Standing in support of Israel, Jews, and believers in all the nations, in the name of Jesus (Yeshua). Sharing biblical truth, encouragement, news and prophecy.
Pastor Jim and Lori welcome special guest Larry Tomczak as they discuss his most recent book, Divine Appointments.
Quotes
We’re all called to be involved in evangelism and sharing our faith. -Larry Tomczak
The dark gets darker, the light is getting lighter, but the opportunities are there. -Larry Tomczak
Yes, God’s in charge, but you are the salt of the earth and you and I have got to be involved in this hour. -Larry Tomczak
Scriptures
Ephesians 2:10 KJV For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Matthew 13:39 MEV The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels.
Psalm 139:14 KJV I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Colossians 4:5-6 NIV Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Hosea 4:6 KJV My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
John 18:36 MEV Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would fight, that I would not be handed over to the Jews. But now My kingdom is not from here.”
Ephesians 6:12 MEV For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Proverbs 29:2 NIV When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Matthew 16:18 MEV And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Luke 21:36 MEV “Therefore watch always and pray that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
John 10:27 MEV My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
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Worship and prayer tents line the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in the very same spots where millions have gathered in previous years to cry out for change. This time, though, these tents are spiritually charged with the presence of the Lord.
Shofars sound. Millennials jump in praise. Hands raise. Messages in tongues are spoken so unashamedly that anyone walking by can hear. There is a tent from each state and then some for a total of 58. Each has an "Appeal to Heaven" banner hanging proudly while people openly rebuke principalities and break strongholds.
This is Awaken the Dawn.
Will Ford, Mike Berry, Larry Tomczak, Doug Stringer, Dick Eastman and Nick Hall are just some of the men and women who prophesied and declared hope and revival from a stage positioned in between the Washington Monument and our nation's capitol building. It's hard to gauge an attendance count, as people mill about 24-7 to encounter the Lord.
Those who work the tents have traveled from as far as Alaska and Hawaii, anxious to be part of a birthing ground for revival. Attendees want to see abortion end in Lou Engle's lifetime, for the church to be a catalyst in ending racism. But most importantly, they want a nation completely surrendered to the Lord.
"We stood in awe as a nation when an eclipse went across our country," Ford says from the stage. "Well we've heard from the hurricanes. We've heard from the floods. We've heard from the shots in Las Vegas that went around the world, but God would you hear the cries of mothers in this hour who are crying out for their sons and daughters to be set free in the suburbs from the opiate crisis? Would you hear the cries of mothers in the inner city crying out for deliverance from black-on-black crime, from crack-cocaine addictions? ... We've heard from all the crises God, but would you release something that would eclipse every move of the Spirit? Will we hear from Heaven, God? We want to hear from Heaven!"
This is an event—and perhaps one of the largest revivals of our time—decades in the making, says cultural commentator and author Larry Tomczak.
Tomczak moved to Washington after college where he became part of a movement of young people desperate to see the country on fire for the Lord. It was the beginning of the Jesus Movement and the moment when, Tomczak says, David Bradshaw had the vision for Awaken the Dawn.
"God launched my ministry from this simple prayer furnace. He did the same either directly or indirectly with other major leaders touching the world like Che Ahn, Lou Engle [and] Tom Hess," Tomczak says. "At this same church in January of this year, a young zealot named David Bradshaw, who previously sat under our teaching ministry, shared for the first time with Lou Engle the vision of the A.T.D. gathering on the DC Mall. Fifty-seven tents, filled with dedicated Christians from every state and territory in America, would gather for a four day epic event to celebrate Jesus Christ and appeal to heaven for a fresh Jesus movement in our day."
This weekend, the city saw it come to pass.
Jessilyn Justice is the director of online news for Charisma. Born and raised in a pastor's family in Alabama, she attended Lee University and the Washington Journalism Center. She's passionate about sharing God's goodness through storytelling. Tell her what you think of this story on Twitter @jessilynjustice.
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Today, thousands flooded Washington, D.C. to stand up for life, to lift their voices for those who could not.
In 1974, thousands of pro-lifers filled the streets of our nation's capital to stand against Roe v. Wade. Sadly, 44 years later, the decision remains intact, but the pro-life movement will not relent.
