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March 11, 2020 by Leave a Comment
La Respuesta para el Cancer: 9 Claves
Answer for Cancer:9 Keys

Get the Kindle Edition Free from Sunday, March 15 to Thursday, March 19

La muerte llamó a su puerta, pero Anderson se negó rotundamente a abrir. El cáncer inoperable de etapa 4 se arrastró en derrota. La Respuesta para el Cáncer: 9 Claves te invita a triunfar también sobre este cruel invasor.

En la primera parte, Anderson cuenta la historia de su trauma, sus experiencias cercanas a la muerte, su ignorancia e ingenuidad con respecto a los tratamientos médicos, su incursión en otras alternativas, y finalmente su feliz resultado. A pesar de todo, el “lado gracioso” de Anderson se mantuvo intacto (¿Alguna vez has oído hablar de este remedio casero contra el cáncer? ¡Bebe tu propia orina! ¡En serio!).

La Parte Dos relaciona nueve claves que cualquiera puede usar para vencer la mayoría de los cánceres. Algunas claves pueden sorprenderte. “Consigue un coach de salud, pero no tu doctor” (Capítulo 1). “Mastica tu camino hacia la recuperación” (Capítulo 8). “La dieta sin desintoxicación es un engaño” (Capítulo 9).

En la Parte Tres, Anderson le da crédito a la meditación en Dios y a las porciones de sanidad de la Biblia como la razón principal por la cual está vivo hoy en día. Describe ocho paralelos entre la medicina natural y la medicina de la Palabra de Dios. “Solo toma tu medicina y la fe estará allí cuando la necesites”.

“La naturaleza de Dios es la sanidad. Los peces nadan, los pájaros vuelan, Dios sana”, afirma Anderson. (Capítulo 16) “La sanidad no es solo la voluntad de Dios, es Su placer” (Capítulo 17).

La Respuesta para el Cáncer: 9 Claves cuenta más que la historia de un hombre. No importa dónde te encuentres en el camino hacia la salud (o incluso si no estás en el camino, sino indefenso y sin esperanza a la orilla del camino), aquí está la información práctica que necesitas para vencer esta enfermedad mortal.

El cáncer no es una sentencia de muerte. Consigue el libro. Obtén las claves Y logra la inspiración que necesitas para tener éxito en tu búsqueda de la vida.

To get the free ebook, go to Amazon.com and type in (or copy and paste) the name of the book. If everything works correctly, Amazon will send you the book free during those dates.

Get the Kindle Edition Free from Sunday, March 15 to Thursday, March 19

Here’s the Apostle Book–

Apostles and Churches Book Cover Spanish

La investigación pionera y las conclusiones sorprendentes ofrecen nuevas perspectivas sobre los apóstoles y dilucidan por qué la iglesia primitiva estalló con el crecimiento.

Anderson aprendió a relacionarse con los apóstoles de la manera difícil. La agonía personal y la crisis de la iglesia provocaron un estudio en profundidad del Nuevo Testamento.

El libro contiene estudios de casos de cada iglesia local en el NT, revela los 25 apóstoles del NT mencionados, y describe la variedad de las relaciones entre la iglesia local y los apóstoles.

Dirigido a pastores y líderes de iglesias, el libro es un recurso brillante para todos los que anhelan comprender las raíces bíblicas, desatar el poder del Espíritu del pueblo de Dios y construir iglesias vibrantes hoy en día.

To get the free ebook, go to Amazon.com and type in (or copy and paste) the name of the book. If everything works correctly, Amazon will send you the book free during those dates.

I have set up this free giveaway of my Spanish books to coincide with the International Minister’s Conference in Mexico City, March 13-16, 2020.

May God bless you.

Filed Under: Local Churches Global Apostles, Ministry

John Adams’ Warning to America and You

February 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

John Adams’ Warning to America

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” President John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, October 11, 1798.

Who Was John Adams?

The second president of the United States of America, Adams was blunt and forthright. A founding Father of the nation, he became an early critic of Britain’s treatment of America. Willing to take unpopular stands, he even represented British soldiers accused of murder during the Boston Massacre.

Though not a signer of the constitution, he strongly favored independence and was an advocate for the Bill of Rights. (Adams could not sign the constitution because he was in England representing American interests at the time.)

Adams was a devout Christian; even his opponents considered him a highly principled man.

He married Abigail Smith. Their correspondence is still admired and read today for insight into social and political matters of the time.

