TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle (Psalm 103 1-5).

As we end this year, let us not forget to give thanks for the blessings and benefits that came to us from the direct hand of our heavenly Father. Surely God has been good and merciful to us. Praise His holy name!

Lord, You have led us victoriously through this year, and You have brought us safely to the beginning of another. For this we thank and praise you. Let the gratitude of my heart come before you as my sacrifice of praise! "And since words can never measure, let my life show forth your praise." Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

ISRAEL'S CHIEF RABBIS SAY ABORTION DELAYS THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH

Abortion is legal in Israel, much to the dismay of various religious leaders, including the two chief rabbis of Israel. They sent a most interesting letter of protest to their colleagues that stated: "the vast majority of abortions are unnecessary and Halacha severely prohibits them" and says as many as 50,000 abortions are done annually in Israel."

http://www.lifenews.com/int1423.html

GLOBALISM TRUMPS AMERICAN LAW, THANKS TO OBAMA

One more step on the road to globalism has been taken by the Obama administration. Is anybody watching?

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=120363

CONGREGATIONS VOTING TO LEAVE ELCA SINCE AUGUST 2009

We are endeavoring to keep track of congregations that have taken either their first and/ or second vote to withdraw from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since August 2009, when that body voted to sanction practicing homosexual clergy. If you know of additions or corrections to the list below, please inform us at wordabide@aol.com. Thank you.

* first vote; ** second vote

** Community Church of Joy, Glendale, AZ
* Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsburg, CA
* Rancho Penasquitos Lutheran Church, San Diego, CA
** St. Luke Lutheran Church, San Diego, CA
* El Camino Pines Lutheran Church, Frazier Park, CA
* Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, IA
** Zion Lutheran Church, Des Moines, IA
* Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waukee, IA
* Hosanna Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
* Joyful Harvest Lutheran Church, Johnsburg, IL
* Bethlehem/West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church, MN
* Community Church of Hope, Rosemount, MN
* Christ the King Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, MN
* Central Lutheran Church, Elk River, MN
* Wagen Prairie Lutheran Church, Cannon Falls, MN
* Rejoice Lutheran Renewal Church, Northfield, MN
* Rodnes Lutheran Church, Erskine, MN
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN
* Singaas Lutheran Church, Hendrix, MN
* Zoar Lutheran Church, Tofte, MN
* Calvary Lutheran Church, Evergreen, MT
* Christ Lutheran Church, Whitefish, MT
* Golden West Lutheran Church, Conrad, MT
* Pondera Valley Lutheran Church, Conrad, MT
* St. James Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls, NY
* Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Weddington, NC
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maumee, OH
* St. John’s Lutheran, Boerne, TX
* Zion Lutheran Church, Mission Valley, TX
* St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Braunfels, TX
* St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Weesatche, TX
* Zion Lutheran Church, Castroville, TX
* First Lutheran Church, Orange Grove, TX
* Apostles Lutheran Church, Chesapeak,e, VA
* St. John’s Lutheran Church, Roanoke, VA

* Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Chimacum, WA
* Richland Lutheran Church, Richland, WA
* Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, WI
* Peace Lutheran Church, Edgar, WI

Christmas tree in White House adorned with Mao ornament

One should not be too surprised with Christmas celebrations at this White House, but this year's decorations are over the top. Pray for America!

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091223/white-house-christmas-ornament-troubles-christians/index.html

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/23/white-house-christmas-decor-featuring-mao-zedong-comes/

CHURCH OF NATIVITY IN BETHLEHEM

On behalf of Abiding Word Ministries, we wish each of you a most blessed Christmas. May the Christ of Bethlehem fill your hearts and homes with His joy and peace.

David and Mary Barnhart

Christmas Greetings from Bethlehem, SORT OF...

AWAY FROM THE MANGER! Not everyone is welcome at the manger this year! Palestinians ban British choir for performing with Israeli orchestra, even though choir director is a supporter of the Palestinian cause!

How silently, how silently the music is played in Bethlehem, thanks to Hamas!

