A Veteran Remembers Memorial Day by Dr. Donald Bell

MEMORIAL DAY – 2010

A Day set aside in our country in remembrance of all those who died on the battlefields over the past 240 years fighting for America’s freedom. For many: this is a day for Americans to reflect on the loss of family and friends who sacrificed their life on the battlefields around the world. For Others: It doesn’t mean anything more than a paid holiday from work.

I served 20 years in the Marine Corps including two tours in Vietnam. 1st Tour: One of the first Marine units to be sent to Vietnam in 1965. I was a young lieutenant who believed in our country and was totally committed to the allegiance of combat priority taught to Marine leaders: Mission first – Men in Unit second – our own life was last. That is: Country – Men – Self: in that order. Sounds similar to the greatest commandments of our Lord:

* 1st: God is our primary focus on the battlefield of life.
* 2nd: Prioritize others before ourselves.

2nd Tour: In 1969 I was the commander of a unit on the DMZ which was a highly volatile combat area. However, our government and country had shown that they no longer were supportive of our efforts in the war. A war that could have been easily won in a couple of years was dragged out by politicians and media which gave inspiration to a young hippie generation crying out, “Make love not war.” As I witnessed some of my men and close friends killed, my priorities changed:

* 1st – Lives of men under my command
* 2nd - Myself
* 3rd - Assigned mission.

We were no longer serving our country, we were protecting ourselves. Today, the American church is full of pacifists saying, “Make love, not war!” When in truth, our Commander-in-Chief calls us to “Make war, because we love!” Jesus Christ is the Lord of Hosts: By the way, the true meaning of hosts in both Hebrew and Greek is “a gathering army organized for war.” Jesus Christ was the greatest and toughest warrior that ever walked this earth. He fought because of His deep love for us. Look at His Priorities:

* 1st – His Father, our Lord
* 2nd – Us, His called-out ones
* 3rd - Himself

Throughout the NT, He calls us time and again to the frontlines of the battlefield. He doesn’t tell us that we won’t be wounded or even killed, but He does tell us that He walks alongside us through the Valley of the Shadow of Death and we will not be killed until our calling is complete. Until then a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but harm will not touch you until your assigned mission is complete.

Picture this in your mind: The vast and beautiful memorial cemeteries in our country and western Europe where tens of thousands of soldiers have died fighting for our freedom which we enjoy today. I certainly am tearfully moved when I remember my men and also my friends who died on the battlefields of this world.

These are those who died for their country. Yet compare this to the following: The masses of graves now covered with weeds in places like China, Russia, Africa, and India, etc.etc.where millions of soldiers have died for our Lord and with no visible memorial of remembrance. These are those who died for the Kingdom of God.

The former soldiers who fought and died for our country did not voluntarily lay done their lives. However, every one of the martyrs of Christ had the opportunity to walk away if they would only compromise their faith in Jesus. Yet, they were faithful unto death and so, they voluntarily laid down their lives following in the footsteps of their Commander-in-Chief whom they loved more than this world.

Doesn’t sound like the common church message, does it? Know this: the church gatherings are not the frontlines of the battlefield. They have an important part to play in this war, but it is in the rear of the lines. From a military perspective the organized church is:

* A medical center for treating the wounded
* A place that provides memorial services for those that die. (By the way, a funeral service is a place of one of the fiercest battles on the frontlines because of the great opportunities to capture hearts for the kingdom.) Attack here: for the enemy is at his weakest in the midst of grieving hearts searching for answers.
* A bootcamp training place meant to prepare for the frontlines of the battlefield.
* Providing advanced training as soldiers mature and are promoted into positions of leadership.

The real frontlines of the battlefield are where Christians live out life - in your family, in your neighborhood, on the mission field, or for most, in the workplace. That is where we are individually called to the battle. This is where we can impact many people in the truth of the Lord. So many men are searching for truth, even though they won’t admit it, but they would never come to a church believing that it is too “wimpy” or too “effeminate” for them. However, your impact on the frontlines will depend upon the strength of your relationship with the Commander-in-Chief.

