I find it interesting when politicians use the Bible and their faith to support special interest programs they want voted in but then when certain issues do not “fit” their agendas, they then hide behind separation of church and state to support why something should not be passed.

In the current elections (local and national) more so than in the past (it seems), biblical doctrines are being contorted, depending on who is interpreting them.  This is nothing new; men have always taken God’s Word and turned it around in order to make it fit their own purposes.

Recently, a high-ranking House member stated that his faith helped shape his budget plan, which included suggestions that government should have little to do with helping the poor.  He voiced that churches and charities should bear the responsibility of feeding and sustaining the poor.  He proposed that welfare from the government “dishonors the dignity of the human person” and makes it harder for churches and charitable organizations to do their work.  Others think that it invites greater governmental control over peoples’ lives if they get too involved.  I understand that but who suffers and at what cost because you do not want Big Brother involved?

The Bible may not specifically name the local or federal governments’ roles in charity but we have an obligation to read between the lines (at times) when we consider what the concerns of God are.  Approximately 300 verses in the Word mention the poor (financially and spiritually).  That should say something right there.  God has always had great concern for the poor. 

For those of you who also agree that charities and churches should be the only ones to harbor the burden of the poor, I propose this:  perhaps they would have a better time of it if those of you who don’t tithe, do so. 

Societies as a whole have a responsibility to take care of those in lack...believe it. 

Proverbs 19:17 – “He who is gracious to the poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed.”

Katie Altobellis

When you listen to Christians talk, you hear different beliefs being espoused and as a result, what we say and how we carry ourselves are at times in contradiction to what is in the Word of God.  One major thing I have learned in my own walk with Christ is that unfortunately, you cannot make the truth palatable.  However, the truth is the truth all the time; it never changes. 

I tuned in to a popular nighttime show last week and caught the interview of a young woman who stated she was raised in a Christian home.  She went on to say she believed in gay marriage and was for abortion, stating that a person’s body was theirs and they had the right to do whatever they wanted with it.  And I do believe others have the right to do what they want with their bodies but it is my job to get you the pure, undiluted truth of what the Gospel says.

If anyone who is a proclaimed Christian believes in abortion and are for men and women marrying their own sex, it tells me clearly that they have not been exposed to the nature of God.  The Bible clearly stipulates God’s feeling on both these issues.  The Bible teaches it is a commandment not to commit murder.  I was given revelation from the Holy Spirit in regard to a human’s soul.  He clearly spoke to me (as I was repenting for my abortions) and stated, “Molly, when do you think I put the soul in a person, after they come out of the womb?”  You can rearrange the Word of God any way you want in order for your conscience not to feel convicted, but nowhere in God’s Word does he say abortion or for that matter gay marriage are His choices.  Search these two critical issues for yourselves. Exposure to what is in the Word of God coupled with prayer (to the source) is necessary to clearly make a true and unbiased stand for what you do believe as a follower of Christ.         

For some reason people are fascinated with predictions regarding the end of the world.  I cannot think of a less interesting fascination but there have been hundreds, if not thousands of predictions made.  People are fueled by fear (always have been), and predictions are that the end of the world will happen (again) December 21, 2012.

There have been many predictions regarding the “big finale.”  The first instance I can really recall with any clarity about “doomsday” was in 2000, when the Y2K scare had folks thinking not only were computers going to crash and cause worldwide economic disasters, but also that it would lead to the end of the world.  Edgar Cayce predicted the Battle of Armageddon would happen in 1999, there was a book written in 1982 called The Jupiter Effect, which said that because of the rare alignment of all nine planets, the gravitational pull would cause catastrophic earthquakes and severe climatic changes, and a supposed prophet convinced people that in April 1990, a nuclear war would happen.  The list goes on and on. 

Of course, what has caused a flutter in peoples’ hearts again this year is the Mayan prophecy about 2012.  The Mayans had several calendars, one being the Long Count calendar.  It is reset to 0 every 1,872,000 days.  Some say that the next reset date is December 21^st of this year. 

