POWER BLOG

Link: http://www.dandouglass.com

PROSPERITY PREACHERS

What's wrong with the prosperity message? Well, aside from the fact that it's wrong, It's Dangerous! Prosperity preachers get filthy rich appealing to peoples dark side. Greed and the desire to get more. Prosperity preaching takes the focus off of God and puts it on the individual. It teaches you to look to “self” rather than looking to God for blessings or even help.

Here is a good example:

This is my Bible: I am what it says I am; I have what it says I have; I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God.

On the surface, this hype speech may seem harmless enough, however, when you compare it to the way this should have been written (for it to be accurate), you begin to see how harmful it is to innocent believers searching to find their way.

This is God’s Bible, God is what it says he is, if I ask God, believing, it will be done for me, God can do what it says he can do, Today, the Holy Spirit will teach me, because the Holy spirit teaches “all things”.

What is the key word that appeals to people from the first example above? It is the word (or letter) "I". "I" is fornd 7 times in the short statement above.

Let me break it down for you.

1. “This is my bible”- First, it’s not “your” bible, you didn’t write it! Example: If you wrote a book and named it “The Wonderful World of Pigeons”, it would be your book. Then when one opens your book to the first page they see that you’ve written “This book is dedicated to my late Aunt Edna, who taught me everything I know about pigeons”. The bible was written by God, but dedicated to “you”.

2. “I am what it says I am” – The bible only says that you are a sinner saved by grace. It says that your righteousness is as filthy rags to the Lord, and that your wisdom is foolishness to him. You cannot save yourself.

3. “I have what it says I have” – The bible says you have a sinful nature, and that you are saved only by the grace of God.

4. “I can do what it says I can do” – You can do nothing on your own. You have no power on your own. The bible says: “ask, and it will be done for you”

5. “Today I will be taught the word of God” – Truly, you won’t be taught anything by the one who said that! Too many preachers are pumped out of universities by virtue of being able to memorize and then regurgitate the information to pass a test. Only God can ordain a person to preach, not a professor. It is the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things.

There is a name for seeking power to change one's own circumstances. It's called witchcraft! As Christians, when we need something, we ask the one who has the power, and it is done for us. (By him) Do you get it yet?

Link: http://dandouglass.com

THINKING ABOUT BUYING A HYUNDAI?
Here is something you should know before you buy! Hyundai did "Not" Honor their 100,000 Mile Power train Warranty on my car! Let me be perfectly clear! I am not writing this to say anything bad about Hyundai, I'm just telling you of my "True" Hyundai experience. I am simply telling my story, and how I was treated.

Purchased at: Randy Wise Auto Mall
Flint, Mi. United States

I own a 2007 Hyundai (Pronounced "Hun-Day") Tuscon. Most of the reason I purchased the car was because of the warranty. The salesman said the car came with a 100,000 mile, bumper to bumper warranty. (Silly me, I believed him)

At 92,000 miles, I took the car to Randy Wise Auto Mall in Flint, MI, because it was making a strange noise. They said it was some part I'd never heard of, but having to do with where the drive shaft meets the transmission. To Randy Wise's credit, they assumed that it was covered under the 100,000 mile warranty, and was shocked to find out that Hyundai wouldn't cover it. They said the repair would cost me $1,400.00.

They gave me a number to call Hyundai directly. (800-633-5151) I called and was connected with a very "smug" sounding woman. She said they would "Not" pay to repair the car. I reminded her of the warranty, and pointed out that the part that needed replacing, was indeed a part of the power train. This woman rudely said that it was "not" covered, and if I will look in the manual that came with the car, it says that only certain parts of the power train are covered. (not quite the "Bumper to Bumper" warranty the salesman promised is it?)

I told her that I did not purchase the manual first and "then" buy the car, the manual came "with" the car and that the salesman specifically said: "100,000 mile - Bumper to Bumper warranty!

At that point I asked to speak to a supervisor! She said she could "not" transfer me to anyone. (Yea Right) To be fair, Randy Wise Auto Mall treated me fairly and were as shocked as I was that Hyundai would not cover the warranty. Randy Wise sells American made cars also.

