AMERICA....GONE WILD, PART 1

CARRIE UNDERWOOD ABANDONS
 BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY/CHURCH
ENDORSES GAY 'MARRIAGE'

(PART OF AN ON-GOING SERIES ON THE IMPLODING OF AMERICA - SPIRITUALLY, SOCIALLY ETC....)

Due to some incredible events, currently in the news here in the States, I take a short  detour from our  series leading up to Father's Day to call your attention to this. It is a microcosm of what we, who are called prophets of doom by those who hate Biblical Christianity, have been warning about for years now.  In this short essay, which I humbly submit for your consideration,  may I ask you to compare the next several things in light of the Meaning of Life, which we have been discussing in the past 3 or 4 days? Thank you!


Let it be known, that this once great country of America is sinking in the quicksand of filth, degradation and depravity not seen in such a potent mixture since the slow burn of the Roman Empire 2000 years ago! What is happening to the very fabric of the United States make King Solomon's corrupt life appear like a walk in the park. We know better. We have been handed the Scriptures and the Oracles of God by those who founded this incredible experiment - and we let the devil take the wheel from Jesus.


Exhibit A- CANNIBALISM: Who would have thought this would be front and center on the pages of a so-called civilized society like ours? Yet it is! It is not just the more publicized case of the Haitian immigrant in Florida, who was shot to death on a highway by police (this past Memorial Day), after literally eating the face off another man, but incidents in Louisiana and Maryland with more reports coming in! Some have been voodoo influenced, others have involved just plain perversion, chemically enhanced illicit drugs and more.  All of them have been the result of no moral compass and no God.


EXHIBIT B - CELEBRITIES & GAY AGENDA - In the past 48 hours, beloved (by many millions of Americans) and what they assumed was a good Christian woman -  Carrie Underwood, shocked everyone in the pro-family arena, by announcing her full support for "gay marriage"! Even worse was the revelation that what authentic Christians thought was a wholesome (and former Baptist) young woman, has been been attending a "gay friendly" church in Nashville with her NHL hockey-playing husband! Her reasoning is just as biblically illiterate as all those leading politicians who say the same thing...."it's about equality" or "Jesus told us to love one another"....or "it's the (nowhere to be found in the Bible) Golden Rule!' 

Dallas preacher Haynes on Sunday

EXHIBIT C- CORRUPTION IN THE CHURCH - Then in further examples of the apostasy and falling away by false prophets in the christian church, some preacher in an African-American baptist mega-church - Frederick Haynes III, ripped his OWN church for supporting the Biblical definition of Marriage found in Genesis 2:24 and not the stance of the current president in support of some such union! A preacher! Then comes news last week that a US Navy chaplain, from the liberal Disciples of Christ denomination, performed a same-sex union INSIDE of a chapel, desecrating a house of God! If that were not enough, prosperity gospel preacher Creflo Dollar, was arrested in Georgia in an unfortunate domestic disturbance problem involving his 15 year old disobedient daughter.

LEE GREENWOOD'S GOD BLESS THE USA - OUT
JUSTIN BIEBER'S 'GIRL QUIT PLAYIN' - IN

EXHIBIT D - CENSORSHIP IN THE CLASSROOM - Against all tenets of the US Constitution and just plain common sense, the principal of NY Public School #90 - the Edna Cohen School - just banned the singing of "God bless the USA" from the kindergarten graduation ceremony, which the children had spent months practicing!  To make it worse, the school principal Greta Hawkins, replaced the song with a teenage romance song by Justin Bieber, after changing her story. She said that the words of the Lee Greenwood patriotic classic would offend other cultures, then said that the words of God Bless the USA were too adult for five year olds! What is obvious with these people and liberals is not just their dislike of American traditions and the Constitution, but their complete disrespect and foul hatred of Almighty God in Heaven! The incident has led parents and the few remaining patriotic politicians in New York State to speak out against cultural brain washing. This also follows quickly on the heels of a similar ban, on the same song, by another public school in Massachusetts earlier this year!

