One of the greatest hindrances to American society today is the Secular Humanist model promoted by so-called progressive minded people as the modern lifestyle of the ages.  Secular Humanism views Christianity (and religion in general) as a set of archaic thought patterns that should be utilized as only to what relative to the present. Thus Christian Morality has good points and bad points depending to what is relevant to an individual's lifestyle and how Christian Morality may affect the wholeness of secular egalitarianism. So furthermore deviant behavior vis-a-vie Christian Morality is deemed normal.

Homosexuality is one of these deviant lifestyles that Christian Morality deems as sinful while Secular Humanism deems normal as relative to today's standards of life. The agenda of Secular Humanism (and homosexual activists) is to undermine Christianity in order for society to accept sin as normal rather than a cultural cancer that depraves society from within.

This is why I am excited to read that one of the leading homosexual activists has forsaken the homosexual lifestyle in favor of a Redeemed Victorious Lifestyle in Christ. That former homosexual activist is Michael Glatze.

JRH

******************************

How a 'gay rights' leader became straight

By Michael Glatze

Posted: July 3, 2007 1:00 a.m. Eastern

WorldNetDaily

Homosexuality came easy to me, because I was already weak.

My mom died when I was 19. My father had died when I was 13. At an early age, I was already confused about who I was and how I felt about others.

My confusion about "desire" and the fact that I noticed I was "attracted" to guys made me put myself into the "gay" category at age 14. At age 20, I came out as gay to everybody else around me.

At age 22, I became an editor of the first magazine aimed at a young, gay male audience. It bordered on pornography in its photographic content, but I figured I could use it as a platform to bigger and better things.

Sure enough, Young Gay America came around. It was meant to fill the void that the other magazine I'd worked for had created - namely, anything not-so-pornographic, aimed at the population of young, gay Americans. Young Gay America took off.

Gay people responded happily to Young Gay America. It received awards, recognition, respectability and great honors, including the National Role Model Award from major gay organization Equality Forum - which was given to Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien a year later - and a whole host of appearances in the media, from PBS to the Seattle Times, from MSNBC to the cover story in Time magazine.

I produced, with the help of PBS-affiliates and Equality Forum, the first major documentary film to tackle gay teen suicide, "Jim In Bold," which toured the world and received numerous "best in festival" awards.

Young Gay America created a photo exhibit, full of photographs and stories of gay youth all across the North American continent, which toured Europe, Canada and parts of the United States.

Young Gay America launched YGA Magazine in 2004, to pretend to provide a "virtuous counterpart" to the other newsstand media aimed at gay youth. I say "pretend" because the truth was, YGA was as damaging as anything else out there, just not overtly pornographic, so it was more "respected."

It took me almost 16 years to discover that homosexuality itself is not exactly "virtuous." It was difficult for me to clarify my feelings on the issue, given that my life was so caught up in it.

Homosexuality, delivered to young minds, is by its very nature pornographic. It destroys impressionable minds and confuses their developing sexuality; I did not realize this, however, until I was 30 years old.

YGA Magazine sold out of its first issue in several North American cities. There was extreme support, by all sides, for YGA Magazine; schools, parent groups, libraries, governmental associations, everyone seemed to want it. It tapped right into the zeitgeist of "accepting and promoting" homosexuality, and I was considered a leader. I was asked to speak on the prestigious JFK Jr. Forum at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 2005.

It was, after viewing my words on a videotape of that "performance," that I began to seriously doubt what I was doing with my life and influence.

Knowing no one who I could approach with my questions and my doubts, I turned to God; I'd developed a growing relationship with God, thanks to a debilitating bout with intestinal cramps caused by the upset stomach-inducing behaviors I'd been engaged in.

Soon, I began to understand things I'd never known could possibly be real, such as the fact that I was leading a movement of sin and corruption - which is not to sound as though my discovery was based on dogma, because decidedly it was not.

I came to the conclusions on my own.

It became clear to me, as I really thought about it - and really prayed about it - that homosexuality prevents us from finding our true self within. We cannot see the truth when we're blinded by homosexuality.

We believe, under the influence of homosexuality, that lust is not just acceptable, but a virtue. But there is no homosexual "desire" that is apart from lust.

In denial of this fact, I'd fought to erase such truth at all costs, and participated in the various popular ways of taking responsibility out of human hands for challenging the temptations of lust and other behaviors. I was sure - thanks to culture and world leaders - that I was doing the right thing.

Driven to look for truth, because nothing felt right, I looked within. Jesus Christ repeatedly advises us not to trust anybody other than Him. I did what He said, knowing that the Kingdom of God does reside in the heart and mind of every man.

What I discovered - what I learned - about homosexuality was amazing. How I'd first "discovered" homosexual desires back in high school was by noticing that I looked at other guys. How I healed, when it became decidedly clear that I should - or risk hurting more people - is that I paid attention to myself.

Every time I was tempted to lust, I noticed it, caught it, dealt with it. I called it what it was, and then just let it disappear on its own. A huge and vital difference exists between superficial admiration - of yourself, or others - and integral admiration. In loving ourselves fully, we no longer need anything from the "outside" world of lustful desire, recognition from others, or physical satisfaction. Our drives become intrinsic to our very essence, unbridled by neurotic distractions.

Homosexuality allows us to avoid digging deeper, through superficiality and lust-inspired attractions - at least, as long as it remains "accepted" by law. As a result, countless miss out on their truest self, their God-given Christ-self.

Homosexuality, for me, began at age 13 and ended - once I "cut myself off" from outside influences and intensely focused on inner truth - when I discovered the depths of my God-given self at age 30.

God is regarded as an enemy by many in the grip of homosexuality or other lustful behavior, because He reminds them of who and what they truly are meant to be. People caught in the act would rather stay "blissfully ignorant" by silencing truth and those who speak it, through antagonism, condemnation and calling them words like "racist," "insensitive," "evil" and "discriminatory."

