Stephen Black's Blog

Seven Mind Sweltering New Items about the Homosexual Political Agenda, and Hate Speech / Gay Discrimination

2008-06-10T12:08:49Z

Social Revamping Leading to Anarchy and Societal Chaos - WHICH IS NOW

Freedom of Speech is NOT for Christians any more…

It seems many Christians and conservatives are not aware of how politically motivated gay activists and the homosexual agenda truly are in producing policies, ordinances and laws changing in the

United States

. The efforts are being made under the banner of discrimination, tolerance and hate speech. I thought it might be helpful to have some HEADLINE NEWS ITEMS with links for your prayers and consideration. There has never been a time more needed than now to stand up and make a difference.

I encourage you to Google these HEADLINES. It seems these stories are outrageous, but they are true. I also encourage you to read for yourself from other sources. See how TOLERANCE is only for GAY THOUGHT. Read the Gay News Outlets and Blogs and see what they are saying in their own words. NOW! TODAY!

Did you know that if you are outside the idea of embracing homosexuality philosophy as a viable and alternative lifestyle the gay thought police will attack you, and the hate crimes ordinances or legislation will come down on you hard? You are considered a bigot and hateful. But now it is becoming illegal! IT IS HAPPENING NOW IN SEVERAL PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! It is also been happening in

Canada

for a while where the Bible is considered a hate speech book.

THIS WEEK IN THE NEWS! The Democratic Party of the USA announces that the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual/transvestitism) PRIDE and CAUSES are now CORE DEMOCRAT VALUES as noted on the National Democratic Web site. “These are our country's and our Party's core values.” This means the Democratic Party and their leaders are for the oppression of Christian Speech and Values on Morality based upon God’s Word under the banner of hate speech and thought.

(WE ARE IN PERILOUS TIMES 2 Tim 3:1-5 and 2 Tim. 4:3) What do you think will happen with a democratic controlled Congress and White House?

NOW FOR NEWS

1)       Rioting Lesbians at Smith College Take Over Republican Student Meeting by Climbing in Through Windows

Also See LINK: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=63208

Freedom of Speech is not tolerated if it is Judeo-Christian values or science that proves otherwise. The college security allowed the disruption and no action was taken against the bullies. There was no disciplinary action or penalties to students from the school administration either. Unbelievable? Watch the video and see for yourself. Here are pictures and video from the riot take-over, source: from MASSResistance

See the President of Smith College, Carol Christ’s response and you can see clearly where her values are, as she closes her announcement without an apology but gives an alternative response for a gay movie to be shown the next day at 8:00PM.

2) New Mexico lesbian Vanessa Willock sued Christian photographer Elaine Huguenin because of her faith and values would not allow her to be the lesbians’ photographer at their “gay wedding.” (Willock v. Elane Photography is the suit). This lesbian couple demanded Elaine Huguenin co-owner with her husband of Elane Photography to be the lesbians’ photographer or be sued. The lesbians sued and the New Mexico court upheld the human rights ordinance and found Elane Photography guilty of “sexual orientation” discrimination. Elane Photography was fined $6,637.94. The Alliance Defense Fund is the defense attorneys for Elane Photography. Read the full story and see the PDF of the commission’s order. Or http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/pressrelease.aspx?cid=4467

3) Lesbian Couple Sues Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association / Methodist in August 2007 because the lesbians desired to use the church’s PRIVATE property, a pavilion on the beach for their civil union – gay wedding – the church denied their request based upon their Christian Tenants. This case is still pending.

The church counter sued state of New Jersey based upon the First Amendment protection. Read Story and Related Links

4) Colorado has become a Progressive State by passing into law by Governor Ritter-(D) SB2000 which is the Equal Access and Accommodations Bill for Gays. This bill has a provision for GLBT to use the public bathroom of their choice based upon their gendered feeling of the moment. If you are a man dressed as a woman you may now legally use the woman’s bathroom. If you are feeling rather masculine as a women, nothing prevents you from going to the men's room. IF you are a man in full-battle drag you can march right into the men's room and pull up your dress and use the urinal. Five year old little Johnny is standing in the men's bathroom in shock! "Why is a woman in the men's bathroom daddy?" Little Johnny's dad is going to have a difficult time explaining this scene. How about this for some Colorado Confusion?   You think this is far-fetched, you should think again. If you do not believe the bizarreness you might want to take a look at Americans For Truth website. (BE WARNED ADULT CONTENT – Exposing Bizarre gay events in the USA)

5) Canadian Catholic Priest “Father Alphonse de Valk” Under Attacked by the Canadian Human Rights Commission

In Canada now, Christian morality is considered hate speech. This priest was merely stating his Christian beliefs, His Bible beliefs and the teachings of the Pope John II and the Catholic Church.   RELATED ARTICLE: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=66437

6) Canadian Pastor Stephen Boissoin and the Concerned Christian Coalition under attack by the Alberta Human Rights Commission(AHRC). The AHRC issued a written order on May 30, 2008 stating that Mr. Boissoin and the Concerned Christian Coalition must pay former Red Deer school teacher Darren Lund $5,000 in damages.

Here is Stephen’s original letter that was printed in a local Alberta newspaper. “The Homosexual Agenda Wicked” I don’t personally agree with everything Stephen wrote, but I certainly agree with his right to say it. However, I found his closing statement compelling for in just four years things have progressed much worse.

“If you are reading this and think that this is alarmist, then I simply ask you this: how bad do things have to become before you will get involved? It's time to start taking back what the enemy has taken from you. The safety and future of our children is at stake. Rev Stephen Boissoin”   I do agree with this question and statement.

Update to Stephen Boissoin case: June 9, 2008
Government to pastor: Renounce your faith! Now banned from expressing moral opposition to homosexuality

Stephen Boissoin ordered to pay $7000 and apologize, and to continue to remain silent about homosexuality. http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/jun/08060902.html

7) Northern Ireland's 'first lady' under investigation of hate crimes by expressing her Christian views on homosexuality. First Lady, Iris Robinson said that homosexuality was disgusting on a BBC radio show. She said it was in the Bible that homosexuality is an abomination. Now, Iris Robinson, Northern Ireland’s first lady is under investigation for hate crimes and could go to jail and face large financial penalties. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1024965/Northern-Irelands-lady-probed-police-gay-hate-rant-BBC-radio-show.html

An excellent article of on this topic with other outrageous incidents: 'Hate Crime' Laws Threaten Religious Freedom By Robert Knight and Lindsey Douthit at CWA site.

Please understand that I am NOT necessarily endorsing the content of any of these links or news agencies. I am merely hoping to inform people about the news and what is going on in the moral failing of the USA and also in the world concerning homosexuality. I am asking for you to research the news for yourself and pray! Again, please remember First Stone Ministries and our staff!

True Justice: Halting the Push for Gay Marriage

2008-05-25T14:50:20Z

Here is a quote from the middle of the article I really hope Christians will think about. . .

"Take a stand in your community. Do not hesitate to warn your people about the perils of gay marriage—what it means for the future of all concerned. Take whatever political action is necessary to halt the progress of gay marriage in your state. By all means, support any measures, state or national, that legislate marriage as solely heterosexual. To do so is an act of true justice for the deceived homosexual, for the common good, and for the Creator whose image we bear.

