Logos Infringement

There’s a resurgence of an old symbol afoot in America…the Raised Fist.  The Raised Fist is an almost universal sign of rebellion.  This is a common image in Marxist, Anarchists, Socialists and Communist propaganda.  In the United States today you can see the Raised Fist in Black Panther rallies, Union Strikes and the Occupy Movement signs. Amazingly, this salute dates back to ancient Assyria which was the forerunner of modern day Iran or Persian peoples.  Kinda creepy correlation if you ask me.  Just sayin’.

Here’s what God has to say about the “Raised Fist” symbol.

For no one on earth--from east or west, or even from the wilderness--should raise a defiant fist.

~Psalm 75:6

But, here in America, we haven’t let a little scripture admonition stop us from doing whatever we feel like, right?  Keeping in that spirit of rebellion, what’s the big deal if we “illegally” use a few of God’s symbols?  Well…under American and International Law, if you do that with a logo that is a registered trademark, you will find yourself in deep trouble legally.  Likewise, America is in deep trouble with the “Law” today.   

We have taken God’s symbols and re-purposed them for evil uses.  Remember when a rainbow was God’s promise not to destroy the entire planet by flood ever again?  Now, we hardly ever see a rainbow unless it is pushing some LGBT propaganda.  This symbol was truly co-opted by a movement completely at odds with Biblical mandates. 

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

~Genesis 9:13-15

We have taken God’s symbol of the Knitting Needle and raised it in defiance at Pro-Death abortion rallies.  This symbol was meant as a beautiful imagery of God’s intricacy in knitting us together as complex and wonderful beings created in the very Image of God.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

~Psalm 139:13-14

Both of these symbols are God’s way of reminding us of His Covenantal Contract.  Think of them as God’s “logos”.  Interestingly, the very meaning of the Greek word “logos” is “Word”.  Jesus is referred to as “The Living Word” and the Bible is, of course, “The Word of God”.  We are, in fact, misrepresenting God’s Word and breaking the “Law”.

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.

~Exodus 19:5

However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you…

~Deuteronomy 28:15

Re-read these two scriptures carefully and read them well…IF we do such and such, THEN we will receive….it is written just like a legal contract. 

Sadly, like most clueless people, we have failed to read the “Fine Print”.  Go to Deuteronomy 28: 15-64 and read the entire passage.  I don’t have the heart to spell it out for you.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2028:%2015-64&version=NIV

So, has America lived up to her Covenantal Contract with the Most High God?  With Marriage Redefinition gaining ground in several states plus our insatiable bloodlust for more and more abortions, we’ve seriously misused the “Logos”.  We’ve benefited from God’s property rights but we’ve failed to uphold our side of the bargain.  Prepare for the biggest Cosmic Lawsuit you’ve ever seen…the “Damages” amount should be staggering…

Hey America…

                         God is calling…

                                                  He wants His symbols back. 

Consider this your legal notice.

He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

~1 Corinthians 1: 21-22

Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government – and all the blessings which flow from them – must fall with them.

~Jedidiah Morse (Historian of the American Revolution)

NATIONAL REPENTANCE MOVEMENT:

www.dayofrepentance.org.

Visit National Day of Repentance on FaceBook:

http://www.facebook.com/TheNationalDayOfRepentance?ref=hl
 

Ecstasies & Intimacies

SEX…That word always gets your attention doesn’t it?  Yep…I bet you read to the very end of this blog with no problem.  America was rocked once again recently by a tawdry scandal reaching the uppermost ranks of our military.  What powerful force would make someone destroy a 38-year marriage and face total public humiliation along with a dramatic fall from a stellar career pinnacle for just a few clandestine moments?  I guess we’ll have to ask General Dave Petraeus that question.  God only knows, right?

My mom has always said that when she gets to Heaven, she has a few questions for the Almighty.  For now she has to just accept certain things on Faith.  I got to thinking if I had any unresolved questions for God also.  Not that we should have the impertinence to question His Authority, but simply “Enquiring Minds Want to Know”.  Since He was the one who gave me such an inquisitive mind, I figured He would not be surprised that I DID, indeed, have a question that has always bugged me. 