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=20228

AMAZING DISCOVERY IN NAZARETH

A house dating to the time of Jesus has been uncovered in Nazareth very close to the Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation. Beneath the dome of that church is a structure that Roman Catholics claim is a house where the Angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce the birth of Jesus. This latest find sparks new interest in the historical significance and authenticity of this area of Nazareth.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091221/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_antiquities;_ylt=Atu94xzjMteRZuY2sCAm_3R0fNdF

CHRISTIAN FREEDOMS ARE BEING LOST IN THE WEST

A devout Christian teacher has lost her job after discussing her faith with a mother and her sick child and offering to pray for them.Read more: http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1237204/Christian-teacher-lost-job-told-praying-sick-girl-bullying.html#ixzz0aEmkiGOj

THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IN AMERICA IS FAR FROM OVER AS FEDS CONTINUE TO CLOSE BANKS

Pay attention! The Fed has closed 140 banks so far this year and many more will follow in 2010. There is coming another severe housing crisis in 2010 as well as a crisis with the dollar.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2009-12-18-bank-failures_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted because there is no shepherd (Zechariah 10:2).

It is heartbreaking that so many people today attend churches where the pastor is not born again and does not teach or preach the truth of God's Word. How important it is that born again believers not sit under or allow their children to sit under the ministry of such false teachers. May God help Christians to be more discerning about their spiritual nurturing and seek out pastors and churches where the pure Word of God is proclaimed and practiced.

Lord, thank you for pastors who preach and teach the pure Word of God. Help me never to fall prey to those who are not. Give me the courage to place Christ and His Truth above loyalty to a denomination or pastor. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Rifqa Bary's parents ask that she be held in contempt of court to force here to see Muslim counselor

Posted on Jihad Watch
What sweet, loving parents they obviously are. How wonderfully they will treat her if the dhimmi Ohio authorities order her to be returned home.
"Parents of Rifqa Bary ask court to hold her in contempt to force her to attend counseling sessions with Muslim counselor," from [1] The Jawa Report, December 18 (thanks to Pamela, who has more [2] here):
...and the counselor they demand she attend filed an affidavit in support of Rifqa being held in contempt!
The next episode in the legal battle between Muslim-turned-Christian convert Rifqa Bary and her allegedly abusive parents will occur next Tuesday in an Ohio courtroom. As I reported last Friday, one of the issues that will be heard by the court is a motion by the CAIR-appointed attorney to the Bary parents demanding that all [3] Christmas cards sent to Rifqa be banned, and any cards she has already received be seized. On Monday, we provided clear evidence of [4] CAIR's backstage handling of the media in this case.
Another issue next week will be another motion filed by the Bary parents asking the court to hold Rifqa in contempt for refusing to attend counseling sessions with a Muslim counselor. Amazingly, the counselor that the Bary parents are attempting to force her to see filed a affidavit supporting the parents' motion to hold Rifqa in contempt of court. How could this counselor be remotely neutral?
But wait a second - haven't all the media stooges in this case, from [5] Meredith "Hijab" Heagney of the Columbus Dispatch to Michael Kruse of the St. Petersburg Times, insisted that the Bary family intends to respect Rifqa's Christian faith? Haven't these media stooges repeated assurances from the Bary parents that Rifqa has nothing to fear from returning home?...
Her parents have defamed Christians who have attempted to help their daughter flee their abuse; they have filed criminal charges against Rifqa accusing her of being a delinquent; and now they ask the Ohio courts to ban and seize Rifqa's Christmas cards and to force her to see a Muslim counselor that has demonstrated his own partiality. What this long sequence of events clearly shows is that Rifqa Bary has much to fear from being returned to her parents and that they have no intention to honor her personal religious choices....

http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/12/rifqa-barys-parents-ask-that-she-be-held-in-contempt-of-court-to-force-her-to-see-muslim-counselor.html

CCC Media Ministry Records Over 10M Decisions in 2009

In this season of the year, it is wonderful to see and hear the reports of ministries that were effective in bringing in the harvest for the Kingdom. The media arm of Campus Crusade for Christ recorded over ten million decisions for Jesus Christ this year, more than doubling their projection for 2009 and more tripling their mark from the year before.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091218/ccc-media-ministry-records-over-10m-decisions-in-2009/index.html

SYNAGOGUE FROM TIME OF JESUS UNCOVERED IN GALILEE

Archaeologist claim to have uncovered a 2000-year-old synagogue in an area known as Migdal where Mary Magdalene once lived. The discovery was made during preparations to build a hotel just north of Tiberias.