Be careful to not swing to the other extreme of making those with same-sex struggles the enemy. Remember, the gay movement gained its momentum on the foul ground of heterosexual dissipation—divorce, infidelity, impurity, and abuse. Thus we must contextualize homosexuality in the greater context of the broken image."

I really like this article by Andy Comiskey, Executive Directory with Desert Stream Ministries, Kansas City, MO.

Here's the article by Andy...

True Justice: Halting the Push for Gay Marriage

As I read of the 2600 same-sex couples wed in San Francisco last weekend, I studied a telling photograph that accompanied the article. In it, two small children looked on in confusion at the gay unions being formalized in front of them; they covered their eyes in shame as Mother locked lips with her new “spouse”, alongside of several other same-sex couples.
I thought of the confusion and shame we all feel as “in your face” gays and lesbians assert their right to justice. Shame, because we are caught between our “let’s not rock the boat and alienate anyone mentality,” and the conviction that gay marriage is not a justice issue at all but a bad idea empowered by strategic, deluded activists.

As Christians seeking to be compassionate, and relevant to the market place, our mouths have nearly been shut. Our sin is not that of the raving fundamentalist; it is the sin of passive, naïve centrism. For this we must repent. For too long we have not exercised our rightful inheritance. As Christians, we hold the keys to what constitutesthe Designer’s vision for humanity, and His repair for the broken image. We must find our voices today. Otherwise we participate in the desecration of God’s image in humanity. I believe that we should not ignore the unjust push for gay marriage. We must broaden our view to consider all who stand to lose if gay marriage becomes normative in our nation.

Consider the rhetoric of “justice” being used to defend gay marriage. Justice for who? Not for the children being subject to the pathos and instability of gay couplings. And not for the greater good of society. Perhaps the gravest injustice is visited upon gays and lesbians themselves. Formalizing gay unions undermines their true selves, andendangers their wellbeing. Here we must understand the Creator’s design for all His creation. To deny the witness of the Designer is to act foolishly and ignorantly at a time when we must assert the truth and its relevance to the law of the land.

I am convinced that every human being possesses the witness of the Creator and His design for creation. No matter what our faith commitment is, we each bear His image. The truth of that image in us may be dim in us but is not lost to us. A wise man writes: “Foundational moral principles are not only right for all, but at some level known to all.” [J. Budziszewski, What We Can’t Not Know (Dallas: Spence, 2003), p.3]

The Apostle Paul asserts this truth in Romans 1:18-20 when he describes how men in their wickedness suppress the plain truth about God and His ways that God made known to them, “so that men are without excuse.” (v.20)Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Creator’s design for gender and sexuality. His image is revealed in male/female relationships, with sex reserved for heterosexual marriage. This applies to all people—to violate this intention is to transgress His ways, and to act unnaturally, inhumanly. Out of the 10 Commandments, Commandments 6 and 9 further defend marriage by forbidding married persons from engaging sexually outside of the heterosexual covenant (“Thou shall not commit adultery”), and even forbidding them from secretly longing to do so (“Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife”).

“OUR SIN IS NOT THAT OF THE RAVING FUNDAMENTALIST; IT IS THE SIN OF PASSIVE, NAÏVE CENTRISM. FOR THIS WE MUST REPENT.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE...

Approval, Affirmation, and Sanctioning of Homosexual Marriage in California

2008-05-24T02:39:35Z

Gay affirming policies and politics are leading to the ruin of marriage as once known between one man and one woman. Marriage is on the fast-track of no longer being sacred. According to a recent Gallup poll, 78% to 88% of American youth ages 16 to 25 embrace the idea of homosexuality as a valid, acceptable alternative lifestyle and that gays should be allowed to marry.

Once gay marriage is accepted in a culture then marriage becomes devalued and diluted to nothing and people just stop marrying. This is true in the European countries that have embraced such cultural policies according to Stanly Kurtz’s article “The End of Marriage in Scandinavia”. (Click here and read another Stanly Kurtz article “Zombie Killers
A.K.A., Queering the Social”).

According to this polling data, I would say that the USA is only 10 – 15 years away from a sweeping gay marriage revolution across this country. This is already occurring in Europe. If there is not a spiritual and moral awakening, marriage will become a bothersome formality for a liberal immoral society. Once marriage is defined to mean anything you desire, it becomes warped and goes to several other bizarre forms. SO…why not have marriages to include polygamy, marrying children, or even your favorite pet? “Ridiculous!” You might say, well time will tell. It would have been ridiculous 50 years ago to propose a future of what actually happened this past week in California. Is it ridiculous that the San Francisco Valued Pious Black Robes trashed traditional marriage? Gays are lining up to marry in California! Oh the time consuming quagmire this will put other states into dealing with gay marriages and divorces. There will certainly be plenty of extra court room time and dollars spent until the newness wears off and gay affirmation has destroyed marriage and marriage becomes nothing.

The Church at large has in fact lost its saltiness and influence in this “post-modern any thing that feels good goes” narcissistic generation. Even among heterosexual marriages of evangelicals there is more than a 50% divorce rate. Where is commitment? Where is loyalty and godly character in our society? Haven’t we started the imploding process by embracing all forms of immorality? Where is the Holy Church? Most church-going people laugh and embrace gay characters during their weekly dosage of television entertainment. Acclimation – it really has become acceptable. The Church is not allowed to even use a Biblical word to describe homosexuality as detestable without gasps and shrills from other acclimated politically and culturally relevant Christians. Yes, we have become acclimated to accept it as a normal part.

When marriage is made into a mockery, then the question becomes, “why bother?” The overwhelmingly majority of the same noted peer group in the Gallup poll also believes it is perfectly acceptable to have free sex with anyone at anytime. Will this be the last generation to up hold any form of Judeo-Christian morality? Will there be even more terrorism from radical Islamic Fascists because the USA is indeed become the great Satan of immorality in their minds? The leading country producing the largest amount decadent pornographic material to the rest of the entire earth! The Islamic extremists actually believe their holy book and are out to destroy such infidels. The next 10 to 20 years are going to be very gripping. We owe all this to well organized gay activists, the state of California and to a sleepy Church.

Awake Church!

“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (Romans 13:11-14 NLT)

Clarification to Recent Blog Post: Ex-gays Afraid to Come Out . . .

2008-05-22T21:42:26Z

First I would like to publicly apologize to Wayne Besen for making the snide remark about him at the end of my post, it was un-Christ-like. My uncalled for remark was: "However Besen’s narcissism will deceptively cause him to wear the quote as a badge of honor." This statement was unnecessary and made out of exasperation. We will never agree and quite frankly I am sad for him. I should not have entered into the same sarcasm I disdain. Sarcastic hateful blogs are just revealing of a broken lives.

Wayne emailed me with a demanded for an apology. His demand was based that I was a spokes person for Exodus International. I am not employed by Exodus International , and I was not speaking for Exodus on my blog. This is a distortion. I merely posted my thoughts about something I see going on in our cultural, on my own personal blog.

