Saturday, January 24, 2009

Obama's Abortion Increases




Imagine- Obama does disregard an unborn human life as much as we were warned before the election. I wonder how long it can be before there comes a tax revolt. When the good citizens of this country refuse to financially participate in the funding of these abortions?

As for those believers who voted for our current president in spite of the warnings of the increased slaughter of unborn, the eroding of advances against this societal blight by the Bush administration, and the hastening of judgment on our nation for this tragedy- repentance is appropriate. The pastors of every strip and color who voted and influenced their flock to vote for the increase of abortions in this nation will be held accountable before a Holy God.

“My people have become lost sheep;

Their shepherds have led them astray.

They have made them turn aside on the mountains;

They have gone along from mountain to hill

And have forgotten their Resting Place.

Jeremiah 50.6

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

now back to your regularly scheduled spending orgy

by Michelle Malkin

"The time has come," President Barack Obama told us in his inaugural address, "to set aside childish things." He borrowed the line from Corinthians. With the Beltway bread-and-circus show over, President Obama will now get to work on borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars from you, your children and your grandchildren for a doomed fiscal stimulus.

As President Obama basked in the inaugural glow, a dark cloud of reality moved in over the Democrats' $825 billion plan to rescue the economy. The Congressional Budget Office crunched the numbers and concluded that a huge bulk of the federal spending orgy wouldn't actually kick in until the recession is waning -- if not already over.

The CBO analysis showed that "less than half of the $30 billion in highway construction funds detailed by House Democrats would be released into the economy over the next four years" and "less than $4 billion in highway construction money would reach the economy by September 2010," according to the Associated Press. And those are generous time estimates given the reality of molasses-slow bidding and contracting processes -- bogged down by the usual weight of political wrangling, racial bean-counting and assorted union grievance-mongering.

Just $26 billion out of the $274 billion set aside in the package would reach the economy by the end of the year, the CBO found. That's a mere 7 percent. Moreover, the AP summed up: "Just one in seven dollars of a huge $18.5 billion investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs would be spent within a year and a half."

Like I said two weeks ago ("The Generational Theft Act of 2009, Jan. 7, 2009): It's the timing, stupid.

The other incontrovertible truth about this massive wealth transfer is that Washington cannot stop the inevitable lard-up. The original concept of spending on "roads and bridges" has morphed into spending on anything and everything that moves or can be moved. Every moocher in the marketplace wants his grubby paws on the money. And if his or her provision isn't already written into the Democrats' legislation, it will get slipped in under the cover of night.

To wit: Public radio and public television -- already funded with your money to the tune of some $400 million in direct federal handouts and tax deductions for contributions made by individual viewers, not to mention untold state grants and subsidies -- are demanding a hugetastic chunk of the stimulus pie. That's right: Government-supported NPR and PBS want even more of a bailout than they've lived off of for the last 40 years. According to Current.org, which covers public TV and radio, the two entities along with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting have petitioned Obama for $550 million in funding to help create more workers suckling on the public teat.

Watching TV is apparently critical to rescuing the American economy. Already stuffed into the Democrats' package is a $650 million bailout -- call it the Boob Tube boondoggle -- to pay for $650 million worth of digital TV upgrade coupons in the wake of the official, government-mandated transition to digital television next month. Not to be left out, the National Endowment for the Arts is on the Santa stimulus list for an additional $50 million cash injection. Oh, and there's another $50 million earmarked "to make up for a lack of philanthropic support for the arts." A breakdown of the spending by House Minority Leader John Boehner's office found an additional $6 billion in buried stimulus treasure for colleges and $166 billion in direct aid to states looking for taxpayers to save them from their profligate spending.

A few conservative Democrats have started murmuring about this looming fiscal nightmare. North Carolina Rep. Heath Shuler expressed concern about the porkification of the bill: "This can't be a Christmas tree." Sen. Kent Conrad told Bloomberg News that "his committee projects the plan will reduce the unemployment rate by 'maybe' 1 percent, or about half of the 3 million jobs Obama has said the plan would generate."

