Tag Archives: Gifts of the Spirit

April 24, 2015 · 1:35 pm

Memories Pizza, Indiana, Christianity, And How Not to Win Spiritual Battles (Part 5)

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“There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan.” (C. S. Lewis)

“We will live our entire lives behind enemy lines…” (Leonard Ravenhill)

Our American Christian mindset seldom considers that we are in a constant state of spiritual warfare between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. There are ebbs and flows in the war, but the fighting will never end until Jesus returns to earth in all of His glory. So, there are no days off or vacations for us believers because we always need to fight in some way or another against the kingdom of darkness at all times.

Let’s look at the kingdom of darkness.

Satan is the head of the kingdom of darkness. He is also the accuser of the brethren, a murderer, the father of lies with no truth in him, a thief, destroyer, tempter, ruler of this world, wicked one, Beelzebub, the ruler of demons, antichrist, the deceiver, lawless one, man of sin, son of perdition, and god of this age.

Satan’s army of underlings include evil principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places, prince of the power of the air, and countless lower level demons.

The kingdom of darkness’ #1 ally on earth: our flesh.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

As you can easily see, the works of our flesh line up quite well with Satan and the kingdom of darkness.

So, let’s look at the kingdom of God.

(Continued in Part 6)

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April 23, 2015 · 10:59 am

Thursday’s Prayers for America (3/23/2015)

Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump, and Mark Zuckerberg can all pick up their phones to announce a press conference and have a ballroom packed with reporters in less than three hours time. The scribes will hang on every word which comes out of their mouths, even if it’s verbal pablum.

How can they do this?

Americans equate wealth with wisdom and strength. Thus, the words of these people are considered important enough for the media to give them a platform to trumpet their words to us.

Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. (Ecclesiastes 9:16)

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You pour out Your wealth, riches, and honor on Your chosen servants so that their wisdom and knowledge can help to lead Your people through the upcoming dark days in America. (Based on 2 Chronicles 1:11-12)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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April 13, 2015 · 9:17 am

Memories Pizza, Indiana, Christianity, and How Not to Win Spiritual Battles (Part 3)

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On the one hand, we Christian business people need to obey the U.S. Constitution and the laws of our nation, but on the other hand, we should also obey the Bible and its instructions.

First, let’s look at the U. S. Constitution and various laws.

All American businesses that sell products and/or services need a Federal Tax ID, usually a state sales tax permit, possible local licenses, and other assorted licenses and permits to do business in any state or city of America. When a business signs for the licenses and permits, it also agrees not to discriminate against anyone based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (Based on 1964 Civil Rights Act.)

So, when a gay couple goes to a bakery, florist, photographer, or whatever and attempts to hire the business to perform a service for their upcoming wedding, they expect the business to honor the various Civil Rights Acts and their broader anti-discrimination interpretations, which have been adopted since 1964.

The Christian businesses who refuse to serve the gay couple’s wedding do so by stating gay marriages offend their religious beliefs. Their arguments are based on their freedom of religion based on the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

How is this playing out?

To date, 37 states allow same-sex marriages: 26 by court decisions, 8 by state legislatures, and 3 by popular vote. 13 states ban same-sex marriages.

Along with this, there is an explosion of gay-marriage lawsuits versus Christian businesses, with the Christians businesses usually losing or settling out of court.

What does the Bible say about this?

(Continued in Part 4)

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April 10, 2015 · 1:44 pm

Thursday’s Prayers for America on Friday (4/10/2015)

With a slew of statistics projected on the slideshow behind him, California’s state climatologist had a stark warning during a Thursday presentation on the severity of the drought…

“You’re looking on numbers that are right on par with what was the Dust Bowl,” said the climatologist, Michael Anderson…

On Wednesday, California Governor Brown met for hours with leaders from environmental groups, agricultural organizations and water agencies to discuss the state’s response to the drought. (LA Times)

I usually pay little attention to what politicians say because they tend to exaggerate for their own benefit and welfare. Yet, this caught my attention and stayed on my heart.

