Great Time Last Night in "Prison"! :-)

I had such a great time last night. I was moved to tears as I saw the prisoners singing and praising God with a smile. There was a choir of prisoners singing hymns with prisoners also playing instruments. It was a GREAT choir. I was told that one of the guys on the front row of the choir, smiling the biggest, was in prison for life with no parole.

I gave my testimony and sang "My Prize" and "Victory in Jesus". I saw some of the prisoners wiping back the tears. I praise God that He was at work mightily to draw us closer to Him last night!!

I told the prisoners that we won't be known really until we get Home to Heaven. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and no one is better than anyone else. We are judged based on the assignments God gives us and how faithful we have been to individual callings. As I saw them worshiping, with their hands lifted to heaven, I said, "You know I may be serving some of you when we get Home. Some of you may be in leadership positions over me. We won't be known until we get Home."

Singing and Sharing My Testimony Tonight at a Prison

I am sharing my testimony and singing at a prison outside of Augusta, GA. I am excited about it and am praying the Lord will be glorified. Thanks so much for the prayers.

LTW Update: NYC

First Baptist NYC on 79th and Broadway

I stayed longer than expected last week to work the table outreach in NYC with Christine and some of the members of First Baptist NYC. There was just one problem last weekend--it rained. We hope to kick off the outreach in July. We have a new possible leader, Christine! However, I told her that she is not obligated to take the leadership position until I work the ministry with her the first day, so she can see how it goes. I plan to fly back up to work the outreach with Christine and other friends from First Baptist and area churches next month and will be in touch with Pastor Matthew Carpenter, pastor of First Baptist NYC, next week to set a date for this new outreach to begin. We plan to move the location from Columbus Circle at Central Park to 79th and Broadway, alongside the other tables that set up on the block there outside the church.

Rev. Warren goes Wahhabi (Speaking at Islamic Society of North America)

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), an organization with ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups, will hold its annual convention—the largest yearly gathering of Muslims on the continent—in Washington, D.C. over the Fourth of July weekend. And the keynote speaker will be Reverend Rick Warren, founder and senior minister of the Saddleback Church, an evangelical mega-church located in Lake Forest, California.

Read full article here.

Philippines Ministry of Apologetics Beginning this Fall

Nitoy wrote to let me know that they plan to start the new table outreach of apologetics this fall. They are filling out the necessary paper work for the permit...

To God be the glory!
Dwayna

Update from Tel Aviv

Dear Praying Friends,

Here is our latest ministry update:

We praise God for his answer to our prayers about leaders. In the last few months several mature ministers have joined us or displayed keen interest in our ministry both in the Negev and in Tel-Aviv. Please pray that we work together effectively and in unity.

Pray also for former drug addicts who are going through rehabilitation program in Bethel Haifa rehab managed by our co-worker, Maxim. I see great potential in these young men. They are very open to the Lord and grow fast. They are getting good, biblical training in the rehab from Maxim and other mature believers and clearly see their need to live active spiritual life and go forward day after day. Looking at them, we can say (rephrasing our Savior’s words): “He who has been forgiven much loves much...” These drug addicts who were lying on Tel-Aviv streets not so long ago are now holding on to the Lord and want to serve him wholeheartedly. Five of them are going to be baptized soon.

I believe that a certain time will pass and these young people will become mature servants and leaders, and maybe some of them will make a decision to move to the Negev and help our congregations there. Please pray for this vision.

Thank you and may God bless you richly,
Dov and Olga Bikas

LTW Update: Rio Grande Valley (June)

We did set up the 'table' on Saturday. After ministering to my Mormon friend a week ago, which was very difficult, my heart just didn't seem to be tuned to the table ministry this past Saturday.

There were quite a few grandmoms interested in materials for their grandkids. With the "winter-Texans" back in their respective 'Northern homes' there just didn't seem to be many people browsing Jackson Street (which really doesn't bother us, as God knows exactly who He wants to stop by the table.)

Interestingly, there were two ladies asking about Rick Warren and 'The Purpose Driven Life'. One remarked with excitement about the materials we had on our table concerning Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven Movement. Curt explained, "...Yes, however, those materials refute his message..." The poor woman could not turn and leave fast enough! A couple of hours later the other VERY interested lady mentioned that her pastor was going through The Purpose Driven Life in their church. She listened very intently to what Curt had to say, asked which of the 3 books he would recommend, took it, and said she would be back to return it and 'check out' another. (Meeting these two women kinda reminded me of the 'Pharisee' and the 'berean'.)

Another lady looked over the materials on the table and said, "Since I've suffered (head?) trauma, I've found myself drawing closer to Jesus..." Curt quickly picked up on the conversation and gave her the book Where is God When Things Go Wrong? I hope she gets as much, or more, out of it as did Curt and I.

We enjoyed the company of a (bilingual) 'summer-Texan' at the 'table' and our (bilingual) pastor, once again, stopped in for a while. It was another 'blistering' hot day on Saturday (we are SOOOOOO grateful for the canopy), and, wouldn't you know, when it was time to load-up, the air conditioning in the truck went out! When we went to start up the van for church on Sunday, it wouldn't start at all. Curt brought the truck in to our mechanic yesterday (Mon.) and praise the Lord, it was a minor repair, and he charged NOTHING. The mechanic towed in the van and, as of late this afternoon, it's still up on the 'rack'.....The prognosis doesn't look good. I was so grateful that we had the truck today as Curt went into Mexico with me to do my Bible Study (no translator.... I have been putting in MANY hours with her, trying to get papers in order for her passport). Curt also will be able to go into the prison in Mexico to do his Bible study...with friend 'Benny'. God is good!!!

Relying on Him as "He Directs Our Paths",

Janie

Long Beach

The team will be out again tonight in Long Beach, CA, witnessing at the cart, and next Friday they will be out in West Hollywood at the table. Photos and summaries will soon follow...

Thank you for the prayers as the team heads out again to make a witness for Jesus and shine a light for His glory this night in Long Beach. The theme of the cart for Long Beach is "Free Love" (Romans 6:23), where we have a focus on reaching people struggling with homosexuality and prostitution.

LTW to the Smokies Update (June 6)

What a beautiful day the Lord gave us to begin Lighting the Way to the Smokies! June 6th was the first Saturday for the ministry due to all the rain in May, and there were many people who stopped by our table at the Sugarland’s Visitor Center. The lyrics from the old spiritual, “I’ll Be A Witness For My Lord” was on my mind as one person after another thanked me for being there with our little table full of free materials about the good news of Jesus Christ. Several asked for prayer for lost loved ones, assurance of salvation, and wisdom to find God’s will in their lives. After good conversations and prayer together, they took tracts, sermons, and books for follow-up. The following materials were distributed to meet various needs:

Sermons:

The Lordship of Jesus Christ and How Can I Know the Bible Is True? by the pastor of Sevier Heights Baptist Church, Hollie Miller; God As Father by the pastor of Theta Baptist Church in Columbia, TN; Seven Steps to A Successful New Year by Bill Miller, an elder at Theta Baptist; and The Power of True Beauty by Clay Smith, an elder at Theta Baptist.

Interviews on CDs:

Warning from Ex-New Ager and Psychic Medium by Brian Flynn; Homosexuality Testimonies by Andy Cominsky and David Foster; and Christian Science by Firefighters for Jesus Christ.