However, If you buy a Hyundai, you may run the risk of being treated like I was. (Chances are good as I am no one special, just a fool who was silly enough to purchase one of their automobiles)

Maybe in Korea where these cars are made, they purchase the manual first before they buy the car, but here in America, we tend to take the salesman at their word when they say "100,000 mile - Bumper to Bumper Warranty". This car has required Too Many Repairs for it's age. Next time I will BUY AMERICAN!

Link: http://dandouglass.com

CONTEMPT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!
This is a perfect example of what happens when someone has been in office Too Long! Without term limits, a great deal of our elected officials forget that they work for us and have total contempt for their constituents. Below is a video of a town hall meeting with Congressman Pete Stark of California.

California, what is wrong with you? Get involved and get to the polls in November. If these are the qualities you are looking for in your representatives, then by all means, vote to keep them. However, If you don't want someone representing you in Washington who acts like they dislike you, you have the power to replace them. It's called a "vote", and it happens in November. Google it!

Link: http://dandouglass.com

OKAY THEN!

I'm sure this is not how Al wished to be remembered, but too late now. A catchy nick name tends to stick. (Remember the underwear bomber?) I'm sure he thought he'd be a hero and a marter, being looked up to by all of his muslim friends, not to mention, God would reward him with 72 virgins.

Now he's living with a bunch of dudes and is simply known as the "Underwear Bomber" Hahaha Anyway, back to Al Gore. You know what they say: "Al Gore did NOT invent the internet, but he DID make up Global Warming"
Now he's just a crazed sex poodle~

Link: http://dandouglass.com

Life is hard! Sure, some have it better and easier than others, but everyone goes through their own trials and tribulations at some point in their life.

I have had people ask me, why dosen't God answer my prayers when I have been persistently praying and seeking him for a long period of time? I don't pretend to know the mind of God, I can only give my theory. I know that everybody's personal experience with God seems to be a bit different.

Some people seem to get their prayers answered before they can get off of their knees and stand up, while others have to wait years! What all these people have in common is, regardless of the time frame, their prayers "do" get answered if they don't give up. I know it doesn't seem fair, but God gives us exactly what "he alone" knows we need.

No one likes to go through hard times and no one likes to hurt, but it truly is the low points in our lives that define "who we are", and makes us a better person mentally, physically and spiritually.

I'll give you a perfect example: (especially if you live here in the United States) I don't know what it's like now days, but some years ago, if you joined the Marine Corp, you quickly discovered that it was a little more than joining a club and wearing a fancy uniform.

You would be shipped to Paris Island to begin basic training. There you would be called a maggot and a turd (among other titles), you would be informed that it doesn't matter what race or color you are, you are "equally worthless"! Your physical and mental abilities would be pushed to the limit daily, if not the "breaking point".

Many young people would ask themselves after only one week "God, What am I doing here, I'm miserable?" Some can't make it, but for those who stick it out, come graduation day, they will look you in the eye and proudly say "I'm a Marine!" You will not find even one person who will say "I wish I had never joined" or "It was a waste of time".

They are all part of an elite group. They're glad they went through the hell of training because they know it made them a better person. These are the ones that didn't quit!

I don't know how long God will allow you to go through the private hell you've been going through, I just know that you will be a better person, husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter or citizen when you finally step out of it. When you finally come through, you'll proudly say: "I'm a child of the King who favors me - Whatever I ask, I will receive". (If you don't quit!)

You may be feeling down right now, but I want you to know, if you stay the course, it's not a question of "If" God will answer your prayer, but "when".

Hang in there!

Dan Douglass

Link: http://dandouglass.com

No one is asking the right question! Exactly "who" is in control of the greatest country on earth? Who's pulling the strings?

Sure, the majority of Americans absolutely "hate" the Health Care Bill, and they hate the way it was passed in such a dishonest and deceiving way.