MEGACHURCH PASTOR
ANDY STANLEY

EXHIBIT E - CHAOS IN THE COUNTRY - Up is down. Right is wrong. Good is bad. Evil is good. Every man is doing what seems right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25b). We see the trend towards hedonism more and more. We see no spiritual leadership from well-known American pastors who should be calling the nation to a prophetic declaration of the need for prayer and repentance. Instead we see Dr. Charles Stanley's son, Andy, depart from the faith of his father and seemingly promote alternate family lifestyles in his multi-campus wealthy megachurches, so as not to offend anybody. He sees no problem offending God. We see another best selling pastor saying that we get to hear the Gospel too many times, while many people have not even heard it once. We see America's biggest celebrity pastor Joel Osteen proclaiming everybody is a Christian no matter what their belief system or conduct....and on and on.


America has gone wild. America has not only lost its collective mind, the country is in danger, real danger of losing its collective soul. It used to be that the prayers of the saints would uphold the country....and in some sense, this is happening in some parts of the country where the faithful still live in concentrated pockets. But in the major populated areas and in even some areas of the once solid Bible Belt,  America has gone wild for the god of this perishing world in their blind stupidity and abandoned the One True God in Heaven. As a result of all of this and more, one day, those of us who worship Holy God and know the fierce anger beating in His Chest, are afraid we are getting close to the point of no return.

The only solution - 

       “Come, let us return to the LORD;

for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will raise us up,
that we may live before him.
Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:1-3 ESV)

(images courtesy google)

WHAT NOW?.........Part 3

WHAT VALIDATES YOU?
A man gains validation from his work - even saved Christian men. We want to see the fruits of our labor and not just from the number on our paycheck (after tax), but from where we have progressed....where we came from.


A woman, and correct me if I am wrong, gains validation from the quality of her relationships; the ability to multi-task and their nurturing instincts...as well as work, whether she is a career professional or a kind receptionist at your local dentist.


A few years ago, in the capitol city of Illinois, a twenty something young man took off from a well-known popular downtown Springfield bar (name withheld) after spending hours drinking on St. Patrick's Day. He was driving a menacing Lincoln Navigator and blew out of the parking lot, heading west on Jefferson Street at speeds of over 90 miles an hour! After running several traffic lights and endangering several other motorists, this man came down the hill (about 4 miles later) at such a speed, where a busy four lane city highway crossed, that he would have been unable to stop....even if he knew how.


After flying across the intersection, with all traffic stopped as they noticed this pending disaster, this guy hit a curb and went airborne for a long time. He came crash landing upside down in a huge dip right next to a then busy strip mall and died instantly. While his family was mourning yet another wasted young life, no one seems to have learned the lesson about the brevity and the beat goes on.

Year after year for seven years, I have evangelized intensely on the streets of Springfield. During the St. Patrick's day parade, I go up to the front of this same bar, where this man drank the final hours of his life away and tried to hand out gospel tracts to dazed drunks (with alcohol) or all ages (mostly young) who recoil at the sight of a harmless piece of paper.  Yet it is this same piece of paper which carries a message they (and we) all need to hear. 


Solomon wrote the following, at the end of HIS wasted life: All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him? (Ecclesiastes 3:20-22 ESV).


This is a sad commentary on his life and the lives of most alive today. The wisest man on earth did not know if a beast had a soul and seemed doubtful his own soul was heading up to be with the Lord. This is no different from those in pursuit of material happiness - whether men or women. Solomon's validation was in his work, which gave him the excuse and temporary release in extreme pleasure. More and more today are finding it in "working for the weekend" or  working for that upcoming retirement or who knows what....when the meaningful life can only be found in a fulfilling walk with the Lord!


So what now? We see that Solomon knew how to blow it and why....and this young man in front of this famed city bar....and the teen who gets pregnant right before graduation....or the 51 year old grandma in the office having an affair with her car salesman....or....or....

