Cultural Lingo vs. Technical Biblicality

In American evangelical culture, we tend to say some things differently than society at large. For instance, “PTL!!!!!!” (praise the Lord) commonly replaces “OMG!!!!!” online.  Lately there are some phrases that I’ve been called out on based on their anti-theistic tones. Here’s a couple:

“We’ll make it work.”

“Make it a great day.”

“Crossing my fingers.”

“Good luck.”

Good luck is certainly the most common one I’ve been chided for. Admittedly, a significant percentage of repudiations I’ve heard have been in the interest of sassiness at least in part, but even that displays the discomfiture many feel about it. Here’s the rub: why is it worth chiding for? 

Think about the phrases above. Each either suggests a randomness to human experience, an individuals’ sovereignty in his own life, or both. Both of those concepts  are thoroughly rejected by the Scriptures. The latter two phrases have roots in very old pagan superstitions. And so, last week a young man responded to my “good luck with that” by saying gruffly, “I don’t believe in luck, only in the power of God.” To be honest, I was somewhat offended, which is neither here nor there, except that it got me thinking about whether we’re wrong to use such anti-doctrinal flippancies. 

Personally, I can’t see not using many of these common expressions. We still live in this culture, and must communicate with it. As it stands, saying “may the Power of God make things go well in your endeavor” (or any less-akward version you like) will not communicate what you mean it to in a wider cultural context. “Good luck,” more than anything else, means “I care that what’s about to happen to you goes well.” Very few people actually think you are superstitiously bestowing luck on them. Yet the “Power of God” version is more likely to say “I really wanted to fit God into this conversation even though it says nothing about what I’m feeling.” 

You tell me, which is better?

Post-script:

This afternoon I was listening to [enter evangelical saying] (don’t judge) my club/dance Pandora station. Basshunter’s “I Can Walk On Water” came on (again, don’t judge) and I found it very encouraging. True to Basshunter’s style, the only words in the song are “I will never be afraid again / I will keep on fighting till the end / I can walk on water, I can fly / I will keep on fighting till I die.” Yes, this can be easily seen as a self-focused “I am god” type song and I’m pretty sure that’s what Jonas Altberg intended. Yet, personal encouragement is widely used in scripture, even by God himself. So, if I’m having trouble understanding why life is the way it is, I don’t see anything wrong with having a song influence my determination to keep on - even if it doesn’t mention that I can’t without God’s help.

Richness Via Chant

Night before last, SG introduced me to Gregorian Chant.  Not that I hadn’t listened to it before, but never to actually experience it.  We sat together, one sister helping another through a difficult time by just being, and allowing the music to enter our souls.  

I have never been so affected by music.  A different kind of world, worship, prayer and emotion touched my soul.  In this world, the pace was observant, sensorial and wondering.  Emotion responded unfettered, accepted, essential.  Worship followed by acknowledging the understanding of God gained by the new (or old) pace.  Prayer was deep; a warm blanket combined with a cool spring.  

Last evening, I put the music on again, and read through a prayer from The Valley of Vision.  “Read through” is a crass use of terminology, though, for “pray through” or “meditate on” are more appropriate.  I never understood meditation.  Whenever I tried, I basically ended up thinking so hard I stretched my intellect until it was by no means what we refer to as “meditative,” but rather stressful.  Yesterday was different: I experienced that prayer, meant it, believed it.  I chewed on it, digested it, not as a mental exercise, but as a joint function of heart and mind in the soul. 

Applying to my activities the world communicated by Gregorian Chant brought this about, and I want to keep experiencing God in this manner.  In fact, to live in this way appears a wonderful alternative to majority western culture.  Of course, intellect must apply, and sometimes primarily, but I would like to learn to walk passionately through life sensorially observant and simply contemplative.  It may be slower, but oh, how much richer!

Perhaps a former music major has run away with her thesaurus.  Perhaps a theology major has turned mystic.  

Perhaps the happy-faced intellectual understanding of God so prevalent amongst evangelicals truly misses out on rich stores of interaction with God.

Proclaiming His Greatness... From the Valley of Death?

Finally, we appear to be getting some honestly warm weather, and its beautiful! With all the rain we've had, the open fields behind us are turning green, and the Scrub Oak (our main tree besides pine) are being venturesome with a few green buds showing through - although I've decided that Aspen aren't very smart, since ours started pushing out little green leaves about a month ago.

