Please vote Biblical values

      It is so important to get every Conservative you know to vote.  I believe most moral people are fed up with what is happening to our country, but I know some of them are not planning to vote.  They say their vote won't make a difference anyway, so why bother?   

     I read recently that only about 20% of Evangelical Christians voted in the last election and that less than 50% are registered to vote in this one.  What a shame that we take the wonderful freedoms for which many have given their lives for granted!  

      Did you know that the Obamas have spent over $1,500,000,000--that's 1.5 billion dollars of tax-payers money on vacations since he has been in office!!  How can a man who says that he wants to take money from the wealthy and share it with the poor use that much money to take family vacations?  Do you realize that is enough to support 50,000 people at $30,000 a year!!  How shameful to waste that much money on vacations! I don't choose to support politicians who say one thing and do another.  I hope you don't either.  Please register to vote, if you aren't registered already, and then go vote and urge your friends and neighbors to, also.  

      People all over America are gathering together to pray for righteous leadership to rise up in this country.  Millions are joining together in prayer and fasting for a spiritual awakening in America and the rest of the world.  I believe God hears our prayers and that we are praying according to His Will.  Therefore, I do not believe President Obama, who is pro-abortion and pro-homosexuality, and who seems intent on destroying our country will be re-elected unless people refuse to turn their hearts to the Lord before we have lost all our freedoms.  Christianity flourishes during persecution and hard times.  Hopefully, that won't mean we have to allow our country to become socialist/communist for that to happen.   

       Please join millions of us in prayer that God will honor His promise in II Chron. 7:14:  ^"If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Expect Great Growth!...by Bobby Conner

Bobby Conner:

Expect Great Growth! The Appearance of Church is About to Change Radically!

...But First, Christlike Leaders Must Emerge

The appearance of "church" as we know it is about to change radically! True apostolic and prophetic leadership is about to emerge the leadership of Christ the King in and through His Body. The Lord is about to raise up leaders characterized by His heart, the heart of a genuine servant!

This is great news! The Spirit of God is now releasing His divinely appointed and anointed leaders. Who are these emerging leaders? Are they special people with amazing charisma, outstanding gifts and a powerful anointing? Not necessarily! The enemy wants us to believe that God only uses "special people," but nothing could be farther from Biblical truth (see 1 Corinthians 1:26).

        Beloved brothers and sisters, these coming leaders are "whosoever will" – a phrase that Jesus used often to indicate our choice in the matter (see Matthew 7:24; 10:32-33; 16:25; 20:26-27; Mark 3:35; 8:34-35 KJV). In other words, each one of us could be and should be one of these emerging, appointed and anointed leaders!

Leaders With Christlike Character

        We must remember that the Lord is looking for a people whose hearts are right with Him so that He can fully support all that they are doing (see 2 Chronicles 16:9). For this reason, the Spirit of Truth is raising up leaders with integrity and character who will teach us the vast difference between what is pure and what is profane (see Ezekiel 44:23).

        Consequently, it is crucial that we walk in uprightness if we are to ascend the hill of the Lord (see Psalm 24:3-6). As we embrace accountability, we can be trusted with more true spiritual authority. Christ Jesus instructed us: If we are faithful over little, we shall become rulers over much more (see Matthew 25:21). On the other hand, if we fail to handle small things correctly, even the small things are in danger of being removed.A true leader must be found faithful and upright in both attitude and action.

Eye-Opening Encounters

       Imagine ministering with the heart of our Beloved Savior and Lord! How will our heart become like our Master's, the meek and lowly Lamb of God? This transformation must and will be supernatural.

       In fact, we are on the verge of awesome, life- changing encounters with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit recently spoke these words loudly in my heart: "Expect an eye-opening experience!"

       In Ephesians 1:17-18, Paul the apostle prays for us to have the eyes of our hearts flooded with divine, revelatory light. At this time, the Spirit of Truth is opening the eyes of all who are truly desperate to walk in intimacy with Christ. What will our eyes see? Christ Himself! The King of Glory! And as we see Him, we'll become like Him and manifest His servant's heart.