Books:

After Death What Then? Which Way to God, six Bibles; 31 Days of Quotes of Enlightenment for Post Modern America; The Light That Was Dark; and Running Against the Wind

Tracts:

Science Confirms The Bible, Evolution The Evidence: For and Against; 7 Modern-Day Scientists Who Oppose Evolution; Steps to Peace With God; Are You Good Enough to Go to Heaven? Which Jesus Will You Trust? witnessing cards for use with Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses (published by http://www.4jehovah.org/ and http://www.4mormons.org/ )

DVDs:

The Bible’s Big Picture; 6 Secrets to Creating Your Dream Marriage with Dr. Randy Carlson

Handout:

50 Reasons Why Christ Came to Die (taken from The Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper)

One lady was deeply moved by all of the materials which were free for her to send to her two sons who are not saved. She took two Bibles, two sermons, etc. After our praying together, I promised to share her request for prayer for her sons with you.

One lady was not sure of her salvation, although she had been baptized many years ago. We discussed the plan of salvation, and I read to her John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” The friend that was with her said she could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as we prayed together. She prayed for her friend after my prayer, and she prayed for me, also. It is moments like this that proves that “I’ll Be A Witness For My Lord” is more than lyrics from an old spiritual. Witnessing is accompanied by the Holy Spirit as He brings people over to the table, convicts of sin, and ministers assurance of salvation in their hearts.

If you are available to witness with me next Saturday, June 13, please give me a call or send me on email. “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” (Matt. 9:37)

Claudette Litz

Materials on the table are made available for free to people passing.

Sermons, Bibles, books, articles, and tracts

People stop to take materials and hear about Jesus

We have materials for children, teens, and adults.

Girls stop to take "Keys for Kids" devotionals from CBH Ministries of Bible stories.

People have questions about how to be saved and get answers at our table...

on Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Unity, Hinduism, etc.

We give reasons to believe in Jesus over the other gods as the only risen Savior!

Materials are available for atheists such as "Is There Anybody Out There?" by John Blanchard.

The Religion of Yoga (from former TM practitioner)

Hi Dwayna,

Here is a letter I sent to a friend who believes they can be involved in Yoga as a Christian...

I want to make some comments about this practice from my own experience. Truly as a Christian we should not be doing YOGA. There is no such thing as"Christian yoga." The gurus will tell you that you cannot separate the exercise of Yoga from the meditation/ spirituality of Yoga [which is Hinduism].

First off, it comes from a completely different philosophy than biblical Christianity. It...is rooted in pagan religions such as Hinduism (pantheism-all is god), all coming from Babylon. Yoga involves meditation, chanting, postures and breathing exercises which are foundations for the New age and TM, in which I was involved. I do not see Yoga mentioned anywhere in God's holy Word, the BIBLE. The goal of yoga, which I practiced for several years, is to turn inward and find your "inner self" and to have union or unite with "god, Brahman or the universe". Unfortunately, none of this "uniting" is with the God of the Bible. It is actually with Kundalini, Chi, and Python. This is called divination in God’s Word. Interestingly, divination is translated python in the Greek in Acts 16:16-19

In the Bible Acts 16:16 says, "And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying..." (Paul cast this evil spirit out of this girl).

Divination is a spirit from Satan's kingdom that is counterfeit of God's Spirit. Divination's goal is to deceive people and to make them feel they are their own "god". The message of a spirit of divination is "to know". People with this (deceiving, evil) spirit could be called the "knowing ones". Fortune tellers, tarot card readers, mediums all have this evil spirit. This is how they "know" information about people. This is an ungodly gift from Satan’s kingdom sent to deceive people and draw them away from God.

Yoga is truly worshiping of the sun (Ra), not the Son of God. The sun salutation is one of the poses used in Yoga. One of the poses is the corpse pose; this opens a person up to a spirit of death. The meditation and exercise of yoga is used to enter the process of reincarnation. The Bible says resurrection, not reincarnation.

There is an excellent DVD on this subject called "Yoga Uncoiled from East to West" by Caryl Matrisciana who was born in India and has been touted as a leading cult and occult expert. I want to testify that I opened myself up to Satan’s kingdom doing yoga, and I became very ill in the end as a result. I was healed of over 15 diseases when I renounced yoga and other occult philosophies that were intertwined with it.

...the enemy comes as an “angel of light”. The West and the church have been inundated with occult and false religious practices because we have not been founded in the Word of God...

Angel E.

YOGA is an ancient form of physical movement that has its roots in INDIAN HINDU culture and philosophy. The practice of YOGA employs the use of various physical motions that are believed to be essential to achieve a sense of both physical and mental well being. Though YOGA is not usually viewed as a religion, there is no Hinduism a part from yoga and no yoga a part from Hinduism. It has developed over many centuries as a means of strengthening and energizing the physical body, and yoga devotees religiously practice its meditations. The Indian 'darsana' or '...way of seeing' has six fundamental systems - one of them is yoga.

The yoga path is a precise & accurate method for developing a greater clarity in helping us "see" & "know our inner-selves". The word Yoga means "unite" or "yoke". Yoga includes physical exercises to make one reach the ultimate goal of uniting his or her soul with the universe. Yoga is regarded as a divine science of life, revealed to enlightened sages in Meditation. Stone seals in the Indus Valley, which date back to around 3000 B.C. show yogic postures; this is the earliest archaeological evidence of yoga's origin. These yogic postures resemble the Hindu 'Lord Shiva'...Mythical and Hindu tradition suggests that Lord Shiva is said to be the founder of yoga and Paravathi his first disciple. The Vedas - huge collection of ancient Hindu scriptures - dating back to 2500 BC first mention yoga. Yoga was also mentioned in the Upanishads.

In fact, the Upanishads provide the main foundation of yoga teachings. Even the 'Mahabharat' - an epic about INDIAN mythology which contains the Bhagwad Gita has instructions from Lord Krishna to Arjuna in yoga to help him achieve liberation by fulfilling one's duties in life. The yogic science arose at the beginning of human civilization was slowly evolved and developed by ancient sages all over the world. Hindu traditions purport yoga as a divine gift that was given to mankind to help realize its divine nature.

Behind the Scenes in Scientology

http://tampabay.com/specials/2009/reports/project/

Profane Author of The Shack--Tells How His God(dess) Goes to Sleep

Often in this ministry, we go to witness at events, even so called Christian meetings, to make a stand for the truth. Well, a Christian friend and prayer partner of this ministry went to make a stand for the Bible at a conference in TX where the author of The Shack spoke. Well, with all of the debased research that comes my way on apostasy, I still found myself shocked and sickened by what is taught today in the name of Jesus. (Of course, it is no secret that in The Shack, the god promoted sometimes speaks in a female voice.) It is no wonder that this person gives an account of prayer time that is akin to the occult.

Dwayna,

Thanks so much for the prayers. Everything went smoothly for me although I was not able to talk with anyone about the 'talk'. Below is a little rundown of the evening, most everyone seemed to know others, there was no q & a after the talk and everyone left in a hurry after it was over. There was a book signing after, and it looked like a long line.

Even in the parking lot I was able to put only one piece of literature on a windshield.

Here is a small outline of what I saw at the meeting. I don't know how the regular church services went in the morning, here is a site where the sermons can be purchased here. Not sure when TX governor Rick Perry was there but he was not introduced at the men's conference.

On Sunday evening, June 7, 2009, I went to a special men's meeting at Promise Land church in the southwest portion of Austin, TX. The speaker was the author of 'The Shack', Paul Young. He was introduced by the pastor, Randy Phillips.

I got there early to watch while men began coming into the auditorium after eating the free (advertised) catered bar-b-q. I began counting how many came in with their bibles, only 18 that I could see, including myself. There were approximately 500-600 men by my estimate, of which 200 or so were from the church itself. They asked them to raise their hands.

Before introducing Mr Young, the pastor asked if any senior pastors or men's ministry leaders were present. Six raised their hands and were asked to come up on stage and introduce themselves, they were congratulated. I hope to contact a local pastor north of Austin who was there.

Getting to Mr Young's '---speech---', he began with a scripture, 1 Pet 1:6-9 and mentioning that it is in the 'on-going tense'.?!? For the next one and one half hours he didn't use any more scriptures.