As my kids are now entering the tumultuous teenage years, I began to wonder about the How’s and Why’s of God-created sexuality.  Specifically my questions is:  “Why oh Why did God make the sexual drive so strong in mankind when it seems to lead to most, if not all, of our major problems?”.  Now I’ve said in previous blogs that God is more than willing to give us wisdom if we simply ask for it.  Wisdom is promised to us in scripture upon request.  So, I asked Him this very question.   

First, let me state, that the Enemy seems to have worked overtime in this area.  If you look at the monumental Social Issues of our day, they all seem inextricably linked to an “out-of-prescribed-bounds” sex drive.  Think of it:  Abortion, Teen Pregnancy, Marriage Redefinition, Pornography, Child Molestation, Sex-Trafficking, Prostitution—the list of sex-related problems just goes on and on. 

The answer may shock you because it is really so simple.  God created this urge so powerfully because we are Beings created with an overwhelming desire for intimacy.  Yeah…DUH…we already know that.  No…hear me out.  INTIMACY is not the same thing as SEX.  Unfortunately, we try to obtain intimacy by means that are out of the bounds that God designed and this gets us into deep trouble.  We crave intimacy—it’s coded into our DNA by God.  Really, ALL sex dysfunction is our attempts to take our deep need for intimacy out of God’s realm and into our own hands—sometimes literally. (Please pardon the horrible double entendre, but I’m letting the message stand for those that have serious addictions in this area).

What we REALLY, TRULY desire is intimacy with God.  Now, many of you might be thinking Ewwwww…… at this point.  Well, here’s the Bible’s very clear perspective on this issue.  These are the words of Jesus Himself in reference to our marital status in Heaven: 

“We’re beyond marriage” [at that time] “all our ecstasies and intimacies then will be with God”

~Matthew 22:30 (The Message)

The most famous scripture from the Song of Solomon is:

 “I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine”.

~Song of Songs 6:3

This is quoted often at many an earthly marriage ceremony.  If read on a surface level, Song of Solomon appears to be the story of two lovers.  However, it is an analogy of GOD speaking about his BRIDE (the Church). 

I know this is difficult to grasp, but once truly understood, it is much easier to keep this area from spinning out of control in your life.  God desires to be in an intimate relationship with us.  If you don’t believe me, go and read the Old Testament.  When Israel “messed around” with other idols and gods, Yahweh reacted like a jealous lover.   It is interwoven throughout the entire story of God chasing Israel after their “unfaithfulness”.  God even commanded the Prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, the prostitute, as a symbolic example of Israel’s unfaithfulness.  Here’s a couple of particularly GRAPHIC (remove the children from the room) Old Testament scriptures:

You are a restless female camel, desperate for a male! You are like a wild donkey, sniffing the wind at mating time.  Who can restrain your lust? Those who desire you do not even need to search, for you come running to them!

~ Jeremiah 2:23-24

Yes, you are an adulterous wife who takes in strangers instead of her own husband.  Prostitutes charge for their services—but not you! You give gifts to your lovers, bribing them to come to you.  So you are the opposite of other prostitutes.  No one pays you; instead, you pay them!

~Ezekiel 16:32-34

Take note of Obama’s desperate sex-related campaign ads as the election drew nearer.  He likened voting for him to the experience of a young virgin and her “first time”.  He realized the power of this urge and exploited it.  Unfortunately, it appears it was quite successful in getting him re-elected.  Once again, humankind was thinking with the “lower brain” behind the zipper as the “upper brain” was disengaged. 

So what does this tell us?  We need to be on “high alert” as we monitor and guard ourselves in this area.  When you feel frustrated in any relationship (friend, spouse, child), scratch the surface and you will find unrealistic expectations.  You expect them to fully satisfy your craving for intimacy.  They cannot do that.  NO ONE can do that except God. 