In the middle of the synagogue, archaeologist discovered a large stone engraved with a seven-branch menorah.

http://www.catholic.net/index.php?size=mas&id=3849&option=dedestaca

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

At that time the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah) took place at Jerusalem; it was winter (December) and Jesus was walking in the temple in the portico of Solomon" (John 10:22-23).

Hanukkah or the Feast of Dedication dates back to 165 BC when Judas Maccabeus led a revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes, who ruled the Asiatic segment of the Greek empire. Antiochus had desecrated the Temple by setting up a statue of himself in the sanctuary and offering a pig on the altar. As the Temple was cleansed, the Jews found only one day's supply of oil for the 7-branch candelabra. However, the oil lasted for 8 days. This feast celebrates that event. It is most significant that Jesus was at the Temple during this event. While there, He identified and made known His deity. "I and the Father are one" (verse 30).

Lord God, my Redeemer, cleanse my heart today and let my body be the temple for the Holy Spirit. May I worship you today as the one, true and living God. Through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

'Islam Is a Dangerous Religion,' Most American Pastors Say

Anyone who undertakes a sincere study of Islam soon discovers how much evil it promotes. Franklin Graham believes Islam is evil and "moderate Muslims" are those who choose not to follow the teachings of the Quran. A recent survey by a Southern Baptist group confirms those of us who believe Islam as a religion is very dangerous. Consider their treatment of women, converts to Christianity and those who violate their laws. In the news today Saudi Arabia has sentenced a 75-year-0ld woman to 40 lashes for being in the presence of two younger men.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091214/-islam-is-a-dangerous-religion-most-american-pastors-say/index.html

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/khamisa-mohammed-sawadi-75-to-be-flogged-for-associating-with-men/story-fn3dxity-1225810427673

"Hamas digs up the bodies of Christians from Christian burial sites in the Gaza Strip claiming that they pollute the earth,"

Islam at its worst is seen throughout the Muslim world as more and more Christians are being persecuted.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1260447421970&pagename=JPArticle%2FShowFull

'Christians' of the Holy Land denounce Israel

In a lengthy declaration labeled as a message of "faith, hope and love," dozens of Arab Christian leaders from various churches represented in the region denounced Israel as the main obstacle to peace and rejected the validity of the biblical link between the Jews and the land.
Published on Friday by regional leaders of the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican and Baptists churches, the document, titled "A Moment of Truth," lamented that the Israeli-Palestinian peace process had reached an impasse, and that there was now little hope of reversing "Palestinian suffering."

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=20149

U.S. to back unilateral declaration of Palestinian state?

Will the Obama administration throw Israel under the bus? It's beginning to look that way!

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=118624

Bride, Father Arrested for Crime of Moving Lips on Temple Mount

Israel has said people of all religions should be free to pray at their holy sites, yet here is an account of a Jew arrested on the Temple Mount for giving the appearance of praying by moving his lips. In another report, the EU and the Obama Administration are pressing to turn Temple Mount over to Muslims and divide Jerusalem. Surely these are signs of the last days.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/134891

EU foreign ministers: Jerusalem must be joint capital of Israel, Palestinian state

The EU and the Obama Administration are determined to divide Jerusalem.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1133616.html

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Few true Christians would argue that the days in which we live are evil. But few Christians seem to be acting on that fact of life. God's Word instructs us to be wise and to make most of our time. To accomplish that, we must be into the Word of God and the Word must be in us. Then we must recognize there are things we can do, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to make a difference in this troubled world. Ask God to make your wise (James 1:5) and to use that wisdom at every opportunity.

Lord, this is the day you have made. Let me walk in it as one who is able to discern the times. And help me to use every moment of my time to advance your Kingdom. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

NAPOLITANO SEES HOMEGROWN TERRORIST THREAT RISING

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued her strongest public comments yet on the homegrown threat."We've seen an increased number of arrests here in the U.S. of individuals suspected of plotting terrorist attacks, or supporting terror groups abroad such as Al Qaeda," Napolitano said in a speech in New York. "Home-based terrorism is here. And, like violent extremism abroad, it will be part of the threat picture that we must now confront."Officials acknowledged that her tone had changed, though they said terrorism has been her focus since becoming Homeland Security chief.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-us-radicalization7-2009dec07,0,3941551.story

Ahmadinejad Reportedly Claims U.S. is Blocking Return of Mankind's Savior

Ahmadinejad is very serious in his accusations. That is why he is so dangerous. Nuclear weapons in the hands of this "nut" is something the world should not be ignoring.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579640,00.html?test=latestnews

ELCA BISHOP SUGGESTS THINGS IN THE BIBLE-- ARE NOT NECESSARYLY SO!