Life is a fundamental right, and abortion impends that right. Here's what today's Christian leaders are saying about the travesty of abortion and the March for Life:
James Dobson, founder and president of Family Talk
"I want to encourage every American who cares for the lives of the unborn to join the March for Life (today) in Washington D.C. and in cities in every state across our nation. Perhaps at no other time since the disastrous 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling has it been more important for pro-life Americans to rally together and send a resounding statement of what the majority of America believes: that life is a sacred gift from God, and no man or woman should have the right to end it. Pro-choice demonstrations might have made headlines last week, but the voices of those who believe in the sanctity of life will tell the real story of what our country stands for.
"Since the inauguration of our new administration, I have felt a renewed hope for the cause of the unborn in America. We now have a president who has not only stated, but also proven with his actions, his sincere desire to protect and fight for those that truly have no voice. I'm also thankful for Vice President Mike Pence, whose outspoken commitment to life has been a hallmark of his entire career. I truly believe this is the dawn of a new day for America, and that not too long from now, we won't be marching against the atrocity of abortion but as a celebration of life. But for now, let us keep fighting for every single baby in America. Let us March for Life."
Lacey Buchanan, author Through the Eyes of Hope
"The March for Life is such an important part of standing against abortion and proclaiming life. This pro-life generation must stand together and unite behind the truth that abortion is abhorrent and intolerable. May we one day soon live in a world where murdering the most innocent and vulnerable among us becomes unthinkable. Thank you to everyone who is participating in the marches and making your voices heard!"
Larry Tomczak, cultural commentator
"Living in the DC area for 24 years, our family of six tried to attend the March for Life almost every year no matter how freezing cold or how soaking we'd get. What an honor to stand up for the unborn, whose lives are threatened daily. Be there on Friday if you are anywhere in that region. And pray for safety!"
Joni Eareckson Tada, founder and CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
"March for Life is keeping pro-life values front and center in the national debate. Our society, so fixated on death, can look at the masses marching and be forced to think, Untold numbers of Americans really are against abortion and doctor-assisted death! Unlike pro-choice advocates who make the exercise of rights a national competition between 'who's more victimized than whom,' the pro-life movement encourages the good of the entire community and strengthens the caring character of our country. This is especially important as we see how pro-life values promote respect and human dignity for not only the unborn, but newborns who are medically fragile, the disabled and the elderly."
Autumn Miles, author of Appointed, founder and CEO of The Blush Network and host of The Autumn Miles Show in Dallas
"Our Creator God says life begins at the moment of conception in His Word. We, as followers of Christ, have the responsibility to uphold this truth unashamedly and boldly. The unborn is not an inconvenience, but a life with unrealized potential. We must be a voice for the unborn who cannot speak. If we don't speak for them, who will?"
Heather Avis, author of The Lucky Few, founder of @macymakesmyday Instagram account
"As we link arms and March for Life, may we remember that life is so much more than an unborn child. Life is the mother who has a choice to make. Life is the refugee on the other side of the globe, looking for a place to call home. Life is the broken and hurting child being tossed from home to home in the foster care system. Life is not something that should be withheld because of race, gender or ability, but life is for all. So we march for all."
Shane Idleman, pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship
"This ... was extremely difficult for me to write—I shed many tears, contemplated deleting it and prayed diligently for direction. But I cannot, and will not, remain silent. There is a reason why 'mother,' 'baby,' and 'abort' have been changed to 'a woman's right to choose'; it's a marketing ploy designed to hide a brutal practice. The graphic description of an abortion is heart-wrenching, soul-searching and would require a warning for the graphic content if I included it. Life is precious. We must fight for it: 'From the formation of a child's first tiny cell to life's final breath, all life has dignity and value because each and every one of us is made in the image of God' (Focus on the Family)." Click here to watch his story.
Nicole Weider, former Maxim, Victoria's Secret model, founder of Project Inspire
"All babies deserve their God-given right to survive. Their life is made in the likeness of God, he created their tiny limbs and fluttering heartbeat—and it is horrific the way Planned Parenthood churns out the abortions like clockwork. We need to pray for these precious unborn souls, who possibly won't have the chance to live."
Landon Schott, founder of REV Ministries
"There is no greater value to God than life. There is no greater grievance of sin than the murder of the unborn (Prov. 6:16). Everything else is secondary to this. America has been responsible for over 60 million abortions. This blood is on our nation's hands, and we will be judged for it. What can cover such sin? So much innocent blood shed. Only the blood of Jesus can wash away this sin. This can only be found at the mercy seat of Christ. I heard the Holy Spirit speak to my spirit and say, 'We are in a season of mercy in America!' I want to encourage you to march for life, march toward the mercy seat of Christ over America!"
