JUST A BAD DREAM?

IS IT JUST A BAD DREAM OR ARE THESE THINGS REALLY HAPPENING?

Twas the month before Christmas 

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand. 

Why the PC Police had taken away 

The reason for Christmas - no one could say. 

The children were told by their schools not to sing 

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. 

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say 

December 25th is just a ' Holiday'. 

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit 

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! 

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod 

Something was changing, something quite odd! 

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa 

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. 

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down 

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. 

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears 

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. 

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty 

Are words that were used to intimidate me. 

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen 

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! 

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter 

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. 

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith 

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace 

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded 

The reason for the season, stopped before it started. 

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree' 

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me. 

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say 

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, 

not Happy Holiday! 

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season!

DON'T LET THE WORLD'S LOSS OF "REASON" STOP 

YOUR WITNESS 

FOR CHRIST'S "SEASON"

A GOOF I DON'T WANT TO REMEMBER

Some years ago I was going door to door with the Gospel and came upon a nice trailer court that seemed to be an ideal place to continue.  As I began to knock on those doors I continued to be met with negative responses.

 It seems that Jehovah's Witnesses had just been through the court and people probably thought I was one of them. After over ten doors I decided I'd fix this problem. At the next door I knocked and waited for a response.  A man opened it and with a smile I quickly said, "Good afternoon! My name is Claire and I'm NOT a Jehovah's Witness...."  He stared at me, and before I could continue he stated, "Well, I am."  

How embarrassing! I goofed! I really can't remember what I did next, but I sure learned a lesson. Some things ought NOT to be said as you evangelize door to door!  I'm sure glad the Lord allows us to learn as we go and doesn't fire us when we make mistakes.

If some of your visits have been less than fruitful, don't despair. You will learn too. And you will have many more opportunities to reach souls for Jesus. Don't give up!  Keep going, and as you go, be sure you also keep praying. God WILL USE YOUR LIFE... for you are going in His will...in obedience to His command. "Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel."

I also remember way back when I first began knocking on doors for the Lord that I was ready to go to my first house. I parked my car and slowly walked up the steps and stood in front of that door. I had tracts in my hand and a plan in my mind, but as I raised my hand to knock something happened. 

I froze. It was my first house. Suddenly I was overtaken with uncertainty and fear. As my hand remained inanimate, in the air, I quickly looked around and saw no one watching, so I slowly pulled my hand down, and made my way back to my car and drove away. 

What an experience! I still remember it vividly. Yet, years have passed, and I haven't quit. When you are hit with that fear, that intimidation, and yield to it...life is not over!  Just try again! Keep on going. The Lord will be with you. You can do it, and you need to do it, because you are a "SENT-ONE"

What would happen if everyone in your church would go witnessing for the Lord for one hour, even twice a week? It would change your church. It would change your people. Think of the hours that are wasted each week on non-eternal things. Check YOUR priorities and remake your list with witnessing at the top, or close to it. 

May the Lord put a fire under our feet that will drive us off our seat.  No believer is exempt from heaven's GREAT COMMISSION!

HE LOOKED UP WITH A SERIOUS HALF-GRIN

WHILE IN BRANSON, MISSOURI FOR A THREE DAY MINISTER’S CONFERENCE 

we took the opportunity to do some shopping. We were about to make a purchase when we discovered that a good discount was available if we obtained a free coupon book.

SO, WHILE MY HUSBAND WAITED, I headed down past several stores in this outlet mall to find the tiny specialty nut shop that provided them. Mouth watering aromas filled the place featuring still warm praline pecans, chocolate covered hazelnuts and giant cashews. However, my objective was to get a coupon book.

MY ENTRANCE DREW THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION of a decent looking young man behind the counter who was working on a computer. In just a minute I had what I came for, but I had a hope for something more.  Could I somehow get an opportunity to witness to this college-student-appearing young man who seemed to be about twenty five years old, with neat brown hair, and a slight beard?

ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE HIM IN CONVERSATION I casually asked,

“Have you worked here long?”

“Just a few months,” was his reply.

“It seems like a nice place to work. Do you enjoy it?” I continued.

“Yes, it’s quiet and I have time to do my work.”

“Are you doing school work?” I asked.

He looked up with a serious half grin and answered, “No. Actually I’m writing a book.”

I was immediately intrigued and inquired, “What kind of a book?”

His quick and excited response showed me he was more than ready to talk about it.

“It’s about culture and how it has affected various people groups historically.”