Healing from the wounds caused by homosexuality is not easy - there's little obvious support. What support remains is shamed, ridiculed, silenced by rhetoric or made illegal by twisting of laws. I had to sift through my own embarrassment and the disapproving "voices" of all I'd ever known to find it. Part of the homosexual agenda is getting people to stop considering that conversion is even a viable question to be asked, let alone whether or not it works.

In my experience, "coming out" from under the influence of the homosexual mindset was the most liberating, beautiful and astonishing thing I've ever experienced in my entire life.

Lust takes us out of our bodies, "attaching" our psyche onto someone else's physical form. That's why homosexual sex - and all other lust-based sex - is never satisfactory: It's a neurotic process rather than a natural, normal one. Normal is normal - and has been called normal for a reason.

Abnormal means "that which hurts us, hurts normal." Homosexuality takes us out of our normal state, of being perfectly united in all things, and divides us, causing us to forever pine for an outside physical object that we can never possess.

Homosexual people - like all people - yearn for the mythical true love, which does actually exist. The problem with homosexuality is that true love only comes when we have nothing preventing us from letting it shine forth from within. We cannot fully be ourselves when our minds are trapped in a cycle and group-mentality of sanctioned, protected and celebrated lust.

God came to me when I was confused and lost, alone, afraid and upset. He told me - through prayer - that I had nothing at all to be afraid of, and that I was home; I just needed to do a little house cleaning in my mind.

I believe that all people, intrinsically, know the truth. I believe that is why Christianity scares people so much. It reminds them of their conscience, which we all possess.

Conscience tells us right from wrong and is a guide by which we can grow and become stronger and freer human beings. Healing from sin and ignorance is always possible, but the first thing anyone must do is get out of the mentalities that divide and conquer humanity.

Sexual truth can be found, provided we're all willing and driven to accept that our culture sanctions behaviors that harm life. Guilt should be no reason to avoid the difficult questions.

Homosexuality took almost 16 years of my life and compromised them with one lie or another, perpetuated through national media targeted at children. In European countries, homosexuality is considered so normal that grade-school children are being provided "gay" children's books as required reading in public schools.

Poland, a country all-too familiar with the destruction of its people by outside influences, is bravely attempting to stop the European Union from indoctrinating its children with homosexual propaganda. In response, the European Union has called the prime minister of Poland "repulsive."

I was repulsive for quite some time; I am still dealing with all of my guilt.

As a leader in the "gay rights" movement, I was given the opportunity to address the public many times. If I could take back some of the things I said, I would. Now I know that homosexuality is lust and pornography wrapped into one. I'll never let anybody try to convince me otherwise, no matter how slick their tongues or how sad their story. I have seen it. I know the truth.

God gave us truth for a reason. It exists so we could be ourselves. It exists so we could share that perfect self with the world, to make the perfect world. These are not fanciful schemes or strange ideals - these are the Truth.

Healing from the sins of the world will not happen in an instant; but, it will happen - if we don't pridefully block it. God wins in the end, in case you didn't know.

"Tongues:" That is thing Pentecostals and Charismatics do that most Mainline Denominations tend to think is crazy or of the devil. There is no getting around the fact that "Speaking in Tongues" (or Glossolalia as the educated prefer) is in the Bible and is an act that Spirit Baptized Believers should practice.

The difficulty about "Tongues" is its purpose and where and how it should manifest.

I am no expert but I can read. I go with the Jude 20 principle of Tongues:

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit". (Jude 20. NKJV)

"Praying in the Holy Spirit" is "Tongues." It is a form of prayer that is primarily for building the individual's faith. Thus the more time spent in praying in "Tongues" the greater faith to walk as Jesus walked.

There is public usage of "Tongues" as well as however the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says that should only be delivered if there is an "interpretation" to benefit the public.

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same^[b] Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11. NKJV)

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. (1 Corinthians 14: 26-28. NKJV)

The "Gift of Tongues" is an endowment meant for public ministry for the edification (or building up) of the listeners, BUT only if there is an "Interpretation" Gift giving the public understanding. All Believers are endowed with "Tongues" on an individual basis to build oneself up in faith by Holy Spirit. Many believe that should an individual should have an interpretation of his personal prayer time in "Tongues." Maybe so however I believe the interpretation is more a sense of spiritual guidance. A guidance to read this Scripture, to do or not do a particular action, to pray for someone specifically or simply enable one to walk a more sanctified life in drawing closer in union to the purpose and will of God.

Any way that is my take. I have written this little personal inner discussion to introduce a relevant devotional by Rick Renner from his first book, Sparkling Gems from the Greek. I say first because Brother Renner is working on a second book (and may have finished a sequel of the same name). Bless Brother Renner; he has been gracious to send out on an email list of devotional gems for free. Here is one I received recently on "Tongues."

JRH

***************************************

They Shall Speak With New Tongues!

Rick Renner

Rick Renner Ministries

July 9, 2007

Email List

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.
- Mark 16:17

Regardless of the denomination to which you belong or what you have been taught to believe, it is an irrefutable fact that Jesus said believers would speak with new tongues. In fact, Jesus affirmed that speaking in new tongues would be one of the supernatural signs that would follow believers!

The first example of speaking in tongues is found in Acts 2:1-4, where the Bible says, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Of all the instances where people spoke in tongues in the book of Acts, this is the most famous example - perhaps because it was the first time this phenomenon ever occurred and thus set the pattern for believers to be filled with the Spirit and to speak in tongues. But this instance is very unique from any other instance recorded in the book of Acts, for several miracles occurred that day when believers spoke in tongues for the first time.

