Ways to Avoid Stress During the Holidays - SHERYL GIESBRECHT CHARISMA MAGAZINE

Here's how you can have a peaceful holiday season. (Charisma archives)

5 Ways to Avoid Stress During the Holidays

12/7/2015 SHERYL GIESBRECHT  charisma magazine

"Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright."

Each night we heard my son tattling on his sister, "Mom, Sarah is taking too much time in the bathroom." Silent? Hardly. Calm? Nope.

"Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. ..."

For the third time that week, we were late to soccer practice. And my husband, Paul, was the coach. That routine was far from restful.

"O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie. ..."

(Sigh.) So much to do, so little time—removed from tranquil.

Are these holiday lyrics descriptions of your family's Christmas season? During the Christmas rush, our homes are far from silent, calm, restful, still, or peaceful. The holiday momentum builds the day after Thanksgiving; the house is noisy, busy, hustling, bustling, and brimming over with activity and stress to the point of near exhaustion. We have so much to do before Christmas day arrives. There are lists to make, baking to prepare, cards to send, shopping to do, gifts to wrap, and events to plan.

Then there are Christmas church services, musicals, plays, concerts, recitals, office parties, family gatherings, and Christmas light tours. Don't forget traditions to revisit and memories to make.

Have you ever been tempted to run away at Christmastime? It would be nice to take a two-week trip, maybe to a deserted island, and be alone with your family—or maybe just alone! There is a solution! We can intentionally cut the Christmas chaos this year. The five steps to doing so spell the word PEACE.

P: Pray Ahead

Guess what? Christmas comes on the same date at the same time every year: December 25. Start praying for your holiday experience when you see the first hint of Christmas decorations in the stores. In July, I browsed Hobby Lobby for items to decorate my patio, I was shocked to see there were things for sale announcing not only the arrival of Halloween and Thanksgiving, but—oh yes—Christmas. Instead of asking, "Can you believe Christmas decorations are already for sale?" tell yourself, "I am so glad I'm reminded to begin to pray for our family's holiday season to glorify the Lord. Let Jesus be celebrated on His birthday."

Pray for God's peace to rule before, during, and after your holiday. Pray for peace to reside in your heart and mind, so it will infect and redirect the chaos around you.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, NIV).

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it to the full" (John 10:10, NIV).

E: Express Your Desire

After you've talked to God about your holiday hope for harmony, pick a night for a family meeting and share your thoughts with your loved ones. Ask each person to write down his or her favorite traditions, activities, and foods associated with the holiday. As you are gather the lists, mix them up and pass them out to a person other than the one who made the list. Give each person a few minutes to read aloud the list he or she received. There will be many repeated items on the lists. Have someone make a list of the most popular items in each category. Keep the most favorite traditions and activities on the to-do list, and let the others go. This will make simplifying Christmas much easier, and everyone will have a say.

Explain to your loved ones that as they simplify, it will help increase their peace and enjoyment during the holidays.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as member of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15, NIV).

A: Accept a Few Invitations

Believe it or not, less is more. Take a minute to think about all of the events tied to the holiday season: Christmas parties, cookie decorating in your child's classroom, potlucks at work, secret Santa for the ladies' group, and Christmas plays and concerts. Unintentionally, we get ourselves and our families twisted and tangled in the Christmas tinsel of too much activity. Only one thing is important: focusing on Jesus.

How do you choose what to attend and how to spend your precious time? Share Advent with your family each morning at breakfast. I use a daily Scripture Advent calendar I found on Pinterest to keep focused on Jesus, the reason for the season. When we choose to start the day focusing on Jesus, it is easier to say no when the invitations arrive.

---

Use the lists you created in the previous step to discover what your loved ones' priorities really are and decide how you will use your time. What are your family's favorite baked goods? Ours are baking pumpkin bread, making Chex mix, baking sugar cookies, and making tamales. When my kids lived at home, we would plan a day or an evening for the actual baking of baked goods and schedule several days for making tamales. We even involved our small groups at church. If your children's classrooms are hosting Christmas gatherings you are helping organize (but they fall on the same day), involve your husband, grandma, or even a favorite aunt so you don't feel like you have to be in two places at once.

Say "no." That's right. It's OK to say, "No, we have other plans." Even if your "other plans" are to stay home with your family and finish frosting sugar cookies for tomorrow's class party. No guilt, no pressure—just honest self-control and wise time management. Your own children are going to learn a lot from you this year.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law" (Galatians 5:22–23, MEV).