These politicians obviously have an agena that has been kept hidden from the American people. Though people seem to be wiseing up and standing against this monster, no one is asking the right question: "Who is Writing these Bills?" Think about it. These bills (Health Care and Stimulus) are so long and complicated that our elected officials are not even able to read them before voting on them. And most don't want to, or won't bother.

These bills seem to be written much faster than people can even read them, but "Who's Writing Them?" Nancy Pelosi didn't write them. She obviously wouldn't have had time while twisting arms, bribbing congressmen and women and threatening them. Not to mention, she just isn't that bright! It's the same with Harry Reid. We all know that Obama didn't write these bills, he can't even recite what is in them to the press. So, who's doing it?

We've all heard rumors for years that "Secret Societies" like the "Free Masons" and the like, have been running America behind the sceens. No, I'm not suggesting that the Free Masons wrote the Stimulus or Health Care Bill. However, someone did! And it wasn't the people we've hired to be our lawmakers.

I don't know the answer, but I would like to. It's a question that nobody is asking and I think we should start asking it until we get an answer. "WHO WROTE THESE BILLS?"

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Who "is" in control? I don't know about America, but the government has definitly lost it's way! Particularly, the White House, the House and Senate.

Let me point something out that no one else seems to be pointing out. To my knowledge, not even Glen Beck or Rush Limbaugh. The country has been divided for years, by something that should be completely irrelevant, "Political Parties". For too long Americans listen to the rhetoric coming from candidates at election time, then vote for the one whom they feel represents their values and beliefs the most.

Hey! That sounds real American doesn't it? Actually, it's not! At least not any more. You know and I know that the way this usually plays out, is the candidate says or does whatever he thinks you (the voter) wants to hear to get elected. Once elected, he does whatever the hell he wants to, (excuse my french) then couldn't care less what you think or what you want until the next election rolls around, then it starts all over again.

With this system, the way it has been working, we lose before the starting gun has been fired and we have even come out of the gate. What I'm going to say to you is going to sound pretty strange, but makes all the sense in the world. "The opinions, beliefs, religion and political affiliation of a person running for public office should not matter!"

I realize that statement alone sounds a little cracked, but when you consider that an elected official is supposed to represent "you", the majority of the people, his personal opinion should be irrelevant. The point I am making is, if a congressman or congresswoman represents a district of 100,000 people and 60,000 of them are against abortion, then their duty is to vote against abortion regardless of their personal beliefs or opinions.

It is the same in reverse. Even if the elected congressman/woman or Senator is a "flaming religious conservative" and a pro life advocate, their duty is to vote to support abortion if the majority of their district is in favor of it! PERIOD! Ladies and gentlemen, that is called "WE THE PEOPLE".

This article is not written to persuade you to join my political party and isn't promoting any political party! I don't care if you are a "Marxist Socialist Liberal" or a "Nazi Conservative". I don't care if you are a "Right wing Republican" or a "Left wing Democrat" , we are all the same in the respect that you want someone in office who represents "you".

We do not hire or elect these people to represent themselves, (as they have been doing) we send them to Washington to represent "US". Politicians in Washington have for too long had too much power! They are meant to simply be an extension of "us" the people, and the power belongs to the people! Not any one person or small group of people.

It is obvious that that's the way it should be. A person doesn't need to be republican or democrat, liberal or conservative, to be a congressman/woman or Senator or even president, they just need to be honest and vote with the majority of their constituents, regardless of their personal beliefs, feelings or affiliations. "That's America" and it got lost along the way.

We currently have just a hand full of these people "Holding America Hostage". They are voting the way "they" want to vote on issues such as health care, regardless of how you feel or what you want. They are even willing to destroy their own careers to change America into something the majority of Americans don't want, against their will (and yours) using something called "reconciliation".

I don't care what religion you are, what color you are, or what political affiliation you are, this group of elected officials are "NOT WORKING FOR YOU!!!" and they are not taking care of the business you sent them there to do! They are taking care of their own interests!

