DRAMATIC HEALING

This particular video needs a wider audience. It's one of those videos that you wish you had for every healing that takes place -- just so the unbelieving public can embrace the fact that Jesus stills heals today.

Enjoy!

PRAYER FOR OBAMA

Since the election, I have positioned myself to pray for the new president-elect Barack Obama. I have neither desire nor inclination to see our nation go down in flames -- I will be praying for him and for us.

And, I believe that since I positioned myself to pray for Obama, the Lord this past week awoke me to this: "There is a spirit operating in Obama." Then he urged me to pray about it.

I did so immediately; but I will also be pressing the Lord to know more about the spirit and to learn more about how to pray effectively for him.

LET'S GET THE RECORD STRAIGHT!

Well, I'll be certainly looking forward to the latest book by Conservative Pundit Ann Coulter, which will come out no doubt to coincide with the Obama inauguration in January, 2009. The Drudge Report tells us that the book is called GUILTY, and it promises to be a devastating attack on the non-neutral, pro-Obama liberal press during this recent campaign.

Anyone with eyes could have seen the obvious left-pushing press. Take a look at some of these items:

• By Nearly 8-to-1, Voters Say Journalists Want Obama to Win
• By 5-to-1 Public Thinks Most Journalists Trying to Elect Obama
• Rasmussen: By 10-to-1 Public Says Reporters 'Trying to Hurt Palin'
• Pew Finds Media Credibility Plummets to All-Time Lows
• Rasmussen: '55% Say Media Bias Bigger Problem than Campaign Cash'
• Fox News Poll: Two-Thirds Think Most Journalists Want Obama to Win
• Rasmussen: Three Times More See Pro-Obama Over Pro-McCain Bias
• Pew: Many Recognize Media's Pro-Obama Bias, Democrats Prefer CNN

How I remember well the day AFTER the election when the Washington Post came out with a concession that its reporting was all pro-Obama. But what good was that after the election? Whatever happened to trusting the fourth estate?

Well, at least this book will let the record show that the media had not only has lost its impartiality, but viciously promotes its causes.

BOB HOPE STAMP

How I miss legendary comedian and entertainer Bob Hope, who died five years ago at age 100. Bob's career spanned the 20th century, having triumphed in every form of entertainment. His allegiance to the United States servicemen, entertaining them for half a century from World War II to Desert Storm, led Congress to award him an "honorary veteran" in 1997.

His memory is still with us, as the U.S. Post Office is set to unveil a first class commemorative stamp for Bob Hope today at Ellis Island. The stamp will be issued next Spring.

Linda Hope, Bob's daughter, will be among those gathered at the ceremony which will also rename Ellis Island Research Library to the Bob Hope Memorial Library. That's certainly a fit honor for Bob, who though he was as American as apple pie actually emigrated here from England.

Above is my autographed picture of Bob Hope, that I got when I sent him a fan mail when I was a young fellow.

Hope had the best delivery of any comedian and even as a boy I enjoyed his quick retorts and ad libs. I wanted to put this video up on election day to influence the election, but I forgot. Had I put it up, perhaps McCain-Palin would have won. Well, better late than never. Here's Bob in a great movie line with Paulette Goddard, Charlie Chaplin's third wife.

GOLDEN AGE OF COMEDY

I don't know about you, but when I watch a modern-day movie -- even a comedy -- I walk in the theater hesitantly, and prepare myself to cringe over indelicate language and situations.

It seems there are no more restraints about any type of vulgarity offered by today's Hollywood. So, quite often I pop in a good ol' movie from Hollywood's golden era and rejoice. And, if I really want to laugh, I'll pop in a silent movie!

That's right. Silent movie! There are reasons why silent comedians Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd are still icons of comedy today. And if you don't know who any of these are -- you need to experience for yourself how great they are.


Take for instance, Buster Keaton. KINO has released a new DVD set of Buster Keaton's 1927 classic film THE GENERAL. Consistently ranked as one of the greatest movies ever made, this is an eye-opening film to introduce modern audiences to silent films. While this particular movie is not geared toward laugh-a-minute hysterics (as many of Keaton's other films), there is so much compelling thrills and action in this film that it'll grip and hold you as if you were watching a modern-day Indiana Jones action movie -- you'll get so lost in this that you'll forget that you are watching an 81 year-old silent, black and white film.

