Random musings post-election 2008

Last nite the world watched as history played out right before our eyes -- it was indeed history in epic proportions. While I do not agree with SEVERAL of now President-elect Obama's stated policies, he started gaining my hard-to-admit admiration early on in this race. One of the things I admired was the way he was able to draw people from all walks of life to his campaign and got so many people, especially young people who had a reputation for not being interested in the political process, excited and involved enough so much so that many of them to voted for the first time in this election.

Over the course of the last 11 months, and especially the last 2 months since the conventions, several things has stood out to me, some I have expressed to family and close friends, others I have kept mostly to myself or expressed only to my husband until today:

Why was there such a contrast in the crowd that obama drew vs mccain? The crowd @ grant park in chicago was a mix -- reflecting the mixture of populations in american -- the great american melting pot as the old ABC after school special used to point out, but the majority of faces seen at a mccain concession speech were white? Ditto question for the election rallies held by McCain and Palin during the weeks leading up to the election. To me the crowds were overwhlemingly as one CNN anchor put it "homogenous".

Regardless of their religious/spiritual affliation, wasn't the diverse compositon of the crowd that celebrated Obama;'s election at grant park a true reflection of what heaven will be like -- people from all colors, races, cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and walks of life?

Will my brothers and sisters in the Kingdom who are white ever really understand what it meant to their black sisters and brothers to see a black family on the national stage and feel the genuine love between Barack Obama and his wife Michelle? Can they understand that not since the Cosby show have we seen a positive image of a black family unitl prominently displayed to the national stage for all the world to see?

Why was it OK for Pastor Jamal Bryant to mention something that was a rumor at best about Sarah Palin in this video, when he had to endure scandal in his own personal life, not once, but twice this year? Why was it necessary to bring up details of her personal life, such as that she was 3 months pregnant (supposedly, does he know if this is really true?, when he himself had a publicized scandal that involved a child conceived out of wedlock over 8 years ago? He had a valid message but the mention of a supposed affair dampened it --@ least for me it did...no scratch that, it incensed me so much that I woke up one morning thinking about why it bothered me so much and then I remembered the scandal and rumor surrounding him earlier in the year. He could have made his point without mentioning it and it would have been just as effective. Jesus said "he who is without sin cast the first stone" -- why didn't he keep that in mind?

Why did he think as a black pastor in this country, especially after the unwelcome attention Jeremiah Wright received when some his sermons were made public, that it was OK for him to preach politics knowing that it was being recorded? Doesn't he know that his words can come back to haunt him?

Why did so many prominent prophetic voices jump on the bandwagon and presume that because of Sarah Palin's background in the Assembly of God pentecostal denomination that God wanted her in office as president? Didnt they realize by doing so they were in turn putting a death wish on John McCain as fellow Kingdom blogger, Carl of Revival Blog, pointed out?

Was it so hard for many of those same prominent voices to consider that God wanted Barack Obama to win the presidency even though in their eyes and according to their criteria, he wasn't the one? Did they forgot that in the Bible God placed certain people in power according to his Sovereign will? Did they forget that in the Word that the Lord called people who in our time the vast majority of us would consider "awful" leaders (to say the least)? Examples include Nebuchadnezzar who the Lord called his servant, and Saul who the Lord gave to the children of Isreal because they wanted a king.

Does anyone else realize that there was a difference in candidate of choice between the prominient black christians and prominent white christians, especially those in the Apostolic/Prophetic/Pentecostal sects of Christianity highlighs the apparently huge chasm that is the racial divide that exists in the Kingdom, especially among American Christians? One needs only to to look to the blog of some everday folks, and lesser known pastors to see the glaring truth. See here for list of links of such examples, but please pray before reading them. :-)

Why aren't there more bloggers with a balanced response such as this post here and this one .

Was it hard for those same people to consider that when prophet Kim Clement went on record earlier this year back in March and hinted that Obama is who God wanted in office for the next four years? Didn't they remember that he is also one of several prophetic voices who went on record over 8 years ago and said that God revealed he wanted then Governor George W. Bush to be the next president of the USA for the coming election in 2000 (a choice that many of them agreed with)?

How could so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ, mostly white, but a few blacks, say anyone who voted for Obama and said they are a Christian was indeed "not godly"? (Note this is from a blog that I frequently visit and ususally like reading the author's posts).

Was it OK for another fellow Kingdom blogger, who I generally also tend to agree with to call Obama "the personification of evil in this hour"? Why didn't the author instead exhort her readers to pray and fast for God to turn his heart regarding his beliefs on abortion? (see Proverbs 21:1)

Why did I consistently get emails from my friends in the kingdom who are white that supported McCain or reported some negative thing about Obama or his policies? Was it that hard to consider that God wants Obama in office and thats who He had already selected for such a time as this before the foundation of the world? Did those same friends ever stop to consider they too should pray for Barack Obama in addition to praying for John McCain?

