Redress of Grievances, an Inalienable Right, But Is Anyone Listening?

(Columbus, Ohio) We the People came to the Ohio Statehouse on Friday afternoon, 5.1.2020, to redress their grievances. 

ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS & THE FELLOWSHIP

Whole families came from all over the state and some from out of Ohio. Kids brought energy, joy, and enthusiasm. Kids played on the Capitol lawn while the adults were a bit more sober. Everyone got into some of the chants led by the leaders on megaphones.  “O-H-I-O, Acton’s to Go,” or “DeWine, Tyrant. DeWine, Tyrant. DeWine, Tyrant.” Several speakers drew the attention of much of the crowd.

A lot of people were taking pictures, selfies and pictures of the numerous pertinent and clever signs. Some even took pictures with former President George Washington who happened to be strolling through the crowd.

PURPOSE

The focus of this united rally of disgruntled citizens was a demand for the reopening of the Ohio’s economy especially small businesses and the restoration of jobs lost.  Government overreach and overreaction response to an exaggerated media-hyped pandemic crisis was what caused the people the most offense. Many small businesses may permanently have to close due to this unexpected and erroneous government solution to what is turning out to be a non-crisis.

But there was no one there in authority or power who listened. No one seems to be paying any attention. Gov. Mike DeWine with a supposed approval rating of 80% has chosen to ignore We the People. After all, like many politicians he got what he needed from them, being elected. He doesn’t need them until at least another three years or so. “Mike DeWine” response, “Tyrant.”

PRAYER

The people, or at least some of the people, came and prayed to God. He listened. He always listens. He doesn’t always answer our prayer according to our wishes. However, He listens.

Interestingly, the leader of the prayer time at 1:30 p.m. asked believer to come in a circle to join him in prayer and he asked those who were not believers to circle them and “protect” them. After a brief time of prayer everyone joined in a march.

A MARCHING WE WILL GO

The people marched en masse once around the Capitol square drawing the ire of bicycled police as they walked on the street to avoid construction barriers at one point along the mini march.

The people left to return another day, and another, and another…

Tyrannical Government and Governors

Thursday morning, I read a passage about the power of insistent prayer achieving effective action in the Bible’s book of Luke (Luke 18:1-8 NASB). 

18 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, ² saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. ³ There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ ⁴ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, ⁵ yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’”

 ⁶ And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; ⁷ now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Immediately I was impressed to apply this passage to the current outrage and rising protests to the largely overblown and unnecessary actions by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other leaders in their response to the coronavirus so-called pandemic.

Realistically, it is more like a plannedemic, if you ask me. Oh, the virus is very real alright, but most of the officials’ response to it is far worse than the virus-causing disease itself could ever be.

By my count there have been at least five protests so far of Gov. DeWine and his administration’s handing of the coronavirus “crisis.”

I attended the third protest held at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, Friday, 4.17.2020, where some 50 souls gathered to object to Gov. DeWine’s and his petite pro-abortion tyrant-in-a-white-lab-coat, Dr. Amy Acton’s overreaction and overreach based on her far-fetched, false, fear-inducing statistical models on which she based her questionable ACTiONs. These models have proved to be wholly and woefully misleading. After all, they come with the blessing of the communist-globalist infused World Health Organization (WHO), which gladly President Trump ended funding of that evil anti-American organization.

The first protest (and here) was held Thursday, 4.9.2020 at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, against Governor’s reaction and action regarding the coronavirus “pandemic.”

Then on Monday, 4.13.2020, a second protest (and here), where 75-100 people gathered and continued the drive to end the shutdown or lockdown of America’s and Ohio’s economy and the accompanying unnecessary job losses.

Other states were also seeing protests gaining momentum in their capitols. One powerful example was the snarling traffic jam caused in Lansing, MI when thousands and thousands of cars participated in a drive-around the Capitol in protest of Hitleresque Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s (D-MI) tyrannical display of socialist power grab imitating the actions of a third world dictator who recently gained unlimited power over his or her subjects.