Amidst the change in the weather and the almost continuous planning for the next few months, Psalm 23 came to mind in a rather strange way on Sunday. I read it over and over, and looked up some other Psalms that came to mind, and came away with a few interesting thoughts. Hope you find them as interesting as I did.

First, it occurred to me that the first three verses, which are so well known in Christendom, are immediately followed by "the valley of the shadow of death". Odd, isn't it? Good times, once they arrive, are just going to stay, aren't they? After all, if God is having us lie down in green pastures and leading us beside still waters, that means He is pleased with us and "will never forsake us"... to which we add, mentally, "meaning, nothing bad will happen". But, that is not what the Psalmist recounts. In verses four through five he discusses being under the shadow of death, and surrounded by his enemies. Here's the kicker (if I may use the term): This train of events is not represented as something unexpected, or even unfortunate. It is the way things are expected to go when God is leading and teaching you.

Second, another thing struck me about the order of the verses. If you look at the structure, verses one through three and verse six are the ones we would consider "good times". This is about the nice things that we think God should do for us now. Admittedly, they do bookend verses four and five, but even so, are they quite what today's American church usually represents? For one thing, take a second look at the first line of verse three: "He restores my soul." [insert fluffy, pink thoughts emanating from Sunday School posters] Think about it - that implies very clearly that the soul was damaged or worn out. Then, add the second half of the verse (a new sentence): "He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." This very well could imply that we had first left the path, if we were ever on it at all - and isn't that likely why our soul was in need of restoration in the first place? The picture isn't quite so fluffy anymore. Briefly, take a look at verse six. I love this verse, because it is so full of promise, but the second part of the verse is mainly promise for the future. The first part ("Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...") is very interesting in that it comes directly off of the discussion about the valley and enemies.

This brings us to the most incredible part of the whole discussion (in my opinion). Clearly, verses one through three and six are proclamations of God's guidance, comfort and mercy. God provides great things there, but doesn't He also provide during the hard times? He causes the Psalmist to not fear, and provides him with sustenance when surrounded by his antagonists. In fact, verses four and five continue the same tone as the other four do - proclaiming the wonderful provisions of God! Two examples of difficulty, or two examples of God's help during the time we are least likely to see it? I believe the latter, and what a difference that makes!

Think of it: this introduces a different way of viewing all the difficulties of life. Instead of simply thanking God for the "good times" and asking Him to remove the "bad" ones, we must recognize and be, perhaps, doubly thankful for God's great gifts of mercy and grace - during those times we tend to see it least. We have all heard someone say that we should "thank God during the bad times". I've never fully understood that, but little by little, through this and other things, I think God is teaching it to me. God is providing, and even though I can't quite see it, I can at least picture what a mess things would be if He left me to myself. "A joyful heart is good medicine..." (Pr. 17:22), and thankfulness for God's greatness is certainly a big part of that.

Thoughts on Life and Eternity

Has it occurred to anyone that life is really a very strange thing? I mean, we're technically eternal beings, and yet we can't really tell, or at least we don't act like it. We're locked into this finite material universe, in which there is a start and finish. Yet, that's not really what we are. In reality, we don't have a clue what we are really like, and won't until we're out of this universe, because we simply can't even fathom anything else...

And if we think it's weird for us, just imagine God, who is not only eternal, but created the universe we're locked into for the moment, deciding to subject himself to the same thing.

While we're here, we can't seem to keep an eternal perspective. Yet, in reality, our life on earth is simply a rabbit trail off the highway of existence. While we believe what God has said about our lives, Jesus' life, and the ultimate plan, we don't always, or even usually, live that way. Why?

Well, all I can say is that it must have to do with the fall, and yet, I wonder, did Eve really have an eternal perspective when she ate of the fruit? Or did she, but it was simply overridden by the temptations? In which case, she was little different from us, except that she was only able to sin in one way, where as we are sinners by nature. Well, it's an interesting discussion, but still, we have the same issue at hand: why?

Why put us into this material universe at all? Why cause this disconnect from eternity?

I can't answer, and I don't suppose it's something that truly can be answered, for the same reason we have to ask the question in the first place: we are finite.