California is drying up. We desperately need water.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord is allowing this drought to happen right now to get California’s attention.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You send Your light and truth to California so that these may lead us into Your presence to discover the true reasons why the drought continues in our state. Our hope is in You, Lord, and we shall praise You for Your answers. (Based on Psalm 43:3-5)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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April 6, 2015 · 10:14 am

Memories Pizza, Indiana, Christianity, and How Not to Win Spiritual Battles? (Part 1)

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Conservative leader Patrick Buchanan, author of Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025, in an interview for WND, urged Christians to fight the “LGBT fanatics” who are demanding they betray their faith, even if it means civil disobedience.

Buchanan stated:

“This battle can be won, but it cannot be won if we do not stand our ground and fight against this moral onslaught from the left,” he said. “The hill to stand on and fight on is the God-given natural right and the constitutional principle that people of faith may choose not to associate with those whose actions are abhorrent and whose lifestyle is insulting and offensive to that faith…

“The LGBT militants are not asking to be left alone,” he said. “They are demanding that we accept the morality of homosexuality and same-sex marriages, and manifest that acceptance, under pain of law and sanctions, in our daily lives.”

“As the Romans demanded of the Christians, the LGBT fanatics want us to burn incense to their gods. The answer is no. If it comes to civil disobedience, so be it.” (Full article on interview can be seen here.)

James Dobson of Family Talk Radio, Rick Scarborough of Vision America Action, Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel, James Robison of Life Today, and Dr. Michael L. Brown are also mentioned in the article as supporting Buchanan’s hypothesis of possible civil disobedience. Dobson was quoted as saying:

“Are we going to sit on our reputations and go to our graves without having played a role? This is Roe v. Wade all over again. I am standing shoulder to shoulder with all who will stand up for God’s Word concerning marriage. We don’t know all of the steps that must be taken, but God will reveal His will. To the extent that I am able to influence anybody, I will do it with passion.“

Dr. Michael Brown added:

“We will treat everyone with civility and respect, but the government or the media or popular pressure will not force us to violate our convictions and beliefs. You will not steal our religious freedoms.”

So, should we listen to Patrick Buchanan and the others and follow their lead down the slippery slope to possible civil disobedience? And is this how to win the spiritual battle?

(Continued in Part 2)

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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April 2, 2015 · 9:43 am

Thursday’s Prayers for America (4/2/2015)

Jesus looked at the Word believers in His day – the Pharisees – and said, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red;’ and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:2-3)

Looking at the riots that happened in Ferguson, the uproar from the religious freedom law passed in Indiana, and the general lack of character displayed by America’s political leaders, shouldn’t we understand something by now? God is not working like He did in past times because, for the most part, He is not using government leaders to deliver us from our problems.

We need to hear a new word from heaven now!

Today, I prayed:

Lord, forgive us American believers for holding onto our traditions and old ways, hoping to breathe life into dead bones that will never be raised from their graves. Help us to hear what the Spirit is saying to the American churches for today. (Based in part on Revelation 2:7)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

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March 30, 2015 · 2:42 pm

The Rumors of Larry’s Death Were Not Greatly Exaggerated (Part 9)

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From the articles I have read, most of today’s authors follow fairly rigid disciplines and begin writing at a set hour. Each has a certain amount of words they hope to write for the day. The number of words falls generally in the 1000 to 2000 words range.

Since, I did not know any better when the Lord told me to write, I set my early goals at 1200 words per day. This worked out to about four or five pages of new material per day.

Yet, I remember many, many days when I would bang away on the computer for a couple of hours and maybe had 650 words done, but then realized something was missing. Sadly, that something was the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would then end up deleting every word I wrote.

It would be great to pretend that I am a quick learner, but the truth is that it took months and months for me to learn this process for myself. I now sit down and if the presence of the Holy Spirit isn’t there, I don’t write.

Just so you know, I do not claim to write straight from the mouth of the Lord…oh I wish I did! But I do claim that His presence needs to be there to comfort and encourage me as I write.

Okay, a few days ago, I came up with what I think was an inspired opening for the next Luke and Cat Stoner novel. And almost 700 words later, the book was on its way. I saw the characters coming to life, where they lived, and a little bit of what would happen in the early stages. It was so exciting that I now fall asleep thinking about the story.

So, the other day, I sought the presence of the Lord and this is my latest writing:

Yep, we’re talking about what looks like another major detour in my publishing career. What’s new, huh?

Who ever thought that I would end up attempting to start a Noontime Prayer Meeting For Geezers?

