12 Reports That Will Leave Christians Smiling - LARRY TOMCZAK CHARISMA NEWS

12 Reports That Will Leave Christians Smiling

4/8/2016 LARRY TOMCZAK  Charisma news

Let's focus on the positive news. (Flickr)

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 Tomczak is 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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What's Next on God's Calendar? - LARRY TOMCZAK CHARISMA NEWS

A gunman flees after shooting a police officer in Pennsylvania. (Reuters/Police Handout)

What's Next on God's Calendar?

1/13/2016 LARRY TOMCZAK  CHARISMA NEWS

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 Tomczak is 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.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW from CHARISMA: Do you want to encounter the Holy Spirit and hear God speak to you? Increase your faith, discover freedom, and draw near to God! Click Here

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5 Reasons Why Americans Are Extremely Angry at Obama - LARRY TOMCZAK CHARISMA NEWS

Obama refuses to acknowledge the Islamic State as Islamic. (Reuters)

5 Reasons Why Americans Are Extremely Angry at Obama

12/10/2015 LARRY TOMCZAK Charisma news

Author C. S. Lewis once said, "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."

Americans are in high levels of pain today and the stage is set for something to explode. Many believe this is God's way to rouse us into an awareness of our toxic times and the need to turn back to Him.

Scripture tells us, "The wrath of God (His righteous anger) is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth..." (Rom. 1:18).  We love to sing "God is so good," but how about "God is so mad?" Today it's not only God who is mad, but it's people everywhere.

Years ago there was a motion picture titled Network where the central character reached the boiling point and shouted, "I'm as mad as (expletive) and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" This captures the simmering moral outrage and indignation prevalent today. It's really a ticking time bomb.

• You hear it almost daily when you listen to callers on talk radio. I heard one man two days ago exclaim, "If I hear... I swear blood will come spurting out of my eyes!"
• It's obvious behind closed doors, when people drop their guard with friends with whom they feel safe and vent frustrations they've suppressed inside far too long.
• You observe it in the thundering declarations and denunciations coming from courageous political and spiritual leaders today, punctuated by the explosive responses of emotionally charged crowds.

How intense is it?

What is your recollection of the angriest, scariest confrontation you've ever seen? Is there one where someone flew into a rage—complete with eyes bulging, nostrils flaring, veins popping, arms flailing and obscenities flying? On the sensitive photo plate of your mind, can you still hear "You blankety-blankety-blank!" while bystanders bear-hugged the person in his steroid-inflamed, out-of-control rage?

How about the episode in baseball when George Brett of the Kansas City Royals charged out of the dugout after connecting on a Goose Gossage fastball for a home run, only to have the umpire disqualify it due to some illegal pine-tar on his bat? ESPN still loops the highlight decades after the ultra-tense altercation took place. When Goose was introduced into the Hall of Fame in 2008 he exclaimed, "Whew! That still is the maddest I've ever seen a person get!"

We may not be at this boiling point yet, but if things continue as they are, it won't be long.

1. Radical Islamist Threat Downplayed and Denied

Our President mysteriously and obstinately refuses to identify ISIS as the world's greatest threat, instead deflecting us to climate change.

He says that "ISIS is not Islam," "They are a JV squad" and are "being contained," all while ISIS advances globally and even in our land. This infuriates millions who are unwilling to let him continue taking risks with our lives and those of our families. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich threw up his hands recently, declaring, "Obama is the greatest national security risk to ever occupy the White House."

We feel like sheep being led to slaughter.

2. Apostasy and Compromise in the Church

Leaders and boards of historic denominations are cowardly, deceptive and unfaithful to sacred Scripture by condoning homosexuality, ignoring immorality and ordaining gay leaders and bishops. Core doctrines of the faith are undermined by false teaching and false shepherds. I stood aghast on Saturday evening in the main meeting hall of a Catholic church where emblazoned on the wall was a framed declaration of religious tolerance, declaring all religions lead to the same God! As someone raised Catholic, I was legitimately incensed.

3. Obscene and Wasteful Spending in Government

As our nation faces an unbelievable $19 trillion debt, our politicians lift the debt ceiling and continue spending our tax dollars in unconscionable ways. The government is doling out entitlements to illegal immigrants and enticing the masses with seductive promises from socialistic, utopian ideology. Honest and hard-working Americans are saying, "Enough is enough!"

Last week's announcement that our government wasted over $150 million on unnecessary Afghan villas for a handful of staffers and spent $43 million for a gas station that should've cost $500,000 makes our blood boil.