Why is John Adams’ Warning Important for Us Today?

Adams’ warning sounds an alarm for America today. He knew the limitations of democracy and a democratic constitution. In the same address, he warned, “We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion.”

John Adams saw the Christian religion as a restraint on human passion. He realized that self-government was ineffective without morality based on Christianity.

If America shrugs off genuine Christianity, our constitution will not work according to Adams. What does that say about America today?

During his long life, Adams warned about rioting and bloodshed akin to the French Revolution.

We all know our country faces trouble and division today. Adams tells us why: because we have thrown off morality and Christianity. (The use of the term “religion” in Adams’ day univeraly meant “the Christian religion.”

You can read Adams address in entirety here.

But should the People of America, once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another and towards foreign nations, which assumes the Language of Justice and moderation while it is practicing Iniquity and Extravagance; and displays in the most captivating manner the charming Pictures of Candour frankness & sincerity while it is rioting in rapine and Insolence: this Country will be the most miserable Habitation in the World. Because We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or Galantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102

What Should We Do About Adams’ Warning?

We need revival. Nothing short of supernatural revival will stem the tide of of destruction that Adams warned about.

We need the humility and prayer and repentacne that allows God to send revival.

We need to know God loves us enough to send us warnings, to give us time to take action.

One time I drove up the hill in our town called Mark Twain Overlook. As I gazed over our city and the Mississippi River, I was surprised to hear the voice of God speak to me.

“As long as you are in this town, believe Me for revival.”

Do we really need John Adams’ warning to America? The Bible has already warned us many times. Read the book of Judges. Read Isaiah. Read the Gospels. God’s warnings are clear.

Still, when an American president warns, it’s worth listening to and taking action.

Are you a part of a prayer group in your church that calls on God for revival? If not, could you start one? Is your faith stirred up for revival and renewal?

Do you see what will happen if God does not send revival?

Filed Under: Asides, Ministry

Purpose of Government? Do You Know What It Is?

February 25, 2020 by 1 Comment
What is Purpose of Government

What is the Purpose of Government According to the Bible?

The purpose of government is seen in three scriptures.

Government is related to authority and all authority is from God.

For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God (Romans 13:1). Scripture declares God has established governmental authority.

Why? What are the purposes of government? And why am I addressing this question?

I’m writing because one young man recently stated as he wrote to me, “I hate government.”

I’m also writing because there is a greater need to understand government and it’s God-given purposes. We need to know the purpose of government, its extent and limitations.

I’m writing because not many others are addressing government from a Biblical point of view.

What is the Purpose of Government?

The one explicitly stated purpose of government in the Bible is to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good (1 Peter 2:14).

Some see punish and praise as the only Biblical purpose of government. There are however, other inferred purposes for civil government.

Let’s go back to the garden. God set Adam in the garden to cultivate it and keep it (Gen 2:15 NASB) Or to work it and watch over it (ESV). The Hebrew word for work or cultivate is abad. Abad is translated 227 times out of 290 occurrences in the King James Bible as to serve.

It may seem strange to consider the Garden of Eden as the initial government that God ordained. I am not the first to think this, however. Dispensationalists, as well as others, consider the garden as the original government of God on earth.

The view of government as “servant” or “minister” aligns closely with the New Testament reference in Romans 13:4. Here the Holy Spirit declares through the apostle Paul For the government is God’s servant to you for good (ESV).

Therefore, I conclude the first purpose of government that God established was “to serve.”

The Hebrew word for keep or watch is shamar, which means to keep, to watch, to guard, to protect.

Notice that these passages do not tell exactly how government is to serve or protect. That can change in various circumstances or times. These passages give a lot of leeway in what governments can or cannot do. The Scriptures offer many opportunities for people of all political persuasions to implement government policies.

1 Tim 2:1-8 shows a third intention of God’s plan for government: that you may lead a quiet and peaceful life with all Godliness and dignity. God ordained government to help keep peace and quiet in society, to keep the populace undisturbed and undisturbing of others. The governments job is to protect and defend people.

Godliness (eusébeia) means piety toward God, reverence and respect. The job of governors and those in authority is to operate in an attitude of fear of God.

Honesty (semnótēs), sometimes translated gravity or respect, is a necessary characteristic of a servant of God.

In Summary, What are the Purposes of Government?

According to the Bible, our source of truth and the revelation of the mind of God, the purpose of government is to serve; to punish evil and praise good; to guard and defend; and to promote peace and quiet, Godliness and honesty.