The print is gorgeous, having been struck from the original negative; the music is enthralling, having been composed by Carl Davis; and the movie is Keaton's own personal favorite.

For a more complete description of the film, see Gary Giddins review here. But, in short, Keaton took a page from Civil War history and built his film around an incident in which Union spies stole a Confederate locomotive, the General. It's a thrilling chase film from beginning to end.

Film legend Orson Welles calls this film a masterpiece, as it embodies the civil war in a way that even surpasses Gone With The Wind for its authenticity.

You'll be glad you've checked out this film. In a day and age when you can't watch a movie with your kids, for fear of what vulgarity will come out, there is a resource in these silent films. And there's no greater movie entertainment than to relive Hollywood's greatest era with Hollywood's greatest stars.

Here's another clip of Buster risking life and limb during a chase sequence.

A LIGHT TO SAN FRANCISCO

I marveled over this segment from the O'Reilly Factor: a Christian woman, Christine Cloud, went to bring the light of the gospel to a gay district in San Francisco and got clobbered by a gay man with the woman's own bible. Here she tells her story to Bill O'Reilly.

I'm so glad this woman showed the love of Christ throughout the segment and throughout the incident -- I loved the way she handled herself and I praised God that Christians are going to make a greater impact upon a dying world.

And her last statement was precious: she says that she only went to to San Francisco to tell them not to feel condemned but to know the love of God.

Sorting out the Recent National Elections

Out of all the prophetic words that came forth following the presidential election, I'm certainly seeing the wisdom in what Prophet James Goll wrote.

I know that I didn't vote for Barack Obama, because I sensed a major shift downward for this nation. However, if the election of Barack Obama helps to heal the wounds of the African American people I'm all for it.

I'm not about seeking an I-told-you-so scenario of doom and gloom over America. Actually, I'd rather see growth and prosperity here during Obama's administration than to be able to say I was right. I'd rather pray mercy and peace over America, and not seek it's doom. I'd rather pray that in Obama's administration we see the greatest revival in America that draws millions to the Lord, to His salvation and peace, and to His healing and deliverance.

I know you're all for that too.

Now here's what James Goll says...

I have been asked by many to give my perspective concerning the recent historic elections in which Barack Obama was elected President of the United States for the next four years. The political arena has carried great interest to me for years, so I attempt to be an informed religious leader. I do not just routinely vote along “party lines”. While I have some non-negotiable issues, like many of you, I pray; I research; I listen and I consult with others. Please understand I voted for the team that lost – not for the ticket that won.

It is true, I have grave concerns about the incoming administration due to their apparent liberal stances on issues that could adversely affect our judicial appointments, potential rulings concerning the sanctity of life and marriage and other moral concerns. One of the areas that concerns me the most – in any administration – as it affects the future destiny of our nation - is how we align ourselves concerning Israel, Jerusalem, and the complex issues of the Middle East. Nations have risen and fallen in prominence – judgment and blessing - on this issue alone. So – I have many foreboding concerns, as do many of my colleagues of the faith and in specific those in the global prayer community.

But I ask for your patience as I briefly attempt to give you a perspective from my chair on the times and days in which we live. Realize, we each only see in part and thus we each only speak in part. That is why we need each other as well as multiple voices weighing in on a particular matter. I know some of what I am about to present is a little different, so bear with me for a moment. Okay?

I have said for years that I am either a republicrat or a demopublican. I have also been known to say in the past several months, that if I had another life to live – I would start a third viable political party in the United States. I would take the supposed moral values of the right wing and wed them with the social justice issues of the left wing. God’s throne is established on justice and righteousness. After all, it takes both wings stretched out for the eagle to fly! 8 years ago one of our presidential candidates stated that what this nation needed was “compassionate conservatism.” I agreed then, and I agree still to this day. One of the things I learned from my deceased wife, it is time for compassion that takes action.