Wake up, taxpayers: This nearly $1 trillion plan is nothing but future-mortgaging ornaments and tinsel boxed in self-delusion. It is time, as President Obama lectured us, to put away childish things -- starting with this epic fail.

Monday, January 19, 2009

The Power of Prophecy

Okay so yesterday we had Tom Stammans minister in morning and evening services. I have to say that Tom has an amazing heart for God's people. FYI true to his word he prophesied over every individual in the church Sunday evening. For those of you who left early Sunday evening-he prophesied for 4 hours and 15 minutes--- accurately! Any one who wanted a word for the Lord came forward and he gave them words of confirmation, words of revelation, and words of direction and encouragement. (Someone said there were 250 in the house Sunday night!) All this is, of course, done under the supervision of pastors and elders.

I am equally impressed by the heart he has for the worlds poor. The abused, the poor, the abandoned children of third world countries are the passion and heartbeat of Tom and his family. I encourage you to hear Tom's heart

I believe that the power of the prophetic is that of real hope. Irrespective of your situation in life it is only made better by a word of hope and direction from the Lord. Too many individuals (and churches!) are run by best guesses, carnal decision making, and desperate choices. Hope is the hunger of this generation. And God is a specialist in this area. Many times over the weekend I heard the Lord encourage someone afar off from the Lord, challenge to radically follow in specific ways (mission trips, business ventures, increasing education, striving for the honor role) and many times I saw the broken heart exposed, and the salve of God's Word applied to the situation. I truly think that the timing for CLC was God ordained!

We believe in pastoring the prophecies. While some churches leave those words unattended it is best if the words are written out and pastored. Discussing the things that are know (confirmations, etc) , the things that are hidden ( hmm what does that refer too), the things that are our responsibility to do (for prophecy speaks to potential- always), and the things that only God can do (these things inform our prayer life!).When prophecy is pastored the impact is doubled. As that word is submitted to the shepherd or elders, there can be accountability, further inspiration, and encouragement to be obedient. So if you are inclined that way please email me and we will try to get you a copy of your prophetic word.

If you were unable to attend this Sunday I am sooo sorry that you missed the services. If you dodged the prophet because of fear- perhaps you need to revisit the gentle character of the Lord in a bible study- he doesn't expose and embarrass, he heals and encourages!. Either way you missed some great services...

Friday, January 16, 2009

Down comes from Geese


Yesterday I sat transfixed as I watched the news describe in absolute awe how a pilot landed a plane in the Hudson river. I was moved. The plane was masterfully guided and landed in the river and the best of humanity demonstrated itself as one after another the passengers were lead off to safety by a menagerie of volunteers and make-shift first responders.

When I think of that plane I think of how wonderfully it is made, how, against all odds it flies, and how much it is worth. It reminds me of the human condition. We are, as humans, wonderfully made and of far greater worth than we can imagine (as evidenced by the price God paid for our souls - His Son!). We are capable of transcendent thought and marvelous dialogue with the Living God. We soar when we are operating according to the Makers manual.

Yet, amazingly, it only takes a couple of well placed geese to bring us down. Airports have done a variety of things to drive out the water fowl that threaten the take-offs of the modern jets. Everything from hawks and dogs, to poisons and mechanical devices. Yet the best efforts of men cannot guarantee that a few strays will not come into the flight path of the air born planes.

I realize that sometimes, in spite of my best efforts to live right, a few geese stray into my path as well. I have been brought low because of the geese of sin and selfishness. My splash down was not attended with nearly the same fanfare as the plane in the Hudson. But I have had many friends and compatriots that have pitched in to pull me out of the drink. So thanks to all my friends who have lifted up this marvelous machine when it was brought low by the stray geese of sin. And to my other friends... watch out for the waterfowl!

Day 16- Opportunities to Serve


Galatians 5:13 “For you, dear friends, have been called to live in freedom, not to satisfy your sinful nature, but to serve one another in love.”

Great News! God wants to use us. Even after all the self examination and the guilt from sin committed in the past. While we have been busy listening, seeking and pursuing God we are finding all the more that while we may be flawed, God still has a plan and use for us. What an amazing God!