Whether we can answer all the why's and why-not's, the entire topic is one that ought to be given much thought. People talk about living eternally and then apply it to things like, "don't focus on gathering wealth" and "go into ministry - it's the most important" et cetera. But, what about the truly every day? What about getting so caught up - in our schedules, relationship issues, plans for the week/month/year, church and even just the things that keep our life on earth going: shopping, cleaning, cooking, sleeping, eating - that we completely lose sight of REAL life. Real life - the life that goes on forever, that will either end in eternal agony or eternal joy, glory and fulfillment in complete fellowship and communion with God.

Forgetting is ever so easy... and ever so serious.

A Shocking Message Regarding American Christianity

Oh, may God bless you through this... I have never heard any preacher so powerful, nor a message so... I can't describe it, but you MUST listen to this, I know it's long, but listen anyway.

God's Gifts

There have been many things happening here, but the one that I most want to talk about is God's gifts through the ACT.

Thank you so much for your prayers - it is only via prayer that this happened...

First, there was supposed to be a huge snow storm showing up early in the morning of the ACT, which would have canceled it.

Then, there was a particular place in the room I wanted - in the front near an edge, because I'm not used to working in a classroom and the people would have been very distracting.

Then, there was a big problem. When I was doing practice tests, as soon as I was done, I crashed physically and psychologically. Well, the real test went a full hour and a half longer than my practice ones did because they read all the rules in between every single section. So, guess what? At just the time when I usually finished, I really crashed, really bad, and literally just randomly filled in the ovals on at least 1-15 questions out of 40.

But, God allowed what I think is a miracle - The snow was held off until the afternoon - I got the front CORNER seat, so I only had one person next to me, and I was next to the window, which was wonderful! Then, as to the crashing, first of all, that section that I crashed on, went JUST FINE! It wasn't my best score, but it was one that I had gotten before. However, the complete score, the composite was HIGHER than I have ever gotten through all the practice tests... It's amazing!

Praise God!

John Piper Takes On Obama's Abortion Stance

I can't preface this, because John Piper says it all...



Pray. Without Ceasing. Pray.

The Obama/Rick Warren Double Standard

(This picture is from the Presidential Debate held at Saddleback Church)

Wow, this is a great article from Rasmussen Reports' website. I am proud that they were courageous enough to publish it. I'm not failiar with the author, Debra Saunders, but I will give her a huge high-five anyways!


Free the Saddleback One
A Commentary by Debra J. Saunders
Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Gay civil rights groups -- the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force -- are calling on President-elect Barack Obama to yank his invitation to Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren to give the inaugural prayer on Jan. 20. They demand tolerance from others, but won't spare any for those with whom they disagree. Unless of course, that person is Obama, who, like Warren, opposes same-sex marriage. Then they get real ecumenical. Not to mention, very forgetful.

"I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now, for me as a Christian -- for me as a Christian -- it is also a sacred union," Obama said at a presidential candidate forum at the Saddleback Church in August. Obama could not make his opposition to same-sex marriage clearer.

It's true that Obama opposed Proposition 8, the same-sex marriage ban approved by California voters in November, on the grounds that codifying a same-sex ban would be "divisive" -- whereas Warren endorsed the measure.

Obama supports civil unions -- "I think my faith is strong enough and my marriage is strong enough that I can afford those civil rights to others, even if I have a different perspective or a different view," Obama explained. Warren spokesperson Kristin Cole told me that Warren "is OK on civil unions, but does not believe in redefining marriage."

Then why are gay leaders applauding the election of Obama, while calling on him to exclude the participation of the Warren? It makes no sense -- unless they had convinced themselves that Obama did not mean it when he said he opposed same-sex marriage. As long as they think he lied, he still can be their hero.

Because Warren clearly meant what he said, he's a villain. Forget the campaign Warren began to organize 1 billion Christians to fight global poverty and scourges like AIDS. Ignore the countless children he has helped save. Think only of the feelings he has wounded.
In the modern world, words speak louder than actions. And there is always an incriminating video clip out there.

In that spirit, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force cited an interview Warren gave on beliefnet.com and charged that Warren went "so far as to equate the marriages between same-sex couples with incest and pedophilia."

Warren did say, "I'm opposed to the re-definition of a 5,000 year definition of marriage. I'm opposed to a having brother and sister be together and call that a marriage. I'm opposed to an older guy marrying a child and calling that a marriage. I'm opposed to one guy having multiple wives and calling that a marriage."

