Assembly Bill 1671, which would penalize undercover journalism efforts related to the healthcare industry in California—broadly defined to include the bill’s chief architect, Planned Parenthood—could be signed into law at any moment by Gov. Jerry Brown.

AB 1671, drafted after David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress released their undercover videos of Planned Parenthood’s trafficking of fetal body parts and tissues harvested from aborted babies, imposes civil and criminal penalties on the publication of certain conversations with a health care provider. The term “health care provider” was purposely broadly defined to include any employee—or volunteer—of Planned Parenthood.

Additionally, “publication” was broadly defined to include print media, emails, blog posts, text messages, Facebook, and other social media. Each individual publication would be punishable by up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines. Even the liberal ACLU is opposed to the bill.

According to emails obtained by Life Legal Defense via a public records request, one of AB 1671’s biggest champions was California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who is also the Democratic Party’s preferred candidate for U.S. Senate in the upcoming general election. In California’s open primary system, the top two vote-getters—in this case, both Democrats—advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

In a press release Wednesday evening, Life Legal said the emails expose a “disturbing level of cooperation” between Harris’ office and Planned Parenthood’s lobbyists. Planned Parenthood attorney Beth Parker, who is currently representing Planned Parenthood in its RICO lawsuit against Daleiden and CMP, sent an initial draft of the legislation to Special Counsel to the Attorney General Jill Habig—who is also deputy campaign manager of Harris’ senatorial bid—in which it was described as Planned Parenthood’s “top legislative priority.”

The bill had not yet been introduced in the legislature.

Harris’ Special Counsel for Legislation Robert Sumner reached out to Planned Parenthood, offering to be “helpful where I can” with any of the abortion provider’s legislative priorities. Sumner then brought in Habig for a follow up call regarding AB 1671.

According to Life Legal, Planned Parenthood affiliates have donated tens of thousands of dollars to Harris’ campaigns, including her current Senate campaign. Meanwhile, she has been investigating Daleiden and the CMP, but has not looked into Planned Parenthood’s trafficking in fetal tissue.

“Instead of investigating the abortion industry’s trade in fetal body parts, California Attorney General Kamala Harris is using valuable taxpayer resources to protect Planned Parenthood’s financial interests by criminalizing whistleblower videos,” Life Legal Executive Director Alexandra Snyder said. “The bill she crafted—AB 1671—is a flagrant violation of First Amendment free speech rights, yet Harris is willing to ignore the Constitution in order to provide a safe harbor for Planned Parenthood’s illegal activities.”

I have been asked “the question” so many times regarding Trump or Hillary. By way of background, I have followed every national convention—Republican and Democrat—from the time I was age 9, and have attended most of the GOP Conventions from 1984 to the present. I have watched the news virtually every day from the age of 8. I have never seen anything like what we are observing.

In spite of the unprecedented nature of this election cycle, I will attempt to respond to “the question.” I am not demanding that anyone else share my view. But I was asked. Here is my best attempt to answer as I am able to see things at this time:

1. The Democratic and Republican party platforms are as different as night and day, in my opinion, as far apart as evil vs. good. The 51-page Democratic platform is the most leftist ever. (I don’t care for the “right vs. left” nomenclature. I am far more concerned with “right vs. wrong.”) The Democratic platform contains many points which are anti-biblical. (Time does not permit me here to identify what is meant by “anti-biblical,” which is covered in my new book Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today’s Tough Issues.) It is thoroughly socialistic (a socialist is a communist without a gun). The 54-page GOP platform is one of the strongest GOP platforms ever. A biblically alert person could be comfortable with almost all of it. Party platforms are a big issue to me. Although some “blow off” party platforms, I do not. Nor do many people up and down the ballot who are running for office. This is a serious and very important item. I have a hard copy of both platforms in front of me now. Most people have never checked out what the party platforms say. They should. If a person is not drawn to the “top-of-the-ballot” candidate, they ought to at least consider voting for the candidate attached to the best party platform.

2. Analogy #1: Both candidates are flawed. We all know that. But permit me an analogy: As a pastor, I would rather deal with a church attendee who is blatant and brash in his sinning than one who is devious, lying, cunning and deceptive. Both are problematic, but one is easier to deal with than the other. If I were a pastor bringing correction to a parishioner, I would prefer dealing with a “Trump-type” any day over a “Hillary-type.” The chances of making progress with the “Trump-type” are many times greater than the “Hillary-type.”