The sad truth is, we all have families, jobs and lives to lead. We don't have time to go to get involved. That's why we elected these people in the first place to "represent us". Maybe we can't afford to go to Washington and babysit these people who are acting out of line, but we now have to get involved!

Find out who your congressperson is. Find out who your Senator is and "CALL THEIR OFFICE". They work for you! Come November of 2010, go to the polls no matter what and "VOTE!"

Link: http://powerofaith.com

USE WORDS IF NECESSARY

The other day, I dropped my son off at a friends house. Driving back home I noticed this guy walking down the street carrying a gas can. He was probably in his late 20's or early 30's, fairly big (not fat), hair spiked on top, but he basically looked like your typical dude who would be most comfortable with a can of beer in one hand and a TV remote in the other, while watching sports.

I drove around the block, pulled up next to him and said: "Hey! This is probably a stupid question, but, did you run out of gas?" He replied "yes", so I gave him a ride to the gas station. I parked in front of the gas station. He took his gas can and set it at one of the pumps, then went in to pay in advance.

Before he could fill the can, someone pulled up to the pump he had left his can at, so he had to go back in and do it over again. I gave him a ride back to his car, which was at his house. On the way he said that he was partying last night and got really drunk and must have driven home on fumes. He wasn't being rude or anything on purpose, but every other word was "God Damn this" or "God Damn that".

Before I left, he made the comment "Well, I guess this is an indication of what the rest of my day will be like". I replied: "Hey! Your day isn't so bad, after all, someone already stopped and gave you a ride!" He thought about it for a moment then smiled and said: "Yea, I'll pass it along to someone else today".

A couple of days later, my wife and I went to a buffet style restaurant and who do you think was there? You guessed it! (his name was Mike) So I walked up and said hi. He introduced me to his wife and little girl. (a very nice family)

Out of the blue he told me that he helped two other people that day. The funny part about this is, at no time did I introduce myself as "Dan Douglass of Power of Faith Ministries" or even as a preacher period, not to mention that I don't look the part of what people expect a preacher to look like and I wasn't dressed in that role.

The point is, a small act of kindness effected this guys whole day, and at least two other people. Granted, if I were a "Good Christian", I would have thrown him right out of the car at the first "God Damn", and started dousing him with holy water as though putting out a fire. Not to mention, when he said he was drunk the night before, I missed my opportunity to lay a 45 minute sermon on him, thus saving him and being able to add another notch on my religious gun barrel!

I didn't do anything intentionally that day. I just offered some poor guy a ride, because he looked like he needed one. Christians sometimes forget that preaching the gospel rarely requires using words. More often than not, well meaning Christians think they have to point out everyone elses sin's so they can save them.

The truth is, they can't save anyone, I can't save anyone and "you" can't save anyone. Only God can save a person. You can lead a person to God, but you mostly do this with your actions, rarely with words.

The quote: "USE WORDS IF NECESSARY" - Author Unknown~

Link: http://powerofaith.com

This video was sent to me by a member who only goes by the email handle: "HOMEOFHOPA". I don't know if they are a male or female, or who it is, I just know that they are nice! (Okay, okay, I could tell ya, but then I'd have to kill ya! - You know how this secret agent stuff goes!)

P.S. Her family now believes in God! Enjoy.

This 3 minute clip from CNN is so awesome ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmm-0-Rdxo8&feature=related
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so......
'Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't'

Link: http://powerofaith.com

There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day, a letter came addressed in a shaky handwriting to God with no actual address. He thought he should open it to see what it was about. The
letter read:

Dear God,
I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had $100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension payment. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with, have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?

Sincerely, Edna

The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few dollars. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected $96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman.The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends. Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God. All the workers gathered around while the
letter was opened. It read:

Dear God,
How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was $4 missing. I think it might have been those bastards at the post office.

Sincerely, Edna

Post Office - Author Unknown ~

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Feeling Guilty? We've all been there at one time or another. The reasons my differ, but guilt effects us all the same. "Horribly". We try to walk with God and be pleasing to him, then before we've berely realized it, we've stumbled. Maybe it was unfaithfulness, or fornication, or divorce. Maybe something too terrible to mention.

