Tuesday, June 9, 2015

God's Answer to the Moral Insanity of the World - Dr. Michael Brown

God's Answer to the Moral Insanity of the World


(Flickr/Art4TheGlryOfGod by Sharon)
In the Line of Fire, by Michael Brown
What is God's answer to the moral insanity of the world? Jesus the Messiah, crucified and risen. Jesus the Messiah, the Lord of all.
God's answer to human rebellion remains the same as it has always been: the cross of Christ. That must be the answer we proclaim to the world, without shame or doubt.
It is true that we are in the midst of an unprecedented moral and cultural decline in our nation, and it is true that there is no political or social solution that can turn the tide.
But it is also true that the world has been crazy since Adam's fall, in a constant state of alienation from the Lord (Eph. 2:1-3; remember that Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, was guilty of fratricide, murdering his younger brother Abel).
Why should it surprise when sinners sin and when the ungodly commit godless acts? Why should it surprise us when the darkness resists the light?
John wrote that the whole world is under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19), the god of this age, whom Paul tells us has blinded the minds of those who do not believe (2 Cor. 4:4).
Is it any wonder that the world hates God and His Word?
Certainly, it is right for us to be grieved over the sin of the world, and it is right for us, as children of light, to expose it (Eph. 5:11-14). But it is wrong for us to expect a political leader or party to turn America to God or even to expect the secular media to report righteously.
We alone have the antidote to our nation's moral malaise. We alone have the solution, and it is found in a person, the Lord Jesus, and in a message, the gospel. Transformation comes through Him.
Last month, on May 13, I devoted an entire two-hour broadcast on "The Line of Fire" to the theme, "Such Were Some of You," asking callers to share their testimonies, and the testimonies they shared were extraordinary, moving me to tears.
I also asked people to post a short note on Facebook, sharing what the Lord had delivered them from, and there too, the responses were overwhelming.
Janet posted, "Suicide at age 19. I will be turning 60 years old this month."
Delcio wrote, "All sort of vices, prostitution, porn, lies, killing myself or anybody else, ultimately Hell. In short, he saved me from my old self... (sinful and destructive nature)."
J. D. added, "Occultism, porn addiction, terrorizing women, writing violent music. He's our deliverer! Free 7 years now!"
Michael wrote, "Jesus saved me from heroin, a life of homosexuality, and hell. He saved me from the penalty of sin, the power of sin, and one day the very presence of its existence. He saved me from self so that he could be magnified in me whether by life or by death."
Terry posted, "Drug dealing, pot smoking and growing, cocaine snorting, licentious lifestyle that had me bound for the eternal torments of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Other than that, I was a good ole boy according to the world's standards."
Natalie said, "He saved me from suicide, partying, gossip, drugs, and a completely lost mindset."
Thomas added, "Insanity; He has miraculously saved me from death 3 or 4 times."
ADee wrote, "Alcohol, promiscuity...myself."
Rachael posted, "Sorcery, occultism, adultery, alcoholism, addiction to prescription drugs, anxiety, fear, depression, etc."
Jozaninazoj said, "Satanism and witchcraft."
And on and on it went, by the hundreds, as believers from every hellish and hopeless background called and posted with amazing testimonies of the grace of God.
What happens, then, when the numbers of those transformed by the gospel multiply and grow? What happens when the thousands become millions and the millions become tens of millions?
That's when we have a brand new Jesus Revolution, a gospel-based moral and cultural revolution that will rock this nation to its very foundations. It is the revolution America must have.
I'm all for proper political involvement and righteous social action, and these do play a role in cultural transformation. But that role is small compared with the role played by a fresh outpouring of the Spirit on the church accompanied by the preaching of the cross and resurrection, the message that is foolishness in the eyes of man but represents the very power of God in action.
That alone is the path to a national awakening, and without the fearless and compassionate proclamation of the gospel, there will not be a holy counterculture revolution, a pushing back of the tide of godlessness.
So let us seek God earnestly with prayer and fasting, knowing that revival comes from Him, let us conduct ourselves as true followers of Jesus, not being conformed to the pattern of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2), and let us share the good news about our Savior whenever and wherever we can: Jesus paid for our sins on the cross, rising from the dead to declare His victory, and ascending to the right hand of the Father. He is the Lord of all.
Let the revolution rise!
Michael Brown is the author of 25 books, including Can You Be Gay and Christian? and host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show "The Line of Fire." He is also president of FIRE School of Ministry and director of the Coalition of Conscience.
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Israel Laments, Palestinians Celebrate US Ruling on Jerusalem