Wayne communicated that I asserted that the ex-gay watchdog groups were Nazis. This is not the truth either. There is no statement in my blog that attaches gays to Nazis. To the contrary, I was speaking about the political and cultural environment that I believe we are in and pointed to the Silencing Christians documentary. This was not about gay bloggers; actually they don't have that much power. I also mentioned a direct quote from a friend about the next demonic anti-Christ movement; we have seen before in our history akin to pre WWII and the Nazis regime coming into power. However, it certainly was a sensational blog post for Wayne.

The week before I posted my last entry, I had been robbed. Someone came into my office and stole my wallet with $80 cash, a $600 hand-held PC scheduler, and a $4000 laptop. I was in an adjacent office when they brazenly walked in the back door of our offices and stole the items. This leaves anyone feeling a little violated. My home address is unlisted because of what I do in ministry. Yet they were able to get a lot of personal information and they now know where I live. Months prior to this, a gay identified person had been coming to our offices anonymously dropping off packets of information to 're-recruit' me back into the gay community. A long story here, but bottom-line: it is all very disturbing. There ARE people watch and stalking others who make a stand in the community for righteousness, especially when it is politically incorrect and taking a stand against the affirmation of the sin of homosexuality in our culture.

Since the sharing of my testimony at the "Freedom of Speech Rally – Rally for Sally" I have been made more aware of groups like "Ex-gay Watch (XGW)." There is a list of blog roll buddies on their site. The very little I have read is very disturbing to me. It isn't paranoia. It is in fact very saddening.

Ex-gay Watch (XGW) did not like that I used the word, "STALKING" in my recent post. We cannot agree on the definition of stalking. There are several levels of stalking. The word stalking to me represents someone who is in fact watching me, and desiring my demise. I was asked to remove the word stalking; and after the civil communication, I removed it.

There are many groups of gay activists, political groups, and bloggers I am finding out about on the Internet. They are very watchful. It is very disturbing to me; gay activists watching ex-gay ministers and ministries keeping tabs. There are suggestions to follow me and take photos of me and other leaders in comment lines. You have to keep a sense of humor about all this and laugh! An ex-gay watch paparazzi? What's next? Cheese! It does seem a bit creepy and weird. You wanna say, "get a life!"

However, what would we think about a group of bloggers who called themselves the Alcoholic Anonymous Watch? Watching and waiting to see if any AA leader or alcoholic slips up. The bloggers writing and scoffing at the alcoholics for trying to stop being an alcoholic. Snide sarcastic remarks over and over on their blogs; we would weep! Yet, there would be others who would get very angry. I think most people would be sick with grief. Plays, books and long lists of gay bloggers now growing on the internet, scoffing at those who leave homosexuality.

ANOTHER CLARIFICATION:
I must admit, I really regret using the word KLAN. I should have used the word CLUB in my last blog post. This was certainly an error in writing. I apologize for the connection to the Klan. I was not intending to say that the XGW group or Wayne was like the KKK. The idea of the KKK was not in my blog, but the word klan was and I was thinking clan. I am an Irish man! Live and learn, as I am not trying to provoke unnecessarily, and this did. It was an error.

There are many gay activists bloggers specifically watching and talking about ex-gays and ex-gay ministries. There is long list of bloggers (go see their blog roll and then each site has their own blog rolls) being ever so watchful. It is disturbing of the growing number of bloggers who desire the demise of ex-gay ministry. Our ideologies are in total contradiction to one another. It is their constitutional right to have their opinion. I thank God that I can still have my constitutional right to believe the Bible as well. I also have the right to communicate that I FEEL like I am being watch and stalked by unscrupulous people as is evident by the recent activity here at our offices with over $4600 of equipment stolen and with a Tinky-Winky Valentine to boot! (An unidentified person who says they are gay, loves me and wants me to accept myself has been dropping off notes through the back door of our offices. On Valentines Day, I received a Tinky Winky note. Very Creepy!).

I really do find it sad that there are people unwilling to talk about leaving homosexuality because of the hostility that now exists in our culture. These groups are doing a good job at silencing people, but not this voice.

Ex-Gays Afraid to Come Out for Fear of Persecution!

2008-05-15T13:17:36Z

I personally don't like describing myself as "ex-gay," however; it communicates a quick sound bite of the reality and a direction of many. So while others might be disturbed by the term, "ex-gay" I feel it is a waste of time to wrangle over words that work in concisely communicating. Yes, folks I am “ex-gay” though I do not find my identity in being “ex-gay.” I am also very concerned that there are many great stories of “ex-gays” which are being browbeaten into silence.

I have been made aware of the growing hostility towards ex-gays in the past couple of years in the media, and recently on many blogs. Even the very popular Bill O'Reilly (here’s an article here where Bill wanted to sue an ex-gay minister) continues to communicate snide chuckles on his program at the idea of ex-gays. Fox News is somewhat fair and balanced to Judeo-Christian values, yet they do a better job with conservative political news. I like and watch Fox News, and even watch O’Reilly a lot, because most of the other cable news outlets are very hostile to the idea of Christian values, never-mind the idea of ex-gays. Our culture is completely buying into the hoax of being born gay and has accepted the idea of being gay as normality.

The hostility is really growing to the message of leaving homosexuality behind. It could actually become illegal in the near future to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ in helping people find freedom from of homosexuality. Even well-meaning Christians scoff at the idea, perhaps they should view the documentary: SPEECHLESS - SILENCING the CHRISTIANS. Perhaps we should remember our history of Nazi Germany. We should at least read the recent news from our Canadian neighbors to the north. In Canada it is illegal to speak out that homosexuality is sin. It is now legislatively considered hate speech and prosecutable; a topic worth Googling. Perhaps well-meaning, well-educated yet misinformed Christians wouldn't scoff at this knowledge.

I came across this article yesterday "Ex-Gays Afraid to Come Out for Fear of Persecution" and thought this would be a good post in light of this discussion. Ex-gays are in fact, afraid to make themselves known. I have met with MANY people who are influential in my community and others who have church communities that would make it very difficult to talk about their recovery from homosexuality. Yet there is even a larger and growing threatening group of gay activists who are fueling the fire of fear and oppression in our culture. They wish to silence the freedom of choice when it comes to leaving homosexuality. The idea of leaving homosexuality is very threatening to their gay insecure existence and their political agendas. Wayne Besen, a self-proclaimed activist, is one of these very loud voices, he is cruel and mean-spirited. These groups are receiving too much attention, just like the school yard bully or another picture that comes to mind, it's like the elementary kid throwing himself down on the floor throwing the hissy-fit. I know what I want to do to that kid, but Dr. Spock wouldn’t like it! Yet our culture is deceived by Darwinian-ism and humanistic beliefs. Our society is vacillating from being increasingly afraid of these bullies or being in love with them!

There are growing numbers of political gay groups that are very disturbing to me. They are actual GAY hate groups who wish to silence the voices of ex-gays. These groups are like the brazenly named "Ex-Gay Watch" and their club of bloggers who use hatefully sarcastic words in addressing ex-gays. There are even more radical groups that are extra hateful with their narcissistic sarcasms which reveal vicious vitriol fueled by people like Wayne Besen. I have had my own personal encounters with these groups. These people have actually posted ideas of how to stalk and harm ex-gay ministries and their leaders. They sarcastically mock and hope for the demise of any ex-gay ministry leader. They write books and plays applauding, scoffing and laughing at any relapse of any individual leaving homosexuality. If someone did this with other addicts like alcoholics or other human weaknesses the media would crucify them and then completely dismiss them as cruel hateful people, like Rev. Phelps and his gang; not so for gay activists.