As opportunities for service, good deeds, and random acts of kindness are presenting themselves I sense more and more that God enjoys seeing me in action as much as I enjoy seeing him in action! When all is said and done... more is said than done.

As believers we have the ripe opportunities before us to do more, and say less. St Francis of Assisi said it like this- "Preach the gospel at all times -- If necessary, use words." So the Lord is telling us to serve one another in love

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Day 14- presence hungered for

Ps 53.2 " God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."

There is a longing on the part of God for our fellowship. I know, that seems crazy. After all if there was ever a sufficient one it is God! But for some reason that I can't seem to get a grip mentally on - he wants to be in my presence. During times of extended seeking we can often approach God as if we are the ones hungering for presence- but we are not alone.

Yes, we have our presnece hunger, but God longs for imtimacy with us. This Spirit inside, crying out "Abba, Abba", was his idea. I don't (can't) take credit for my pursuit of him. I am busy running myself in his direction. But like me, he reciprocates my drawing near.

Good news- it makes the pursuit shorter!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Day 11- Business as usual?

By now the tragedy is that for many of us this has become more about food than about seeking. I pulled aside from the normal routine again today, to seek the face of Him who is our source. In the face of blizzard warnings and the need to shovel and pressing meetings and a million other things that I have forgotten to do... I want Him. It is a haunting obsession. It is beyond thought- beneath the wrappings of my life I find the brokenness of my soul and the hunger for the Kings Word and touch.

Even with media turned off one can find a way to get lost in the mundane and fruitless vanity that is our life. God! Make my life count for something Make my souls itch for you to move me to action. God, help my contentment with fruitless works- I want a full on hunger for your presence to so consume me that I ambursting in your presence.

Though my pattern of life is returning- hold me close, Savior, for I am "prone to wander".

I pray for the lost today- The way of the sinner is hard- continue to offer mercy to all sinners Lord- myself included. Amen

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Day 6 - Sharpened Senses

Did you see that? Did you hear that? Wow, what we are missing most of the time is a symphany of God. My vision is seeing better in the spirit and in the natural. My hearing of God's voice is growing more clear. For instance, I see how powerful the weaponry of discouragement and frustration are in the lives of God's people. Too many recieve the words of the discouragement as though they were a fair assessment of the facts. But, alas they are not. God is.

God is... present with his children- equipping them and urging them on. Rather than join in the chorus of negative and pejorative verses from the nay sayers the people of God need to remind one another that God is... with us.

God is... alive. He lives and has power to share with his children. What you lack is not all there is... he changes all thing by his very presence.

God is... dear one, he is able to give you the vision and the strength. There is nothing impossible for him. And you are in Him!

You can do all things thru Christ who strengthens you! AWESOME Power is at your finger tips... lift them up to him and ask that your spiritual vision be empowered.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Day 5- Productive Times with Jesus


There are moments, seasons, if you will, that the Lord is close. Day 5 is often like that for me. Scripture jumps off the pages and enlightens the mind; the still small voice of God, once drowned out by the din of the multimedia generation that we live in, seems a bit louder now (though it probably has more to do with my quieting myself than with God speaking up!); and the presence of God- is ever more tangible!

Today a lady cut me off... I felt the Lord actually defusing my anger as the maniac driver flipped me the bird... I sensed the Lord giving me peace as I made the third trip through the emissions test on my truck... I sensed that God was in it and it was all going to be alright as I turned some troubled items over in my head. Where there was a sense of angst there now was rest and trust in the Lord.

In addition, several prayers- major ones that I have been lifting before the Lord came to pass today. I cannot verbalize to man nor God how blessed I am that he has used this moment in time to answer these prayers. Some of them I have been lifting up since July 08 - others for so much longer- yet to see the answers to prayer, and the hearts turn toward God in thanksgiving... I am deeply blessed.

One of the most productive things that we have given up in this fast is television (except News). We have limited our intake of TV to news and christian videos. This has added to our time to pray together. In addition to surrendering (Dan 10.3) sweet bread, meat and wine (though I don't drink) we have given up a few other things as well that have deepened our closeness in marriage. The TV fast has been among the most effective.