For our light to shine in life-changing brightness, we need to continually seek the oil for our lamps. As more and more oil is provided, the bigger the lamp and the brighter the light shines in the midst of a dark neighborhood or workplace. This oil is continually provided as we spend time alone with Him seeking the intelligence needed to minister on the frontlines. The toughest battle in the young Christian life is maintaining the discipline to spend quality time alone in fasting, praying, and studying His Word.

There certainly is nothing wrong with going to the movies and eating popcorn, or enjoying a beer with your friends on occasion. In fact, these can be important ways of deepening relationships with your co-workers, friends, and family members. However, these things cannot control the time in your life. Time alone with family is extremely important, but the quality time you set aside in your private area to be alone with the Lord will determine the power of your light on the battlefield of life. This is truly the calling of all who discern the times that are coming over this nation we live in.

Great chaos, hardships, and times of tremendous grief are shortly ahead and more and more soldiers are needed for a tough battlefield that will bring forth a great multitude of people that will give their lives over to the Lord -- people who will be looking for men and women of great spiritual strength in the midst of tremendous tribulations. Jesus Christ, our Commander-in-Chief is calling for strong soldiers with lamps full of oil to follow His leadership on the toughest battlefield known to man.

Ask yourself; do you want to be among fellow soldiers who embrace the following words of our Lord: "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:11-14

Warriors, we need to become like David when we are confronted with the giants of darkness. We fight without fear for ourselves. We fight for the salvation of others and for the glory of His wondrous Name Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45

Warriors for Christ; our true Memorial Day set aside for remembrance is: The Day of Passover! “Christian warriors, it is time to fight, not run from the battle.”

For more information: www.knighthoodofchristianwarriors.com

How to Humble Yourself by Greg Hinnant

Pointedly, persistently and passionately, in both Old and New Testaments, the Bible calls us to humility.

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses told the Israelites three times that God tested them in the wilderness for the express purpose of humbling them: "The Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee...and he humbled thee...that he might humble thee" (Deut. 8:2-3, 16, KJV, emphasis added). By inspiration the apostle Paul added that their trials were recorded as examples to us in this Christian era: "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition" (1 Cor. 10:11). In his epistle, therefore, James exhorts Christians everywhere, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord" (James 4:10). Peter orders the same in his general epistle, "humble yourselves...under the mighty hand of God" (1 Pet. 5:6).

In these and many similar biblical references, God implies a fact too clear to deny or ignore: In our natural (fallen) state we are all proud creatures—thinking too highly of ourselves, not highly enough of God, and too lowly of other people. Therefore, even after we're redeemed by God's grace, we need to be humbled.

Consequently, the Redeemer seeks to deliver His redeemed ones from our overinflated sense of self-esteem and bring us into humility—a sober perception of ourselves, an appreciative view of others, and an awestruck and worshipful outlook on God. This mental transformation is essential if we hope to live and work close to God throughout eternity, because He has repeatedly declared His holy hated of pride. In Proverbs, pride ranks first on God's definitive list of most-hated sins: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look...." (Prov. 6:16-17, emphasis added). The writings of Isaiah and Ezekiel reveal pride was Satan's (Lucifer's) primary sin and caused his permanent ouster from paradise before the creation of man (see Is. 12:14-15; Ezek. 28:4-19). And if God rejected Lucifer from His presence due to his pride, He won't receive people into His presence that are still proud.

James says that instead of receiving the proud, God resists them (see James 4:6). Peter agrees verbatim (see 1 Pet. 5:5). And as if to dash even the feeblest hopes of impenitently proud ones somehow spending perpetuity close to God, David declares that not only he but more importantly God will not tolerate them (see Ps. 101:5).

