Getting Angelic Assistance

PERRY STONE

In Acts 27, the apostle Paul was a prisoner on a ship with 276 passengers onboard. Launching the voyage in the winter, the ship headed into a violent sea storm, called Euroclydon. The ship tossed like a leaf in the wind and was in danger of splitting into pieces. No stars or light from the moon was seen for many days, and because of the dangerous rocks and quicksand, it appeared that Paul and the passengers would drown in the murky waters.

Paul had been on an extended fast and was praying for God’s intervention. God released a heavenly messenger to bring Paul this encouraging Word:

“But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.”’” Acts 27:21-24

OBADIAH - The Man Who Prophesied Disaster

Obadiah [Ōba dī'ah]—servant or worshiper of Jehovah. Among the Semitic peoples many names, such as the one before us, were common, occurring frequently in the Old Testament. Little or nothing is known about the Obadiahs of the Bible, but the name has also been found on an ancient Hebrew seal.

1. The pious governor of Ahab’s palace who hid one hundred of Jehovah’s prophets (1 Kings 18:3-16).
2. The founder of a family of the lineage of David(1 Chron. 3:21).
3. A man of Issachar of the family of Tola (1 Chron. 7:3).
4. Son of Azel, a descendant of king Saul (1 Chron. 8:38; 9:44).
5. Son of Shemaiah, a Levite of Netophah (1 Chron. 9:16).
6. A Gadite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chron. 12:9).
7. Father of Ishmaiah, prince of Zebulun in David’s time (1 Chron. 27:19).
8. A prince of Judah, sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the people (2 Chron. 17:7).
9. A Levite, one of the overseers of the workmen who repaired the Temple in Josiah’s time (2 Chron. 34:12).
10. Son of Jehiel, a descendant of Joab who returned from exile with Ezra (Ezra 8:9).
11. A priest who, on behalf of his father’s house, sealed the covenant (Neh. 10:5).
12. A Levite, founder of a family of sanctuary porters (Neh. 12:25).
13. The prophet of Judah who lived over 550 years before Christ (Obad. 1).

Destructive Criticism

Author: Creflo Dollar

Have you noticed how easy it is to murmur and complain about things that upset you or that you don't particularly agree with? While going about your daily routine, the challenges you face may tempt you to complain and speak negatively. What you may not realize is God's strong opposition to murmuring and complaining.

In Numbers 11:1, the Bible describes how the Israelites' complaints angered the Lord. They had been journeying in the desert under Moses' leadership and their impatience caused them to begin complaining. God certainly didn't appreciate their words and it was demonstrated by His response to them—fire raged among them and destroyed the outskirts of the camp.

Owned or Loaned?

by Marilyn Ehle

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15

Our car went into the garage for work so we were given a ‘loaner’ for use today. We have no title to this car, it’s not ours, it has only temporary usefulness for us. We are responsible to drive it safely and return it in good condition at the end of the day.

If only we looked at all the things in our lives as ‘loaners’. In many of our churches we regularly affirm belief in “God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.” 

Trust Him to Deliver You

"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." (Psalm 91:7,10)

Naturally speaking, this is a terrifying world we're living in today. A world that staggers from one disaster to another. Almost daily we hear about wars, about the dangers of nuclear weapons and chemical warfare, about oil spills and earthquakes and floods, about diseases on the rise and crime sweeping through our cities.

But in the midst of it all, God is promising to be a refuge and a fortress to those who will trust and dwell in Him.

"But, Gloria," you might say, "He made that promise thousands of years ago when things weren't in as desperate shape as they are today!"

That may be so, but you know what? That promise is right up to date. It was made for our generation. Just think about it. Back when Psalm 91 was written, man hadn't even invented weapons that could destroy ten thousand people at once. We're the generation that did that. So when He said, "No evil will befall you," He was including us.

Obama Alienates Christians With Same-Sex Marriage Endorsement

JENNIFER LECLAIRE

A group of same-sex marriage supporters gather for a celebratory toast to President Barack Obama's support of same-sex marriage at the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center in San Francisco, California May 9, 2012. Obama said on Wednesday he believes same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, taking a stand that is likely to please his political base and upset conservative voters. (Reuters/Stephen Lam)

When Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren asked then-Sen. Barack Obama to define marriage, his answer was clearly in support of the Christian worldview.

“I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman,” Obama told Warren. “Now, for me as a Christian, it’s also a sacred union. You know, God’s in the mix.”

Obama on Wednesday said his views on same-sex marriage have evolved and he openly offered his support for lesbians and gays to enter into that “sacred union” where “God’s in the mix.”

Obama set off a firestorm on Wednesday when he told ABC News, “It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

Jim Campbell, litigation staff counsel at the Alliance Defense fund, said the about-face shows that the Obama administration doesn’t understand the public purpose of marriage.

“Marriage—the lifelong, faithful union of one man and one woman—is the building block of a thriving society. It’s not something that politicians should attempt to redefine for political purposes,” Campbell said. “The president has spoken eloquently about how fatherless homes often hurt children and society. [His] statement is a tragic contradiction that promotes the creation of even more fatherless and motherless homes.”

The Family Research Council (FRC) sees Obama’s endorsement of same-sex “marriage” as disappointing but not surprising. That’s because it’s the second time in his career that he has appeared to reverse course on the issue.