I didn’t join the fourth protest, Saturday, 4.18.2020. That day’s protest attracted hundreds, 200+ protesters, more than doubling the total of all the previous protests.

But I did attend the fifth protest, which was conducted on Monday, 4.20.2020. This protest drew 500 or more people, a nice cross section of American society being represented from babies, families, young people, adults to COVID-19 susceptible but patriotic and perturbed elders. The day started off with prayer and ended with resolve to continue this very worthy endeavor.

A CALL TO PRAYER AND ACTION

Just as in the case of Jesus’ parable about the wicked judge mentioned above, we must  incessantly demand our leaders do the right thing and simultaneously diligently praying. And secondly, by faith, act on those demands and prayers against the misguided Governor(s) who stubbornly and unwisely refuse to end this drawn out and mostly unnecessary and unreasonable economy- and job-destroying shutdown.

Some poignant signs dramatically and loudly shouted on Saturday, “People are Essential,” “Jobs are Essential,” and the “Economy is Essential”!

Let us emulate the abused widow and insist incessantly that the judge (or governor) remedy the injustice we are facing - the economy and job-killing lockdown - until he relents and gives into our just demands.

Obviously, Gov. DeWine, (Dr. Amy Acton and others in his administration as well as leaders of other states) by his (their) actions disrespects and neither fears God nor the disgruntled people. In other words, the Governor is clearly ignoring the just demands of the We the People, when they stand outside near or on the steps of the statehouse demanding to be heard.

Stated differently, let us continue to bother, wear down the resistance of the Governor(s) by dramatically continuing to increase our numbers at protests as well and intensifying the pressure this Saturday and onward at the Statehouse in Columbus and other state capitols across our still somewhat free nation.

“Give Me Liberty, or Give Me COVID-19,” read another insightful, inspired sign I observed this past Saturday, which clearly summarizes the dilemma and situation facing U.S.

MOUNTING PROTESTS

Now this Saturday, 4.25.2020, at 1:00 p.m. thousands are expected to join the protest again in Downtown Columbus. If you live in Ohio and can come you are needed. Pray. Protest. Persevere.

RESOURCES

In a recent policy briefing (Thursday, 4.23.2020) American Policy Roundtable offered some additional analysis and action steps that we should follow to bring about better future outcomes. Their daily and weekly radio and podcast are highly informative.

The website We the People Convention has a great deal of helpful and insightful information dealing with how we can respond to our government's missteps and what we can practically do about it. Tom Zawistowski has a weekly radio show and podcast that offers a weekly summary of useful news to the conservative-minded patriot.

Our President Needs Our Prayers Now! Please Pray Today!

Today, a Facebook friend sent me this Next News Network video, which contains a prayer for our President. It is from a year ago, however, it is as pertinent or more so today, as it was then.  If you feel so moved, I urge you to pray this prayer today and to share it with your family and friends:

“Heavenly Father, Your servant, our President, Donald J. Trump is under attack like we’ve never seen before. 

“LORD, today we come before You to ask that the armies of heaven, that You dispatch them to do battle against the demons, for trying to destroy Your servant, our President, Donald J. Trump.

“LORD, it says in Your word that where two or three are gathered in Your name and pray according to Your will, it will be done. Today…we ask that You pour out Your Spirit upon this nation and heal this land so that this President can do the work that we have asked him to do.  

“LORD, he is under attack at every single turn, the Russian investigation, accusations to racism [and the Washington, D.C. Swamp, the #FakeNews Media, #NeverTrumpers Republicans, etc.]. But we know You have called him forward for such a time as this. He is not a perfect man, none of us are. We are all sinners, I am a sinner. But it through Your grace and mercy and work on the cross that gives us salvation from our carnal nature. 

“LORD, I am calling down the blood of Jesus to cover our President and all who are fighting with him.  No weapon formed against Him will prosper. The fiery darts of the enemy will crumble at his feet.