What is God's underlying message here? If we are ever to know and abide near the God who hates pride, we must be humbled. Obviously, if we were already humble in our natural state or even as born-again Christians, God's Word would not repeatedly call us to "humble yourselves." Nor would Jesus have warned even His closest disciples to humble themselves (see Matt. 18:3).

While becoming humble is easier said than done, it is not mission impossible. If it were, we could justly charge God with unfairness because through His inspired writers He plainly orders us to accomplish this task, using imperative language: "[You must] humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord" (James 4:10).

As with every other spiritual problem, the Bible provides us with clear and available solutions. Here are some biblical ways by which we may humble ourselves.

• Obedience to God's will—Jesus humbled Himself by obedience (see Phil. 2:8).

• Sober thinking—Don't think more highly of yourself (see Rom. 12:3).

• Full acceptance of the lowest place—you'll be exalted (see Luke 14:10-11).

• Receiving the chastening of God—training and corrective discipline (see Heb. 12:6).

• Submitting to spiritual leaders—they are accountable to God (see Heb. 13:17).

• Being subject to one another—listen to and serve one another (see 1 Pet. 5:5).

• Casting all your worries on the Lord—utterly dependent on God (see 1 Pet. 5:7).

• Receiving help freely—from God and man (see Luke 8:1-3).

• Confessing faults and errors—"I'm sorry, I was wrong" (see Matt. 5:23-24).

• Returning thanks for every blessing—form the habit daily (see 1 Thess. 5:18).

• Waiting patiently—pride is reduced and meekness produced (see Num. 12:3).

• Accepting humiliation—offenses will come—how will we react? (see Matt. 5:38-39).

These ways to humble ourselves are neither antiquated nor theoretical. They are proven, golden biblical methods. We may safely trust that as we practice them they will release us from the stressful yoke of pride and the Lord will establish us in healthy biblical humility. We will think worshipfully of God, highly of others and soberly of ourselves.

Missing the Forest for the Trees by John Paul Jackson

Some followers of Christ can get so wrapped up in pursuing the details of His direction that they ignore the “road signs” He has put right in front of them. They don’t realize that in many cases, He has already prepared them for the journey, and all they need to do is move forward.

Take a look at some of the heroes of the faith. Gideon was told he would defeat the Midianites. He was told to kill the second calf, tear down the altars of Baal, send home anyone who was afraid — and 22,000 men left, which dwindled his army to a mere 10,000. Then, to prove a point, God separated out the remaining men and sent home 9,700 more. Gideon now had an army of 300, and apparently, the only instruction God gave him was to sneak down to the Midianite camp to be strengthened “if” he needed it. That was it; that was all the direction Gideon received. Yet he and his small group of soldiers attacked the eastern tribes who had come against Israel and killed 120,000 men.

Before Gideon, there was Abraham, who was told to go to a land promised him by God. But he was never told how to get there. Then there is the case of Elijah, who, during a harsh drought, was sent by God to a woman in Zarephath — a woman God had prepared to take care of him. But when Elijah got there, the woman had no clue what was going on. She had one meal of flour and oil left for her and her son; then they were going to die. God said He had prepared her, but she had no idea Elijah was coming. What kind of “preparation” is that?

My point is this: Too many times we expect God to tell us more than He plans to tell us. As the days and years pass, we often find ourselves wondering when He is going to give us clearer direction. I will do what You want me to do, God — I just need to know how. You have told me to take these steps, but I don’t know how to start. Could You give me specifics? Details would be great. I’ll go forward the moment You tell me what to do.

Frequently, it seems to me that God tells us what to do in the beginning (He gives us His vision), then He places within our hearts everything else we need for the choices we will have to make in the journey, even down to the way we sling our sword in the midst of the battle. Conversely, if we wait until we have all the answers before we take any action, we won’t get very far, and we’ll eventually find ourselves sitting down and doing nothing. There, in that place of spiritual paralysis, we quickly atrophy and wonder why the prophecy never came to pass. We are waiting on God, and all the while, God is waiting on us.