You should be even more concerned if you didn't feel any guilt. Guilt is Gods spiritual nervous system. Just like your nervous system, it is there to protect you. If you accidentally laid your hand on a hot stove, you would feel pain and instantly pull your hand away. Also, you would "never do that again". Guilt is the "pain" of the spiritual nervous system. It protects you from further harm and teaches you a lesson (if you listen to it)

What if your mother or someone close to you, gave you an expensive vase that was handed down to you through several generations and was precious to your family. Then you accidentally knocked it over and broke it into a hundred pieces. You'd feel terrible wouldn't you? And what then?

You might get the glue out of the drawer and try to put it back together, but it would never look the same as it did before. Now it's broke and there's nothing you can do about it except feel really bad. You know, you're allot like that vase but with a difference. You had something precious to God, then accidentally broke it.

You're a bit distraught now and saying “God, I'm so sorry I broke it”. Jesus is talking to you, but you can't hear him over your guilt. (guilt can be pretty loud sometimes) Jesus is talking to you. He's saying: See that person over there? What a nice vase (or vessel) they are. No cracks, no chips, they look really nice. (We all know one! That person who does everything right and holy, and we all wish we could be like them)

Jesus is saying, it is for the “broken vessels” that I came here. When you read my book, maybe you missed the part where I said: "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." So, turn that guilt and grief down a couple of notches so you can hear what I am saying to you.

He's saying: I'm not a repairman, I'm a creator! I won't repair the vase, I'll make it “new” again if you'll let me. The vase will never look the same again, it will look “better”. If you want me to make the vase new again, you have to let go of it first!

And, when you talk to me, (very often I hope) lay the guilt and grief aside first, because I didn't give that to you, and you can't seem to hear my voice over it.

Did you hear what God was saying to you, or was your guilt turned up too loud? You are the vase! If you want God to make you new again, you have to give yourself to him, then let go. God is not a junk collector. He does not keep broken vases and such lying around. Instead, you will be made new and be treated as a prized possession.

Link: http://powerofaith.com

"NO ONE IS FORCED TO JOIN THE CLUB!"

If you are a subscriber, or have simply read my article/webpage about "Communion", then it's obvious that I do not agree with the Catholic Churches doctrine concerning communion. However, I did whole heartedly agree with the Bishop Thomas J. Tobin as he was being interviewed by Bill O'reilly. (See below)

Even under my own standards for taking Communion, I don't believe Congressman Patrick Kennedy should have been in line at the alter to partake in it to begin with. (At that particular time)

I didn't get the impression that the Congressman was the least remorseful. I commend the Bishop Thomas J. Tobin for standing up for his Christian beliefs, whether I agree with them or not. It's about time someone did! Too often, people in power use God or the Church for their own personal, political gain.

In this case we have a Congressman who wants to commune with Christ, who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly, (John 10:10) then go pass legislation that would kill millions of unborn babies. If the Congressman even knows the meaning of communion, I have doubts as to whether it would have meant anything to him personally anyway.

The Bishop Tobin brought up some undisputable points that you can not argue with no matter what your belief system is. The main point that he brought up was: "No one is forced to be a Catholic". Therefore, if you choose to be a Catholic, you follow the catholic rules! It doesn't get much simpler than that!

Mr Kennedy can believe whatever he wants to believe. He can vote to pass legislation to exterminate millions of innocent unborn children as long as people keep voting him into that office, but he can not do these things and partake in the catholic communion or have the blessing of the Catholic Church, both at the same time. (Sounds fair to me)

I'm sure that the "Lame Stream Media" will relentlessly demonize Bishop Tobin for this action, but I give him a huge Power of Faith "Two Thumbs Up" for having the courage to stand up for what he and his Church believes.

If you want to know what my take on Communion is, visit: http://powerofaith.com/communion.htm

Link: http://powerofaith.com

It is the month of August; a resort town sits next to the shores of a lake. It is raining, and the little town looks totally deserted. It is tough times, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit.