He described his early life as an ignored missionary kid in Asia. He described his parents as too busy for him and basically left his upbringing to the local people. They were always too busy with their missionary work to bother with him. He continued about all the 'damage' happening to him during this time. This made him tough and able to take care of himself.

He bragged about being able to out talk people, 'I can use words to tell you, you are a piece of s*** ( pausing here for a couple of seconds and then changing it to ) c***.' Later on in the lecture he used the s word again without hesitation or thinking it would bother anyone.

While discussing his prayer life, one incident he related was that '''... at 4 o-clock in the morning I would show up and God would show up, then one of us would fall asleep ( short pause here, too ) it wasn't always me. ...', This seemed to happen with him on a regular basis.

During this time he NEVER mentioned his co-author or gave praise to Jesus or God for changing his life around. No credit was ever given to Them about the success of his book, or scripture used that may have helped him during all these years. It was all about himself and the steps he took to find help in friends and family.

There was no question and answer period and everyone was dismissed at the end. He did give an ending prayer. Afterwards was the usual book signing out in the lobby.

Some follow up research I have found that may be helpful are these following websites: Young interview on 700 Club and a radio interview on KAYP (Click onto the 'Kendall Adams' interview under the book cover. He interviewed Young on the phone when he, Young, was at the airport. about 50 min.) Also view a sound sermon on YouTube entitled The Shack Uncovered by Dr. Michael Youssef.

God bless,

Tom

Witnessing to Moslems (With Materials in Arabic)

Update from our friends at Arabic Perspective:

Dear Friends,

I thank God for how He answers prayers and causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. While we were hindered by constraints placed upon our first amendment rights, the gospel still went out with power.

We saw many people come to Christ. As it happened, our zone where we were allowed to hand out literature was outside the festival and inside by the Ferris wheel. At first they said it would be somewhere else at the festival and then they changed it to the end by the Ferris wheel. This was supposed to be a worse location for us since it was further away from the main happenings.

One brother shared the Gospel with someone in line for the Ferris wheel. That person's told the bearer of good news that he was standing in line for the Ferris wheel with plans of jumping off to commit suicide when he reached the top of the wheel. God's promises in the Bible gave the man new joy and courage to face this life and more importantly saved his soul from a greater plunge into a Christless eternity in Hell. So many were excited to get a copy of the gospel in a language they could read, or to see the Jesus film in their mother tongue. Many people live their whole life wondering if and how they can be forgiven. Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the father but by me" He also said "Him who comes to me I will in no wise cast out" We thank God for a great salvation and join with the angels in heaven rejoicing in the souls of men and women who now trust Christ's payment on the cross for their sins. Thank you all for praying for us.

On an unexpected hold over a young Muslim lady saw me carrying the Quran and asked me questions about the Bible, the Quran and Hadith for 30 minutes. She said she wants to know the truth and follow the true God. One of the sisters gave her a copy of some of the literature we were handing out. She wants to know more and asked for more information.

God bless you,
Walt

Gay Pride Parade in West Hollywood (We set up our table outreach the night before the parade)

( Children marching in parade)

Children sitting on the curb watching...

Mayor of Los Angeles chanting, "Gay, straight, black or white--

--marriage is a civil right..."

Trans-gender float

"I Can Judge God?" (by Daniel Mann)

The Word of God is an offense. It was to Charles Darwin. He rejected the Scriptures, because he couldn’t fathom how perfectly good people would have to endure eternal judgment just because they had rejected Christ. Bart Ehrman, head of the religion department at the University of North Carolina, similarly rejected the Word because of suffering. He balked at how a God, who is supposed to be all-powerful and all-loving, could allow the Katrinas and tsunamis.

Rejecting God because He fails to conform to our tastes or preconceptions has always been a common human response, especially among the privileged and educated. Naaman had been the “commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy” (2 Kings 5:1). Consequently, he swallowed his pride and journeyed to Israel to see a healer-prophet named Elisha, who gave the proud Naaman instructions to bathe in the muddy Jordan river seven times to heal him. This angered Naaman. Not only had Elisha snubbed him, but his instructions seemed ridiculous. Naaman reasoned that if he was to be healed, it should be in a clean Syrian river and not in the muddy Jordan! He now prepared to return to Syria, cursing the day he condescended to visit the prophet.

How we desire to be in control, maintain our “dignity” and live according to our own understanding, albeit limited! And how we scorn any of our needs that reveal our insufficiencies and insecurities!

Naaman’s wise servant reasoned with his master: "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'" (2 Kings 5:13)!

These words of wisdom convinced Naaman to take the plunge and receive the healing for which he had come. How were the words of the servant so wise? They reflect the fact that we have needs that we cannot meet and powers that we lack. They also suggest that laying aside our “dignity” in the face of our predicaments might be the most appropriate response, instead of stubbornly clutching to our own ways and understandings.

In conclusion, we are all Naamans! We all face dying, death and many other painful limitations and infirmities. It is the height of arrogance to face down the forces pitted against us with the defiant assertion that “I’m the captain of my own ship, and I can navigate it just fine, thank you!” Indeed, we might be the captain, but ours is a ship that won’t stay afloat for long if we cling to self-trust and narrow judgments.

Scripture never asks us to park our mind by the door, but it does require that we become fittingly humble about our limited mental powers (1 Corinthians 8:2). In the midst of his inexplicable suffering, Job began to think that he had a great enough grasp of his situation to bring accusations against God. In the end, God didn’t show Job that he shouldn’t try to make sense out of his painful situation, but that he had to temper his indictments by the fact that he understood so little about God’s glorious creation and His sometimes inscrutable ways. God did this by asking Job a series of question, none of which could Job answer.

Darwin is long dead, but many Darwins still live. I think we can do them a great service by “modernizing” God’s questions:

1. Can you understand how everything came out of nothing?
2. Can you account for the origins of life, or even how just one of its many cellular machines came into being?
3. Can you account for the origin of the physical laws of nature or what maintains them, or why these laws act uniformly throughout the universe?
4. Can you count the stars or see to the end of the universe?
5. Can you even define life or light?
6. Do you understand the sub-atomic particles that comprise this material world? Can you predict their movements?

If we can’t answer these very basic questions, how can we condemn both God and Scripture for not agreeing with our assessments? Indeed, we can judge God, but it might bring down on us heaven’s laughter.

God's Faithfulness

We had a great morning at First Baptist NYC as we gathered all of the materials to begin the street outreach of apologetics with a new leader and members of the church. However, it rained. We were only able to get organized inside the church, and I told Christine and Pastor Matthew Carpenter that I would return to kick off this ministry next month with them (with the prayer for the Lord to provide the funds for me to return for that visit--the new leader needs to have me here I feel on the first day of doing the outreach). God is in control of the weather, so I trust there was a reason we got rained out today, and He has a plan for me to return this summer to kick off this ministry in high gear to reach the mission field of NYC. I told the pastor that I appreciated him storing all of the materials, so we can all work together. He humbly answered, "That is the way it is supposed to be." I am so thankful for such a sweet church, First Baptist NYC.

I must say that these expenses have come unexpected, as far as my recording session last week and the hotel and flight expenses. To save money I booked my flight through a "cheap tickets" agency; even with a non-refundable change in flight plans, I got the round trip ticket for less than 300.00. I am writing from the lobby of the Holiday Inn close to the LaGuardia airport to save money over expensive hotel bills in Manhattan (anywhere from 300.00-700.00 a night!). I got this rate for a whopping 129.00 per night with some nights also at 139.00. That is still very high, but a "good deal" for NYC.