A very successful attorney friend of mine recently told me he felt it was like 1933 in Nazi Germany for Christians and Exodus type ministries in the USA. He seriously joked with me and said, "Stephen it is like 1933 and your last name isn't Black, but Bernstein. Your ministries will be on the front-line of the next demonic wave of an anti-Christ movement in history. It is coming." WOW! It was a sobering moment.

One merely need to lightly read over blogs like the "Ex-GAY WATCH" and/or Wayne Besen's blog and you will know we are living in very dark days. In the news just yesterday, at WorldNetDaily, Wayne Besen is revealed in an article that exposes his tactics and lies. The article by Bob Unruh describes Wayne Besen “as the Fred Phelps of the left.” Pretty scary!

It is sad how many people are afraid of gay activists, liberal blog bullies and the liberal anti-Christ media machine. They are silencing their great stories about overcoming homosexuality.

Yet in closing, we need to have hope, as Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” and so shall it be right before the great and terrible day of the Lord. He is coming and HE will set things STRAIGHT!

A Pregnant Man ~ A short tale... by Kenneth L. Ervin II

2008-04-28T21:50:08Z

One bright day, in the state of Confusion, a scruffy-faced man in Divers City felt a little flutter in his belly. As the days went by, the flutters grew stronger until they felt like little kicks.

"I'm pregnant!" the man gushed as he hugged his girlfriend.

"It's a miracle!" the media proclaimed, as they paraded him around the talk show circuit. Some people said it wasn't possible, but the media ignored them.

Suddenly one night, the man sat bolt upright in bed. Shaking his girlfriend awake, he said, "My water broke!" This produced a frenzied search for the suitcases and car keys, and a mad dash to the hospital.

Pregnant man in tow, the girlfriend picked up her cell phone and dialed ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and Oprah. By the time they got to the hospital, it was a media circus. Cameras rolling, the flashbulbs flashing, the pregnant man was wheeled into the hospital to deliver his baby.

Several hours later, the weary girlfriend stepped out of the hospital room and announced to the camped-out media, "It's a girl!" Demanding video footage and pictures, the media crowded into the room.

As cameras clicked and videotape rolled, one reporter noticed that the baby was moving its mouth. "Quiet!" he yelled. "The baby's trying to speak!"

The crowd hushed as the precious newborn looked up into the face of her father and said, "Mama!" A horrified silence fell on the room.

Nervously, the man looked down at his daughter and said, "No, child. I'm Dada."
The baby smiled and reached her little hand up to caress the man's scruffy face. Again she said, "Mama!"

A single tear streaked down the man's cheek as, for the first time, a feminine softness crept into his face.

"It's true," said the man, as gasps trickled throughout the room. "I am your Mama. How did you know?"

With a twinkle in her eye, the baby said, "Silly Mama. Only girls can have babies!"

"And a child shall lead them. ... "

from Concerned Women for America – CWA
Used with permission ©2008 CWA

Oprah just loves a sensational story! She just cannot keep her hands off of it! Oprah enjoys pushing the societal norms with immorality under her banner of niceness! Isn't it sweet?

The UNTOLD Story about Sally Kern

2008-04-19T00:59:25Z

by Stephen Black and Chris Morrison with First Stone Ministries

The Untold Story of Irony
Washington’s political gay elitists with the Victory Fund edited Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern’s comments from a closed door meeting given in a January speech of this year. They edited down the comments to what they considered the most inflammatory sound bites. Their cunning plan was to upload the edited comments to YouTube in hopes of enraging gay people and their supporters. This plan, they thought, would further the “Victory Fund” gay political cause and bring in funds for their political machine. Over and over they emphasize that Rep. Kern’s speech demonstrated hatred towards gays. What they failed to mention – or include in the sound bites – is the truth, that Rep. Sally Kern said we must love the homosexual. Her message was not about bashing gays. The main stream liberal media outlets seem to be unconcerned about what was been left out, and unmotivated to seek the whole story, responded predictably. They thrive on bad news and smear tactics of conservatives, so they picked up the story immediately and replayed the inflammatory comments. The story was worldwide overnight! Sally Kern was labeled hateful, bigoted, anti-gay, an evil homophobe and so many other names that are so vile, I cannot repeat.

In her remarks during the January speech, Rep. Kern mentioned the parallel of the gay political movement in the United States – not individual gays. She said the agenda of the gay political movement is, in her opinion, as dangerous as terrorism. While I personally would not have used this parallel, the irony of this story is impossible to ignore. That irony is demonstrated very visibly in the hate emails numbering over 26,000, death threats, and the meanspirited and orchestrated campaign calling for her resignation. These very tactics are akin to terroristic tactics, therefore point directly back to Sally’s original parallel. Truly this is ironic! This political tactic, directed to silence Rep. Kern, bully her and other conservatives and manipulate the unsuspecting public almost worked. However, what they did not realize was Sally Kern’s courage and steadfastness. The demographics suggests that the 26,000 emails are a very small representation of how the gay and sympathizing population feels about Rep. Kern. No doubt there are politicians afraid of this very loud well-funded fringe group. Death threats and demands for Sally Kern to resign from office were meant to be a warning to other politicians. “We are listening!” They threaten. Hundreds of YouTube videos were uploaded with incredibly hateful words from those who piously declare, “SAY NO TO HATE.” Their usual demand for everyone, everywhere to have “tolerance” was diluted by their very own actions, which are incredibly hateful and intolerant. Truly this is hypocritical, and very misleading. The irony of this untold story is indeed very interesting. But is anyone in the media elite willing to talk about it?

Perhaps they fear the wrath of the gay community. Late-night comedian Jay Leno suffered just last week when he poked fun at a soap-opera actor who played a gay character. The irony is almost laughable if it were not so alarming to those who love Judeo-Christian values and the traditional family. Well over 1500 people rallied at the Oklahoma State Capitol to support Sally Kern. They realized that freedom of speech is under fire. Contrast this with the well organized homosexual political activists who diligently push their manifesto. These activists want the USA to be like our Canadian neighbors. They desire control over free speech, using their banner of tolerance while at the same time labeling Judeo-Christian beliefs hate speech. They wish to silence Christian values by enacting hate speech laws that would make it a violation to state a belief that homosexuality is sin. There seems to be no end to their tactics to redefine American traditional values. Many, like Sally, are standing up now and saying, “enough is enough!” However, will we continue to stand up and lovingly sow truth?

The Untold Story of Ministry and Concern
Does it make sense to you to label someone who actually helps people who struggle with homosexuality as hateful, bigoted, anti-gay and an evil homophobe? The untold part of this story – which I delight to tell you now – is that behind the scenes, Rep. Sally Kern and her husband, Dr. Stephen Kern have supported First Stone Ministries for many years. Dr. Stephen Kern is the senior pastor at Olivet Baptist Church, which actually hosts some of First Stone Ministries’ support groups. The Kern’s have a special place in their hearts for our ministry to those who struggle with same-sex attractions and homosexuality. For several years before all this controversy erupted, they had put action to their love for those who are struggling and for their families. The next part of this untold story is from a current staff member with First Stone Ministries.