3. Analogy #2: When my (late) wife’s remarkable and much loved oncologist said, “Don’t take Carol to that alternative (non FDA approved) treatment.” I asked, “Why not?” He said, “The unknown.” I said, “Doctor, your ‘known’ is much worse than the alternative treatment’s ‘unknown.'” I took her to that alternative treatment. One year later that same oncologist went to the alternative treatment doctor to see how it was that Carol had improved so much. While this alternative treatment did not ultimately save her life, it likely stretched two to three years of life to six years of life—by the admission of another one of her brilliant young oncologists who later said, “Without any medical training or scientific fact, you have put together a protocol of treatment that has moved her into the top fraction of 1 percent of survival rates of all patients with Carol’s particular cancer. Application of the analogy: Hillary’s “known” is considerably worse—many times over—than Trump’s “unknown.”

4. Trump has lots of sins in his past (actually, we all do), and—in the present—says things he should not say. I make no attempt to defend any of the things he has said. There is no need to rehearse the wrong things he has said. We know what they are. He should not have thought or said them. But there is no need to rehash them here. So we won’t. But let’s turn to the other candidate. Although America has had some scandal-ridden candidates in its history, we have never seen any one major party candidate more constantly scandalous as Hillary (along with her husband). She seems to exceed all previous boundaries for wrongdoing. The scandals just don’t stop. In the same way we did not take time to list all of Trump’s misstatements, neither will we here rehash the seemingly continuous string of horrific scandals of the Clintons.

5. Trump is slowly being surrounded by increasingly good people. From time to time, I receive encouraging calls regarding this. Can these good people impact Trump? We will see. In contrast, I see no reason for any encouragement regarding the people who surround Hillary.

6. Trump is right on approximately 75 percent of the issues. I wish it was 100 percent. It is not. I am in hopes that those beginning to surround him can help him connect the dots on more issues. Hillary is wrong on 100 percent of the issues.

7. This next issue might be one of the most important, but I suspect few will understand its significance. Trump opposes globalism. Hillary thrives on it. Globalism is far more than “geographical” or “eliminating national borders and boundaries.” It is spiritual and demonic at its core. Few—very few—understand this. This is quite likely one of the main reasons why Trump is hated. Do your homework on this one. Think “principalities and powers.” Serious. Extremely serious.

8. Not voting is not a viable option, contrary to what the “purists” claim. It is not my intention to begin a war of the issue. I know that some radically disagree with this. My view? They have the right to be wrong.

9. Voting for a third party candidate is—regardless of what is said—a complete “throw-away.” No third party candidate will be elected, or even come remotely close to being elected. And yes, that matters to me. And for the record, the Libertarian ticket—Johnson and Weld—is nearly as bad on many issues as Hillary. When I listen to them, I am stunned people of their ability have ever made it to elective office.

10. Trump has moved pro-life. Hillary is pro-baby killing, and prides herself on that, and honors the organization—Planned Parenthood—that actually traffics human parts from dead babies whom they have killed. This is below anything we have seen since Nazi Germany. The gall of Hillary! The Clintons have evaded justice for decades and likely will continue to. But they will someday stand before the Great White Throne. They will have to give account of their support of the ripping babies to shreds in the womb. For the record, those who vote for those who support the genocide of pre-borns will also have to give an account.

11. Trump wants to defend the nation (which is the purpose of government). Hillary has a horrific track record as Secretary of State, and due to hundreds of millions of dollars given to her and her husband’s foundation, she is beholden to those who want us dead.

12. Hillary claims “everything is fine” in America. This defies every single fact, but facts have never been an interest of Hillary’s. Trump understands that it is 11:59 p.m. on the “cultural clock.” America is near the end—morally, economically, militarily and, sadly, spiritually. There are very clear identifiable indicators—measurable ones—that America is no longer the world’s leading power. That day is over. Hillary will hasten the final destruction. Trump could either slow that down—or possibly, with God’s help—reverse it. Maybe.

13. Trump will address the massive government spending. Hillary will expand it above the existing unsustainable debt the U.S. currently is carrying (almost $20 trillion plus unfunded liabilities to Social Security, etc).

14. Trump will expose—and I pray, bring down—”the systemic evil” (crony, deceitful, misuse of capitalism) that reigns among many high-dollar lobbyists. Hillary thrives because of them.