As I have commuted back and forth last week, I sure have been thankful for my new home in Atlanta. The city is just too expensive. My prayer is that these songs will be a blessing to people long after I am in heaven. We plan to post them on "I-Tunes", FaceBook, "My Space", and make the CD available through Amazon.com. Plus, of course, we will have copies of the CDs made to make available to people at our street ministry locations, as this batch of songs is the most evangelistic batch I have written and recorded. We have recorded 4 songs on this session, and I have paid all the musicians and background vocals. I have felt God's pleasure as I have sung them, like He gave me my voice for just that reason--to sing His praises! The songs are His to be used for His glory.

Again, there is hardly any Internet in my room, so I am not able to catch up with the blog posts. I do plan to catch up this week when I return back to Atlanta.

Ministry in NYC Tomorrow

I will be up early to meet Christine at First Baptist NYC in the morning. We will set up the table of apologetics and work together around 79th and Broadway, and I cannot wait!! Today, we are rained out.

It has rained all week, but it has been such a great week. Yesterday God really helped me sing well in spite of the harsh winds this week and getting wet walking in so much rain. We finish the music project on Monday if all goes as scheduled.

I have very little Internet access from the room. I had planned on working all day today to catch up on posting on our various outreach locations. Yet, there is no Internet connection. I will hopefully get a discount on my room, given the fact that I have not been able to work on my lap top from my room this week. I am currently working on a public computer from the hotel lobby with limited Internet time.

I had to change my airline ticket and got another one way ticket for less than 100.00! I am so thankful for how God takes care of His own. I LOVE the new songs, and they have really come to life. The pianist was sick yesterday, so we had to postpone the last two until Monday.

I am attempting to answer emails from my Blackberry, but posts on our recent witnessing in West Hollywood and updates and photos from the Rio Grande Valley and "LTW to the Smokies" are soon to come, probably after I get back to Atlanta.

I thank everyone who supports this ministry in prayer and donations. I thank God for the BRIGHT light He shines in His own--a fragrant aroma to those who are saved and the fragrance of death to those who are perishing, just like the Bible says.

With Jesus worth the cost,
Dwayna

Music All Week

I am writing today from the studio in New York to let everyone know I appreciate the prayers. I leave every evening so tired, but the songs are really coming to life and could not be better. It is a lot of work. I am thankful to have such a talented arranger and producer.

The Internet connection is very weak in my room at night, and I have been so exhausted that I just get back to the room to get to bed and wake up early again the next morning to head back to the studio. Obviously, because I no longer live in NYC, we are trying to make the most of every day...

This Saturday I plan to be working with Christine at our ministry table here and some other people from First Baptist NYC to get the outreach back in action on a regular basis with a new leader. I am meeting with my former pastor, Matthew Carpenter, about this today when we take a break from the studio.

This week I am recording the following songs I have written, which we will use in our ministry in various ways, especially making them available at our table outreach locations:

A Higher Power (about how Jesus is higher than all other powers)
Still (a worship song)
Don't Pass Him By (a prayer for someone to know Jesus as Savior)
Old-Time Religion (I have re-written the old standard with new verses which tell of my upbringing in church three times a week in the South!)

For God's glory,
Dwayna

LTW Update: Witnessing at "Gay Pride 09"

West Hollywood Gay Pride parade with banners reading "Marriage is a Basic Human Right"
"Gay Jews" (an actual association, from what we understand) came over to our table for a conversation. All materials--Bibles, DVDs of testimonies, tracts, and books are free...
People marching in parade with banners reading "No more hate! Overturn 8!"
Political leaders show support to the homosexual community in the parade.
Joseph setting up our ministry table on Friday night, right at sunset...

as people approach from the West Hollywood neighborhood...

and Dan walks around the neighborhood praying for the Lord to use us and bring many people over to the outreach table...

The Lord sends Christians in love to witness to the community, as Dan (leader of the West Hollywood outreach) is greeted by Christians from the Los Angeles Oasis.

Joseph at our witnessing table speaking with lesbians about God's pure love

DVDs on our table of testimonies from Pure Passion, as well as DVDs to show the lack of scientific evidence supporting homosexuality being genetic.

LTW Update: NYC

I THINK WE MAY HAVE A NEW LEADER FOR OUR OUTREACH IN NYC! I am overjoyed to tears in thanksgiving for this. I will be calling the pastor at First Baptist NYC tomorrow and hopefully scheduling next Saturday as a day for me to work with Christine in this ministry around 79th and Broadway. This is such an answer to prayer. Just knowing Christine is a beautiful encouragement to my life. I am asking my pastor to line up one person to work with her when she sets up, either on Saturdays or Sundays, plus help from a man in getting all of the supplies downstairs from the pastor's office to the street level. I will let everyone know by the blog how this progresses. I will be in the music studio every day this week and am looking forward to working at the ministry table next Saturday with Christine before returning to Atlanta.

Commandments for Christians (J. Vernon McGee)

My dear mother typed these notes and sent them to me yesterday by email. She said she knew they would be a blessing to me and a great encouragement. They sure are! I will also post them on the LTW web site under the category of "Daily Walk" to be archived there for others to read in the future.

Commandments for Christians
I Thessalonians 5:11-28

In I Thessalonians the emphasis is upon the rapture of believers, the coming of Christ to take His church out of the world. The fact that the coming of Christ is a purifying hope should lead to sanctification in our lives. “And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure.” (I John 3:3) This hope should have a purifying effect in our lives. I am not interested in how enthusiastic and excited you get over the truth of the rapture (catching away) of the church; I want to know how you are living. Does this hope get right down to where you are living and does it change your life?

These are the commandments for believers—not just ten of them but twenty-two of them! Up to the time we are saved, God has us shut up to a cross. That is, God is not asking anything of us except this question: “What will you do with My Son who died for you?” After we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, then God talks to us about our life. The child of God is not under the Ten Commandments as the way of life—he is way above it. He is to live on a much higher plane, as we can see by the commandments in these verses. These commandments are practical—right down where the rubber meets the road. It is a wonderful, glorious thing to keep looking for the coming of Christ, but it is also very important that we keep walking down here on the sidewalks of life—at home, in the office, in the schoolroom, wherever we are called to walk. Remember the words of our Lord when He said, “You are my friends if you do whatever I command you.” John 15:14

Comfort each other. (Encourage one another in the faith.) Verse 11

Edify one another. (Build up one another.)Verse 11

Recognize those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord. (We should respect them.) Verse 12

Esteem them very highly in love for their works sake. (Appreciate the people who love the Word of God.) Verse 13

Be at peace among yourselves. (There must be one with authority,) Verse 13

Warn those who are unruly. (Warn those who like to do their own little thing rather than support the work which God is doing.) Verse 14

Comfort the faint-hearted. (Comfort those who are fearful to move out for God. Encourage them.) Verse 14

Uphold the weak. (They are weak in the faith like little babies. Help them.) Verse 14

Be patient with all. (Don’t lose your temper.) Verse 14

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. (Don’t fight one another.) Verse 15

Pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. (Luke 6:33 = And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.) Verse 15

Rejoice always. (Rejoice does not mean to be happy. This is a joy in the Lord as Paul wrote to the Philippians. Philippians 4:4 = Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.) Verse 16

Pray without ceasing. (Pray regularly, and be constantly in the attitude of prayer.) Verse 17

In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (Give thanks, not just once a year, but all the time.) Verse 18

Do not quench the Spirit. (Do not refuse to do the will of God. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide to lead you. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Ephesians 4:30 = And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit is a person, and He is grieved by sin in our lives.) Verse 19

Do not despise prophecies. (Do not be indifferent to the Word of God. Do not look down upon Bible study as something that is beneath you.) Verse 20

Test all things. (Do not be taken in by flattery. There are many deceivers in the world.) Verse 21

Hold fast what is good. (Hold to that which is true and genuine.) Verse 21

Abstain from every form of evil. (If there is any question in your mind whether something is right or wrong, then it is wrong for you.) Verse 22

Brethren, pray for us. (Pray for those who give out the gospel.) Verse 25

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. (Just make sure it is a holy kiss! In our culture and with our customs, a warm handshake will do.) Verse 26

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. (Read the entire epistle.) Verse 27

McGee, J. Vernon. Messages Given on the 5-Year Program of Thru The Bible Radio Network: I & II Thessalonians. Pasadena: Thru The Bible Books, 1981.