The Untold Story of Love and Devotion to Those Who Struggle
It has been an honor to be a friend of the Kern family for several years. I am Chris Morrison, development
coordinator with First Stone Ministries. I want you to know that the Kern’s played a healing role in my life. Ten years ago I was battling with how I was to live my life. I would either continuing to seek the Lord in my weakness or just give up and live as a gay man. While in college in a neighboring city, I would drive to Oklahoma City and spend weekends in the Kern’s home; Sally Kern would also take me to the airport so I could fly home for holidays and leave my vehicle in their care. Though I attended a Baptist university, I still carried my brokenness on my sleeve, as I struggled intensely with homosexual feelings. I will never forget the seed that was sown on Thanksgiving weekend in 1997. Sally Kern was taking me to the airport and she gently broached the subject of my homosexual struggle with me. I was surprised and scared of what she was going to say, because I hadn’t told many people about my struggle. It was rare for someone to bring up my struggle before I had ever disclosed it. Her tenderness was overwhelming; she lovingly ministered to me that day. She mercifully let me know that she and her family were praying for me, and that they loved me. That day is precious to me as I felt so loved and accepted. I am grateful to the Lord that Sally had enough courage to plant the seeds of God’s forgiveness, hope and healing. In 2004 I had the privilege of supporting Sally Kern as she ran for State Representative. I attended her watch party on Election Day and remembered her saying she knew that God was calling her to run for State Representative, but didn’t know all the reasons. That statement resounded in my head as I stood and watch Sally Kern at the Freedom of Speech Rally – “Rally for Sally” on April 2, 2008. I remembered the words from the Bible, “For such a time as this.” Sally Kern, is a representative “for such a time as this.” I am grateful to Sally Kern for her humble stance, as well as her boldness to call the nation to repentance, and to call for Christians to stand for traditional values in our land. I am a man who was nearly enslaved by the lie of being born gay, yet Jesus saved me from that deceived existence. The Kern family played an integral role in my healing from homosexuality, for which I am eternally grateful.

This is the untold story behind the precious Kern family that you will most-likely never hear as a main story in the liberal media.

In Conclusion
We should not be so quick to judge everything we hear in the media as the truth. I was wisely taught by my Irish mother to consider your sources thoroughly, make sure you have both sides of the story, and get all the facts before coming to a conclusion. Unfortunately many people did not with Sally Kern’s story. The propaganda machine of gay elitists fed only a part of the story to the liberal media in a deliberate attempt to stir controversy. I am grateful that we are having this national dialog. I hope, as a result, more people will really take a look at what is happening morally to this country. A well-funded political gay movement with its warped ideology could completely change our country in just a few short years. Christians need to be informed and active. We need to stop being so apathetic. We cannot be afraid of angry loud voices. If we, as Christians fail to be salt and light, then the darkness will overcome the USA. It could become very dark in just a few short years. We must lovingly and compassionately proclaim the Gospel truth of Jesus Christ and pray for a God-breathed revival in the United States of America.

Trying to Appease Critics? ~ A Devotion Time from Proverbs 5

2008-04-13T02:19:35Z

April 5^th, 2008: I read and listened to Proverbs 5. I could not stop thinking about it. It was an unusually experience. I read it in eight versions of the Bible. I was in my car listening to the audio in the NET version of the Bible. My spirit was stirred and the Lord gave me the following for me personally, but also for anyone who reads this, especially for those entangled with debating those in opposition to the Gospel. (Read Proverbs 5 first).
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My dear friends, you are like my child to me. I have the Father’s heart in speaking with you. I am gravely concern about you. Please listen to me very closely, make your ears to hear what I have to say. I have a warning from God. This warning comes from ancient wisdom, God’s Spirit; therefore this wisdom is from the mind of God. If you will heed my warning then you will operate in discretion and you will have God’s wisdom. Beware of the soothing words of the immoral person. The deceived person’s words can feel so good, just like soothing oil. The immoral man or woman speaks with words that are kindly seductive. They will manipulate you, trying to draw you into sexual immorality. They are corrupt. They secretly hope for your down fall. However, when they fail at drawing you into sexual immorality, they will draw you further into controversy. Their deceptive goal is to snare you into sin; the core sin of unbelief. They are deceived by their own trickery. They are so deceived they have no understanding. If you remain in the counsel of the immoral, before you know it; you will compromise the wisdom of God. The immorally deceived person says, “bitter is sweet, and sweet is bitter.” Beware my child! The end thereof in listening is worse than wormwood. It is poison. Their words are like a two-edged sword, it will destroy you. The path of the immoral will actually lead you to the door of hell; they are ever drawing you to violate your relationship with King Jesus. They sow discord between you and your other brothers and sisters. I beg you my child, meditate on the wisdom from above, on the very word of God. Do not be enticed by worldly debates and human intellect; those soothing words of the immoral. It is very harmful. It will steal your life away. It will take your strength and your wealth. Your wealth will be taken from you and given to another. Beware of these immoral people and their false teachings. It will alienate you from God. You cannot be a friend of God and a friend of the world. Friendship with the world and immoral people is spiritual adultery. Do not let human compassion and the soothing words of the immoral deceive you. They will accuse you falsely. They will say all manner of evil against you. They will betray you. They will ironically accuse you of the very thing they are doing. They will say, love is hate and hate is love. Beware! If you listen and are attached to the immoral you will have your life strength removed. You will be the one mourning in the presence of the King. You will have rejected the King’s reproof. This poison of compromise can ruin you life. I passionately want to spare you my child, because I love you.
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I am blessed and sobered by this warning. What about you? I realize that I can only try to please the Lord. When I am trying to please Him, I will please some people, some of the time, but I will never please everyone. Jesus is enough, to Him be all the glory!

Praying ~ 24 Hours A Day! 7 Days A Week! 365 Days A Year! ~ For Over Nine Years ~ International House of Prayer!

2008-04-11T23:37:00Z

February 15 through 18, 2008 First Stone Ministries hosted a Men of Prayer Retreat at the International House of Prayer (IHOP). 18 men had their lives changed by Jesus in an incredible encounter of the Worship of Jesus, the Words of Jesus and the Works of Jesus! My life was changed as well. I also had another opportunity to this past weekend April 4-6, 2008 to receive. The chairman of FSM and I received incredible confirmation. The anointing and presence of God is incredible at IHOP. When there is 24 hour worship and prayer, the atmosphere is super charged with anointing and faith. I highly recommend a trip to IHOP, truly lives are changed.

