Is Your TV Stealing Your Soul?

Continued from 'Will They Take Away Our Children?'

Their two biggest tools are the schools and our entertainment industry.  Our schools are currently the biggest threat, and most imminent danger, to our future liberties!

The other HUGE threat to our children is like a monstrous, powerful, raging river on which we are all rafting.  I don't think it's possible to overestimate the power that our entertainment industry has in shaping our culture, our morals, and our values.  I am talking about all the separate rivers (television, movies, pop music, sports, video games, etc.) and smaller streams (magazines, books, etc.) that merge together into a powerful river that is basically the heart and soul of the American populace. 

But, like a river, it is the power that moves us--not the other way around.  Although we are all 'kicked back' on our rafts, being entertained by the scenery, the river is not.  The river is working--racing, cutting, carrying, and pushing, with great power, towards its goal.  And although you and I sit on our sofas, in front of the big screen tv, and empty our minds at the end of a long and tiring day--allowing ourselves to be relaxed, entertained, hypnotized--rest assured that there is a force behind it that is molding and shaping you, conforming you to someone's vision for this world.

And when you recline tiredly in front of the tv, and consciously turn off your mind (to unwind and destress), you are putting yourself into a level of physical and mental passivity that is optimal for bypassing your conscious mind and allowing suggestions and images to penetrate deep into your subconscious.  (Compare it to the process of hypnosis or 'guided imagery'.)  Don't think those behind the scenes are unaware of the power they have to shape America!

This river is the force that creates and defines American culture and binds us together cohesively.  It is our 'collective consciousness' and forms the paradigm for our lives.  You Christian parents need to give some serious thought to how it affects you--and your children.  I'm not talking just about using discretion in regards to individual games, TV shows or singers--I'm talking about the influence of all of it put together.  Step back, way back, and take a look at the big picture.  It is so big, I don't think you can dip your bucket in it and not be swept away.  I doubt you have enough influence with your kids to counterbalance the effects it has on them. 

God tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds--by studying His word.  He also calls us out, when we are caught up in a depraved culture, and then he sends judgment upon it.  I don't care if your church condones it, or tries to bend it for their use--you need to seriously seek God in prayer about what involvement He thinks is best for you and your family, in regards to our American culture and entertainment industry today.

American Empire

These two forces combined, are the reason children that are raised in church leave the church and never look back!!

Will They Take Away Our Children?

Continued from 'American Empire'

You can rest assured that, even if we hold off the 'elite's' designs on America for now, in 20 years they will be accomplished, regardless.  That is because, they have stolen the hearts and minds of our children, right from under our noses.

Their two biggest tools are the schools and our entertainment industry.  Our schools are currently the biggest threat, and most imminent danger, to our future liberties!  Our history has been rewritten, with a spin.  Any reference to God, or his truth, has been removed from our schools.  Our children are being indoctrinated with humanism, liberalism, relativism, globalism, and sexual and moral perversion--while at the same time being deprived of a basic education.  Look at the ideals of the people who are writing the textbooks!!

How many parents, these days, have enough time with their children to undo these influences in which they are immersed every day?  When did education go from being a right of our children, to being a license for educators and government to liberate our children from our care and influence?  At what point did we relinquish our parental authority?

Our schools have changed from being centers of education and empowerment, to being disseminators of propaganda, and tools for social change.  Our children are being trained up, prepared, to be perfect citizens of a global dictatorship.  I would venture to say that many of our kids are (maybe only unconsciously) expecting and looking forward to it!  Their educators have given them a vision--have we?  Their educators are unabashed in their mission--are we as bold as Christians?  If you never complain about how or what they are being taught, then, in your kids' eyes, it has your seal of approval--and they open their hearts and swallow whatever they are told!

If parents don't wake up to this--SOON--all really will be lost.  If parents don't rise up together and demand change, what authority they do still have over their children will evaporate too.  Maybe it means everyone that is opposed, pulling their kids out of school.  I don't know.  But the longer we wait, the more it is going to cost us.

The other HUGE threat to our children is like a monstrous, powerful, raging river on which we are all rafting.  I don't think it's possible to overestimate the power that our entertainment industry has in shaping our culture, our morals, and our values.


Is Your TV Stealing Your Soul?

These two forces combined, are the reason children that are raised in church leave the church and never look back!!

American Empire

Searching for an article I had previously read, I did a Google search of 'America Empire'.  It yielded twenty six million hits!  It's right in front of our eyes, yet hidden in plain sight! 