HE BEGAN TO BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THE CULTURES of the Greeks and Romans, and others. He spoke of their religious cultures, their gods, and their society.

Meanwhile, my mind was spinning, and my heart was praying, “Lord show me how to break through to him with your message.”

“That is so interesting. I’ve written a book too.”

His eyes lit up. “Really! What is it about?”

“It’s about culture too, and how it has woven itself into the most intricate parts of people’s lives. It’s easy to see how the conditions of a culture can strongly influence people’s thinking, their marriage, their future and so much more,” I asserted.

He was alive with comments and agreement.

STILL PRAYING FOR THE LORD’S DIRECTION I CONTINUED.

“I have written about people whose lives have been negatively affected by their culture, and my experiences in pointing them to help for their lives.”

“That’s incredible.” He was listening and interested.

“The Romans had their gods. The Greeks had theirs. India lists 330 million gods. Yet none of them could lift their devotees out of the mire of despair and hopelessness. I point people to Jesus as the Savior who can give them new lives.”

He was very receptive and immediately let me know that He is also going to include Jesus in his book as one who had a great influence on the culture and people of His day.

“HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM?” I ASKED.

To his weak reply I responded with conviction. 

“How can you write about Jesus unless you first come to know who He really is? Before you go very far you should at least read the Gospel of Saint John in the Bible. It is a true picture of who Jesus is. Do you know that He claimed to be God?”

He was nodding his head and hearing me, at least acknowledging Christ’s existence.

“IF HE KNEW HE WASN’T GOD and deliberately tried to deceive the people, then He was a deceiver and a liar.  

If He wasn’t God, but simply had delusions of grandeur, then he was a lunatic, not to be believed. 

But if what he claimed is true and He really is God, then we all need to hear what He has to say.”

I wanted so much to continue our conversation, but knew I had to leave. He had enjoyed the talk and thanked me for the insight as I left.

May God move this young man to inquire further and discover true salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was time for me to return to my patiently waiting husband.

BY THE WAY, THE BOOK I HAVE WRITTEN is called REACH THEM ONE BY ONE. It is filled with witnessing and soul winning accounts that the Lord has blessed me to experience,

 I told this young man,

“It’s about culture too, and how it has woven itself into the most intricate parts of people’s lives. It’s easy to see how the conditions of a culture can strongly influence people’s thinking, their marriage, their future and so much more.”

IT’S TRUE! The culture of this world is warped by sin. That sinful culture has pulled the multitudes into the devil’s trap.

I also told him:

 “I have written about people whose lives have been negatively affected by their culture, and my experiences in pointing them to help for their lives.”

IT IS ALSO TRUE. For my book deals with lives sick with sin, who have been pointed to Jesus, the only hope for sinners. 

The apostle Paul said, 1Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU TELL THIS YOUNG MAN? PLEASE MAKE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!! THANKS!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MY BOOK REACH THEM ONE BY ONE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION www.calvarypentecostalrevivals.org THANK YOU!

DON'T WASTE YOUR "WAIT"S

IS THERE SOMEONE... OR SOMETHING...YOU ARE WAITING FOR? 

One man said husbands spend half their lives waiting for their wives.  I don't know how accurate that is, but you may have spent considerable time waiting for a plane to depart, for your turn in a check- out line, for an oil change to get done. 

WHAT DO YOU DO WHILE YOU ARE WAITING? Waiting isn't always enjoyable. The apostle Paul even experienced waiting for someone. He showed us how to turn waiting into eternal profit. 

Acts 17:16 tells us what happened "while Paul waited."  He was waiting for his preaching partners to arrive at Athens. He didn't waste this waiting time.  He didn't let waiting irritate him. He didn't let it distract him from his true purpose in life. 

While Paul waited he observed the city and the people and "his spirit was stirred within him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."

The burden of his heart for the lost compelled him to do something.  He turned his waiting into reaching. Boldly he preached Jesus to the religious and devout Jews in the synagogue and every day he walked to the market place and preached to groups of people.  This led to confrontation and ministry to many more in Athens...all because Paul made eternal use of his waiting time. 

I WAS ONCE SEATED IN A ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE JUST WAITING. 


My husband was in another room for an appointment and I knew I would be sitting there for awhile. 


An elderly gentleman was seated across the room and as I observed him thoughts filled my mind. He is probably very close to facing eternity. How sad it would be for such a nice appearing gentleman to wind up in hell. The desire grew inside me to have the opportunity to speak to him, but the room was so full of people. That would make it uncomfortable. I just kept waiting and began to pray. 