I will conclude with a “recipe” for Relationship Success:

1)      Acknowledge your completely normal God-given need for intimacy.

2)      Study the 3 appropriate expressions of Intimacy:

a) Body to Body:  Man/Woman Marriage

b) Mind to Mind (aka Soul):  Fellowship/Friendship

c) Spirit to Spirit:  Humans to God

3)      Guard against inappropriate searches for intimacy (flirtations, extramarital affairs, pornography, deviant desires)

4)      Enjoy!

 

“But then I will win her back once again, I will lead her out into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.”

~Hosea 3:14

NATIONAL REPENTANCE MOVEMENT:

www.dayofrepentance.org.

There's Something About Mary

Let me apologize in advance for the title of this blog which I lifted from a somewhat profane 1998 movie starring Cameron Diaz and Ben Stiller.  It has no correlation to that story line other than the fact that the title meshed perfectly with my theme for today!  

These days there is a whole new social media language originating from texting.  It comes with its very own innovative words that often only the seasoned insider can understand.  My personal favorite is ROFL or “Rolling on the Floor Laughing”.  I imagine this was the initial reaction of most of the prophets in the Bible when God asked them to do something strange.  You want me to do WHAT????  Just like some of the acronyms of texting, it seemed absolutely nonsensical when viewed through the lens of the “uninitiated”.  Just think about this for a moment…as Jews and Christians, we are all familiar with the following Biblical accounts.  In each account, God said something so strange, so out of the norm, that only an “insider” could believe and understand:

1)      God asked Noah to build a huge Ark…on DRY land.  He became the laughingstock of his neighbors.

2)      God asked Ezekiel to eat a scroll.

3)      God told Abraham that his wife Sarah would have a baby at 90 years old.  She was literally ROFL when she overheard this.

All of these requests seemed bizarre.  Yet, obviously, every one of these Godly titans in the Bible understood and acquiesced with God’s requests.  The strangest request of all was made to Mary:  As we know from our Christmas story, the Angel Gabriel made a special visitation to her.  He requested:  “Please allow the Holy Spirit to overcome you and make you pregnant, although you are a young virgin and not married.”  Mary must have immediately known this would cause major problems and humiliation in her family and strict Hebrew culture.  Yet her response is a simple and exquisite example of a true Godly “insider”--complete trust…Total understanding of the significance:

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said."

~Luke 1:38

Can you imagine if Mary didn’t have this response?  Responded with something like “RU Kiddin Me”?  U want me to do WHAT???   IMHO (in my humble opinion), you’re JK—just kidding, right? 

No wonder Catholics refer to Mary as “The Queen of Heaven”. 

In the Old Testament, Queen Vashti proudly and selfishly refused to come to the King when summoned.  The King’s wrath was so great that he removed the crown from her and ultimately replaced her with Queen Esther.  Esther selflessly obeyed commands.  In the end, she enjoyed the free access of coming into the King’s presence whether summoned or not…a position that saved her entire race from destruction.  

If the recent elections tell us anything, it certainly shows that anywhere from 50%-75% of professing Jews & Christians don’t really, truly believe what the Bible says.  Oh sure, sure…they categorically place themselves in some slot of Judaism, Catholic, Protestant, etc…But when the “rubber meets the road”, they vote and act selfishly instead of selflessly. 

So, is The King of Kings summoning you to do something?  We need to stop ROFL or LOL and be obedient.  Simply say….Yes, Lord. 

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

~Esther 4:14

“The World tells Israel: ’Wait, there’s still time.’  And I say…Wait for what? Wait until when?”

~Benjamin Netanyahu

NATIONAL REPENTANCE MOVEMENT:

www.dayofrepentance.org.