15. Trump will stop the massive overreach of government. Hillary will extend it.

16. Freedoms come in “threes.” Political freedom, economic freedom and religious liberty coexist together. Take one away and the other two will eventually disappear. One cannot exist without the other two. The genius of America is that it had all three, until recently. Trump fully grasps the loss of religious liberty. I have heard him speak on it in person on several occasions. He knows that economic and political freedoms are evaporating. He will reverse that. Hillary will decimate all three.

17. Every rational person knows the Supreme Court appointments are paramount. Trump has listed 11 superb potential nominees. Hillary’s appointments would snuff out the tiny vestige of the three freedoms that are left (mentioned in the statement above).

18. I make no excuse for wrongdoing or wrongful, hurtful words from either candidate. Candidly, I want King Jesus. He rules in my heart. And yours too, I suspect. And I want Him to rule here—now. But that day is not fully manifested—yet. In the meantime, we prayerfully, carefully navigate this challenging election season, with great concern that above all, we honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in every arena of our lives, including the voting booth. That is my hope. I believe it is yours as well. {eoa}

Editor’s Note: Dr. Garlow has written a follow-up article about President Obama’s shaky relationship with Israel. You can find that story here.

Dr. Jim Garlow is pastor of Skyline Church in the San Diego, CA area. His latest book is Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today’s Tough Issues. Pastors and Christian leaders may get Dr. Garlow’s newest book—Well Versed: Biblical Answers to Today’s Tough Issues (which outlines the scriptural issues regarding 30 political & social issues)—at a reduced rate by calling 619-660-5000 Ex 5445 or contacting [email protected]. Also see WellVersedBook.com, which features videos and study questions for each of the 31 chapters for use in small group discussions and an audio version of the book.

Do you need to lock your doors and windows at night because a homosexual predator is coming after your kids? That is absolutely not what I mean when I say that LGBT activists are coming for your children.

I’m talking about educators and government leaders. I’m talking about celebrities and judges. I’m talking about people of influence who want to indoctrinate your children even before they get to school.

I’m talking about an all-out war for the minds and hearts of your kids.

Are you equipped and ready to do what is best for these little ones?

By all means, as parents, we should teach our kids to be kind to all, especially to those who seem different and are ostracized by their peers.

And we should teach by word and example that bullying is always wrong. In other words, we don’t need to teach gay is good in order to teach that bullying is bad. In the same way, we don’t need to push every boy to be a football player and every girl to be a ballerina to combat transgender activism.

But you better believe that we need to take a stand for our kids—in the schools; in the world of entertainment and social media; in the courts; and in the churches—if we want to keep them safe from this destructive and deceptive indoctrination.

Consider that there are YouTube channels dedicated to teaching pre-school children that you can be a boy or a girl or neither or both, and also trying to teach them the meaning of words like queer.

Kids this age can barely tell the difference between fantasy and reality. They play with dolls and toys as if they were real creatures. And they have virtually no understanding of sexuality or romantic attraction. Some even think they are dogs and like to walk on all fours and bark. Yet activists want to indoctrinate them with the latest LGBT talking points. This is so wrong.

I documented years ago how groups like GLSEN were going after elementary school children with “Terminology Game Cards” that quizzed students and teachers on terms like Biological Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Role, Transgender, Gender Expression, Sexual Orientation, Heterosexism, Transphobia, Asexual, Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transsexual, Intersexual, Androgyny, Cross Dresser, Genderqueer, Gender Non-Conforming, Queer, LGBTQ, Sexual Reassignment Surgery, D/L (Down Low), MSM (Men Who Have Sex with Men).

And the average mom and dad probably have no clue that their little 7-year-old daughter just learned to distinguish between Genderqueer and Gender Non-Conforming in school today.

This is absolute madness.

Of course, I understand what motivates the activists and educators.

They want to teach “tolerance” and they want a child who does not appear to be “gender conforming” to realize that their insides might not be in harmony with their outsides.

But that doesn’t make what they’re doing right, nor does it make it helpful. And the best motivation in the world cannot change falsehood into truth.

That being said, it is clear that LGBT activists and their allies have had ample motivation to change the thinking of Americans, beginning with our children, and already in 1995, lesbian author Patricia Nell Warren stated, “Whoever captures the kids owns the future” (published in The Advocate, October 3, 1995, p. 80, in the article “Future Shock”).

How sad that these activists have been far more visionary than many of us who identify as conservative Christians and who claim to care about future generations.

Frankly, I don’t doubt that we care; I do doubt that we have been on the alert.