Why did I consistently get emails of support from my friends in the Kingdom who are black who presumed that I was also an Obama supporter because I too am black? Why did praying for the election from the mouth of my fellow black saints really mean "I'm praying for Obama to win" instead of praying for God's will to be done in the election?

Why have so many Black saints, including Spirit-filled saints, cursed and disparaged outgoing President Bush for the past 8 years? Did they forget that the Word of God reminds us to pray for our leaders, especilly including those in power?

Why aren't there more black leaders, such as Bishop Harry Jackson, who speak out against abortion and join with other leaders in the 5-fold ministry who are doing the same?

What will it take for Christians in this country who are black not to view politics, culture, and life general through the lense of race before their identity in Christ?

Do most blacks know that historically speaking, its only since the election of 1960 that blacks started voting Democrat? Has the younger generation really given thought to why they vote Democrat instead of going along to get along because everyone else who they know votes Democrat?

Why have Christians as a whole allowed themselves to be polarized politically by one or two issues: abortion, and homosexuality for the "Evangelicals", ie, white Christians, and for black Christians, social issues, such as the plight of the poor and needy?

In so doing, aren't we pitting the babies against the poor? The unborn against the down-trodden? How then do we combine the two: justice and righteousness as Bishop Harry Jackson so eloquently stated what I had already wondered about in my own heart during a message he delivered at the Women's Aglow International Conference in September of this year.

What will it take for the church at large to speak out and do something about about other, far-reaching social issues, such as the international sex slave trade, the genocide in Darfur, the atrocities committed against the women of the Congo who are victims of rape as a weapon of war? Why have we allowed government to take over the role that the church should be playing -- as Jesus commanded in the New Testament when he was here in human form?

When will we realize that we cannot legislate certain aspects of morality, and instead that change we so desperately want and need in America must instead come on our knees?

Why did I get emails from many of my black Christian saints attacking Sarah Palin? Was it so hard to see her first as a sister in Christ, who although people may have felt she was unqualified as VP, that it was NOT OK to insult her or agree with the insults?

Do the talking heads @ Fox News really expect black people to buy the line that they are fair and balanced in light of the overal image protrayal of Barack Obama?

Why is it so hard to be black, but have generally conservative political views? Why are blacks in the media who do generally maligned by their black "brothers and sisters" and frequently referred to as "sell-outs" for it?

Why is it that conservative talk shows frequently hold and espouse beliefs that can be intepreted as undercover racism?

Why are the most outspoken celebrities that use their fame and voice usually liberal and Democrat? Why do they think we, the normal everday folks of America, feel the same way they do? Why are celebrities whose views are considered conservative treated like the proverbial stepchildren in the mainstream entertainment industries?

Do people realize the changes that either candidate wants to make won't come automatically and has to be implemented via laws that Congress -- the House of Representatives and the Senate --have to approve them first? Why does the average person put all the blame for our economic crisis on the president alone?

Do the other cable news networks, CNN and especially MSNBC, expect people to believe that they were objective in their coverage of election 2008? Wasn't it quite obvious from early on in this process who they wanted to win the election come November 4, 2008?

Are the McCain supporters, including the "evangelical" community still seeing this as a sad day? Why has the response been one of "sackcloth and ashes"? Did they forget that God is still in control?

How could a man of influence in the Apostolic/Prophetic arena such as Dutch Sheets publically state that the election results were not the will of God? (Note if the text is not there try this link .)
Why wasn't his response one of support and prayer like the other leaders who issued statements here on Charisma magazine's website or this one from Charisma's Editor-In-Chief J. Lee Grady who many people accused of being racist because he didn't support Obama as a candidate pre-election.

Again, isn't God sovereign? Didn't Dutch Sheets remember that no matter how things play out, whether in our private lives, or on the world's stage, the will of God will ultimately be done? Did he forget that nothing surprises God and while many in Apostolic/Prophetic/Pentecostal movement are lamenting before God, God hasn't given up His throne and He knew the outcome of this election long before anyone of us on the planet did? Did he forget that while there is the perfect will of God, there is also the permissible will of God -- but both are utimately, the will of God?

Is the 400 plus negative points on the Dow the day after the election a harbinger of things to come?

Isnt it amazing that black people, people of African descent, all over the planet feel Obama is one of thier own and his win feels like their (our) win?
Can anyone deny no matter their opinion on Barack Obama's politics, that his election as president of the United States of America last nite was a defining moment in American history and to an extent the world?