It seems to me that any other purpose can be included in the above.

If you see otherwise, please let me know and include the Scripture reference to go with it.

Filed Under: Asides, Ministry

President Trump Apologized

February 15, 2020 by 4 Comments

President Trump apologized during his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC on February 6, 2020.

After acknowledging how hard the message of forgiveness can be, the President stated,

I’m sorry, I apologize. I am trying to learn . . . It’s not easy. 

Why the Fact that President Trump Apologized Means So Much to Me

President Trump has a reputation for never saying “I’m sorry.” For never apologizing. That is not a godly reputation.

Several days before the National Prayer Breakfast, I acknowledged a divine prompt to pray specifically that the president would apologize and say “I’m sorry.”

Most people ignored his apology. Others ridiculed him, just as some had mocked the First Lady after she led thousands in the Lord’s Prayer at a Florida rally. Some accused the president of being insincere. Some were spiteful.

While many commentators dismissed the president and his apology, I was encouraged.

I thanked God for answered prayer and took a breath of fresh spiritual air.. Today I danced with joy as I mulled over the president’s words. God answered my specific prayer!

Millions of Christians are praying for our president. Nancy Pelosi has publicly stated that she is joining in prayers for the president.

President Trump’s apology means so much to me because I was praying specifically for his exact words, “I’m sorry.”

The links I had for the president’s speech have disappeared. If you can find the speech and listen you can tell how difficult it is for him to say the words that are so hard for many of us to say. To me he sounded embarrassed. His humanity slipped through. He was like a little boy on unfamiliar ground as he spoke those difficult words, “I’m sorry.”

Trump’s Apology Shot My Faith with Steroids

All things are possible with God, promised Jesus (Matthew 19:26).

One of my prayer partners, Ken Eichelberger, and I have been praying for the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un.

We have recently begun praying for Xi Jinping, the leader of Communist China, that He encounter Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

We pray for Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other members of the US Supreme Court. We pray that God will send Christian witnesses to each of them. We pray for repentance and conviction.

The Scripture commands believers to put prayer for leaders at the top of our prayer lists.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1-2

We take this seriously at the Church of the Living Water in Muscatine. We begin our Sunday meetings with prayer for various authorities.

I teach that we need to believe God first for repentance and faith in our governing authorities. Then, if a leader continues to rebel against God over a time period, we need to believe God for removal.

Watch for future articles on how to intercede for governing authorities. God is raising up intercessors in preparation for the coming world-wide revival.

Are you receiving grace to join the international prayer movement?

Filed Under: Asides, Ministry

The Apostolic Mantle Is Coming on First Nations People

February 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The Apostolic Mantle Is Coming on First Nations People

In the Bible “firsts” are always sanctified or set apart by God. The Bible begins in Genesis, the book of beginnings or “firsts” of things, and then throughout His Word “firsts” continue to hold a special place with God.

The firstborn is blessed, first fruits are desired and first love is the term God uses to describe man’s relationship with Him. It was during my recent trip to the Southwest that God showed me how much He honored “firsts” with His love for the First Nations people in America.

I was enjoying a great time of ministry in Arizona with my wife and son. We had taken some down time to relax and take in the sites. During our travels in the state, I shot some footage in Sedona and really felt a strong stirring in my spirit about the Father’s prophetic plans for that part of the country.

Traveling across the state to take in some canyon views, we pulled into a park that hosted several craft stands with Native American jewelry and other items. I walked over and was looking at all the beautiful pieces when something deep inside of me broke loose. It was like a dam releasing a rushing river. I was overtaken with a surge of love and intercession for the Native American people. I had to walk off by myself and begin to pray in the Spirit.

When we left that area what was happening on the inside of me did not leave. We traveled on to Williams, Arizona where I was scheduled to minister. It was during this meeting that we began to pray for the Native American population and First Nations people throughout the world. Again, I experienced a tremendous surge of the Father’s love and His dreams for the people who have often been mistreated, misunderstood and overlooked.

Then the word of the Lord began to burst forth from my belly:

I am sending the apostolic into the Native American population to give the young men and women hope and dreams not from natural men but from the hand of God Himself, the ultimate Father.”

The apostolic mandate and mantle is coming upon the Native American lands and the First Nations people. The reservations shall become revival zones. The Lord is raising up revival hubs in Native American lands. He’s raising up places of power, apostolic destiny and glorious outpourings. I see Houses of Prayer being established upon the reservations. These are places that will host the presence of God and release intercession.