4. Lawlessness in Illegal Immigration, Failure to Enforce Drug Laws and Irresponsible Releasing of Criminals Into our Society

The uncanny popularity of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate continues because people resonate with his message of stopping illegal immigration and building a wall already on the books but not enforced. Federal drug laws recklessly ignored and thousands of violent criminals having sentences reduced for early release puts the lives of many in peril.

Add to this powder keg the hundreds of sanctuary cities where lawless officials ignore the safety of citizens and protect illegal immigrants, and is it any wonder people feel righteous anger?

5. The Trojan Horse of Radical Muslims Among Forced Settlement of Refugees

Americans are very angry because, eight days before the San Bernardino terrorist attack, President Obama reassured all of America that there was no imminent threat of terrorist attacks from ISIS as he continued his push for the reception of 100,000 Middle East refugees into America.

Projecting guilt onto those raising legitimate objections, our president speaks of us refusing "orphans and widows."

An operative working for ISIS recently revealed in an interview that the group has smuggled more than 4,000 covert ISIS jihadists into Europe by hiding them among innocent refugees. The San Bernardino couple proved that Muslims can come here capable of bypassing screening, be radicalized and conduct barbaric behavior while fooling even parents and coworkers.

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of eight books with 43 years of trusted ministry experience. He is a cultural commentator whose weekly articles appear on sites reaching 26 million monthly. He is a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Connect and view short video commentaries at larrytomczak.com.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW from CHARISMA: Do you want to encounter the Holy Spirit and hear God speak to you? Increase your faith, discover freedom, and draw near to God! Click Here

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.

5 Things President Obama Has Done to Destroy America- LARRY TOMCZAK CHARISMA NEWS

Whether our next president can help dismantle some of what Barack Obama has done remains to be seen. (Reuters)

5 Things President Obama Has Done to Destroy America

8:00AM EST 11/10/2015 LARRY TOMCZAK  charisma news

"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 Tomczak is a best-selling author of eight books with 43 years of trusted ministry experience. He is a cultural commentator whose weekly articles appear on sites reaching 26 million monthly. He is a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Connect and view short video commentaries at larrytomczak.com.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

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What You Need to Know About Media Bias and Isaiah's Prophecies - LARRY TOMCZAK CHARISMA NEWS

Republicans called out the media bias during the CBNC debate. (Reuters)

What You Need to Know About Media Bias and Isaiah's Prophecies

11/3/2015 LARRY TOMCZAK  charisma news

A "Cruz" missile exploded at last week's Republican debate on CNBC's most-watched program in 30 years. While maintaining a right spirit, may all of us follow the example of Senator Ted Cruz who reached the tipping point and decided to speak out regarding ongoing and escalating media bias towards conservatives and traditional values.

In case you missed it, let me replay what occurred as incompetent and mean-spirited moderators displayed their arrogance and received the pushback and humiliation they richly deserved. May this episode be a "first shot over the bow" in exposing what is so obvious to many of us and yet masses remain ignorant of how pervasive this unfairness is in the media today.

Our unashamedly born-again brother said the following: "The questions that have been asked so far in this debate illustrate why the American people don't trust the media. This is not a cage match. And if you look at the questions—'Donald Trump are you a comic book villain?' 'Ben Carson, can you do math?' 'John Kasich, will you insult two people over here?' 'Marco Rubio, why don't you resign?' 'Jeb Bush, why have your numbers fallen?' How about talking about the substantive issues that people care about? The contrast is with the Democratic debate, where every fawning question from the media was, 'Which of you is more handsome and wise?' Let me be clear: The men and women on the stage have more ideas, more experience, more common sense than every participant in the Democratic debate!"

His words emboldened the other candidates who also spoke up when they had their turn.

Rubio addressed ever-present media bias. Governor Christie called out the moderators for raising a stupid question about fantasy football ... "Wait a second, we have $19 trillion in debt, people out of work, we have ISIS and al Qaida attacking us and we're talking about fantasy football? Can we stop?!"

A reporter for USA TODAY, Rem Rieder, stated afterwords GOP accusations that "the media is deeply infected with liberal bias" and "often the attacks on the media are nonsense." Yet this time things were so blatant even he admitted there's truth to the claim.

May God use this experience to awaken scores to mainstream media's meanness and manipulation today. Last week's debate simply validated this fact as the clever moderators fired questions which were condescending, cruel and contentious. With a few exceptions, we no longer have historic, objective journalism in America. It's gone!

Journalism's icon, Ted Koppel, who was anchor of Nightline for decades stated recently in TIME Magazine we've entered a different era. In the interview he expressed that we are seeing "the end of neutral news."

He was asked, "Could a show like the old Nightline exist today?"  "Apparently not" he responded.