 

 

Ship of Fools

In my last blog I made a passing reference to the old 1970’s disaster flick “The Poseidon Adventure”.  For those of you who perhaps weren’t even born in the 1970’s, this movie featured Ernest Borgnine in an adventure film in which a wave flips the huge cruise ship upside down.  Just the other day, an updated version of the movie was playing on TV, so I guess this reference is timely.  In both movie versions, the main characters have to work their way out of the ship by going BACKWARDS and looking UPWARDS.  Their ability to do this eventually results in a small remnant finding the light of day and freedom. 

There is actually a complete Wikipedia description of the original movie which reminded me of several important facts I had previously forgotten since I was only 12 years old when this movie first came out.  The movie poster dramatically states:

“HELL UPSIDE DOWN—On Midnight New Year’s Eve, the USS Poseidon was struck by a 90 foot tidal wave and capsized.  Who will survive?”

Even more interesting, the aging ship was taking its “final voyage” from New York City to Greece on its way to the ship scrapyard.  When the tsunami hits, seawater floods the interior compartments as terrorized passengers scramble for cover.  A rebellious pastor, in the throes of losing his faith, attempts to lead a small group of passengers to safety.  Here’s some exact wording from Wikipedia:
 

"Reverend Frank Scott, played by Gene Hackman, comes onboard the ship to deliver sermons to the Poseidon's passengers, encouraging them not to pray to God to solve their problems. Rather, pray to the part of God within them."

WOW..So much obvious rich symbolism for our country here I don’t know where to start.  Here’s my interpretation:

The United States, an aging, formerly glorious republic, now treacherously headed down a path to Greece and ultimately to the junkyard of history.  We are bracing for the “fiscal cliff” and “layoff tsunami” that has already begun in the news.  The Democratic Party has encouraged us not to seek for God to solve our problems.  In fact, they’ve ditched God in every way imaginable. 

In 2008, Obama stated eerily: 

“We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Just like Reverend Scott in the movie—he thinks WE are God.  This is the ultimate Human Secularist position.  Needless to say, those people didn’t make it out alive.

“The Morning After” is the title of the movie theme song and it was sung at the cruise’s New Years Eve Party when the wave struck.  Similar to the prophet Jonah’s warning, America is about to be “overturned.”  America starts a new year on 1/1/2013.  The party will be over—the doozy of a hangover is about to begin.    

We are now heading “FORWARD” under Obama’s Socialist-Marxist policies in a frightful way.  If you want to enlighten yourself—go back (pardon the pun—I know this is serious) and read my July 20^th, 2012 blog.  It is somewhat painful to re-read, in light of recent events—so be forewarned: 

Entitled:  “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

http://www.myshibbolethblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/take-me-out-to-ballgame_20.html

So now John Kerry, the uber-liberal, United Nations embracing Senator, is (at the time of this writing) being considered for SECRETARY OF DEFENSE!  Obama is knowingly putting the Fox in charge of the Chicken Coop.  We are in deep, deep trouble America—there is no longer time to mince words. 

A depiction of “Ship of Fools” can be found in both Western Literature and Art.  It references oblivious passengers, without a Pilot, heading towards assured destruction.  These portrayals generally show everyone having a grand old time, completely clueless as to the annihilation that awaits them just up ahead.  Like the USS Poseidon, America is in the path of a coming tsunami.  Similar to the Titanic, we hit the iceberg on November 6^th.  For the present, everything momentarily seems “normal”.  The band is still playing on deck.   

Just YESTERDAY, Obama gave a press conference speech and said:

“And if there’s one thing that I’m pretty confident about is the American people understood what they were getting when they gave me this incredible privilege of being in office for another four years.  They want compromise.

~Barack Obama, November 14^th, 2012

How strange and wickedly creepy that statement is.  It almost seems like the precursor to sentencing in a court of law.  Let me spell it out for the clueless hordes who just voted Obama back into the office:  He just threw you under the bus in front of Almighty God.  The Accuser…You KNEW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WERE GETTING!  You wanted to compromise God’s word.  Loud and clear.  GUILTY AS CHARGED.  All that’s left is the bang of the gavel from the Supreme Judge.