I see apostolic mothers and fathers being sent to the land to release dreams, destiny, strategy and apostolic DNA. There is a sending mantle and assignment coming forth in this hour for First Nations people.

This word bubbled up out of my spirit with such passion that it was evident God was speaking and proclaiming His love for these people. I had not studied or had much exposure to the Native Americans, nor heard much about First Nations people but this word was connecting me to these people.

Although this word was new to me, it was a validation of what God has been speaking. Jeremy Stands Overbull, pastor of Arrow Creek Christian Center in Pryor, Montana, and founder/director of Crow Awakening writes this …

“I believe that the Crow Nation is being raised up to play an integral role in what God is going to do with the next great outpouring. It is our belief that America will never walk into the fullness of revival until Native America steps into their rightful place as the host people of this land. We are no strangers to revival. We have had several revival outbreaks that seemed to happen right before a revival in America. As of late, our tribe has been one of the only nations in the world to make public law proclaiming Jesus Christ is Lord over the Crow Nation. This law is significant because we have the right to govern our people without having outside influence from the United States Government. We believe this will be important because, as the laws in America will target churches and ministries and try to govern what they say, ministries and churches on native reservations will be able to freely preach a true gospel without threat or interference from the government. We believe there is about to be a shift, with reservations becoming revival outpost pockets throughout the United States.” —Jeremy Stands Overbull

I see and hear in the Spirit prophetic sounds coming forth from the reservations and First Nation lands. There is a new breed of Native American warriors and Davidic minstrels coming forth. I see a movement of musicians, intercessors and minstrels arising from the First Nations people. There are sounds that will release the glory of God over the land.

It is a new era in worship in the territory! This is a now moment for worship to arise. There are Davids tucked away in the wilderness with a sound of desperation that will burst forth releasing captives and bringing forth glory.

Dr. Billy Graham was quoted as saying that the greatest moments of Native history lie ahead of us if a great spiritual renewal and awakening should take place. He went on to say that the Native Americans have been a sleeping giant and that the original Americans could become the evangelists who will help win America for Christ! Remember these forgotten people.

This is a call in the Spirit for prayer! God is releasing a burden in the hearts of people to begin to pray for the Native American people and First Nations people around the world. He wants His light to shine forth upon them and within them. I call forth intercession now to partner with heaven’s heart towards these precious people. There is a birthing in prayer that will bring forth the fruit of this word.

There is an urgent call in the Spirit for apostolic fathers and mothers to go and sow into the reservations! This is key to what God is saying. It is going to take divine partnership and a tearing down of walls that would try to separate. It is also going to take a strong apostolic thrust. Hear the call, heed the call and go forth! There is a David call for young Native American and First Nation men and women to arise with dreams, vision and unity to give birth to revival hubs minis-tries, houses of prayer and outpouring meetings. The favor of the Lord is coming upon those who will step out and do what Abba is putting in their heart.

“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues fail for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together” (Is. 41:17-19).

Ryan LeStrange has been preaching the gospel for more than half of his life. He is the co-founder of AwakeningTV.com and a leader in the New Breed Revivalist Network. As a young man, God led him to leave his home and travel to Tennessee to study and train under Dr. Norvel Hayes, who later became his spiritual father. Pastor Ryan shares the apostolic call of Dr. Hayes to establish churches, ministries and Bible colleges, and to train leaders in the body of Christ. Ryan hosts a weekly television show on God TV called Power4Today. Ryan is the apostle and leader of Impact International Apostolic Fellowship, a network of churches and ministries around the world with a single vision to birth revival. He has founded two Bible colleges, served as an associate pastor and traveled as an evangelist. Visit him online at ryanlestrange.com, join him on Facebook and on Periscope: @ryanlestrange.

http://www.charismamag.com/blogs/prophetic-insight/23895-prophecy-the-apostolic-mantle-is-coming-on-first-nations-people (This article was first published in July, 2015.) 

Photo by Ichio on Unsplash

Filed Under: Local Churches Global Apostles, Ministry

Bernie Wing: God’s Viewpoint on the Sanctity of Life

January 24, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Bernie Wing, True Bridge Ministry and former pastor at Grace Life Church, Marhall, Minnesota

Hi Mark,

I enjoyed your article: God, Government, and You.  I so agree and also have tried to establish good relationships with local government leaders.  We have two County Commissioners that are elders at Grace Life Church. 