CBS legendary anchorman, Dan Rather, has a movie in theaters presently titled Truth dealing with an episode in his past journalistic career. Let's face the fact that we are now living in a time prophesied in Isaiah 59:14, "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, and honesty cannot enter."

Understanding How We Arrived Here

The Bible teaches us in 1 John 5:19 that Satan illegally controls this present world and rules this kingdom of darkness. For hundreds of years, our beloved nation enjoyed a blessed reprieve from many aspects of Satan's reign because of the prevailing influence of the gospel and our Judeo-Christian foundations.

In the past few decades America has drifted rapidly away from our heritage as a predominantly Christian nation. While millions of us authentic Christians do our best to be salt and light and serve as a bulwark against the flood tide of evil, we are unfortunately losing ground. We pray and fast and believe for another spiritual awakening that can turn the tide but the meltdown continues.

The "prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 2:1-2), exerts real diabolical power through the airways. Since Jesus labeled Satan a "liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44), those who are not under the loving Lordship of Jesus Christ are being influenced to do his bidding. Therefore, lies and deception permeate our culture in alarming ways with political leaders and personnel in media advancing his diabolical schemes.

Liberal ideas and anti-biblical values are increasingly dominant in our society. Why? Those who carry strong influence in our culture are those in academia, Hollywood and the media (Taylor Swift alone has over 50 million followers on Instagram!) Studies prove that these three spheres of influence are dominated by liberals.

• Voting records reveal those in the media are overwhelmingly liberal.
• Research concerning those in newspapers and print media reveals almost 9000 donors identify as "liberal" while 1750 donors "conservative."
• Over 80 percent of educators in our top colleges and universities identify themselves as liberals or progressives. This is what it means to be "cool" or "hip" as a modern-day, politically correct professor. 
• The vast overwhelming number of celebrities in Hollywood and pop culture are clearly not conservative Bible-believing Christians. It's considered a "kiss of death" to come out as a conservative Christian living for Jesus Christ in Hollywood (although we thank God for those few who do!).

The primary reason behind the explosion of conservative talk radio is people became increasingly frustrated and fed up with the liberal bias in the media and an alternative was found. Thirty years ago there were approximately 125 talk radio programs, almost all of them conservative-based. Currently there are over 2000 talk radio programs in America and the overwhelming majority are conservative in content.

Current Examples of Blatant Media Bias

Here's the deal: We cannot live in denial regarding the critical condition of American journalism today. Fairness and objectivity are basically gone. There is a pretense of journalism presented amidst the liberal monopoly on the media. The vast majority of the media today contorts, conceals and counterfeits the truth. Partisan politics rules the day and we have to be discerning while looking for alternatives that bring forth a measure of truth.

Besides the recent Republican debate, how many of us have lamented the fact that President Obama and Hillary Clinton seem to get a pass or positive spin from the media no matter what they do?

Watching the recent Senate hearings on Benghazi with Hillary Clinton left many people's heads spinning after reading news reports the next day. Actual evidence exposing lies, gross negligence and incompetence was twisted by the majority of the media to convey a triumphant performance by Mrs. Clinton!

Likewise, her recent debate performance was hailed as "brilliant!"

Imagine what would have happened if they'd asked her tough questions:

• Mrs. Clinton you told your family and the Libyan president that this was a terrorist attack and yet you conveyed to everyone else that it was some type of spontaneous video protest. Four patriotic Americans lost their lives even as they begged repeatedly for help. Are you lying about this?
• How about the Clinton foundation and your megamillion book advance and all the money you raked in, yet you told people you left the White House almost broke?
• When you repeatedly speak of a "war on women," what about the multiple women with whom your husband was sexually immoral and you led the charge to destroy them and their reputations? How about the lives of unborn women and recent Planned Parenthood harvesting of their body parts?"

Ain't gonna' happen!

My favorite columnist, Peggy Noonan of the Wall Street Journal said, "A generation ago, a person so encrusted in a reputation for scandal would not be considered a possible presidential contender. She would be ineligible ... Now she is inevitable!"

The other female running for president is conservative Carly Fiorina who basically gets a hit job in TIME Magazine. Next to a very unflattering picture is an article beginning with someone angrily yelling, "Stop spreading falsehoods!" two times. When referring to her expose' of Planned Parenthood, the article talks of regulars at her events carrying banners saying "CarLIE FIBorina!"  

Additional quotes are: "She's not running on the truth" and "In the face of overwhelming evidence that her public statements are not accurate ..."  

Fair and balanced, huh?