It was reported in 1912, that one of the operators of the Titanic, with great hubris, reputedly claimed:

“God Himself could not sink this ship.”

It’s a good metaphor for the U.S.  Today, we think we arrogantly know better than God.  That we can excise Him from our government and personal lives, literally and figuratively, yet blissfully continue to sail along on peaceful seas.    

The word Repentance in the Bible is mentioned 21 times by the Hebrew words Nachum or Shuv.  The Hebrew word Shuv means to return or go back.  Interestingly, there are TWENTY ONE judgments in Revelation.  TWENTY ONE times that God is trying to get our attention saying…Go Back, Repent.

In the Greek, the word for Repentance is Metanoia. Meta (after) noia (thinking/observing).  Put together, it literally means AFTER THINKING about and OBSERVING your surroundings GO BACK! 

America, In the name of Almighty God, if there is even still time…

—REPENT and GO BACK! 

Ahead we plow

Into the darkening night

Can’t see the bow

How then the search

With only starlight?...

~Lyrics from “Autumn”

(Last song believed to have been played on the Titanic before it sunk)

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

~Psalm 40:2

NATIONAL REPENTANCE MOVEMENT:

www.dayofrepentance.org.

The Mourning After

“There’s got to be a morning after”

~Maureen McGovern (1973 theme song from the disaster film The Poseidon Adventure)

In Disney World’s Epcot, there’s a section in the World Showcase entitled “The American Adventure”.  It’s a place where guests from around the world can experience American history and traditions.  It may soon become an oddity sideshow attraction—something akin to visiting an ancient museum from a strange defunct culture.  America is looking less and less like anything we can recognize from the intent of the original Founding Fathers. 

America has also been described as a “Great Experiment” and a “Democratic Republic”.  The term “The Great American Experiment” was first coined by Alex De Tocqueville in his book “Democracy in America” written in 1830.  Benjamin Franklin is credited with first calling our country a Republic.  After the adjournment of the Constitutional Convention, it is believed that a citizen shouted out to him “What kind of government did you give us, sir?”  Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have yelled back:  “A Republic, if you can keep it, madam”.

An Adventure, an exciting Experiment, a democratic Republic—all these hope-filled terms described our beloved country.  Unfortunately, based on the election results, it looks like the Adventure has ended and the Experiment has failed.  Like Ben Franklin’s admonition, it seems we were not “able to keep” the Republic.  We may soon be known in the history books as “The American Nightmare”.  America has sharply turned the corner towards a progressive socialism similar to most of Europe which is now writhing violently in its own final economic death throes and cultural chaos.    

On the night of the election…I knew it was over long before it was officially declared over. I didn’t wait for “the fat lady to sing”—it was too unbearable.  Before the news announcers called the final outcome I told my husband:  “I’m taking two Tylenol and going to bed...Call me in the morning."

This is a good analogy for America.  In our heart of hearts, some of us know it’s already over even before the final call.  We wish we didn’t have to watch the excruciating news reports to the bitter end.  Already this week, just days after the election, the phrases “Layoff Tsunami” and “Fiscal Cliff Gridlock” are being blithely bantered about in the public discourse.  Israel and Syria are firing shots at each other—the first time since 1973.  No big deal-- Nothing scary about getting decimated in a Tsunami or falling off a Big Cliff or the possible start of WWIII, right?   

Tom Brokaw coined the phrase “The Greatest Generation” to describe the Americans who grew up during the tough times of the Great Depression and helped defend the United States from the evil of Nazism.  Apparently, tough times create tough people.  This current generation has been spoiled and coddled.  Instead of shedding our blood for are fellow citizens and for our Jewish covenantal brothers and sisters, we are literally drunk on the blood of our children—both those unborn and born.  For the unborn, we have slaughtered them to the tune of almost 60 million, under the name of convenience.  For those born…we have robbed them of their future by spending money they can never repay, placing a burdensome yoke around their necks of financial slavery and bondage.  We have symbolically raided their Bar Mitzvah and Kiddie Savings accounts so we can have “one more for the road”.