Much sooner than I expected the room emptied out leaving just that man and me in it. Thank you Lord! You have prepared the way.


Looking over at him I asked him how he was doing and he mumbled a few words in response. Attempting to initiate a conversation I called over to him and asked him, "What kind of work have you done in your lifetime?" He eagerly replied that he had travelled the world doing oil exploration.


I took that cue and moved across the room to sit closer to him. He enjoyed describing his flights, his sea journeys, his many exciting adventures.


 Learning that he was 86 years old I did my best to move the conversation to his present need.  He had a cane and showed signs of weakness.  He began to tell me about his bone cancer, and things he would still like to do.


“What if you are able to do those things. What would you do then?” I asked him. "Just go a little slower," he replied.


I was trying to get him to think about eternity so I asked, “And when you finally get to that last moment of your life, what then?


"Well, I guess it will all be ready for us." he stated matter-of-factly.


"But," I said, "the important question is, will you be ready for it?" 
“Do you have a Bible?” I inquired.
“No.”
“Have you ever had one of your own?” I asked.


I was amazed to learn that in all his eighty-six years he had never had a Bible. It was my privilege to pull a New Testament out of my purse and present to him his first Bible. He was very happy to receive it, put it in his shirt pocket, tapped it, and said he would read it.


JUST THINK! THIS OPPORTUNITY CAME WHILE I WAS WAITING.

MEETING MICAH THE LEVITE

SHOULD I OR SHOULDN’T I OPEN IT?

Staring at me from eighteen inches away are three luminous figures surrounded by a sea of reflection imprinted with the inside of our 2005 Chevy Equinox. As a former cold-weather northerner it is incredulous to see 105 degrees glowing on the mirror. 

Attack mode is the only safe way to approach that inevitable Texas heat blast outside the door. It’s now or never. Run for it! Respond to the call of the mall’s refreshing coolness and do it fast. Not so! My husband takes my hand and we slowly meander toward the entrance. Nice! I mean, very nice! 

Our trips to these natural habitats of addicted shoppers are not purposely to shop. Something eternal is in our minds and hearts. The endless crowds move from store to store, kiosk to kiosk, some staring hypnotically.  Animated facial expressions and moving lips talking into the air seem to indicate conversation with invisible entities.

HOW MANY ARE A FEW?

One thing we do know is that before us is a living harvest field. If the end came today, how many of these would open their eyes in heaven? If you crammed all these hundreds of people together in one corner of the mall and called a “few” of them to gather in a separate group in the center, how many would be in that group? Jesus said “narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14).  What about the rest of them? That question motivates us.

I hope we remember which door we came in so we can find our car when we leave. Like avenues on a city street the traffic inside is terrific. The two legged traffic, rambling along at a snail’s pace seems unaware of our presence, but we are here. Our prayer has been for the Lord to lead us to opportunities to speak to some soul about Him.

HOW DID THE DEAD SEA WIND UP IN TEXAS?

We suddenly become aware that the Dead Sea is in Texas.  

As we almost pass by one of many kiosks we are enticed to stretch out our hands to receive precious mineral ointment squeezed from a turquoise tube by a hopeful salesman.  He is interested in restoring harmony and balance to our skin, but we cautiously hope to engage him in conversation.

“These products are from Israel and contain amazing beneficial minerals from the Dead Sea.  One of the natural wonders of the world is the Dead Sea in Israel, which is 1200 feet below sea level.”

Politely, I edge my way into the sales pitch, “Israel! I love Israel! I have been there!”

Slight amazement creeps to the surface of the man’s facial features. “You have?” “When?”

“Many years ago,” I reply,” probably around 1985.”

“Did you see the wall? I am from Israel and I live by the wall. I am here only two weeks now.”

He no doubt lived in the proximity of constant danger. I conjecture, “You must have seen some terrible things.”

A weather-worn, creased brow seemed intrinsically connected to the squint of his eyes as his solemn words poured forth,---“I thanked God every morning that I woke up.”

His mid-fiftyish appearance seemed strained, yet determined. A Jewish kippa ( cap) crowned his browned, tired looking face setting him apart from the passing crowd.

“Yes, I saw the wall of the city and the Western wall where many Jews were praying.

IMMEDIATELY MICAH IS PULLING OUT HIS CELL PHONE TO SHOW US PICTURES OF HIS HOME. 

He anxiously slides one picture after another until he smiles at the site. “This is my home. These are my streets.” It seemed evident that he was already missing that familiar place. We were strangers, yet he risked sharing personal facts. “I have children. Slowing down with a noticeable pause he continued, “My two sons are in the military.” As if a dark cloud passed over him his appearance suddenly changed revealing obvious concern.