There is so much we could write about speaking in tongues; after all, entire books have been written and devoted to this wonderful subject. But today let's look at the specific events that occurred the first time people ever spoke in tongues.

On the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:5,6 tells us a "multitude" was gathered in Jerusalem from every nation under Heaven. The word "multitude" is the Greek word plethos, which is used no less than twenty-five times in the Gospels to denote a massive, huge crowd of people. This is very important, for it tells us that far more foreigners were in the crowd than were believers who had been filled with the Spirit. Acts 2:9-11 tells us that in the crowd that day were Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; dwellers of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and parts of Libya near Cyrene; strangers from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; and both Cretes and Arabians.

The believers who had just been filled with the Spirit were speaking in tongues so loudly as they exited the upper room and entered the streets that the entire crowd could hear them speaking. The crowd was amazed at what they were hearing. Acts 2:6 says they were "confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language."

The word "confounded" is the Greek word suncheo, which means to perplex; to stun; to bewilder; to baffle; to stupefy; to amaze; to confound; or to cause an astonishment that literally throws people into a state of confusion. The word "heard" is the Greek word akouo, which simply means to hear. The word "speak" is the word lalouton, which means to speak, but the Greek tense presents the picture of people continuously speaking in tongues. In fact, this Greek word for "speak" is the same word used to describe someone who speaks fluently in his own or in some other language. This clearly shows us that the believers were speaking nonstop in tongues as they entered the streets that day.

But notice the end of Acts 2:6, where it says every man heard them speak "in his own language." The word "language" is the Greek word dialektos, which is where we get the word dialect. This means the believers were not heard speaking only in different languages, but with all the specific dialects, idioms, phrases, vernacular, and regional accents that were used in each geographical location from which the listeners came.

Consider this: There were only 120 believers speaking in tongues, and this was a massive crowd of people. So that means this small group of 120 believers must have been speaking in hundreds of different dialects! To know a language is one thing, but to know the different dialects of another language requires years of study and the highest skill. This would be amazing for a group of highly educated language specialists, but for a group of Galilaeans to speak so fluently in so many different dialects was simply unheard of - thus, the reason the listening crowd was so baffled and stunned.

Acts 2:7 lets us know that the majority of the believers who came out of the upper room speaking in tongues that day were Galilaeans, giving further cause for the international crowd to be so confounded. Galilaeans were simple people, not known for their education or wealth. Their labor, work, profession, and way of life were all primarily connected to the region of Galilee, so they had no reason to know many foreign languages. This is why the people reacted the way they did in Acts 2:7: "And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?"

In Acts 2:7, the word "amazed" is the Greek word existimi, which means to be beside oneself or to be out of one's head. It is the picture of one who is so stunned and amazed that he stands speechless - nearly paralyzed with shock. The word "marvelled" is the Greek word thaumadzo, which means to wonder or to stand in awe of. In our day, we might define it as one who is bowled over by something he has heard, witnessed, or seen. There is no doubt that the crowd that day was perplexed as they listened to these Galilaeans speaking in so many different languages and specific dialects.

But were the disciples supernaturally speaking in known languages that day?

Some have tried to categorically state that those who came out from the upper room that day supernaturally spoke in known human languages. But Paul specifically wrote that speaking in tongues is not speaking in a known language. In First Corinthians 14:2, Paul said, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him." That word unknown is italicized in the King James Version because it doesn't appear in the Greek text; it was supplied by the translators to affirm that Paul was not referring to known human languages; he was writing about a supernatural prayer language that is known only to God.

However, on the Day of Pentecost, a special miracle occurred. The believers spoke in tongues - but by the time that supernatural language reached the ears of the listeners, they "heard" a message in their own distinct dialects. This is why Acts 2:6 says that "every man heard them speak in his own language." Acts 2:8 says, "And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we wereborn?" And Acts 2:11 tells us that the listeners said, "we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." born?" And Acts 2:11 tells us that the listeners said, "we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God."

On the Day of Pentecost, the first great work of God was to fill the believers with the Holy Spirit. The second great work was to liberate their human spirits so they could pray in tongues and worship God in the Spirit. The third great work occurred when the believers spoke in other tongues and God supernaturally translated those tongues in the ears of the listeners so that each member of the audience "heard" them speaking in his or her own language.

It is amazing what happens when God's people open up to let Him work through them! When the believers in the book of Acts were filled with the Spirit and began to regularly speak in tongues, a door to supernatural power was opened. The power unleashed through speaking in tongues is evident throughout the book of Acts and is still in operation today.

There are several instances in the book of Acts where believers prayed and worshiped God in tongues. This was the norm, not the exception - a common practice that was expected to occur in the life of any person who was filled with the Spirit. And just as the early believers freely and fluently prayed in the Spirit, God has enabled us to do the same, if we will but open our hearts, open our mouths, and let our spirits speak to God.

How long has it been since you prayed in other tongues and allowed God's supernatural power to operate through you? Why don't you take a few minutes today to pray and praise in the Spirit? It will bring a divine operation of the supernatural into your day!

________________

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, I thank You for filling me with the Spirit and for giving me the ability to pray and to praise You in a supernatural language. My spirit longs to pray, to express itself, and to worship You. My own mind and intellect is so limited that I don't always know what to say or how to express myself. But when I pray and praise in the Spirit, I am very aware that I am praying perfectly and praising You on the highest level. Thank You for this wonderful ability. I want to pray in the Spirit and to worship You with all of my inner man!

I pray this in Jesus' name!

_________________

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY

I confess that I am filled with the Spirit of God and that I regularly pray in the Spirit. God liberated my inner man to speak to Him on the day I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. From that time until now, I have had the ability to speak in a supernatural spiritual language. I refuse to neglect or ignore this ability God has given me; therefore, I regularly pray in tongues. As a result, I am growing stronger and more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and I have a continual operation of divine, supernatural activity in my life!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

I have another "Sparkling Gem from the Greek" devotional from Rick Renner. The text that Brother Rick is from Mark 16: 17 - 18:

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17,18).