Can we move forward presumptuously? Yes — but only if we do more than God said or add to what He said. Admittedly it is a fine line, but those sensitive to God’s voice will not cross it. They will feel the check or nudge of the Spirit before they go too far.

God wants us to reach what we were meant to reach, to be the people He created us to be. Just as He gives a way out of temptation every time (1 Corinthians 10:13), so He will prepare us to do what He has for us to do, whatever that is, every time.

We live in a day and age when we must be sensitive to God’s immediate plan. If we wait to start the journey until we have all the answers, we may find that we are full of potential but never achieve that potential. It is sad to see a life wasted for lack of movement. I have seen that far too often.

What is the difference between a mediocre life and that of a champion? One significant difference is this: When they know God has spoken, leaders and champions go toward the sound of His voice. Not all of them know how to get there. For some, not even the next step is visible. But they know what has stirred their hearts — the draw of the Holy Spirit that directs them toward a goal — and they fully believe that what God has said, He will do.

Sometimes it is good to wait for God to give us details. But often, He is waiting for us to trust Him and make the next move.

Visionary Advancement Strategies Newsletter May 23, 2010

Click this link for Articles      Visionary Advancement Strategies Newsletter May 23, 2010

How Ambition Destroys Discernment by Frank Viola

Over the weekend, I caught a documentary on the Jim Jones episode which occurred some 30 years ago. What a horror story. The footage was remarkable. I didn’t know that there were recordings of Jones instructing those in his fold to “drink the Koolaid.” (It wasn’t exactly Koolaid.) 

Jones was typical of leaders of his ilk. According to the experts who knew and studied him, he was highly gifted, charismatic (in personality), humorous, like-able, knew how to make people feel “important,” yet … an egomaniac, very insecure, fixated on his own importance, paranoid, easily jealous, a shameless self-promoter, corrupt and dishonest.

Not long after watching that program, I was informed that a person I know joined a movement that’s exclusive, sectarian, elitist, and marked by dishonesty, unmitigated arrogance, paranoia, jealousy, and the tearing down of others falsely. All leaving behind a long, long trail of hurt and devastated Christians. (I realize that this description fits many different movements, sadly.)

The interesting thing about it is that this person had been educated in the dangers of all of the above. And I’m aware of at least one person who warned him specifically. Yet still … he’s become a “true believer” of this movement. (I realize that this description fits many different people, sadly.)

“How does this happen?,” you might ask, as you shake your head in disbelief.

One major element in the mix is spiritual ambition. There are many “dreamers” who wish to become something for God which, in reality, they aren’t cut out for, called to, or are not ready for. Such benighted ambition blinds them to truth and honesty, and it smothers both their conscience and their discernment. Good judgment goes out the window … and so does integrity. It renders the person utterly “clueless” as to what’s really going on. And they aren’t in touch with any of this.

It’s both sad and fascinating to say the least.

A word of advice to the ambitious. Follow your conscience, never let your integrity be compromised, pay attention to the warning signs, and ultimately, throw away the calender and let God promote you. Have the attitude: If God doesn’t promote me then I won’t be promoted.

To put it in a sentence: decline the Koolaid when it’s being passed to you.

Selah.

Estad Quietos y Conoced que Yo Soy Dios Por Francis Frangipane

(English)
Entre todas las complejas y sublimes facultades del alma humana, un atributo funciona como siervo de todos: el alma del hombre es porosa. Quiere decir que además de los talentos y áreas fuertes, el alma es también formada y desarrollada por estímulos externos: aprendemos costumbres y lenguajes, hábitos, virtudes y vicios  en gran manera importándolos de la realidad que nos rodea. Ciertamente la medula de la vida misma, como la conocemos subjetivamente, es creada por el fluir interior de estas realidades externas.