Well, it would be better if we start taking stock of our lives right now - all of us. We may still have a few more quarters that we can plug into the parking meter of life, before time runs out. Each day is a day of grace and mercy that we are not standing before God in judgment. We still have time to make it right and so we won't have to ask "what now"? ....well....pray with me:


Father God, in the Name of Jesus, I come to you knowing that Life is so short and Eternity is a long time. Thank You for the lesson You provided us when Your Spirit allowed Solomon to write this passage into the Scriptures, that we may learn from his mistakes and apply these truths. Help us to know that we know that we know that our souls would either go UP to be with You or that those who reject You, will be made to depart from You forever. Help us to rejoice not in OUR work, but the WORK OF CHRIST on the Cross, Who gave all that we may have all - all this important, which is Eternal Life in Your Holy Presence! Lord we love You, adore You, worship You, surrender to You, ask forgiveness from You and seek You, even more now, that we know the days are both short and evil. Be with us this day and for as long as you gave us time on this earth, may we rejoice in You and glorify You to the praise and honor of Your Name, through Christ Jesus, our Lord, amen.

(images courtesy google)

HOW DID I GET TO THIS POINT?....Part 2

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first"...Revelation 2:4

A lot of people - men and women - appear to make through life intact, but then fall apart at the end (or close to it). Think of it as a runner, who runs out of steam right at the Finish Line.  Many are the opposite of the great Triple Crown thoroughbred horse - Secretariat. Secretariat won the third jewel of this Triple Crown of horse-racing by a stunning 31 lengths, a feat which as never been repeated! This magnificent creation of God was going so fast, it could have gone another dozen or so lengths...but it would have died! The faster the horse went, the faster its heart was beating. If the distance was any longer, the heart would have exploded.

This is contrary to how many finish the race of life today. We do not give it all we have. Many have built their lives on one of the following: 

-  A lie (whether it is in a loveless marriage, dead end job, or even a double life of sin)

-  A false promise (the western or American dream of a high paying job/lifestyle that makes you happy)

-  A misconception of what we are really here for (are we here to satisfy ourselves or satisfy God's calling on our lives).

For some reason, less and less of us are giving it all we have as we see the finish line.  

We are seeing men and women getting divorced in their late 50's or 60's whom you would never imagine would 'go there'.  

We are seeing people coming out of closets who have been living in sin, with their lies and their sexual deviancy for decades. 

We are seeing churches filled with carnal Christians corrupted by culture because there was no conversion to the Gospel of Christ to begin with. 

We are even seeing so-called good churches producing the future 'pagans of America' by sending out youth into high schools and colleges to turn their back on our faith, because they came of out of churches led by preachers more interested in maintaining their own stranglehold on a church and organization, which was/is not theirs to begin with.

Solomon was that kind of man. He finished horribly because, among a variety of disgusting sins, he turned his back on the One True God Who gave him everything. Solomon sought after his own fleshly pursuits by trying to sleep with just about any woman of every color, class, creed and strange religion he could find. 

He not only had illicit sexual relations with them, he brought them into Jerusalem and corrupted the Holy City. 

He not only consorted with them, he bowed down to their evil strange and demonic gods of fire, human sacrifice and death. 

He not only did all of that, but had a stranglehold on the economy of Israel. 

He was a horrible taskmaster who taxed the daylights out of his people so he could live like the flesh-serving king he was.

We are no different today. While the culture shapes society, we help it by buying their indulgences. 

We pursue leisure. 

We pursue the latest toys. 

We pursue pleasure. 

We preach restraint..for everybody else but ourselves.

We mortgage the future to satisfy the present.

We give in to almost every sensory temptation...and some go even further in violating their marriage vows....and on and on....all in pursuit of the good life....and all is vanity!

You want to know how both Solomon and we get to the point were we become the anti-Secretariat? We get there because we have left our first love - Christ.  As a society and an "Ekklesia" (the body of Christ - the church) church leaders from all levels, in the past 100 years, have pursued the culture, and tried to blend it with Christ. It has never worked...and never will.