Explosive Growth and Challenges

       This new intimacy with the Lord will also result in an explosion of signs and wonders and a great harvest of souls(see John 2:23 and John 6:1-2). Along with this great ingathering of new Believers, however, will also come great problems, similar to what the early Church experienced in Acts 6:1-7. 

      As "fishers of men," we are about to understand that, just as fish dragged in by nets are not already cleaned and prepared, this great harvest of souls will not come into the Kingdom cleansed from the world but with many needs and wounds, addictions and strongholds.

Necessary Preparations!

       The Church must be equipped to handle this overwhelming growth and to minister to waves of people from many diverse backgrounds and levels of society. Now is the time to begin making the necessary preparations for what is ahead. As a wise person once said, "To fail to plan is to plan to fail!" We must be prepared to minister to this great harvest in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit, not in our own strength, our own ideas or our own will. This supernatural harvest requires supernatural, dunamis power and agape, Christlike love. Only Heaven on earth will suffice!

       It is imperative that we receive from God the insights and information we need to launch to the next level. We need His wisdom, not our own. We require His direction, not our selfish ambitions and "good ideas." And we must walk in His glorious power and anointing, not our fancy programs and titles. God is preparing leadership to receive HIS heart for the people!

True Apostles and Prophets

        Thankfully, in response to this explosive growth and increasing need, God will raise up strong apostolic leadership. But first, it is imperative that we seek a much deeper understanding and clearer revelation of the office of the prophet and apostle. The Spirit of God is releasing this spirit of revelation now to understand and embrace these offices and to discover that these "titles" are more than just labels. The apostle and prophet are divine functions of the Spirit working through anointed, appointed and chosen individuals.

Where Honor is Due

        Just attaching or wearing labels will continue to foster confusion and frustrate the emerging ministries of the apostle and the prophet. Beloved Believers, we should feel a deep concern for how loosely these terms have been bantered about in churches. It has been correctly stated that we devalue our spiritual currency by using these terms so loosely.

         It is extremely important that the Body of Christ honor and embrace the five-fold ministries (see Ephesians 4:11-16). To be sure, God has some true apostolic ministries operating in the Church today, largely in countries where the Gospel has had an explosive impact. Apostolic leadership is necessary in regions of rapid numerical growth. Yet too often today in the American Church, we see apostolic ministry proclaimed where there is little fruit to show for it. But, thankfully, that is about to change!

Get Ready...In a Posture of Humility

        Without question, we stand at the threshold of massive transition, and our response will determine whether the transition will be smooth or chaotic. We do not have to be rocked by the turbulence of change; rather, if we correctly position ourselves in a posture of genuine humility, motivated to build the Kingdom of God and not our own ministries, we will see an outstanding move of the Spirit of God...and supernatural growth!

       Just as in 2 Kings 7:1-20, we have underestimated the provisions of God for our generation. Now is the time to walk in the revealed light. We need not stumble in the darkness of religious ramblings but walk in Kingdom aims and divine purposes (see Ephesians 5:14-18). We will all be surprised by what God has in store for this end-time generation!

        These are unusual days of destiny and we must arise to the challenge. God is looking for ordinary saints whose hearts are passionately burning to establish the King in His Kingdom. If we seek intimacy with our King and pray that the eyes of our heart be opened, He will establish our character and use us as anointed leaders in the great harvest ahead!