Where is the media coverage when Senator Harry Reid lied unashamedly stating that Mitt Romney didn't pay taxes for 10 years. Later he dismissed it nonchalantly as no big deal. Or how about last week when a CNN commentator, Sally Kohn, tried to push gun control by saying that "10,000 kids are killed by guns every year." The truth is that in 2014, 1,085 under 18 lost their lives (many were crime-related).

The mainstream media's meanness and manipulation has tried in the past to destroy the reputations of patriotic Americans like Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney and others.

Now it targets primarily the current crop of Republican contenders for the presidency. Did you read USA TODAY this past Saturday and its three-quarter page expose' of Republican candidates Ben Carson, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Chris Christie and others in a strained attempt to find something erroneous in what they supposedly said?

Why is it that so many people today are looking to "outsider" candidates like Donald Trump and Ben Carson?

I am persuaded that individuals are desperate for the truth and these individuals are viewed as giving it to us unvarnished and straight from the hip. Whether it's the economy or immigration or ISIS or whatever the issue, scores of Americans are sick and tired of political correctness and manipulation by politicians and the press.

May patriotic Americans in increasing numbers follow the bold action of Senator Ted Cruz in refusing manipulation and capitulation to the biased media in our generation. Thank God for those faithful, conservative talk show hosts; the men and women of integrity behind the editorial pages of the Wall Street Journal; and, many of the brave Fox news commentators living morally and heralding the truth.

Harvard University, founded in 1692 to train ministers to proclaim the truth of God's Word, had this motto on its original seal, "Truth for Christ and the Church." May God help us to reclaim this motto in our day as His ambassadors as we pray and work towards another spiritual awakening to transform our land. 

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of eight books with 43 years of trusted ministry experience. He is a cultural commentator whose weekly articles appear on sites reaching 26 million monthly. He is a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Connect and view short video commentaries at larrytomczak.com.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!

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Watching the News, There's Only 1 Thing Left to Do - LARRY TOMCZAK, CHARISMA NEWS

Despite what the news says, there is a hope. (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Watching the News, There's Only 1 Thing Left to Do

10/27/2015 LARRY TOMCZAK  charisma news

If you're like me, you watch the cascade of nightly news items and wonder where this is all headed. To be honest, it really is downright discouraging.

Chuck Norris' son, Mike, is releasing a movie called Amerigeddon—that says it all! Yet in the midst of this, we must remain people of faith and optimism.

Seven words from Jesus can sustain us during these challenging times: "Let both grow together until the harvest" (Matt. 13:30). In other words, prior to the return of Jesus, there is going to be a ripening of both good and evil in our world. While we work while it's still day to be a bulwark against the flood tide of wickedness, we must make a quality decision each day to not sink in our spirit.

A popular book on the market is titled The Secret of Success Is Not a Secret. What is the mysterious secret?

Perseverance!

The remarkable book traces the stories of multitudes of individuals who faced incredible setbacks and yet by persevering emerged victorious. If you need fresh inspiration, get yourself a copy.

In times as challenging as today, Paul wrote to encourage the early Christian community with these words, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance" (2 Thess. 3:5). How apropos for our generation.

If ever there was a time for people of faith to understand the power of perseverance, it is right now! We are entering a phase of history where challenging tests are increasing as God's exciting plans for His people are unfolding.

Here's the deal: Understanding perseverance and knowing how it is developed is a non-negotiable for walking triumphantly in these perilous times.

The Importance of Perseverance

Perseverance or endurance means remaining steadfast, constant, unwavering and actively standing strong. It means realizing my personal struggles are necessary for future achievements.

• "Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).

• "Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matt. 24:12-13).

• "If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?" (Jer. 12:5).

Let's face it—pressure reveals the person! Perseverance undergirds till breakthrough.

Recently my wife and I hosted a man whose wife just died after a lengthy battle with cancer. I officiated at her memorial service days ago. They were a team and an extraordinary faith-filled couple. Yet the reality is, Vicky went to be with the Lord, though that was not what they ever imagined.

My wife and I grappled to console our dear brother that his wife was not only exemplary, but similar to John the Baptist, her earthly assignment was apparently done. Her death, like John's, is a mystery and seems premature, but we must persevere, not despair.

Sometimes we face horrendous circumstances when it appears things have come to an end. The natural tendency is to throw in the towel and quit. Maybe that's why the word "endurance" begins with the word "end." Yet God gives us his Holy Spirit whose role is to encourage us to press on in spite of perplexing circumstances.

Do you recall in the Rocky III movie, when he stood discouraged and devastated on the seashore after losing the heavyweight title to Clubber Lane? In a very emotional scene, he told his wife he had basically lost "the eye of the tiger" and was giving up.