For many Pentecostals and most Charismatics this passage in Mark is of preeminent importance. Unfortunately most academic theologians call into question that verses nine through twenty are valid to the Gospel of Mark. Many of these theologians believe it was a later addition or even harsher - a forged addition to the original text.

You can guess where I stand on the issue because I am a Pentecostal/Charismatic kind of guy. Thus when I would the pro-apologist for verses nine through twenty of Mark sixteen I lean toward that favorable review.

The simplest way to explain the validity of Mark 16: 9 - 20 is that the oldest manuscripts do not have these verses, BUT thousands of manuscripts do include the verses. One apologist I read claims that verses nine through twenty are not in the two oldest yet are in 4200 other Greek manuscripts, thus he goes by majority rules as a divine democratic overwhelming validation of verses nine through twenty.

I know that mind-set must drive most theologians crazy but I like it. My thinking is it is irrelevant if Mark actually wrote the verses. It is relevant that the Holy Spirit has placed his stamp of approval in the inclusion as inspired Word of God from the Holy Spirit. My mind-set may be naive or extra-theological, but it works for me.

Source of contemplation: Bible-Researcher.com, ReligiousTolerance.org and Troy J. Edwards.

JRH  7/11/07

*****************************

Are These Signs Following You?

Rick Renner

Rick Renner Ministries

Sparkling Gems from the Greek

And these signs shall follow them that believe
- Mark 16:17

Moments before Jesus ascended to the Father, He told the disciples, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:17,18).

According to Jesus, these supernatural signs are supposed to follow those who believe. Since you and I believe, that means these signs are supposed to follow you and me! So let's look carefully at this supernatural list to see precisely what Jesus said to us.

First of all, the word "signs" comes from the Greek word semeion, which described the officialwritten notice that announced the final verdict of a court. It also described the signature or seal appliedto a document to guarantee its authenticity and a sign that marked key locations in a city. |

Jesus was sending His disciples into the world to preach the Gospel. As He sent them forth, He said that God's signature would be upon their ministry. These "signs" were to be the signature of God - the official declaration that they were sent by Heaven and that the Gospel message was true. For unbelievers, these "signs" would authenticate the fact that this was no manmade message, but a message straight from God Himself. And just as street signs point a traveler in the right direction,these signs would point the unbeliever to the Lord if he would only pay heed to them.

The specific signs that Jesus mentioned are as follows:

• They will cast out devils.
• They will speak with new tongues.
• They will take up serpents.
• If they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them.
• They will lay hands on the sick, and the sick will recover.

The Lord said that these signs would "follow" those who believe. The word "follow" is the Greek word parakoloutheo, from the words para and akoloutheo. The word para means alongside o be near or in a close proximitthee word akoloutheo means to follow or to go somewhere with a person, as to accompany him on a trip. When the word paraandakoloutheoare joined to form one word as in this verse, it means to tirelessly accompany someone; to constantly be at the side of an individual; to always be in close proximity with a person, like a faithful companion who is always at one's side.

Because the word parakoloutheohas such a strong sense of following someone, it eventually came to convey the idea of discipleship. A true disciple faithfully follows his teacher anywhere he goes and is committed to his teacher's instruction.

This picture of commitment to another person - of someone's faithfulness to follow and his determination to never be out of step with his leader - is very significant in the context of this verse. It tells us that signs and wonders are to faithfully follow us and the Gospel message. These signs and wonders are continually to be in step with us and with the message we preach. To preach without these miraculous signs should seem very strange to us, for God intended these signs to persistently follow us and the message anywhere and everywhere we go.

These signs are God's signature that the message is true. Hence, every time the Gospel is preached - whether at church, on the mission field, in a large crusade, in the bus or subway, at your job, or at the grocery store - you should expect these supernatural signs to be present in some form.These signs should accompany you everywhere you go because they are a part of your spiritual equipment, faithful partners of the Gospel message!

But if this is true, why don't we see more of these signs following Christians? The answer to this question is found in Jesus' words in Mark 16:17. He said, "And these signs shall follow them that believe...."

I want to draw your attention to the word "believe." Because of the tense used with this Greek word, this verse would be better translated, "These signs shall follow them that are constantly believing...." In other words, these signs don't come automatically just because a person once walked the aisle and gave his heart to Jesus. These signs follow those who are constantly believing for them to occur. If a Christian isn't believing for these signs to be manifested or expecting them to follow him, they probably won't. Like everything else in the Kingdom of God, signs and wonders are activated by faith.

Through the years of my ministry, I have observed that people who regularly experience the miraculous are those who regularly expect to see it. Rather than being passive, they are very aggressive about pushing forward in the Spirit to see the miraculous manifested in their lives or ministries. Those who press forward and release their faith to see the supernatural are the ones who see more of it than anyone else. Because they are believing for signs and wonders, they often see them manifested in their lives.

The number of signs and wonders that follow you will be determined by how intensely you Are constantly believing for them to be in manifestation. As noted above, everything in the Kingdom of God is activated by faith. If you're not releasing faith for the miraculous to occur, very little of the miraculous will be in manifestation in your life. If you want signs and wonders to faithfully follow you, you must be constantly believing for them to happen!

So when you preach and share the Gospel, expect things to happen!

• When you pray for the sick, expect them to be healed.
• When you confront someone who is demonized, expect that person to be set free.
• When you are in a situation that requires the miraculous, expect the miraculous to occur.
• When you need protection, expect God's hand of protection to be upon you.