Is that equating same-sex marriage with incest and pedophilia? If it you want it to, sure. Or you could see the quote as proof that Warren holds traditional religious views -- and cut the guy some slack.

You know, show tolerance while seeking tolerance.

Instead, many critics have chosen to brand Warren as a "hater" and a "bigot" -- words that fire up the base and alienate everyone else. They are sending the message that anyone who dares speak as Warren did -- except Obama, of course -- runs the risk of being tarred and feathered, 2008-style. Think Scott Eckern, who resigned as artistic director to spare the California Music Theatre in Sacramento from a boycott threatened because of his $1,000 donation to the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign.

I suppose the Warren critics could argue that gays and lesbians simply want the same rights as others; that this is a big country, with room enough for the traditionally devout and same-sex couples.

Except groups like the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force do not want to make room for people like Rick Warren. They want him muzzled and out of the picture.

.COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.
See Other Political Commentary
See Other Commentary by Debra J. Saunders
Views expressed in this column are those of the author, not those of Rasmussen Reports.

This article Found Here.

Christmas and Music and Parties...

Well, here's a little more personal update for once!

Christmas preparations are in full swing. Birdie, Buddy and I have gotten our Christmas Eve Program pretty well figured out, although we still have a good deal of work to do. Dad's been out of town a good deal lately, although this is the last of it until next month. That has put us rather behind in other Christmas things, but we'll catch up.

I am venturing out into the homeschool teen social world here for the first time tomorrow. There's a Christmas party of some sort, that evidently includes a White Elephant exchange, being held for the teens in the homeschool support group out here. I guess I'm getting more outgoing, because I didn't take forever deciding if I wanted to be around a million people that I don't know... I'm actually really looking forward to it!

Also, looming in the shadows is graduation... I'd never really thought of actually being IN a graduation. GradUATING is different that a graduATION in my mind. But, Mom was like, "of course you're going to be in a graduation, didn't you assume that?" It took me a few days to realize how much a ceremony kind of mile-marks it, and I'm glad I'm in it now. However, the best part is that I have the opportunity to perform in it, and I've chosen to SING!! I haven't sung in so long. I can't wait! In the process of choosing a song to sing, I stumbled upon this one, and I really like it (Don't know if I'll sing it for graduation, but it's really worth listening to a few times):




Merry Christmas!!

Pray! (Year of the Bible Project)

Over the last year, I have been involved to different degrees in The National Year of the Bible Project. Earlier in the year, before we moved, Dad and I lobbied on Capitol Hill (a lot of fun, and seemingly productive). Now, of course, I'm involved via long distance calls and email.

Here's the point, though. The project is doing it's best to put together a calling blitz into the Congressional Offices, to begin in the next week or so. I think it will work very well, and that we have a good chance of putting a lot of influence into the hopper.

Unfortunately, the National Coordinator of the Year of the Bible Project, who is in D.C. right now, and is arranging this whole blitz, is having significant computer troubles. Actually, it has crashed (by my count) about 7-8 times over yesterday and this morning.

So here's the deal: we need prayer, and we need it now! There's a lot of great things going for us right now, but not a whole lot can be done with the computers up and running. A lot of contacts have to be made over the next day-and-a-half, and many of them require a least some amount of computer work... so please pray for the contacts themselves, and also pray that the problems with the computer can be figured out, asap.

Homeland Security Alert

I wanted to quickly explain a new "gadget" of sorts I just added to the sidebar. The "Homeland Security Live Terror Alert" is something I saw on another site and liked. Here's why. People seem to be forgeting at least the implications of 9/11, as well as the fact that we are a nation at war, and it is not an aggressive war... we are on the defense... they attacked us first!!!

So, I hope that the little reminder of the hightened security level we are at will also remind everyone who and why we are fighting, or for some, that we are fighting at all.

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday:
God bless the troops, God bless America, and may we follow God always.

FF: Thanksgiving!... Christmas!... Lightsmas... Tossmas?

Thanksgiving is coming, and we are all looking forward to it.

After that, the exact day after, actually, starts a family tradition that is very longstanding. This year it got a new name, though, "lightsmas". It is the day we all celebrate decorating for Christmas, and of course, putting up the absolutely necessary lights (Buddy's pride, joy and passion).

Then comes Christmas, we're looking forward to that too.

But there is one holiday that we are enjoying already, have been since late October, and will be until late December...

Tossmas.