IHOP is a missions base, preparing the students to take prayer, intercession, worship and the power of God's word to the ends of the earth as missionaries. IHOP is a preparing forerunner ministry to equip ministers for the end times. There is a world-wide revival and a tribulation period coming soon, and they will come together. Evil is on the rise, but God's grace and power is on the rise as well. This revival and anti-Christ is yet to be revealed. The Church is getting ready to experience the most powerful out pouring of God's love and miracles. The outpouring is going to make sin very evident. God's outpouring of holiness will increase the fear of God in the hearts of men. The fear of the Lord will cause hearts of men to hate their sin. The nay-sayers are going to be shocked! The churches built on the sandy foundations of flesh will be removed. It will be a revival of no names. Those who have exalted themselves will be made low. Those who have made no reputation for themselves will be anointed in power in HIS humility. Those who love Jesus Christ and holiness are getting ready to be very blessed. I am very excited in my soul. I have longed for this since 1984 when I was part of a true revival that was short lived. I saw miracles then. I have been waiting for over 20 years to see the same level of miracles. I have been personally equipped by the ministry of Mike Bickle. The vision and the prophetic foundation of IHOP is an amazing story called Encountering Jesus. You can download the MP3 for free at EXTRAVAGANT DEVOTION. IHOP's mission is:

I - Intercession - Bridal love and preparation
H - Holiness - Separation from worldliness
O - Offerings - Giving to the poor and down cast
P - Prophecy - Prophetic power to change lives in believing and hearing from God

Mike Bickle is the founder and director of this amazing ministry in Kansas City, MO, The International House of Prayer. In 1999, Mike heard from the Lord to start at 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – Prayer House. Many Christian leaders were very skeptical. Now, 10 years later, this ministry is changing lives all over the world. IHOP's are springing up all over the world. This mission base has over 600 staff and several thousand students. The prayer and prophetic ministry there at the IHOP is truly building up the body of Christ. These thousands of young men and women being trained to take the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Power of Prayer and Prophetic ministry world-wide. Very anointed and talent worship leaders are being raised up. Misty Edwards is one of the first. (Her official web site is www.mistyedwards.com, however it is under construction. I suggest Googling "Misty Edwards for more info.)

A MESSAGE FROM GOD
The teaching ministry of Mike Bickle is another incredible part of this dynamic that is changing lives. Mike is a very humble and transparent teacher. His style of teaching is friendly, and his messages are truly prophetically encouraging. I listen to Mike all the time. I was encouraged by another leader there at IHOP this last weekend to listen to a new message Mike had shared to leadership. IT IS A WARNING TO LEADERS ABOUT PURITY. It is a must listen, the notes are good but the message is terrific! I want every leader I know to listen to this message. "Making a Purity Covenant, with Seven Practical Commitments" by Mike Bickle is the message title. If I had it my way, I would force every leader I know to listen to this message because it is so good and so relative. I am hoping every ministry director I know will listen to this message soon. It is prophetic, and I believe it is from GOD. I hope to upload the MP3 soon.

You can get the teaching notes on this message at the IHOP web site (see below) and click on Mike's Teaching Notes.

ISRAEL / IHOP
I have always desired to see ministry to the sexually broken grow. I especially desire to see it grow in Israel. The former director with our ministry, Jeff Janes, our chairman and I had the wonderful opportunity to lead the one of the very first conferences on sexual healing in Haifa, Israel for leadership in 1998. It was a fantastic time. We planned another trip with the former director of Exodus in 2001, but 9/11 canceled the trip. I have been praying for the last two months about preparing another conference in Israel. While at IHOP this past weekend I believe the Lord has made it very clear we are to move forward. There is more about this to come later. Anyone desire to go on a HEALING tour / adventure, ending the trip with a crescendo sexual healing conference?

You can visit International House of Prayer and watch the prayer room live at: www.ihop.org.

Freedom of Speech Rally ~ Rally for Sally - April 2, 2008

2008-04-09T00:40:33Z

You Tube Video Links of Stephen Black
Part One of Stephen Black's Testimony
Part Two of Stephen Black's Testimony

photo copyright ©2008 by Theresa Peralta

An entire article to be posted soon... There is a lot more to this story than has been revealed in the media.

COMING SOON!

With Well Over 20 Years In Ministry ~ Thousands Have Been Helped!

2008-04-07T01:24:30Z

YES! Yes, people can change the direction of their lives. People change things in their lives all the time, in every place on earth. Can an alcoholic stop being one? Sure, but he may struggle! Freedom is not the absence of all struggle. Freedom is the ability to rise above life controlling circumstances and choose a different direction. I have chosen FREEDOM! Freedom for me is a totally devoted relationship to Christ as Lord and to His teachings. I have not arrived! I continue to press into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Hopefully, to no ones surprise, but I press on towards the goal of the upward call in Christ Jesus my Lord, and leave the former things to embrace all things new!

Bob Davies, Director Emeritus of Exodus International wrote seven points I think need review in this current debate about homosexuality. Click here to read: Seven Things I Wish Pro-Gay People Would Admit

SO... Is Freedom Possible? Well for me... it is dah... YES! without a doubt... 26 years later.

Here's a wonderful article from the ministry I work in compiled by Chris Morrison... VOICES OF HEALING. The complete article only has a very small portion of people helped last year. Here's one voice:

Acceptance and Love where I thought there was none...
"There are several ways First Stone has impacted my life. I think the thing that has helped me the most is seeing the true love of Jesus demonstrated by the staff and volunteers at FSM. When I started coming here a year ago I firmly believed I wasn’t deserving of love or God’s forgiveness because of my same-sex struggle. I believed a Christian shouldn’t be struggling with that. The compassion, Christian love, support and prayer shown to me when I first came here was just what I needed to show me I wasn’t unlovable or rejected by God. He wanted to show me the opposite was true. No judgment...no rejection...no ridicule....just God’s love and acceptance. That gives me the motivation and courage to explore the reasons behind my struggle and to seek and receive healing. I praise God He’s led me to a place where I can receive help and be ministered to by people who understand what I deal with. Their prayers for me have helped sustain me throughout this first year of my journey. FSM never fails to consistently point the way to Jesus as the only source of healing, and everyone involved with FSM has helped me to see that and believe it." -MR

Freedom from Homosexuality Is Possible!

2008-04-01T19:47:33Z

View The Freedom Video at First Stone Ministries!

Testimonies from the lives of Dennis Jernigan, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Stephen Black

Links:

Dennis Jernigan
Exodus International:World's Largest Resource in ministering to people who desire to overcome homosexuality.

Others May, But You Cannot, by G.D. Watson (1845 - 1924)

2008-04-01T09:45:02Z

In 1994, I was ordained into full-time ministry after nine years of God preparing me through training in the local Church, and my involvement in business, engineering and manufacturing. It seemed like a strange way to be prepared for ministry, most go through seminary. I now see the wisdom in this humble path without a wall of certificates and ministry degrees. I was praying this morning and the Lord reminded me of a profound word that was spoken to me on the day of my ordination. Five pastors from five different churches, and states placed there hands on me to commission me. It was actually an amazing day as they were men who WANTED to be present at my ordination to put me into ministry. I was overwhelmed with delightful direction from God from these men. They recognized the call of God on my life, and called me up. I have always wanted to make a huge impact in my world for Jesus' glory, and they believed God would use me to do just that. However, over the last 16 years I have felt like there should always be more. This morning as I was reading Oswald Chambers devotion for April 1st and 2nd the Lord reminded me of the power of intercession, being surrendered to HIS will no matter what I see around me, because prayers are being answered. The Lord also reminded me the words two pastors whispered in my ear independently of one another on the day of my ordination came flooding back... "Others May, But You Cannot." I was kneeling during the final 15 minutes of the service and they each came to me with words. I wept as I heard the words, as I had already been introduced to G.D. Watson's article.