Can anyone not understand how much this means as so eloquently stated in this article on the NY Times website "Whether or not you agree with Barack Obama’s politics, there is no denying that his election represents a seminal moment in the African-American narrative and a giant leap forward on the road to America’s racial reconciliation.". May I add to that it was a giant leap forward in tearing down racial barriers as well.

Pray For California Part 2

I woke up @ one point in the middle of the nite to hear the daily devotion on GoD TV ( I fell asleep with the TV on) and heard the intercessors crying out for California. This lead me to decide to share here what I have already shared with a few friends already via email.

On Friday, 08-08-08, God TV broadcasted a solemn assembly of fasting and prayer that aired live. I strongly believe these warnings are too urgent to ignore. Again I say "Pray for California"!

Fathers and Daughters: Father-Daughter Purity Ball

I think the fact that Time wrote about this, and handled it in a fair manner, which is more than I expected is great. Yeah, some people think its cheesy, but so what? I get the message, and I think its great to see fathers taking an active role in their daughters emotional, mental and most importantly spiritual development. Side note: I do think 4 years old is a bit young to fully understand the meaning behind it, but I guess its sweet gesture -- well, sort of. I also did a search on google and the Purity Ball has been covered by the New York Times and also has its own website

While reading this, a few things came to mind:
1. Why don't I see/hear more about these things happening with black teen girls or other minority populations in this country for that matter?

2. The bonding that occurs between the fathers and daughters here speaks VOLUMES!! Its sad that in our culture today, seeing a father and daughter bond brings to minds words like "creepy" and "perverted" instead of "protection" and "affirmation". I've said several times to people in my "real life" that the absence of the father in a home is one of the most diabolical attacks of the enemy that has had far-reaching consequences -- more than anyone realizes. (this reminds me that I must write an article exploring this a little more)

3. I don't mind the focus on girls, BUT there is a double standard in society for the expression and "exploration" of one's sexuality. Can someone please start a purity ball for boys? Yeah, I know, it sounds cheesy -- but I think if one were to gather a group of teenagers, male and female, what's really at the heart of preserving sexual purity and the far-reaching consequences of throwing it away, the message would get across -- it would be a start in undoing the messed-up, self-centered, sex-crazed messages that kids get ingrained in their souls from the time they are small children. More than anything else though, the desire to remain pure before God shouldn't be an "outward" act to say I'm a Christian, but rather should come as a result of heart that is sold-out and a desire to please God.
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Now playing on Windows Media Player: Rick Pino - The Anthem
via FoxyTunes

Wordle

I found this one someone else's blog and thought it would be cool to do one of my own. Visit Wordle to generate one for yourself.
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Now playing on Windows Media Player: Rick Pino - By My Spirit
via FoxyTunes

Testimony of a 14 year-old Healed @ The Lakeland Revival

I read about this teenager's testimony a few weeks ago online post and was amazed. Then I stumbled upon a blog today called " which had mp3s of interviews with various worship leaders, but the one that caught my attention was called testimony of 14 year old who got healed. I listend to it. . . and when the girl giving the testimony identified herself, I realized this is the same girl I read about a few weeks ago!

Listen to her give her testimony, (right click and save-as if you want to save it to your hard drive), watch here as her healing takes place (at about 03:00:37 when Todd prays for her, and @ 3:38 where she gets up and reports her healing), and here is a video of her testifying at her church, IHOP in Kansas city.



The message bears repeating: God still heals today!!

The Earth is Crying Out -- Literally!

I traveled to Dallas for the one night only impartation meeting with Todd Bentley with my parents and a friend of mine. One the way back home, I heard my dad (who I realize I get my quest for seeking truth, and bent towards "trivial knowledge" of things) say that scientists have found that the Earth is crying out. I was amazed, but didn't remember to look for this article once I got home.

I was searching through my list of Blogs and news items I subscribe to via google reader, when a headline from Breaking Christian news caught my attention: "The Earth is Crying Out—and Scientists have Recorded it". I instantly remembered what my dad said. Scientists have recorded "Earth sounds" which you can listen to. The sounds are blocked by the ionosphere, which they say is a good thing because "the out-of-this-world radio waves are 10,000 times stronger than even the strongest military signal, the researchers said, and they would overwhelm all radio stations on the planet".

I searched google for more information and found this news article on yahoo news: Earth's Cries Recorded in Space.