More to Come (in NYC with Very Little Internet)

I wanted to let everyone know that I have very little Internet in my room, so I am not able to post photos from West Hollywood at this time. I tried for an hour last night and kept losing the connection. The team had a great Friday night in ministry there! Plus, I have photos to post and an update from last weekend at our outreach table to tourists of the Smoky Mountain National Park.


It was all I could do to resend updated lyrics to my producer last night for the recording session this week. I will be in the studio every day. I would appreciate the prayers, because I want the songs to go the way God wants for HIS glory, for this project to be totally His. He is the One who gave me the music, and I am honored to praise Him in song.


Today I am meeting with someone I am praying will be our new leader for the outreach in NYC. I will communicate as best as I can with so little Internet. (I just wrote a long blog post, and I lost the Internet before I could post it!). As soon as possible I want to post updates from the Rio Grande Valley, "LTW to the Smokies", and our "Heart for Him" outreach table in West Hollywood, to communicate the joy we feel and the way God draws us near as we get to tell people about Jesus.

Good News

Dan and the team had an exciting night witnessing in West Hollywood last night at the table. God kept them safe, and He brought many people over. They were really busy. We had new books for the table and new DVDs of testimonies to make the most of such an opportunity.

"LTW to the Smokies":

My mother did not get to set up today in outreach, though she tried. She cannot set up the table without a permit; the people at the Park Ranger's office apologized, and they said it was their fault, but they had not processed the permit for her this weekend. She is looking forward to setting up next Saturday.

"God's Heart to Central Park":

This outreach location is still without a leader. However, youth groups set up the table affiliated with First Baptist NYC. I am talking to several potential leaders this week about this need. Doug is setting up in three weeks with a table of apologetics at Columbus Circle, focused on reaching Jewish people with the Gospel. (I used to work with Doug when I led the table of apologetics in Central Park).

Thankful for 4 new songs:

I am finally done. After staying up an entire night this week working on a lyric for a verse, all of the songs are finally done as of this morning. I am thankful to be recording them this week. Here is an example. It is a song called "Still":

When a goodbye comes too soon
When devestating news
Leaves me abandoned by a dream
He hasn't changed a bit
He's still the same Savior and Friend
With a plan so beautiful for me

For He's still
The God who cannot lie
And He's still
The Giver of new life
A Savior who wept
For me to be kept
In the Father's will
And He still
Forgives me of my sin
He remains
My Advocate and Friend
A Faithful Judge
The One who my soul loves
And always will

Yes, He's still
The Ruler of my days
The Shepherd of my heart
My Comforter of grace
A Shelter of love
When I've messed up
Where I can rest and heal
The God of Israel
Who walks me through the flame
For me to live to tell
The glory of His name
The Author of my faith
Unworthily to save
Me to love Him still

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. " Romans 8:28

LTW New Outreach: LTW to Scientologists!!

This has been a dream of mine. Martha has even written a tract, which we will use in all of our ministry locations, to give to Scientologists. This is so exciting. Here is her letter to me, which I just received. LTW wants to partner with her and begin a new outreach with her leading it, now that the cult of Scientology has moved to her town. WE ARE GOING TO PARTNER WITH HER AND HELP HER! I told her to be very, very careful, because this cult is mean. The following letter is from Martha:

----------------------------------------

http://www.lisafiles.com/newcpdfiles.html
That's the legal files regarding Lisa McPherson who was a disabled woman killed by Scientology. I received a call from my mayor, and she said there's nothing the city can do about the sale [to Scientology]. It was a private sale and was the fault of the minister who sold the building. (He's a Baptist minister). However when I saw on the FBI's website that it has 2,518 pages on Scientology (unaccessible by the public of course), I let her know, and she let the police chief know. So, hopefully they will take an interest in the cult's activities and watch them closely. I've sent out 25 letters to the Florence pastors, including the one who sold the building (I told him he needed to repent of jeopardizing the souls of the people of Florence or step down because he's become a lover of filthy lucre thus disqualifying himself as pastor.) I feel like Jeremiah and Ezekiel combined...lol. I'm going to wait for the FBI's response to my request for the "rap sheet" of Scientology and see if they have any more recent crimes listed. However, I'm kind of stuck on having adequate amounts of literature. I don't have money and my printer's ink costs a fortune (the printer was a gift, so I couldn't complain). There is a Kinkos nearby, however, the church I'm attending has a print shop. But the pastor seems hesitant about offering any help with printing. Pray that the Lord changes his mind. Also, pray that I can find someone to picket with me, because even the worldly picketers of Scientology have said never go alone and always bring a camera. I don't have a camera. But I really believe God is in this, He is confirming through His word and other resources, but I need wisdom, and protection, and help. Even if I don't get the help, Lord willing, I will do it anyway.

In His Grace,

Martha

Brief Update

I worked more on my songs last night, and I feel they are all finished now except for one. I am working on it constantly to record it soon.

Please join me in prayer for Dan and the team in West Hollywood. I prayed last night for their safety as they are setting up a table tonight alongside Santa Monica Blvd. during this "Gay Pride" weekend. I have asked them to please send photos of our ministry in action there tonight.

Nitoy is waiting on one more package from me to arrive in the Philippines and is excited about the new outreach.

I am behind on posting exciting updates from "LTW to the Smokies" and the Rio Grande Valley. I will make it a goal to catch up on that today, though I am working with very, very little sleep from my feeling of urgency to finish these songs before recording them soon.

My mother will be back out at the "LTW to the Smokies" outreach tomorrow if it does not rain. I am speaking with several people about leading our ministry in NYC. It gets frustrating, because I know that the problem is NOT people being unable. They are unwilling. Just think of all of the Christians who have been bought with the blood of Jesus with the honor of knowing Him for all of eternity, yet SO FEW want to give any of their time to Him in service. Last night, as I prayed with my mother by phone, I thanked the Lord for the mercy He shows on His own to make us want to serve Him. Just the desire to live for Him and serve Him is an act of His mercy on us. As I have written before so many times, there is no greater joy this side of heaven!

Living for Him,
Dwayna

Late Night Working

I started working more on some songs I wrote earlier this week around 6 P.M. tonight, and I finally finished at 1:00 A.M. By the time I got the right lyric for a verse of the praise song I am writing, tears were streaming down my face. God's love is so amazing, and it is truly worth any cost to have the honor of such a wonderful, loving God living in us as Christians. It is such a joy to write songs about Him. I think the three songs I have been working on this week are now done, but I will have to look at them tomorrow to be sure. :-) I keep meaning to post new articles on the web site and blog, but the gift of some new songs this week has kept me from those posts. I just praise the Lord with all of my heart for these new songs.

LTW Partners with Colorado Springs Ministry for Outreach Materials (for Mormons and JWs)

My friend, Christy, was interviewed about her very powerful ministry to Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons in Colorado Springs. Though the paper slammed her a little and took some things out of context she said, she posted a sound rebuttal. Over all, we thank God for letting others know in Colorado Springs about this ministry and the differences between Mormons, JWs, and biblical Christianity.

http://www.4witness.org/jwnews/gazette-6-09.php

The Coveted Seat (by Daniel Mann)

Who deserves to be seated at the public-policy table?