Redemptive Interpretation

So what about the results of the national elections? I often ask the Holy Spirit to give me what I call a “redemptive interpretation” of the times. We cannot change what has happened – we must live in the reality of what is – we cannot not dwell on what could have been – nor should we be kicking ourselves that we did not do enough – that never pays off for any person in any situation. I did a national radio interview this past week and one person was so disturbed with the results of the elections, they stated that they wanted to move to New Zealand. Yes, some are mad, some are sad and some are glad. Thus is a democracy at it’s best!

But I kept stating the same phrase over and over in my interview. I could not get away from it. What I am about to state is not “the word of the Lord” but it is “a word from the Lord.” Always, remember, the man on the hill is not the man on the throne! Did you hear me? The man on the hill is not the man on the throne!

I think we should rise above our little mindsets and get back into worship and prayer and seek the full counsel of God. Think bigger!

Daniel gave counsel to the evil ruler of his day - Nebuchadnezzar. Joseph was raised up as a consultant to Egypt’s Pharaoh. Young future King David kept his heart pure while Saul was in power.

I am not suggesting that president elect Obama is likened unto any of these evil rulers. But it is all the more time for the word of the Lord to come forth for those in authority. It is not time to shy away from crying for mercy on our land! It is time to step up to the plate and seize the moment! Wow, I think I read somewhere that “light shines best in darkness.” So come on now – let’s shine!

A Vision of Oil Being Poured on a Deep Rift!

While I was in worship and prayer with a group of leaders in Nashville, TN this past week a clear word from the Lord came to me. In a spiritual vision, I saw something that appeared like the Grand Canyon - it represented a wide and deep rift that historically existed in the nation’s history. As I continued to look, I saw oil being poured upon the deep rift in this land. The oil seeped into the crevice and went deep into the land.

Then I heard the words, “Some of you think I have forgotten all your prayers and fasting concerning the genocide of children in this generation, but I have not. I see deeper and wider in history than man. I see with a length and breadth that man does not see. I have not forgotten your prayers and tears concerning the end of the genocide of children in this generation.”

As these words were coming I saw two doors – a door of the past and a door of the future. Then as I continued in worship more words flowed into my being, “Man asks, ‘What is the Lord doing?’ I am pouring oil into the historic rift of this land. I will heal this land. But there must be a closing of the door of genocide of the past before there can be a shutting of the door of the genocide of the present. I am going to the root of genocide in this land and I am pouring my healing oil on this great rift. I will heal the bitter root of the African American people and restore dignity to them. If you will look upon their faces, if you will let their pain touch your heart, you will see that I am pouring oil upon this great rift in this land. One door leads to the other door. You cannot close the door of genocide today without cleansing the wound and shutting the door of genocide of the past.”

Then the audacious God that He is challenged us Caucasian spiritual leaders to praise the Lord as though we were in Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. So we sang and our songs, swayed with the music and praised the Lord! We clapped our hands and we gave the sacrifice of praise to the one who sits on the throne. We declared together that He is pouring oil on the injustices of the past and in faith both doors of genocide will be shut. Now do I understand all of this? Do I know how all of this will happen? No! But our trust is not in men but in the name of the Lord who is mighty to save!

So What Are You Really Saying?

We ought always to pray and never give up!

The man on the hill is not the man on the throne!

Light shines best in darkness!

God has a higher vision and His ways are not our ways!

We must get God’s redemptive interpretation!

God is pouring His healing oil on injustices of the past!

God has not forgotten our prayers!

It is time to seize the moment!

It is time as watchmen to praise the Lord!

So there is a peak of the view from the chair that I sit in. I hope this incomplete perspective will yield light to your path as we search Him in these turbulent times.


Sincerely,

James W. Goll
President of Encounters Network
International Director of Prayer Storm

THE LAST APOSTOLIC REFORMATION

It is truly welcoming and refreshing when God miraculously orchestrates the release of His agenda and revelation knowledge at a conference – using each session to build on a truth and then, when taken as a whole, reveals new insights into the mind of God.

Such was the case at the MSM Open Heavens Conference: Releasing the Apostolic and Prophetic with Matt Sorger, Dutch Sheets, Jane Hamon and Robert Stearns (Oct 30-Nov1, 2008).