Bobby Conner
Eagles View Ministries

Disappointments and Perseverance in Trials

^{James 2} My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

^{Romans 3} Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  

     Last night was the last Marshall football game.  Marshall has had a very poor season this year, winning only one game.  Since our grandsons play on the team, one JV, one Varsity, we have gone to almost all of the games.
    Our oldest grandson is a senior this year.  He is the team kicker.  He has always loved soccer but gave it up because he was asked to kick for the football team.  Anyone who lives around here knows football is a big deal while soccer in high school is almost non-existent.  He is an exceptional kicker (I don't just say that because I'm his grandma.)  Last year as a junior Daniel set several school records including the most after-touchdown points scored (63) when Marshall won almost every game with high scores.  He also made all-conference kicker and received several other awards.  His longest field goal in games last year was 43 yards which is 2 short of the school record.  In practice he kicked field goals several times over 50 yards.  I tell you all this to explain our disappointment this year when several times the team was in Daniel's field goal range on the 4th down with 8 or more yards to go and the coach chose to try for the first down instead of a field goal. We were all asking why not let Daniel put a few points on the board, and also attempt to beat the school record?  Two of the games Marshall played could have been won with field goals, but the opportunity was by-passed to try to make a first down.  Of course, every time the ball was turned over to the other team without making the first down!    
     Last night was no exception.  We played Casey who is undefeated this year.  Three times we were within field goal range but instead of letting Daniel attempt the field goals--one of them would have been a school record--it was decided to go for the 1st down, and of course that didn't work.  Marshall failed to score at all and Casey won 34-0.   I think the most irritating thing about it is that the score wasn't even close, so why not at least put a few points on the board while letting Daniel finish this most disappointing year with a little fun and excitement and an opportunity to improve his chances of a college scholarship?
     I have been reminding myself of wisdom I learned from Merlyn Carouthers when our children were teenagers. " If you're praying, (and I have been) and your prayers are sincere, you can praise God and thank Him for everything that's happening, because it is for your good or someone else's." The Bible says that God works all things together for good for those who are called according to His purposes.  I believe that will happen.  We know that it also says that trials produce character.
      So thank you Lord, for trials and opportunities to forgive.  Thank you for working all things together for your good.  I am excited to see what you are doing in Daniel's life.  His attitude and perseverance have been commendable.  Thank you, Lord.  We stand on your promises.

New Amphitheater Model

        The Festivals & Events Action Team which was formed through the MAPPING process sponsored by Martinsville On The Move is busy working on several projects.
       Dan Smith has made a new model for us of the proposed amphitheater at the new Linn Park.  We are excited about this model and feel it is close to the final plan.  An idea we are considering is to increase the cupola overhang, lower it a little and then leave the area between the two roofs open instead of having windows to clean.  This would allow for air circulation and light but avoid unnecessary upkeep.
     The brick donation fundraiser we began a couple of months ago to pay for building the amphitheater is going well.  For donations of $100, $200, $300 or more, donors receive a 6x6, 6x9 or 9x9 inch brick engraved according to the donor's specifications.  (We welcome your contribution.  The more bricks we have and the more varied the inscriptions, the more interesting it will be to walk on the path and the sooner we can build the amphitheater.  The bricks can say anything as long as it is approved by the committee.  We already have some historical, some memorial, some in honor of, and a couple of Bible verses and wise sayings, so if you would like to help us out while contributing a lasting memory to our brick path please contact me.)
       In addition to the funds raised through brick donations, we have received a $20,000 grant from the Linn Foundation and additional business donations so that we are halfway to our goal of raising $75,000 to build the amphitheater.  We had planned to complete fundraising by early spring so that we could begin construction in April, but if the funds are received sooner we will possibly be able to begin this winter before the ground freezes.

      

       We are also excited about an idea that has evolved from the brick fundraiser.  As we were discussing plans with Randy Netzley, a horticulturalist, to develop a small botanical garden in which to lay the brick path, he mentioned that the nearest botanical garden is in Springfield.  We decided this could be a great opportunity to develop a botanical garden in this area that could be enjoyed by residents of the surrounding communities as well as promote tourism in the county.  We plan to install nameplates to identify all the existing plants and trees in the Linn Park and then intentionally choose plants for the brick garden and additional gardens and landscaping to provide as much diversity in the garden as possible.
       Our committee is also working on a new National Road Festival planned for Father's Day weekend which we are very excited about!  We think it will draw people from many miles around because of the theme and the unique program line-up so stay-tuned for more about that in a later post.
      Since there are several others projects in progress besides the above mentioned it really does feel as if Martinsville IS on the Move.