Israel Laments, Palestinians Celebrate US Ruling on Jerusalem

Tuesday, June 09, 2015 |  Israel Today Staff
The US Supreme Court ruling on Monday that Americans born in Jerusalem could no longer list their country of birth as “Israel” in US passports had the Jewish state fuming, while the Palestinian Authority celebrated the decision as a justification of its narrative regarding the holy city.
The ruling invalidated a 13-year-old congressional law that stipulated Americans born in Jerusalem could list “Israel” as their country of birth. In a 6–3 decision, the Supreme Court determined that Congress had overstepped its authority in enacting the law, and had encroached on the President’s power to set foreign policy.
Justice Antonin Scalia, one of those to vote against the motion, said it was a “leap worthy of the Mad Hatter” to suggest that putting “Israel” on the passports of those born in Jerusalem would prejudge the outcome of Middle East peace talks.
The Israeli government issued no formal response to the ruling, but Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat noted that “just as Washington is the capital of the US, London is the capital of England, and Paris is the capital of France, Jerusalem was and will always be the capital of Israel – but more than that, it’s the heart and soul of the Jewish nation.”
Israeli legal expert Attorney Nitzana Darshan-Leitner told Arutz Sheva radio that the ruling was “a real kick in the face of every Israeli citizen, that such a great friend of Israel’s does not recognize its rights.”
But more than that, Darshan-Leitner warned that the Supreme Court had handed the White House and State Department a major victory in the battle over who sets the foreign policies of the United States.
While the overwhelming majority of Americans and their representatives in Congress are supportive of the Jewish state, the White House and State Department are typically seen as being much less so. Giving full authority over foreign relations to the administrative branch without allowing for checks and balances by the legislative could spell trouble for Israel.
Unsurprisingly, the Palestinian Authority was thrilled with the ruling.
“The decision sends a clear message that Israel is an occupying power in East al-Quds (eastern Jerusalem), the West Bank and the Gaza Strip,” said Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh.
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Monday, June 8, 2015

Apostles and Prophets Agree: God Wants to Do This in America - JENNIFER LECLAIRE

Jennifer LeClaire

Apostles and Prophets Agree: God Wants to Do This in America






Watchman on the Wall, by Jennifer LeClaire
I never would have guessed that so many different leaders from so many different camps in the body of Christ would agree on this.
I mean, we argue and fight over so many things. We get in silly disputes over praying in tongues, whether God is still healing today, if women can speak in church—along with more serious debates over gay clergy.
But when I was writing The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening, I found that everyone I spoke with had the same message on their heart: God is not done with America. He wants to bring a Third Great Awakening to the nation. I believe it's a Great Awakening that will spill over into the nations of the earth.
Recently, I joined Dutch Sheets and Eddie Hyatt in a CBN segment called "Awakening: American Church Stirring With Revival?" Check out the video above and let me know what God is speaking to you about the future of America.
You can also get an autographed copy of my new book, The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakeningon my website.
Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual AwakeningMornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of GodThe Making of a Prophet and Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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Survey: Abortions Down in Almost All 50 States


Survey: Abortions Down in Almost All 50 States

Fewer people are getting abortions in almost every state, according to a new Associated Press survey.

Researchers found that abortions have declined in states where new laws make it harder to have them, as well as in states with few restrictions on abortion.

Abortions have been down since 2010 with an overall drop of about 12 percent.



Pro-life advocates say the drop is due to a shift in attitudes, with more women choosing to carry their pregnancies to term.

"There's an entire generation of women who saw a sonogram as their first baby picture," said Charmaine Yoest, president of Americans United for Life. "There's an increased awareness of the humanity of the baby before it is born."