TOMORROW - PART 3

(Image Courtesy Google)

HOW DID I BLOW IT?........Part 1

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death"...Proverbs 16:25

From now until Father's Day, a series of messages will focus on the Life God has called us to, and how some of us just blow it! It is impossible to think of a man who was more blessed, anointed and showered with goodness than King Solomon! He was called the wisest man who ever lived! When God asked him to name anything he would like to have, unlike most today, Solomon asked for "biyn". Biyn is not the Hebrew words for simple wisdom, but a powerful expression of discernment.

The great son of King David, which came out of his marriage (and adultery) with Bathsheba, chose wisely. Because of that God said to him "“Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king".

This man spent years studying, writing proverbs and judging with expert precision. Kings, queens and rulers worldwide came to see and bow down to this amazing man, who had everything. His wealth, fame and more became legendary. Solomon was in demand far, and near. He shared bountifully with those who asked and gave of himself to the good life. The problem was - Solomon began to believe his own press! The wisest man in the world, never took his own advice....and Solomon began his spiral into a life of hedonism, sexual conquest, grieving the Holy Spirit and leading an entire nation into degradation. Solomon became the opposite of what he preached.

Tomorrow: "What happened?"

(Image courtesy Google)

FREE EBOOK FOR SINGLE WOMEN JUNE 7 ONLY!

GET FREE NEW EBOOK ON KINDLE ON THURSDAY JUNE 7 

FOR ONE DAY ONLY!

BY CHRISTIAN MOVIE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/CHRISTIAN  SUSAN ROHRER

NOTE FROM SUSAN: "I'm making the Kindle version of this book free on all day Thursday 6/7/12. You're welcome to visit the link and download a free copy. The paperback version is also available for purchase for those who prefer print.
Happy Reading!
Susan Rohrer


TO GET ONE TIME OFFER OF THIS NEW BOOK, GO HERE AND DOWNLOAD TO YOUR IPAD; KINDLE; IPHONE ETC: 

CLICK FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

ABOUT THE BOOK***:
What does God have to say about that man in my life?
Does God really speak about the choice of a husband?
Will that best guy friend of mine ever see me "that way”?
Is there really such a thing as a match made in Heaven?

Maybe you find yourself asking these questions. They might even predominate your thoughts and prayers. You may be wondering if the answers you're hearing really are from heaven and, if so, what to do about it. 

If you find yourself single and hopeful about a particular man's potential in your life, then this might be the book for you. If you counsel single women, this book could serve as an effective guide for one-on-one conversation as well as group discussion and study.

Bible-based and candid, practical and accessible, Rohrer peppers this book with true-life stories as she explores commonly-asked questions about what may be one of the most important decisions in a woman's life.

CHAPTER TITLES INCLUDE: 

Hearing from Heaven
Who's That Talking?
Defining the Relationship
Things You Can Be Sure God Is Saying
How God Helps Sort the Laundry
Kicking the Best Friend Habit
Healing for the Heartsick
How to Know If He's The One
The Wedding Singer


Susan Rohrer is a graduate of James Madison University where she studied Art and Communications, and thereafter married in her native state of Virginia. 

SUSAN ROHRER
AUTHOR/PRODUCER

A professional writer, producer, and director specializing in family-friendly entertainment, Rohrer’s credits in one or more of these capacities include: an adaptation of God’s Trombones; 100 episodes of drama series Another Life; Humanitas Prize finalist & Emmy winner Never Say Goodbye; Emmy nominees Terrible Things My Mother Told Me and The Emancipation of Lizzie Stern; anthology No Earthly Reason; NAACP Image Award nominee Mother’s Day; AWRT Public Service Award winner (for addressing the problem of teen sexual harassment) Sexual Considerations; comedy series Sweet Valley High; telefilms Book of Days and Another Pretty Face; Emmy nominee & Humanitas Prize finalist If I Die Before I Wake; as well as Film Advisory Board & Christopher Award winner About Sarah.