“LORD, You know this, that those who would work to destroy this nation - the globalist, the socialist, the communists, and the liberals - they have mounted a force to take him down. So that Satan’s agenda for this country and the world would be complete. 

“LORD, America is the last beacon of hope in the world. The devil wants to destroy it and bring it under his reign subject to the global order so that his son, the antichrist, may rise up and reveal himself and enslave the world.   

“LORD, I know that it is written that these day will arrive and there is nothing to prevent the written word of Your prophecies  

“LORD, we ask that You extend the grace period, so that more souls can be won for heaven before the day of judgement arrives.

“LORD, our hearts cry out in Your name, please hear our prayer and strike down our foes so that love will prevail again in this land. Strike down the agents of Satan who have corrupted the hearts of our enemy. Soften them, LORD, soften their hearts and open their eyes to Your plan for our nation that our President, Donald J. Trump, is working to fulfill.  

“LORD, I pray this in Your name.  I pray this in the name of Jeshua, the Messiah, who reigns forever and ever. Amen.”

A Prayer for Independence Day

Sovereign God, You created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in them in six days.

You created Man in Your Image and cast him out of the Garden when he sinned.

When every thought of man was only evil all of the time, You destroyed the Earth with water.

You delivered Your people from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh.

You brought them through the Sea on dry ground.

When Your people turned away from You, You sent them prophets to warn them.

When they stoned Your holy messengers, You sent the Babylonians to punish Your people for their idolatry and injustice.

When the enemies of Your people destroyed their cities and their land, You preserved the words of your holy prophets.

You sent Your Son to redeem all those who would believe in Him and repent of their sins.

You called apostles and holy prophets to write the words of Your Son Jesus and the words of the New Covenant with Your Children.

When the enemies of God again killed the holy prophets and apostles, the Church grew like wildfire.

When they killed those who translated Your Holy Bible into English, You preserved and multiplied their work and opened the eyes of the people.

The Pilgrims escaped persecution to find a better land and were preserved by Your mighty hand.

You guided them to a great land and made them very prosperous and gave them liberty.

You defeated the armies of the British when they harassed us with swarms of officers. You blessed us with the means of throwing off their oppressive yoke.

When we mistreated the Negroes of our land, you punished us with a bloody war and took away many of our freedoms.

When we again turned further away from You, You allowed more of our freedoms to be taken away.

We have murdered babies, glorified detestable behaviors, stolen from one another, and forgot the words of the Holy Bible which You gave us.

You punished us with more wars by giving us greedy, corrupt and foolish leaders.

We have prayed for the economy in vain.  We have prayed for peace in vain.  Our soldiers die in vain.

You will not hear us because we cherish sin in our hearts and have no regard for Your law.

Dear Lord, please help us to humble ourselves so that we will turn from our wicked ways,

And You will hear Us from Heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land.

Please help us to listen when You speak to us!

Prayer Song for the National Day of Prayer

If My People...

Pray a different prayer every day for our country for the next 40 days before the election.  Go to:

www.ifmypeople2012.org

Polly’s House

House on a Rock (Matthew 7: 24-27)

Polly attended the Sunday School class that I teach, where she demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of God’s word through her questions and answers.  As I became friends with her, she told me how God had protected her home.  This is her story as she told it to me. 

Polly and her husband had just purchased a ranch style house along Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio.  It was located fifty feet from the shore line of the lake on Bertchen off of Lake Shore Drive.  This was their third home and as always she walked the boundary line and prayed for protection of their new property from The Almighty in Jesus name.

She prayed for protection of the property from damage, theft, damage to the home, and damage from storms.  She did not pay for protection of its occupants.

There was an 18 inch retaining wall running along the side of the house along the beach with an opening for a walkway in it.
As they lived in the house which they made into a home the yard was often flooded with ducks and fish in and on the water.  However, no water ever came into their home.