This holiday was made up by Stuart Shepard on his video feature, Stoplight, in early November, 2007. It was presented in this Stoplight:

&abouttext=Focus Action's CitizenLink&aboutlink=http://www.citizenlink.com allowfullscreen=true allowscriptaccess=always>

I was hoping that they would do something concerning Tossmas this year, or at least move last year's up to the top of the list. I am very happy to say that they made another one this year:



Now, this is all well and good, and the video's are quite funny, and it makes a good point, but why is this a Federal Friday post? Because, it is time we spoke out and quit letting ourselves be marginalized when we are indeed the majority - something that the republican party needed to learn a few years ago, by the way. It is our holiday... Christmas. It is Christmas that makes all the stores their money, and we need to remind them of that.

Pure and simple, political correctivism has gone too far, and we ought to put some pressure on people to stop it. The AFA has also started a Christmas campaign, and we have ordered some of their stuff, it's great.

In other words, get out, say "Merry Christmas" to every store clerk you talk to, even if they say "happy holidays" or whatever, become a passionate participant in Tossmas, and recognize the importance of this issue.

(Happy Thanksgiving, and Merry Christmas early)

Prayer: Guidence for Short Story

I recently wrote a short story (about 2,000 words), that I really like, called The Storm of the Soul. In many ways it encompasses many of the things I have learned over my years of struggling with health issues. It is a good story. I think it will appeal to many different people in many different situations. I believe it will glorify God. It's main character is a man, which I find easier to write, so I was more comfortable writing the character, and I hope that made him more understandable.

With all of these things I like about it, I am seriously looking into the best way to publish it... or I was. Then, I found out about a short story contest that this story will probably do well in. The contest requires that the story not be published. So, I'm waiting until after the contest, hoping that perhaps I can win and get a little extra capital to start this venture with.

I really think that I ought to do something with the story, publishing it or somehow getting it available to people, and it would be nice to have a small source of income from it as well.

All that said, I would really appreciate prayer on what I should do with this story, and also that I can win the contest.

Federal Friday: The New Reagan Revolution

There is a lot of speculation as to what Obama will do, when he will do it, etc. There is also some speculation, particularly amongst evangelicals, quiet as it may be, concerning whether Obama's presidency will have any ties to the end-times prophesies found in Daniel, Matthew and Revelation.

I will deal with the latter first. Allow me to ask a question. Supposing, somehow, we were able to say absolutely and without any doubt that Obama is the antichrist (I am NOT suggesting this, please simply follow for a moment). How would we react? Would we not still fight those policies we disagree with that he presents and supports? Would we not still do all in our power to support those things that we believe must be supported? So, in fact, it really doesn't matter if he is, isn't, is going to be, et cetera the antichrist? Therefore, isn't it simply a distraction from more important issues, a distraction that we needn't deal with?

The end times are a very interesting and worthy study. However, trying to fit current events into them beyond simple speculation and curiosity seems to me to be a loss of the point.

Now, as to what, when and how Obama will do what he does. Yes, there are many fights ahead of us. There are many things to be dealt with. Yes, strategies are good things, and yes, we must be prepared to deal with them. However, we simply must not go overboard in trying to win every single battle before those battles are even begun. Here's something to chew on: Obama can't do everything at once either, and we will match his pace.

I, obviously, love politics, and I think them terribly important. I do think that many of the values I hold dear are at stake. Only a few years ago, I would have been truly concerned, somewhat frantic, and planning to build a bomb shelter in the basement until my parents talked me out of it, if this situation had happened then. However, I must say that I am not really all that frantic or overwrought. Concerned, yes. Ready to fight, yes. But, I think we simply must take measured steps. This DOES NOT mean standing down. I actually think that it means fighting even BETTER.

Here is what I am suggesting. Deal with the NOW. Simple as that. Once inaugurated, Obama has promised that one of the first things he will do is repeal DOMA (the Defence Of Marriage Act). Let's deal with that battle when it comes. If he next tries to pull out of Iraq, let's deal with that when it comes. When he tries to allow all abortion, all the time, for any reason, we will deal with that when it comes. Let's truly deal with it, but let's not overstep ourselves.

Here's a great way to accomplish this. Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan's son, has launched a new website, http://www.reaganaction.com/. It is not yet fully functional, but it is supposed to be sometime next week. I would suggest that you read what he has to say.