I thought you might enjoy this recent article I wrote on my thoughts about the Sanctity of Life issue. 


Blessings to  you and your family,

Bernie Wing

Viewpoint: Bringing God’s Point of View to Man’s Point of Need

Science, medical advancements, and technology are shedding more light on the subject of abortion. Research of DNA is validating that viable life begins at conception. The heartbeat can be detected as early as 51/2 weeks after gestation. Advancement in the medical field has proven that a child born as early as 21 weeks of development and weighing in at one pound or even less can live and become healthy child.

Since the decision by the Supreme Court in 1973, 61,628,584 babies have been destroyed in the womb. Even though the yearly numbers are a little lower than earlier years many are seemingly thumbing their nose at God. Some states have recently passed laws to terminate the life of a child as it is being born full term. Some are using the advanced ultrasound technology to choose to terminate the life in the womb based on gender or if down syndrome is suspected. One comedian Michelle Wolf even bragged how having an abortion made her very powerful and akin to God.

How is Abortion Related to Division in America?

My thought is the devaluing of life beginning in the womb and choosing to destroy these many millions over these past 47 years are a direct link to the division, strife and hatred in our nation. Also a direct link to the mass shootings we are experiencing in our schools, churches, malls, and in other public places that normally were considered safe zones.

Our nation is in trouble. We are divided, divisive, and destroying one another with our words and ways made legal by a few supreme court justices. How will we find healing and restoration back to civility and alignment with the Word and Ways of God?

What is the Solution?

So is there an answer? How can we heal our nation? What does God say. James 1:5-6 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.

II Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.God has given us an answer and it is up to us to humble ourselves, pray as we seek His face and turn from our wicked ways.

Let’s Get Specific and Practical

What are our wicked ways we need to turn from? As I pondered this question my mind went to the story in Matthew 25 and the story of the talents. Three men were given talents by their lord. One was given five, one two, and one was given one talent. When the lord returned from his travels
he asked for an accounting. The first two had invested their talents and doubled them and were told Well done, good and faithful servant.
The one given one talent hid it by burying it in the ground and he heard from his lord, You wicked and lazy servant.

Could this servant who did nothing with what he was given be a comparison to us and our wicked ways? Are we the people called by the Lord’s name the ones who are unwilling to stand up, speak up and do something for the most vulnerable the ones living in the wicked ways?

James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. I do believe our sin of omission is what God is addressing in this hour to us. We may feel proud of the sins we have overcome and compare ourselves with those still trapped in obvious sin.

Specifically, What is God Asking You to Do?


Maybe we need to consider what it is God is asking us to do as His witnesses and ambassadors to the world. We know it is our duty to stand up and speak up for what is right in the eyes of God no matter what the ways and laws of the world may say is totally Okay.


The world and current laws say it is our right to choose to kill the most innocent and vulnerable of all human lives while still in the womb.

What is God’s Viewpoint on the Sanctity of Life?

What is God’s viewpoint on the sanctity of life? I believe what is recorded in Psalms 139:13-17 (NLT).

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous–how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, God.

–Bernie Wing

Filed Under: Asides, Local Churches Global Apostles, Ministry

God, Government and You

January 21, 2020 by 2 Comments
God, Government and You

God . . . government . . . and you? What is God’s design? How should we as Christians relate to government and government officials?

Many struggle with government. Some ignore it, some hate it. Criticism runs rampant. A few jump into policy issues, while most stand aloof.

What does the Bible show about God and government and you?

I was surprised as I read through the book of Second Chronicles to find such a strong connection between the religious (the prophets) and the government (the kings).

Nearly Every King Had a Prophet

Rehobam had a man named Shemaiah

Jehoshaphat had Macaiah, Jehu, Jahaziel, and Eliezer

Hezekiah had the famous Isaiah

Zedekiah had Jeremiah

The list could go on. . . .

What Does This Tell Us about God and Government?

1) God is interested in human government. In fact, He is very interested–more than most know. More than most pastors and church leaders know. If we who lead church meetings knew, we would begin our church services with prayer for various governing entities.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men,

for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Tim 2:1-2).

God enjoins churches to practice prayer for authority figures as a top priority in both private and public meetings (1 Tim 2:8). Not just any prayers. Specifically, we are urged to make entreaties, petitions and thanksgivings as well as regular prayers for various authority figures.