It is becoming increasingly common for women who partially transitioned to men to give birth to their children and even nurse them—this was graphically illustrated in one of the most disturbing images I have ever seen—while a recent headline stated, “Is this the world’s most modern family? Man who used to be a woman gives birth to a baby by woman who used to be a man.”

What effect will this have on the children? How will the child feel as it grows up and marries and has children yet knows that its “father” is actually its mother?

In keeping with this confusion, the hit ABC show Modern Family has now added a transgender child actor to its cast.

How fitting—and ironic—that Modern Family will now feature an 8-year-old boy who is actually a girl. And your kids are taking all this in.

Over in Norway, “A proposed bill in the Norwegian Parliament would allow people to change their legal gender online within a matter of minutes.”

And the word “people” includes children as young as 6-years-old. Yes, a child that young would have the ability to make a decision officially changing their legal gender.

How can this be?

Incredibly, “The bill is expected to pass with few objections when it goes to a vote this summer. Norwegians would just have to go online and simply ‘tick a box’ to change their legal gender.”

Back here in the States, the Obama administration is ready to punish schools that will not force a 15-year-old girl to share a locker room and shower with a 15-year-old boy who identifies as a girl. This is why I say that LGBT activists and their allies are coming after your children.

Perhaps we can learn from the people of Mexico who recently rallied in more than 130 cities and drew crowds of over 200,000 in Mexico City alone, as they stood against redefining marriage and family in their country.

And we can do this without hating anyone. In fact, love requires us to act. Our children’s future is at stake.

One of the greatest needs in the body of Christ is to release the spirit of sonship (Rom. 8:15). Since both the nation of Israel and the church were modeled after the biblical family structure, its leaders were supposed to function more as spiritual parents than corporate executives.

The apostle Paul said that we only have few fathers even though we have numerous teachers (1 Cor. 4). Those who have not been properly “fathered” in the natural can tend to walk with an “orphan spirit.” Unfortunately, many leaders in the church and marketplace still function emotionally with an orphan spirit even though they have been adopted as sons into the family of God. Leaders with orphan spirits are limited in their capacity to make disciples and maximize their kingdom purpose. I write this article to shed light on this vital subject so leaders can become more self-aware and go to the Lord and others to be healed.

10 Traits of Orphan-Spirit Leaders:

1. They are hyper-sensitive.

Those with an orphan spirit walk around with a spirit of rejection. Hence, they are hyper-sensitive and have an unconscious assumption that people are against them. Consequently, they are easily offended and overreact to minor infractions and or experience continual misunderstandings when inter-facing with others.

2. They don’t know how to be a spiritual parent.

Pastors and all mature leaders in the body of Christ should first and foremost function as spiritual fathers that can nurture younger believers (1 John 2:12-14). When new people come into the church, they intuitively yearn for spiritual parents who will care for them. Many people are hurt because there is no opportunity presented to them in the church for personal nurture and development. First and foremost, the body of Christ needs their leaders to function as spiritual parents, secondarily preachers and leaders.

3. They are always in competition with other leaders.

Those with an orphan spirit have never been affirmed by a father. Thus, they are always striving to prove themselves to others. Consequently, in their striving, they find themselves in competition with other gifted leaders (including peers not within their organization).

4. They are driven by a search for significance.

Due to the lack of affirmation from a father growing up, those with an orphan spirit are constantly striving to succeed. Hence, they rarely rest but are on a quest to elevate themselves among others so they can feel good about themselves. Orphan spirit leaders are driven more by personal ambition than by the Holy Spirit. Hence, it can leave much destruction in their wake as their ambition rather than the Holy Spirit is motivating and directing their work.

5. They don’t know how to emotionally connect.

Orphan-spirit leaders may be very capable at dispensing tasks out to their followers but may by handicapped when it comes to emotional intelligence. Affirmed sons are better able to connect emotionally with other people since they have already experienced (and developed) an intimate relationship with both their heavenly and spiritual father.

6. They do not feel good about themselves.

I have observed that even highly accomplished leaders may have low self-esteem. They desperately try to compensate for this self-disdain by their achievements. Some of the most successful people I have ever met were laden with self-hatred. All this is hidden behind looking good physically with a great public persona, but the self-hatred comes out in one or more of the traits mentioned in this article.

7. They do not know how to treat others.

Leaders with an orphan spirit often mistreat and or abuse those under their leadership. This comes out sometimes because of the deep subconscious resentment and anger (from being abandoned by their father) embedded in their souls.