Suddenly, a rich tourist comes to town.

He enters the only hotel, lays a 100 dollar bill on the reception counter, and goes to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one.

The hotel proprietor takes the 100 dollar bill and runs to pay his debt to the butcher.

The Butcher takes the 100 dollar bill, and runs to pay his debt to the pig raiser.

The pig raiser takes the 100 dollar bill, and runs to pay his debt to the supplier of his feed and fuel.

The supplier of feed and fuel takes the 100 dollar bill and runs to pay his debt to the town's prostitute that in these hard times, gave her "services" on credit.

The hooker runs to the hotel, and pays off her debt with the 100 dollar bill to the hotel proprietor to pay for the rooms that she rented when she brought her clients there.

The hotel proprietor then lays the 100 dollar bill back on the counter so that the rich tourist will not suspect anything.

At that moment, the rich tourist comes down after inspecting the rooms, and takes his 100 dollar bill, after saying that he did not like any of the rooms, and leaves town.

No one earned anything. However, the whole town is now without debt, and looks to the future with a lot of optimism .

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the United States Government is doing business today.

Author Unknown ~

100 POINTS TO ENTER HEAVEN

A man dies and goes to heaven. Saint Peter meets him at the pearly gates.

St. Peter says: Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

Okay, the man says, I attended church every Sunday
That's good, says St. Peter, " that's worth two points

"Two points?" he says. Well, I gave 10% of all my earnings to the church.
Well, let's see, answers Peter, that's worth another 2 points. Did you do anything else?

"Two points? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."
"Fantastic, that's certainly worth a point, " he says.

"hmmm...," the man says, I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart.
"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, that's worth three points!

"THREE POINTS!!" the man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!"

St. Peter replied: "100 points! Come on in!"

100 Points to Enter Heaven - Author Unknown ~

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Two travelling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guestroom. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears.

Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it."

"Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem.“

“THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM” - Author unknown~

Link: http://powerofaith.com

I've been asked on more than one occasion: "Why hasn't Christ returned, he told his disciples that some of them would still be alive, yet it's been 2,000 years?

To answer that question, I believe the verses they were referring to, were Mark 9:1 and Matthew 16:28. (they are the same verse)

Mark 9:1 - And Jesus was saying to them, "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."

Matthew 16:28 - "Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

I've found that whenever a scripture is confusing or sounds contradictory, I always read the entire paragraph or so, to get the writers meaning. Jesus was actually talking about what was going to happen “six days later”. (The transfiguration)

Mark 9:2 - Six days later, Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John, and *brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
Mark 9:3 - and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them.
Mark 9:4 - Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.

It was during this incident that they heard the voice of God.

Mark 9:7 - Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!"

EXAMPLE: If you were standing and witnessing with your own eyes, Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, Jesus` clothes shining whiter than anything you could compare them too, and then God himself says: (in an audible voice) "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!"

Then you would have witnessed "the kingdom of God after it has come with power" and "the Son of Man coming in His kingdom".

As to whether the disciples believed Jesus would return in their lifetime, I really don't know. However, the whole chapter (Mark 13) was about Jesus telling them a long list of things that would take place prior to his return.

The amazing thing about the disciples being killed and crucified, was that they died in different cities or countries, far away from each other. All any of them had to do, was to deny that Jesus rose from the dead, and say they made up the story, and they would have been set free.

So whether anyone else believes in Christ or not, “THEY DID!” It's quite a powerful testimony to the existence of Christ and that he rose from the dead, when you think about it. They were absolutely convinced! To the point that death didn't frighten them, and they were secure about their future after death.

I won't go into detail, but I do believe we are living in the last days. I'm not going to sell my house and other material things just yet though. That's basically what happens when preachers make followers and not disciples. There is one leader of the Christian Church, that is Christ. 2000 years ago it was the elders who did the teaching and the preaching.

Many men, (and women) in many Churches have claimed a title and position that belongs only to Christ, (spiritual leader) and they lead a lot of people astray.