2) God is so interested in government that he repeatedly sends prophetic messages to governing officials through prophets or men of God. Could God use you?

3) God wants to direct the affairs of government.

The Biblical messages through the prophets included a vast array issues: military advice, when to go to war, when not go to war. Advice about foreign policy. How to treat prisoners of war. Religious matters.

4) God wants more than prayer for government; He wants His chosen people directly involved.

How Does God’s Concern for Government Apply in 2020?

In 1 Cor 10:11 we note that these things . . were written for our instruction.

The fact that the Bible shows so many of the kings had prophets whispering, or sometimes shouting in their ears, shows that God wants to teach us something.

Looking into the Bible records, we find that the prophets who spoke most effectively formed a relationship with the king. Isaiah’s relationship with King Hezekiah is an example. Nathan’s friendship with David is another.

Let’s Apply This to Local Government

Most of us will not have access to the president of our country. But we generally have surprising access to various forms of local government: councilmembers, perhaps the mayor, even state representatives, governors and senators.

I have a good relationship with our state representative and state senator to Des Moines. They respect me and I respect them. We have talked over some of the issues and they have asked me my opinion.

The church has a prophetic mandate to speak with local authorities. If approached well, especially if we have taken the time to become acquainted, most elected officials will welcome you and your ideas.

I have personally encouraged our state officials to vote for the fetal heartbeat legislation in Iowa. It passed and Iowa became the first state in America to enact a fetal heartbeat law. This law was designed to protect the lives of babies in the womb from the first day a heartbeat can be detected.

(Unfortunately, the Iowa Supreme Court declared the law unconstitutional; now we are by faith dealing with changes on the court and in our State of Iowa constitution.)

How Are You Doing in Regard to God and Government?

Are you giving regard to God and His interest in leading the nation?

Are you praying regularly for your governing officials? The stakes are high.

Do you know your local officials? Have you developed relationships with any?

Are you willing to be used by God?

What Does God Want You to Do Now?

What is your part in God’s plan?

Filed Under: Asides, Local Churches Global Apostles, Ministry

Is “One Minute Witness” for You?

January 10, 2020 by Leave a Comment

I recently found http://www.oasisworldministries.org/one-minute-witness/ and their exciting ministry. They have a worldwide vision and are effective in personal evangelism and church planting.

Here’s a testimony from George Bunnell, Jr (one of the guys using the one minute witness).

Yesterday I had the opportunity to share with a gentleman who was 93 years old. I walked into Panera in Elk River Minnesota when I noticed a elderly gentleman sitting by himself.

I sparked up a conversation and found out he was 93 years young!:) He shared with me some great things that happened in his life. He then allowed me to share with him the Greatest thing that had ever happened in my life.

I asked him how he thought a person would be able to heaven. He thought being an honest person would get you into you! He also said if you keep the commandments that would qualify you into heaven! This elderly man was so eager to let me share with him what the bible says about qualifying to get to heaven.

I thought as he got into his daughter’s car, “I am possibly the last chance for this man of making a decision to follow Christ.”

I pray he bows his knee to Jesus!

George Bunnell, Jr. is President of Jude 23 Ministries in Minnesota. He is  one of the many groups using the materials from Oasis.

There’s a lot more on the Oasis website available here: http://www.oasisworldministries.org/one-minute-witness/ 

I include the info because we want to develop a culture of faith-sharing. We all want to be better witnesses for Jesus. 

One feature of the Oasis plan is how to get the conversation started. Check it out at the link above.

Photo of birds in question mark formation by Ilkka Kärkkäinen on Unsplash.

Filed Under: Chicken Evangelism, Ministry

Happy New Year–Arrest Stress with 12 Best Stress Arresters

December 30, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Arrest stress
Arrest stress and lock it away for good

Stats for Stress, the Silent Killer

  • 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress.
  • US businesses lose up to $300 billion yearly as a result of workplace stress.
  • Stress causes around one million workers to miss work every day.
  • Only 43% of US employees think their employers care about their work-life balance.
  • Depression leads to $51 billion in costs due to absenteeism and $26 billion in treatment costs.
  • Work-related stress causes 120,000 deaths and results in $190 billion in healthcare costs yearly.

The 12 Best Stress Arresters

Identify the Causes of Stress and develop possible strategies to deal with them. Get pastoral or other professional help if need be.