The first session, conducted by Dutch Sheets, was strategically engineered by God to bring a spiritual shift in the church for global revival, including the United States. The conference was aptly named as this shift includes the implementation of the Apostolic alignment over the end-time church.

That last part is crucial. In a day when segments of the prophetic movement may be losing its anchor in the solid foundations of God’s word, God is realigning the church to balance the body anew.

Dutch refers to the Apostolic and Prophetic alignment as synonymous to having both Wisdom and Revelation – both need each other, both are dependent upon each other, both need to be “married” together.

Wisdom (i.e., the apostolic) generates “consistency and balance,” says Dutch, while revelation (i.e., the prophetic) prohibits “stagnation.” The apostolic “maintains and sustains,” while the prophetic “propels” with the Lord’s present day strategies. Therefore, you need both.

Matt Sorger says that the Lord is releasing a “holy plumb line” in the building of the Apostolic-Prophetic movement. This is to avoid a “train wreck” by possible imbalances within the prophetic movement. The spiritual leaders at the conference began contending in the spirit for the birthing of this Apostolic-Prophetic alignment.

Both Dutch Sheets and Jane Hamon began releasing decrees of alignment between the apostolic and prophetic. Then, in a very powerful display, Matt publicly submitted his ministry to the apostolic authority of Dutch Sheets. Matt and Dutch not only released decrees for the apostolic and prophetic but for the generations to be rightly aligned with each other for the fullness of God to come forth in the church.

Then Jane Hamon, who spoke on the church entering the third apostolic reformation, gave a word about the Lord releasing a “double-edged sword” in the Church’s hand; one side is apostolic, the other side is prophetic. “Now,” says Jane, with this alignment “you’re going to see heaven fighting for you…that breaks you out into a whole new place of supernatural occupation.”

Without the added ingredient of the apostolic to the church’s arsenal, the church could not do the work it is called to do in this present hour before the Lord’s return.

Robert Stearns urges God’s people to propel through this time of re-alignment in the church though it seems like all of hell has been positioned against you. “The devil knows,” says Robert, “it’s not just you at stake but behind you there are a hundred others that you will lead into salvation. Behind them comes a thousand more. There’s a lot more riding on your breakthrough, than just your breakthrough. You are the key to the thousands coming into the power of the Kingdom of God. On the other side of your breakthrough lies the breakthrough for thousands of others.”

Now is the time that the Lord is positioning His people to move into, what Matt calls, a New Breed of Christian. “Christianity is more than filling a pew on Sunday morning,” he says, “this breed is filled with the fire of God. They know their God and know how to do great exploits. They are a kingdom-minded people ready to advance the Kingdom of God in the earth.”

He then reminded God’s people that they too – and you too, reading this – can be a part of the New Breed. If your heart desires to do great and mighty things for the Lord, if you want to lay hands on the sick, cast out devils, preach the gospel in your sphere of influence – if you want to shake nations! – then you are a part of the New Breed.

CHANGE IS COMING

Matt gave a prophetic word for the nation and the church just days before the U.S. presidential election. Matt prophesied that “change” was coming to the United States – “God’s change!” For though you might see a “shaking and trembling” taking place over the land, know that God’s name will be glorified. “For the people who sit in darkness will see a great light…and they will come running to the light. This nation is My nation. It’s the hour of great awakening and God’s glory amid the great darkness.”

YA GOTTA LOVE O'REILLY!

Before my ministerial call, I've been involved in TV news since 1980, having worked for all the major networks in New York City. And, I've always seen close-up the liberal bias in the media. I can't tell you the amount of times I'd seen cut stories on an event, let's say about then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and it'd be totally slanted to make him look bad. I'd see the soundbite they used, but unlike most of the TV viewing world, I could "go the videotape" and see the actual quote. Quite often the quote was purposefully taken out of context.

And, I'd lament the state of TV news.

So, it's with a bit of glee that I watched Bill O'Reilly skewer liberal-dinosaur Bernard Kalb on last night's The O'Reilly Factor. Bill O'Reilly and Fox News, in fact, really do bring balance to the preponderance of liberal thought uttered by "average" newscasters across the board.