Fasting

       I have been meditating on the meaning of, and need for, fasting in the last few weeks because several ministries have called for prayer and fasting for our nation before the Presidential election on Nov. 6.  I know that we can't get things from God by fasting.  It is not a way to "twist His arm".  Some have said it is a way of getting close to God because it removes things of the world from our lives for a time so that we can focus more on God.  I'm sure this is true for many, but for me I've never seen a great correlation between when I fast to sensing God's presence in a greater measure.  As I've heard several say, "When I fast, I don't feel closer to God, I only feel hungry."
       But since I feel this election is so important, and just in case adding my fasting could help to make a difference I decided to fast breakfast for these 40 days prior to the election.  This morning as I was rededicating this time and reminding the Lord He is welcome to use it in any way He sees fit, the thought occurred to me that fasting is a sacrifice of praise, a way to place God in the highest place in my life--above food, above money, above my time.   Matthew 6 came to mind where Jesus included giving, praying and fasting in the same chapter with the same emphasis.

  ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

¹⁷ But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,¹⁸ so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
   
    All of these are sacrifices, or rather, offerings to God.  I don't know why I am so slow to learn, but for me, recognizing fasting as an offering makes it much more enjoyable.
     (Of course, I realize that by telling you I'm fasting breakfasts, I may have lost all rewards--see verse 18.   I'm willing to take that chance though, because if you have been confused about fasting as I have been, you may have not seen it as the great opportunity and privilege that it is--just as giving and prayer are.)
      I love to give offerings to the Lord.  I love to please Him.  I just hadn't seen fasting in that light.  I've questioned what good fasting could be doing spiritually because I saw no immediate, or apparent results. (Do we always see immediate and apparent results to giving and praying?) Therefore it seemed so useless.  But if I realize I am pleasing God with a sacrifice of praise then it becomes meaningful and even enjoyable.  If I remember Him every time I'm hungry, it also causes me to draw near to Him more often throughout the fast.  Whoever thought of a growling stomach as a call to prayer and remembrance?
     Isn't God amazing!!  Just as He says, He uses all things to work together for our good!  Even fasting!

Ten Inspiring Quotes

I found this list posted on another blog:

Johnny Ward -- TEN INSPIRING QUOTES FOR A DEPRESSED HEART:

Begin Each Day Anew - "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them -- every day begin the task anew."
[Saint Francis de Sales]

A Treasured Pearl - "A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl."
[Stephan Hoeller]

Find Your Joy - "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."
[Thich Nhat Hanh]

Make Humor An Asset - "Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keep friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment."
[Greenville Kleisser]

The Building Blocks Of Character - "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
[Helen Keller]

Listen To Pain - "Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
[C.S. Lewis]

"Prosperity is not without many fears and disasters; and adversity is not without comforts and hopes."
[Francis Bacon]

"Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings."
[Elie Weisel]

"We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope."
[Martin Luther King]

Be Healed By Compassion - "The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being."
[Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama]

Change Your Thoughts - "What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this adds up to you at this moment. If you want to change who you are physically, mentally, and spiritually, you will have to change what you think."
[Dr. Patrick Gentempo]

What Saves You -
Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime, therefore, we are saved by hope.

Nothing true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history, therefore, we are saved by faith.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone, therefore, we are saved by love.

No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as from our own; therefore, we are saved by the final form of love, which is forgiveness."
[Reinhold Niebuhr]

The Colors of Fall

       We had a lot of wind yesterday so today I went out to pick up sticks.  I kept getting distracted though, because it is so beautiful this time of year.  Every few minutes I seemed to be stopping to take pictures--even though I know pictures couldn't capture all the beauty I was experiencing.  Since the colors of fall are so fleeting I just had to try though, because they will be gone in a few short days and I wanted something to remember them by.  