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Oftentimes people inquire about who will be at a particular event. This determines if they'll show.
Whether it's a party, pastor's luncheon or citywide event, we gauge the importance of a gathering by who'll be present. Just common sense, right? Star power affects attendance.
What about if the entire focus of a function was not on a celebrity but someone unseen, unattractive and unwanted? Add to the equation this individual is the target of an insidious Satanic scheme to snuff out his very life?
We've probably got better things to do. After all, what difference does one person really make?
The Power of One
This Friday, a momentous event takes place in our nation's capital.
It's a massive gathering wherein hundreds of thousands of passionate and polite pro-lifers unite yearly to call attention to the silent screams of the estimated 4,000 unborn children exterminated through the dismemberment of abortion every single day in America.
The 44th annual March for Life has a simple mission: testify to the beauty of life and the dignity of each unborn person. This is the largest pro-life event in the entire world. The theme for 2017 is "The Power of One."
I'd like to encourage you to not only attend and unite with us in intercessory prayer but also to become more engaged in the defense of unborn children in this new political climate with Trump's election.
We now have a president who stands for the sanctity of human life and is committed to appoint only pro-life Supreme Court Justices. We have Vice President Mike Pence, who is a long-standing advocate for unborn babies. We also have a forthcoming attorney general, Jeff Sessions, who has a sterling 100 percent pro-life record from the National Right to Life.
This comes providentially only days after what millions assumed would be the inauguration of die-hard pro-abortionist, Hillary Clinton, and the Women's March on Washington, where throngs chanted support for Planned Parenthood and "women's reproductive rights." This organization, which is about to lose taxpayer funding, once articulated its position, "An abortion kills the life of the baby after it has begun."
The high point at the Women's March was a 15-minute tirade by actress/activist Ashley Judd, who not long ago spent six and a half weeks at a treatment center for depression and insomnia. She said she believes it's "selfish" and "unconscionable to breed" after sharing at the Democratic National Convention how glad she was to have had an abortion.
Understanding the Annual March for Life
The "Joan of Arc" of the pro-life movement, the late Nellie Gray, was a hero to millions, including me. She pioneered the March for Life after gathering folks in her home following the infamous Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion on demand in 1973. Our church honored her one Sunday with a commemorative plaque and prayer for her, and a standing ovation to let her know we believe in the power of one life to make a difference.
Despite minimal press coverage and mockery from rabid pro-abortion advocates, we saw attendance at the March for Life of 250,000 during 2003–2009; 400,000 between 2011–2012; and an estimated 650,000 in 2013. While living in the Washington, D.C., area for 24 years, we bundled up our children and made it an annual family event, no matter how cold or how wet it was. I participated by carrying a wooden baby coffin to call attention to our cause.
In a national conference call of 1,000 people, sponsored by our ministry, Intercessors for America, we recently heard from the woman directing this year's march. Her appeal was that we undergird this massive gathering with prayer for protection of everyone in attendance. Please unite with us for security to be perfect.
This sacred rally begins at 11:45 a.m.. this Friday, Jan. 27, and the actual march follows at 1:00 p.m. It convenes on the grounds of the National Mall and prayerfully proceeds to the Supreme Court.
No, Bono, Adele and Paul McCartney won't be present. But we are grateful that Kellyanne Conway, counselor to President Donald Trump, will speak, along with senators, congressmen, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, author Eric Metaxas and Benjamin Watson of the Baltimore Ravens. A former Planned Parenthood Director, Abby Johnson, will also share her experience, to the dismay of Planned Parenthood officials.
In the past, President George W. Bush and Dr. Alveda King addressed us. President Ronald Reagan delivered phone messages to show his solidarity.
Nellie once asked former President Barack Obama to speak at the 36th annual March for Life, but he declined. Instead, he released a statement stating his support for abortion. How tragic.
Last Saturday's March for Women in D.C. was supposed to be an "inclusive" event for all women. Interestingly, the pro-life feminists who were originally included in the "partnership," were kicked out. I guess pre-born little women don't count, nor do those who dare to differ from pro-abortion proponents. At the march, Madonna called for a "revolution of love" after declaring, "[obscenity] you!" to all detractors.