CREDITS:*** (From Good Reads)

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Some years ago, the Lord showed me a vision of a beautiful, grassy mountain with plateaus at different levels up the mountain. I saw people filling each level, as many stood around talking to each other.

BY LYNN MOSHER

Some people climbed the stairs that ascended up the mountain. The steps at the bottom were steeper and harder to climb; the closer to the top, the smaller and easier to climb they became. The stairs were concrete-hard with a golden handrail up the middle. As some climbed up the stairs, they yet went backwards, not even realizing it. All kinds of people filled the top of mountain: short, tall, young, old, children. Adults held babies as they stood looking at the beautiful glow above the top of mountain.


Then, the Lord said...


“When you step out to enter My pathway to heaven, the path of the Christian walk, it is not an easy walk. The early steps seem difficult to climb, but the higher you rise, the easier it becomes. The stairs are hard as concrete, not at all pretty. The way is difficult but do-able, because I am there.


“Sometimes you will back down the stairs, not turning around to see where you are going but backing down sometimes in disbelief, doubt, worry, sometimes in disobedience to the call of the next step and you may not realize it. Be sure you keep your focus on Me. You may at times even slip and fall, but I am there.


“The beautiful mountain is calm and serene, yet raging all about it are the storms of life. If you shift your eyes from the way before you to the roar around you, you will fall. The winds may even blow you off course and try to loosen your grip.


“Keep your eyes fixed at the top of the steps, from which comes the source of the golden glow, the throne room of the great I AM.


“The higher you climb, the purer the air becomes as you rise away from the stench of earth. Those standing at the top have reached the gate to heaven. They are standing in awe of the glorious sight they have been afforded.


“The babies being held by others have died or been aborted. They are welcomed into loving arms by those who have never known the love of a child, and by those who have had children die. The babies await the parents who will join them.


“Those standing on the different plateaus are waiting further instructions. Some need a rest. Some are truly weary and must pause for refreshment. Others are just listening in patient stillness for their next orders.


“Strive always for courage and strength to reach the next plateau. Always wait for My instructions before taking another step.


“Hold onto My handrail that stretches out like a golden thread beside your path. Keep a firm grip. It is My constant hand steadying you and helping you up when your trip or miss a step.


“Keep your eyes focused on the view at the top. Breathe slowly and deeply. Keep your feet on the path. All is in My safe-keeping on My mountain.”


The promise of heaven’s eternal resting place is for all, for all of us “whose names are written in heaven,” who have been “made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ,” “that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance,” “an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” (Heb. 12:23 NLT, Rom. 3:22 NLT, Heb. 9:15 NKJV) (1 Peter 1:4 NLT)


But are you sure of that eternal resting place? You have been “invited [as you are] to belong to Him.” (Rom. 1:6 Amp) Have you said “No thanks” to Christ’s gracious invitation? Have you said “Yes” but are unsure of your eternal home?
    
Peter pleads with you, “So, friends, confirm God’s invitation to you, His choice of you. Don’t put it off; do it now. Do this, and you’ll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter. 1:10-11 Msg)


May you cling to that hope of a promise, as Abraham did, who “was completely sure that God was well able to do anything He promised.” (Rom. 4:21 TLB)

VISIT LYNN'S BLOG HERE: "HEADING HOME"

Image Credit: photobucket

EXCLUSIVE - NEW BOOK TO INSPIRE/INFORM YOU

EVER GET A GIFT YOU DIDN’T WANT?

 Excerpted in part from:

THE HOLY SPIRIT: Amazing Power for Everyday People 

by Susan Rohrer

 SUSAN ROHRER
Born Again, Spirit-filled Believer,
AUTHOR/MOVIE DIRECTOR/PRODUCER  

Strange but true—despite the availability of computers, I continued to hang onto my  familiar typewriter into the early 1990s. It seems silly now, but I convinced myself that I didn’t need the hi-tech tools so many of my colleagues were using. Fact was: I was computer phobic. I was afraid of what I didn’t understand, fearful that I’d never learn how to use one. Finally, my boss plunked a computer on my desk. He asked me to start using this power tool, promising it would increase my productivity for him. Resisting progress was no longer an option. He left me alone with that thing. Gulp! I didn’t even know how to turn it on.