I sense the unsettling moment and attempt to seize it. “We keep up with the news and are alarmed at the attacks and violence against Israel. We believe God has given the land to His chosen people, the Jews. The Torah declares it. Do you read the scriptures?”

Not a second was wasted. His hand quickly reached for his very worn, coverless copy of the Torah that was placed close by on his counter. He seemed almost offended that anyone would even question his use and familiarity with the scriptures. He made us aware of his knowledge of Hebrew, and his studies of the mystical Kabbalah. With strong Hebrew dialect and fingers pouring through the pages of that sacred book he began to reveal his educational background, his deep studies of the Jewish Bible, and his love for it.

After sharing our own love for the Bible, in a leap of faith I asked him, “Micah, are you looking for the Messiah to come?”

 “Of course,” he shot back “and the time is near!”  Intensity drove his words as he began to describe chaotic world conditions, devastating weather patterns. “These all are signs that His coming is near.”  

He paged through his Torah and pointed to portions describing how wickedness brought God’s judgment of the flood in Noah’s day. “It’s is like today. Something is going to happen.”  Micah is from the tribe of Levi.

I cautiously interrupted him. “Micah, your Messiah has already come. He came for you. His name is Jesus and He is about to come again.”

Like a streak of lightning, he stretched his arm out toward me with an upturned palm, as if to say, “Stop! Say no more!”

Somewhat yielding, I still continued with a question. “Then tell me, Micah, how would you identify the Messiah if He came tomorrow? How would you know for sure that He is the Messiah?”

I hoped he would describe some of the messianic characteristics prophesied in the Old Testament, but avoiding such an answer he simply stated, “I will know. In my heart I will know.”  His face was set.

I gently protested his conclusion, suggesting that many have come in the past saying they were the messiah. How would you know for sure if they were really the Messiah? Surely there are attributes you should look for…prophetic details…

Again, he waved me off, apparently understanding where I was headed. “Some things we don’t need to know. Some things we are not to know.” 

I wondered when he turned to Exodus 19 and detailed the account when Moses went up into Mount Sinai to meet with God.  The people were not to come near or touch the mount lest they die. He inferred that the people were not to know what Moses was to know. Some things are too sacred. He seemed to associate that with having knowledge of the Messiah. “We don’t need to know everything.”

Our conversation was intense. Once I tried to excuse myself saying that we were interfering with his business, as customers were coming by.  Another shopkeeper was standing at the door of his business intently listening to our entire conversation. Micah was not about to stop.  “This is more important.”

MANY MINUTES PASSED BY.

I had to move forward with this discussion. “Micah, we love Jerusalem and pray for its peace. We love our Jewish friends.”

It was his turn again. “I know that Christians love Israel and Jewish people. They do many things to show that.”

“Yes, and I want to thank you for the part Jewish people had in preserving the Holy Scriptures.  I also want to thank you for giving to us our Jewish Messiah, Jesus.”

This brought him to another full stop with his hand outstretched, palm upraised to say, “Enough!” But I could not help but sense that something was going on inside Micah’s heart that he fought to hide. He did not want to stop this conversation.  I knew I could not push him further, but felt the Holy Spirit directing my words.

“Micah, we are not going to keep you any longer.” As he stood by that two week old Dead Sea product Kiosk, he made me think of one of the Old Testament prophets, before they knew anything about the Babe who would be born of a virgin. He could quote the Scripture. He was waiting for the Messiah, but willingly hid from the Truth. Gently, I put my hand on his shoulder, looked into his Jewish face and pleaded, “Micah, please look one more time at Isaiah 53, and read it with an open heart. His face said that he knew what was in that Messianic chapter of the Torah.

We stepped away from that sacred spot where heaven was yearning to reach one of God’s Chosen Ones, with a prayer that has continued to ring out from our heart. “Lord Jesus, reveal yourself to Micah.”  In a moment we were mingling with more of the very ones Jesus died for. May He use us to reach them for Him.  Worthy is the Lamb to receive the reward of His sufferings.