Get Physical Exercise. Swimming, biking, walking and things like these are all good stress arresters. Even singing aloud or shouting at a ball game can be helpful. If you don’t like ball games or don’t want to “Kill the umpire!” , try going for a drive all alone, rolling up the car windows and shouting or singing as loudly as you can!

I personally enjoy chopping wood for my exercise.

Practice Deep Breathing. When I was in the hospital and my lungs were filled with cancerous tumors, I could hardly breathe. A nurse taught me how to take in giant-sized breaths through my mouth and then expel the air ever-so-slowly through my nose. Repeat several times. It works. Try deep breathing and see how it relaxes you.

Just say “No!” The world is filled with overly busy people. One of the basic foundational truths of Hebrews 6:2 is repentance from dead works. Dead works are anything we do that is not from the Holy Spirit. Anybody filling your life with good works that are really dead works?

Stress results from pleasing people rather than pleasing God. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10).

Get a Full night sleep

Forgive. Forgiveness is one of the all time great stress arresters. Don’t wait for people to ask you to forgive them. Just do it over and over and watch your nemeses change.

Receive Salvation through Christ

Pursue Freedom from guilt. Guilt produces stress. Floating guilt (feeling bad all the time as a result of not dealing with some specific sin) produces floating stress. Take time to do business with God or people. Get to the root of this and you’ll feel happier and better. Bill Gothard helped me to do this in his Basic Life Principles Seminar. Get help if you need it.

Move Forward. Forward motion in one area can lead to a relief of stress in many areas. One cause of stress is the sense of inability to control circumstances. Loss of control leads to frustration and tension. Move ahead in some area–build a bookcase, join a club or church, take a course, invest, take a vacation, do something by which you can move ahead and make more of your own decisions in some specific area.

Take a 24 Hour Break Every Week. Restore the Sabbath Principle. The necessity of “cooling it” once every 7 days is built into creation. Napoleon attempted to increase productivity by establishing a 10 day work week. The experiment failed and France had to return to the seven day work week. Even God rested on the seventh day! I’m not saying which day to take off, I’m simply saying take off one day per week. Establish the three R’s: Rest, Reflect, Rejuvenate. People who do become more productive.

Stress arrester number 12. Try to listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. He has promised to guide us. But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you . . . (John 16:I3).

I have a tendency to overwork. Any workaholics out there like me? I personally need the Holy Spirit to prompt me to stop working.

The Scriptures link hearing (and obeying) God’s voice with rest: TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME.

And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? (Hebrews 3:15 and 18)

Rest and stress reduction result from doing what God says and doing it right away. For example, the other day I was working on our porch. By the Spirit I felt prompted to stop work and come inside. But I didn’t want to stop so I kept working. Later that evening, I realized I was emotionally and physically drained. I knew I had overworked and could not go on to do the things God really wanted me to do. I had to repent.

Here’s a closing tip about stress arresters. New habits don’t come overnight. They take time to develop. Oftentimes we can’t do it alone, so it helps to have some encouragement.

Habits are socially enforced. How to make a habit stick? Join a church or group that already has the habit.

Stress is a bigger problem than most realize. Let’s tackle it together. What is working for you? Write it in the comment box below

Photo by Brandon Hoogenboom on Unsplash

Filed Under: Asides, Health & Healing, Ministry

8 Things the World Needs to Know about Jesus’ Birth

December 24, 2019 by Leave a Comment
One of our lambs peering across a manger

1 Jesus birth was announced in prophecy (Isaiah 9:6).

2 The place of His birth was also announced in advance (Micah 5:2).

3 His mother was a virgin at the time of His birth (Matthew 1:25).

4 He was given a name—Jesus–which means “Savior”) (Mathew 1:25).

5 He was Mary’s first child (Luke 2:7).

6 He was a male child, a boy (Luke 2:7)

7 Mary laid Him in a feeding trough (Luke 2:7). This was an identifying sign for the shepherds, the first human evangelists of the birth.

Another look at our sheep by a manger

8 Angels announced His birth. In their birth announcement, they made significant claims: They again verified the place of birth—Bethlehem, the City of David.

They associated Jesus with ”great joy.” (Think about that one as we share our faith.)

He will be for all people, not just Jews.

Most significantly, they claimed He was Savior, the long-awaited Messiah, and God (Lord) (Luke 2:8-11).

Many know some details of the birth story. Do they know the what the angels knew?

Filed Under: Asides, Ministry