Pro-choice advocates attribute the drop to expanded access to effective contraceptives.


Editor's Note: The top NPLA artwork was not part of the CBN news story.

If You're Struggling to Trust God in Your Trial, Read This

If You're Struggling to Trust God in Your Trial, Read This


woman in storm
Life can be overwhelming but with this one thing, you can live with faith when circumstances scream that God is not on the scene. (Flickr | Daniele Meregalli)
Recently I went on a walk through a beautiful park. It was almost a spring day ... chilly, but still warm enough to skip the jacket. The trees were still bare, the flowers still asleep, and the air still a little crisp.
At one point, there was an overlook which provided a lovely view of the marsh and the river in the distance. The contrast between the tall yellow grass of the marsh and the beautiful blue of the water beyond was stunning.
I loved the view.
But when I glanced down, I found that the view close up was rather unappealing. It was muddy, dirty looking water full of branches and old, wet grass.
And it struck me that from this one vantage point there were two decidedly different views. And how, in my life, there are definitely two views offered ... two views ahead of me.
I can look at what is right before me and the view is kind of disappointing, definitely a bit muddy, and far from the view I was hoping to have. While taking in the scenery of this view, I can only see the situations I find myself in—the difficulties, challenges, and disappointments. I don't seem able to see beyond the troubles of the day. And, oh boy, are there a lot of those I can see from this vantage point.
BUT, if I can lift my eyes, even just a bit, I can see beauty in the beyond. Beyond my circumstances. Beyond my setbacks. Beyond my troubles. Beyond my exhaustion. Beyond my disappointments.
It, apparently, is the lesson of my life. The lesson I must continually learn.
If my view is only of my circumstances, they will overwhelm me.
If my view is of my Savior, He will overwhelm me.
I guess I have to decide what I want to be overwhelmed by ... been saying this forever. When am I going to get my rear in gear and live as I know I should?
Part of the problem is that I make choices that aren't great. I'm not talking about decisions—all those life decision I need to make—I'm talking about choices each day.
I choose to worry when I just need to wait.
I choose fear over faith.
I choose to seek comfort apart from God.
I choose to disobey, when I need to (I must) obey.
I choose to question instead of trust.
I choose the struggle instead of the peace.
I choose it all instead of Jesus.
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were formerly far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made both groups one and has broken down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of the commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile both to God into one body through the cross, thereby slaying the enmity. And he came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near" (Eph. 2:13-17).
I choose the things of this world—the things right in front of me—and somehow expect them to heal my broken heart, to fill the empty spaces, to comfort me completely.
They don't.
Nothing does, but Jesus.
I've said it before, but in some ways, I almost want to go back to the place when everything fell apart. When everything was truly out of my hands ... when all I could do was rely on God.
Since then I've been under the false impression that there are things in my control ... that some things need me ... that I can rely on myself ... good golly! That is so not true.
I no longer want to be in control of my life—it's too stressful. I want to let God have it all—so why don't I?
Because for some silly reason I continually think this little thing ... this thing before me ... this one thing I can handle. I can handle this thing. No worries.
Thanks God ... but I got this.
Ahhhh ... why do I insist on this silly way of living?
Does anyone else have this struggle? This insistence on self-reliance?
How do we win against it?
What's the secret?
Focus.
Focus? Is it really that simple?
Simple ... might not be the best word to use to describe anything in our lives. At least in mine.
Even focus is not simple. I'm a mess of focuses: kids, house, meals, schoolwork, classwork, homework, work work, teenagers, college student, college admission process, church, health, sleep, family, friends, car, stuff, and stuff, and stuff ...
I just want to focus on Jesus alone, but all the other things in life seem to edge into my vision.
"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. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:1-2).
It sometimes feels that I can't really get my focus on Him alone because there is just so much to do—how in the world do I do it?
Maybe the problem isn't the focus point (Jesus) as much as what I think focusing means. What does focusing look like?
I usually envision it as something akin to prayer on my knees, Bible study, and time spent fellowshipping with others.
That can't be what focusing on Christ means because I can't stop everything else in my life to do that and that alone. We would be the most ragamuffin family ever ... not to mention we'd probably starve!
Alright, so what does it look like?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:4 came to mind: "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
It made sense to me that that would be a way to focus—rejoicing, praying, thanking.
If I'm rejoicing, I must be focusing on Christ, who is my Savior.
If I'm praying, I must be focusing on Jesus, who is working in my life.
If I'm thanking, I must be focusing on Jesus, the source of all things in my life.
It just makes sense.
So maybe in some ways it is simple. It is simply living my life with my mind focused on who Christ is, what He has done and continues to do, and thanking Him for it all!
Good golly! We are brought back again to the gospel!
If our focus is on Christ, we cannot miss the gospel and its impact on our lives. We cannot lose our focus, because our lives are so covered by the gospel of grace.
Each day begins with the knowledge that I am saved, that I am blessed with another day to serve, that I am loved beyond measure, that I am forgiven, that I am precious to my God.
Each day continues with the sustaining strength of the Holy Spirit working in and through me to bless others. If I am praying and thanking Him throughout the day, I find myself more aware of how and where He is working. My focus is on what He is doing through me, rather than what I am doing for me.
Each day is covered with the grace of God. How can I begin to thank Him for that? How often do I just want to crawl into a corner and weep for my sinfulness? For the way I spoke to my child, the facial expressions I used, the anger I showed, for the thoughts I had that were unkind, the muttering and complaining that spilled from my mouth, the temptations I gave in to, the judgment, pride, and arrogance that invades my heart sometimes ... oh Lord, how is it possible you love me so much? I'm so very unlovable.
And yet, I AM so very loved.
Crazy.
Unexpected.
Amazing.
The view I'm taking right now ... and I pray it will continue into the next 5 minutes ... even into the next day!
Is the view of Jesus my Savior.
Jesus, who is my life.
Jesus, who is my peace.
Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of my faith.
Jesus.