The Courtyard

Aren't the horses beautiful in their green pasture?

Looking down our lane toward Friendship

Our front yard looking toward the horse pasture

      I did get a little work done, too, and now we have a nice pile of sticks for a bonfire/wiener roast this week-end.  What fun!
      

NRA: Borderless

         Click on the link below to watch a sobering video about our open border with Mexico.  How outrageous that the president of our country not only apologizes for our nation, but does nothing to protect it!!!

NRA: Borderless

Are you familiar with Gimp?

       Have you ever heard of Gimp?  It is a program similar to Photoshop but instead of costing hundreds of dollars it is free.  If you're interested you can find out more about it and download it here.
        I heard about it in June when we were at Iowa CFO.  The leader of the Photography Creative at camp had been a professional photographer for several years.  He recommended Gimp as an alternative to Photoshop.  He said it's the only program he uses now, so I came home and downloaded it.  I didn't think anymore about it until today when I was trying to find someone who used Photoshop so that I could ask them if they would turn a photo of an amphitheater into a sketch that I could use on the cover page of a grant application I'm working on.
      The gazebo in the photo below is similar to the plan we are working on for the amphitheater at the new Linn Park in Martinsville so I decided to begin with this photo.  Here is the original:

      I asked the question on Google, "How do you turn a photo into a sketch using Gimp?" and got several explanations, so I spent the afternoon trying out some of the suggestions.  Here are a couple of results so you can see how helpful those suggestions were. Some of the settings need to be adjusted to darken the lines, but I think if a spend a little more time I may get the hang of it.

        There seems to be several different ways to do this, so I need to experiment with which works best for awhile.  I'm encouraged though, that it can be done by someone like me with little knowledge of complicated photo editing programs.  I also looked up some of the Photoshop methods which were so similar to Gimp that I was able to use translate them into the Gimp software, so it appears Gimp really is a good alternative to Photoshop.  

        I thought some of you might want to try it out, too, once you see how easy it is.

    You can add a little color back into the sketch once you've created it.

Acts of Hostility Toward People Of Biblical Faith:

     Here is a sobering compilation of acts of hostility toward biblical values.  I wish every person would read it and think about it because whether you are Christian, or not the freedoms that are taken away will eventually affect everyone.  Right now it may not be a freedom you care about, but as the lust for power continues, more and more things you do care about will be affected until the people of the United States of America, which has been "a city on a hill" for so many down-trodden people, will join those people in crying out for relief from the burdens placed upon them. 

      David Barton of Wallbuilders.com http://wallbuilders.com/ has come out with a list explaining why Barack Obama is the most biblically hostile President of all time.  While most of these stories have been seen before, seeing them all laid-out in one list, is pretty
astonishing !

Note there are 4 main categories of hostility, with numerous items listed under each.

1.  Acts of Hostility Toward People Of Biblical Faith:

A.  April 2008: – Obama speaks disrespectfully of Christians, saying

They “cling to their guns or religion” and have an “antipathy to people who are not like them.”

B.  February 2009: – Obama announces plans to revoke conscience protection for health workers who refuse to participate in medical activities that go against their beliefs, and fully implements the plan in February 2011.

C.  April 2009: – When speaking at Georgetown University , Obama orders that a monogram symbolizing Jesus’ name be covered when he is making his speech.

D.  May 2009: – Obama declines to host services for the National Prayer Day (a day established by federal law) at the White House.

E.  April 2009: – In a deliberate act of disrespect, Obama nominated three pro-abortion ambassadors to the Vatican ; of course, the pro-life Vatican rejected all three.

F.  October 19, 2010: – Obama begins deliberately omitting the phrase about “the Creator” when quoting the Declaration of Independence; – an omission he has made on no less than seven occasions.

G.  November 2010: – Obama misquotes the National Motto, saying it is “"E pluribus Unum"” rather than "“In God We Trust,"” as established by federal law.