Three Closing Commitments
1. Prepare yourself to engage people in a charitable and clear way on the sanctity of human life issue.
Scripture commands us, "Open your mouth for the speechless in the cause of all such as our appointed to destruction. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" (Prov. 31:8-9).
The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., who wholeheartedly supported the sanctity of life, said it best: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Can we count you among us?
We strongly encourage you to avail yourself of the Bullseye Challenge free videos and accompanying book that will equip you to respond courageously, winsomely and biblically to the 10 most common pro-abortion arguments in Chapter 24.
2. Pray regularly for God's intervention in this critical issue.
America's greatest casualties are not those killed in wars but the innocent and defenseless unborn. The Revolutionary War took 25,000 lives; the Civil War, 498,000; World War I, 116,000; World War II, 545,000 lives; the Korean War, 54,000; Vietnam War, 56,000; Iraq and Afghanistan, 6,600.
Since 1973, we have seen over 58 million unborn babies exterminated through abortion in America. We cannot remain passive but must pray fervently for God's strategy and divine intervention to see Roe v. Wade overturned in our generation.
3. This week, on the anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion on demand, participate either in the National March for Life or a local event in your community.
Go to Marchforlife.org or the National Right to Life website for information. Make it a priority to be involved in the pro-life cause.
Before her death, Mother Teresa spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., with then-President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary (staunch supporters of unfettered abortion and Planned Parenthood), listening at her side.
Responding to those who say abortions spares "unwanted" children, the diminutive, saintly nun extended her arms and said as Bill and Hillary listened attentively, "There is no such thing as an unwanted child! Bring any such child to me. I will find them a home!"
Later she stated, "We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral ills, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion."
Here's the deal: The Hippocratic Oath (400 B.C.) until recently prohibited aborting an unborn baby. With our current changing political climate, it is time to make a quality decision that we will never again be silent on this issue. As secular forces are aggressive in propagating their deceptive viewpoint, we must rise to the challenge as we pray and respond pro-actively at this pivotal time.
Remember the power of one, and be a part of the pro-life generation!
Larry Tomczakis a cultural commentator of 43 yrs, Intercessors for America board member and best-selling author. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com). Click (here) for his "Here's the Deal" weekly podcast.
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Whether our next president can help dismantle some of what Barack Obama has done remains to be seen. (Reuters)
YEAR IN REVIEW: 5 Things President Obama Has Done to Destroy America
Editor's Note: 2016 was a big year in the church—and in the world. This week we're looking at some of the biggest stories of the year, selected based on feedback from our readers. Thanks for reading Charisma News this year and stay tuned as we continue expanding our coverage in 2017 to include more spiritual insights on the stories that matter most to you.
This article was published November 10th.
"I'm the author of all your pain."
In Spectre, the 25th James Bond film currently in theaters, Oscar-winning actor and villain Christoph Waltz snidely tells Agent 007 these words. While a bit of an overstatement, the point is well taken.
As the years unfold, I am persuaded that countless millions will identify words like these with the Obama presidency. Whether our next president can help dismantle some of what Barack Obama has done remains to be seen.
Barring a spiritual awakening in America and the resulting returning to our conservative values led by a uniquely gifted commander-in-chief, the repercussions of Barack Obama's "transformation of America" will be catastrophic.
It's why seven years ago Rush Limbaugh said his desire for the Obama presidency was simple: "I hope he fails."
Scripture tells us, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh" (Prov. 29:2, ASV). Plainly stated, people have cause to either rejoice or mourn dependent on whether their governing authorities are God-fearing or unrighteous.
When competent and godly leaders rule, they set a tone for the society as they conduct affairs according to God's standards. The result will not be utopia but rather a general happiness, prosperity and stability in the land. President Obama does not fit this category and that is a primary reason why there is so much mourning throughout our land.
I step back knowing I prayed for this man every single day of his terms in office yet must respectfully but forthrightly assess his "fruit" as disastrous. What he has done has been unbelievably detrimental to the Judeo-Christian principles upon which our nation was founded. Are you aware of how far we've fallen under his leadership and lack thereof?
Five Major Areas of Decline
1. The Military
Besides what has been called the "gayification" of our Armed Forces, we've seen the undermining of religious expression among our military chaplains and officers. Lieutenant General (retired) William Boykin put it best, "If chaplains and other personnel are censored from offering the full solace of the gospel, there is no religious freedom in the military."