I try to write so that people don't need a dictionary to understand it. (either that, or I'm just not that smart) After watching Sunday morning television, I can understand why some people would be turned off on God. If those preachers are the examples, who in the world would want to be like them?

All I can say, is once a person gets past the preachers and starts to see who God really is and what he is about, they see that he really “is” awesome, and they want more of him. Most preachers measure their success, by the number of alter calls they have, and the response they get from them.

The problem is, they can't save anyone, and “I” can't save anyone! It is not their job to save people, only God can save a person. Their job is to simply point people in the right direction. But then, there's not much glory (or money) in being a traffic cop for God huh? I would suggest that a person seek God 100%, but ignore 80% of what they hear on Christian television.

Jeremiah 29:12 - 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:13 - 'You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Proverbs 8:17 - "I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me.

Learn more! Visit the Power of Faith Home page at: http://www.pofm.org

Link: http://www.powerofaith.com

DO YOU REMEMBER RED SKELTON?

This joke was told on the "Red Skelton Show" many years ago, so you know it's old. However, it so accurately describes most Christians, that I just have to share it with you again.

There was a man who woke up to find himself in the middle of a flood. Soon he was on the second floor, looking out of his second story window, as the water was flooding the second story.

A man in a row boat paddled over to him and said: "Get in, I'll save you". The man, demonstrating his great faith replied: "No thanks! The Lord will save me!" So the man in the boat rowed away.

An hour later, the man was standing on his roof, with the water up to his chest. Then another row boat came along and said: "Get in, I'll save you". The man, again, demonstrating his great faith replied: "No thanks! The Lord will save me!" So the other man in the boat rowed away.

Soon after this, the man was standing on the top of his chemeny on his tip toes, and the water was up to his neck! A helocopter came down and threw him a line. A guy said: "Grab the line - we'll save you!"

Again, the man, sticking to his incredible faith said: "No thanks - The Lord will save me!" Soon after, the man drowned. He died and went to heaven. Now, standing before God, he couldn't help but ask: "God! Why didn't you save me? I had faith and believed in you!"

God answered him and said: "I Sent you Two Row Boats and a Helocopter!!!"

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Remember the good old days when families used to sit around the radio and listen to Orson Wells?

Me neither! It was just a bit before my time. However, I can remember when I was a small boy, the day we got our first "Color TV". It was awesome! But, not too many years before that, radio was the big thing! "The" source of home entertainment.

Families would sit around their livingrooms for hours listening to their radio console, which usually doubled as a very nice looking piece of furnature. With the birth of television, radio rapidly started dying out.

It wasn't until the last couple of decades that radio started making a dramatic comeback. This is amazing, considering that radio has remained basically the same. The technology is basically the same today, as it was 80 years ago.

So, why would radio suddenly become popular again? On the surface it would appear to make no sense. After all, people who have new wireless digital push button phones, are not suddenly interested in using the old crank phones where every call had to be connected by an operator after you turned the crank on the side of the phone.

Similarly, no one wants to use the old dial phones now that they have touch tone. Also, no one is clamoring to buy a phonograph, now that they have a CD player, or especially an MP3 player. So, why the re-birth of radio? The answer is simple, but it didn't happen over night.

Many people, especially those who watch the news and keep up with current events, (myself included) started noticing that the majority of the television news media were "not" reporting the news. They were reporting their personal opinion, and "their" version of the news!

Before Fox News came along on cable, the only place you could get the news without being brainwashed, was CSPAN or talk radio, which didn't have allot of listeners then. (especially compared to today) Slowly, one by one, people started tuning in to talk radio.

To their amazement, they found something on this antique form of media, that they couldn't seem to find anywhere else. "THE TRUTH!" Despite the other popular forms of media, and even the public school system telling us that "Truth & Right and Wrong" are simply a matter of interpretation, people still recgonize the truth when they hear it, and they still choose it.

In my humble opinion, if Babe Ruth was the man that saved baseball, then Rush Limbaugh is the man that saved talk radio. Even though he has a listening audience of 6 million people per day, (and growing) he is hated by the main stream media. They criticize and make fun of him constantly.