That’s pretty much how it goes for a lot of us when it comes to the supernatural manifestations of the Spirit. That’s how it went for me. Even after reading all about the power gifts in the Bible, I didn’t trust God to distribute them to me as He willed, despite their potential for increasing my effectiveness in serving Him. After all, I was just a spiritual babe and babies need milk, right? Power gifts were for the mature. They seemed way too meaty for spiritual nobodies like me. Surprise! Just like my boss with that computer, God gifted me with the power tools I feared most, some while I was still in spiritual infancy.

Why did I write this book? I found out that I was not alone in initially fearing what was rarely, if ever, taught in traditional settings. Sure, there was plenty of talk (even arm-twisting) about the importance of using what seem to be our natural gifts in service, but what exactly were those enigmatic spiritual gifts, and did they go beyond things like musical or administrative abilities to the kind of spectacular wonders that characterized the earthly ministry of Christ? Where were the greater works Jesus said we would do in His name, and why was everyone so afraid of them?

To know Him really is to love Him and, in time, studying the Bible about the Holy Spirit and His gifts allayed my fears. What’s more, it offered me the opportunity to go beyond just knowing about God to experiencing relationship with Him in an amazingly present new way. That’s why I wrote this book. I wanted to encourage everyday people like me that God’s power isn’t just for the superstars of the faith. It’s not just for leadership—no, not by a long shot. It’s for every last Jane and John Doe out there who believes that the Bible is true.


I know it can be scary at first, so let’s just stick a toe into God’s river together. What does the Bible say about the gifts of the Spirit? Are talents, affinities, and gifts the same thing? What about fruits? Just what are those distinctions? Take a look in your Bible at I Corinthians 12:4–7. Linger over those verses. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you clear up what can seem like muddy waters. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of workings, but the same God, who worketh all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit to profit withal.”

CLICK HERE TO BUY

See that? Using three different Greek words, Paul helps us to understand three distinct varieties of gifts—tagged respectively with the names of the same Spirit, the same Lord, and the same God—the whole Trinity joining together to equip us with everything we need to serve. You can use the acronym SAW to remember the three different categories of tools we are given:

Supernatural Gifts (charisma)

Aid Gifts (diakonia)

Workings Gifts (energema)

First, this passage mentions diversities of SUPERNATURAL GIFTS (charisma), all in conjunction with the same Spirit. These spiritual equippings are like divinely charged power tools. They are miraculous endowments with no natural counterpart. The supernatural charisma or "grace gifts" are both wholly undeserved and distributed precisely as the Spirit wills. These sometimes-spectacular manifestations can dramatically increase the effectiveness of even the lowliest of believers, facilitating the spread of the Gospel through demonstrations of God’s superhuman power.  


Second, verse five cites ministries, or what can be called AID GIFTS (diakonia). This variety of ministries associated with the same Lord encompasses support gifts such as helps, encouragement, administration, teaching, giving, and hospitality. While all of the gifts are service-oriented, Aid Gifts are marked by a sacrificial willingness to spend one’s time, efforts and resources attending upon those in need. Those with Aid Gifts are often the unsung heroes of their communities, selflessly shouldering responsibilities many avoid. They intercede long after others forget. The Lord Jesus said that the greatest among us would be our servant (diakonos), and those who employ Aid gifts follow the Lord’s giving example by humbly laying down their lives in the interest of others.


Third, there are effects or WORKINGS GIFTS (energema), which I’ll also call Talents, those God-given skills believers can choose to operate for His glory rather than their own. Exceptional musical, technical, creative, mental or physical abilities could fit into this category. Like the master artisans in Exodus 31:1–6, there are people God gifts in all kinds of crafts and specialties. The list goes on and on—but whatever energema talents God may have given to you can be employed to advance the kingdom both within the church and in your everyday working world. 