C: Create a Budget

Go back to your list of how you and your family plan to celebrate Christmas. Do you have a large immediate family? What about extended family? Figure out how much money you are able to spend on each person and make another list of items so your children can help with the shopping. You don't have to spend a lot of money on special gifts outside your immediate family. Pinterest is a great resource full of ideas for do-it-yourself crafts and creating memory ideas your children can make for relatives and friends. Mark your calendar and plan ahead for a Christmas gift-making craft day.

Have your children given you their Christmas lists? Also have them create a list of items they want to give at Christmas. If we don't teach our children how to share out of abundance, we will actually teach and reinforce selfishness. It helps to explain to them. "When we get new things, we must get rid of some old ones to make room." It's the principle of the most not-believed beatitude in the Bible found in Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Can the giver be happier than the receiver? Although it goes against all of our human instincts, it is true. This is a very important kingdom principle best taught in life situations.

"John answered, 'Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the sam.'" (Luke 3:11, NIV).

E: Experience Jesus

Invite God's presence to take over your lists, plans, and desires. Ask Jesus to rule how you focus your time.

---

A wonderful tradition I started with my own children when they were young encouraged them daily during the twenty-four days before Christmas day. We had a couple of Nativity sets, and each morning when the kids were getting ready for school, I would hide the baby Jesus from each set. The challenge was that they could not search for the hidden baby Jesus until they were fully dressed, beds made, breakfast eaten, teeth brushed, backpacks packed, and ready to load into the car to go to school. When they were completely ready to walk out the door, I would say, "OK, let's look for the baby Jesus." As Sarah would search for the small baby Jesus, I would say "hotter" or "colder," depending on where she was situated in relation to where I had hidden it until she discovered the hiding place. Next, Ben would get the chance to do the same thing with the baby Jesus from the other nativity. It was a great Christ-centered way to start each day.

Not only do I hang on to our family memories, but I taught my children how to develop their own special traditions for their family Christmas seasons.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you" (2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV).

As you see, cutting Christmas chaos can be very simple. It takes planning and intention ... and of course, lots of prayer. I will be praying you will experience a "calm and bright" holiday and you can "sleep in heavenly peace." May God bless your Christmas!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV).

Sheryl Giesbrecht's message is exchanging hurt for hope, one she shares with audiences as a radio personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God. She is host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Turn Up the Music with Sheryl Giesbrecht, and the Executive Director of International Christian Ministries (www.ICMUSA.org). She is the author of Get Back Up: Trusting God When Life Knocks You Down.

Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.FromAshesToBeauty.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook (AuthorSherylGiesbrecht) and onTwitter (@SGiesbrecht).

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!

Climate Change – a gigantic hoax - Charles Gardner ISRAEL TODAY

Climate Change – a gigantic hoax

Tuesday, December 08, 2015  Charles Gardner 

 ISRAEL TODAY

RELATED STORIES
UK: Israel must let us influence its policies!
Swimming Championship Erases Israeli Flag
Israel Need Not Fear Isolation

Topics:Global , Oil


Having backed off from further comment on the tired old subject of Climate Change some time ago, perhaps in the hope that it would eventually blow away with the wind, I feel obliged to make a return foray now that the issue is back at the top of the media’s agenda.

Nearly 200 nations are represented at a leaders’ summit being held in Paris, where the real threat to our way of life showed its ugly teeth so recently through the massacre of 130 people by terrorists on a mission to enslave the world to Islam.

Yet there are those – including Christians – who have suggested that what used to be described as ‘global warming’ is the greatest threat of all, with politicians and others engaged in their own form of gospel crusade urging us to help ‘save the planet’.

Among these ‘evangelists’ is Britain’s former Opposition Leader and one-time Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband – an MP from my home town, Doncaster – who will shortly be presenting a call for action to a Christian congregation in his constituency.

Relief agencies Christian Aid and CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) are among many faith-based organizations who have bought this thoroughly secular idea lock, stock and empty barrel. The message is even being put out by an evangelical theatrical group touring the country with a play called Baked Alaska.

CAFOD says it is the world’s poorest who are being hardest hit by increasing droughts, floods and extreme weather which it blames squarely on ‘climate change’, which I guess you’ve noticed has largely replaced ‘global warming’ in common use following a series of unusually cold winters.

So the theory is now being generally accepted that somehow it is man, and his pollution, that is entirely responsible for this – assuming that the earth is heating up – and that catastrophe awaits unless we do something about reducing our carbon emissions.