That people are preparing for “doomsday” is nothing new.  One man in Colorado has invested $3,000 in preparing a safe room in his family’s home.  He says, “We are ready to survive in place.”

No one but the Father knows when the end of time will be.  In Matthew 24:36, Jesus, talking with His disciples, says that no one knows the day or the hour; not man, the angels or even Him.

Satan is smiling each time someone sets up another bunker in their house, writes a “prophetic” book on the subject or sets another date for the “absolutely real last day on earth.”

Remember, the devil is a liar and he is in the business of selling fear; it’s made him millions.

Katie Altobellis

This ministry does not endorse a political party and does not promote particular candidates who are running in any given race. What we try to do is be objective in giving another view to readers which comes through much prayer and a lot of fasting.

It is shameful for anyone who has the ability to influence the multitudes because of their station in life to abuse that sway by belittling and degrading the person who holds the highest office in this nation.  We may or may not respect all that our elected leader does, but as a matter of character and integrity, we need to respect the office that man holds.  Because of the United States’ struggles, other nations may not revere us like they once did, but the world still watches everything we do and say.

Several weeks ago, a music celebrity called the president, the attorney general and the vice president “criminals.”  He then elaborated by saying, “We need to chop their heads off in November.” Folks at this particular gathering clapped when he finished speaking, though several appeared to have glazed over looks on their faces. 

This celebrity then “went off” on a member of a news crew using phrases that had to be bleeped out.  He was insulted when the secret service questioned him and downplaying his comments by saying he made them in “fear.”  (Some people do not think the rules ever apply to them.)  He then called himself a “perfect human being.”  Did I mention that this man refers to his Christian faith in interviews and attends church regularly? 

With that being said, God’s Word is clear about the fact that we need to submit to governmental authority (Romans 13).  If you really want change (the way you state you do) to come in the upcoming elections so we can save this nation… then fast and pray.  The power of prayer coupled with fasting will tear down the strongholds that are trying to strangle this nation.  Words are empty and sometimes just out of line.…action is what is needed.

Katie Altobellis

On May 8, the voters of North Carolina will take to the polls on a proposed measure, Amendment 1.  If approved, the ban on same-sex marriage would be added to the state constitution.  Same sex marriage is already illegal in this state.  This measure will specifically define marriage as being between a man and a woman banning any other type of union. 

Many of our elected officials and others are opposed to this measure passing because they say it would “harm” the economy (they feel that North Carolina would no longer be considered a "business-friendly state"), it is discriminatory, and does not promote loving relationships.  I even heard a Theology professor of an Ivy League school state on TV that he was opposed to the measure passing.

By and large, morals are the generally accepted standards of right and wrong.  I know they differ somewhat from society to society but what has happened to this country, which was founded by men dedicated to ethics and morality?

Our country started out as being one embodied in staunch principals, character and self-discipline.  Christianity had a huge role in that contribution.  I understand that time passes and things change but what has happened to the still great (yes, she is) United States of America?  I believe in toleration because we are so diverse culturally, but why are we becoming increasingly unglued in some areas of conduct and thinking? 

In March of this year, a poll was taken in NC, which showed 32% were in favor of this measure, and 61% were opposed to it.  If the poll is any indication of how our voters will be casting their ballots in May, you may already have your answer as to the outcome of the vote.

I know there are some people who are against this measure who are Christians, who sit in church each Sunday.  How do they tell their children about a holy God and then how do they describe in the same breath what a holy union is in the eyes of God?

I say this all the time-“What must God be thinking?” 

The two most important events in human history are the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ…period.  In fact, the resurrection of Christ is the basic tenant on which Christianity is based (1 Corinthians 15: 1-58).  If you are a Christian, you believe in Jesus’ resurrection and you believe, as Ephesians 1:5 says, that you have been adopted “to sonship through Jesus Christ…”

With that being said, many people today believe Jewish holidays are only to be celebrated by Jews and that traditional Christians have no reason to celebrate them.  Since Passover is fast approaching, we will contain our message to that holiday.  Passover, of course, commemorates the freedom of the Hebrews from their captivity in Egypt and it is considered the most important of the three pilgrimage festivals. 