Así, el alma, aunque nace con un poder innato,  es también el producto de su tiempo y circunstancias. Debido a que vivimos en tiempos proféticos sin precedentes, los individuos nacidos durante las últimas cinco o seis décadas son impactados, no solamente por las luchas y alegrías comunes de la vida, sino asimismo por los inexpresables desastres que ocurren alrededor del mundo. Como resultado de la cobertura en vivo de los medios de comunicación, experimentamos a través de la experiencia de otros repetida  participación con el sufrimiento humano. Vemos los reales rostros de aquellos traumatizados por terremotos y tsunamis, hambres y guerras. Nuevamente, debido a la naturaleza porosa del alma, cuando observamos los terrores de la vida, estamos absorbiendo una y otra vez estas atemorizantes realidades dentro de nuestras consciencias. No podemos evitar sino ser afectados.

¿Como borramos de nuestras mentes las caras de las victimas de terremotos y tsunamis? ¿Como es posible olvidar la horrenda memoria de personas saltando hacia su muerte desde las ardientes ventanas de las Torres Gemelas el 11 de Setiembre? ¿Que le ocurre a nuestras almas cuando vemos nuevos reportes de Iraquíes e Israelitas siendo volados por bombas terroristas?

Si usted es un intercesor, o incluso alguien quien posee simplemente básica compasión humana, el diluvio de sufrimiento y terror  proveniente de terribles desastres no puede ser detenido por un dique de intelecto humano. Los dolores de la vida, incluso cuando no son los nuestros propios, todavía son absorbidos dentro de nuestra alma, y mas aun si conocemos a quien esta sufriendo.

Para arreglárnosla con nuestras vulnerabilidades, hemos creados algunas soluciones positivas: hospitales, agencias de ayuda,  primeros auxilios y caridades todos relativamente nuevos medios de lidiar con el sufrimiento humano. Somos impulsados, no solamente a ayudar a las victimas, sino a ayudarnos a nosotros mismos a digerir y responder a  la sobrecarga emocional de nuestros tiempos.

Los Medios de Comunicación Manipulan Nuestros Temores
Es importante recordar que  la meta principal de las noticias no es comunicar las noticias presentes sino generar dinero al hacerlo. Así, incluso historias menores frecuentemente son sensacionalizadas para captar a los televidentes. Yo, por ejemplo, estoy cansado de los escándalos ampliamente publicitados y de las fallas morales en los líderes, sean políticos o religiosos. Si no tengo cuidado, la inundación de estas realidades pueden desgastar mi corazón, endurecer mi alma y hacer de mi un cínico.

 Sumado a estas cosas  a diario se nos recuerda sobre las actuales presiones económicas, mas las amenazas de enfermedades, el avance del crimen  y el caos en nuestras comunidades. Nuestras almas se agitan con las noticias. ¿Como puede un simple hombre lidiar con las atemorizantes condiciones del mundo?

Engrandeced al Señor
Es aquí, en este valle de presiones, conflictos y miedos que habrá santos abandonando la carrera. Aun así, es también aquí que el buscador de Dios es conducido más cerca del Señor.

El Salmista clama, "¡Engrandeced a Jehová conmigo!" (Sal. 34:3).Cuanto mas cerca estamos de Dios, mas se nos infunde de Su fuerza. Puede que el mundo a nuestro alrededor no mejore, pero a través del Espíritu Santo, ganamos nuevas fuerzas.

En Su presencia, los demonios de nuestro mundo se reducen proporcionalmente. Amados, precisamente en estas circunstancias, ¡engrandezcamos a Jehová! Hemos leído los capítulos finales: ¡Toda rodilla se doblara y toda lengua confesara que Jesucristo es el Señor! (Ver Filipenses 2:10-11).
Cuando nuestros enemigos se multipliquen y las presiones se amotinen, retírate--- sí, retírate a la fortaleza de Dios. ¿Esta usted ansioso? ¿Temeroso? Recuerde: “El que mora en los Cielos se reirá” (Salmo 2:4). ¿Esta siendo usted acusado por el enemigo? Nuevamente, el Señor dice " En descanso y en reposo seréis salvos; en quietud y en confianza será vuestra fortaleza" (Isa. 30:15). Cuando el acusador venga a encarcelarlo en su pecado, vergüenza y arrepentimiento, usted no tiene que defenderse. Usted tiene el derecho de permanecer callado. Dios mismo ha nombrado un abogado para usted, y es Su propio Hijo, el Único que murió por sus  pecados.