Bishop Mark Hanson, head of the ELCA held his own "town meeting" this past Sunday. His observations should demonstrate to any ELCA member still in doubt just how blind their leaders are when it comes to biblical Christianity. As was said several centuries ago, "there is none so blind as he who will not see."

God addresses this whole matter: "Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see; who have ears, but do not hear."

"Do you not fear Me?" declares the Lord.

"Do you not tremble in my presence?" (Jeremiah 5:21-22).

GET OUT OF THE ELCA!

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=801238

L.A. Episcopalians elect gay assistant bishop

The Episcopal Church USA does it again--elects another gay bishop!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34291794/ns/us_news-faith/

Palin Says Nation Should Rededicate Itself to God

Sarah Palin says the United States should rededicate itself to seeking God's will, arguing that a humble spirit could help leaders get more answers on issues such as healthcare, energy and national security.
In a video released Friday by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, the 2008 Republican candidate for vice president said it's important for leaders to acknowledge they don't have all the answers.
"No one person has all the right answers," Palin said. "It takes a united nation, and it does take godly counsel, and it takes prayer and answers to prayer — and a collective humble heart of a nation seeking God's hand of protection and his blessings of prosperity. I think if we can get back to that, our country will be a safer, more prosperous and healthier nation."

http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/us_palin_billy_graham/2009/12/04/294609.html

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

In a troubled and stressed-out world, there is comfort in knowing God is guarding our hearts and minds. This He does in response to our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, His Son. When God makes a promise, He keeps it. Cast your cares on Him today with the utmost confidence that He always has your best interests in mind.

Lord, in this troubled world there are many obstacles in my path, many distractions from your love and care. Guard me from them all and help me to always keep my focus on you. Through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, Amen

THE ABUSE OF POWER IN MAINLINE CHURCHES

Members of mainline churches may think they own their property and control their congregation's life. But just wait until.... If your church needed a reason to get out and live free, this is it-- Presbytery bans minister, dissolves church
By Edward Terry, The Layman , Posted Friday, December 4, 2009
CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Rev. Ian Lamont’s phone has stopped ringing – and so have the Sunday morning chimes at Seventh Presbyterian Church. Both Lamont and the leadership of the now-dissolved congregation consider the Presbytery of Cincinnati responsible.
Despite 22 years as an ordained minister and success re-energizing declining congregations, Lamont now is unable to find a call in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He’s also facing financial ruin as his severance from his previous congregation is about to end and he’s holding two mortgages while trying to support a wife and four children. The Presbytery of Cincinnati denied Seventh’s call for Lamont as its pastor in September, even though he remains in good standing with his presbytery and, at one time, had several congregations interested in calling him. He can’t help but wonder if he’s been blacklisted.

Dr. Ian Lamont
Equally broken hearted are the remaining former members of Seventh, which, like so many other congregations, had seen its membership decline. Seventh had its final service Sept. 27, and a few weeks later, its presbytery hammered the final nail in its coffin.

http://www.layman.org/News.aspx?article=26583

Israelis create heart cells from skin cells

Friday, December 04, 2009 Israel Today Staff

Israeli scientists have discovered a method for reprogramming human skin cells to become beating heart cells.
Professor Lior Gepstein of the Technion Institute of Technology in Haifa came up with the method, which involves reconfiguring skin cells as stem cells, which can then take on the characteristics of functioning heart cells.
Gepstein's findings were published in the latest issue of the medical journal Circulation, and are being widely lauded as a major scientific breakthrough.
In addition to aiding research, Gepstein's method could eventually be used to easily repair damaged hearts.

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2).

In His time, God promises revival! In His time He will accomplish all things according to His will. The work of revival is God's. Our work is to pray and earnestly seek His face.

"Revive us again, fill each heart with Thy love; May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

Hallelujah, Thine the glory! Hallelujah, amen! Hallelujah, Thine the glory. Revive us again." Through Christ our Lord we ask this, Amen. Text: William P. Mackey

Obama won't move embassy to J'lem yet

A 1995 US law recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital and ordered that the embassy be relocated there. But the law also permits the president to delay the move for six-month periods, based on national security grounds.
Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush invoked the clause during their presidencies.