Finally after fifteen years of living in their home the family went to visit Licking County.  During this time a fierce storm from the northwest collided with a fierce storm from the northeast.  This sent storm surges from the lake against the house.  The water was seen to shoot up in the air twice the height of the structure after hitting the north side of the house.  The double pane windows on the side of the house held against the storm which was also a blizzard.
   
Some of the neighbors’ homes were destroyed.  Boulders were moved across Lake Shore Drive gouging the asphalt pavement.  One neighbor to the east of her house had a boulder hit the house and go all the way through the house and out the back side.  Two houses behind hers were so filled with water they had to be destroyed.

Polly’s home had four rows of siding ripped off the front of the house but no water went inside.  The house stood.  Polly believes it was a miracle, answered prayer.

This is an example of prayer and the protection of God.  If you are a Christian, born again, you can also pray for God’s protection.      

The Responsibility of the Electorate in the Coming 2012 Elections

As usual, in the campaign for President, many candidates (especially those who have been or are currently the governor of a state) are saying that they created jobs or improved the economy in their state.  Some of them have attended various political/spiritual "rallies" in which they said many spiritual words to appeal to Christians.  But I hope that Americans, and especially Christians, will see through these deceptions.

When a candidate claims that he improved the economy or created jobs, you should ask yourself several questions.  Is the candidate really the person responsible for the supposed increase in jobs or improvement in the economy or test scores of elementary school students? Sometimes states thrive despite a poor governor because they have a good legislature, good local government, or other reasons.  Do these statistics show the whole picture or are they just one positive outcome among many negatives?  Politicians are eager to take the credit for anything good, but hardly ever take the blame for something that goes wrong.  They blame their opponents for bad economic indicators even when the opponent did not have anything to do with it.  Sometimes things happen which no one in that position could have prevented.  Sometimes a candidate will accuse his opponent of doing the very same thing that he himself is doing.  Are the statistics even true or are they complete fabrications?  Politifac.com, for example, is an organization which exposes such lies all the time.  Sometimes supposed positive results from a particular policy are only temporary.  You can create jobs with an economic stimulus packages, but will such jobs last?  Economic growth indicators are much too complex to be attributed to single policy or particular individual.

Candidates who say all the right things but do not do what they say should be exposed.  You can say the most wonderful prayers, quote scriptures, and say how much you love the Lord and so on.  You can answer all of the candidate survey questions the way that your targeted demographic would want you to.  But if this is not backed up your actions, it means nothing.

This election season, the voters need to do three things in order to turn this country around.  If you don't do these three things, you would be better off not voting at all.

1.  Read the Bible and the Constitution.  No, don't just read them, STUDY them.  The Bible contains the answers to many of our political problems. God's word contains much more wisdom and sound advice than what you can get from any cost-benefit analysis or economist's forecast.  Be open-minded when you read it.  Very few politicians know anything about the Constitution.  If you read it thoroughly and carefully, you will be able to know when they are lying about it.
2. Examine carefully each candidate's actions (voting record, the bills that they have sponsored, and other actions taken in their official position).  Don't pay any attention to unsubstantiated rumors and don't believe the candidate just because they say they voted for something or that their opponent supported some position.  LOOK IT UP YOURSELF.  Most candidates who claim to be pro-life have voted for abortion funding and/or funding for abortion providers.
3. Above all, pray that God's will would be done.  It might not be God's will that our nation gets out of its slump.  God may be dealing with us in ways we don't understand.  Praying for the economy or more jobs is a somewhat selfish and short-sighted prayer.  Pray instead that God would change our hearts and that our nation would be conformed to his will.  Pray that justice and righteousness would be done in our land.  Pray that God would rid you of any false preconceived ideas as you are reading the Bible and the Constitution.  Then the blessings will follow.

The Whole Armor of God, Part 15

This post wraps up my series, "The Whole Armor of God."