No magnifique sus problemas; sea Dios exaltado en toda la tierra. No permita que sus incrédulas palabras agoten su alma de vida, porque cuanto mas habla, más paz pierde. Sea lento en hablar. Antes de que pueda aprender a hablar para Dios, debe aprender que cosas NO hablar. Esta batalla no es acerca de las difíciles circunstancias que lo rodean;  es acerca de escuchar al Señor, escuchar lo que El pretende hacer, y luego seguirlo a la victoria.

Recuerde, querido amigo, las palabras del apóstol Pablo: “Por nada estéis afanosos.”  La verdadera batalla que esta enfrentando no es una de acción, sino de dirección: usted debe ascender verticalmente para tener éxito horizontalmente.  Establezca su alma en Dios y  establecerá victoria en su vida. En la presencia de Dios, la  porosa naturaleza del alma humana es una gran ventaja. Podemos escaparnos del estrés de la vida. ¡Podemos en realidad ser saturados con la restauradora sustancia de Dios!

Salmo 46
Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza,
Nuestro pronto auxilio en las tribulaciones.
Por tanto, no temeremos, aunque la tierra sea removida,
Y se traspasen los montes al corazón del mar;
Aunque bramen y se turben sus aguas,
Y tiemblen los montes a causa de su braveza. Selah

Del río sus corrientes alegran la ciudad de Dios,
El santuario de las moradas del Altísimo.
Dios está en medio de ella; no será conmovida.
Dios la ayudará al clarear la mañana.
Bramaron las naciones, titubearon los reinos;
Dio él su voz, se derritió la tierra.
Jehová de los ejércitos está con nosotros;
Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob. Selah

Venid, ved las obras de Jehová,
Que ha puesto asolamientos en la tierra.
Que hace cesar las guerras hasta los fines de la tierra.
Que quiebra el arco, corta la lanza,
Y quema los carros en el fuego.
Estad quietos, y conoced que yo soy Dios;
Seré exaltado entre las naciones; enaltecido seré en la tierra.
Jehová de los ejércitos está con nosotros;
Nuestro refugio es el Dios de Jacob. Selah

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Por favor siéntase en libertad de reenviar este mensaje a otros. Agradecemos el reconocimiento de nuestro sitio en la red.

Acuerdo de Reimpresión
Se permite la duplicación y re transmisión de estos escritos con la condición de que la fuente completa y la información del sitio en internet del Ministerio Francis Frangipane sean incluidas; a menos que articulo sea un extracto de un libro de otro editor. De ser así, por favor póngase en contacto con el citado editor para obtener el permiso de reimpresión. De igual manera las publicaciones que son puestas a la venta necesitan permiso escrito. Finalmente, de ninguna manera el material puede ser tomado fuera de contexto para calumnia o para difamar este ministerio.

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Cease Striving and Know That I Am God by Francis Frangipane

Among the many complex and sublime faculties of the human soul, one attribute functions as a servant to all: the nature of the soul is porous. This means that in addition to latent strengths and talents, the soul is also shaped and developed by external stimuli: we learn customs and language, habits, virtues and vices largely by importing reality as it surrounds us. Indeed, the marrow of life itself, as we subjectively know it, is created by the inward flow of these outward realities.

Thus, the soul, while it is born with innate powers, it is also the product of its times and circumstances. Because we live in unprecedented, prophetic times, individuals born during the last five or six decades are impacted, not only by the common struggles and joys of life, but also by the unspeakable disasters as they occur around the world. As a result of live media coverage, we vicariously experience repeated participation with human suffering. We see the actual faces of those traumatized by earthquakes and tsunamis, famines and wars. Again, because of the porous nature of the soul, when we view life’s terrors, we are repeatedly absorbing these fearful realities into our consciousness. We cannot help but be affected.