What he is trying to accomplish through the site is to spread a daily action piece, usually taking only a few minutes, to inundate Congress and the White House with calls, faxes, emails etc, telling them what we think, and turning us, the "masses", all into political activists. I see this as an excellent way to deal with each battle as it comes, and REALLY deal with it.

Now, of course, I don't know how the site will work precisely, but the idea is what I like. This is how we all can and must deal with the next four years. We mustn't get weary, we mustn't lose our fighting spirit (if you don't have one just now, go read the page that's up on Reagan Action) and we must start the New Reagan Revolution!

A Letter from Dutch Sheets

I received this via an email loop. This really brings into perspective how all Christians can be involved, even if you aren't a "boot on the ground" so-to-speak actively campaigning.

For those not familiar with Dutch Sheets, (I must admit that I've never heard of him, but I like this letter) go HERE.


Letter from Dutch Sheets

Due to IRS rules, this letter is from me personally and is not from any f the ministries I am associated with. (Also because of IRS rules, I cannot send it to my ministry database and therefore need your help in getting it out.) Do with it as you see fit, but my desire is that you forward it to as many praying friends as possible.

October 20, 2008
Dear Praying Friend,

In 2000, I wrote the 2nd most important letter of my life—a call to prayer for the elections of that year. I'm now writing what may be my most important letter. I knew the importance of those elections in 2000 was beyond any in my life up to that point and that the spiritual warfare surrounding them would be unlike anything any of us had ever seen. That letter was read by millions of people and I believe millions of them responded by praying. I also believe the prayers turned the tide.

You may question whether President Bush was the right choice; obviously, he has made some blunders in his tenure as president. But two of his decisions alone left no doubt he was God's choice: Roberts and Alito. These two Supreme Court Justices have proven critical in the process of breaking the hold of humanism, death and anti-God agendas that have ruled the Court for 50 years. I assure you that more devastation—the shedding of innocent blood, immorality, decay of the family and an erosion of our godly heritage—has flowed into our nation through that institution than any other door in America. Many times more. The poison allowed into America through their decisions is beyond any of our abilities to articulate.

The reality in America is that you don't need to control Congress or the White House to rule the nation. You only need 5 people – 5 out of 9 on the Supreme Court. And for decades those who disagree with just about everything you and I stand for have been in control! In Bush's two terms, the process of turning this around began with the appointments of Roberts and Alito. Now, we win some cases 5-4 and lose some 4-5. (We barely outlawed partial birth abortion. The vote of onejudge saved thousands of babies from this horror.) We need one more conservative Justice for a consistent majority, then more to build a strong majority.

In Obama's own words, "the next president will appoint at least one, perhaps two or more Supreme Court Justices." He's right. Almost certainly two or more older, liberal Justices are waiting until after the elections to retire, in hopes of Obama winning and appointing more liberals to replace them. And he certainly would. He voted against the confirmation of Roberts and Alito. So did Biden. And Biden led the fight against Justice Thomas several years back, another of the 4 solid conservatives. Make no mistake about it, the two of them do have a litmus test for Supreme Court Justices, and a major part of that test is Roe vs. Wade. McCain and Palin, on the other hand, both have very strong pro-life positions. This alone makes the choice for President simple. To vote for the 2nd and 3rd most liberal Senators (Obama and Biden), both of whom are firmly and blatantly pro-abortion, would be unconscionable. Obama has actually said that if he wins, he would like his first action as president to be the signing of the Freedom of Choice Act, which would eliminate every other law against any aspect of abortion (partial birth abortion, parental notification, etc., etc.). And with a democratic majority in the House and Senate, pretty much any legislation he and Biden want to pass will be a slam-dunk. There are many other unrighteous positions they hold but this position alone makes the choice easy. If they win this election, it will set America back decades in the cause of life and the restoration we seek.

Just as many of you do, I too, want to see a first black President, but not Senator Obama. To allow that noble and godly desire, the economy or one's position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The scriptures teach that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God's word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction.

Now to the heart of my reason for writing this letter (I realize I am "preaching to the choir"—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.) I have not written any appeals for prayer concerning this election because:

1) others have, and
2) I believe our movement has matured to the point that the prayer base of the Church is already praying.

But I now feel the need to raise my voice. I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next two weeks like you've never prayed for any in the past.

Faithfully. Passionately. Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace.