Yes, scientists have put this theory forward, but there are equally eminent scientists who disagree with it – only they don’t get much media coverage.

At the heart of the campaign to convince us of the need for it being top priority is the humanistic idea that everything depends on us because, with this thinking, God did not create the world. And if we want to save the planet, we must do everything we can to spread the ‘gospel’ of climate change – and the need for humans to do what God is apparently incapable of doing. The fact that some Christians have also bought into the idea is seen to add weight to their arguments – until the microscope of biblical wisdom and common sense is applied.

Both Anglican and Catholic leaders have been particularly outspoken on climate change and Pope Francis even released an encyclical – the highest level of teaching a pontiff can issue – specifically on the environment earlier this year.

But surely, as Christians, we should rather be asking the question: what does the Bible say?

Well, God says that “the earth will wear out like a garment” (Isaiah 51.6) “but my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.” So what is more important: a green campaign or getting right with God?

I believe ‘climate change’ is not only a gigantic hoax, but a massive distraction from the real problems facing our world – like mass migration, worldwide terrorism, the precarious state of our financial system and even the potential for World War III breaking out in the Middle East.

A green campaign will only add to the stress of hardworking people faced with the prospect of paying yet more tax to fund efforts by government to reduce carbon emissions.

But there is a God upon whom we can depend and in whom we can trust for our lives and our future energy needs. We need to resurrect the refrain “He’s got the whole world in his hands”. The Book of Proverbs says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him; and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3.5f)

Trusting in God is not an abrogation of personal responsibility, but provides you with the ability to act with true wisdom. As the Bible also says (on several occasions), “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1.7)

This doesn’t mean the Bible has nothing to say about climate change. It does. But it is more a sign of the need for us to get our lives right – because the Judge of all mankind is coming – than it is for us to protest about the carbon-fuelled sins of others!

For it was when Jesus was asked about the signs that would indicate his imminent return that our Lord replied: “There will be earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”

And he added: “…There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21.11 & 25-28)

When I wrote on this subject in similar vein six-and-a-half years ago, one reader commented: “There was so much more pollution than there is now when I did my nursing training in London 50 years ago. I went out in the fog one evening with a ladder in my stocking and, when I took it off, there was a black line down my leg where the soot had got through the ladder!”

Another wrote: “I wish global warming would hurry up. We are freezing in this part of the world. It’s the coldest winter we’ve had for a long time. The weather forecasters can’t always get it right a week ahead, so how can they be so sure of correct forecasts twenty years into the future?”

Clearly we should be looking to God at this time, and not to man’s inadequate solutions served up on a humanistic plate totally lacking in adequate spiritual nourishment.

Want more news from Israel?
Click Here to sign up for our FREE daily email updates from ISRAEL TODAY.

Supernatural Signs and Wonders Break Out Among 1,000 Jews in ISRAEL - KYNAN BRIDGES CHARISMA NEWS

What these men and women thought was a lecture on the supernatural soon became a powerful presentation about the kingdom of God. (Courtesy/Bob DuVall)

Supernatural Signs and Wonders Break Out Among 1,000 Jews

12/7/2015 KYNAN BRIDGES  charisma news

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

---

Amidst numerous reports of racial conflict, terrorist attacks, and religious tension, there is something tangible in the air in Israel. It's not the smell of gun powder or the resonating sound of sirens—but the supernatural presence of God.  

Unfortunately, the secular news outlets have not captured the magnitude of what I recently witnessed in Israel.

For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, something miraculous took place during my recent trip to Israel: 1,000 unsaved Jewish people gathered in Tel Aviv to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This was the most significant Jewish outreach since the book of Acts. Seats were filled to capacity. This was a very powerful event!

 Men, women, and children listened intently as It's Supernatural host Sid Roth presented his testimony while an interpreter spoke Russian to the non-English speaking audience. Joshua Aaron led the people in Hebrew worship songs. 

The room seemed quiet and cold. At first, people were unresponsive.

Initially, there seemed to be a great resistance to the message. A few people were being very distracting, while others left the auditorium for a while and then came back.

Unlike in the United States, these events rarely ever take place in Israel. In fact, the last time someone stood up and gave his testimony to this many Jews at once, it was Peter in the book of Acts.

All of a sudden, something shifted in the atmosphere. As Sid Roth began to talk about the unconditional love of God; you could see people's eyes opening and their hearts widening. As Sid went deeper into his testimony, people began to respond.  