In addition, my vision is clearer, headaches gone, sciatic pain has decreased since i increased my water intake to 120 oz per day. Physically, I feel good.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Day 4- Woe Nelly...

This day on the Daniel Fast is traditionally the day you would start eating a vegetable and whole grain diet. BE CAREFUL on reintroducing these foods to your body. You won't be able to pray if you make yourself sick- and that is very easy to do if you over do it! SO BE CAREFUL.

Keep seeking the Lord!

Saturday, January 03, 2009

Day 3- Working on our Attitudes


1 Thessalonians 5.13-24

Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers,
warn those who are idle,
encourage the timid,
help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,
But always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Be joyful always;
Pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
do not treat prophecies with contempt,
test everything.
Hold on to the good.
Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May you whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.


It is almost certain that as we seek the Lord we find that our own heart becomes more and more clear to us. Where once we excused certain behaviors- now in the light of his presence- we see our motivations clearly. We find ourselves agreeing with the prophet Jeremiah: Our hearts are deceitfully wicked- beyond cure. This tendency to exempt ourselves from the exhortations and commands of God's Word is evidence that our rebellion runs deeper than we had imagined.

Attitudes toward others
We fool ourselves into thinking that we are too busy to help the weak, or to pressed to be patient, or too busy to warn those idle (lazy) brothers. We excuse our hunger for vengeance, we pick our times for joy when it suits us rather than living out the joy of a heart redeemed. We are ungrateful and thankless more often than not, and so we miss the will of god for our lives.

Attitudes toward God and his Word
We are uncomfortable with the fire of God as it burns and quench it so that it doesn't hinder our fleshly delights. (We do this by our attitudes toward the leading of the pastoral leadership, or by demanding that service be over by noon, or by limiting our response in worship [I will not raise my hands!])We hold those moved by the Spirit in words of prophetic inspiration in contempt because "who are they to challenge me with the truth of the Word?!". (As if the Word is less accurate because it comes through a flawed vessel. Well, the reality is that all vessels are flawed- including the ones that hear the word!) We miss out on the good because we fail in the area of discernment. And we end up embracing evil rather than cleaving to the good that is there.

What our prayer is to be is God's presence. He himself is the only one who can "sanctify us through and through." Our time before him offers him that opportunity- to iron out the wrinkles, to straighten out the bent places in our spirit, to make us holy.

So Lord, hear our prayer. Make your church holy, heal our attitudes. We know that you" the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve" (Jer 17.10). Please heal us Lord, according to your will. Amen.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Day 2- Pressing through to Him


"It is God's will that you should be sanctified:... that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen." 1 Thessalonians 4.3,4

The ability to control one's body is developed through the trials of learning to say no to the cries of the flesh and the demands of the body. As we go deeper into the disciplines of the Spirit we find ourselves in sync with the ancient seekers of God.
These learned the disciplines of faith by walking in them. Here there is no slight of hand, no trick, no play acting. It comes down to doing it.

As you fast and pray, you may be experiencing headaches and lethargy. I assume that is normal for this second day. The headaches are likely from caffeine withdrawal. Both symptoms are normal. The goal of increased intimacy will demand from us a persistence and a steadfastness. Intimacy with God is not to be shaped by our feelings or our comfort (though often we succumb to this).

God is present- in the headache and in the lethargy. He is not hiding so much as teaching us. He is teaching us to press through to him. We are like the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8.40ff). We know that we are sick, and incurably dysfunctional, so we press through the obstructions to touch the Lord. If only we can touch him- he is able to heal. Touch him and the power flows from him.

Remember- He rewards diligent seekers. To that woman Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."

Thursday, January 01, 2009

On your mark; get set; go...


A long anticipated time of fasting and prayer has begun. Make no mistake- there is no use in fasting if there is no prayer involved in the fast. So one must set their sights upon the goal of God's Presence. Here at the beginning of this time of prayer there is glorious sense of God's blessing already. Just dedicating one's self to seeking the Lord is a step of obedience to God's invitation to intimacy. There is no doubt that there will be blessing in that step. So if you launched 09 with a time of dedicated "seeking"- you WILL be blessed.

Remember- he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. (Heb 11.6)