Not people of faith, according to the late Christopher Reeves—a.k.a., Superman—speaking at Yale University: “When matters of public policy are debated, no religions should have a seat at the table.” This assessment doesn’t simply pertain to public policy; it’s applied to questions of faith-based initiatives, school textbooks and curriculum, what constitutes good science, and every other public debate or legislation.

How is this bias against people-of-faith justified? Some plead Church and State separation. However, this just won’t work. It would mean that the faithful would be prevented from having any voice—clearly not the intention of the framers of the Constitution! Therefore, many secularists have shifted their discriminatory strategy:

As a secularist, I believe the purpose of public education is to learn facts wherever possible. Evolution is based on evidence observed and conclusions derived. Religion offers “divine truths,” none of which are provable by any measure, hence the word “faith.” (Pique, April 2009, 1)

Indeed, if religion is purely subjective, without an evidential basis, then religious assertions shouldn’t be made to apply objectively to the lives of others. In this, both Humanist and Christian agree. It would represent the height of arrogance for a religious person to say “Do as I do because it feels right to me!” This assertion would be like saying “Your feelings and sentiments don’t count! My feelings are more significant than yours, Mr. Atheist!”

There are other areas of agreement. Most Humanists and Christians would also agree that the contention that science and religion talk about different and therefore non-overlapping and non-competing things doesn’t hold up against scrutiny. Science clearly has a lot to say about religious issues and religion is not silent in regards to the claims of scientists.

Along with this, both Humanists and Christians believe that it is imperative to have a coherent worldview. This is in opposition to postmodern thinking, which is willing to tolerate incoherence—for instance, the common postmodern judgment: “You can’t judge me!”

As such, we both believe that the opposing positions of naturalism (Darwinism) and supernaturalism (Creationism) require some form of resolution. Here’s where the tension enters. Both sides lay claim to the facts. However, according to secular humanists, religion should be a private matter because it doesn’t speak in the language of facts, as does evolution. In contrast, I’d like to suggest that Christianity also involves facts, and that evolution depends upon faith. Here are just a few of the faith-based assumptions of evolution:

A THEORY ISN’T VIABLE IF IT CAN’T EXPLAIN THE FACTS IN ITS DOMAIN: Naturalism (Darwinism) can’t even begin to provide an explanation for the origins of the laws of nature, life, the cell, DNA, freewill, consciousness, fine-tuning, etc. AMAZINGLY, FAITH is usually invoked: “Science doesn’t have an answer yet, but eventually, it will.”

NATURALISM IS FAITH, NOT SCIENCE: Both sides agree that there are laws that determine material events. However, science can’t directly observe the source of these laws. Naturalists assume that gravity, for instance, is a free-standing, natural, mindless force. However, there is no proof of this. Instead, the laws might simply be part of the mind of God. In fact, their uniform operation throughout the universe would tend to argue for the latter—the existence of an omnipresent God.

THE FOSSIL RECORD FAILS TO SUPPORT MACRO-EVOLUTION: Even evolutionists agree with this assessment:

· “All Paleontologists know that the fossil record contains precious little in the way of intermediate forms; transitions between major groups are characteristically abrupt.” S.J.Gould.

· “No real evolutionist…uses the fossil record as evidence in favor of the theory of evolution as opposed to special creation.” (Mark Ridley)

· “I will lay it on the line – there is not one such fossil for which one could make a watertight argument…If I knew any, I certainly would have included them.” Dr. Colin Patterson, British Museum of Natural History--his response when asked why he didn’t include anything about transitional forms in his book, Evolution.

· “It is a mistake to believe that even one fossil species… can be demonstrated to have been ancestral to another.” (Dr. Gareth J. Nelson, American Museum of Natural History)

· This lack of evidence of intermediary forms is so damning that again evolutionists invoke the faith that the gaps will someday be filled.

LACK OF EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE: “No experiment has ever shown how useful functioning information can be added to the DNA molecule by random changes.” (Malone)

Meanwhile, the proofs of the Christian faith are so extensive that, at best, I can offer only the barest outline. There are many theistic proofs: the cosmological, teleological (“argument from design”), moral, and transcendental arguments. In addition to these, there are numerous arguments in support of the Christian revelation, including fulfilled prophecy, internal and external evidences and miracles. For the one miracle that is most central to the Christian worldview—the resurrection of Jesus—there is a wealth of compelling historical evidence, so much so that the Jewish historian, Paula Fredricksen, acknowledges:

The Disciples’ conviction that they had seen the risen Christ…is historical bedrock, facts known past doubting”? (L. Strobel, The Case for the Real Jesus, 119).

Historian and atheist, Gerd Ludemann, also admitted that Jesus’ disciples were convinced that He had risen from the dead:

It may be taken as historically certain that Peter and the disciples had experiences after Jesus’ death in which Jesus appeared to them as the risen Christ (Strobel).

Why then isn’t Ludemann a Christian? He chooses to believe that the many accounts of Jesus’ post-crucifixion appearances were the result of all of the disciples having the identical auditory and visual hallucination, many at the same time and over a period of 40 days! In view of the weighty and extensive testimonial evidence in favor of the resurrection, this represents a manifestation of great faith!

Who then should be denied the seat at the table?

Daniel Mann
challengingthedarkness@yahoo.com

Music Tonight

I started writing some songs around 6, and here it is 11:30, and I have not yet moved from this chair. The sun went down, and I just kept writing. IT HAS BEEN SO FUN. The songs are about Jesus, and I LOVE them. I hope and pray for the money to record them back with my producer in NYC at some point (hopefully soon). I am so thankful for the gift of music, especially to praise God. One song is a worship song called "Still" about God's faithfulness and the other is called "Don't Pass Him By" about praying for someone who needs the Lord and is not saved. I love music. It is so much better when the songs are about God's love--a love that never changes!

The Security of the Believer--The Work of the Holy Spirit

My mother wrote this today, and I called her to tell her I was so thankful she is my mother...

The Security of the Believer---The Work of the Holy Spirit

(essay by Claudette Litz)

Yesterday I prayed and shared scripture with a lady who was seeking assurance of her salvation. This happened while I was ministering at the Lighting the Way table at the Sugarland’s Visitor Center in the Smoky Mountains. Today as I looked back on the scripture I shared with her in 1 John 5:13, God brought to my mind another scripture which would have been helpful to her. It is found in 2 Corinthians 1:21- 22. Here Paul is writing about the total ministry of the Holy Spirit today. My pastor, Hollie Miller, of the Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, has been preaching for several Sundays on the person of the Holy Spirit as He convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment; regenerates us; indwells us; and baptizes us. Also, I have been reading a book by Dr. J. Vernon McGee with messages from II Corinthians, and perhaps God directed me to it today to show me this scripture: “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” The next time I witness at the Lighting the Way table, I will have this verse in my heart and use it as God gives me opportunity. The following analysis of these verses is taken from pages 22-24 of 2 Corinthians: Messages Given on the 5-Year Program of Thru The Bible Radio Network by Dr. J. Vernon McGee:

“Now He who establishes us with you into Christ, and has anointed us is God.” God who? God, the Holy Spirit, if you please. Sometimes, especially at funerals, we hear the song, “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.” Well, the word here is not safe in the arms of Jesus. When you are put into Christ by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you are a part of His body. Rather than being safe in His arms, you are safe as an arm of Jesus Christ. You are safe as a member of His body. What a wonderful security that is! In speaking of the work of the Holy Spirit, Paul uses the present tense. This is what He is doing for you today, my friend.

“Now he who. . .has anointed us is God.” The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a neglected truth in our day. In 1 John 2:20 we are told, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.” That anointing is the Holy Spirit. It takes the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth. “But the anointing which you have received of Him abides in you, and you do not need that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” (1 John 2:27) This ministry of the Holy Spirit is very important. He doesn’t give you a mail order degree, nor does this knowledge come in a gift wrapped box. You have the Holy Spirit to teach you, Christian friend, and He alone can open the Word of God to you. That is the reason this is a miracle Book. The Lord Jesus said to His own men, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. . .” (John 16:12-13. He wants to guide you into all truth.