Then, the most supernatural thing began to happen: Roth stopped the testimony and began to share words of knowledge concerning physical aliments. As he prayed for those in attendance, hundreds stood up reporting that they had received instant physical healing. They were healed in their seats without the laying on of hands.

What they thought was a lecture on the supernatural became a powerful presentation of the Gospel of the kingdom of God. 

The Scripture declares that the Jew requires a sign; this was evident in the responsiveness of the people to the power of God. 

The time came to give the invitation to make Yeshua (Jesus) their Messiah and Lord. To my utter amazement, nearly everyone in the room stood up and prayed the prayer of repentance and salvation. Many people even stayed after for individual prayer. Local Messianic pastors will follow up and disciple those who made a decision to follow Jesus.

So, contrary to popular belief, God is moving in Israel. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is alive and well.

Miracles are happening in Israel!

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!

How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah - Ariela Pelaia

How to Light the

Hanukkah Menorah

Instructions for Lighting Your Hanukkah Menorah

Ariela Pelaia
Judaism Expert


Lighting the Hanukkah menorah (also called a Hanukkiyah) is the most important part of celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The menorah reminds us of the miracle of the Hanukkah lights, when only one day worth of oil burned for eight days after the Maccabees reclaimed the holy Temple.

Below are instructions for lighting the menorah during the holiday of Hanukkah. In order to do the lighting ceremony you will need:

A Hanukkah menorah (Hanukkiyah)
Candles that will fit in your menorah’s candle slots
Matches
Lighting the Menorah on the First Night of Hanukkah

On the first night of Hanukkah and on all other nights during the holiday, the middle candle (called a shamash) is lit first. The shamash does not count as one of the Hanukkah candles, but is used to light all the other candles. You can learn more about this tradition in: What Is a Hanukkiyah?

Families usually light their Hanukkah menorah directly or soon after nightfall. If Hanukkah begins on Shabbat, the Hanukkiyah should be lit just before sundown.

Place a candle in the rightmost position on your menorah.


Now hold the shamash and recite the following blessings:


Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.

Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, she’asah nisim l’avoteinu, b’yamim haheim bazman hazeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who made miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, shehekheyanu, v’kiyamanu vehegianu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has kept us alive, sustained us and brought us to this season.

Note that you can see Sephardic/Modern Israeli versions of these blessings in: Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings.

After these blessings are said the shamash is lit and the first Hanukkah candle (the one you placed in the rightmost position of your menorah) is kindled using the flame from the shamash. Place the shamash in its place on your menorah. (Usually there will be a special spot for it in the middle of your menorah.)

Lighting the Menorah on All Other Nights of Hanukkah

During all other nights of Hanukkah begin by placing your candles in your menorah from right to left. Not counting the shamash, the number of Hanukkah candles in your menorah should match the night of Hanukkah.

For instance, if it is the 5th night of Hanukkah you would place 5 Hanukkah candles in your menorah.

Light the shamash first, then kindle the remaining candles from left to right. This is the reverse order of how the candles were placed in your Hanukkiyah, so the last candle you put in the menorah should be lit first. Learn more about this custom of lighting from left to right in: What Is a Hanukkiyah?

As you light the candles recite the following two blessings:


Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah.

Blessed are You, O Lord Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech HaOlam, she’asah nisim l’avoteinu, b’yamim haheim bazman hazeh.

Blessed are You, O Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who made miracles for our forefathers in those days at this time.

After the candles are lit place the shamash in its place on your menorah.

Singing Songs and Playing Dreidel After Lighting the Menorah

Many families like to sing Hanukkah songs after lighting their menorah. You can find many Hanukkah songs along with their lyrics and sample melodies in: Favorite Hanukkah Songs.

Another favorite tradition is playing the dreidel game after lighting the Hanukkah candles. You can learn more about the dreidel and how to play this game in: How to Play the Dreidel Game.

References: "Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holidays Handbook" by Lesli Koppelman Ross. Jason Aronson, Inc.: Northvale, 1994.

Source: About Religion

President Barack Obama, Apologist for Islam - MICHAEL BROWN CHARISMA NEWS

It is abundantly clear that President Obama reveres the Islamic faith and often serves as an apologist for the religion of Muhammad. (Reuters)

President Barack Obama, Apologist for Islam

12/7/2015 MICHAEL BROWN  charisma news

I do not believe that President Obama is a Muslim, but I have no doubt that he reveres Islam and that he is an apologist for Islam. Is there really any question about it?