Finally, in verses 7–10, Paul refocuses our attention back to a specific list of manifest gifts from the first category—the Supernatural Gifts of the Spirit—the power tools that are as vital to the harvest of souls as they are marginalized in traditional Christian teaching. 


Why the big secret in so many churches about the charisma gifts? No one shies away from diakonia and energema. Members are openly encouraged to offer up their God-given affinities and talents—the things we seem naturally good at, the things we like to do. But what’s all too often missing is balancing support for and operation of the Supernatural Gifts of the Spirit, those gifts we hesitate to talk about, at least in a contemporary context. Certainly, it’s incumbent upon us to use our Aid and Workings gifts, but let’s be honest. 


There are a lot of churches today running predominantly on natural talent and effort, despite the fact that a wide array of supernatural power tools is available to every congregation. And check it out: when he exhorted us to earnestly covet the best gifts, the specific Greek word Paul used for gifts was charisma (I Corinthians 12:31). 
Though there are many other important gifts listed in the Bible, it’s the supernatural manifestations of the Spirit listed in I Corinthians 12:7-10 that are tragically absent in so many traditional churches. It’s the charisma gifts that spark so much debate. So, while all believers should be strongly encouraged to identify and utilize their Aid Gifts and Talents, in THE HOLY SPIRIT: Amazing Power for Everyday People, we’ll examine those gifts so many don’t talk about, those supernatural power tools I never heard about in church, but found all over my owner’s manual: the Bible. 


Perhaps, after years of hand tools, power tools don’t look safe to you. Maybe you’re concerned that the Holy Spirit will distribute a gift that will burn you or put you in over your head. You might be intimidated by His power, like I was. If that’s you, be assured by Luke 11:9–13. There’s not a single snake or a scorpion among the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Really. 


Even we know not to give venomous creatures to our kids. God’s gifts aren’t poisonous; they’re for the good of young and old alike. They’re given to equip even common believers for uncommon ministry and harvest. Practiced in daily life, they make us more like our wonder-working Savior.


Copyrighted excerpt from: 
THE HOLY SPIRIT: Amazing Power for Everyday People by Susan Rohrer
Available in eBook and Paperback formats at: 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ES7358
http://www.amazon.com/The-Holy-Spirit-Amazing-Everyday/dp/1475176627


AUTHOR BIO:

A multiple award-winning writer, producer, and director specializing in redemptive fare in the entertainment industry, Susan Rohrer’s credits include: God’s Trombones; Another Life; Emmy winner Never Say Goodbye; Terrible Things My Mother Told Me; The Emancipation of Lizzie Stern; No Earthly Reason; Mother’s Day; Sweet Valley High; Book of Days; Another Pretty Face; If I Die Before I Wake; as well as Film Advisory Board & Christopher Award winner About Sarah. 


Susan Rohrer is also the author of:  
IS GOD SAYING HE’S THE ONE?
Hearing from Heaven about That Man in Your Life
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JWCPS2

FOR GREATER GLORY - A MUST SEE!

"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
This is the opening weekend for a brand new action movie of the Cristero War in Mexico, less than 100 years ago. FOR GREATER GLORY opened in selected theaters nationwide on June 1. While it may not sell as many tickets as fictional pap like Men in Black or some such thing, this true account of a well-hidden event in western history should shock many.

The timeless war of Good versus Evil is evident in this movie about Faith and the Fall of man. The stunning fact about this incident in Mexican history is that it was wiped clean from their history books by successive governments, who did not want their citizens to know of the Socialist government attempt to eliminate both God and the Church from Mexico from 1924-1929! It was not until 1992, when things were fully corrected and the draconian marxist mandates and laws were removed from the laws of Mexico!

Briefly, the story revolves around Leftist dictator Plutarco Calles (Ruben Blades) and his government's edict to shut down ALL church services; deport all foreign born priests, pastors, missionaries and ministers and allow NO MORE religious expression in Mexico! He succeeded for many years because his "Federales" troops systematically set about seizing church property; killing priests and worshipers and burning down churches! This sparked a rebellion among the common people, whose very lives and existence were affected and led to the CRISTERO war. 

