even thought of suggesting that closing a prayer in Jesus’ name is somehow illegal or proselytizing and offensive. There is power in Jesus’ name, and Scripture tells Christians that we are to petition God in the name of Jesus Christ.

Certainly, if the First Amendment means anything in this country, it means that the government must keep out of a man’s private prayers, even when those prayers are offered in public. Several decades ago, the Supreme Court conducted an extensive historical inquiry and concluded that because members of the First Congress had authorized the appointment of chaplains to offer legislative prayers only three days before agreeing to the language of the Establishment Clause, they could not have intended the Establishment Clause “to forbid what they had just declared acceptable.” The Court concluded that opening legislative meetings with prayer is constitutional because of its longstanding tradition in America. Marsh v. Chambers (1983).

Pastors and other Christians who engage in public prayer should remember two things:

1) Courts have said that government-related public prayers should not be used to overtly proselytize, even though courts have never said that prayers may not be offered in Jesus’ name.

2) Courts have also said that government-related public prayers should not be used to disparage other faiths.

OCTOBER 2007 NEWS

School News by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Christian Schools Source: OneNewsNow.com, 09/10/7

Christians have a duty to give their children a godly education. Although many will say that Christian children can be a godly influence in public school, results show that the world influences most Christian children more than they influence the world. Adult Christian missionaries are sent to the “world” only after training and preparation. Think about it.

Public School Pushes Smut

Source: Matt Barber, OneNewsNow.com, 08/29/07

Illinois School District 126 assigned summer reading to 12- and 13-year-olds that contain harsh profanity and references to teen sex with adults. They have six books to choose from, and parents say three of them are highly age-inappropriate.

These educators are contributing to moral degradation by pushing vulgarity on children. Matt Barber, an attorney and a guest columnist of OneNewsNow.com says, “It amounts to educational malpractice, and School District 126 should have its mouth washed out with soap.” This is just one instance among many where the moral decline of Americans is affecting our children.

Christians Parents Must Teach Godly Values

Source: OneNewsNow.com, 09/07-11/07

Children can spend around 16,000 hours of their lives in school between kindergarten and 12th grade. That time and all that is involved in it has an intense impact on who a child becomes. Edward Gamble, who is a director of an association of Christian schools, says, “But when the messages are either abiblical or counter-biblical, why would you expect a child to grow up thinking biblically?” He regrets that many pastors do not realize that the government-run public school system they remember does not exist anymore!

Bible Reading Forbidden

Source: OneNewsNow.com, 09/06/07

Wesley Busch is a kindergarten student at Culbertson Elementary School in Newton Square, Pennsylvania. Book reading was part of a classroom assignment to identify interests and learn about each other. Jeremy Tedesco, legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), says the school district had a big problem with Wesley's favorite book, the Bible. The school told Mrs. Busch, “No, you can’t read the Bible . . . but here, read this book on witches and Halloween instead.” In May, a federal court upheld the restriction on the Bible, but the case is on appeal.

Religious Expression Bill Source: Allie Martin, OneNewsNow.com, 08/15/07

Governor Rick Perry signed the “Religious Viewpoints Anti-Discrimination Act” giving public school districts in Texas until September 1, 2007 to adopt a policy designating school events where public forums will be available for students. The new law creates guidelines for student speakers at certain school-wide events, and allows students to organize religious groups and activities. Our constitution guarantees us freedom of speech, and our Supreme Court has supported it. However, it has been reasserted for Texas students that they should not be intimidated by the threat of legal action when expressing their personal faith verbally or in a class assignment.

Christian Club OneNewsNow.com, 09/14/07

An Alabama public school district will now allow Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to use school facilities free of charge where previously only secular clubs had that privilege. Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver, who filed a federal lawsuit says, “Five weeks from the start of the lawsuit until the resolution is all it took - and the school delayed for three years prior to Liberty Counsel being contacted.” The district will pay attorney's fees for the Christian club.

November

ARE YOU A TRUE FRIEND?

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

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

With some friends we share our deepest secrets or needs. It is not wise to reveal our most private concerns to a casual acquaintance, who may open the door for us to be wounded.

A true friend will stand by you through “thick and thin”. I had someone I thought was a true friend, but they rejected me when I needed Christian fellowship the most. Why did this happen? They did not love me unconditionally.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ is one of unconditional love. We are received into the kingdom of God just as we are. We all fall short of the glory of God, but God never quits loving us. Forgiveness is just one confession away.

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loveth at all times….” Some people are not the easiest to love, but to be Christ-like, we must love regardless of the circumstances. A friend might have a different opinion than ours or speak something that wounds us. As a true friend, we must love unconditionally, with no strings attached.

Reactions of the flesh might include getting even or not having anything to do with the individual that hurt your feelings.

When we have crucified our flesh, our reaction will be submitted love where we meet the need of someone whether they deserve it or not!