    Sue Birdseye is an author and single mom of five kids. Her book, When Happily Ever After Shatters (Tyndale House) is in bookstores. This is adapted from her blog, uptomytoes.com

    (American) Pharaoh Pays Out Big Bucks to Egyptian Jew

    (American) Pharaoh Pays Out Big Bucks to Egyptian Jew

    Monday, June 08, 2015 |  David Lazarus  ISRAEL TODAY
    American Pharaoh, a race horse owned by Egyptian-born Ahmed Zayat, became the first thoroughbred to capture the coveted Triple Crown in nearly four decades. Sweeping the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes for the first time since 1978, Pharaoh paid out big time for his Orthodox Jewish owner.
    The win was something of a miracle for Zayat, an Orthodox Jew who grew up in a neighborhood outside of Cairo. Egypt expelled its entire Jewish population in the 1950’s following the establishment of the State of Israel. The Egyptians confiscated all Jewish-owned property and reduced the Jewish population from a thriving community of more than 80,000 in 1948 to just 20 persons in 2014.
    But the Zayat family not only survived the afflictions of modern Egypt, somehow they thrived. Zayat’s father was appointed as personal physician to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and the family prospered while living in one of the wealthiest suburbs of Cairo.
    As a young teenager, Ahmed Zayat, who always had a love for horses, won numerous national show jumping championships in Egypt – but instead of the traditional Arabic keffiyeh, Zayat rides wearing a yarmulke!
    Today, Zayat owns 144 horses, and prior to American Pharaoh’s historic victories over the past weeks, he had watched his thoroughbreds suffer bitter defeat, coming in second in the Kentucky Derby three out of the last four years. In 2012, his horses finished second in each of the three Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.
    American Pharaoh has become one the biggest forces in horse racing history and is now said to be worth untold millions. Pharaoh may have had some Jewish mazal, or good fortune, working for him. It has been reported that the non-Jewish jockey who rode American Pharaoh to the celebrated Triple Crown victories visited the Lubavitcher rebbe’s grave to pray and ask for good luck.
    So what is it like for an Orthodox Jewish family and friends to gather around the winner’s circle at the Kentucky Derby? “There is no conflict,” Mrs. Zayat said. “Most of our big races are on Saturdays, so we walk to the track. Shabbat is still Shabbat.”
    Who would have imagined that an Orthodox Jewish family from Egypt would raise what has become the most prized race horse in modern times. I mean, after reading the Bible, who would have even thought to place a bet on Pharaoh? Go figure.
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    "Waging War With Prophecies Over Your Life" - Jennifer LeClaire




