How to get to Heaven
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With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time.
On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.
Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father
of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.
So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo...Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point. one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the North. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the West.
A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state?
Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice Praise be to God!
Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God!
When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ...."One Nation, Under God."
I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it?
Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of
mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"
Laus Deo!
As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations.
> When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail Do you wonder why, when other nations fall into an abyss, does the United States continually prosper? Now you know, but do not let the arrogance of some instill doubt within you. The truth is . . We have always been one nation under God!
Laus Deo ! Praise be to God!
You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)
It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see.
One detail that is not mentioned in the following is that in the District of Columbia there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.
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God's Gift for Our Protection- "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
- "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
- "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...."
Ephesians 6:10-18
The battle belongs to the Lord!!
Chirsts Ambassadors editorial along w/ excerpts from a Jerry Falwell letter 
THE LEFT THREW ITS BEST PUNCH... AND FAILED.
Tuesday, November 2, 2004 we re-elected President George Bush and the election of a number of new conservative lawmakers across the nation that astonished liberal newsmen, pundits and others who, hours earlier, had believed, allegedly, rigged exit polls and were confidently whispering that a new liberal mandate was going to sweep the nation.
So what happened? After more than 25 years since I (Jerry Falwell speaking here) formed the Moral Majority and began mobilizing evangelicals to participate in the political process, the Church of Jesus Christ made the difference in initiating the return of this nation to moral sanity and the Judeo-Christian ethic.
The so-called political experts had forgotten to count a significant voting bloc, namely the millions of evangelical voters who went to the polls in droves to "vote Christian." Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Tom Brokaw and Chris Matthews started Tesday night with the firm belief they were presiding over the demise of social conservatism in America.
We are not suggesting that we elected a bunch of fire-and-brimstone evangelists to office, but Christians collectively determined which candidates most closely held ideals that parallel our own biblically-based moral values and we went to the polls to support those candidates.
Evangelical Christians are about 33 percent of the electorate today and are as powerful a voting bloc as there is in this nation. The so-called mainstream media will never give the proper credit for what we accomplished, but the fact is that evangelical Christians joined together in spirit at polls across this nation and are the reason a record 115 million persons actually voted. This was the most exciting day politically since the same day in 1980 when we first arose to sweepingly elect President Reagan to the Oval Office.
There was a palpable vigor among believers who could hardly wait to charge to the polls on Tuesday. Thousands of pastors were stirring their congregations to distinguish the issues, know the combatants and be geared up to vote.
And boy, were they!
This mass evangelical turnout was also largely responsible for the passage of all 11 marriage initiatives that passed by vast margins that Tuesday. It is more apparent now than ever that the nation wants its leaders to define marriage as a unique bond between one man and one woman. This is not discrimination; it is simply mandating what civilization has held true for many centuries. We must prevent activist judges in our federal courts from redefining marriage so that it corresponds with ever-changing social sentiment.
Dr. D. James Kennedy, president of Coral Ridge Ministries, responded to Tuesday's election: "Despite the conventional political wisdom that moral concerns are a drag on a political ticket, it was values that energized voters, lifted turnout among evangelicals and Catholics, and led to substantial GOP pickups in the House and Senate. The voters have delivered a moral mandate." www.reclaimamerica.org is a wonderful website by Dr. D. James Kennedy for reclaiming America information and insite
We should all feel a sense of accomplishment and thankfulness to God for blessing our efforts. We must never forget that people of faith in this country, joined by political and fiscal conservatives, successfully withstood Hollywood, Springsteen, Affleck, Baldwin, the Dixie Chicks (now called the French Hens by some), billionaire George Soros and his ilk, all the 527s, most of the national print and broadcast media, the gays and lesbians, the abortionists, the entire liberal establishment... and about $2 billion of hate-inspired media and campaign expenditures.
But prayer works folks! It can overcome anything the Devil throws at us. It can change the course of history. It can change the hearts of men when God speaks to them in the voting booth. If we just come together in a right spirit, pray and then act on our prayers. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
The left threw its best punch and George W. Bush and social conservatism are alive and well.
To God be all the glory!
"If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land"
(II Chronicles 7:14).
That verse is more powerful than any exit poll. And it will sustain us against any rising political tide that seeks to counter biblical morality, if we remain true to that verse's unique guidelines.
Now that we have prayed and acted, we cannot rest for long.
The left is already disparaging this obvious voter mandate.
Abortion-rights proponents are in hysterical overdrive mode to decry President Bush's re-election. NARAL; Pro-Choice America and other militant abortion-rights groups are telling the president that they will not tolerate a U.S. Supreme Court nominee who is not one of their abortion-on-demand puppets. Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Arlen Specter, hoping to be the next chairman of the Judiciary Committee, has today warned President Bush not to nominate any pro-life Supreme Court justices who might possibly overturn Roe v. Wade. No sooner is obstructionist Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) defeated than Sen. Specter announces he will replace him in blocking the confirmation of good justices.
Our work never ends.
This is a newly formed coalition that has been formed for Moral Clarity www.faithandvalues.us.