Haiti - from Voodoo to Christ

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff Source: CBN News

Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and half the population is under-nourished. Haitians made a blood pact with the devil 200 years ago and the island was dedicated to Satan. A voodoo priest still runs a voodoo temple close to the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.

Thousands of Christians are fervently praying and fasting. Pastor Chavannes Jeune, Haiti’s most prominent evangelical leader, says they are claiming their country back for the Lord. Jeune says, “Haiti was called a voodoo country, but now I think the Christians are taking over because we have about 42 to 46 percent Christians in the country. At the national palace they have permission to organize a monthly prayer service, and they also do that at the Prime Minister's office, the ministry of Justice, and the Parliament.

When asked what Christians can do to help Haiti, Jeune answered, “First, I think that they should continue to pray for Haiti because we are on the verge of a revival and we want that revival to break through.” ~

THE UNCRITICAL TEMPER

Quotes by Oswald Chambers

The average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual.

The effect of criticism is a dividing up of the powers of the one criticized; the Holy Ghost is the only One in the true position to criticize, He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding.

It is impossible to enter into communion with God when you are in a critical temper; it makes you hard and vindictive and cruel, and leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person.

Jesus says, as a disciple cultivate the uncritical temper. It is not done once and for all.

Every wrong thing that I see in you, God locates in me. (See Romans 2:17-20). Stop having a measuring rod for other people. There is always one fact more in every man’s case about which we know nothing.

I have never met the man I could despair of after discerning what lies in me apart from the grace of God. ~

NOVEMBER 2007 NEWS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Chaplains' prayers restricted!

Source: Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel 08/02/07

Our military chaplains' First Amendment right to pray freely has been challenged again. They are told NOT to pray in the name of Jesus. Jay Sekulow of ACLJ says, “Regardless of how someone feels about the war, our servicemen and women should not be victimized.” Pray for them.

The NCC praises Ahmadinejad

OneNewsNow.com, 10/08/07

Jan Markell, founder of Olive Tree Ministries, is disturbed by recent comments from the National Council of Churches about Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. She said they, “. . . called him a pious person and a witty man. They said he comes across as a very religious man.” She wonders why we are, “. . . cozying up to a guy who's calling for our total destruction. . . .”

Christmas BANNED?

AFA ActionAlert & OneNewsNow.com

The city of Oak Lawn, Illinois has banned any recognition of Christmas in their schools, and has removed things from their school cafeteria menus, because Muslims complained! Attorney Bruce Shortt says this is not just about Islam; secular humanists have been efficient in purging Christmas from our schools. Shortt says many anti-Christian demands are being made and accommodated, while every hint of Christianity is being systematically removed from public places.

Bad Sea Treaty OneNewsNow.com, 09/27/07

Pentagon officials want quick ratification of the U.N. Law of the Sea Treaty. While the Chinese build up their navy, the U.S. Navy is reducing its fleet. Yet, top Naval officials want to depend on a paper treaty for America’s security.

Policy Reversal OneNewsNow.com, 10/0/07

The president of Prison Fellowship, Mark Earley, says the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBP) has reversed a policy that would have limited the number of religious books in correctional facilities. The FBP says it will return all materials removed in June, with the exception of any publications that could incite violence. (I wonder who decides that?)

SCHIP bill – GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE OneNewsNow.com, 10/06/07

Congress is trying to pass the state children's health insurance program (SCHIP). Some say the flawed bill is the first step to moving the population towards a government-run socialized medical system (universal health care, a one-payer system). The bill was approved by Congress but vetoed by President Bush during the first week of October.

Ramadan At The Pentagon?

OneNewsNow.com, 10/05/07

More than 100 Department of Defense employees recently attended a Ramadan celebration at the Pentagon, in which two of the speakers had connections to radical Islam! Lt. Col. Bob Maginnis (USA-Ret.) says, “The person who sent it basically put the tenants of Islam [in the message] -- there are five -- and as far as I am concerned that's the same as sharing the gospel of Christ on a government email server, which of course is frowned upon and considered ethically unlawful by the federal government.” The next day, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a declaration recognizing the start of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan and praised Muslims in the U.S. and elsewhere for their faith.

Reaching Muslims in America

Source: ASSIST News Service

More than 300,000 Arab-Americans attend a street festival in Dearborn, Michigan every year. Pastor George Saieg, founder of Arabic Christian Perspective (www.ministrytomuslims.com) was there with volunteers to pass out Christian literature and DVDs in Arabic. He organizes small teams of volunteers for outreach where Muslims gather throughout the U.S.

Feeling the weight of negative information overload?

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

DECEMBER

A BOLD GOSPEL

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Source: Paul Coughlin, author of “The Protectors” training and curriculum

Many children are timid and weak instead of secure and assertive, because parents avoid teaching principles that make them and the children uncomfortable! Deficient preparation yields incomplete readiness for dealing with life.