I have attached an article written by my favorite Methodist minister, G.D. Watson. His words are profoundly encouraging in the faith. I highly recommend him as an author for deeper devotion to Christ... read his thoughts, be blessed and challenged!

"OTHERS MAY... But YOU Cannot"

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If God has called you to be really like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put on you such demands of obedience that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it; and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others can brag on themselves, on their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others will be allowed to succeed in making money, or having a legacy left to them, or in having luxuries, but it is likely that God will keep you poor, because He wants you to have something better than gold, and that is a helpless dependence on Him, that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.

The Lord will let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade.

He will let others be great, but keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him, and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work which you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes. The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feeling or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you.

He will take you at your word, and if you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say. Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes in ways that He does not deal with others. Now when you are so possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven.

G.D. Watson

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A Warning To Those Who Embrace The False "Gay" Gospel

2008-04-07T02:05:42Z

I have felt a bit exasperated by the controversy concerning the born homosexual debate, genetics and trying to appease those who criticize our ministry and related organizations. Reading on many blogs made me realize that we need to stand firmer on the Word of God. MANY are being deceived... I was reading in 1st and 2nd Timothy, Hebrews 1 - 4, and in the gospels concerning the last days, and this is a paraphrased warning I received in my heart. Those who know Scripture, will clearly see that this is very close to to several passages of Scripture.

Jesus is Lord over the house and we are HIS house IF we keep a firm grip. However, the Holy Spirit warns us to listen and take heed to His voice. He does not want our hearts be harden by rebellion and turning a deaf ear. The Lord has reminded us of past generations who have tested Him and refused to trust Him. They went astray in their minds. Therefore, God became angry and said that they shall not enter into His rest. We have been warned that our hearts can become unbelieving which God says is evil. When we do not obey Him and trust God we stray off the path of faith and our hearts become hardened. We are partakers of Christ IF we hold on to the beginning of our faith in Him to the very end.

It cannot be merely mental assent. We must believe Him resulting in a righteous lifestyle. Selfishness and unbelief causes our hearts to be hardened, there is no rest in disobeying God in unbelief. The gospel is preached to many, but because they do not walk it out in faith they do not receive the blessing of rest. The Father desires for us to enter into a rest in a relationship with Him. This rest causes the soul of man to delight in His will. The Word of God is living and powerful, it is sharper than any two–edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey.

The Word of God is not merely words on a page. The Word is a person, Jesus Christ, no one is hidden from His sight, you are not getting away from His sight. He is judging your every motive. Jesus is ready to be your High Priest in heaven. We must approach Him in sincerity and honesty about the condition of our heart. He will sympathize with your struggles, your weakness and sin. Jesus has been through all temptation and did not sin, He rose from the dead being victorious over temptation and sin. He desires for us to come to His throne boldly in prayer to find His power, His grace to overcome sin and to find mercy and forgiveness when we have sinned. Jesus is present to help, but will be silent when you try to force Him into your way, and your desires.

In the last days there will be false teachers turning the grace of God into corruptible living. They will make those struggling with sin feel comfortable in their sin. They will be shameless, even boastful about their lifestyles of sin. Trying to convince many that it is harmless, they will even make God in their image by saying that God approves of their lifestyles. Run away from these teachers! Do not have fellowship with them. They are false prophets leading many astray and without even knowing it, God’s wrath is upon them as they believe the lies, God will turn many over to the deception because they loved lies and their own ways, rather than the TRUTH.

This is fearful… we should work out our own walk with God in sobriety and with great reverence, even tremble at the idea that we too could be deceived. Therefore study and pray so that day does not come on you like a trap. My heart goes out to several who have come through First Stone Ministries and continue to be hostile to the Truth. All we can do, is pray when they are not listening.

Christ's Cry ~ Covenant Love and Covenant Friendship

2007-08-04T02:37:17Z

I wrote this article several years ago. I hope this revealed plumb line of truth from heaven will be a blessing to your life. This article and the scriptural truth is just as relevant today as it was several years ago. Several years ago the Lord was actually preparing my heart for several painful things to come after I wrote this article. It was a challenge to my own faith, and continues to be a challenge.

I have watch two very close friends go through divorces. People I love dearly! I have also experienced three of my dearest friends in ministry betray me with unbelievable deception. Forgiveness is key to walking out Covenant love; it is the revelation of the Cross of Jesus Christ. I have renewed desire to walk these truths found in this article more now than ever before with my wife, family, friends, co-laborers and with the Church. I am convinced the Lord is glorified in Covenant Love. Perhaps you are looking for a person to be a covenant friend. My ideals of this have been wounded, and even left me somewhat leery; so I am very boundaried and even untrusting. BUT... The goal for me is that I BE IT for others, even if no one else embraces this truth. I still have my faithful friend, Jesus Christ who will be blessed by me willing to try. May you find Jesus enough too.

CHRIST'S CRY IS COVENANT LOVE

Several years ago in preparing a message for a group of men I was praying and asking the Lord about what was on HIS heart to share. I wanted us who say, "I love Jesus" to align ourselves with what was really important to Him. While praying, I

was lead to John 17. There you find the prayer of Christ before His betrayal and trial. Christ agonizing somewhere before entering or in the garden is the picture. Oh think of the intensity of what is happening in the passage. Here we find the prayer of petition of what is very important to Christ Jesus our Lord. It is written, in knowing Jesus Christ and God the Father as one, is to know eternal life. (John 17:3). Our Lord's petition was to intercede for those who walked with Him and believed and also for those who would believe the disciples, which would include us. The heart beat of Christ's intercession was that we would have eternal life, know eternal life by the revelation of the love of God and the perfect covenant unity that existed between Christ and the Father. Jesus prayed that we would walk in this kind of covenant love and unity. There isn't true unity without this kind of love. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends," was said right before this scene in John 17. (John 15:13). Covenant love and unity among those we walk with in Christendom was our Lord's CRY!

However, in the ministry work I am involved, and in working within the Church, I find that very few are taught or even believe this truth. Relational brokenness is at an all-time high and covenant love; true loyalties are at an all-time low. Divorce is rampant in the Church as it is in the world. Churchgoers believe they are free to walk in and out of people's lives. I have recently seen life-long friends and marriages end. This breaks the heart of Jesus. We are not really learning in our homes or i

n the Church the depth of Jesus' covenant keeping power. We must return to the Lord and promote relational healing and embrace Christ's prayer in John 17 by embracing true unity that dies to selfishness. This means we are going to have to be a promise keeper of God's love one towards another. We must turn away from having broken relationships. Do you have anyone in your past that you are not at peace with? (Matt. 5:22-24, 18:15, Rom. 12:18, Heb 12:14). I find that many who have trouble with commitment in relationships, have brokenness in their parental relationships, and with authority figures. It will not go well with us in life if we continue to violate the 5th commandment. (Ex. 20:12, Eph. 6:1-3).