Conclusion

The passage dealing with the full amount of Paul’s writings on the armor of God is found in Ephesians 6:10-20. In it we find that we are to be strong in God’s ability, not in our own ability, and in it we find that we can utilize His power, and not our own power. This is why the armor is called God’s armor. It is not visible, yet we are told to wear it.

We are to stand against the devil. In most cases he cannot be seen. Yet we are to stand against him. He and his evil angels often come against us through other things.

Consider Job, God told Satan that all Job had was in his power (Job 1:12), but he was not to touch Job himself. Satan departed from God and the winds blew down the house Job’s children were in (Job 1:18, 19). The Chaldeans attacked Job’s camels and killed all his servants except for one (Job 1:17). The fire of God fell on Job’s sheep and his servants with all being burned up except for one (Job 1:16). Job’s donkeys were feeding and the Sabeans attacked and killed all Job’s servants except one and took the donkeys (Job 1:15).

A second time Satan came before God and was given permission to touch Job’s body but not kill him (Job 2:1-8). Job then came down with boils and felt miserable (Job 2:13).

From Job’s perspective he was being attacked by five different things but in reality there was just really just one: Satan. Mother Nature was against him for the wind blew down the house of his eldest son. Destructive wind is a natural occurring event. The fire of God, I do not take to be lightening, but rather something like napalm exploding in the air and falling to earth as fire. This is not, normally, a natural occurring event but requires the supernatural to accomplish it. The Sabeans and the Chaldeans are both two separate groups of people yet they acted in accord with the other events. After all Job’s possessions were gone he became sick as well. All appeared to be isolated events but really they were not. Satan orchestrated the events.

Paul writes that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). These are influencing much of the evil deeds we see in the world today. Our attack as Christians must be on these evil beings which are unseen.

Our attack is made through prayer, songs of praise to God, preaching and speaking the word of God, testifying to what God has done for us, and taking authority over Satan.

The armor of God enables us to stand against the attacks of Satan and to advance under fire.

1. The helmet of salvation is being saved by faith in Jesus Christ and knowing you are saved.

2. The breastplate of righteousness is the righteousness we receive by faith in Jesus as well as living a righteous life because we are righteous.

3. The belt of truth is knowledge of what truth is and loving the truth. This includes the word of God, The Lord Jesus Christ, and whatever else is true. As my Theology Professor used to say. “All truth is God’s truth”. Also, as my Philosophy Professor told me one day after class. “For an argument to be logical the assumptions on which the argument is based must be true. Otherwise the argument is illogical.”

4. The shoes of the armor are the preparation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This means that one is prepared to present the gospel. The gospel is:

A. That Jesus was conceived in the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit.
B. Jesus lived a sinless life and fulfilled all the law.
C. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate.
D. Jesus took the sins of all humanity in His own body on the cross and received against Himself the wrath of God against those sins. Having been separated from His Father. When the process was complete Jesus said, “It is finished”.
E. Jesus was buried and rose from the grave the third day.
F. If a person believes this and repents of his sins by confessing to God that he a sinner; he is then forgiven and Jesus enters into his heart.

5. The shield of faith is the faith that a person has. This faith can be increased by reading, hearing, and meditating on the word of God and having fellowship with other believers. It shields us from the attacks of the enemy.

6. The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, the Holy Bible which is also known as Scripture, God’s Word, or “Thus saith the Lord”. This is what man is to live by (Deuteronomy 8:3).

We are to engage in prayer by making supplication for the saints and people in authority and for all men for God’s desire is for all men to be saved. Daniel prayed for twenty-one days before he received his answer. It was held up by the Prince of Persia. Daniel prayed until he received an answer from God.

We are to watch, be alert as to what is going on around us, and persevere in our prayer.

The Apostle Paul asked for prayer for himself which indicates that those servants of the Lord that have a great ministry need our prayers.