Watch this clip and see Bill turn the tables on Kalb, who tried to entrap Bill into a gratuitous swipe at President George W. Bush. Due to Kalb's entrenched liberal mindset, he never saw the blow coming. Enjoy.

CHANGE IS COMING!

Days before the presidential election was over, Prophetic Revivalist Matt Sorger gave a prophetic word at the recent MSM Open Heavens Conference: Releasing the Apostolic and Prophetic. In this prophetic word, Matt says that "change" will come to America -- probably a reference to the election of Barack Obama. But there's more to it than that -- it's God's change that is really coming. Despite the "shaking and trembling" that will take place in the land, there will be a mighty harvest to the Kingdom. I would suggest even during Obama's administration. Check out Matt's word.

THE GOD OF WHOEVER-WINS-THE-ELECTION

While I seriously disagree with some brethren about the outcome of the elections, I do know this: I will continue to serve and magnify the Lord and to pray for President-elect Obama. On this, I hope, we can all agree.

Dave Roberson, author of the book, "The Walk of the Spirit, The Walk of Power", had this prophetic word before the election results. In it, the Lord prepares us with a "what if" the election went in Obama's favor, what would you do? Here's his word:

The What If God

Generally, the words "what if" when spoken in connection to a stand of faith, are not perceived as being acceptable in the realm of faith. Generally, to contemplate any possibility beyond the stand you are taking in the spirit would be a violation of your position of faith, but My Body needs to understand that there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to dealing as children of light in a world of darkness.

When you're speaking of My love to you and the power of My redemption and everything that the Cross provided for you as an inheritance, there is no room for possibilities. These things are absolute. Your stand of faith and confession must give no room for the possibilities for Me to fail you. In the realm of this world have I not said, "In this world you will have tribulation?" Much of My Body is trying to take a strong stand in their faith and confession, and yet the words of "what if" keep surfacing in their thoughts:

What if certain people are elected? What if the very things we are praying against comes to pass? What happens then? Where do we as the Body of Christ go from here? Did we, the praying Church, fail God because the "what if"came to pass?

I desire to eliminate all fear from My Church because fear has torment, but perfect love casteth out fear. I desire you to be perfected in My love. This is why I come to reason with you, saith the Spirit of Grace.

I am God and know the beginning from the end. I know who will be your President-elect in just a few days, but I desire that your hearts are so settled in My future for you, that I can best use your faith for the present. What if "the worst" happens? When the great king Nebuchadnezzar declared himself to be God and erected the statue to be worshiped, he gave no alternative, and yet there were those of My children who reasoned in faith and said these things with a "what if" involved.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Daniel 3:17,18

The "what if" spoken by those men of faith was not doubt, but rather, a predetermination in their heart to serve Me no matter what the outcome would be. I rewarded their faith and stood with them in the fire and delivered them out of the fire.

Understand that when My people of the Old Testament were carried away into the Babylonian captivity, not all of these people were unrighteous. In fact, I had many righteous that were carried away under the penalty of that judgment that came to Israel as a nation.

But the people that knew their God were strong and did exploits. Read My Word and see. Is there not an example? The people who went through the most evil administrations with an unyielding conviction were always the ones that were most highly exalted by Me and even by their very captors. Remember that their testimony to Me in the midst of tribulation stopped the mouths of lions and delivered them out of the fire and even eventually converted the heart of a wicked king.

Do not be afraid of your future, says the Lord, no matter what. I have plans to exalt My Church in the midst of darkness. A city set on a hill cannot be hid, and you will burn with a great intensity to this world until that coming of My Son, saith the Lord.

DUTCH SHEETS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

My own assessment of the election is this: if you remember the word given to Julie Meyer in which the Lord said, "If the cry for mercy outweighs the cry for change" then McCain will win. Unfortunately, I believe that the cry for change was louder: even within the church. That's why we lost.

This is Dutch Sheets response to the Presidential Elections:

November 6, 2008

Greetings!