I posted comments similar to this on social media December 5th in the aftermath of the San Bernardino massacre before reading that Sen. Ted Cruz had commented that, "We have a president right now, who at times operates as an apologist for radical Islamic terrorists." It was also before I read Donald Trump's comment that, "Our president doesn't want to use the term, 'Radical Islamic Terrorism.' There is something wrong with him that we don't know about."

There are many who believe that Barack Hussein Obama is, in fact, a Muslim, but I seriously doubt it. A real Muslim would not worship in a church building for a period of years, neglecting Islamic prayer on a daily basis and abstaining from prayer on Fridays in a mosque, nor would a real Muslim publicly and consistently profess to be a Christian. That would be a denial of his faith.

At the same time, it is abundantly clear that President Obama reveres the Islamic faith and often serves as an apologist for the religion of Muhammad.

Speaking in harmony with the president back in February, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson explained that, "The thing I hear from leaders in the Muslim community in this country is ISIL is attempting to hijack my religion."

Yes, "To refer to ISIL as occupying any part of the Islamic theology is playing on a battlefield that they would like us to be on. I think that to call them some form of Islam gives the group more dignity than it deserves frankly. It is a terrorist organization."

This echoes statements made repeatedly by President Obama, the clear implication being: If it's violent, it's not Islam since Islam is a religion of peace, despite Islam's consistently violent 1,400 year history.

But the president's defense of Islam goes beyond rejecting the idea that radical, violent, terroristic Islam can be Islamic. It is also the positive way he speaks of Islam that is striking.

It was one thing for him to greet his listeners in Cairo in 2009 with the words, "assalaamu alaykum." That could be written off as cultural sensitivity from a president who had been reared in an Islamic country (Indonesia) and went to an Islamic school.

But his words went far beyond the standard Muslim greeting. He also stated his belief that America and Islam "are not exclusive" but rather "overlap, and share common principles—principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings." And when backing up one of his points, he noted that, "As the Holy Quran tells us, 'Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.'"

The Holy Quran? Who speaks like this without reverence for the religion? Conversely, would a devout Muslim speak of the Holy Bible when Muslims believe that our Scriptures represent a corruption of the real Word of God as represented by the Quran?

The president also spoke of "civilization's debt to Islam," noting that "throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality." (Perhaps he means the kind of "religious tolerance and racial equality" we find today in countries like Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran—including the equality of women?)

President Obama even alleged that "since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States," referencing President John Adams' statement with the signing of the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796 that "the United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims."

Did he forget that 10 years earlier, in 1786, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, then ambassadors for America, were in Tripoli to combat the murderous Muslim pirates whose actions were backed by some Tripoli leaders in the name of Islam?

And was he unaware of the comments of John Quincy Adams, our sixth president, regarding Muhammad? Adams said that Muhammad "humbled [the Christian religion] to the dust by adapting all the rewards and sanctions of his religion to the gratification of the sexual passion. He poisoned the sources of human felicity at the fountain, by degrading the condition of the female sex, and the allowance of polygamy; and he declared undistinguishing and exterminating war, as a part of his religion, against all the rest of mankind. The essence of his doctrine was violence and lust—to exalt the brutal over the spiritual part of human nature. ... Between these two religions, thus contrasted in their characters, a war of twelve hundred years has already raged."

Perhaps our president has taken an airbrush to American-Islamic history and relationships?

In his Cairo speech, he also spoke of Islam being "revealed," meaning, that he affirms that God did, in fact, give the Quran to Muhammad.

And so, despite the nuances of his Cairo speech and his criticism of certain expressions of "some Muslims," he stood as not just a friend of Islam but an apologist for Islam, one who spoke with undeniable reverence for the faith of his father and the faith in which he grew up as a boy.

His statement, then, in 2012, that "the future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam," should not surprise us in the least, nor did his nuancing of that statement diminish its force in the least.

In President Obama, we do not simply have a leader who speaks respectfully of the world's second largest religion, as President George W. Bush also did. We have a man who reveres Islam and is committed to defending it before the world, even when it potentially undermines national security and international order.

Can this really be denied?

Michael Brown is the host of the nationally syndicated talk radio show The Line of Fire and is the president of FIRE School of Ministry. His newest book is Outlasting the Gay Revolution: Where Homosexual Activism Is Really Going and How to Turn the Tide. Connect with him on Facebook at AskDrBrown or on Twitter @drmichaellbrown.

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.