Civil war broken out when a rogue priest named Father Vega and his sidekick general "Catorce" began successfully raiding government outposts. They then enlisted the services of a military genius - General Gorostieta (actor Andy Garcia) - an atheist, to train a ragtag army who, while he initially did not believe in God, soon got fully sold out to the timeless concept of Religious Freedom! Gorostieta died a believer with a big smile on his face!

This was the time of the Communists taking power in Russia and Bolsheviks/Marxists' attempt to conquer a lot of the depressed world! America was the only prosperous nation back in these Roaring 1920's!
You will see many themes in this more than 2 hour movie. The following struck me: 
-  With men of conviction, freedom is either absolute, or it means nothing.
-  You can not compromise with the beliefs of the world or it will slowly devour you.
-  Whenever possible, at all times, live in peace and forgiveness in your heart.
-  God is sovereign and determines the destiny of each individual man and woman.
-  Though many martyrs have lost their lives, and many more will (before the Return of Christ), this world is not our home. Happy and eternal life await all true believers and God will destroy those who persecute His saints. Fiery judgments are not just for people like Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Chavez and Castro but for any whose sins are not confessed and forgiven by the Pure and Cleansing Blood of the Lamb of God - Jesus Christ.

Verdict on "FOR GREATER GLORY" - Two thumbs up and 4 and 1/2 stars!

FOR GREATER GLORY was directed by big name Hollywood Director Dean Wright, who worked on huge blockbuster movies like Titanic; Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia! Prepare to be shocked and dismayed by what you see. RATED R for violence only, this is not a movie for the week. 

This is a movie for those of us who believe in Religious Liberty and the Freedom to Live for Christ here daily, in the United States, and to practice openly in the market square, the absolute rights given by God and the US Constitution, which guarantees the Free Exercise of Religion!

FRIDAY FOCUS - FAITH BEGORRAH!

As I awoke this morning, I asked the Lord for a verse almost immediately after and sure enough, He was faithful and put this wonderful verse in my heart "I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! (Psalm 122:1-2 ESV)


So then I read the next few verses....and WHOA....it was prophetic! The Spirit of the Lord revealed through the VERY WORD of the LORD, what is coming down the pike. So here it is, dear friends:

Jerusalem—built as a city

that is bound firmly together,

to which the tribes go up,

the tribes of the LORD,

as was decreed for Israel,

to give thanks to the name of the LORD.

There thrones for judgment were set,

the thrones of the house of David. (Psalm 122:3-5 ESV)

There are two things happening here, nay three! 

Number 1 - Jerusalem is the Home of the One, Always and Future King of the Universe - the Lord Jesus Christ.

Number 2 -  I am so glad for that, because of the coming 1000 year Reign of Christ, when all who are saved will rule the earth with an iron fist, while pagans are still being born in Sinai Hospital, or London England! The Temple in Jerusalem will be HIS HOUSE...AND HIS THRONE!

Number 3 - Judgment is going to happen there during that reign!

This is a joyful passage of the Scriptures for TRUE believers and not for the faint of heart! Only those who know the Joy of Salvation, the Fruits of Repentance, the Peace that passeth all understanding will catch this!!!!

Don't doubt me friends! The Main Event during this time will be the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) and many of those same people, born unsaved in our local hospitals, while we are in our glorified immortal bodies, will still rebel against King Jesus Christ - WHILE HE IS SITTING ON THE THRONE IN JERUSALEM!!!  Don't believe me? Well, you have to know what HisWord says, such as this: "Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths. And if any of the families of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain; there shall be the plague with which the LORD afflicts the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths. This shall be the punishment to Egypt and the punishment to all the nations that do not go up to keep the Feast of Booths". (Zechariah 14:16-19 ESV)

So as we go about this wonderful day, which the Lord has given us, let us look up to this blessed hope, the Hope of Things Unseen - Faith...begorrah...or by God, as the lovely Irish like to say! Amen