If you haven't been experiencing the supernatural in your life, it may be a signal that you haven't been releasing your faith to see signs and wonders follow you. Remember, these signs always follow wherever the Gospel is preached and believers are believing for them to occur. This was Jesus' promise! He guaranteed that God's supernatural signature would be on anyone who preaches the Gospel and who opens the way for the supernatural to come to pass by believing.

Today I want to encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle the flame in your heart to see the supernatural signature of God on your life, your church, or your ministry. God wants to show up when you preach or share the Gospel. He wants to authenticate and guarantee that the message you preach or share is truly Heaven-sent. But for the miraculous to occur, He needs you to be constantly releasing your faith - for it is your faith that activates the supernatural !

______________________

My Prayer for Today

Lord, I prayerfully admit that I haven't been expecting signs and wonders to follow me as I ought to be expecting them. From this moment onward, I release my faith for the miraculous to follow me when I preach or share the Gospel with unbelievers. Holy Spirit, let the power of God flow and confirm the message! Let God's signature be all over the Gospel that I preach. Because I am constantly releasing my faith for the miraculous to follow me wherever I go, I expect to see people healed, blind eyes opened, and captives set free by the power of God!

I pray this in Jesus' name!

____________________

My Confession for Today

I confess that signs and wonders follow me! I am intensely hungry to see the miraculous, and I am constantly believing for it to be in manifestation. Since everything in the Kingdom of God is activated by faith, I release my faith right now for supernatural signs to be manifested in my life! I am among those who are constantly believing for the miraculous to happen. When I preach the Gospel, I expect signs and wonders to follow that authenticate the message and supernaturally meet the needs of those who are listening to me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

I am going to use a word (okay two words) that the knowledgeable will cringe to read: Christian Reconstructionism (aka Dominionism).

I am uncertain if I can do the term justice but here it goes.

Christian Reconstructionism is as extreme to the Right as a Christian can go. Those that follow this Christian theological ideology look to return society on earth to a God-centered ruled government in which the humans govern society as close as possible to the Hebrew Scriptures (i.e. the Old Testament).

Check it out: I am a Right Winger; nonetheless I can perceive that this Theonomy (as it also is sometimes called) will wreak havoc on Freedom of Choice, Freedom Religion, Freedom of Thought and Freedom of Speech.

The Christian Reconstructionist's heart is in the right place, but their actions if empowered would eliminate the Grace of Christ. I am in the Group that believes that it is God's Will that all humanity should be Saved. Life and death in the spirit and the future is dependent on choice and obedience. (Okay I know that is another controversy but let's stick to the subject.)

An empowered Christian Reconstructionist government say in America would be bad news for Christians that did not believe in the same way as the Reconstructionist. Empowered Reconstructionism would be bad news for atheists, homosexuals and secular humanists believing in moral relativity. The bad news can be Old Testament laws that are part of THE LAW could lead to capital punishment for things we know are morally wrong yet today we leave the punishment between God and the unrepentant reprobates.

For example the U.S. Government will not prescribe the death penalty for adultery, fornication and homosexual lifestyle practices. These are considered a moral issue covered under the Government does not tell you what religion to practice (or lack thereof).

People as myself that emphasize New Testament Realities as fulfilled in Christ and Charismatic would also be in danger of capital punish at worst and imprisonment at best. I would be a heretic.

Why do I delve into Christian Reconstructionism? Well for all the bad news that could occur, most Reconstructionists are peaceful seeking change via turning voters to their way of thinking then changing the Laws as to make the government a Christian Theocracy.

Reconstructionists offer some excellent thoughts to ponder in relation to the goals of life. Here is an example: is your life centered on human standards of success or God-centered standards that draw you closer to God.

One of my pet peeves about the Word of Faith movement (don't get me wrong now, this is the path of my chosen heritage in Christ) is the drive to prosper financially. You see I believe God wants Believers to prosper and live the good life (as I heard T. L. Osborn once say). But I do not thing the good life and the prosperous life in Christ is the conspicuous drive to attain wealth and status in one's community or community of Churches (Wow! I just spoke heresy among my Christian pals).

Word Churches and Mega-Churches (denominations have these as well) too often are operated as a corporate business. It just seems the prosperity ministered is all about self and making sure the Church attended increases in wealth and status. Now these are good goals in the world. It is a lofty and good thing to better the lot of one's self. However is God looking for fruit for purely individual enhancement and comfort or to transfer an individual into the Kingdom of the Father's dear Son?

Here is some spiritual food for thought from one of the premier Christian Reconstructionist organizations known as The Chalcedon Foundation:

JRH 7/14/07

***************************************

God-Centered Ministry

Posted by Chris Ortiz

Chalcedon Blog

July 13, 2007

Creation is not viewed from the perspective of man but from God's perspective. This requires us in every area of life and thought to see all things from a God-centered, not a man-centered, perspective. ~ R. J. Rushdoony, Genesis, 9.

It's easy for one familiar with both the Reformed faith and Christian Reconstruction to read over so simple a passage as that Rush provides here. His thinking is based upon what he references as the Biblical reason for God creating the heaven and the earth:

Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev. 4:11

If all things are created for His pleasure, then we must seek His vantage point in all things. This is what it means to be God-centered--it's the centering of all our thinking and actions towards God and His purpose. It's doing all things -- no matter how menial -- to the glory of God (c.f. 1 Cor. 10:31).

Contending with these commandments can often be difficult for a ministry such as ours. This may come as a surprise, but despite the God-centered nature of our mission, the temptation to cater to what produces market growth is always there. If a ministry's leaders are not watchful, they can soon be engaged in a marketing drive not unlike any for-profit business. Success becomes the goal, and the God-centered emphasis quickly depletes. You become like the Church at Ephesus: you're in desperate need of restoration:

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works... Rev. 2:5

Pietists tend to emphasize verse 4: "[Y]ou have left your first love." In my opinion, the first works are the first love. Love, like faith, is demonstrated in good works. In the case of modern ministries, we leave our good works in order to thrive on the spiritual Dow Jones.