8. They do not interpret reality correctly.

I have found that those who carry an orphan spirit interpret everything through the lenses of their abandonment, rejection and disappointment. Consequently, they interpret reality differently than other people which causes others they hurt to think these leaders are either liars or delusional.

9. They objectify people to obtain their goals.

Leaders with an orphan spirit often use people for their own agenda rather than viewing their leadership assignment as a way to love and empower others.

10. They are always looking for approval and recognition.

Those with an orphan spirit have a huge void in their heart that only God can fill. Until and or unless they allow the Lord to heal their woundedness, they will live life seeking the approval of others. Their pain is so great they look for temporary (superficial) relief by getting people to notice them so they can receive their accolades.

11. They do not know how to submit to spiritual authority.

Those with an orphan spirit have a very difficult time understanding how to be a son to another father. Hence, they have a difficult time trusting anyone enough to receive correction and truly submit to authority and spiritual leadership. I have found that most “lone rangers” are really people with an orphan spirit.

12. They have a difficult time with their own family.

Those with an orphan spirit are so driven they often do not keep boundaries. Consequently, they do not know how to relax and spend quality time with their family. Work and accomplishment are always at the center of their life. Also, because they have never been fathered, they do not understand how to be a parent and emotionally connect to their biological and spiritual children. These two issues cause great friction between spouses as well as the alienation of children.

13. They have a difficult time relating to God as their Father.

Those with an orphan spirit either view God as a harsh taskmaster or as a distant father who cannot be fully trusted. This is because when they were growing up, they experienced abandonment from an authority figure and they transferred this view into their relationship with God. They need to have a spiritual experience with God that permeates their souls and revolutionizes their view of Father God. Also, they need spiritual fathers in their lives who will represent God to them and restore their souls.

In conclusion, nobody has been fully healed emotionally this side of heaven. Every leader (including me) has deep emotional issues and needs continual transformation by God. Hence, there are no perfect marriages, children and leaders—and no perfect churches or organizations.

May the Lord use teachings like this to open our eyes, help us be self-aware and look for Him to bring people, situations and His word to conform our heart, mind and soul into the image of Jesus, the only perfect Son of the Father.

According to a new report Thursday morning, President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary, the Democratic presidential nominee, took tax deductions for computer maintenance expenses that match up closely with payments they made to her personal email server technician, Bryan Pagliano.

Chuck Ross of The Daily Caller reports that in FBI interview notes released during the “document dump” last Friday, Pagliano received payments of $5,000 and $8,350.83 from the Clintons for work and expenses related to maintenance on the server in 2009 and 2011. Their tax filings show they deducted “similar amounts” from President Clinton’s income from speeches in those same years.

Ross also noted the Clintons took additional deductions for equipment depreciation in 2011, and at other times that correlate with known changes to the server from the FBI’s timeline. This is all relevant because those deductions can only be taken for equipment used for in-home business expenses—destroying Hillary Clinton’s assertion that her private server was only for “personal emails.”

Ross explains:

The similarities in the deductions and server payments are not definitive proof that the Clintons wrote off the money they paid to Pagliano. But none of the available evidence rules it out.

Notably, the tax deductions are larger than the payments to Pagliano. If the inverse was true—if the tax deductions were smaller than the payments to Pagliano—that would suggest that the deductions were for something other than the payments to the technician. The Clintons and Pagliano could help settle the matter, but they did not respond to requests for comment.

The IRS does not allow taxpayers to deduct personal expenses, and Clinton treated the private email server as a personal device. She declined to tell the State Department she used it, and she kept it at her home in Chappaqua, N.Y.

When my granddaughter Sophia was born, something fierce awoke in me. For years as a female minister I’ve heard various church leaders saying things like, “Women are unfit to lead. They are easily deceived. They are gullible.” These kinds of words have limited the woman’s vital role in the church.

There was a time when I let these shaming words define and disqualify me. Though at times I had been unfit, I didn’t realize Jesus made me fit. He does not call the qualified but rather qualifies the called.

The church cannot step into all that God has for her without the involvement of women. As Pope Francis famously said, “The church cannot be herself without woman and her role.” Women are an essential part of God’s plan to expand His kingdom.

I would be angry if someone spoke limiting words over my granddaughter. When I look at her, I see nothing but God-ordained destiny. She is a daughter of promise. I want her to know that she isn’t a second-class citizen in God’s kingdom, but that she plays an irreplaceable role in the story He is orchestrating.