The bottom line is that we must continue to diligently pray for President Bush, his cabinet and all elected leaders in America, as the Bible compels us in I Timothy 2:1-3. To elect these men and women to office without supporting them in daily prayer would be an act of abject abandonment. Let us commit to continuing the 2004 election mandate by keeping our nation, our leaders and the peace of Jerusalem at the forefront of our prayers and efforts.
January 20, 2005
Pastor Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, Presenter
O Lord, Our God, How Excellent is Your Name In All The Earth! You are great and greatly to be praised! We conclude the 55th Inaugural ceremony with an attitude of thanks.
Thank You for protecting America's borders. Afterall, as the Psalmist reminds us, unless the Lord guards the territory, our efforts will be in vain.
Thank You for our military personnel. And, it is with unswerving thanksgiving that we pause to remember the persons who have made the ultimate sacrifice to help ensure America's safety. Thank You, O Lord, for surrounding our military personnel, their families, their friends and our allies with Your favor and faithfulness.
Deploy your hosts from Heaven so that Your will for America will be performed on Earth as it is already perfected in heaven. I confess that Your Face will shine upon the United States of America, granting us social peace and economic prosperity particularly for the weary and the poor. I also confess that each American's latter days will be better than their former days. Let it be unto us according to Your Word!
Rally the Republicans, the Democrats and Independents around Your common good so that America will truly become one Nation under God indivisible with liberty, justice and equal opportunity for all, including the least, the last and the lost.
Bless every elected official across America right now! I decree Your blessings to shower upon our President George W. Bush. Bless him, his family and his administration. I declare no weapon formed against him or them shall prosper.
Forgive us. Forgive us for becoming so ensnarled in petty, partisan politics that we miss Your glory and flunk our purpose.
Deliver us from the evil one, from evil itself and from the mere appearance of evil. Give us clean hearts so we may have clean agendas, clean programs and clean financial statements.
And, now unto You, Lord God Almighty, Who Always has been and always will be, the one True Power Broker and King of Kings, we glorify and honor You.
Respecting persons of all beliefs, I humbly submit this prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
Now the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged. (1 Cor 2:14)
The natural man (unbeliever) and his world can understand "religion". They can readily see how religious originations function, solicit finances, see the propaganda they use to proclaim prospective messages and religion's adherence to a belief-system.
Natural man can also understand statements of history, theology, ideology and even doctrine. And as it's proclaimed today by every so-called moral ideal religion under the sun, the term "Spiritually" is so misused that what spiritually means is blurred out of all relevance.
But it is not possible for the non-believer to understand what it means to "have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ" The Apostle Paul explained that "the natural man cannot understand spiritual things" 1 Cor 2:14. Therefore, it is hard to adequately explain the meaning of this reality to a non-believer. That is because a believers relationship with the Spirit of Christ is outside of natural mans ability to understand on a purely rational, philosophical and scientific basis. He can't see, touch or hear it! It's only revealed to believers through our Lord!
You can't see the air either but you must breath it to keep living. So to is our life in Christ with the breath of God breathed on us through our believing, in faith, on His only Son Jesus Christ who took all our sin on Himself then died for us but rose to give us eternal life with Him in Heaven.
A relationship is a direct connection. A subjective interaction and communication between two individuals. Best described as a great marriage. And as believers are the "Bride of Christ", you may see the correlation even if you're single. Imagine this:
oneness, union, intimacy, identity, complete understanding, sharing, trust, faithfulness, a knowing where you stand. These are all terms a typical person would use to explain a personal relationship with another person.
What do you do when you meet someone special and want to develop a relationship with that person. You want to spend more time with them one on one. You become closer and closer in time by sharing your feelings, thoughts, aspirations and interacting. Your are really interested in this special person and you listen to their every word because you want to be with and fully understand them.
No matter what type of human relationship you endeavor to develop, the feeling is the same: Be it two friends, mother to newborn, father and child or sweethearts. When a person loves another, they want to be with the one whom they love. Someone once profoundly said: "You are where you want to be".
As true believers in our Lord and Savior, a "born again" Christian, we have asked the "Spirit of Christ" (Rom 8:), to come and live in us. (many times called the "Holy Spirit"). We have decided with our free will to invite Jesus into our lives. Therefore, we have Him living with us everyday. It's wonderful…We have the experience of the gift of joy and the fullness of life. We will always have a friend who sticks closer than a brother to talk with anytime about anything! We are never alone anymore.
Sadly, because we have free will, we can offend the Holy Spirit living in us by sinning. When that happens, we will know it, just as you know that you hurt someone very close to you on earth.
When we break the relationship because of our sin, we must mend it if we want it to continue the joy, blessings and comfort the relationship with our Lord offers. It is always up to us to say that we are sorry to the Holy Spirit. You see, the Holy Spirit cannot ever offend us because He is perfect as God is perfect. But when we repent of what we do, we will be forgiven if we just ask to be.
Right then and there the relationship is restored. That is the grace of God to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gal 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us walk in the Spirit".
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