This was never Rushdoony's way. To him the service of God was primary, and there would be no discussion concerning a compromise for the sake of growth. He never himself purchased a book because of its cover, so it took my predecessors years to get his permission to spend money on cover designs. He wasn't concerned with movements, organizations, or position. He concerned himself with the Kingdom of God and the Word of God. He spent his days investigating all God's Word had to say about all of life.

I remember speaking with a dear friend who served as both an associate pastor and youth pastor at a burgeoning mega-church. He is a godly man, but his work was endless. Day and night he labored to make the ministry successful. One evening, I mentioned to him my greatest concern. I said, "Brother, when exactly do you have time for contemplation? For reading? For application?" He said, "Not much time, if any."

In terms of its attendance, the church he was building is thriving today. In humanistic terms, this is how success is measured. But, in terms of the Kingdom, it's retarded. It's growth does not represent a mature application of God's Word. The Lordship of Christ is easily blasphemed because many of these churches resort to man-centered messages in order to fill the pews.

Chalcedon, and Christian Reconstruction, are blessed with many great men that have made God-centered doctrine the object of their pursuit. But after years of experiencing little growth, and little money, there is a potential danger that we all can cater to the demands for growth. Certainly, there are things we can and should do in order to reach those who've not yet heard from us. Yet, in all things we must continually guard our hearts. We must see all things from God's perspective. He created all things for His pleasure, and so all things must serve Him. And sometimes, being too successful gets in the way of our faithfulness to serve.

I don't envy the international ministries. I often pity them. The complications associated with such behemoths are more than any of us care to have. For the time being, I believe Chalcedon is quite safe from such burdens. We have a built-in defense mechanism: we're selling responsibility, and there's just not that many takers.

Poison Ivy

Below are the thoughts of my beloved honey. Diana is way more in tune to spiritual things than I am. I am more of a meditator of God's Word relying on the Holy Spirit for insight. Diana just seems to have a direct Holy Spirit correction in which she is gifted in comforting people with inspired words.

JRH 7-20-07

***********************************

A Deep Rooted Seed

Diana Houk

© July 19, 2007

A few weeks ago I was watching the Lindsey Roberts show. She was teaching on deep rooted seeds: Seeds of unforgiveness, of bitterness & any seeds (deep rooted issues) that have not been dealt with.

Lindsey had brought her trash to school in big bags to use as an example (illustration) for her teaching. She said her trash represented the garbage some of us have in our lives.

She said if you have any deep rooted seeds of unforgiveness it is as these big bags of trash, and it is POISON TO YOU.

Seeds (HAVE ROOTS) of this nature are trash & you have to get rid of it. You have to REPENT, and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive you of any unforgiveness you may have, and to cleanse you of any & all garbage that is in your life.

You can't go deeper with the Lord until you have gone through this process. Then it frees you up to walk out the plan God has for your life. 

I heard a knock on my front door as I was watching Lindsey & it was a good friend of mine a professor from O.R.U.

He said God told him to come & mow my grass.  He had all his yard equipment with him & proceeded to take care of my yard. Praise God, because my yard did need help & this was totally unexpected.

I was still listening to Lindsey as she was teaching on the root being a force that will hinder you from going into the place (walk) with God he has for you. She said you might look good on the outside you may walk the walk & talk the talk, but she said the root is evil and it will grow (surface). It will start to spread like its uncontrollable & it will consume you with guilt & cause all kinds of problems in your life.

As I was listening to Lindsey teach I heard my friend (Joseph) call me to come outside. I went to see what he needed & he started telling me a story about POISON IVY.

He showed me a patch of the Poison Ivy I had in my back yard & started to tell me about how it grows. He said, "Look here down at the ground & see where someone has cut it off & you could see the stub where it had been cut." It was all dried up & appeared to be dead.

 He said someone was trying to kill this Poison Ivy and cut it off on the surface. (Trying to look good on the surface -outward) It had dried up at this area where it had been cut down. But, new growth had appeared growing up my fence and all around the area it had been cut down. Joseph said if you don't get to the root of the POISON IVY & kill it there the SEED of the POISON IVY will resurface and continue to grow. He said look at the outward & see it looks like its dead, but the "root" seed of this POISON IVY is still alive.

He went on to say, it's a very deep root & will take work to dig it out & kill it. When he started to dig to get to the root it looked very small from the surface. The deeper he would dig the bigger the root! It was so big and it was deep & wide & was killing anything in its path. It was hard work to dig it all out. It was a big job, but he didn't stop or give up because he kept saying the ROOT has to be killed (dug up).

As he was pulling on it and rolling the roots up and trashing them he said, the inward man that has no Posen roots will shine on the outward & the Glory of God will shine in & through him. 

As I was thinking on all this after Joseph had left my home I know what both Lindsey Roberts & Joseph were saying.

The root of all evil is a seed that if you don't deal with it (get rid of it) (get it out of your life) then it will resurface. 

Sometimes we have ROOTS that were not aware of. They started as a very small seed and grew over time.

I have found that in life's experiences that bad things happen to good people. And as my daddy used to say: (now he is in Heaven with Jesus)  

If you walk in Love you will not be offended, but sometimes we are, so if you Forgive & Forget then forget then you can live a happier life.

 Today is your day to say, "Jesus forgive me of any and all garbage (seeds, roots) which are in my life." Lord Jesus I pray you DIG DEEP into my very being and KILL anything in me that shouldn't be there or that isn't pleasing unto you.  Forgive me, Cleanse me & bring me into that place of being passionate for you above all else in Jesus name I pray & I seal all you do in me with the Blood of Jesus. Amen!