I feel certain that many in my stream of the Church want a statement from me concerning Tuesday's presidential election. I will be frank in my remarks but I do not, however, intend to vent anger or attack anyone. I have read several statements from friends and colleagues I respect very much. Their thoughts are well stated and, for the most part, insightful. None of them, however, seem to want to say some things that I believe need to be said. I do not claim infallibility or to have the final word, but my convictions run deep and I believe I bear a God-given responsibility to share them.

Was This God's Will?

Was what happened Tuesday God's will? I am quite confident it was not. America was offered a very clear choice between moving further toward protecting the unborn or further away; between a Supreme Court that would move toward honoring God, life and morality or away from it. The stakes couldn't have been higher nor the cost greater. As a nation we put on blinders concerning Barak Obama's background, associations, beliefs and practices, and set these causes back years, possibly decades. And in doing so we took another step away from God and His plans for America, and another step toward judgment.

Judgment Will Increase

This is not a fire and brimstone warning from an angry, legalistic preacher. In fact, I feel more sadness and grief than anything else. Perhaps I feel what Jesus felt as He wept for Jerusalem while announcing its judgment. I am not hoping for judgment; I am saying it is inevitable. I don't know where the unbiblical belief comes from that says a nation can live any way it pleases, can reject God and His ways-even mock Him-and not receive His judgments. Nor do I know when the belief came that it is always mean-spirited or judgmental to warn of these things. To the contrary, I believe it is our responsibility.

In warning of judgment, I am not suggesting that God is going to intentially and directly hurt people. Much judgment is simply the absence of God's protection and provision, caused by a rejection of His laws and ways. We have been experiencing some forms of judgment in America for years, but God in His incredible patience and mercy has kept us from the level we've deserved. I believe this will change to a degree and judgment will now increase:

• For those in the Church who aligned themselves with pro-abortion forces, I believe judgment will result.
• For leaders in the Body of Christ who refused to take a stand for fear of losing people, money, and tax-exempt status-I believe there will be a degree of judgment.
• For those, both within the Church and without, who voted money over morality-a potential raise or better health insurance over the life of a baby-there will be judgment. (The irony is that this decision to base one's vote on the hopes of a better economy won't produce the hoped for result anyway. The scriptures teach that it is righteousness which exalts a nation and that the nation is blessed whose God is the Lord.)

I have heard the argument that God cares as much about social justice issues (such as poverty and racism) as He does abortion, making a vote for Obama OK. I certainly believe God puts a very high priority on caring for the poor and I, too, have wanted to see equality demonstrated through a "minority" president. But to equate having a better income or the desire for a first black president, regardless of his positions on abortion and morality, to the issue of killing 50 million babies is not justice-it is a gross distortion of justice and great deception. I fear that we have been desensitized to this issue of abortion. I believe it kills babies and takes innocent life. I also believe it is blood sacrifice that empowers demons. Let's not forget this in our noble attempts to be kind and conciliatory.

For African Americans I can easily see how it could bring healing to have a first black president, just as it would be for Native Americans to achieve this or for women if a woman were elected president. Again, I have wanted to see justice in this way. I am only saddened that the price for this healing ended up being Barak Obama, a man that will set the cause of life and, most-likely, our God-given destiny as a nation back so drastically. (I also realize there are some who interpret any criticism of Obama as racism. Racism is so NOT what I am about nor what I live, that I will not even dignify any such accusations with a response.)

What Can We Expect?

What are some of the judgments we can expect on our nation from this election?

• More economic woes
• More violence in an already violent nation
• Disease and death (satan, who is responsible for these things will have greater inroads to our nation.)
• Natural disasters (weather-tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, drought; fires; earthquakes; etc.)
• Terrorism (they will fear us much less now)
• War, perhaps on our own soil
• Judgments relating to the Court. The stacking of the Supreme Court against the sanctity of life and God's influence on America will occur, which will in turn cause the shedding of more innocent blood, more rejection of God's laws and the stealing from us of our godly heritage-all of which will perpetuate a cycle of even more judgment.

How Did This Happen?