BY THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ISAIAH PROPHESIED ABOUT THE COMING MESSIAH SEVEN HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE JESUS WAS BORN

The Messiah's own people would reject Him.	Isaiah 53:1	John 12:37-38
The Messiah would grow up in Nazareth.	Isaiah 53:2a	Matthew 2:21-23
The Messiah would appear as an ordinary man.	Isaiah 53:2b	Philippians 2:7-8
The Messiah would be despised.	Isaiah 53:3a	Luke 4:28-29
The Messiah would be rejected.	Isaiah 53:3b	Mat. 27:21-23
The Messiah would suffer great sorrow and grief.	Isaiah 53:3c	Luke 19:41-42 Mat. 26:37-38 Matthew 27:46
Men would deny association with the Messiah.	Isaiah 53:3d	Mark 14:50-52 Mat. 26:73-74
The Messiah would have a heal many.	Isaiah 53:4a	Luke 6:17-19 Matthew 8:16-17
The Messiah would bear the sins of the world upon Himself.	Isaiah 53:4b	1 Peter 2:24 1 Peter 3:18
Many would think the Messiah to be cursed by God.	Isaiah 53:4c	Mat. 27:41-43
The Messiah would bear the penalty of death for man's sins.	Isaiah 53:5a	Luke 23:33 Hebrews 9:28
The Messiah's would be bruised for our iniquities.	Isaiah 53:5b	Colossians 1:20 Eph. 2:13-18
The Messiah's back would be lashed at His trial.	Isaiah 53:5c	Matthew 27:26 1 Peter 2:24

Borrowed from: http://www.talkjesus.com/evidence-bible-prophecy/7726-messianic-prophecies-list.html

Jesus Messiah image from: http://christianbackgrounds.info/

ENTIRE MOSQUES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA COMING TO CHRIST

My burden is for souls to come to Christ. 

I frequently pray, "Lord give me souls" and then one day at an altar of prayer the Lord spoke to my heart, "Pray, Lord give me soulwinners." That has changed my focus. 

It is the will of God for sinners to be saved. Jesus already paid a great price for their salvation. He is the sacrificial Lamb who should receive the reward of his sufferings.  Will you help to go get them for Jesus?

Evidently the power of the Holy Spirit is working miraculously to draw the unsaved to Christ.


I just had to post this article that came from:

http://www.christianpost.com/news/entire-mosques-coming-to-christ-in-north-africa-says-former-church-planter-72123/

Let it stir your heart to be a part of that company of Gospel Preachers, Soul Winners, Reapers of the Harvest for Jesus. Read on:

The idea of more than 200,000 former Muslims coming to faith in Sub-Saharan Africa within a few short years is mind-boggling. But entire mosques in Sub-Saharan Africa coming to faith? 


That news is even harder to wrap one’s mind around, but it is in fact what is happening according to reports from a former church planter among Muslims in West Africa.

In the new book Miraculous Movements, Jerry Trousdale, now director of International Ministries for CityTeam International, records amazing and inspiring stories of faith among Muslim communities in Africa. The author opens up a new world to Western readers, taking them into the heart of the “miraculous movement” of God in Africa that is transforming the hearts of Muslims.

Trousdale writes that “unprecedented” events are happening among the Muslim populations that his ministry and its affiliates are working among, including:

• Multiple cases of entire mosques coming to faith

• Thousands of ordinary men and women being used by God to achieve seemingly impossible outcomes

• Tens of thousands of Muslim background Christians becoming dedicated intercessors who fast and pray for the gospel to penetrate the next community

• Muslim people groups that never had even one church among them now have more than fifty church planted, and in some cases more than one hundred churches – within two years of engagement

• Former sheikhs, imams and militant Islamists making up 20 percent or more of the new Christian leaders in Muslim regions

“We had seven years now in Africa. And of the people in Africa, 81 different people groups that have at least 50 percent Muslim have now significant movements among them.

Of those 81, 45 are people groups with 99 or 100 percent Muslim,” said Trousdale in an interview with CP.

“So we are talking about fairly extreme areas of Islamic influence. These are people who have been Islamic for well over a hundred years, some hundreds of years.”

http://www.christianpost.com/news/entire-mosques-coming-to-christ-in-north-africa-says-former-church-planter-72123/

THE FIVE MOST WANTED MEN

The song "My House Is Full But My Fields Are Empty" grips my heart every time I hear it. We were in Mount Carmel, Illinois holding revival at the Full Gospel Tabernacle, where Caleb Bond is the Pastor.

As I spoke one Sunday morning Caleb recorded it live on Flipzu: The Five Most Wanted Men.   I've posted it here, hoping you can hear it.

My husband and I sang together that stirring song above. We are not great singers, but sing from our hearts for the glory of God.  Brother Goodwin preached all the night services and we saw God reach down and touch many souls. To God be the glory!