Somebody at Fort Hood Should Be Walking the Plank [Andy McCarthy]

It's been brought to my attention by several reliable sources that the Defense Department has brought Louay Safi to Fort Hood as an instructor, and that he has been lecturing on Islam to our troops in Fort Hood who are about to deploy to Afghanistan. Safi is a top official of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and served as research director at the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him (Habakkuk 2:20).

The season of Advent reminds us the days are hastening on when the Lord shall return and take up His eternal reign. The noise of the world today challenges God's right to say anything about the great issues of the day. But soon and very soon He is coming! He will take His seat in the Temple as King of kings and Lord of lords. Every leader and every person in the world will be silent before Him, even as they humbly kneel in full submission.

Lord, I worship you today in the beauty of your holiness! You are God! You are my salvation and my hope! My my heart always be submissive to Your Word and Will. This I pray through Christ, my Redeemer and coming King, Amen.

'No God? No Problem!' Holiday Ads to Hit U.S. Cities

The first of five U.S. cities will be hit by a new atheist holiday ad campaign.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091124/-no-god-no-problem-holiday-ads-to-hit-u-s-cities/index.html

Israeli leader calls Obama administration "horrible!"

A day after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that the security cabinet had approved a partial moratorium on building in the West Bank, Sports and Culture Minister Limor Livnat launched an unprecedented attack on US President Barack Obama. Speaking at a Likud activists' meeting in Beersheba, Livnat said that Israel had "fallen into the hands of a horrible American administration."

"The administration isn't what it once was; it is harder [on us]," she added.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1259243016472&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

"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 will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).

John MacArther writes: "The remedy to our nation's moral and spiritual woes must begin at the house of God. The process starts with personal repentance. And if Christians truly want to see God's blessing on our society, we ought to be models of genuine contrition and humility, rather than merely pointing fingers of blame at the evils of secular society."

Lord, let me join with fellow Christians and fellow Americans who truly seek your blessing on America as well as her restoration. To that end, I confess this nation's many sins and ask that you will lead us back to Your Word and Your will. Let my prayer be backed by my own willingness to do my part in making America's restoration become a reality. This I pray through the one and only Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Amen.

CHURCH LEADERS COME TOGETHER IN DEFENSE OF FREEDOM TO PROCLAIM CHRISTIAN MESSAGE

Its called the Manhattan Declaration. Those who sign it come from most every part of the Christian community--liberal, conservative, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical etc. The declaration focuses on possible limits to free speech regarding various foundational doctrines of Christianity and social issues such as same-sex marriage.

http://www.breakpoint.org/commentaries/13534-the-manhattan-declaration

http://www.demossnews.com/manhattandeclaration/press_kit/manhattan_declaration_signers

ELCA OPPOSITION GROUP CONSIDERS STARTING A NEW CHURCH

A group now operating within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) called CORE is considering starting a new church for those who want to leave the denomination. This past August the ELCA voted to sanction and roster practicing homosexual clergy. The decision is not sitting well with many of its members.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091118/disaffected-lutherans-begin-formation-of-alternate-church-body/index.html

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

LIVING INSIDE OF THE LORD'S DETERMINATION

In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: the Lord is our righteousness (Jeremiah 33:14-15).

There are countless verses in Scripture where the Lord makes clear He will carry out His divine intentions upon the earth. No power in heaven and earth will be able to stop Him. Here and now, the redeemed of God may live inside the Lord's determination, thanks to the imputed righteousness given us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One day, and maybe soon, the prophecies of Jeremiah will come to pass. Christ will sit upon the throne of David in Jerusalem and the peace He promised to His people Israel will become a reality. Yet, even today, through the righteousness of Christ, we may live inside God's determination and perfect peace.

Lord, let me abide today under the shelter of the Almighty. Let me claim the promises you made to all your redeemed children. Help me not to live in fear, but in faith. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

ELCA IS BEGINNING TO GET THE MESSAGE FROM THE FOLKS

Bishop Mark Hanson is staggered by the reaction of local congregations to the decision made by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America last August to ordain practicing homosexuals. ELCA churches throughout the country are leaving, while others are withholding their support to the national body. Some 40 persons may have to be let go in the coming weeks, says the Bishop.