We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again. But I am also asking you for something more than normal prayer. For those of you who understand spiritual warfare, I am asking you to also include this aspect of prayer. There is no doubt that we have entered a Daniel 10 moment in time: "Then he said to me, 'Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, 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 NAS). The spiritual warfare in this election is incredibly fierce, and just as it was in Daniel's day, is all about the restoration of a nation. And also like Daniel, we must keep praying until we win the battle in the heavens.

In August of this year I predicted that September would mark a shift in momentum for these elections. This happened with the appointment of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential nominee (who is a true Esther in our generation), but when the economy began its meltdown and the media ramped up their unprecedented attacks on Palin, that momentum wasn't sustained. But we can see it turn again if we approach this battle as the spiritual warfare it truly is and bind the evil forces involved (see Matthew 16:18-19). The reality is that this election can be the breakthrough we need to fully shift the Court (and ultimately our nation) or it will be an immeasurable setback that could take many years to reverse—if ever.

Please understand what I am saying: if we engage in this battle and do what I am asking—in mass—we will win; if we do not, we will lose. I, for one, don't intend to allow the latter. I am in Washington, D.C. now (October 20-22) with Lou Engle and a team of prayer leaders from around the nation to war for this election. Join us! Lose some sleep, miss some meals—pray! Pray like never before for these elections. And as you do, involve yourself not only in petitioning prayer but also in spiritual warfare. Use your God-given authority over the plans and strategies of satan's kingdom. Bind all witchcraft that is working to control the outcome, including occultic powers that are suppressing truth. Release Christ's Kingdom rule in every way the Holy Spirit leads you.

Don't be deceived and don't lose hope (if you have to, turn off the TV.) It is not too late to turn these elections. God is plenty powerful enough to do so. The real question is will we rise to the level of prayer and spiritual warfare necessary to release that power. And remember, we don't need a majority of Christians who are willing and able to do this—only a praying remnant. We can do it!

Here are some practical suggestions to consider:
1) Fast (a meal a day; a day a week; a Daniel fast; 3 days; 10 days;TV; etc.) and spend the time praying.
2) Agree in prayer with someone everyday for God's will to be done.
3) Form/participate in prayer groups regularly. Churches could prayeveryday.
4) Take time in every gathering to pray. (Take 15 minutes in everyservice to pray for the elections. Turn an entire service to harp andbowl style intercession—worship and prayer combined.)
5) Join 2 or more on a conference call and pray for 15, 20, or 30minutes.
6) Pray on the way to work (and on the way home).
7) Pray before you go to sleep.
8) Pray before church services.
9) Ask God to give you His strategy—He will!

In His grip,
Dutch Sheets

Federal Friday "Just ONE Reason!" = Abortion

A number of people have mentioned that they would like "just ONE reason" to vote for the McCain-Palin ticket. On my last Federal Friday post, I think I provided some good reasons NOT to vote for Obama, and thereby good reasons to vote for McCain-Palin. But, if you want a reason to vote for McCain-Palin for there own sakes, here is one:



I have had the opportunity to come into close contact with a number of Special Needs children and adults. It pains me when people try to marginalize them socially, but in particular when these wonderful human beings become the targets of infanticide disguised as "choice"... abortion. Sarah Palin in this video has voiced what people who believe in the preciousness of life, particularly that of Special Needs children, have been waiting to hear from a prominant public figure for years. This deserves GREAT applause.

Also, remeber that this is not simply an issue of aborting Special Needs Children, this is about ALL abortion, as in completely unlimited abortion.

So, in short, applaud Sarah Palin's views, and applaud Senator McCain for choosing someone with this much grit! This could be that ONE reason you need... it's certainly the only one I need.

Federal [almost] Friday: Mr. Obama?

First, may I say that I fully support the McCain-Palin ticket, and particularly McCain's pick of Palin. We went to one of their rallies, heard them speak, and particularly heard the huge enthusiasm of the crowd - if anyone is worried about the Republican energy level, fear no longer, we are as energized as we come!

There are two reasons I am writing. Both are widely available on the Internet.

1) The "sound-bite of the day".
The now-infamous blip: "Jesus Christ was a community organizer, and Pontius Pilot was a governor", started on blogs, was repeated by numerous Obama-people, sniped at Governor Palin and is simply offensive to Christians.