There have also been massive reductions in military personnel, leaving us dangerously vulnerable in the event of a crisis, plus military frustration at the highest level in decades. "There's a level of dissatisfaction among the uniformed military that I've never seen in my time here" said John McCain, Senate Armed Services Chairman.
For this I mourn.
2. Marriage and Family
President Obama's aggressive advocacy of the LGBTQ agenda has brought devastation to the traditional family. He endorsed gay marriage; violated young girls by forcing school districts to allow boys who identify as girls to have full access to the girl's locker room and showers; undermined the Defense of Marriage Act; celebrated the LGBTQ lifestyle by affirming people "coming out" and appointing unprecedented numbers of LGBTQ proponents to government positions; and, now endorses efforts to ban "conversion therapy" counseling for youth struggling with gay and transgender confusion.
President Obama has worked aggressively to transform marriage, sexuality and our children into considering participation in the LGBTQ lifestyle as a normal, healthy sign of liberation!
His official White House website touts efforts to stop counseling young people struggling with same-sex attraction and transgenderism as "protecting America's youth."
For this I mourn.
3. Radical Islam and Terrorism
President Obama's timid approach to dealing with the menace of ISIS and other radical, Islamic jihadists is unbelievably reckless. Believing that we can somehow diminish their strength and effectively defeat these barbarians by ignoring them or downplaying their threat, strains credulity. Their growing threat coupled with the Iranian "nuclear deal" is bringing us to an apocalypse.
The latest terror warning in Sinai with 224 passengers killed in the "downing" of a Russian plane caused the Wall Street Journal to bluntly state in a lead editorial, "The greatest folly of the administration's Mideast policy has been to imagine that an arms–length approach to the region's troubles would keep its problems away from us. But as with the refugee crisis in Europe, or ISIS inspired jihadist attacks in the US, the tragedy in Sinai is another reminder that trying to downplay the threat of terrorism only brings its risks closer to home."
For this I also mourn.
4. The Economy and National Debt
Dr. Laurence Kotlikoff, Professor of Economics at Boston University tried to wake up our leaders in testimony before the U.S. Senate. He stated emphatically that "Americas fiscal insolvency and it's generational consequences means our country is broke. It's not broke in 75 years or 50 years or 25 years or 10 years. It's broke today. Indeed, it may well be in worse shape (currently almost $19 trillion in debt) than any developed country, including Greece."
Yet our president keeps spending, raising the debt limit, promising entitlements, all the while adding almost as much debt as all previous American presidents combined. And don't forget he conveys how our economy is booming while conveniently ignoring over 90 million people not in the workforce; 50 million on food stamps; Obamacare premiums skyrocketing; and, the inevitable day of economic reckoning drawing near.
"Time is running out. Get ready for a roller coaster ride through hell!" warns economic forecaster Larry Edelson.
Forbes magazine helps us comprehend this staggering amount, which is leading us to the inevitable economic crash: "In 2015, Taylor Swift did 55 concerts and earned $80 million. She would have to perform 365 concerts a year for three years to simply pay for ONE DAY OF INTEREST accrued on our debt." Get the message?
For this I likewise mourn.
5. Illegal Immigration and Prisoner Release
President Obama refuses to enforce laws concerning the massive influx of illegal immigrants into our country, knowing these are grateful, potential Democratic voters! The majority is Hispanic but there are Muslims as well. Europe is being overrun by the immigrant crisis and what is happening there will be our lot in 10 years unless new leadership acts swiftly, legally and compassionately.
Have you noticed some signs of the times? Hamtramck Michigan City Council now has a Muslim majority. Washington, D.C. joins other locales in giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
Our president also believes in leniency and amnesty for drug felons. Almost 50 percent of the inmates in federal penitentiaries serving time for drug offenses are now having their sentences automatically reduced.
"These are young people who made mistakes that aren't that different than the mistakes I made and the mistakes that a lot of you guys made," the president told journalists recently at a federal prison in Oklahoma.
The reality is 75 percent of these individuals are violent criminals. Their "mistakes" consist not merely of smoking a casual joint but distribution of hard drugs, often involving gangs and weaponry. Their felony convictions resulted in many of the 44,000 who die from drug overdoses each year. Consider also the scores of young people getting addicted, families being destroyed and children now executed in drug gang wars like the nine-year-old boy a week ago.
Are these harmless, victimless crimes and simply minor "mistakes?" Or is this an example of misguided "mercy" that likewise brings in new Democratic voters? Read "Obama's Tragic Let 'em Out Fantasy" in the Wall Street Journal on 10/25/15 to learn more.