"Comfort: Why the Church Needs Prophecy" -Kirklin Cross, Jr., THE ELIJAH LIST

"Comfort: Why the Church Needs Prophecy"

Kirklin Cross, Jr., Cleburne, TX

The Elijah List

Prophecy: The Ultimate Result is Comfort or Mental Ease

But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3 (KJV)

Encouragement is always welcomed. Exhortation may not come in the form you would like it to be. But the end result of prophecy is always comfort. There may be things you have to go through. There may be instruction. There may be words of caution and warnings. But in the end, comfort.

Comfort:

1. To soothe in time of affliction or distress.
2. To ease physically; relieve:
3. A condition or feeling of pleasurable physical ease or relief from pain or stress:
4. Solace or consolation in time of sorrow or distress: soothing words of comfort.
5. Help; assistance:
6. Something providing ease, convenience, or security: the comforts of modern living.
7. A person or thing that brings consolation or mental ease. (Photo via Pixabay)

Often, we see Jesus and the disciples throughout the Scriptures bringing comfort to people. It came in many different forms, just as the definition describes above. For example, when the father brought his lunatic son, Jesus healed him (see Matthew 17:14-18). In that passage the father came distressed to the disciples, asking them to just help him, and his son was healed.

Lazarus risen from the dead. The blind man healed. Many people comforted from distress and physical illnesses. The prophetic words that went forth in the time of sorrow for Lazarus' family that caused him to rise from the dead. I think the last definition defines one of the biggest things that we as God's children desire most: mental ease. It can be hard to go through life worrying about things to come. How life will turn out. Who you are called to be, etc. One word from God spoken over your life can put your mind at ease in an area you have been concerned about.

How often have you asked God to just give you help or assistance? How often have you asked for relief? God's prophetic word always has comfort in the equation. It may not be comforting in the beginning, but it will bring you comfort at some point.

One of the hardest things to ease at times is one's mind. We are designed to think. I know I myself am often thinking and preparing for what's next. Whether it is in ministry, my family, or even personally, it can cause a lack of sleep. It can cause worry. It can cause one to be angry because they cannot seem to figure out the answer to a problem. Knowing that God is with you, leading you, always brings a comfort to every situation.

Prophecy Helps God's People Know that He is Real

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me...

(Photo by Jennifer Page "Washed in His Love"via elijahshopper.com)

Jesus describes the Holy Ghost as the Comforter. He says it is the Spirit of Truth which comes from the Father who shall testify of Him. As people are comforted through prophecy, it helps them believe even more that God is real. It helps them hold on a little longer to the promises of God. People need to know God is still alive. People are waiting for the words to flow from each and every one of God's people that will bring them into a new walk with Him.

Prophecy teaches mankind to trust God. It walks them into the truth, knowing that God is real. Have you ever ministered to someone and they spoke of how comforting it was to hear words of confirmation? It set them at ease to know that they were right where God wants them to be. We live in a time where people are lost and feel as though they have no one to turn to. You may hold in you the necessary words needed to set their minds and hearts at ease. You may hold the words of comfort that will help one keep believing.

God is looking for prophetic people to rise up and take their place in the Church once again. No one believes in the Church any more. Where are the next Smith Wigglesworths of the Church? Where is the next William Branham or Kathryn Kuhlman? Who will stand up and take their place? The Church needs prophetic people to rise up.

Moses went to Pharaoh with words that were bold. Words that gave warning and instruction, even unto his son's death. Yet it brought the Israelites comfort to know they were free. Comfort, just like edification and exhortation, isn't always for you – it may be that you are the one speaking the words to another. It may be that someone is speaking them to you. It may be that you are speaking the prophetic word to one such as Moses to Pharaoh, that will bring comfort to someone other than the two, like the Israelites. Ultimately, prophecy helps God's people know that He is real. It testifies that Christianity is real.

The Necessity of Hearing God and Bringing Comfort

Revelation 19:10 (KJV) And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, "See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

John writes that the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy. I find it amazing, while being exiled on the Isle of Patmos, John still hears from the Father. In a time most would be grieving, he was comforted. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Revelation 1:10 (KJV) I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet...

We know that prophecy is hearing from our Heavenly Father. So then, the testimony of Jesus, or rather being a Christian, is hearing from the Heavenly Father. That's why Paul said to desire to prophecy. We as Christians, through prophecy (hearing from the Heavenly Father), have the opportunity to walk just as Christ did: proving God's glory. Revealing the hearts of men through prophecy.