All Christians know about Passover but for some reason some think that it is dead works of the law from the Old Testament and observance of it is “old school.”  Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, as there is much mention of Passover in the New Testament as well (Acts and the letters of Paul, for example).

We know that Jesus ate the Passover meal with His disciples so why would we not want to observe this most holy day in remembrance of the sacrificial Lamb who gave His life for us. Because of His sacrifice we can be free if we choose.. 

Not many people I know would celebrate or would think of practicing the observances associated with Passover.  They are too “strict” for most¯cleaning your house of leaven (an intense “search and destroy” mission), eating of the 15 step process family meal, etc.  I am not suggesting that anyone should be bogged down in ritual. (Jesus would be the first to dismiss ritual.)  However,  if you believe every word of the Bible and are faithful to its teachings, then just believe every word and command given by God; it is meant for the past, present and future generations of those in Covenant relationship with Him.  Everything in the Bible is still pertinent today; keep this reality in your heart by faith.

Happy Easter!

Katie

I just got in from my WOG (walk/jog).  As I was going along, I happened to look down and noticed a tree and its roots that wrapped around and around, disappearing into the ground.  I thought, Wow, how strong you must be…

As I continued, I began noticing other live foliage, trees, bushes but some looked so dry and brittle having very little roots and appearing as though they were going to break in two.  What struck me was the fact that even though they were all different in size, shape, color and magnificence they had one thing in common— they all had to be connected and fed from the same soil.  Without it they would die.

There are all different kinds of people as well.  Have you ever been around someone who just lights up a room when they enter?  On the other side, there are those who look like they are shriveling up and need a big drink of water.  Some people look so bitter that they appear as though they will snap in two and you dread being around them.

That same day I also spotted two waterfalls on either side of the street but they were not watering anything.  Just as vegetation of the earth needs its root system watered to survive, you also need your root system “watered.”  In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is likened to water but unlike the waterfalls I saw this water feeds you supernaturally from above.  But you can’t just get this water by simply saying the name of Jesus.  Daily you must hold out your cup to drink from this flow, but I promise you ONE thing— you might feel parched right now feeling as if you will break in two but if you will rise up and purpose to drink, you can flourish right where you are.      

There is but ONE answer to resolving the feelings of bitterness and feeling “dried up” and dead on the inside … exposure, connection and roots to the ONE soil are critical to achieving the life you desire. The waterfall is flowing…go get your cup.

As I get older, everything about my body seems to be going south and I have been feeling convicted (a lot) recently that I need to do something about my flabby abs.  I get all dressed up, look in the mirror, suck in my stomach (so I can pretend it is nice and flat) and it still blubbles out and I think, How did that get there?  Of course, it couldn’t possibly be the lattes or the overindulgence in eggnog over the holidays.  Help me, Jesus!

Well, it’s time to take a good hard look (and I know you may not want to) in the mirror and decide what you want to change.  How do you propose to have lasting results in regards your life?  Ask yourself if you are happy with your circumstances as they are at this moment.  Do you constantly look to others for the answers?  Do you wish you looked great in your clothes (forget about a bathing suit!)?

Today I worked out aerobically, finishing with weights.  At my age, unless I use it, I lose it (strength, stamina, vitality).  It was tough on me to finish the routine but I huffed and puffed my way through it.  At the end, I was sweaty but felt like I had overcome a mountain of oppression that had been hovering over me.  Did my jeans fit better suddenly?  No, but they will if I can stay diligent.  Bad things you don’t like just don’t evaporate.  Thinking things will change is a bad trap of the enemy. 

Look into the greatest mirror there is to find out what God wants for your life and let this year be a new beginning for particular issues you would like to see differently.  Stop pretending things will get better all by themselves.  I can tell you for a fact that unless I work my abs out, they will not get any firmer. 

Exercise your body to run the race God has placed before you and then begin to exercise your spirit.  Don’t just look at the Bible open it to mirror the reflection God wants for you. You can end up with a flat belly but don’t end up with a ‘less than’ life.