Appeals Court Throws Out NDP Ruling

The 7th circuit U.S. Court of Appeals threw out District Judge Barbara Crabb's ruling that the congressional legislation establishing the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional.  This is a victory for social conservatives, but there are some caveats.  

1. The ruling does not say that the NDP is constitutional, but only says the Freedom From Religion Foundation has "no standing" because they can't prove that they were harmed by the legislation or its execution.  But using this "no standing" doctrine is dangerous, because it allows courts to pick and choose which violations of the Constitution should be enforced and which one shouldn't.  For example, the courts have used this doctrine to make the 27th amendment a "dead letter" (i.e. it is basically now unenforceable--the congress can violate it as much as they want with no repercussions).  It would have been much better if the court had simply ruled that such proclamations do not violate the Establishment Clause.

2.  Though the National Day of Prayer and the Presidential proclamation of it are not unconstitutional, I believe that in fact the legislation establishing the NDP is unconstitutional.  The law commands the President to make the Proclamation.  Though the President is required by the Constitution to "faithfully execute" the laws passed by Congress, the Congress does not have the power to command the President to do just anything they want.  Its powers are limited to those explicitly listed in the Constitution, according to the 10th amendment.  There is nothing in the Constitution which gives Congress the power to command the President to make a proclamation of any sort except possibly a State of the Union speech (see Article II, section 3).  Now the President also cannot exercise powers which are not given to him through the Constitution, but the proclamation of a day of prayer is not an exercise of powers, and therefore it is not unconstitutional.  But commanding the President to make a proclamation clearly is an exercise of power.  This is something that 7th circuit should have alluded to.  

In any case, just because the Court (or any part of the government) says something is true, that does not mean that it is true.  This ruling could later be overruled and the NDP could again be unconstitutional.  But that would not be the end of world!  The most important thing to remember is that no matter what they say, they can't stop you from setting aside this day as a day of prayer and fasting for our nation.  Who really cares if the President makes the Proclamation?  Its not like as if there would be sincerity in it anyway.

The Whole Armor of God, Part 12A

Today I continue my series of articles commenting on the concept and principles involved in the Armor of God, which the apostle Paul described in the New Testament. This is the topic of the Sunday school lesson I am currently teaching. This week I start a three-part discussion on Ephesians 6:18.

The Armor of God – Pray. Watch. Preserve

Pray. Watch. Persevere. (Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer can be either addressed to another person, usually someone of a higher social status than one’s self, or to God. It is often an earnest request but need not be confined to requests. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians prayer is being addressed to God.

Watch, is to keep alert, awake, observant, and vigilant for the protection of something valuable.

Persevere, is to continue in the pursuit of something in spite of the difficulties encountered.\

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints…” (Ephesians 6:18).

People who are born again have as their Father, God the Father. They can go directly into His presence by prayer: Addressing Him as Father (Galatians 4:6). They are born of the Spirit (John 3:6) by the will of God and are adopted as His children (John 1:12-14; Galatians 4:5). The veil in the Temple, separating where God dwelt from the rest of the temple, has been torn in two. Indicating that the way to God is open for all to approach Him (Hebrews 9:3-8; Luke 23:45). It is in Jesus that we are accepted by God (Ephesians 1:6) and we are instructed to pray in Jesus name (Galatians 4:7; John 16:23, 24).

Prayer is talking with God just as you would another person. Remember, God is a person with His own sovereign free will to do as He chooses. God hears whatever we ask according to His will and will grant us our petition (I John 5:14). We are told to cast all of our care and anxieties upon Him and to go before Him with our petitions in thanksgiving (I Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6). The Apostle Paul writes, that not being thankful to God and not glorifying Him as God has turned thankless people’s hearts away from the truth about God (Romans 1:21).

We have a High Priest in heaven who has compassion for us and who has been temped in every way, yet without sin. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16). God is listening for the cry of the righteous and ready to help (Psalms 34:15). He is also listening for the sinner to repent and ask forgiveness of sins (Luke 15:4-7; Luke 18:14, 15).