H.  January 2011: – After a federal law was passed to transfer a WWI Memorial in the Mojave Desert to private ownership, the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the cross in the memorial could continue to stand, but the Obama administration refused to allow the land to be transferred as required by law, and refused to allow the cross to be re-erected as ordered by the Court.

I.  February 2011: – Although he filled posts in the State Department, for more than two years Obama did not fill the post of religious freedom ambassador, an official that works against religious persecution across the world; he filled it only after heavy pressure from the public and from Congress.

J.  April 2011: – For the first time in American history, Obama urges passage of a non-discrimination law that does not contain hiring protections for religious groups, forcing religious organizations to hire according to federal mandates without regard to the dictates of their own faith, thus eliminating conscience protection in hiring.

K.  August 2011: – The Obama administration releases its new health care rules that override religious conscience protections for medical workers in the areas of abortion and contraception.

L.   November 2011: – Obama opposes inclusion of President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous D-Day Prayer in the WWII Memorial.

M.  November 2011: – Unlike previous presidents, Obama studiously avoids any religious references in his Thanksgiving speech.

N.  December 2011: – The Obama administration denigrates other countries’ religious beliefs as an obstacle to radical homosexual rights.

O.  January 2012: – The Obama administration argues that the First Amendment provides no protection for churches and synagogues in hiring their pastors and rabbis.

P.  February 2012: – The Obama administration forgives student loans in exchange for public service, but announces it will no longer forgive student loans if the public service is related to religion.

2.   2.Acts of Hostility From The Obama-Led Military Toward People Of Biblical Faith:

A.  June 2011: – The Department of Veterans Affairs forbids references to God and Jesus during burial ceremonies at Houston National Cemetery .

B.  August 2011: – The Air Force stops teaching the Just War theory to officers in California because the course is taught by chaplains and is based on a philosophy introduced by St. Augustine in the third century AD; – a theory long taught by civilized nations across the world (except America).

C.  September 2011: – Air Force Chief of Staff prohibits commanders from notifying airmen of programs and services available to them from chaplains.

D.  September 2011: – The Army issues guidelines for Walter Reed Medical Center stipulating that “No religious items (i.e. Bibles, reading materials and/or facts) are allowed to be given away or used during a visit.”

E.  November 2011: – The Air Force Academy rescinds support for Operation Christmas Child, a program to send holiday gifts to impoverished children across the world, because the program is run by a Christian charity.

F.  November 2011: – The Air Force Academy pays $80,000 to add a Stonehenge-like worship center for pagans, druids, witches and Wiccans.

G.  February 2012: – The U. S. Military Academy at West Point dis-invites three star Army general and decorated war hero Lieutenant General William G. (“Jerry”) Boykin (retired) from speaking at an event because he is an outspoken Christian.

H.  February 2012: – The Air Force removes “God” from the patch of Rapid Capabilities Office (the word on the patch was in Latin: Dei).

I.  February 2012: – The Army orders Catholic chaplains not to read a letter to parishioners that their archbishop asked them to read.

3.   3. Acts of Hostility Toward Biblical Values:

A.  January 2009: – Obama lifts restrictions on U.S. government funding for groups that provide abortion services or counseling abroad, forcing taxpayers to fund pro-abortion groups that either promote or perform abortions in other nations.

B.     January 2009: – President Obama’s nominee for deputy secretary of state asserts that American taxpayers are required to pay for abortions and that limits on abortion funding are unconstitutional.

C.      March 2009: – The Obama administration shut-out pro-life groups from attending a White House-sponsored health care summit.

D.     March 2009: – Obama orders taxpayer funding of embryonic stem cell research.

E.      March 2009: – Obama gave $50 million for the UNFPA, the UN population agency that promotes abortion and works closely with Chinese population control officials, who use forced abortions and involuntary sterilizations.

F.       May 2009: – The White House budget eliminates all funding for abstinence-only education and replaces it with “comprehensive” sexual education, repeatedly proven to increase teen pregnancies and abortions.  He continues the deletion in subsequent budgets.