Yes, for this I also mourn.
Here's the Deal: In 2009, President Obama declared these words regarding his Obamacare victory, "Elections have consequences. And at the end of the day, I won!"
It would do us well to remember that in the 2012 presidential election, Obama beat Romney by 5 million votes. Over 17 million evangelical Christians stayed home and did not vote. Is voting important?
For the past seven years we learned the hard way that President Obama was serious about his pledge to "fundamentally transform America." I believe without question that his lack of character and questionable commitment to his professed Christian faith have wreaked havoc on the moral landscape of the United States of America. May we redouble our efforts in prayer, fasting and civic engagement to see competent, godly leaders raised up so mourning may be silenced and some rejoicing begins afresh in our land!
Larry Tomczakis a cultural commentator of 43 yrs, Intercessors for America board member and best-selling author. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com). Click (here) for his "Here's the Deal" weekly podcast.
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If you're like me, you feel the torrent of negative news a bit overwhelming at times. We want to be optimists, not pessimists, but we must also be realists. It's not a pretty picture today.
Turn on the news and you'll hear about Trump's huge discord with Cruz and the GOP, battles about religious freedom and transgender bathrooms in North Carolina, and the latest wave of ISIS jihadist attacks. All these start to feel like the new normal, and it goes on and on.
To counter the avalanche of depressing news that seems almost nonstop, let's survey the scene to encourage ourselves in the Lord by highlighting some encouraging developments.
Remembering Our Calling as Faithful Messengers
In 1899 an article based on a true story of heroism, "A Message to Garcia", took the world by storm. In 15 years over 40 million copies were circulating, unprecedented for that time. The movie that was made of the story is still available today.
During the Spanish American War, President McKinley had to secure the cooperation of a General Garcia, leader of revolutionary forces in Cuba. A Lieutenant Rowan was commissioned to undertake alone and unguarded the top-secret, dangerous mission of delivering a sealed letter to Garcia.
Traversing hostile jungle territory with gunfire, poisonous snakes and man-eating crocodiles, this courageous messenger completed his task within three weeks. His bravery helped the United States win the war plus gain Cuba, the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam. He was decorated for his extraordinary achievement in risking his life for his country.
In the author's tribute to this remarkable public servant he said the following: "Anything such a man asks shall be granted. He is wanted in every city, town and village – in every office, shop, store and factory. The world cries out for such: he is needed and needed badly – the man who can CARRY A MESSAGE TO GARCIA."
Amid our serious cultural decline, God is looking for dependable and dedicated messengers who will carry His truth to confused masses no matter what the cost. But we've got to stay encouraged "while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).
12 Encouraging Developments
As a 40-year board member of Intercessors for America ministry, I try to remain current on prayer developments. Here are just a handful to encourage you as His messenger and holy ambassador.
1. Our monthly First Friday national prayer call brings together prayer "warriors" from throughout America for a 30 minute prayer time with a theme, prominent leader and segments of unmuted, collective, fiery intercession! Last week featured Lou Engle and 500-600 intercessors. You have to experience it to understand this crescendo of cries to heaven!
2. At a recent Roundtable summit with Rick Joyner, Mike Bickle shared about "Houses of Prayer" with ongoing prayer and worship 24/7 exploding globally. In the past decade alone, they've gone from approximately 20 to over 10,000 worldwide!
3. This May's National Day of Prayer is expected to be the largest in U.S. history with over 49,000 gatherings nationwide. John Bornschein, Vice Chairman of their Task Force, says, "Over the last five years we charted a 226 percent increase in engagement – our largest growth in 25 years!"
4. David Butts, Chairman of America's National Prayer Committee, tells us, "There are more large prayer gatherings in 2016 then I've seen in 26 years of ministry!"
5. Last generation we had more of a disunited, somewhat competitive, denominational approach to prayer. Today we fill large venues, discard denominational labels and actually sing most of the same worship songs in both large prayer events and our local churches.
6. Serving on the Executive Committee for UnitedCryDC16, we expect upwards to 30,000 leaders, intercessors and consecrated Christians this Saturday, April 9 on the Lincoln Memorial grounds for a solemn assembly. With our nation in crisis, we will gather for seven hours of repentance, exhortation, prayer for awakening, and challenge to return courageous in addressing the controversial issues of our day. We invite everyone to join in this historic experience!