People: 'Actions speak louder than words', 'a picture is worth a thousand words'--put aside everything you have been told (about America promoting democracy or protecting its 'interests' throughout the world), and let actions speak for themselves!

Here is a picture that's worth a thousand words:

We're told that we are hated because our enemies 'hate our way of life' . . . really?  These people hate freedom and prosperity?  Education and opportunity?  Technological advancement?  Good medical care?  Nah, I'm not buying it. 

The few that really DO hate our way of life seem to be opposed to the sexual depravity (and materialism?) that we export worldwide via Hollywood!  (It's really a shame that the American Church is less discerning, with regards to sin, than the ungodly!)

I believe what our enemies hate most, is to be subjugated!!  They hate our imperialism.  Most Americans are blissfully unaware of that aspect of America.  Who the heck gave us the right to determine what other countries should or should not do if they are living peaceably within their own borders?  By what authority do we create 'regime change' or assassinate people in another country?  These are just a couple of the things America engages in, that you may have already heard of.

Do I hate America?  I don't know--I don't think so.  I do believe America was chosen, inspired, and established by God--that America I do not hate.  The American people--I do not hate.

The corrupt, depraved, imperialistic, tyrannical beast that America has become, backed by multinational corporations and wealthy elite (this must be what they call the 'military-industrial complex')?  I am no fan of this.  Our hedonistic culture--This I hate with a passion! 

Do I sympathize with our enemies?  With terrorists?  To the extent that I understand why they hate America--yes. As far as understanding their anger and desperation at being subjugated--yes.  Do I condone their actions? NO!!  EMPHATICALLY, NO!! 

Would I be just as frustrated as them, if America were under Soviet or Chinese occupation?  I would imagine so!!  Wouldn't you?

Under Obama, our dear empire has begun using the same tactics to topple America as it has used to topple and subjugate other countries.  We are being relieved of our 'favored nation' status within the empire.  We are being brought down to be on par with the rest of the citizens of this new global empire. 

Our economy, our independence, and our pride, will be destroyed--and God will allow it to happen.  The people who are dismantling America are being used as the hand of God, to bring His judgment upon us.  Chaos will overtake America.  But, rather than cry out to God in repentance, we will most likely 'cry Uncle' (Sam!).  Once we are totally broken, the empire will create a solution that will be our 'salvation'. We'll no longer demand special treatment, our 'entitlement mentality' will be broken.  We'll be humbled and willing to sacrifice everything that was our birthright--just for a bowl of soup.

Our currency will be replaced.  We'll start out fresh, on a new, 'level playing field' with the rest of the world, economically.  Our people will depend on the government.  Our right to choose our own leaders, make our own laws, seek redress in court--will be curtailed.  Our personal liberties and individual rights will be surrendered for 'security'.  Our laws will no longer have God's standards and truth as their basis, but will instead be based on the good of the empire, the good of all.

In order to give us the best chance at freedom in a world of sinful men, God inspired a fairly elaborate form of government that depended on a series of checks and balances--this ensured that power was not concentrated in any one part of the government.  He  modeled it on Himself (The Father as law giver, the Holy Spirit as the convictor of sin, Jesus as the righteous judge). 

In order to endure, this government would require people of upright character to participate and to make sure that the rules were followed.  This government would be able to withstand attempts by an individual, or even a few people, to bring it down.  What it could not endure was widespread corruption, and collusion in regards to looking for ways around the rules.

As our people became more and more corrupt, and looking for loopholes became the 'American way', cracks began to form in the foundation.  Before long, beady-eyed little vermin spotted the openings, enlarged them a bit and began to come in, then bigger ones came along and followed suit.  Soon the whole structure was infested and in danger of toppling. That is where we woke up to find ourselves in 2008.


There seems to be a universal principle that, if you will not show restraint, restraint will be placed upon you by outside forces; if you will not take responsibility, it will be imposed on you by outside forces.  So, if you are not sure what sins America is being judged for, look for what has been taken away, and there you'll find what we misused.  Look for what restraints are placed upon us, and you'll see what freedoms we abused.  When we forgot that we were 'one nation under God', that there was a God in authority above us, that's when the trouble began.

While our multinational corporations, government, and military were out conquering and subjugating the rest of the world (under the guise of bringing peace and safety), America enjoyed the spoils.  Most of us weren't concerned or turned a blind eye--if we were even aware of what was going on.  It's not like our media was telling us . . .

In fact, for most of us, we were busy pursuing our own happiness and prosperity, and our concerns extended little farther than the boundaries of our own backyards.  Oh sure, we might have volunteered a bit, or written a check here and there--but how often did we protest about . . . anything?  When was the last time any of us spoke up, or protested, on behalf of someone else--even someone in our own community? 

