American Family Association says chaplains and soldiers are being denied the very rights they’re protecting

TUPELO, Miss. – A Christian Army Chaplain dedicated to using the hope-filled messages of the Bible to prevent others from committing suicide should be commended. Instead, Chaplain Joseph Lawhorn received a reprimand.
Lawhorn was issued a “Letter of Concern” for discussing faith and quoting the Bible during a suicide prevention training session with the 5th Ranger Training Battalion at the University of Georgia last month. Now, those who believe in protecting Americans’ religious liberties are rallying around him.
American Family Association (AFA, www.afa.net) says that, yet again, military chaplains and soldiers are being stripped of the very rights they are serving to protect.
  “Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines put their lives on the line every day to protect our liberties, including our religious freedoms,” said AFA President Tim Wildmon.“It’s beyond understanding that anyone would seek to deny these very same soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines the religious liberty they fight and die for.”
 
“Atheists, agnostics and any other groups wishing to attack Christianity aren’t helping these soldiers who are struggling by preventing them from getting faith-based care, comfort and support during their times of greatest need. These soldiers need our support, and the opposition is trying to keep them from getting crucial and necessary help because of their own ideology. This is unconscionable and demonstrates an utter lack of compassion. When soldiers are struggling with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts or tendencies, it’s neither the time nor place for politics.”

The letter of concern from Col. David Fivecoat, commander of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade at Ft. Benning, claims that Lawhorn advocated Christianity by providing a handout that listed Army resources on one side and a biblical approach to handling depression on the other.
According to Fox News’ Todd Starnes, the Chaplain was warned to be “careful to avoid any perception you are advocating one system of beliefs over another.” Lawhorn’s attorneys say his comments are covered by the “right of conscience clause,” passed in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, section 533. Furthermore, Lawhorn did nothing wrong because he did not present faith or the Bible as the only method of dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts, but also provided information with non-faith-based resources. Lawhorn shared his own story of depression and his faith journey as well.
Lawhorn’s troubles began when someone in the training class complained to the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers.
Mike Berry of the Liberty Institute is representing the chaplain, and Georgia Congressman Doug Collins is also getting behind Lawhorn, firing off a letter that reads, in part, “I find it counterintuitive to have someone lead a suicide prevention course but prohibit them from providing their personal testimony.” Collins’ letter also cites the Army’s Equal Opportunity policy, formulated to protect the personal beliefs of military personnel.
Berry said Americans should be outraged over Chaplain Lawhorn’s reprimand, telling Fox News, “His job is to save lives – and he’s being punished for trying to do his job. He’s doing everything he can to save them, and yet now they’re trying to say (that) the way you’re doing it offends me.”
American Family Association offers its friends and supporters several mobile apps through http://action.afa.net/mobile. The AFA Action Alerts app, with breaking news and action alerts, is available for the iPhone and iPad on the Apple App Store, on Google Play and on the Amazon Appstore for Android. The AFR (American Family Radio) app is available for Apple and Android products, and the AFA Action app with, for example, voter information at election time, is available on Apple and Android platforms.

 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 NKJV

The news has been full of individuals in positions of power or seeking to be in positions of power that have been less than honest about who they are or what they are doing. The churches have long been plagued with stories of pastors, deacons and trustees that have been less than honest with their dealings and even the schools are being infiltrated with teachers and principals that are not what they say they are and are not there for the job they were hired to perform. It is sad that the well-being, souls or education of our fellow brothers and sisters are so unimportant to so many. The Bible says   “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”  Mark 13:22
 It is not possible to be fooled if we consistently seek God for direction and revelation of who people are and follow His direction when He reveals to us that they are not what we thought or hoped they would be. Of course none of us are perfect and we will stumble or even fall from time to time, which is even more the reason we should “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12
We, as ambassadors of Christ, the elect, the called, CHRISTIANS, must remember people are listening to us and looking to us for an understanding of who God is and what He is all about. If we are not real they will believe that He is not real; if we falsify the Word of God, they will believe the false words we speak; if we don’t walk upright, they will follow us bent over; if we don’t trust God, they won’t either. The best way to lead them to Christ is to follow Him yourself and keep it real.
Have a blessed and spirit led day,
Minister Deidra Bibb