    "Waging War With Prophecies Over Your Life"
    Jennifer LeClaire, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    The Elijah List

    So you've had a prophetic word spoken over your life. What will you do with it?

    I'm a big proponent of pressing in to the Holy Spirit for battle plans. While spiritual warfare Scriptures—like putting on the whole armor of God (see Eph. 6) or casting down imaginations (see 2 Cor. 10:5)—are always true all the time, I believe certain weapons and certain strategies are most appropriate at certain times. (Photo via Charisma)

    For example, God once told Joshua to have men of fighting age march around the city once a day for six days, then march around the city seven times on the seventh day with the priests blowing the trumpets, then let out a battle cry on the last long blast (see Josh. 6). That strategy brought the walls of Jericho tumbling down, but that's not the right strategy for every battle.

    Indeed, we see many warfare strategies in Scripture. The key is to discern and execute the warfare strategy God is breathing on during any given season and for specific situations. 

    In this season, I believe there's wind on a strategy Paul gave his spiritual son Timothy: "This command I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies that were previously given to you, that by them you might fight a good fight" (1 Tim. 1:18).

    Waging War With Your Prophetic Words

    The Amplified translation of that verse exhorts us to "be inspired and aided" by the prophetic words "that you may wage the good warfare." The New Living Translation tells us that the prophetic words "help you fight well in the Lord's battles." And the Message Translation tells us the prophecies should make you "fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we're in."

    Indeed, this is a fight we're in—it's a good fight of faith against unseen enemies. "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" (Eph.6:12). Thankfully, the unseen God—and unseen angels—are on our side. The angels are an important part of this spiritual warfare equation.

    ElijahList Prophetic Resources

    Think of Daniel. He had a prophetic vision that took him into prayer and fasting for three whole weeks. That prophetic vision, prayer and fasting was followed by an angelic encounter from which we can learn plenty. The angel told Daniel from the first day he started praying out that prophetic vision, God heard his words and an angel came because of his words.

    "For from the first day that you set your heart to understand this and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. So Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia" (Daniel 10:12-13).

    Unleashing a Heavenly Host

    Angels are still warring in the heavenlies. God can dispatch them—Jesus said He could pray and God would send 12 legions (that's 72,000 angels) to rescue Him (see Matt. 26:47-54). God told Moses He would send an angel before him to drive the enemies out of the land (see Ex. 33:2). But angels also obey the voice of His word (see Ps. 103:20). That includes the written Word and true prophetic words. (Photo by Jennifer Page "Warrior Angel" via elijahshopper.com)

    So, we see that waging warfare with the proven prophetic words we've received is Scriptural—and that angels hearken unto the voice of His word. The question is, how do we wield this weapon? 

    We pray it through. We decree it. We declare it. We meditate on it so that it gets down so deep in our spirit that when we pray it, decree it and declare it, it carries authority that comes through faith.

    We're fighting a good fight of faith more than we're fighting any enemy. The enemy is real, but the fight is often the fight to believe God's Word is true in the face of contrary circumstances. Scripture is the final authority and it's our sword, but tested prophetic words are like arrows in our quiver that we can shoot into the spirit realm to hit the target of God's revealed will. 

    It's time to go back and review some of your prophetic words and rise up against the enemies that are standing in the way of your destiny.

    Used by Permission from Charisma Magazine.

    Jennifer LeClaire
    News Editor at Charisma Media,
    Founder of Jennifer LeClaire Ministries

    Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual AwakeningMornings With the Holy SpiritListening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of GodThe Making of a Prophet and Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft.

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