Let us Pray
The National Day of Prayer was founded in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. It reveals the deep understanding that many Americans have that this country was founded upon Judeo-Christian ethics and receives its blessing from the God of heaven and the influence of His word the Bible.
This years day of prayer holds much deeper meaning as we face the un-relenting encroachment of un-restrained government into the fabric and freedom of our lives. At risk is not only our economic freedoms but intellectual and religious freedom. These include most importantly freedom of conscience and expression and the right to speak the word of God regardless of who may be offended. Hate crimes legislation is on a fast track through the halls of leadership and may soon threaten our ability to protect ourselves and our children from a perverted sense of entitlement characteristic of those pursuing alternative sinful lifestyles.
This is a spiritual struggle and we cannot rely on the mainstream media to help us engage in the arena of ideas. We no longer enjoy the freedom of the press to the extent that we can effectively move hearts and minds. The mainstream press has proven its power by appointing a leader far removed from our ideals of freedom and liberty. It will defend this representative leader of paradigm change until the end.
Our struggle is as a people described in Ephesians 2:1-10
" And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
We are struggling against a power that once had hold of our very hearts and soul, the "power of the prince of the air". It is that power which works now in the un-redeemed mainstream news and entertainment media. All attempts will be made to silence and malign its opposition.
Thomas Paine reflects on a similar situation. However, the character of opposing parties were more similar and popular opinion was much easier to sway. They were not as we are today engaged with a party of total un-redeemed passions. His words reflect on the character of true patriots and how persistent the struggle for freedom is. For clearer understanding of our situation replace the word Britain with U.S. Government.
The Crisis
by Thomas Paine
December 23, 1776
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Galations 5:1,13-26
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."
Our victory is in prayer and living the life that God has called us to.
We are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our friends and neighbors to rescue them from a life of deception, despair and darkness and eventual death.
Ephesians 6:12
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
We need to engage the powers and principalities in battle praying in the power of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ who has redeemed us and conquered the enemy, then we shall see hearts and minds changed. Then we shall see communities engaged in the God -ordained task of encouraging one another, meeting needs and providing employment and creating opportunities for families to prosper.
2 Chronicles 7:14
"However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country."
1 Peter 2:12
"Live decent lives among unbelievers. Then, although they ridicule you as if you were doing wrong while they are watching you do good things, they will praise God on the day he comes to help you."
We must engage all means of communication to maintain the community that God has called us to. The mainstream media has effectively silenced our voice. However by any and all means still available to us(e-mail, blogs, church, family, local newspapers, telephone and letters to our representatives, etc...) we must be in conversation regarding salvation in Christ, the peace and strength of our fellowship in Him and the calling to stand united in Him speaking the truth in love. This communication has not yet been outlawed but there are dark clouds gathering that are whispering about methods of silencing the word of God.
Let us be united in prayer and belief that God's word will not return void.
Psalm 32:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I.Art.I Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III : That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
This years day of prayer holds much deeper meaning as we face the un-relenting encroachment of un-restrained government into the fabric and freedom of our lives. At risk is not only our economic freedoms but intellectual and religious freedom. These include most importantly freedom of conscience and expression and the right to speak the word of God regardless of who may be offended. Hate crimes legislation is on a fast track through the halls of leadership and may soon threaten our ability to protect ourselves and our children from a perverted sense of entitlement characteristic of those pursuing alternative sinful lifestyles.
This is a spiritual struggle and we cannot rely on the mainstream media to help us engage in the arena of ideas. We no longer enjoy the freedom of the press to the extent that we can effectively move hearts and minds. The mainstream press has proven its power by appointing a leader far removed from our ideals of freedom and liberty. It will defend this representative leader of paradigm change until the end.
Our struggle is as a people described in Ephesians 2:1-10
" And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
We are struggling against a power that once had hold of our very hearts and soul, the "power of the prince of the air". It is that power which works now in the un-redeemed mainstream news and entertainment media. All attempts will be made to silence and malign its opposition.
Thomas Paine reflects on a similar situation. However, the character of opposing parties were more similar and popular opinion was much easier to sway. They were not as we are today engaged with a party of total un-redeemed passions. His words reflect on the character of true patriots and how persistent the struggle for freedom is. For clearer understanding of our situation replace the word Britain with U.S. Government.
The Crisis
by Thomas Paine
December 23, 1776
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Galations 5:1,13-26
"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another."
Our victory is in prayer and living the life that God has called us to.
We are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our friends and neighbors to rescue them from a life of deception, despair and darkness and eventual death.
Ephesians 6:12
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
We need to engage the powers and principalities in battle praying in the power of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ who has redeemed us and conquered the enemy, then we shall see hearts and minds changed. Then we shall see communities engaged in the God -ordained task of encouraging one another, meeting needs and providing employment and creating opportunities for families to prosper.
2 Chronicles 7:14
"However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country."
1 Peter 2:12
"Live decent lives among unbelievers. Then, although they ridicule you as if you were doing wrong while they are watching you do good things, they will praise God on the day he comes to help you."
We must engage all means of communication to maintain the community that God has called us to. The mainstream media has effectively silenced our voice. However by any and all means still available to us(e-mail, blogs, church, family, local newspapers, telephone and letters to our representatives, etc...) we must be in conversation regarding salvation in Christ, the peace and strength of our fellowship in Him and the calling to stand united in Him speaking the truth in love. This communication has not yet been outlawed but there are dark clouds gathering that are whispering about methods of silencing the word of God.
Let us be united in prayer and belief that God's word will not return void.
Psalm 32:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I.Art.I Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III : That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
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