Like it or not, we Americans are basically self interested, laid back, 'live and let live' kind of people--although we can be compassionate and generous.  It is this laid back attitude of the populace that has allowed those of totally opposite nature to become powerful in America.  And it is because we see ourselves as laid back, 'live and let live' people who aren't hurting anyone else, that we are absolutely perplexed as to why we are hated!  I'll spell it out again:  it's because those in power, the 'elite', are not like you and I.

Their nature is polar opposite to ours.  They lust for power and wealth and will do anything to have it!  Power corrupts and I would venture to say that many of them are beyond redemption.  We are hated because these are the people that have become the 'face of America' to people throughout the rest of the world.  Most of our enemies don't distinguish the difference between the empire of the American elites, and the actual 'American People'.  Therefore, Americans are hated all over the world.  (And 'Christian' if seen as synonomous with 'American', becomes an abomination.)

So . . . now some people are waking up to what is, and has been, going on.  Maybe enough people will wake up and repent, and act, to be able to slow down this train that's barrelling towards destruction.  I sure hope so!

But you can rest assured that, even if we hold off their (the 'elite's') designs on America for now, in 20 years they will be accomplished, regardless.  That is because, they have stolen the hearts and minds of our children, right from under our noses. 


Will They Take Away Our Children?
Is Your TV Stealing Your Soul?

The powerful tools they use, are the reason children that are raised in church leave the church and never look back!!

What Do You Say?

The Scriptures tell us that the 'saints' (Christians) will overcome Satan, in the end times, by the blood of Christ (Jesus the Messiah) and by 'the word of their testimony'.    Have you ever wondered exactly what the 'the word of their testimony' (our testimony) was/will be?

We know that the arrest of Christians will be the way that we verbally witness to the rulers of all the Earth, of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.   In regards to that, Jesus told us to make up our minds not to worry beforehand (before the day we go on trial, as I understand it) about what we will say (in our defense, at our trials).  The Holy Spirit will speak through us when the time comes.  Remember this!!

I don't think this is 'the testimony' that  the verse above was referring to though. I believe 'the word of (our) testimony' will be simply what we tell people in our daily lives, and how we should answer if law enforcement asks us if we are Christians.  Here is the testimony God has given about his Son:

"God has given us eternal life, and

this life is in his Son (Jesus). 

He who has the Son has life;

he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

So much has been made, in evangelical churches, of how we should witness to nonbelievers, what should be said, what pattern to follow, etc.  It can seem so intimidating and so complicated that we just don't do it.  But, the passage above  (1 John 5:11-12)  is 'thetestimony God has given about his Son'.  Very simple.  Very concise.  I think this is what God would have us to say too.

Was Jesus a Prophet?

Readers, I want to point out something important.  I paraphrase a lot of things the Bible says, but don't give references.  If you are not a Christian, it may not matter to you--it is the Holy Spirit that draws you.  If you are a Christian--has this bothered any of you? 

If you know the Bible well, then probably not, because you know these things.  But if you don't know the Bible well, and you want to question where something is written in the Bible--please ask!  It is important that you don't believe everything you hear.  Many deceivers and lies are in the world--and even those of us who strive to be truthful, can sometimes be mistaken.  Always be on guard!

The Bible tells us (1 John 4:2-3) how to recognize the Spirit of God. 

"Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God."

In God's Word, not one word is spoken in vain.  Every word here is important.  It's easy to skim over it and miss the meaning.

A lot of false/antichrist religions acknowledge that Jesus lived on Earth--so how can this passage be true? 

Let me add my comments and emphases here:

"Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus (the human being) Christ (the Messiah, the Savior that God has sent, God himself) has come in the flesh ( is Jesus)  is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus (as the promised savior/messiah, who came and lived on Earth)  is not from God."

The test is whether they acknowledge that Jesus came to Earth and that He is the Messiah--the Savior, God in the flesh.

Please look around and reevaluate some of the religions that you may have thought passed the test.  If they only recognize Jesus as being a good man, a teacher, or a prophet--they are not from God, but are antichrist (anti=against, Jesus being the, christ=promised one, messiah, savior) because they do not recognize that Jesus is the Christ. 

Christ was not Jesus' last name!  Every time ' Jesus Christ'  is spoken, or written, it is an acknowledgment that  Jesus is the savior that God promised to send, to save mankind from our sins! 

 So, in answer to the title: Was Jesus a prophet?  Yes--and much, much more!!

Christian Persecution In America?