(Continued in Part 10)

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March 26, 2015 · 12:59 pm

Thursday’s Prayers for America (3/26/2015)

We Americans love superstars, big names, and flashy heroes who model their greatness at all times because the rest of us feel so common and live such ordinary lives.

But the truth is that if we have given our lives to Christ, we are royal sons and daughters of an awesome King who created the world and owns everything. We are more than conquerors, are living stones, members of a chosen generation, part of a royal priesthood, members of His holy nation, and heirs of all things through Jesus Christ. And besides that, we have open access to the Father and His throne at all times.

In God’s eyes, we are the superstars on earth because we said “yes” to Jesus and His grace.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You open our American eyes to who You are in us so that we do the works You did and greater works because You went to the Father. (Based in part on John 14:12)

What do you think and has the Lord spoken to you?

Join with me on Thursdays to fast and pray for America.

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March 24, 2015 · 3:19 pm

Tuesday’s Prayers for Prisoners (3/24/2015)

Each Tuesday, I pray and fast for the nations of Asia, where 4.4 billion people live.

Why Asia?

1. 85.4% of world’s unevangelized people live in Asia. (Unevangelized means they may have heard the gospel but have no understanding on how to respond.)

2. The world’s three largest non-Christian religions – Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhists – are based in Asia.

3. Of the 37 countries of the world that are less than 10% Christian, 32 are in Asia. Of the 14 countries, that are less than 2% Christian, 12 are in Asia.

4. 85-90% of unreached people live in Asia. (Unreached means that they have never heard the name of Jesus.) (Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation)

Numerous books have been written on why we Christians are unsuccessful in praying for the sick. Unforgiveness, lack of faith, sin, rebellion, and other excuses are offered, but the number one reason is seldom mentioned. You see, we read books on healing, attend seminars on healing, listen to healing tapes, but we seldom pray for the sick. Period.

“So what if you pray for a hundred sick people, with ninety-eight dying and only two people having healing miracules. Thank God for the two. Keep on laying your hands on the sick until heaven realizes how determined you are to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” (John Wimber)

Remember: Maybe only 2% of your prayers will end up with healing miracles at first, but I guarantee that 100% of your non prayers will result in zero miracles.

Today, I prayed:

Lord, I pray that You raise up believers in India, Nepal, and all of Asia who actually believe signs of healing, deliverance, raising the dead, and casting out demons will accompany them just because You said so…and that’s good enough for them to obey Your word. (Based on Mark 16:17-18)

Join with me on Tusdays to fast and pray for prisoners, according to Hebrews 13:3.

Click on to see MyGFA site.

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March 18, 2015 · 10:51 am

The Rumors of Larry’s Death Were Not Greatly Exaggerated (Part 8)

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Ten thousand and seventy-four days ago, a female minister named Linda Sutter (Olson) pointed to me as I sat in a pew of a small church and asked me to stand up. She then began prophesying to me: “God is doing a quick work in you…”

Even today when I look at her prophetic words, which I wrote down in the back of my Bible, I laugh at God’s idea of a “quick work” versus mine. I thought it would be months, certainly not 10,074 days or nearly thirty years.

But let me tell you a little bit about Linda Sutter Olson.

During the early 1970’s, the Lord told her to go into full-time ministry as a teacher and a prophetess, but she had at least three problems. First, she was a woman. Second, her pastor would not endorse her ministry. Third, she did not have any contacts.

What could she do?

She sent out a few flyers to area churches, but had no responses. No one seemed to need her ministry.

One day, Linda was driving through rural Iowa and stopped at a diner in a small town. She sat down at a table and ordered her lunch. Linda noticed the couple sitting at the table next to her had received their meals and were praying before they ate.

She leaned over and said, “It’s nice to see a couple pray together in a restaurant.”

“Oh, you’re a Christian,” replied the husband. “Why don’t you join us for lunch? We would enjoy fellowshipping with you.”

The couple turned out to be a pastor and his wife. The pastor ended up inviting Linda to minister at his church that evening.

Linda eventually ministered in numerous large churches and then traveled to Russia, Albania, India, Eastern Europe, China, and the Philippines. But every door that opened to her calling could be traced back to that chance encounter at a diner in a small town in Iowa.

So, when I look at the boxes of books in our closets, I like to think that I’m just one divine encounter away from publishing success.

(Continued in Part 9)

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