G.     May 2009: – Obama officials assemble a terrorism dictionary calling pro-life advocates violent and charging that they use racism in their “criminal” activities.

H.     July 2009: – The Obama administration illegally extends federal benefits to same-sex partners of Foreign Service and Executive Branch employees, in direct violation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

I.        September 16, 2009: – The Obama administration appoints, as EEOC Commissioner, Chai Feldblum, who asserts that society should “not tolerate” any “private beliefs,” including religious beliefs, if they may negatively affect homosexual “equality.”

J.       July 2010: – The Obama administration uses federal funds in violation of federal law to get Kenya to change its constitution to include abortion.

K.     August 2010: – The Obama administration Cuts funding for 176 abstinence education programs.

L.      September 2010: – The Obama administration tells researchers to ignore a judge’s decision, striking down federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

M.   February 2011: – Obama directs the Justice Department to stop defending the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

N.     March 2011: – The Obama administration refuses to investigate videos showing Planned Parenthood helping alleged sex traffickers get abortions for victimized underage girls.

O.     July 2011: – Obama allows homosexuals to serve openly in the military, reversing a policy originally instituted by George Washington in March 1778.

P     September 2011: – The Pentagon directs that military chaplains may perform same-sex marriages at military facilities, in violation of the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Q.   October 2011: – The Obama administration eliminates federal grants to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, for their extensive programs that aid victims of human trafficking, because the Catholic Church is anti-abortion. 

4.   4. Acts Of Preferentialism For Islam:

A. May 2009: – While Obama does not host any National Day of Prayer event at the White House, he does host White House Iftar dinners in honor of Ramadan.

B. April 2010: – Christian leader Franklin Graham is dis-invited from the Pentagon’s National Day of Prayer Event, because of complaints from the Muslim community.

C. April 2010: – The Obama administration requires rewriting of government documents and a change in administration vocabulary to remove terms that are deemed offensive to Muslims, including "jihad," "jihadists," "terrorists," "radical Islamic," etc.

D. August 2010: – Obama speaks with great praise of Islam and condescendingly of Christianity.

E. August 2010: – Obama went to great lengths to speak out on multiple occasions on behalf of building an Islamic mosque at Ground Zero, while at the same time he was silent about a Christian church being denied permission, to rebuild at that location.

F. 2010: – While every White House traditionally issues hundreds of official proclamations and statements on numerous occasions, this White House avoids traditional Biblical holidays and events, but regularly recognizes major Muslim holidays, as evidenced by its 2010 statements on Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, Hajj, and Eid-ul-Adha.

G. October 2011: – Obama’s Muslim advisers block Middle Eastern Christians’ access to the White House.

H.  February 2012: – The Obama administration makes effulgent apologies for Korans being burned by the U. S. military, but when Bibles were burned by the military, numerous reasons were offered why it was the right thing to do.               

Many of these actions are literally unprecedented––this is the first time they have happened in four centuries of American history. The hostility of President Obama toward Biblical faith and values is without equal from any previous American president.

Wellspring Newsletter, October 2012

       I very much admire Dr. Art Mathias and Wellspring Ministries.  Wellsprings "treating the whole person approach" restores so many to health both physically and emotionally.  Dr. Mathias is a man of integrity with a balanced, Biblical view.  This recent Wellsprings newsletter reveals much of what he believes about church and politics.  He urges everyone to pray for our government and the coming election.  It is imperative that we discover what each candidate stands for so that we can vote for righteousness.