This has a number of overtones:
I. That Obama (a former community organizer) is comparable to Jesus Christ, the Perfect Lamb of God. This is obviously offensive to those who believe that Jesus Christ died for the world, rose on the third day, and is equal with God.
II. That Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin has committed some sort of action comparable to condemning Jesus to death. This is an absolute snipe at her - without even a clear accusation.
III. That a community organizer counts as part of the list of needed qualifications to be President of the United States of America. Senator Obama has a very thin list of accomplishments, and his job qualifications list is also sparse - usually called a thin resume. This is again a snipe at the competition without really providing the reasons why he thinks he is qualified.

As a note here, I would like to add this. Many people are very upset with comments made by Sarah Palin and numerous republicans about community organizers. I would like to say that they are missing the point. From my perspective, these comments are not pointed towards community organizers, but are aimed at Obama and his claim of qualification for the Presidency. They are not intended to slam community organizers.

Mr. Obama? How long will you allow yourself to be compared with Christ, and how long will you allow your supporters to snipe at your very worthy opponent, Sarah Palin, without so much as leveling a clear accusation?

2) Iraq War Veteran's own "Mr. Obama?"
This video is incomparable. It is the best articulation against Obama I think I have heard, especially on the issue of the War on Terror in Iraq:



Please, send out this link and spread this video as much as you can, it is too powerful to leave alone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Conclusion:
Well, Mr. Obama? What will you do? Will you dare to renounce your follower's comparison of you and Jesus Christ? I hope so. Will you dare to renounce their sniping at Sarah Palin? I doubt it, if you did they wouldn't have anything else to throw. Will you dare to listen to this man who has been defending YOUR country for YOU against those who, whether you believe it or not, want to destroy YOU? In short: Will you dare to change?

Obama's [Shocking] Religious Views

I have been concerned about Obama - very concerned. I have also been particularly concerned about the conservative grass-roots and just how enlivened they may get, or more precisely, how enlivened McCain can get them. At this time, though, I am praising God that Obama is the Democratic candidate - he is the ultimate way that I see to get the conservative grass-roots very pumped and ready to vote.

That said, these short videos from [Focus on the Family] CitizenLink's "Turn Signal" news reports will make you want to go vote in November, and get the word out as much as possible until then.







To see other Turn Signal programs, as well as CitizenLink's other online video program, Stoplight, go here - they are great, I highly recomend all of them.

The book recomendations...

... that I promised oh so long ago. (just for the record, I didn't really recover from the hives until about a week ago, and I've been pretty busy since then)

Top of the list favorite!! - you'll have to read the rest of the list first, na-na-na

Forbid Them Not by Dr. Farris
I loved this book. It had a great representation of the politics and the courts on the issue of childs rights etc, but also had a funny and yes even a romance side to it. would not recomend to those under maybe 14 or so as it touches some more adult issues in the court case part. (have mom read it or something)

John Ploughman's Talk by C.H. Spurgeon
A book of antecdotes and discussions on a wide aray of topics generally dealing with those touching Christian life and general vices (i.e. idleness, "men with two faces", debt, etc.). It is convicting and absolutely HILARIOUS at the same time. A good read.

The Last Jihad, The Last Days, The Ezekeil Option, The Copper Scroll by Rosenberg
don't read them if you couldn't handle Assasins in the Left Behind Series. The contain violence up to that level, and in one case a bit beyond. Still, VERY good, pageturners and thought provoking.

and, my FAVORITE! That Printer of Udel's.
WOW what a great book. And if you don't trust me, It was Reagans fav book too.

GTG!

The Kingdom Series

I just read a GREAT series of book I wanted to share with you all. The front cover of each book is above (Sorry they're not in order, had trouble uploading them).

Written by Chuck Black the series of six books are collectively called the Kingdom series: Kingdom’s Dawn, Kingdom’s Hope, Kingdom’s Edge, Kingdom’s Call, Kingdom’s Quest and Kingdom’s Reign. The Kingdom series’ allegorical narratives are engaging, character building, edifying stories that convey not only Biblical truths and themes, but also an excellent understanding of how all of the ‘stories’ connect.

Through the Kingdom books, Black has presented Christendom with a powerful tool with which we can teach our faith to young minds and hearts. Whether used as a portion of homeschool Bible curricula, an addition to or basis of a Bible study, or simply an enjoyable and spiritually fruitful read, they are a wonderful resource.