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091114/elca-head-reports-painful-days/index.html

Jihadists in the Military by Cal Thomas

In my book Living in the Times of the Signs, I addressed the issue of Islamic extremists worming their way into our government. Cal Thomas addresses the issue of jihadists in the military, and a recently released book Muslim Mafia addresses the issues of jihadists in our government. This book can be obtain through www. worldnetdaily.com. These are serious matters that ought to outrage every American. The liklihood of another jihadist attack on America in the very near future is very real. Political correctness is killing us....

http://townhall.com/columnists/CalThomas/2009/11/10/jihadists_in_the_military?page=full&comments=true

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).

There are many Christian congregations today that are without shepherds. Oh, they have a pastor at the helm, but he or she has little understanding of what it is to nurture their flock with the pure Word of God. The people in those congregations are "distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd." How the heart of God must anguish over such a sight. Let us pray today for all true shepherds and for the conversion of those who are not.

Lord, bless my pastor today with the true knowledge of You and your truth. Strengthen him to lead his flock in the way everlasting. Bring conviction to those clergy who elevate themselves and their own wisdom above the divinely inspired Scriptures. This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

CONGREGATIONS ACROSS AMERICA EVALUATE THEIR CONINUTING RELATIONSHIP WITH ELCA

Ever since the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to sanction practicing homosexual clergy, ELCA congregations across America have been meeting to examine their future relations with their denomination. A considerable number of congregations have already voted to withdraw membership; others have tried and failed to attain the required 2/3s vote needed to achieve that objective. Still others have voted to discontinue funding the ELCA. It is rare that the ELCA reports such efforts, but the number of ELCA congregations taking such actions are hard to ignore. The fracturing of the ELCA has only begun and the church's leadership knows it.

http://archive.elca.org/ScriptLib/CO/ELCA_News/encArticleList.asp?article=4331

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 17:15).

According to the Bible it is equally wrong to call a bad man "a good man," as it is to call a good man "a bad man." It would seem today in America morality has been turned on its head.

Lord, help me today to discern between good and evil. Let not the world blind my eyes to the truth revealed in Your Word. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

ISLAMIC JIHAD--WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

If a Muslim medical doctor, known to hold radical Islamlic views and known to have expressed those views frequently, were to enter a very crowded room with two hand guns and began firing over 100 rounds, and if that same person managed to kill 12 American service men and women while shouting Allahu Akbar (God is Great!), one might possibly conclude that individual was committing an act of terrorism. But I could be wrong. He might have been a Quaker or a Presbyterian with an axe to grind. How can America fight Islamic terror if her leaders insist upon being politically correct, even if it kills many of us?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091106/ap_on_re_us/us_fort_hood_shooting

"HONOR KILLING" in Arizona

On Monday, November 2, 2009, Noor Faleh Almaleki, 20 years old, died as a result of injuries suffered on October 20, 2009 when she and Amal Edan Khalaf, 43 year old female both from Surprise, Arizona, were run down by Noor's father, Faleh Hassan Almaleki on October 20, 2009 in a parking lot at 8990 W. Peoria Avenue in Peoria, Arizona.

Honor killings are all too common in the Islamic world, with an estimated 5000+ taking place every year. Here in the U.S. they are not infrequent. Nothing exposes the blackened heart of radical Islam as much as honor killings and terrorism.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/11/arizona-woman-run-down-by-her-father-is-dead-in-honor-killing.html

How the FCC and Liberal Churches Are Scheming To Shut You Up

Even the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is behind this move to hush conservative voices. Who should be surprised?

http://townhall.com/columnists/MichelleMalkin/2009/10/28/how_the_fcc_and_liberal_churches_are_scheming_to_shut_you_up

TODAY'S WORD FROM THE LORD

"...and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear" (Philippians 1:14).

The Apostle Paul spent about 14 years in prison. During his imprisonment, Paul wrote many of the books in the New Testament. Furthermore, Paul's imprisonment itself was an inspiration to fellow believers, encouraging them to "speak the word of God without fear." As we look out on our nation and world events today, may we be inspired by those who gave their very lives for the sake of the gospel of Christ.

Lord, let me use my life today to declare your Word. Your Word is truth! Help me to speak your Word boldly to a world that has lost its way. Above all, help me to lift up Jesus Christ the Redeemer, so that sinners will be converted and turn to you with their whole hearts. This I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.