By Angela Moore

When was the last time you asked an important question or expressed a pressing need and was fully prepared to handle the answer? In a meeting recently about a prominent group I brought up the suggestion to make some “asks” known that could possibly help with some needs. The answer I received was that the perception publicly is that this group was not in need of help (so untrue), hence the reluctance of others to help. So essentially this group wasn’t asking for help and no one was asking to help them, all because no one knew that there were valid reasons to ask. What a conundrum! Yikes! How many times has your life or mine mirrored this situation where lack of communication starting with some good, old fashioned questions was the roadblock to what lies ahead?
Lack of “asks” has led to a lot of turmoil, drama, misunderstanding, untrue assumptions and missed opportunities. So much could be solved if we simply opened up our mouths and asked simple questions. I can hear my mother clearly growing up and even now often saying, “Just ask. All they can do is say no”. So, just ask.

·         If you need help, just ask.
·         If you want to help, just ask.
·         If you want to know what a person really thinks of you, just ask.
·         If you want to know why a person acted or reacted the way they did, just ask.
·         If you want to know what you can do better, just ask.
·         If you want to know what you’re doing well, just ask.
·         If you want to know how a person is truly healing, dealing or feeling, just ask.
·         If you want to know why a relationship or association changed, just ask.
·         If you want to know if you are loved, liked, missed, thought of, prayed for, wanted or needed…or not, just ask.
·         If you want to know anything, rather than assume, withdraw, disconnect, or operate in  self-inflicted ignorance (and I mean ignorant as in void of facts) then, just ask.

Life would be so much easier if we were armed with the actual answers to our asks…not assumptions, random hypothesis, guesses or the likes, but the truth that comes from the boldness of opening up and asking.

Angela Scott Moore has sported many hats in her lifetime. Some were cute, some not by choice and others brought a little chaos. All in all, each hat has helped her become the woman she is today and hopes to be in the future.
Angela is an avid inspirational blogger at http://www.angelamooreblog.wordpress.com and also a philanthropic community supporter who has served with more than 25 local and national organizations over her nearly 20 year professional career. Currently, as a hobby, she operates the blossoming, full-service public relations venture Amazing Kreations, offering media and event planning assistance at low, or no cost to small organizations, ministries and businesses. She also hosts a Facebook page devoted to divorce called I’m More Than What Happened.
Taking lessons learned from each phase of her ever-evolving life, Angela’s now donning the hat of a single woman on a single mission to use spoken and written words to remind others that Life Gets Better and it’s possible to look and be their best in the process.

by Jerry Kingery

Zacharias is Struck Dumb

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,  According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.

from Luke 1

For a free Scripture packet, please write From the Bible, BIBLE FOUNDATION, PO Box 908, Newberg, Oregon  97132. email: bf@bf.org.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like the live sounds of some of your favorite Christmas classics mixed with a bit of today’s hits, soul-stirring jazz and your favorite old school jams. That’s exactly what 8VAlution has in mind as they bring their gift of music home for the holidays on Friday, December 19th, at 7:15p.m. in the Huffman High School Auditorium. (950 Springville Road, Birmingham, AL 35215).
8VAlution’s members include Brian Seay, Karmessa Padgett, Brittany Seay, Rodney Daniels, Andriana Haygood, Sharita Smith, and Cameron Blackmore and they’re ready to offer up their crisp, clever melodies and harmonies to help your holidays be just a little bit brighter. General admission at the door is $10. Reserved seats are $15 and children 12 and under are admitted free.