I need to be honest--I have so immersed myself in endtimes prophecies and current events that I'm battling a spirit of fear.  Fear can come from within--it is instinctive--or from outside of us.  The enemy uses a spirit of fear to fight against us.  I am telling you, not because I have been overcome, but so that you know I am just like you!

I am not superhuman, superspiritual, or whatever!  I am not always fearless and bold! I have strength, when I draw close to God and draw my strength from Him. HE gives me boldness and strength.  He will do the same for you.  Fight the fear and draw close to God!  Do not shrink back, do not let fear overcome you.

Remember the old saying 'give him an inch and he'll take a mile'?  This is very true with the powers of darkness.  If you retreat, they will be emboldened to advance even further.  You have to hold them off--and even better--advance on them!  When you move forward, in God's will, He will strengthen and empower you. He has been waiting a very long time to see most of us stand up and fight.

There is no better way to victory than to draw out your spiritual sword and do battle with the evil spirits that come against you and your family.  You don't fight against flesh and blood--but against the spiritual powers of darkness.

You may be content to 'hold them off at the gate' of your mind, or your physical property--but do you think they'll stop there?  Do you want to be hunkered down, peeking out to see if they are still there, waiting for an opportunity to come back?  I say no!! Fight beyond your gates to create a 'buffer zone'.  Send the enemy fleeing beyond the boundary you determine, and hold onto what you have conquered!

Spiritually, we have lost America.  We have been driven back to our churches, where many are hunkered down, hoping the enemy won't come any further.  Look behind you!  While you are peeking out the windows at the evil forces outside, evil spirits have already infiltrated your congregation!

There are four boundaries you need to endeavor to  win back--in this order:

1. Your mind and body
2. Your family's minds and bodies
3. Your home
4. Your church
5. Your community (small town or neighborhood)

You continue advancing outwards as you gain ground.  But you have to be sure you are thoroughly purging the forces of evil as you go.  Liken it to the way that God told the Israelites to totally give over to destruction the towns they were invading.  They were to not leave alive man or beast, and then they were to destroy the buildings and bodies with fire.

Hear me--I am not saying to fight against men, or to fight in the physical realm!  What we see in the actions of the children of Israel was in the physical realm, but what was happening in the spiritual realm was more significant.

The Israelites were purging the land of evil spirits--and they didn't even know it!  This is why it was SO important not to leave alive a single man or beast, whom the evil spirits could enter into, and why they were not to leave a single building that the spirits could haunt.  They were to leave them no place to go, so that they would flee the land!  (As you know, you can't kill demonic spirits.  You have to remove what they need to live, so that they will flee!)

I'll be honest, until this moment I have believed, because of my faith in God's righteousness and goodness, that what God told the Israelites to do was right and He had a reason--but it seemed very harsh to me.  We are talking about genocide.  But as I am writing this, He has opened my eyes to understand why.  I had never seen it as a spiritual battle before.  Now it makes perfect sense!

The Bible could simply have summarized to say that the Israelites completely destroyed the people they conquered, or something to that effect.  But instead, it was shown, town by town and stressed again and again.  And it was duly noted when the Israelites failed to do as God had directed.  This is because God wanted us to understand the importance of this!

I think most of us do realize it was very important, even if we haven't completely understood why.  And I'm ashamed to say, I guess I just concluded that these were people God wanted to eliminate from the face of the Earth.  I understand now that God was not eternally against these people (although He was bringing  judgment upon them), but against the evil entities that they had given place to.  Their lands had become a 'hot spot' of demonic activity and God wished to scatter those spirits (as He scattered the people at Babel, because of what they intended to do).

I also want to point out, that after the Israelites had killed the people, the disembodied spirits could just as well have entered into them--if they had given them an opening, through sin in their life!!  God did not begin revealing about spiritual warfare to His people until Jesus came.  The only way that the Israelites could be safe when fighting the spiritual forces of darkness, was to live lives of purity, and to have God present in their midst.

Do you see now?  Just as we train up our children, God told them WHAT to do (and was very strict about it), but He didn't try to explain WHY, because they would not have understood.  This is also why He was quick to purge those who were sinful and rebellious from amongst the midst of the Israelites (which had also seemed a tad bit extreme to me before).

This is a picture of how we must fight now!  We must live lives of purity and have the power of the Holy Spirit within us.  Then, as God directs, we must advance upon, and scatter, the spiritual forces of evil.  (He is NOT calling us to fight against  people, but rather the unseen forces behind them.)  When we do this, He will empower and protect us.