Matthew 10:16 says, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” We have to be wise and harmless. Without courage, you can’t be both shrewd and harmless.

If all children learn is to be compliant, they will lack the courage to repel the aggressiveness of wicked people, thus falling into the devil’s hands.

Paul Coughlin says, “Meekness isn’t false humility, meekness isn’t timidity, and meekness isn’t terror of conflict. Meekness is knowing who we are, believing that what God says is true, and then submitting to Him in obedience because we love Him in response to His love for us.”

Real faith in God sometimes involves risk to your human safety and security. Coughlin says, “Our noble goal is to raise assertive —not passive or aggressive — children who are able to live abundant lives and are better able to love God and others.” He also says, “People who understand that in order to possess integrity, a person must be willing to use force justly, which is part of the original definition of integrity.”

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Dr. Redman is a dentist in East Prairie, Missouri

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

I will never forget the day that I got baptized in the Holy Spirit. It is a gift from God and belongs to all born-again believers.

On April 13, 1992, I attended a revival service in New Madrid, Missouri. The evangelists had an altar call for born-again believers who were not baptized in the Holy Spirit. He said that he would read verses from the Bible and people would be filled with the Holy Spirit. I did not understand anything about this experience but I was not antagonistic toward it. A friend kept encouraging me to go, so I thought, “I’ll go to the altar, and listen to the verses, and if nothing happens I’ll just go sit back in my seat.”

Even before I went to the altar, the power of God was on me. I do not remember any of the verses that were read, but I do remember being told to open my mouth. When I obeyed, the power of God fell upon me, filling me with the Holy Spirit. 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 hands immediately shot to the air. Instantly I was 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 this experience? 1) I had a boldness in witnessing. 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. 4) I had a strong desire to read the Bible, and I started understanding what I read. 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 certain sins that had control over my life. Yes, everyone needs the Baptism of the Holy Spirit!!! Do not walk but run to the altar to receive from God!

BROKEN VESSELS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Psalm 31:1-11 is a blessing. Verse 7 says, “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;” Verse 12 says, “I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.”

A preacher I used to know, when receiving prayer requests, being grieved would say, Is there trouble anywhere? Everyone has troubles, but God promises help to Believers. We are dirt, we are clay, and sometimes we are broken. God sent the Redeemer who knows all our trouble, knows our soul in adversities, and is able to do something about it. He transforms broken lives and makes incapable people proficient. Isaiah 64:8 says, “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” (See also Jeremiah 18:4.)

Our vessel is marred when we resist His guiding hand, but when we repent, He makes it again the way HE wants it. We can forget our broken past, and look to God with hope for the future. (Read Philippians 3:13-14.)

DECEMBER 2007 NEWS

by Sharon Cromwell, newsletter staff

Jerusalem Divided OneNewsNow.com & CBNNews.com

The Israeli Prime Minister says that his government would support a division of the Holy City as part of an Israeli-Palestinian declaration to be made at an imminent peace conference. The Ramon proposal is based on a plan forwarded by President Bill Clinton seven years ago. Most of East Jerusalem would be given over to the Palestinian Authority, and West Jerusalem would remain under Israeli control. Former Israeli U.N. Ambassador says this will create chaos.

Jan Markell, head of Olive Tree Ministries, says that Israel’s secular humanist government is delusional. She says the ‘appease disease’ is once again being played out; their enemies cannot be appeased. Markell says the Lord won’t be pleased if any part of Jerusalem is turned over to Israel’s enemies.

Joel 3:2 says, “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people . . . Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.”

Community Service OneNewsNow.com 10/11/07

A California public school district, starting in 2007, requires all high school students to complete 40 hours of community service to qualify for their high school diploma. Chris Rand, 15, completed more than 80 hours of community service, but school officials refuse to give him credit for it because it was associated with a church. Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver says that is unconstitutional, and it is a "significant discriminatory message to our children." There is a lawsuit seeking to remove the prohibition on per-forming service to religious communities

Flogging (International Religious Freedom News)

To FLOG means to “beat with a whip or stick” according to Webster’s Dictionary! In September an Iranian Christian couple were flogged at their home after being declared apostates because they were found at a Christian prayer meeting. Pray for God’s persecuted people.

Police Chaplain OrlandoSentinel.com

Orlando police Chaplain Andrew Wade says he has a weapon to fight crime on the most troubled streets and in dangerous communities. Wade says, “We can pray.” Forty nights of (about one hour) prayer for the end of crime was made by Wade, his fellow chaplains, and volunteers in a park in one of Orlando's most disturbed areas. Wade says, “There is a fight in the supernatural that is affecting us here in the physical world.” Wade stated that good people were afraid, but, “The criminals are the ones who should be walking in fear.”