Prayer is to be in faith without doubting (James 1:5-7). Doubt causes faith to be canceled. This is what happened to Peter when he went to Jesus walking on the water. Once he doubted he began to sink (Matthew 14:25-32). Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” When you pray, “Believe that you receive your request and you will have it.” (Mark 11:22-24). “Whatsoever you say, not doubting in your heart, you shall have.” (Mark 11:23). This means that you need to be careful what you say. Your words can either promote life or they can destroy life. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:” (Proverbs 18:21a).

If you are suffering from some illness or something else: then pray (James 5:13a). If you are happy: then sing Psalms (James 5:13b). Singing to God is a form of prayer. There are instances in the Holy Bible where God acted in response to singing. Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail is one instance. There was an earthquake (Acts 16:25-34). Another was when Jehoshaphat and Judah fought against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir. When Judah began to sing praises to God the Lord caused their enemies to fight each other and annihilate themselves.

Prayer for the sick offered in faith will cause the sick to be healed. If they have sinned it will be forgiven (James 5:15). The prayer of righteous people can accomplish much (James 5:16). God wants us to pay for all men: especially that they are saved (I Timothy 2:1-4). We are to pray that God will send workers to lost sinners to win them to Christ (Luke 10:2).

Importunity is important in prayer. It means to keep up it until the desired results arrive. “And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, ‘There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?’” (Luke 18:1-7).

We are not to pray for appearances sake. Don’t just do it to impress others. “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matthew 6:5, 6).

We are not to use vain repetitions when we pray. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” (Matthew 6:7, 8)

Jesus gave us a sample prayer to follow. “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13).

RECALL NOTICE

I got this from a friend...

We here [sic] of recalls nearly everyday in the media . . . this is one they may never post, but seems to make sense to me!  Enjoy!

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. 

Some of the symptoms include: 

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. 

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. 
 
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
 
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes. 

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus. 
 
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! 
 
- GOD 
 
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!  
 
Because He Lives!

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?

Luke 12:25 ESV

Articles of Freedom, part 1

The document which has come out of the deliberations of the Continental Congress of 2009 has finally been made available to the public. In this post, I will present and examine the preface, prayer, and the Declaration and Resolves sections of this document. The entire document can be downloaded at articlesoffreedom.us.

Articles of Freedom Preface

Across many administrations and years, by each branch of government, through each major political party, the Constitution for The United States has been violated. The People have formally Petitioned the Government for Redress of the violations in the most humble of terms. The People and their Petitions have been ignored. Each un-remedied violation has taken its toll with dire impact on our economic interests, our people, our quality and way of life and our international and national reputations.

We hold this Truth to be Self- Evident: Any action, by any branch of the Government, that is repugnant to the Constitution, is null and void.

On November 11, 2009, and for eleven days continuing morning, noon and night, Citizens of America gathered in St. Charles, Illinois, as Delegates from each of forty-eight States, to discuss these violations, and Government’s refusal to be held accountable, and to recommend a course of action to restore Constitutional Obedience in a Constitutional Republic now challenged to Its core. These were not professional legislators, wordsmiths or attorneys.

These were ordinary, non-aligned citizens from across America and all walks of life. They set aside their lives for this Assembly. They represent You and Me, the Free People of America. The conclusion of their efforts is This Document called ‘‘Articles of Freedom.’’

It is proposed that these Articles be distributed to All in the Land with the intent to draw the attention and courage of a “goodly number of millions of People” who, entitled to their Freedom and essential to Its maintenance,
Arise to Restore the Constitution for the United States of America.
Then and only then shall America’s Destiny be Fulfilled.

(from Articles of Freedom, the Works of the Continental Congress 2009)

I basically agree with this, here are few knit-picky points:

A lot of the delegates to cc09 were “just ordinary people”, but some of them were attorneys and all (or most all) had a much better knowledge and interest in the Constitution than the average American. Jon Roland of Texas could certainly be described as a wordsmith. At least one member of the delegation had been a state representative (Rick Jore of Montana) and the President of the Continental Congress ran for President of the United States in 2004.