It is time to enter the battle!  Purge the evil from your own life and mind, then lead your family in doing likewise.  Then, do what you can in your church--if your church isn't interested in being pure  and living righteously--leave it!

Then, contend for your town.  (I may be wrong, or just missing the point--but I like peace and safety.)  The country is lost.  The states are lost.  But, it may be possible to 'win back' a few towns and communities from the enemy, if we try.

Pray for your town's leaders. Vote for righteous men and women.  Clean up your town of filth and depravity (do battle in the spiritual realm before attempting to confront or convince people).  Battle the spiritual forces of wickedness, and pray that God will create a safe haven for you and your family.

If, after all you've done, only your home is free of the demonic--then thank God for that, and remain vigilant.  But how much better it will be if we have some towns and communities that are oases, free of demonic oppression, in the days ahead!!


One other point:  I hear some talk about 'the remnant', almost as if the people who form the remnant are superior to other Christians.  Don't fall into that trap of pride!!  No one is a remnant yet--we are all Christians just now waking up and beginning to learn the truth from deception.
 
Unfortunately, as the truth is presented to them, some people are choosing not to love the truth, and God will send them a powerful delusion to believe instead.  This is what is called 'the great rebellion', 'the great apostasy', 'the great falling away'.  The love (of righteousness, of truth, of God) of many will grow cold.  Many will turn away.  After that, the  backslidden/apostate Christians will begin to persecute and hate the remnant that were faithful to the truth*.

When the persecution begins--then the ones who hold to the truth can be called 'the remnant'.  To do so now is to risk 'writing off' people who may or may not be Christians now, but who are being misled and deceived by false doctrines--for whom there may yet be hope of repentance!!




*Don't be surprised if, in those days, a 'Christian' president is elected and (apostate )'Christians' form a majority in Congress.  With great pride, patriotism and zeal they would fight the unrighteous (who have been in power) and the 'fanatics'/'religious zealots' (the remnant that hold to the truth).
The 'false prophet' will be

• a false religion that appears Christian (much of this is already in the church),
• and promotes the 'beast' empire (the beast is not a man)

[The beast (empire) will rule over the nations of the world.  This may not be really obvious. It may be a lot like America does today, through occupation, military bases,  and taking authority over countries by various means (regime change, sanctions, and other means of control).  The beast (empire) will have final say, and will punish those nations that don't fall in line.]

It is this false prophet/false church that will create the image of the empire that is to be worshipped (through intense patriotism), and whose mark is required to participate in buying and selling in the global marketplace.

Don't be surprised that it would be 'Christians' that persecute 'the remnant'--after all, it was the Jews that killed Jesus!  There is no more formidable adversary than one who is deceived into thinking that they hold the truth of God and are fighting on His behalf.
 
Lest you think the same of the remnant, remember this:  the remnant, those who do have the truth of God, fight spiritually but the deceived will fight in the physical realm--by putting to death their 'enemies'.

The New Year's Gift

I have always been different from everyone around me, so it should come as no surprise that I celebrate New Year's Eve differently too.  I really don't give much thought to celebrating it.  Sure, I may turn on the TV and look at other people celebrating, but it doesn't really move me.

I don't know where I got the idea, but for at least the last dozen years I have had my own tradition.  I spend New Year's Eve alone with God, and I ponder which spiritual attribute I lack the most--the one that would give me a closer walk with God, in the year(s) ahead, if I had it.  Then, I request it of God.


The most memorable was the year that I asked Him for faith.  I had already heard that one shouldn't ask for faith because it would bring many trials.  But, that's what I felt led to ask for, and I'm glad I didn't let fear stop me.

When the spring semester ended, I was surprised to learn that I would have no financial aid for the summer . . . and my lease would end at the same time!  As a single parent of three kids, this was not a good situation to have looming on the horizon!

After much prayer, I decided that camping in the woods all summer was one option.  But, that a better option would be to buy a camper shell for my pickup truck, store our things somewhere, and travel the USA for the summer.  I realized we had what might be a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'!

That summer is one that none of us has ever forgotten!  A whole summer of 'quality time' together really bonded us deeply.  We had a couple of destinations in mind--relatives that we could visit for a few days, but mostly we had 'time to kill'!  (I find that almost impossible to imagine these days!)

For $100 we bought a family pass to the National Parks, and we lived on $600 a month.  Every day I got behind the wheel and asked God to guide me.  I would set a jar of canned food on the dashboard and head east, driving and praying.

By midday we had a warm 'meal'.  We ate very simply and very rarely paid to stay at a campground or eat at a restaurant.  We trusted God to show us a safe place to park each night, and prayed we could sleep unbothered.