This is not an outreach, worship experience, political event or one day rally, but a movement of men and women of God who take 2 Chronicles 7:14 seriously, "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
7. On the West Coast on the exact same day (totally unplanned!), "Azusa Now" takes place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Tens of thousands of young and old will gather under the leadership of my 35-year friends, Lou Engle and Mike Bickle, for over 12 hours of worship and prayer.
This culminates 10 days of fasting and prayer prior to the event. The reason? The original Azusa Street revival began with a nucleus who came to L.A. and started a 10-day fast that precipitated the greatest Holy Spirit outpouring since Pentecost. Over a century ago, pioneer William Seymour prophesied in about 100 years another greater revival would come!
Go and participate in this history-making experience!
8. A little over a year ago, the blockbuster film, God's Not Dead inspired people of faith and served notice to secularists that God is alive and well and on the move in America.
This past weekend, God's Not Dead 2 was launched to large crowds and positive reviews once again. It looks like the trajectory is upwards once again! This one brings a sober warning to people of faith and I highly recommend it for everyone concerned about religious freedom today.
9. People are hungry for God and biblical truth as evidenced by two massive gatherings in Georgia and Texas. Last week over 7,000 Christians convened in Atlanta for a fantastic "Stand Up for Their Faith" event with David Jeremiah. This followed Greg Laurie's "Harvest America" event at AT&T Stadium where over 82,000 participants were present! Over 6,000 conversions were recorded while hundreds of thousands more engaged on the Internet, TV and radio!
10. Author David Garrison declares in his book, A Wind in the House of Islam, that, "we are living in the midst of the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in history." The book is the result of 2 1/2 years of research and involved traveling more than 250,000 miles to conduct interviews with more than 1,000 people around the Muslim world.
"In total he found 69 movements that had started in the first 12 years of the 21st century, in comparison with virtually no voluntary movements of converts to Christianity in the first 12 centuries of Islam."
Finally, we can be greatly encouraged as we consider two additional developments today.
11. Franklin Graham continues to cross the United States in his "Decision America" tour, stopping at every state capital to fearlessly declare prophetic encouragement and sober warning to assembled crowds. He challenges believers to not only repent and pray but to engage in Christian activism to see America turn back to God.
12. The innovative 15-min/30-day Bullseye Challenge initiative has been launched across America equipping us to understand and communicate confidently a biblical worldview on 30 hot button issues today like illegal immigration, radical Islam, transgenderism, abortion, gay marriage, income inequality, climate change and cohabitation.
Endorsed by America's top senior leaders, it is a resource for pastors, parents, educators, youth leaders and patriotic citizens. Thirty immediately accessible, compelling three-minute videos accompany the easy-to-read life changing chapters.
We are all called to be faithful messengers in this challenging time of history. This weekend is my wife and my 40th wedding anniversary but considering the condition of America we will not be sunning in Bermuda but praying in D.C. for awakening in America!
Let's realize the negatives surrounding us today but remember the encouraging reports of God's supernatural activity to keep us "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Eph. 6:10).
Larry Tomczakis a cultural commentator of 43 yrs, Liberty Counsel public policy adviser, Intercessors for America board member and best-selling author. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (seewww.bullseyechallenge.com). Click (here) for his "Here's the Deal" weekly podcast.
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A gunman flees after shooting a police officer in Pennsylvania. (Reuters/Police Handout)
Last week, a man shot 13 times at a Philadelphia policeman in his car. The execution was foiled as the policeman miraculously survived, pursued him and the man was apprehended.
At a press conference later, the police commissioner stated unequivocally that the man confessed he acted in the name of Allah, was Islamic and was obeying the Koran.
The obviously rattled, politically correct mayor followed with a different story. He said this was not Islam and had nothing to do with Islamic terrorism.
Who's correct?
In situations like this, we go to the source. This murderer said he was a Muslim, his mother concurred, and he was unapologetic about his adherence to Islamic doctrine and practice.
When it comes to eschatology, the study of end times, we should also go to the source concerning what is on God's timetable. Jesus is that Source and, when He was queried by His followers about these days, He gave signposts to prepare them and us.
In reading the signs that Jesus laid out for us in the Gospels, many believe they're almost fulfilled. Therefore, the next logical event in the progression is His Second Coming!
Not so fast.