In a role reminiscent of the role of the Holy Spirit, Rocky's wife, Adrian, exhorted him passionately to stop yielding to destructive thinking, rise up and reclaim the prize.

Sylvester Stallone came to his senses and eventually reclaiming his championship title. He put into practice the discipline of discarding negative thinking and replacing it with truth. So must we on a daily basis.

John Rohr, a "mentor to the masters" in the leadership world, has a classic statement that we would do well to post on our mirror: "Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day."

Read that again and ponder its significance.

As pressures heat up today, we must practice the simple disciplines that are at the core of our Christian life. They are essential for us to persevere in an ominous period of history.

---

3 Keys to Developing Perseverance

1. Be consistent in cultivating intimacy with God.

Isaiah 40:29-31 tells us, "He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

Notice the three covenantal promises that belong to us when we "wait" (literally "intertwine" ourselves) with God by spending consistent time in His Presence, meditating on His Word, praying and worshipping Him. First, there is new strength. Second, there comes a new perspective, viewing things from the heavenly viewpoint. Third, there's new endurance!  

God uses the imagery of a soaring eagle that is so different from an earthbound chicken. How many of us are like chickens clucking and flapping our wings and yet not experiencing any breakthrough or peace in difficult times? God calls us to be like the majestic eagle, who from his high vantage point will catch the current of a mighty wind and literally fly without flapping for over 10 miles.

As Corrie ten Boom used to say in encouraging people to spend quality time with Jesus, "Nestle, don't wrestle."

2. Don't change course unless God specifically directs.

Proverbs 24:16 tells us, "For a just man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked will fall into mischief." God tells us here to get up, dust ourselves off and stay in the race when tempted to give up. As a coach once said, "Success is rarely final. Failure is rarely fatal."

Consider presidential candidate Ben Carson who was raised in poverty in Detroit. His mother was one of 20 or so children with little more than a third-grade education. As a youth, Ben tried to stab a person and could've ended up in prison. Thank God this led to his conversion!

Yet with all the adversities he faced, Ben Carson heeded his mother's counsel and read books voraciously. He went to Yale. He went to medical school. At the age of 33, he became the youngest head of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins Hospital.

Facing numerous setbacks, he continued on with his career, achieving seats on the boards of Costco and Kellogg. He was the first doctor to separate co-joined twins after 22 hours of surgery. Today, in spite of liberal media attacks, he perseveres.

What does Carson say to us to encourage us?

"Successful people don't have fewer problems. They have determined that nothing will stop them from going forward."

So no matter what you're facing, stay in the game! Unless, that is, God is redirecting your course.

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a "time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted; ... a time to break down and a time to build up; ... a time to gain and a time to lose; ... a time to keep and a time to cast away."

The key is to be led by the Holy Spirit, who guides us each day if we position ourselves to listen to any course correction.

In Nashville, for two years we hosted regular, citywide meetings of a group we called "T.A.G."—The Awareness Group.

Every week we addressed the hot button issues of our culture and were equipped by prominent leaders.

Months ago, we sensed God directing closure. The assignment was completed, and for us to keep going would've been what Scripture calls a "dead work."

Don't continue on beyond where God has called you or where the grace of God won't sustain you. Remember Ishmael?

3. Remember the future rewards.

Throughout life's journey, we face many obstacles. Sometimes we struggle for the sake of Christ. Other times it's due to satanic opposition. We also struggle if we shun God's laws and reap what we sow.

Yet let's remember that we serve a merciful God who loves to take our trials and turn them into triumphs, our setbacks into steppingstones and our trials into triumphs.

In the midst of life's difficulties, it's wise to remember the rewards that lie ahead to gain fresh motivation to persevere.

Take consolation from the words of Paul as he faced his execution sitting alone in a dark and dreary cell. "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

One of my spiritual mentors, Derek Prince, said, "There is no way to finish the race and keep the faith unless we fight the good fight."

If you've been discouraged or tempted to quit lately, recognize God custom-designed this commentary just for you! He's calling all of us to persevere and cross the finish line as "more than conquerors" (Rom. 8:37).

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31).

Larry Tomczak is a best-selling author of eight books with 43 years of trusted ministry experience. He is a cultural commentator whose weekly articles appear on sites reaching 26 million monthly. He is a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. Connect and view short video commentaries at larrytomczak.com.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

NEW - Life in the Spirit is your Spirit-filled teaching guide. Encounter the Holy Spirit, hear God speak to you, and enjoy timeless teachings on love, mercy and forgiveness.LEARN MORE!

Did you enjoy this blog? Click here to receive it by email.