This week I’ve deleted and spammed most of my political emails.  It’s literally nauseating to me to hear the oblivious GOP talk about where they are headed for the future.  Any recommendations other than National Repentance are a complete waste of energy.  Spare me the strategies, plans, and grandiose dreams.  It’s just the Republican version of the Harbinger curse-confirming phrase “We will rebuild”.  AMAZINGLY, Governor Chris Christie cluelessly said these exact words after Hurricane Sandy.  In his characteristic New Jersey brusqueness: 

“We will rebuild.” (The Harbinger exact curse words).  "We will get better and we will be even tougher." (Synonymous with "The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars."~Isaiah 9:10 judgment)

These statements in the Bible precede serious judgment from God.

Frightfully, he went even further: “America couldn’t take New Jersey toughness before this…

After this? We’re going to be hell on wheels everybody!”

Hell on Wheels…indeed. 

Judgment has come to the house of the Lord.  Severe American persecution will begin with the Church.  We’ve enjoyed a “favored child” status and we’ve blown it.  Appallingly, we actually KNOW the date it begins:  January 1^st, 2013 with the HHS Mandate.  Get ready to commit murder or face severe government punishment.  

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

~1 Peter 4:17

Clueless politicians think maybe we can vote in some cure-all, fix it program to wipe away our grievous mistakes.  Just like the abortion industry—there’s no need to be contrite or change your behavior after uncontrolled licentiousness…just pop a pill.  Let’s call it the national disaster “morning after” solution.    

More than likely, Biblical prophecy is being fulfilled in front of our very eyes.  The Most High God is declaring: “Good night America…Call me in the “mourning”.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

~Galatians 6:7

I know this is a very long quote to follow an equally long blog, but please take the time to read it.  Afterwards, there is a website to join the movement for National Repentance.  There is absolutely no cost or obligation to join.  It simply asks that you pray and occasionally fast for our nation during these difficult times. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 16th President of the United States:

In proclaiming a National Fast Day, March 30, 1863. “It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history: that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious Hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.

Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

Interested in National Prayer and Repentance?

To honor the roots of our faith a time of prayer and fasting is set to take place beginning sunset of November 15th, 2012 through nightfall November 16, 2012.  It is "Rosh Chodesh" on the Jewish calendar, a day of new beginnings marked by the new moon for the Hebrew month of Kislev. There's no obligation in participating. Please join us -- www.dayofrepentance.org.

2013 Annual National Day of National Repentance: www.dayofrepentance.org

2013 Date: Yom Kippur September 13th, 2013 (Sunset) through September 14th, 2013 (Nightfall)

Also, See the Congressional Prayer Caucus Website:

http://www.prayercaucus.org/

Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat

After Tuesday’s election results, I think I now have a small inkling of what Jesus must have experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane just before his crucifixion.  According to scripture, he was in such intense mental agony that he felt like he was sweating blood:

“And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”

~Luke 22: 43-44

 I never really grasped that scripture until now. 

The Word “Gethsemane” literally means “oil press”.  It is generally accepted amongst Biblical scholars that oil represents the Holy Spirit in Scripture.  We are the “olives”, the stress of persecution is the “press”.  Hopefully what comes out of us during times of intense pressure is the Holy Spirit.  Some people (including me) have other things come out of them during times of intense pressure--Ugly, unspiritual things such as expletives, rage or despair.  Like “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”—sometimes we need extra processing or “pressing” to get rid of the impurities. 

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair

~2 Corinthians 4:8

There is a famous speech given by Winston Churchill before the House of Commons in the days just before the outbreak of England’s war with Germany in WWII.  Most people believe we are at the threshold once again of another Great War.  With the new nuclear dimension possibilities—the thought of it is unimaginable.  I sweat great big drops of blood just thinking of it.  Churchill’s words are eerily prescient and still applicable to the world events today:  
 

We are in the preliminary stage of one of the greatest battles in history.... the air battle is continuous, and that many preparations have to be made here at home.
I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and of suffering.