R.T. Kendall, one of the world's most respected Bible scholars and author of 60 books, told me recently what Jesus Himself said must precede His physical return to planet Earth. I am in total agreement with him, and that is why I am involved in an upcoming, historic event called "United Cry" to which every pastor in America is invited.
Here's the deal: After unfolding the signs of the end of the age prior to His return (Matt. 24), Jesus gave us an explicit parable dealing with preparation and falling asleep. He said at midnight will come a cry to awaken us before He as our Bridegroom comes back (Matt. 25:6).
The midnight cry and the return of our Lord aren't simultaneous. We need an awakening first, and that's what God intends for our desperately needy nation! Billy Graham says, "I've wept for America—she is in great need of a spiritual awakening." This spiritual giant, who is almost 100, says he prays fervently for this every day!
Today our freedoms, our faith, our families and our future are all at stake. We're engaged in a titanic, unprecedented struggle with forces of evil and must categorically reject wishful thinking that this is simply temporary, cyclical or manageable.
We are at a tipping point where either we experience the divine intervention of God in a Third Great Awakening or we will witness the fulfillment of A.W. Tozer's prophetic warning: "Historians will conclude that we of the 20th century had the genius to create a great civilization, but we lacked the moral wisdom to preserve it."
Previous Awakenings
Amid horrendous decline, God intervened with a First Great Awakening from 1720–1760. The Second Great Awakening came in answer to God's people praying and repenting in 1800-1840.
The time is now for another supernatural visitation! It's our only hope to experience the transformation of our crumbling culture before it's too late. It's the reason Franklin Graham is now traveling to every state in America to issue this call in his "Decision America" tour.
Our nation was established on Judeo-Christian foundations, no matter what some politicians and secular "authorities" state. We have a biblically based heritage and we must contend for its restoration.
John Winthrop, first governor of Massachusetts, alerted us: "We must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word to the world."
Daniel Webster, senator and secretary of state for three presidents, also warned: "If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering ... if we live in the fear of God, and respect His Commandments ... we may have the highest future fortunes of our country. ... But if we and our future generations reject religious instruction and authority; violate the rules of the eternal justice, trifle with the injunctions of morality and recklessly destroy the political constitution which holds us together, no man can tell us how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."
Rewinding the Tape
In April 1789, the war for America's independence had been fought and won. A new nation formed around a radical constitution whose very ideas were born out of 35 years of revival preaching and the Great Awakening.
On that spring day in April, two things happened. President George Washington was sworn in at Federal Hall in New York City, becoming the first president of America. Secondly, he led the inaugural delegation to St. Paul's Chapel, which we know today as the site of "Ground Zero."
Visualize with your sanctified imagination what happened there that day. Picture the Founding Fathers, representatives, senators, and justices kneeling for two hours and dedicating America to God. Simultaneously, throughout the nation, pastors rang their church bells, calling the people of America to prayer in committing the new government to the Most High God.
In the formation of our nation, it was America's political leaders and pastors who unapologetically led the grass-roots fight for freedom and consecration of our new nation to God. They inspired people to stand for religious liberties and justice for all.
Years ago, when I wrote my autobiography, Clap Your Hands, I was assisted by David Manuel, who wrote The Light and the Glory, the historical account of America's spiritual founding. His account parallels where America is at today. As our developing nation prospered, complacency, compromise and disobedience set in. So pastors led the way in humble prayer and repentance in turning back to God.
As a result, as Manuel wrote in his aforementioned book, "so many people had sincerely and publicly repented of their sinful ways, so many lives were truly reformed, so many broken relationships were restored and so many churches solemnly renewed their covenants that God relented and poured out His mercy. There was a sense of freshness in the colonies, a sense of cleanness and new hope. The colonies were united in a common cause."
Set the Date: "United Cry," April 9, 2016, Lincoln Memorial
On April 10, my wife and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We are not sailing off to the Bahamas to soak in the sun. We're united in this "common cause" of joining 30,000 spiritual leaders in Washington, D.C., for this historic day of repentance and prayer appealing for awakening in America.
How desperately we need a "sense of cleanness and new hope" in America today.
It really is the next thing on God's calendar. We have it from a good Source, our Lord Jesus!
Will you join us?
Go to unitedcry.org for information on the event.
Larry Tomczakis a cultural commentator of 43 yrs, Liberty Counsel public policy adviser, Intercessors for America board member and best-selling author. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (seewww.bullseyechallenge.com). Click (here) for his "Here's the Deal" weekly podcast.
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