“Who also has sealed us” ---that is a marvelous ministry of the Spirit. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) Is it possible to grieve Him away? No, He has sealed us, and He is going to deliver us someday. This is somewhat like taking a letter down to the post office. Occasionally, some of the mail is lost and never does get delivered. If we want to be very sure that a certain piece of mail arrives, we have that letter registered, and a seal is put on it. The postal service guarantees that they will get that letter to the person to whom it is addressed. Also, all legal documents bear a seal—“In witness thereof I set my seal” is the phraseology that has come down to us from old English. It is also a brand, a mark of ownership. In the early days of the West, when there were no fences, the cattlemen would brand their cattle. The brand was a mark of ownership. The Holy Spirit puts a brand on you to show that you belong to God. My friend, if you are a little sheep of His, you are not going to get lost. Oh, you may stray away, but He will come to find you. The Holy Spirit is pictured in Luke’s parable as the woman sweeping the floor, looking for the lost coin until she found it. (Luke 15:8)

“And given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (KJV) would be better translated: you are “given the earnest, which is the Holy Spirit in our hearts.” You know that “earnest money” indicates there will be more to follow. When you put down earnest money on a piece of property, it is a pledge that you are going to pay more money on that property. In such a way, God has given us the Holy Spirit which indicates there is more to follow. This is a wonderful thing.

When people buy on the installment plan, there is a possibility that the buyer may later defect, even though he has put a down payment on the merchandise. But there is no defection in this Buyer. He has purchased us with His blood. He has put down a purchase price, which guarantees that the saved soul will be delivered safely to the Father. It means that the saved soul is in escrow today.

God has put His Holy Spirit into every believer. He is the earnest. He has come into the life of the believer to bring the fullness of God to bear in our experiences. What is it that you need today? You know that He is rich in mercy---He is the Father of mercies. What do you need? Why don’t you go to Him and ask Him for it? Do you need power? Do you need joy? Do you need wisdom? Do you need help? These are comforts---He is the God of all comfort. Paul knew this; he had experienced it. Also, this writer knows it; he has experienced it.

Werner Erhard: In His Own Words

Well, here we see Werner's teaching of Zen in action, straight from the horse's mouth (of course, he refers to people as donkeys, except much vulgar.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f17cu-TS-Tk&feature=related

Busy Day

I have been busy tonight with computer problems on my PC. It is no big deal; somehow the Internet connection is lost, though I have it on my lap top. I have to get my tech guy over here tomorrow, because my accountant needs some information, which is stored on my PC, and I cannot email from the PC.

Andy Stanley is on TV on Sunday mornings at 10:00 on FamilyNet. It is called North Point TV and he speaks for 30 minutes. I am assuming this channel is available through Direct TV, which I don't have. I am enjoying his sermons, though they are more geared for new Christians or people who are not yet saved. Because I love apologetics, I appreciate how he is such a good apologist, giving a ready defense for the Gospel to those who do not believe.

"What is the greatest source of power in my life? Is it my work, service, and sacrifice for others, or is it my striving to work for God? It should be none of these--what ought to exert the greatest power in my life is the atonement of the Lord. It is not on what we spend the greatest amount of time that molds us most, but whatever exerts the most power over us...The disciple who abides in Jesus is the will of God, and what appears to be his free choices are actually God's foreordained decrees." --Oswald Chambers, June 7

Quoting Walter Martin on est (Erhard Seminars Training)

Dr. Walter Martin speaks out on est. (All of this is also applicable to the Landmark Forum from a Christian perspective.)

"est offers an instant solution without acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus Christ."

"The Hinduism of Transcendental Meditation also teaches the greatest power in the universe is inside of you."

Christ had a point of view: John 8:58 “Before Abraham was, I AM.”

"est [and the Forum] teach that YOU are the answer to all of your problems. There are mental institutions filled with people of the same opinion!"

(See 1 Cor. 1; John 8:58; John 14:6; Eph. 4:29, 5:4; Col. 2:8-9; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 11:4, and Galatians 1).

Resources Explaining Dangers of Freemasonry

Misc. resources on Freemasonry:
http://www.cuttingedge.org/fmcorner.html
http://www.cuttingedge.org/
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1017800&item_no=86691

Online free video on Freemasonry
http://www.ankerberg.org/TV/ankjasrm-masons-wmv.html

Testimonial: http://www.freedom-ministries.com/html/Category-5-0.html

More on “Christian Mysticism” and its contradictions: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Christian-Mysticism-3283/MASONIC-1.htm

Landmark Forum for Cats

This is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK2SDf-KWbs&feature=related

It's Not Easy Being God (By Daniel Mann)

We all need to feel that we’re a “somebody.” It’s just too painful to believe that we’re a “nobody.” Indeed, this observation hasn’t eluded a host of modern religions and therapies. They’ve learned to pander to our needs by proclaiming the mantra, “You are God!”

Some years back, a friend brought me to an Eric Butterworth meeting (“Unity Village”) at Lincoln Center. He filled the huge auditorium with the message, “Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself that you are the great ‘I am.’”

I wanted to scream out but restrained myself. This had been my “religion” as a 14 year old. I would take my shirt off, flex my muscles, look at this wonderful hunk in the mirror and tell myself that I was truly a somebody. I would actually believe this self-talk and this enabled me to go to school with a spring in my step and a smile on my face. However, this “fix” would some loose its potency, and so I eventually graduated to loftier messages, finally concluding that I was the Messiah, the savior of the world. Although this gave me a high, in the long run, it also devastated me. Here’s why:

1. This wasn’t the nourishment that I really needed. Instead, it worked as a drug. I found that I always needed a greater dose in order to maintain my increasingly elusive high.

2. For this drug to work, it must be believed. However, by believing that I was a superior person, even God, I began to loose touch with both myself and reality. I couldn’t see or accept myself as I really was. This caused me to make many serious judgment blunders. Whatever we manage well, we must understand correctly.

3. If I was going to believe this about myself, I had to deny the reality that contradicted my distorted beliefs. Consequently, I always had to be right and wasn’t open to constructive criticism or even other people. Therefore, the avenues of growth were shut down.

4. Denial is an invitation to mental turmoil. When I resolved to believe the good things about myself and deny the rest, I made myself into my own enemy. My conscience and perceptions were informing me about another, less pleasant reality. I therefore had to make war against these perceptions—and many of them were telling me that I wasn’t the Messiah, that I couldn’t possibly fill those shoes.

5. Maintaining this artificial high requires a lot of self-deception and avoidance. Consequently, I had to isolate myself from others who reflected back to me a reality that didn’t match my own. Rejections and failures became devastating. I depended upon a steady stream of compliments and recognition to keep my delusion-addiction alive. I needed to surround myself with people who shared my distorted self-concept, from whom I could receive some affirmation. Understandably, these people became increasingly hard to find. Because relationships depend on sharing a common reality, I eventually made myself into a complete loner and outcast.

6. Furthermore, as long as I was determined to build myself up in this manner, I had to correspondingly convince myself that there were no greater gods on my turf. Believing yourself to be god isn’t adequate if everyone else is a God. Therefore, I resorted to putting others down as a way to elevate myself and resented their successes.

What had initially given me “life” was to subsequently bring on me a painful psychological death. Depression, anxiety, shame, and suicidal ideation had become my most faithful companions.

However, we all need to believe that we’re somebody, that we’re significant. We can obtain this in either of two ways. We can either exalt ourselves through some futile exercise of self-righteousness or we can submit to the righteousness that is given as a free gift from the only One who is truly righteous. As Jesus had proclaimed:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

For me, it was a process as Jesus had promised:

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32).