You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs — Victory in spite of all terror — Victory

~Winston Churchill
 

Today in America there is yet another battle going on.  This one is in the unseen realm or “parallel universe” for lack of a better term.  There is a struggle against Good and Evil, Right and Wrong, Justice and Injustice.  If we lose this battle, we will be defeated from within.  Societal collapse will not be at the hands of a foreign entity pounding our cities with the latest Weapons of Mass Destruction--It will be national suicide from our own selfish hands. 

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

~Ephesians 6:12
 

The moral and fiscal cliffs are just around the bend.  January 2013 is a mere two months away.  Do we have the ethical fortitude as a nation to survive the challenges ahead?  Unfortunately, with the new American ideals of “Me First” and  “Gimme, Gimme”--
We may soon well yet resemble our European predecessors and their contemporaries:

Burned out Rubble and Incensed Rabble.

But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

~Romans 2:8

These are the times that try men's souls. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.- Thomas Paine

Interested in National Prayer and Repentance?

To honor the roots of our faith this time of prayer is set to take place (beginning sunset of November 15th through nightfall November 16) this month's "Rosh Chodesh," a day of new beginning, marking the new moon for the Hebrew month of Kislev. Typically the prayer on Rosh Chodesh each month is: "May it be Your will... that You renew this month for us for good and for blessing." That also will be our prayer on November 16: we will pray in Jesus/Yeshua's name, for God's will to continue to renew His body in this and other nations. There's no obligation in participating. Please join us -- www.dayofrepentance.org.

Annual National Day of Repentance: www.dayofrepentance.org

2013 Date: Yom Kippur September 13th (Sunset) through September 14th (Nightfall)

Go to the Congressional Prayer Caucus Website:

http://www.prayercaucus.org/

Deliver Us From Evil

On the eve of this momentous election, I am literally at a loss for words (which is not a usual state for me!).  As the scripture states…I am vexed to my very soul.

“The Almighty hath vexed my soul.” — Job 27:2.

In the Old Testament, Saul had David play the harp for him when he was plagued by a demonic spirit.  It soothed his anguish. 

“See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

~1 Samuel 16:15-16

²³ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

~1 Samuel 16:23

So, instead of a blog today, I have posted my piano interpretation of “The Lord’s Prayer” along with the lyrics.

This musical prayer expresses what we, as a nation, so desperately need today:

Pray that America remains one nation under God

Re-Acknowledge that He is the Provider of all of our Blessings

Ask for Forgiveness and Seek National Repentance

Yearn for Deliverance from Evil in our government and foreign nations

Expect Providential Care for our Necessities

Reconfirm our commitment to Biblical principles

 

 

The Lord’s Prayer 

Our Father
Which art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy Kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the Kingdom
And the Power and the Glory
Forever

Amen

And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you,
then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?

~Jeremiah 12:5

 In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent Measure should be taken to ward off the impending Judgements....All confidence must be withheld from the Means we use; and reposed only on…GOD…And that AMERICA may soon behold a gracious Interposition of Heaven."

~John Hancock

NATIONAL REPENTANCE MOVEMENT:

www.dayofrepentance.org.

Choose Ye This Day

Would someone please explain something to me: who in the world is the ubiquitous “Undecided Voter”?  At this stage of the election campaign, is there really such a strange creature as someone who cannot make up his or her mind?  The candidates could not be more polarized and antithetical from one another.  Perhaps this is just a ploy, sort of like playing “hard to get” in a political romance.  Maybe they think, the longer they hold out, the better the offers will be and the hotter the pursuit.  I’m not sure what their problem is but there is one thing I do know:  These people disgust me.  Now…I realize those are strong words.  But seriously, double-minded people are exasperating.  If you want some modicum of respect, at least have a well-constructed opinion.