There are only a hand full of powerful people in the media, that are standing up for your freedoms. Sean Hannity, Glen Beck, Bill O'reilley and Rush Limbaugh to name just a few. They are all under relentless attack by the mainstream media and left wing Washington politicians.

Many folks who hate Fox News and the above mentioned people, don't really even know why! (are you one of them?) They have simply listened to the other popular news channels and believe everything they have been told. Is it possible that you've been deceived? If you hate these people and can't think of a reason pertaining to something "you personally" have heard them say, then it's possible that you have.

You're pretty smart! Judge for yourself, after listening to them for a week. Don't take anyone elses word for it. "You decide".

It's a sad time in America, when out of control spending, attacks on our freedoms and the trashing of the constitution are applauded, but the few who expose it and speak the truth are condemned.

Over 2000 years ago a man spoke the truth and he was killed for it. His name was Jesus. Corrupt people don't like it when their way of life is disrupted. Corrupt people still don't like it today! They are trying to "Kill Talk Radio". (for starters)

Freedom of speech anyone?

Link: http://powerofaith.com

Obama doesn't want to speak on the same stage where Jesus name is displayed?

Many of you may be saying "What's THAT About????" However, the rest of us who followed the 2008 elections and listened to this man are not at all surprised!

(CNSNews.com) - Georgetown University says it covered over the monogram “IHS”--symbolizing the name of Jesus Christ—because it was inscribed on a pediment on the stage where President Obama spoke at the university on Tuesday and the White House had asked Georgetown to cover up all signs and symbols there.

I have little to say about that. However, Jesus was quite blunt about what they did.

Matthew 10:33 - "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

This is the fate that awaits whoever complied with the Obama administration's request at Georgetown University, to cover all religious signs and symbols before Mr Obama spoke there.

If you listened to all the anti Christian rhetoric that Mr Obama spoke during the campaign, (we are no longer a Christian nation etc . . ) and then still voted for him, you are quilty as well. You also run the risk of Christ saying "I Never Knew You"

God is not politically correct. God's word is not to be changed to suit us. If you chose a man that has anti Christian views and policies to represent you before the world, he will be your representative in heaven also.

The next time you vote for a leader, ask yourself "Where is he going, that I should follow him?"

Link: http://powerofaith.com

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone -

When the government taxes things such as tobbaco and alcohol, it is referred to as a "Sin Tax". When it appears on the surface that government is doing the right and godly thing, many Christians jump on board. But, are you really doing God a service? If you consider these things a sin, are you ordained by God to be his police force?

Granted, the government has a different motivation and agenda, but what about you? The duty of a Christian is simply to "point the way" not to handcuff people and drag them there. God did not call you to be a judge, he called you to be a witness.

A good deal of the time, when Government steps in to do the "Right and Godly thing", you are usually looking at a "wolf in sheeps clothing". You may feel that government is doing you a service, by punishing the smoker or drinker, to protect you, but what about tomorrow when the government decides that your favorite cologne is equally offensive to people?

Beware of government baring gifts. Though you may agree with the government on issues like this, it is dangerous for you. Dangerous because it singles out a group of people, then sets you up as their judge.

You can lead a person to Christ, but you can't make them accept him. You can show them the way, but you can't force them to make the journey.

A good deal of your tax dollars go to do good things, but you get no credit from God. If you give to the poor, you will store up riches in heaven, but when your tax dollars go to the poor, you get no credit at all. Once again, government seems to be doing "you" a service. However, it would be better if you decided to give to the poor, not the government.

You may agree when the government punishes people for smoking and drinking, but then the government has tried to stop you from praying in schools and public places, or reading your bible. What the government considers a sin, may differ with what you believe next time.

Still in favor of the sin tax?

P.S. - I happened upon this very interesting article by: Rev. Robert A. Sirico. I think you will find it interesting. To view it, click on "The Sin Tax Craze: Who's Next?"