I've been asked if this could have been averted had there been more prayer. I'm not sure. I believe there was a remnant of Christians fervently praying over these elections-I don't think there was anything more they could have done. Others, obviously, should have done more. The complacency and lack of discernment concerning our real condition in America-especially by the Church-is both appalling and horrifying. America is in serious trouble and it seems no one wants to say it. Fewer still are willing to do anything to change it.

Though I understand our reasons, we must be careful in our attempts to placate our feelings and calm our fears through religious phrases like "God is still on the throne" or "God has a plan". He was on His throne 35 years and 50 million babies ago. And He had a plan back then. The problem is, it was us. I understand our reasons for waving high the banner of God's sovereignty at times like these-it gives us hope. I will wave it, as well. But please be careful with this. Too much emphasis on God's sovereignty and we're worthless; too little and we're hopeless. Maybe we should say, "we lost a critical battle but God will give us strategy to win the war." Then find the strategy.

But still yet, since God is usually willing to work through a remnant, I thought we had enough prayer. Obviously, God decided otherwise. There comes a time when He will not forgive or bless the majority based on the prayers or actions of only a few. America rejected God and asked for a king; I believe we now have our Saul (see 1 Samuel 8:5-7)-a man who does not have God's heart for America but his own. Like Israel in scripture, our nation believes it can turn from God and still be blessed. In His mercy and justice He will show us otherwise.

Like many, believing I had many promises and confirmations that God would "grace" us with a pro-life president in this election, I failed to consider strongly enough that all promises-even scripture-are conditional 99.9% of the time. Though I never prophesied or made guarantees that McCain-Palin would win, failing to factor this principle in strongly enough no doubt caused me to share my optimism with others inappropriately. If this caused any harm or confusion, I apologize.

Has the fact that my prayers weren't answered shaken my faith? No. I'm a little confused and discouraged. I'm also somewhat angry at the nation in general and much of the Church. Mostly I'm grieving over the nation and what this will cost us. I am not, however, angry with God and do not question His justice. And it is not true that we wasted our time, energy and money in our efforts anymore than it is a waste when we share the gospel with people who don't get saved. We must keep in the forefront of our thinking the fact that ultimately we are doing this for Him and that He will reward us for our faithfulness. And who knows, perhaps He will store up all those prayers for the next battle (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-5).

A friend and fellow warrior said it well, "We did 'give it our all.' I know the Lord was pleased with that. A coach wants to know one thing at the end of a heartbreaking sports loss: 'Did you leave it all on the field?' (your passion, your commitment, your strength, your courage, etc.) I know that we 'left it all on the field.' We didn't hold anything back until the game ended. Tragically, it ended in defeat. We will rise for another day because Jesus is worthy."

Where Do We Go from Here?

Does this election outcome shake my faith that we can see a great awakening and ultimately reformation in America? Absolutely not (and it strengthens my resolve). We will simply get there through greater pain and loss. Even my passion to see the Supreme Court shift is not from a presupposition that there can be no spiritual awakening without it. It is simply due to my deep conviction that their decisions bring so much death, destruction, curses and judgment to America; and because our full destiny as a nation is unquestionably linked to their decisions. So, yes, we will get an awakening and reformation; but the reality is that this reformation of the nation will reform the Supreme Court (and government, in general), not vice-versa. My faith has never been in people or a political party; my faith is in the God who works through them.

I've been asked if my feelings about Sarah Palin have changed. They have not. I believe she is an Esther, a Deborah, with a huge mantle from God for reformation. God has a great destiny for her related to this nation if she chooses to continue down this path.

So, in conclusion, we must re-group as an apostolic, praying church and advance. We must maintain an immovable faith in God, His plans for America and His mercy. And we must move beyond simply asking God for a spiritual awakening and ask Him for strategy to produce reformation, as well. I, for one, am just getting started!

For God and this great nation,

CHANGE!

The election results are just in: I guess the call for change was greater than the call for mercy.

MATT SORGER'S PROPHETIC WORD FOR THE NATION

Here's one of the prophetic words that came out of the MSM Open Heavens Conference. Here Matt Sorger prophetically tells us about how God wants change in America too.

Don't forget to vote!

For McCain-Palin.