We soaked in the beauty of God's creation and rested--what a blessed thing that was!  We learned that California had a nearly magical forest of giant trees;  that in Michigan, blueberries grew on the ground; and that the mosquitos in Minnesota were something to be reckoned with!!  We fell asleep in the woods at dusk, serenaded by the most beautiful birdsong I had ever heard.

That summer, I learned that God can take a bad situation and turn it completely around; that He can be trusted to watch over me, even while I'm asleep; that He is always with me, even when I have no idea where I am; that some of His best gifts are free; and that a glimpse of blue sky, the song of a bird, or a gentle breeze can help me reconnect with Him when I feel alone and afraid.


In the days ahead, as the works of man grow more depraved and ugly, and as evil increases around us--remember to look up sometimes.  Let God's creation remind you of who is eternal and who is really in charge.  Remember that the trials and tribulations that lie ahead are only temporary.  Life on earth has never been easy.  Although things will get a lot worse--it won't last much longer!!  Ten years from now, it may all be behind us.

We have much to look forward to.  We will have a thousand years to live on earth, in peace and equity, with Jesus Himself in authority.  How I yearn for His truth and justice to be established upon the Earth; for righteousness to be the standard, and the law to be upheld; for things to finally be fair; for a chance to rest and walk with Him; for a time when evil is put to flight and goodness can prevail.


Last year was difficult.  Not the circumstances of my life, but the evil around us grinding on me, wearing me down.  I imagine that a year from now, 2009 will seem like 'a piece of cake' as evil continues to increase.  I've become polluted by our culture, taking on bad attitudes and values, picked up from TV and movies.  Anger has taken root inside me, and hatred has started to grow, as I have seen America stolen and our rights stripped away.

Learning that it is all part of God's judgment has helped me put it in perspective.  I have long known America was provoking His judgment.  Realizing that the destruction of America that is now taking place is God's will--because of our sin--my anger at the people involved diminishes.

Instead I cry bitter tears of regret.  We had it all, but knew it not!  We had such a priceless gift from God, but we threw it away.  We squandered our freedom, to indulge our lusts.  Oh how foolish we were!!  America is forever lost.  We can never go back.


The anger and attitudes I have adopted have hardened my heart and made me more callous towards the pain and suffering of others.  Tonight, I need to repent of my anger, and my attitudes, and move beyond them.  I think what I need to ask for this year, is compassion.  Someone's life may depend on it.

Do Appeals For Donations Turn You Off?

Do appeals for donations turn you off?  They never bothered me before, but lately they do.  I'll share my thoughts on that, and I'm interested in whether any of you feel the same, for the same reasons.

I feel, deep in my heart, that selling the truth of God is wrong!  I understand that there are basic costs that ministries incur, costs of websites,  printing books, making DVDS, mailing, etc.  Those costs are legitimate.  I have no problem with charging what things cost--selling books and DVDs at cost, for example, but I believe it is wrong to put a dollar value on the truth itself! 

Over the past few months, I have found websites that are invaluable sources of information. The Lord has led me to many sites in response to my prayers for wisdom.  Lately, even those that seem to present the most truth have begun to request donations.  I don't mean they've just put a 'donations' button on their site for people who want to give, but they are explaining their hardship and asking people to give.

(God help me if I'm wrong about this, and God forgive me if I succumb to the temptation myself.  I think it would be easier for Him to forgive me, than for me to forgive myself.)

Again, I understand there are costs involved, and how frustrating it is when funds are lacking!  (I won't share my personal experiences or situation because that is irrelevant--but please trust that I have lived a life of financial hardship.)  Out of that comes my conviction that if you put your faith in God for the resources to do what God has called you to do, He will provide what you need to do the job, and meet your needs as well!

It was with God that the idea originated that 'a workman is worthy of his hire', and that you don't prevent your ox from stopping to nibble while he is pulling the plow for you (or something to that effect).  God knows what you need, and He can provide it. He can also inspire people to give, if He so chooses.  Even so, if no one gives, and nothing is provided, and you are sure you are doing the will of God, then you continue and you sacrifice and cover the costs yourself.  Rest assured that in so doing, you are 'laying up treasure in heaven'!

As I have constantly prayed for wisdom and understanding of certain matters, the Lord impressed upon my heart that if He granted me understanding, with it would come a responsibility to share it. (If you are indeed sharing God-inspired truth, then please remember that the Lord gave it to you for free, and the ones who need it the most may be the ones who can't afford to pay for it. The Lord's design has always been to have people that would be conduits of His blessings to an unbelieving world. He gives them to us to pass along to others, yet He gives us a portion too.)