I also found this prophetic word released by Chuck Pierce. I took special notice of these statements: "There are sounds in the earth that you are not getting low enough to hear, and there's a groaning. All creation is groaning. Humble yourself and get low enough to hear the sound." and this "My earth has a heart that beats and you've not understood the power of creation. You have lost the beating heart of creation. Therefore, I cannot be creative in your midst. I've put My voice in every living thing, but it is your voice that rules".

Back in May, a friend of mine forwarded to me a word Judy Bauman received from the Lord concerning things happening in the earth called "The Earth Groans". All of these things serve to confirm the written word of God concerning His creation, which once again for me is proving not to be symbolic as traditionally taught in modern Christianity, but instead is literal: For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. (Romans 8:22).

Pray for California!

I find all kinds of things online -- some good, some bad, some of them I just "stumble upon". Lately, since the revival started, my focus on the internet is more about visiting sites that are about the Kingdom of God which includes the prophetic, the supernatural nature of God, sites with prophetic words, videos on YouTube of the revival in Lakeland, Florida, and ministers who are part of the Prophetic Movement. One of those sites I've been visiting frequently lately is
End Time Prophetic Vision which I discovered several years ago when I was living in New York, I believe shortly after re-dedicating my life to the Lord.

So I'm on End Time Prophetic Vision last night, and they get several words from different prophetic voices in the country and around the world and their latest update from June 22, 2008 has several words about California. I read one particular post that grabbed my attention, Warning for California . The warning has come through Sean Malone, who I have never heard of before, but I googled his name and found that this warning has been posted on a few other sites. Sean says that the Lord warned him about 9/11 and New Orleans before it happened and he was directed to pray for both areas. He is one of four prophets from IHOP in Kansas City, and heads an organization, CRI that responds to natural disasters.

One thing that stood out in my search on google was a 2 hour mp3 of Sean Malone speaking at San Jose House of Prayer about the warning for California most interesting thing I found. You can listen to it here (right-click and "save target as" or "save link as", depending on the browser you are using. The "talk" he gives paints in greater detail much of what is described in the warning.

In light of the recent ruling concerning gay-marriage in California, I can't take this lightly or dismiss it as "it probably won't happen". I also found another warning about California: Prophetic Sign for California, the same message posted on another website with links to two news articles on FOX NEWS.com and MSNBC.com that spell out "what if scenarios" with a map of the area that expected to be hit the most -- Half Moon Bay near San Francisco and got this message via email today from Prophet Timothy Snodgrass. Pray for mercy, pray for grace -- pray that God's people in California will head the warnings and pray for the lost in California, especially San Francisco!

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Todd Bentley's Interview with Geraldo Rivera

This past weekend, Todd Bentley was interviewed by Geraldo Rivera on Geraldo At Large live for about 5 minutes. I missed the live show, but DVR'ed the program so I could watch it when I got home from dinner with my extended family.

For the most part Geraldo was respectful, although his emphasis on money (he asked Todd about this twice in 5 minutes) was a bit much for me, but then again I am biased. :-) Although I personally wouldn't get a tattoo, piercings and tattoos don't scream "flamboyant" to me. Todd handled the interview well and I applaud him for inviting the media to scrutinize the stories of documented healings that they have collected AND to inspect his financial statements, such as his IRS filings (he is Canadian, so I'm not even sure if that applies).

Here is the video as posted on, you guessed it, YouTube:



Blessings!

Todd Bentley responds to questions about Lakeland

Please read his thoughtful, insightful and heartfelt response to the uproar in the blogosphere about the Lakeland Revival/Florida Outpouring that started on April 2, and is almost 70 days old. I've ready MANY blogs, a few posters out there are brave enough to say they are convinced this is of God and either received a healing or know someone who was healed either while watching the service online or on TV or from attending a service in person.

You can watch the services daily at 10 am and 7 pm ET. View the 10 am services here after registering first and the evening services here on GOD TV's website (registration required) or here on Fresh Fire's streaming page.

For several days now I chose to "stay out of it", but after seeing this posted on a forum that I visit, and reading it for myself I'm jumping in the "fray". I'm sure before long someone anti-Lakeland will post their opinions, backed up with scripture as to why this is not of God, and they are welcome to do so.

However, please know that all the rational, theological exegesis in the world won't convince me otherwise. God is demonstrating His love for His people in Lakeland and as soon as I can I'm going there to "get some"!

God uses a 9 year old boy to touch His people!

Read about the service here and follow the link to view the video from the service. Be blessed!!

God still heals today!

I'm not sure how I stumbled on this video. I believe it was a link in a description of a YouTube video. Anyway, watch and be amazed and give praise to Jesus for the wonderful testimonies told here!