Diana Houk

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity],

Lee Grady's summation of Pope Benedict's recent announcement:

1.  
   1. Only Catholics are true Christians.
   2. Other Christian denominations are "not true churches."
   3. All non-Catholics lack the "means of salvation."

(J.) Lee Grady has been the Big Dog Editor of Charisma Magazine since 1999. I am guessing that tags Grady as a Protestant-Charismatic-Evangelical. I guess I would tag myself as a Charismatic-Pentecostal-Word_of_Faith (past roots however modified today)-Christian_Mystic kind of guy these days.

Grady reacted to the Pope's announcement with clear hostility reminiscent of the Protestant VS Catholic hostility that gained equal ground after Martin Luther's 95 Thesis in 1517. In fact Grady titled his online rebuttal as "Pope Benedict's Outrageous Announcement."

Assuredly the Pope's announcement opens all the old wounds (not just with Protestants but with the Eastern Orthodox Church as well) about Papal infallibility, Heaven and Hell and Purgatory, the true Faith and so on and on. I am guessing Pope Benedict XVI knew full well his proclamation would resound in denunciation from non-Catholic Christians. I got to say this for the old holy fella: Benedict is not exactly Politically Correct in his public pronouncements. The Pope enraged Muslims not too long ago by quoting 14th-century Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus:

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

Even before that speech in 2006, Mohammedan elitists had considered Pope Benedict XVI as an Islamophobe that stretches back to his Cardinal days. The Pope has opposed the entry of Turkey into the European Union based primarily that Mohammedan culture is different than European Culture that has its heritage in Christianity.

Thus the Pope's recent announcement is a jaw dropper (as Grady wrote) to Protestants of a Western Heritage. Protestants were beginning to view Benedict XVI as a huge Christian Leader willing to eschew the popularity of being Politically Correct to telling it like it is about Mohammedanism. I began to view the Pope as the defender of the Faith because of his conservative stand.

Since the papal announcement probably has opened old wounds expect to hear and read an increase from Protestants that the Papacy is the Anti-Christ and the hills of Rome are correspondent to Scripture written Revelation or Daniel and so on. It could get ridiculous (and it could be true as much as any Biblical speculation).

As a person from a Protestant background (I mean I am absolutely clueless to the ritual thing of Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestant Episcopate Churches), I recommend reacting in a What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) manner. Catholic and Protestant attitudes ebb and flow according to the leadership that is most influential at the time. Even though Pope Benedict XVI is the top dog in the Roman Catholicism, Catholicism is not exactly a paradigm unified agreement. Tradition demands to at least offer lip service to the Pontiffs commands. There is NO top dog in Protestantism. Protestants are an amalgam of various statements of Faith that range along denominational and independent lines. Let's see off the top of my head: Pentecostal Denominations (Assembly of God, Foursquare, Church of God, Open Bible Standard and more); there are the High Protestant Churches (Lutheran, Anglican/Episcopalian, Baptists, Methodist, Presbyterian and more) and there are the Independents - a combination of dissatisfied High Church attendees and Pentecostal/Charismatic attendees that chose to be independent (many of these have nearly become a domination via association; e.g. RHEMA Churches, Word of Faith Churches; Renewal Churches). Most Independent Protestants tend to be Pentecostal/Charismatic in operation.

I have to mention there are a few Independent Protestant Churches I have a hard time with because their statement of faith is often fringe/racist/anarchist types. Then there are those who consider themselves Christian Churches but deny one point or the other of the one thing that unites Roman Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox theology: the Trinity (ONE GOD yet three Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and that Jesus Christ is both human in the incarnated flesh and God - both natures are present and are ONE). Some of the Independents that have a different view of the Godhead I waver from admiration to thinking they are heretics, thus I won't get into naming Christians.

So what is my point?

There will NEVER be Christian unity under the guidance of humanity, that day of Unity occurs at the Parousia (Second Coming) of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.

So do not be hostile to Pope Benedict XVI merely because he says the Catholic way is the only way. The True Way is the Christ Way (John 14: 6-11) which involves the God-Kind of Love for the fellow Believer, Neighbor and enemy alike. Who is our Neighbor and how should we treat them? The Good Samaritan is about the Neighbor (Luke 10: 25-37). Acts of kindness and forgiveness (Matt. 5: 38-48) should be projected on our enemies (God sets in authority those do His Will in protection and discipline [Romans 13: 1-7, Jeremiah 25: 8-11 and 1 Peter 2: 13-16)]. And make every effort to settle differences between those you fellowship with (Offender - Matt. 5: 23-26 and Offended - Matt. 18: 15-17).

Under the Light of Christ is Pope Benedict's announcement to occupy the Christian mind as outrageous? I tend to think not. Move on to more Heavenly minded things to think on.

One last thought I should like to point out. Benedict's announcement that the Catholic way is the only will certainly have an affect on Protestants and Eastern Orthodox Church in which the reaction should be to pray for the Pontiff. One thing you will not be seeing in nations of Christian Heritage is the Christians pouring into the streets demanding death to the Pope. You will not see Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Christians beheading Catholics due to an offensive announcement. You will not see Catholics pouring into the streets burning down Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Church buildings. The Christian world has moved on from that barbaric medieval thinking.

I wonder which religion of peace I can contrast this Christian reaction too?

Jesus is the Bread of Life. When you partake of the Bread of Life then you are entering into a state of existence that the human and Jesus have become ONE in Union. Can you think of that? Can you imagine that? An existence in which your life-spirit is ONE with the Life-Spirit of Christ: or saying it another way you have become ONE with God. That is Jesus is the Bread of Life. In Christ you have been given a God-kind of Life that nourishes your spirit man/woman.