The Lord lays out the responsibility of a watchman-that if he warns the people and they don't listen, their blood is on their own heads, but if he knows and doesn't warn them, their blood will be upon his head. I believe it is time to speak out boldly.

I believe the Lord is raising up an army of people to share His word in these 'last days' (right now, via the Internet). It will be able to penetrate places where a missionary may never be able to set foot. We, in America, are strategically placed, and divinely endowed with the freedom of speech, technology, time, resources (compared to billions of others in this world) and credibility as a free people in a God-inspired country, to be able to reach the world with the truth about what is happening as the 'days of grace' draw to a close.

I believe America was divinely ordained to put an obstacle in the way of Satan’s plan at this very point in time! I believe we are called to use our freedom & constitutionally guaranteed rights to resist and expose the truth about Satan’s plan to the world, at this very hour, while we still have those rights! This is the fulfillment of Christ’s words in Matthew 24:14:

‘And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’

I believe the words ‘for a witness’ hold special significance. I believe this means that we, while the events spoken of in the end times prophecies are unfolding, will be explaining them to people throughout the world, and sharing the gospel message! Those who hear will not be able to say they didn’t understand what was happening, and who was its author, if we do what we have been divinely appointed to do–in this very hour! Our message will be the ‘witness’ to them whereby they will later be judged as to whether they understood what they were participating in!

So, when I see these blatant appeals for donations, it is a HUGE red flag to me!  Maybe it is not that these folks are sinning, or out of God's will in general.  Maybe it is just a barometer of their faith in God's provision.  But if they do not believe that (without them 'helping') God can provide for them to do what they believe He has called them to do--then how can they trust that He will provide for more mundane things, such as their own personal needs, or those of their family?  I'm just sayin' . . .

It may simply be that all the changes that are occurring in our economy, and the fact that we are under God's judgment, have not fully penetrated most people's understanding.  I believe that, as with grief, there are certain stages or phases we go through in coming to this understanding.  I believe that most people are still in the 'denial stage' of grief over the loss of America and life as we have known it.  We are all in different stages of our 'paradigm shift'.  So, I can certainly understand and leave room for that.  I don't judge these people.  However, I still believe, deep in my heart, that this is a step in the wrong direction.

Things are going to be 'tough all over'.  Our economy is going to crash.  You MUST start seeing things differently!!  Capitalism is being purposely destroyed--and it is the will of God for this to take place!!  The sins that have been committed under this system, and justified by it, the way it has been misused and corrupted, the way it has deceived and corrupted so many and led them into sin, have brought about its judgment!!  We are experiencing a brief reprieve, but things are never going 'back to normal' again!! Rather, things are going to get much, MUCH worse in the days ahead!!!

Now is a good time to get your beliefs about money in line with God's Word.  I know it is hard to conceive of a non-capitalist way of using money, but capitalism is not 'God's Way' any more than communism is.  These are constructs and traditions of men.  We have strayed far from God's plan for trade and commerce. 

Jesus had much to say about money.  This would be a good time to go back to The Word and establish a Godly foundation in regards to your beliefs about money.  Again, let me say, go back to The Word of God, not to the 'prosperity' messages and other doctrines of men that took hold in the church in recent times.

Ultimately, each of us will be confronted with the choice of continuing to partake of the world's system of trade, or being left to trust in God to provide for our needs.  Your beliefs about money, and lack of understanding of God's will in this area, could very well be what ensnares you into accepting the 'Mark Of The Beast' (because you believe you have 'no other choice'). 


One other point, in regards to those who have books, DVDs, etc. to sell, that purportedly contain revelations of truth that God has given them, and who request 'donations' in return:

Taxes should be paid by a nonprofit organization on materials that they sell. However, in an underhanded way of trying to escape our tax laws (we should 'render unto Caesar what is Caesar's'), many ministries request 'donations' in return for these materials.  (In a broad sense, true donations are not taxable, but there are certain guidelines regarding what is considered a true donation). 

This has been a commonly accepted practice, but is it really handling money in an upright way, that serves as a witness to the unbelieving world that Christians operate under a set of 'higher laws'? 

Furthermore, I would apply my own criteria to determine if it is really a 'donation' that is being requested, or if you are in fact being sold the item: 

• If you do not have the ability to pay the amount of the 'requested donation', will the ministry still send you the materials, upon request?

I say that those who don't, lack integrity in regards to finances--and are most likely in violation of tax law.  As with most things, what is visible may only be the 'tip of the iceberg'. 