How do we erase from our minds the faces of earthquake and tsunami victims? How is it possible to forget the horrific memory of people leaping to their deaths from flaming windows high on the Twin Towers on 9/11? What happens to our souls when we view news reports of Iraqis and Israelis being blown apart by terrorists’ bombs?

If you are an intercessor, or even one who possesses just basic, human compassion, the flood of sorrow and terror rising from terrible disasters cannot be stopped by a levee of human intellect. Life’s pains, even when they aren’t our own, are still absorbed at some level into our soul, and more so if we know the one suffering.

To cope with our vulnerabilities, we have created some positive remedies: hospitals, relief agencies, first responders and charitable giving all are relatively new means of dealing with human sorrow. We are compelled, not only to help the victims, but to help ourselves digest and respond to the emotional overload of our times.

Media Manipulates Our Fears

It is important to remember that the main goal of the news media is not to communicate current news but to make money doing so. Thus, even minor stories are often sensationalized to bring back viewers. I, for one, am worn out by the highly publicized scandals and moral failures among leaders, whether political or religious. If I am not careful, the flood of these realities can jade my heart, harden my soul and make me cynical.

Added to these things we are daily reminded of current economic pressures, plus the threats of disease and the advance of crime and lawlessness in our communities. Our souls churn with the added news. How can mere man cope with the fearful conditions of the world?

Magnify the Lord

It is here, in this valley of pressure, conflict and fear that would-be saints lose heart and fade from the race. Yet, it is also here that the God seeker is driven closer to the Lord.

The psalmist cries, “O magnify the Lord with me!” (Ps. 34:3). The closer we are to God, the more we are infused by His strength. The world around us may not get any better, but through the Holy Spirit, we gain new strength.

In His presence, the demons of our world shrink in proportion. Beloved, in these very circumstances, let’s magnify the Lord! We have read the final chapters: every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! (See Phil. 2:10-11.)

When our enemies multiply and pressures mount, retreat---yes, retreat into the stronghold of God. Are you anxious? Fearful? Remember: ""He who sits in the heavens laughs” (Ps. 2:4). Are you being accused by the enemy? Again, the Lord says, “In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isa. 30:15). When the accuser comes to incarcerate you in your sin, shame and regret, you do not have to defend yourself. You have a right to remain silent. God Himself has appointed an advocate for you, and it is His very Son, the One who died for your sins.

Do not magnify your problems; let God be exalted over all the earth. Do not let your unbelieving words deplete your soul of life, for the more you talk, the more peace you lose. Be slow to speak. Before you can learn to speak for God, you must learn what NOT to speak. This battle is not about overcoming difficult circumstances around you; it is about listening to the Lord, hearing what He intends to do, then following Him to victory.

Remember, dear friend, the words of Paul: “Be anxious for nothing.” The true battle you are facing is not one of action, but direction: you must ascend vertically to be successful horizontally. Secure your soul in God and you will secure victory in your life. In the presence of God, the porous nature of the human soul is a great advantage. We can escape the stresses of life. We can actually be saturated with the life-restoring substance of God!

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change

And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

Though its waters roar and foam,

Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;

He raised His voice, the earth melted.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Come, behold the works of the LORD,

Who has wrought desolations in the earth.

He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;

He burns the chariots with fire.

"Cease striving and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. 

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Reawaken your passions for Christ!

Accepting registrations for the July 2010 ICIT class

July term discounts available

Watch this short video of Francis
introducing the training

Level I classes begin July 2, 2010

Registration closes June 24, 2010

ICIT En Español

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If you are financially unable to purchase a book from Pastor Frangipane, he would love to give you your choice of any one of his books for free, or for whatever you can afford. (Visit our FAQ page for more information.) Sorry, U.S. addresses only at this time.