Paul summed up ALL the law by this one word - LOVE. "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:14 "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Romans 13:10 We can only arrive at such a fulfillment of Christ's prayer by living in prayer ourselves and by embracing covenant love where we die to ourselves by serving God and others. We cannot continue cutting ourselves off from one another and bringing harm. Are you a bridge burner, or a reconciler? Oh to know HIM, redeemer, who is eternal life. This must be the cry of our life. (Read Phil. 3:7-15).

We can only be empowered by God's grace to walk out covenant love when we are TRULY IN LOVE with Jesus and see how important this is to His holy meek heart. "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is (perfect, covenant keeping, blameless) loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9. I would also add, God is looking for a humble people who demonstrate their love for Him by how they really have perfect hearts of loyalty towards those we call our friends - statements like "till death do us part" and "no greater love," lived out. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1 John 4:20-21. This is maturing Christianity; THINK ABOUT IT. (See Matthew 25:40).

COVENANT LOVE ~ COVENANT FRIEND

I spent a lot of time praying and thinking about what's really dear to the heart of Jesus. We can see this in Jesus' prayer life. His cry in prayer was for believers to love one another in such a way that they would be one like He and the Father. (John 17:20-21). An amazing cry, since very few marriages in America have this kind of relationship. This sad statistic is true even in the Church in America with a 50% divorce rate. Nonetheless, this oneness is true covenant love and being a true friend is the Lord's desire. This is the very petition that Christ cried out for in prayer right before His death. I have been meditating on what kind of a person I should be in Christ - a person that actually brings a delight to my Lord's heart. He wants us to relationally fulfill His prayer. I am convinced that very few ministers experience this kind of fulfillment with others in the

Church. Ministers really need friends, too. It should be true in our marriages, with our children, and even with extended family members. The Lord desires this kind of truly deep-level committed friendships to become more of a reality in our lives instead of something that is a rarity. This must begin with our own motivation to be a covenant friend, like Him:

A covenant friend who really loves you by covering your sin.
A covenant friend who really helps you by overcoming sin.

A friend who loves you for the rest of your life and will always be there for you.
A friend who is there for you when you are going through life's hardest times.

A covenant friend who will give you wise counsel and tell you the Truth instead of manipulating you.
A covenant friend who will listen to you when you need to get the pain of your heart out in the open even when you're wrong.

A real friend who is a source of comfort in times of grief and pain.
A real friend who is a source of challenge to you to be like Christ in your emotional pain.

A faithful friend who gives the grace of God to strengthen and encourage your soul.
A faithful friend who has the mercy of God to give hope to your soul.

A caring friend who is able to truly share life's deepest emotions with you.
A caring friend with whom you are able to share your life's deepest hopes, dreams and desires without rejection.

A compassionate friend who weeps with you when you are weeping.
A passionate friend who laughs with you when you are laughing.

A reliable friend who has the capacity to be a secret keeper with your deepest secrets.
A trustworthy friend with whom you are able to share your life's deepest secrets and feel confident that he or she will always love you.

To be a covenant friend you MUST love Christ first, - And a covenant friend, is willing to lay down his life for you because he has truly known the love of Christ.

Are You Really A Covenant Friend?
Are you a real covenant friend like Christ desires? "He who desires friends, must himself first be friendly." Proverbs 18:24a A true friend loves at ALL times. Proverbs 17:17 "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24b This friend will never fail you, His name is Jesus. JESUS CHRIST will always be your friend, even when you are not friendly, or when others fail you. However, HIS goal for our lives is that we would bless His life by answering His prayer in John 17 for Covenant Love to be manifested - "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God MUST also love his brother. 1 John 4:19-21 NIV Do we really believe - "No greater love than this, than a man lay down his life for his friend." John 15:13?

Why They Fall

2007-07-28T13:00:01Z

Yesterday a man came by my office unexpectedly. He was someone whom I had met with several years ago. He initially communicated that he really needed to talk to me privately because he genuinely wanted to encourage me about several things. He started telling me all the ways how God had used me in his life. I was very encouraged. However, as he continued sharing, he started questioning his own journey. He became very broken, the pain manifested. Though things were much different in his life, he still did not have the accountability he needed. I realized he needed more pastoral care. He opened his heart to receive discipleship care and to also embrace support group for the first time this year. We will be visiting much more in the coming months to resolve new hurts.

I was reminded again that he needed, and we ALL need the revelation of what I amusingly call ABS! Without ABS we cannot make it! Unless we ALL embrace Accountability, Boundaries and practice Spiritual Warfare we will not walk in consistent freedom. We will fall. I wrote an article last winter after my heart was broken over the Ted Haggard scandal, entitled: "Why They Fall;" I hope you will read this article for your own encouragement. So, this is my thought for today!

Read Why They Fall

Do you feel safe?

2007-07-17T01:11:16Z

Have you ever wondered about containers; giant containers? They are as big as a railroad car or as large as an 18 wheeler trailer. Have you considered our sea ports and containers coming in from all over the world to import goods and deliver materials to the United States of America? I have considered it MANY TIMES!

I have also considered the fact that our current administration promised to secure the boarders of our country. I don't feel safe at all; the boarders are still opened! I live in Oklahoma City and there is a growing concern of the numbers of illegal immigrants and the potential for Islamic terrorists to cross over into the USA from the south.

I was recently in California for the Exodus Conference. There was some free time one afternoon, and another director friend and I went to meet a pastor friend in San Pedro. We drove by a sea port full of containers; both sides of the highway were packed full of containers. As I gazed at what I saw were acres and acres of containers, I ask myself, "How can anyone believe our government will protect us from a bomb or materials to make a bomb? If our government cannot simply secure our boarders, how can they assure us protection from something in one of these containers?" This picture reveals just one side of the highway with thousands of containers in just one sea port city in the USA. There are many other ports with containers coming in to our country every day. It was overwhelming to think about; it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack for anyone to find anything dangerous in these containers. The containers are coming in and out everyday in many ports!

TRULY... We are enjoying God's mercy; and have been since after the attack in 2001. We have not been hit hard again by terroritst. God is so kind to protect us from something terrible. HOWEVER, we need to continue to pray! Do you feel safe by our government? I don't... but I do trust God! He is the only One who makes me feel safe.

A few years ago, I was at IHOP for prayer and a time of personal retreat. During my time alone, I saw a vision in prayer. I found a picture that was simular to my vision below. The picture in my vision was worse. The buildings were destroyed. I honestly believed during the prayer time that the city was Boston, MA. I don't know why Boston, I just believed it was. I have speculated to all the reasons, however I cannot go into all that speculation here. It just seemed like it was Boston. All I have known to do about this vision is pray and ask God to please spare our country from this. I pray, "Lord, have mercy and spare the people in Boston." I grieved over this for several days. I finally told a few friends. The more I have talked about it the more I have grieved. The fearful thing about this vision is I believe it was some time in the autumn of 2007.

Do you feel safe? I think the only way we can TRULY feel safe is by being close to Jesus Christ in prayer, and stand in the gap for our country, and for any city we believe could potentially fall to the evil Islamic fascists devices' who are hell bent on destroying our country and our way of life. Perhaps God will give grace to expose an evil plot, or give more time.

GOD HAVE MERCY!

BY THE WAY... We ARE in a war, it is a spiritual war. IT IS BIG!