ELI DULL OF HEARING
In regards to the things of God, Eli compromised, and allowed his sons to continue in sin in the Lord’s House. Israel went to war and lost the battle; their enemy took the ark and placed it before their god, expecting help, I suppose, but it fell upon its face and broke. What are you placing before the Lord in His House? The Lord has set the order in His House, and He does not accept substitutes of any kind – not even from His own people, when they are out of touch with Him. Are you out of touch with the Lord? [I Samuel]
Eli could not hear from the Lord. He misunderstood Hannah’s devotion to the Lord; he did not quickly perceive God‘s call on the boy Samuel’s life, because he was dull of hearing. He enjoyed the royalty from the house of God. What kind of service are you allowing to be performed in God’ House?
Have you become dull of hearing the voice of Jesus, which is the sensitiveness to the Holy Spirit? If you are dull and insensitive to hearing from the Lord, you need to get on your knees and remain there until you hear from Him; it is late. The Lord cannot use your life, as He could not use Eli and many others. When Eli received the news from the battle, he fell backward and died, his sons died, and his daughter-in-law died in birthing a child, the Ark taken- God’ glory left.

www.thealmightyeyes.com

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven……..I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been, And God requires an account of what is past.  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 14-15

Everyone is caught up with the recession, loss of material possessions, loss of employment, loss of spouses and significant others and as a result the crime rate is increasing, suicides are happening regularly and killing sprees are out of control.  The President is doing his very best to relieve the situation and getting grayer every day in the process.  The governments are out of money, the church is out of money and your bank account is probably out of money. This is a GREAT time to TRY JESUS!
To everything there is a season – walk in to it – it’s now. I know it seems frightening, I know you can’t see the end, I know it doesn’t make sense and I know you feel, if you do it, you may end up alone (no friends, no mate, no members) but I warn you not to think that way.  The Bible says that God will never leave you nor forsake you and if you believe that YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!
I encourage you today to TRY JESUS!  I did and I am sooooooooooooo glad I did.  are happening in my life that I know I could not have done for myself, I am going places that I know I could not go on my own and I am doing things I have never imagined I could do.  But I am not doing anything God had not already planned for me to do.  I delayed the process because I did not trust Him.  Won’t you trust Him today? Just do it – TRY JESUS!

You’ve tried the rest, now try the best – TRY JESUS today,
Minister Diedra Bibb

Heavenly Father, I bow in worship and praise before You. I cover myself with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ as my protection. I surrender myself completely and unreservedly in every area of my life to You.  I take a stand against all the workings of satan that would hinder me in my prayer life.  I address myself only to the true and living God and refuse any involvement of satan in my prayer.  satan, I command you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to leave my presence with all your demons.  I bring the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ between us.  I resist all the endeavors of satan and his wicked spirits to rob me of the will of God.  I choose to be transformed by the renewing of my mind.  I pull down every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ and loose into myself a sound mind, the mind of Christ. (Amen)
THE WORD
(THERE IS POWER IN THE WORD)
(Father), I stand on Your Word. The enemy is driven out from before me, above me, around me, and below me, from my home, workplace, church and its ministries, children, and loved ones, from my works and labors, land, and my presence.  I declare that he is not able to stand against me, and his works are taken captive and destroyed.  No weapon formed against me will prosper, for the Spirit of the Lord shall raise a standard against them.  I declare all of these things accomplished by Your Word. (Amen)
THE NAME
Father, Your Word says that no weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Therefore I declare that no weapon formed against me prospers this day or any day to come in Jesus’ Name. Your Word says that trouble will not arise a second time (Nahum 1:9). Therefore I declare that satan cannot make trouble for me again, in this manner, as he did in the past in Jesus’ Name. Amen
THE BLOOD
Lord Jesus, I confess to You all of my sins this day, yesterday and every day past. I repent and renounce them, those known and unknown, those of omission and commission, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do. I lay down at Your feet all of the sins of the flesh, the tongue, and of the heart, and all unholy thoughts and actions. Thank You, lord, for shedding Your precious blood for me.

Taken from Pray First