We, as Christians, claim to be Christlike. But are we? Are we operating in the spiritual realm? Are we examples of the anointing of God on this earth? Jesus told us greater works shall we do. Yet most sit idle in the Church. We see the same theme throughout the Bible: Christians hearing from God, following His instruction, and bearing fruit. Proving to all that God is real. Yet, we only preach and teach on the things that the mind can fathom. My grandmother once said, "Believe the words you read, don't just read the words you believe."

Much of the Church has fallen away from faith because the Church doesn't apply it anymore. There is no application, only instruction. We lead people to Scriptures but don't teach them how to apply them. No one listens to hear from the Father because "we have it all figured out." We are divided by religions and denominations. We are divided by cultures and belief systems. We are divided by the color of skin. We are divided as a Church in many ways.

John 12:32 (KJV) And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

We are all members of the Body of Christ. We all play a role in the Body of Christ. Jesus was trying to unify all to follow Christianity. His teachings come from a servant's viewpoint. He knew the necessity in hearing God and bringing comfort in whatever form it should be to each and every person according to their need. This is the Church God is waiting on us to become again.

We are in the season where God is ready for His people to stand up again. The Church has been lying dormant with its mouth closed. People have been taught the traditions of men for quite some time. God is doing a new thing. Let it begin with you!

In His Service,

Prophet Kirklin Cross, Jr.
Kirklin Cross Jr. Ministries, Inc.
Email: kcjministriesinfo@gmail.com
Website: kcjministries.com

Prophet Kirklin Cross, Jr. is the founder of K.C.J. Ministries, Inc., a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to implementing prophetic ministry to anyone who wants to hear from God. He ministers the prophetic word and trains God's people who feel called to prophetic ministry. Prophet Kirklin uses kcjministries.com to connect to those who desire prophecy, dream interpretation, and prophetic counseling. He also shares his gift at prophetic conferences across the United States, teaching the Word of God in spirit and in truth, so the Body of Christ hears and understands God's Word and its relevance to their lives.

Prophet Kirklin has a powerful testimony of being delivered from dealing drugs and drug addiction to becoming a minister of the Gospel. Having been on both sides of the fence, he relates easily to the lost as well as those living a Christian lifestyle. He is real, transparent, passionate, and humble as he leads people into discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Prophet Kirklin serves locally as an associate minister at The Meeting Place Church in Cleburne, Texas, where he leads the prophetic ministry, offers prophetic counseling, and evangelizes with the Kenya Missions team. He has dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ and His people as the Holy Spirit's mouthpiece.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

The Harbinger Man (Day 5) - Jonathan Cahn on The Jim Bakker Show

Rabbi Jonathan Cahn on The Jim Bakker Show

Hanukkah

Watch here: The Harbinger Man (Day 5) - Jonathan Cahn on The Jim Bakker Show


Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Show# 2890 | Aired on December 4, 2015

I Corinthians, I Peter, I Samuel, II Kings, Isaiah, James, Jeremiah, John, Joshua, Luke, Matthew, Proverbs, Romans

Jim Bakker Show © 2015 • Morningside Studios

Home » Video Archives » The Harbinger Man (Day 5)

Supernatural Dreams Open Doors for Jesus in Iran - Chris Mitchell - CBN News

Supernatural Dreams Open Doors for Jesus in Iran

12-07-2015

  CBN News Chris Mitchell

JERUSALEM, Israel -- When the world sees the barbaric acts of ISIS, there tends to be talk of either war or hopelessness and defeat. Despite the evil, some Christians say God is at work in areas where darkness seems to reign.

As ISIS conquered parts of northern Iraq and persecuted Christian minorities, the Gospel actually began to spread.

"So besides the darkness coming in, trying to get the salt and light out -- killing lives and bringing so much pain and suffering -- on the other hand, we're seeing the rise of the presence of God, worship, prayer, experiencing Jesus and people being open to the Gospel and being open to follow Him, even from Muslim background," one man named Fabian, who asked that his full name not be disclosed, told CBN News.

Supernatural Encounters

Fabian leads a house of prayer in Kurdistan. He said he's met a number of people who've had supernatural encounters with Jesus.

"People in these streets and in these refugee camps, from places where ISIS has occupied, even people from here are encountering Jesus in dreams and visions," Fabian said.

Those divine encounters are not limited to ISIS-controlled areas. It's a phenomenon happening throughout the Middle East.

CBN News met with some Iranians visiting Kurdistan who wanted to share their stories. We concealed their identities for their own protection.