I was pondering the Bread of Life because I just finished reading a prophet essay written by Bobby Conner that was placed on the Elijah List email that I receive. Brother Conner's message prophetic message is that a huge healing explosion is about to occur all because of the Bread of Life.

JRH 7/28/07

********************************

WE STAND ON THE VERGE OF THE LARGEST HEALING MOVEMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH!

Bobby Connor

Elijah List

July 28, 2007

I have experienced the outstanding privilege of being in ministry meetings when suddenly the entire room would be filled with the overwhelming smell of fresh baked bread. In most of the cases when this occurred, we would experience marvelous manifestations of divine healing. Jesus states that healing is the children's bread (see Mark 7:27). This bread for the sick and hurting is the Lord Jesus serving the bread of His Presence, for He is the Healer. The Holy Spirit is releasing an awesome anointing for healing in our day; this anointing is going to be placed upon the Body of Christ.

In a prophetic visitation the Lord said to me, "Tell the Church, ready or not here I come, and I have a gift in My hand--it is the gift of healing. It will be placed upon the Body, not just upon somebody." We have witnessed the marvelous gift of healing move and minister while resting upon somebody. For example, Benny Hinn moves in an awesome gift of healing and miracles. This is wonderful, and we so appreciate all God is doing through this wonderful man of God. However, what is coming will be far more awesome--a powerful anointing of healing and mighty miracles moving upon the entire Body of believers. Many years ago, I was sent by the Lord to prophesy to Benny Hinn, telling him that soon there would come a day when children would be moving in the power and anointing he is walking in. I will never forget his response...His eyes danced and sparkled as he said with absolute joy, "Bobby, I know, the Lord has also told me that! Let us pray for that day to fall upon us now."

We stand on the very verge of the largest healing movement in the history of the Church. One of the reasons this healing anointing is coming is that we are going to need it. It is time to pray for Heaven's bread to be served in our meetings--offering prayer for the sick, anointing with oil, praying the prayer of faith, and expecting the Lord to manifest Himself as the Bread of Heaven given for our healing.

Bread For The Sinful And Hungry

In Exodus 16, God answered the cry of His people for bread as they journeyed in the wilderness. This pure, white, round bread that God caused to rain down from Heaven upon His hungry people as they griped and grumbled about their wilderness walk, was a foreshadow or reflection of Christ Jesus. For example, it came down from God out of Heaven; it was white, which speaks of purity; it was round speaking of being endless, eternal. Christ declares that He is indeed the Bread sent down from Heaven.

"I am the Bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). How grateful we are to God for His wonderful provision of the Bread of Heaven. Only as we receive and partake of Him do we have true life. None need to starve or stumble in darkness, since we have been given the Light of the World and the true Bread of Life for our wilderness journey.

Sharing Heaven's Bread

It is time also to share the Bread of Heaven with hungry, hurting humanity. Our world is starving and desperate for Heaven's Bread, the Living Christ. There is a remarkable story recorded in the seventh chapter of second Kings. Here we see people in the midst of a great famine. Never had there been such a desperate time. People were even stooping to cannibalism, eating their own children (see 2 Kings 6:25-29).

In the midst of such need, the prophetic word recorded in 2 Kings 7:1 came to God's people. The prophet Elisha stood and declared boldly, "Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord, 'Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.'" This is a bold prophetic statement! Right in the middle of this horrible famine, the prophet announces that on the next day, there will be so much food available that it will almost be given away free.

We are instructed to trust in the Lord and we will be established, and to believe His prophets and we will prosper (see 2 Chronicles 20:20). Notice the response of one of the not so wise leaders in 2 Kings 7:2 who said in so many words, there is no way that even with God's intervention something like this could ever happen. To which Elisha replied you will see it with your eyes, but you will not be one to take part in the provisions. You can see the outcome of this man's unbelief in 2 Kings 7:17-19. He was trampled to death by the people rushing to eat of the food that God had provided. It is shocking and surprising how and who God used to provide such a mighty miracle. We must remember it is in our weakness that God's strength is made perfect, for when we are weak He is strong.

We must be like the four lepers in 2 Kings 7:9. These pitiful, sick, dying men made a choice to change their situation. Asking the question, "Why sit here until we die?", they were compelled to get up, go forward, and seek a change. Can't you see these four pitiful men with advanced leprosy as they stood upon their wounded feet that were infected, filled with painful sores? I can see them as they weakly stand, supporting each other as they attempt to steady their trembling bodies, limping off into the unknown, and knowing only that there must be more than what they are experiencing now. What about you, are you too sick and tired of the lack of spiritual food, are you ready to get up and advance into the unknown? Do you too need to ask yourself, "Am I going to sit here until I die?" We will never seek change if we are content with our situation.

As the lepers entered into the camp of the enemy soldiers who surrounded Jerusalem, they discovered it had been quickly and completely vacated. The enemy, in abject terror, had fled leaving behind not only the tables filled with wonderful bread and foods, but all their wealth. The question is how could four weak, pathetic lepers strike such terror and fear into the hearts of such a formidable foe? The answer is found in 2 Kings 7:5-7. The Lord God had made the foe to hear the sound of a mighty army advancing, bringing about these overwhelming results. When these four men entered the camp there was no opposition at all, only tables of food and tents filled with treasure.

These starving men filled their stomachs full. Then they were filled with another hunger--the need to share what they had found with others. They were gripped with the understanding that they were responsible for sharing, with other starving people, the bread they had found. For those of us to whom the Bread of Heaven has been given, we too must share Him with others. It is the cry of my heart that God will release outstanding grace in order for us to share Heaven's Bread with the hurting and hungry of the world. Amen!

Many Blessings,

Bobby Conner
Eagles View Ministries
Email: manager@bobbyconner.org

____________________________

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
http://www.elijahlist.com/  
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250