WellspringNews    October 2012 2511 Sentry Dr.   Anchorage, AK  99507    akwellspring.com Politics & The Church by Dr. Art Mathias There are many that believe that the church should stay out of politics. We often hear that we should leave our “beliefs at the door,” or this is an “individual decision” so stay out! Some even say that since Jesus was not involved in politics we should not be either. We need to remember that our constitution guarantees a freedom “FOR” not “from” religion. Separation of church and state simply means that the government cannot have an official religion or church—everyone has the freedom to worship or not worship as they choose, nothing more and nothing less.  Now let’s take a look at what the Bible really teaches and what Jesus really did about politics. I am not interested in anyone’s personal opinion of who I should vote for. But I am very interested in God’s opinion of who I should vote for, based on His Scriptural laws, and the best information I have for what candidates stand for. Many people in this country have no clue of what Scripture teaches, what a candidate really believes and the impact that they can make for good by participating in our system by voting. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”  For the Lord, righteousness and sin are more than individual personal issues. “Nation,” and “people,” means that groups of people, even nations of people, are called to live in righteousness. God says sin, and tolerance for sin, is a disgrace. I can accept a person or a people in love and still call sin, sin. Jesus did so with the woman caught in adultery. I do believe that it is every believer’s identity to be light and salt for the world (Mat. 5:13-16). That means shining the light of God, His word, and His precepts in every area of life, including our government. No area of life is exempt from God’s marvelous light! Our identity and responsibility is to teach people God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit, and part of this includes teaching people right from wrong according to God’s word in every area of life. Some then would counter and say “Jesus did not get involved in politics,” but is this really true?  To answer this let’s start with the messages of the prophets of Israel. Almost every statement made by the prophets was made to kings and rulers of Judah, Israel, and many surrounding countries. Many of these messages were what we would call “political,” in that they address how the people are being governed, and whether or not they are obeying God’s laws. The messages deal with morality, economics, and foreign relations. It is impossible to read the prophets without their political statements coming through.   When any nation began to turn to God and follow His ways as outlined in the Word, amazing blessing followed. When the pagan Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged and followed the LORD, blessing followed him. Nebuchadnezzar himself admitted: “And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.” (Daniel 4:36-37) There are many other examples such as the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. God through Moses was instructing Pharaoh and all the people in Egypt in right and wrong. The result was that over 12 million people accepted God’s ways and left “Egypt.” Later, John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, told Herod, the political ruler of Israel, that it was “unlawful” for him to be married to Herodias (Mat. 14:3). Jesus even said, “Beware of the leaven of Herod.” (Mk. 8:15) He also referred to Herod as “that fox.”(Luke 13:31) Jesus often rebuked, the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees, all of whom made up the Sanhedrin,the political ruling entity of His own people. As we know, these people were famous for twisting the laws of God for their own benefit, to the harm of the people they were governing. The entire 23rd chapter of Matthew is devoted to Jesus’ rebukes of these rulers, most of which begin with “Woe to you…!” It is very true that Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) In other words, His kingdom does not originate in this world, with worldly wisdom. However, His kingdom is IN this world, because we are in this world and He is our King! And the wisdom of the Word, God’s laws and principles, is intended for all humankind, because following them brings life. Our government and all governments on earth are in need of fervent prayer and the life that comes from obeying God and His ways. Both of the main political parties in our country are in need of this. Our nation needs to acknowledge its Creator and His Son Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. We need to pray, everywhere, including schools and public places where people should be free to pray and worship. I believe our nation is in danger of being guilty of the same great darkness that existed in Isaiah’s time: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20) We will always find the correct answer in His word and in His precepts. His words are life and health to all who find and obey them. Therefore we must not be silent! The Bible is very clear about lying, idolatry, covetousness, stealing, murder, adultery, abortion, homosexuality and many other issues of right and wrong. The Bible also has a lot to say about relationships with other nations (foreign policy) and economics. We need to study and understand His precepts to make good choices in who we vote for and in our personal lives. A few months ago I sent you a paper on economics. In case you missed it, I have taken the liberty to send it again. Click on the link here.   God cares about our material needs and has a strategy for our personal and national needs. Please read this and feel free to send it on to others. I have also included a link to an incredible video by pastor, Bishop EW Jackson.  Please take a look at it and forward it to others. We are at a very critical crossroads in our lives and in our country. We cannot sit on the sidelines. Vote on November 6! God Bless You! Dr. Art Mathias