And it has!

Daniel Mann
challengingthedarkness@yahoo.com

The God of Freemasonry

(Full article on LTW web site HERE )

...Freemasons offer prayer to a god who is known as the Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU.) Freemasonry defines the nature of the GAOTU with adherence to the Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of man doctrine. The GAOTU is implicitly defined as Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Allah, the Mormon Elohim, Ahura Mazdah, Baal, Molech and all other false gods which have ever been named by man. When Freemasonry causes pagans to join in prayer to the GAOTU, are they then worshiping the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? No, they are still worshiping demons, as would be any Christian who would join with them. Participation in Freemasonry ensnares a man in idolatry...

LTW Update: The Philippines

(first shipment from me of resources received for our new table to begin)

NITOY GOT MY FIRST SHIPMENT. ALL OF THIS IS VERY EXCITING. IN GOD'S TIMING, WE WILL START THE NEW TABLE OUTREACH SOON! I GOT TEARS IN MY EYES WHEN I CLICKED ON THE LINK IN NITOY'S LETTER [click here for link] AND HEARD "TIL THE STORM PASSES BY" SUNG IN THE PHILIPPINES. MY RESPONSE IS BELOW...

From Nitoy:

Hi Dwayna,

Ive just received the package you have send. included in this email is the photo of the package. Thanks you very much. I'll keep you posted with the table outreach. Lets be paitient with the ministry and trust God's hand will be on this.

For the meantime, our pastor Joberth Hernandez, decided to enlist me and have me be a member of Task Force Tagaligtas to be able to access goverment institutions and public schools for the gospel. This way I'm easily recognized. Check their website. http://www.tagaligtas.org/

By the way, we have a new video check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMURK-jfGZI

God bless you, Dwayna, and thanks for all your help.

Yours in Christ,
Nitoy

My response:

Nitoy,

Did you know I love both of those songs? I am so excited, I can hardly write! I have recorded “Til The Storm Passes By.” Oh, this makes me want to cry. He is the same God all over the world. Even the same hymns are loved!!!!

Thank you for the photo. I am posting this whole letter from you on my blog, along with the photo of the materials. Yes, we will be patient and wait on God’s timing to do the best we can with this new table outreach.

I also checked out the other web site. I am so excited that you are going to be a member of this task force!

By the way, to hear me sing “Til The Storm Passes By”, just go to the web site at http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/ , to the “Listening Library” and hear it for free.

Love in Jesus,
Dwayna

Landmark Forum: Zen Repackaged

Walking in the Light
(by Daniel Mann)

Western culture has become very cozy with selfishness and self-centeredness, even to the point of making them a virtue. We always hear admonitions like “Take care of yourself first,” or “Just tell yourself that you deserve it.” In contrast to our self-absorbed, Western approach to life, Zen Buddhist and psychiatrist Barry Magid writes,

“Zen, on the other hand, is more likely [than psychoanalysis] to directly confront and challenge the old patterns or organizing principles that constitute our self-centeredness. The difficulties inherent in Zen practice (the emotional and physical stress of long hours of sitting), and the conceptual quandaries that arise by having our usual frame of reference radically challenged by the seeming incomprehensibility of a nondualist, nonessentialist perspective as encapsulated in koans, all combine to undermine preexisting modes of organizing and mastering experience.” (Buddhadharma, Winter 2007, 51)

According to Magid, our self-centeredness must be challenged. This is achieved by challenging our basic perceptions of reality—in particular, our deluded dualistic thinking, through which we erroneously perceive a distinction between the observer (us) and what we observe. In this, Zen requires us to take an incredible leap of faith, by denying everything we see and experience, which suggests that there is a real distinction between us and the rest of the world. This leads to a schizoid existence. On the one hand, the Zen Buddhist clothes, eats, and bathes himself; yet on the other hand, he denies the reality of both these needs and his body. However, Magid maintains that this leap is necessary if self-centeredness is to be shattered.

How does Zen break “reality’s” hold on us and, as a result, our self-centeredness? By use of the koan—an unsolvable riddle—which is intended to frustrate our self-centered, logical thinking! Magid explains that the “central part of Zen training” is a matter of “deliberately placing difficulty in the path of the student”:

“One’s self-image and self-importance, along with ones usual modes of knowing, may be threatened or undermined in the face of a seemingly unsolvable koan…optimal response may sometimes take the form of a difficulty that challenges or disrupts old patterns of organization.” (51)

On the one hand, this sounds similar to what our Lord does for us. He disciplines us to uncover our opposition and enmity to Himself and then to conform us into the image of His Son (Deut. 8:2-3; 1 Peter 4:12, 17; Heb. 12:5-12). However, the koan and the philosophy behind it constitute a denial of reason and reality. In contrast to this, Christ takes away the unreal (our rationalizations and denial) to replace it with the real (regret over sin and its antidote). He weans us from self-reliance to the liberty of God-reliance (2 Cor. 1:8-9).

He doesn’t require us to deny our senses but to affirm what we already know in the pit of our gut—that there is something terribly wrong with us and that we stand guilty and shamed before our Creator and Redeemer. The process might hurt, but it doesn’t require us to lobotomize our brains and to deny our experiences. He enlightens us by showing us our sins and then dignifies us by forgiving and cleansing us from them.

I used to depend upon being liked. One day, some of my fellow 12 year-old friends requested I loan them my brother’s bicycle so that their friend would have a way to get home. There was just one catch—my compliant, nine-year-old brother would have to run behind the other bicycles in order to retrieve his own bicycle afterwards. Shamefully, I agreed.

My needs for approval had trumped my conscience. Instead, I had to confess my responsibility and guilt. However, God didn’t require me to believe that my needs and moral failures were merely illusions and to suppress or transcend them. Rather, He satisfied them. By granting me His love and approval, He has enabled me to rise up above the opinions of others.

This has a profound impact upon our understanding of the needs of others. Because God has affirmed and dignified me despite my weaknesses, needs and sins, I can and must affirm others. If I deny large chunks of my experience and believe that through my efforts I have transcended them, I will expect the same of others and will look down on them when they fall short.

God’s love and affirmation is the ultimate answer to self-centeredness. Methadone can replace heroin addiction, but only at a tremendous price. We must be centered on something. Becoming centered upon my Savior has freed me from self-centeredness. I had foolishly loaned the bike at the expense of my brother because I depended upon being liked. However, as I grew in the assurance that God profoundly loved me, I became increasingly free from my need to be loved by others. Freedom from my demanding needs then allowed me to more unselfishly consider how to love others. If we are assured that He provides for us so perfectly, we need not focus so exclusively upon ourselves.

Altruism doesn’t depend upon the eradication of personhood, but rather its affirmation. If I can’t affirm my own personhood, how can I affirm the personhood of others? If I deny my own needs, I must deny that of others. Rather than the denial our needs, it is the assurance of God’s satisfaction of our needs that best counters self-centeredness.

Daniel Mann
challengingthedarkness@yahoo.com

Hidden Cameras INSIDE the Landmark Forum

HIDDEN CAMERA INSIDE THE LANDMARK FORUM (This is horrible! If this is not cultic brainwashing and mind control, it doesn't exist! Scientology can't be worse than this! Watch the video taken with a hidden camera in a Landmark Forum in France):
http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1243&Itemid=12url

"Landmark Education: "Pay Up or Pay Off":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR7qdZXrJuA&feature=related

Brad attended the Forum and tells how it fits the description of a cult according to the dictionary:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YiOOycUGXI

What does the Landmark Forum do to people? This insider, Brad, said it does change people, but not for the better in that they are no longer able to communicate normally or process emotions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LInECO0G5n0&feature=related