Lately, there’s a new word in the “Urban Dictionary”.  It’s a “Twittict”.  The word is an off-take on the word “addict”.  Get it?  I’m sure you see the problem with this diversion.  I confess I have a serious Twitter addiction.  Hopefully they will be coming out with a 12-step program soon.  In the meantime, the little tones on my IPhone, indicating that I have a Tweet, are like the bells ringing for Pavlov’s dogs during dinnertime.   

There is something about sounding off in the Twitter Universe to thousands of people at once that is deeply appealing.  When someone “Re-Tweets” your comment, it extends into that Universe even further, perhaps exponentially.  This stokes my over-active imagination trying to envision where my tweets may ultimately end up.    

Twitter even has its own language.  Your Followers are your “Tweeps”.  The entire community is known as the “Tweeple”.   “Twitter gulag” is the jail suspension you receive if you get too salty, argumentative or annoying.  The main goal is to be relevant, witty and interesting.  However, you will be unsuccessful at building a following if you don’t have a well stated opinion.  Very few people get tolerated on Twitter for long if they are “undecided”.   

What does the Bible have to say about indecisive people? 

There’s a great story in the Bible about the prophet Elijah.  Apparently, the children of Israel were seriously off track during his time.  They were worshipping other gods other than the one true God, Yahweh.  The most popular false god was Baal.  The meaning of the word Baal is “lord” or “master”.  Obviously, they had lost their first love—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel.  Elijah, God’s prophet, called them out on it.  Here’s an excerpt from I Kings 18:

²⁰ So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. ²¹ Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”

But the people said nothing.

~1 Kings 18:20-21

Many of us know the rest of the story.  Elijah challenged the false god of Baal to a showdown.  450 priests of Baal attempted to call down fire from heaven to ignite their sacrifice.  They carried on quite of show of dancing, shouting and self-flagellation—all to no avail.  Elijah mocked them:  “Perhaps your god is sleeping.”  “Shout louder—maybe he can’t hear you.”  Then…it’s Elijah’s turn.  He even “ups the ante” by dousing his sacrifice with four large buckets of water.  He does this THREE TIMES.  Then, with one sincere prayer to the one true God, he calls down fire from heaven. 

³⁶ At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. ³⁷ Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

³⁹ When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”

~1 Kings 18: 36-39

As Americans, we have an obligation to vote.  Liberty has come to us at a great price from previous generations.  Men and women have died and lost everything so that you and I can enjoy the freedoms and rights we now take for granted here in the United States.  Not to choose is to choose.  Indecision carried too far results in the decision being made for you—usually not with the best consequences.

So, for goodness sake, make up your mind.  In 5 days, our citizens will have the opportunity to select our nation’s path.  The scripture is clear.  If God is our God, then we will follow him and the goodness of his promises. 

If “Baal” is your god—then you will follow him. 

On November 6^th—Do we repent (turn back) or do we go “Forward?”

Undecided or not—It’s decision time.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

~ James 1:8

Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.
~Benjamin Franklin

Interested in National Prayer and Repentance?

Annual National Day of Repentance: www.dayofrepentance.org

2013 Date: Yom Kippur September 13th (Sunset) through September 14th (Nightfall)

Go to the Congressional Prayer Caucus Website:

http://www.prayercaucus.org/

Feel free to join any number of events calling for National Prayer and Repentance as we lead up to the November 6th elections.

Gatherings:

• David's Tent Washington DC: (24/7 Worship of Jesus Christ on White House Ellipse)

http://dchop.org/?doing_wp_cron=1348948399.4002270698547363281250

Prayer Initiatives:
40 Day to Save America
40 Days of Prayer

50 Days of Decision

56 Days of Praying: Sept 16 - Nov 10, 2012 Aglow International: America Arising Prayer Initiative
Awakening America
Davidstentdc.com
God Save America
If My People 2012
My People Pray 2012
Pray 31
PrayPsalm64.com
40 Days of Worship in DC
Intercessors For America - Saving America Through Prayer The American Prayer Initiative
Get America Praying - One Minute Challenge
Intercessors For America - First Friday Prayer Calls