In 1996, as a candidate for the Illinois State Senate, Obama endorsed same-sex marriage. But since winning national office—first as a U.S. Senator, and then as president—Obama had said that such couples should have access to all the legal rights and benefits of marriage through “civil unions,” but that “marriage” should remain defined as the union of a man and a woman.

FRC president Tony Perkins says Obama’s announcement finally brings his words in sync with his actions. From opposing state marriage amendments to refusing to defend the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DoMA, to giving taxpayer-funded marriage benefits to same-sex couples, he says, the president has undermined the spirit if not the letter of the law.

“Considering that 10 of the 16 battleground states have marriage amendments that could be overturned by the president’s new policy position on marriage, [the] announcement almost ensures that marriage will again be a major issue in the presidential election,” Perkins said. “

“The president has provided a clear contrast between him and his challenger Mitt Romney. Romney, who has signed a pledge to support a marriage protection amendment to the U.S. Constitution, may have been handed the key to social conservative support by President Obama.”

The timing of Obama’s announcement seems ironic to some. It came the day after North Carolinabecame the 31st state to pass a constitutional amendment affirming natural marriage between one man and one woman.

Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel Action, says the president has made the issues in this election very clear. For most voters, he argues, this election will now be an easy choice.”

“We are six months away from arguably the most critical national election in our lifetime,” says Staver. “America is headed in the wrong direction: we are on the edge of a moral, financial, spiritual, and national security abyss. President Obama’s 2012 campaign slogan is ‘Forward.’ The Titanic was moving forward but headed to disaster. We need to change course.”

http://charismanews.com/culture/33384-obama-alienates-christians-with-same-sex-marriage-endorsement

Asia climate disasters displace 42 million: ADB

AFP 

RELATED CONTENT

• Enlarge Photo
  An aerial view of a flooded area of Sanghar in 2011. Climate-related disasters have …
  
  
  Climate-related disasters have displaced more than 42 million people in Asia over the past two years, the Asian Development Bank said Tuesday in a report calling for swift action to avert future crises.
  
  
  "Asia and the Pacific is the global area most prone to natural disasters, both in terms of the absolute number of disasters and of populations affected," said the report launched in Bangkok, which was itself affected by flooding last year.

About 31.8 million people in the region were displaced by climate-related disasters and extreme weather in 2010 -- a particularly bad year -- including more than 10 million in Pakistan owing to massive flooding.

A further 10.7 million were forced to flee their homes last year, it said, warning that such events will become more frequent with climate change.

"While many of those displaced returned to their homes as conditions improved, others were less fortunate, struggling to build new lives elsewhere after incurring substantial personal losses," ADB vice president Bindu Lohani said in a foreword to the report, released at an Asian climate forum.

The bank says Asia has six of the 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, with Bangladesh and India in the top two places on a list that also includes Nepal, the Philippines, Afghanistan and Myanmar.

"The environment is becoming a significant driver of migration in Asia and the Pacific as the population grows in vulnerable areas, such as low-lying coastal zones and eroding river banks," Lohani said in a separate statement.

"Governments should not wait to act. By taking steps now, they can reduce vulnerability, strengthen resiliency, and use migration as an adaptation tool rather than let it become an act of desperation."

The report, titled Addressing Climate Change and Migration in Asia and the Pacific, said governments in disaster-prone Asia-Pacific countries must enact a range of measures to stave off future crises.

Among other things, it recommended greater investment in urban infrastructure and basic services to accommodate the anticipated increase in migrant flows to the region's megacities.

"By taking actions today, governments can reduce the likelihood of future humanitarian crises and maximise the possibilities that people can remain in their communities or -- should deteriorating environmental conditions make that impractical -- that they have the real option to relocate to a more secure place with livelihood options," it said.

The ADB says the Asia-Pacific region needs to spend about $40 billion a year through 2050 to "climate proof" against the impact of global warming.

http://news.yahoo.com/asia-climate-disasters-displace-42-million-adb-161354328.html

Gay People Cause Hurricanes

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Indecision 2012 - The Great Right Hope - The 180 Club

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-october-25-2011/indecision-2012---the-great-right-hope---the-180-club

Surviving a Typhoon: Safety Tips

* Stay indoors and keep calm.

* Monitor TV and radio reports.

* Secure your home.

* Trim trees near dwellings.

* Keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.

* If your house is in a flood-prone area, go to the nearest designated evacuation center.

* Have a flashlight and radio handy, with fresh batteries.

* Stock up on food, potable water, kerosene, batteries and first-aid supplies.

* In case of flooding, turn off the main sources of electricity, gas and water in your home.

* Stack furniture above the expected flood level. Keep appliances, valuables, chemicals, toxic substances and garbage beyond reach of floodwaters.

* Avoid low-lying areas, riverbanks, creeks and coastal areas, slopes, cliffs and foothills. Rains can trigger landslides, rockslides or mudslides.

* Avoid wading through flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

* Do not operate any electrical equipment during a flood.

* Do not use gas or elctrical appliances that have been flooded.

Source: National Disaster Coordinating Council – Office of Civil Defense

Tsunami Prone Areas In The Philippines