"Suddenly, one of the nights when I was in my bed, I just dreamed and the Light was speaking as I'm speaking to you now," A woman we'll call "Abby" told CBN News. "It was speaking to me and calling my name verbally and saying 'Come to me. I will save you and I will rescue you.'" 

"But I didn't understand, actually, how this could be. Others in the dream said, 'Come with us, please do not hesitate. Come to us and we will rescue you.' I believed in the dream, but I didn't surrender my whole life to the source of the light, which was Christ," she explained.

That decision soon followed for "Abby" and her mother. 

"This year, about seven months ago, we made our own decision to follow Jesus with all our hearts," she continued.

"When we came here, they gave us an explanation about the life of Christ and the Kingdom of God according to the Gospel," she said. "Here we realized the dream that I dreamed was Jesus. He is calling us to give us salvation and to give us rest, to give us life."

CBN News asked what dangers Abby faces back in Iran.

"If people knew about my faith, I would be rejected by the people," she said. "This is a kind of social persecution. If the government knew about my faith, I would be executed or hanging in the street at once."

Being 'Reborn'

Another woman, "Barbara," began to read the New Testament.

"When I first started to read the Gospel, a power came out through the Bible to my heart," she explained. "It was just like a small rock in the middle of a sea, yes, of the sea … a power came into my life and I felt that I'm not the same person."

"I'm about to reborn and coming out from something very dead, very bad and something that happened to me is unique," she said.

Then came her dream. 

"One of the nights when I went to my bed I saw, I saw Jesus," she continued. "He was talking about me in heaven -- about the Kingdom of God. When I saw Jesus, He was pointing out to me. Later He told me that I had to read the Gospel in order to strengthen my faith and be able to share my faith with my friends."

"I didn't see actually His face, but I saw His form, you know," she recalled. "He was a King and His kingdom -- or His kingship rule -- was over the whole universe and everybody was bowing down to Him. He was talking about His kingdom and I was one of those who stood before Him."

CBN News asked Barbara how she feels now.

"I feel I have a very huge, big treasure. As much as I'm giving away from it, more comes back to it," she said.

"You know Iran is a very dangerous place. If you don't think just like the others or the majority, you'd be considered as a rebel," she said. "So that means you will choose your fate or your death by your own hand."

Life-Changing Decision

"Claire" came to faith through a scripture and a friend.

"When I was reading the Bible, I couldn't ask others to give an explanation about the passage that I'm reading, but then I went to university," she said.

"During the studying at the university, I met an Armenian girl. I asked her so many questions concerning Christianity: How do they live? How do they worship? - Many things like that about the Christian life," she explained.

"She answered my questions and that introduction caused me to make my own decision," she said.

That decision changed her life.

"You know the faithful Christ brought me many blessings," Claire continued. "I cannot describe faithful Jesus in some words. But things which I cannot say in some words have happened to me."

"Whenever I'm praying and I'm lifting up my feelings in my heart to God, I do believe and I feel the hand of God touching my heart and shaking my heart," she said.

The King's Crown

A man we'll call "Dennis" also had a dream.

"In the dream, I still remember some marks on His face and that He was wearing a crown, a King's crown on His head," he recalled. "Very strong brightness came out of each part of His Body and many people were bowing down before Him."

"I still live on the memory of that dream. It's still alive in me and it's with me every day," he said. "I remember in my mind the sense that I saw in Heaven. He's showed me many different things since I believed in Jesus. But that dream became a turning point in my life."

CBN News asked if others are coming to Jesus inside Iran.

"Yes, many people are coming to Christ through a dream. You cannot imagine how Jesus is appearing to them. I experienced with my own eyes that everybody is looking for a home; looking for the truth," Dennis said.

"You know the experience that the Iranian people are passing through right now is very difficult. The only one who can change that situation is Christ Himself," he said.

"So please pray and ask the others to pray for the people of Iran to experience the power of the Resurrection," he said.

Fastest Growing Church

Iranian mullahs try to quench Christianity in their Islamic Republic. Despite those efforts, missionaries say Iran has one of the fastest growing churches in the world.

While politics and extremists rearrange the Middle East, Fabian and others say the Holy Spirit is working at a much higher level to change lives.

"The harvest is very ripe and people are desperate. They have lost everything. They are in pain. They need help and they are ready to listen and people need to know that," Fabian said.

"That, yes, there's many bad people that want to kill and destroy, but there's so much more people who are desperate for answers in life," Fabian said.

"And we, as the light and salt, we need to be here for such a time as this," he said. "To be His voice and be His Hand and bring the Gospel of the Kingdom to their lives."