The Greatest Silence

I stumbled across this today and it grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go... and I struggled with whether or not to share this....I'm still struggling now as I watch a video clip of a young woman who described being raped as her brother was forced to watch and then in turn had to watch him be stabbed to death because he refused to rape her.

Words fail me right now...but I have to share this. The pain in the eyes of the women is palpable. 60 Minutes also ran a segment about this as well earlier this year, and the video can viewed here. A doctor interviewed by CNN's Anderson Cooper said the women there "have stopped living".

A documentary by Lisa Jackson was release last year about these atrocities and the film has been screened internationally and in select locations in the United States and also aired on HBO on April 8, 2008.

I couldn't help but wonder while watching the trailers and reading the articles on this.... where is the Christian Church in all of this? I don't believe I have heard of any prominent ministers mentioning this in thier please for money. I have a deep respect for pastor Rd Parsley who was instrumental in calling attention to the atrocities in Darfur long before this?

... as I'm typing this, I just recalled that Todd Bentley may have mentioned something similar to this in one of his messages online. There is a message called "Releasing the Virtue of Jesus" where he gives the testimony of Simon a man who was kidnapped as a child in the midst of war in Uganda and forced to be a child soldier. You can download and listen to the message here.

I can't see this and not do something . . . This website is dedicated to just that -- a chance to help and speak out for these women and children who have had these brutal and savage acts committed against them. I burn with the longing of wanting to help with more than just my finances...
Do these women and children meet someone who demonstrates the love of God through Christ? Will they ever find emotional healing for the damage done to their souls? But I have to appease myself by staying its a start... reaching out and helping those who can't speak for themselves or help themselves... its a part of the kingdom...

Context Does Matter!

OK...making my opinions known about politic issues is something I don't usually do....and even while writing this I am still a little hesitant ..but since its in our faces constantly with this being an election year, and a historic one at that,...I'm going to go ahead and bite the bullet.

Like you, I've seen the clips played over and over on FOX, CNN, MSNBC of Senator Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright, being played over and over, but the diplomat in me, who likes to be fair, found myself wondering . . . what was said in the rest of the sermon? After all, we were only seeing 30, 45 and 60 second sound-bites. I will admit I've never heard of "Black Liberation Theology" before all of this became news. I'm also hesitant to post this because I don't want to appear totally in support for any political candidate because I haven't fully made a decision yet. To be frank, I've gotten a little annoyed at emails supporting Senator Obama forwarded to me by friends because of the implied assumption. BUT, fair is fair!

In the comment section of an article on ABC news, someone posted a link to a video on YouTube that has a clip of one of Pastor Wright's sermons that has gotten so many people riled up...in its FULL CONTEXT. See here for your self:



Also, Roland Martin, a journalist who also appears on CNN as a political commentator has an article that appears on the blog of fellow CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper and on his own blog which again, presents this part of the sermon in full context:

I wonder and I ask you . . . why this isn't making the rounds on the broadcast and cable news networks?

More Perversion

Another article on sex with robots... SMH! What I don't get is why I haven't seen or heard anyone prominent in Christianity mentioning this!

Black Pentecostal Discussion on Revivalblog.com

I read this post one one of the blogs whose feeds I subscribe to via google reader. Very interesting to say the least, so interesting that I did what I rarely do -- post a comment online!

See the post here and join the discussion! I know my comments don't reflect the popular view of some of my fellow Black Pentecostal believers, and that's OK -- It's a chance I am willing to take.

Meet An Child Prodigy . . . Artist and Poet

I just had to share this even before saying --- HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Welcome to 2008!

I came home from attending a "Crossover" service with my husband at a local church with my husband and tuned the TV to TBN The highlights of 2007 was on air, and a clip played of Matt and Laurie Crouch interviewing a young girl named Akiane Kramarik describing how a man who was a carpenter appeared at her doorstep after she asked God to provide a model of Jesus for her. The picture of Jesus is just amazing, and the lifelike eyes drew me in when I saw it. It reminds me soo much of a picture of Christ crying over the world ... and he is depicted as I believe he was... with olive skin looking very much like an Israeli Jew.

I googled her name and was amazed at what I found. She is truly a child prodigy who has been drawing, painting and writing poetry since the age of 4.

A chronology of her work is here. and its simply georgeous!!

A brief biography of her life thus far on this planet.

Interview clips on you tube here and here.

I believe more and more children such as this young girl will be "discovered" because of the times that we are in...more and more children will amaze us with their God given talents and their awareness of who they are in Him at an early age. They will boldly proclaim their faith and belief in God through Jesus Christ and walk in spiritual gifts and talents. as the Word says "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings you have Perfected Praise".