To describe these people as “non-aligned” citizens is also somewhat misleading. Most of them either belong to the Libertarian Party or the Constitution Party. They all seem to have libertarian leanings even though the Constitution only mandates this at federal level.

As far as America’s Destiny being fulfilled, well, I think God is in control of that and we will not have true freedom as long as we continue to turn our backs on him.

The Prayer for Continental Congress 2009

On this day, the eleventh of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine, we turn our attention to Thee and those who Minister with Thee, to Protect and Guard this Nation and the Rights of Free Men.

As we enter into these deliberations, we Humbly ask for Thy Guidance, Illumination, Protection and Peace that we may know Thy Will for our Beloved United States of America and this Continental Congress. Give us the Strength, the Energy and the Courage to do what is Right through this Body.
At all times, Protect those who are gathered here, our loved ones and all who are standing now for the Rights of Free Men, not only in this time together, but as we move forward to Fulfill your Plan.

We ask Thee to Enfold us in that which You Know will enable us to Carry on the Sacred Trust given by our Founding Fathers, through Whom Thy Voice was heard.

We offer all we are or have or ever hope to be into this Service for our Country and Fellow Man. Unite us as One Heart, One Mind, One Body.

We give Thee ALL Credit for All Good that may come from our humble efforts and we ask Thy Great Mercy and Forgiveness for the wrongs which have been committed against the Charters of Freedom which Thou gave to this world through the American People.

May we carry on the Torch of Liberty that all on this earth may one day know the Gifts and Blessings Thou intend for each of us.

We offer this Prayer to Thee, Our Creator and Nature’s God, with a Firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence.

Amen.

(from Articles of Freedom, the Works of the Continental Congress 2009)

The actual prayer which was given at the beginning of cc2009 did not contain the “Thee’s” and “Thou’s”. But most interestingly, the following statement was omitted from the print version:

Remove from our beings the need to criticize, blame, or condemn any other part of life, knowing that divine justice with have its end.

Unlike the prayer that was given at the 1774 Continental Congress, this prayer was not given in Jesus’ name. But the 1774 prayer was at least read along with this new prayer.

Declaration and Resolves of Continental Congress 2009

In Defense of a Free People, the time has come to reassert our God-Given, Natural Rights and cast off tyranny…

Let the Facts Reveal: The federal government of the United States of America was instituted to secure the Individual Rights of our citizens and instead now threatens our Life, Liberty and Property through usurpations of the Constitution. Emboldened by our own lack of responsibility and due diligence in these matters, government has exceeded its mandate and abandoned those Founding Principles that have made our nation exceptional;

Our servant government has undertaken these unconstitutional actions in direct violation of its enumerated duties, to the detriment of the People’s liberty and the sovereignty of our Republic;

Over many years and spanning multiple political administrations, the People who have, in good conscience, attempted to deliberate our grievances and voice our dissent against these offensive actions through both Petition and Assembly, have been maligned and ignored with contempt;

The People of the several States of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, justly alarmed at these arbitrary and unconstitutional actions, have met as Citizen-Delegates, and sat in a general Congress, in the city of St. Charles, Illinois;

Whereupon we, as these Citizen- Delegates, have gathered in defense of Divine Justice, Liberty and the principles of limited government, now stand in clear recognition of the Supreme Law of the Land – the Constitution for the United States of America;

Therefore, We demand that Government immediately re-establish Constitutional Rule of Law, lest the People be forced to do so themselves; and we hereby serve notice that in the Defense of Freedom and Liberty there shall be NO COMPROMISE to which we shall ever yield.

21 November 2009

(from Articles of Freedom, the Works of the Continental Congress 2009)

I agree with all of this. Next week I will get into the meat of the document.