Think about this next time you hear a request for a 'donation' for an item that claims to be God's truth and revelation that we 'all need to hear'.  It may be the 'American Way' or the 'Capitalist Way'--to sell God's truth for a price--but it is not God's way!!!  I daresay, if Jesus were to visit today, He would 'overturn the tables' of these merchants!

'We Know In Part And We Prophesy In Part'

While I haven't been here at my cyberspace truth pitstop, I've been out on my own little truth journey through the worldwide web. The Lord led me to a most interesting pitstop, which I have included in my links (The Watchman's Cry).

A lot of things that the Lord had revealed to me were confirmed there--and He is revealing more to me, in answer to my prayers. I'll share one interesting little item with you:

'We Know In Part And We Prophesy In Part'

Fulfilled, in my life, in two ways. 

1. 'And that ain't the half of it!'  None of us knows the complete picture. We each only know a part of it. None of us has the complete interpretation of all the prophecies. He shows each of us, only a part. Like an orchestra, each of us doing our part produces the whole. Don't think any one man is the source of all your answers! 
2. 'Write what you know.'   That was His word to me, in response to my concerns that there is so much I don't know. 'Just write what you know.' And as I have done so, He has been with me and has guided me, telling me things I didn't know, as I write. Filling in the blanks, so to speak. My own knowledge forms the bare bones outline--His Spirit provides the substance, the style, and the intent, and weaves it together into a message that (I pray) will speak to you personally. Part of what I 'speak' is what I know, part of it is prophecy. (Though I don't think I'm a prophet--just another watchman.)

Is The Government Tracking You By GPS?

When I heard this, it chilled me to the bone:

"Government law enforcement agencies issued 8 million requests to Sprint to track individual cell phone users’ exact GPS location. The cell-phone users were, presumably, all unaware, that they were being tracked.  This was just Sprint!"

Visions of 'FEMA camps' danced through my head and I felt weak in the knees . . . It's really happening . . .  Then, thankfully, the Lord reminded me that Satan uses a spirit of fear to manipulate and disempower believers.  Even though the report was from a source I have trusted, I looked into it more.

I believe the explanation Sprint gives is credible:
Many (most?) of the requests were for the GPS location of people calling 911 from cell phones, and from criminal and Amber Alert investigations. Each request is a 'ping'--a brief signal sent out to locate a phone (or computer).  Sprint adds "It’s critical to note that a single case or investigation may generate thousands of individual pings to the network as the law enforcement or public safety agency attempts to track or locate an individual."

I am of the opinion that 'law enforcement request', in regards to GPS location, probably means that the computer of a police department makes contact with a computer at Sprint--perhaps much like the way PayPal is contacted if you are buying items online and select PayPal as your payment option.  It does NOT mean the federal government sent over 8 million subpoenas to Sprint for records of the whereabouts of particular customers.  I'm not saying it hasn't sent out any--I don't know.  But nowhere near 8 million, if it has.

If you are concerned about being tracked by GPS (which maybe we should be, although it is probably inevitable), then turn off the GPS tracking on your cell phone, if you can.  If not, you might consider looking for a phone without it. And remember, that handy 'Onstar' in your car does the same thing.  I don't have a navigational system, so I'm not familiar with them, but I expect many of them can track your location too.

I don't necessarily think that the people reporting this story are trying to create a false panic--but that could have been the result.  Too much of this, and not only will we fail to heed the call when there truly is a cause for panic, but we will lose our credibility as well!  (Let's keep it for as long as we can!)

The tables have turned.  In a country where Christians once received the highest respect, we are now becoming a laughingstock.  Of course, that will happen, as the power of darkness increases during these last days.  The truth will be distorted, lies will be told, jokes will be made at our expense.  We will be 'smeared' and slandered.  But lets have it be because of the truth of the gospel, rather than for being fanatically paranoid at everything that happens.

When we hear something frightening, lets take a deep breath, and get all the facts.  It is entirely possible (probably even very likely), these days, that things are being/will be said and done to bait us into a potentially dangerous panic for which our government can take some kind of action against us.  This administration has demonstrated that it cannot stand opposition, so I don't think that is being paranoid.

We know that a lot of things will take place that will have horrible end results.  However, that doesn't mean that is the motivation for these things happening (at least not in the human realm).  Although it will be the case at some point, no one is 'out to get' Christians--yet.  Lets not create a self fulfilling prophecy.  We need to 'pick our battles' carefully.  And, we need to understand that a lot of these horrible things that are going to happen . . . are part of God's will.  They are part of a bigger picture and plan.

God Wants Us To Go To War!!
The Gates Of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against Us