We all want something more for our daughters and those who come after us. To make that possible, we need to first let God enlarge our worlds. Don’t be content with crumbs when the King has invited you to take a seat at His table.

What words have been spoken over you that shame and limit you, causing you to shrink back and play a smaller role? I encourage you to lay them at the foot of the cross and exchange them for what He says about you—words of promise and purpose. You are a daughter commissioned by your King into a calling beyond compare.

Lisa Bevere is an international speaker, best-selling author, and co-founder of Messenger International. In her transparent style, Lisa shares God’s Word woven with personal experiences to empower lives with freedom and transformation. Her heart breaks over social injustice. As an advocate for change, she rallies others to be an answer to desperate problems near and far. Lisa begins her days with mochas and ends them laughing around the dinner table. Lisa lives in Colorado Springs with the love of her life, author and speaker John Bevere, and their family.

In Acts 16:16, Paul and his team encountered a young woman who prophesied to them through what Luke calls a “spirit of divination.” However, the Greek word from which “divination” is translated is python.

“Python” was a word associated with prophecy among the ancient Greeks and Romans. Because it was so well-known in the ancient Greco-Roman world, the original readers of Acts would have made an immediate association when they read the words “spirit of python.” Here is how they would have understood it.

Prophecy Among Ancient Greeks and Romans

Prophecy was common among the ancient Greeks and Romans. One historian said that the consultation of prophetic oracles was probably the most universal cult practice in the Greco-Roman world.

“Oracle” was a word used by the ancients for a message from the gods, i.e., a prophecy. Many regions had their own divinely inspired prophets or prophetesses who gave their oracles (prophecies) to a constant stream of seekers.

Prophecy was also common in the ancient pagan and mystery religions. This is borne out by the Roman historian, Livy (59 B.C. – 17 A.D.), who describes followers of the pagan deity, Bacchus, who “as if insane, with fanatical tossing of their bodies, would utter prophecies,” and also describes devotees of the goddess Cybele as “prophesying in their frenzied chants.”

That prophecy and the supernatural were so common in the ancient world is why there are so many admonitions in the New Testament to not be deceived; and is why Paul, every time he mentions prophecy, includes an admonition to judge, test and prove the genuineness of prophecy.

The Oracle at Delphi

The most famous ancient oracle (prophetic center) was at the city of Delphi in Greece and was known as the “Oracle at Delphi.” According to legend, the Greek god, Apollo, had slain a large female serpent—a python—at that site and the spirit of the python had remained. According to the legend, it now possessed the prophets and prophetesses who functioned there, “taking possession of their organs of speech moving and compelling them to give prophetic utterances.”

This was commonly known as the “pythian spirit” or the “spirit of python.” At the height of its popularity, the prophetic oracle at Delphi maintained three priestesses/prophetesses who offered advice and counsel through the pythian spirit to a continual stream of visitors including generals and government officials. This is the association the first readers of Acts would have made to Luke’s mention of a “spirit of python.”

One characteristic of the Oracle at Delphi—and all pagan prophecy—is that it was self-induced. Preceding their prophetic functions, the priestesses would go through ritual baths, sprinklings and animal sacrifices leading to a hyped and frenzied prophetic state.

One ancient drawing pictured the prophetess in a disheveled, frenzied state as she gave forth her oracle. Other pagan religions used music, dance, contortions and sex orgies to work themselves into a prophetic frenzy. Do we charismatics have our own rituals by which we work ourselves into a “prophetic” state?

How We Open Ourselves to a Spirit of Python

In contrast, New Testament prophecy is not self-induced; it does not come forth at the initiative of the person prophesying. Paul is very clear in 1 Cor. 12:11 that the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy, are given as He [the Holy Spirit] wills.

Although we can learn about how prophecy and how Spiritual gifts function, it is dangerous to think that we can learn “how to” prophesy of our own initiative.

This is, perhaps, why Paul allowed this situation to go on for “many days” before dealing with it and casting out the spirit. He did not have a “how to” list for dealing with such situations but was dependent on the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

I am convinced that when we begin to push ourselves into prophesying out of our own hearts, apart from the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to false spirits such as the spirit of python that possessed this young woman in Philippi.

Characteristics of a False Prophetic Spirit

Luke uses “spirit of python” in regards to this slave girl probably because the spirit operating in her was like the one at Delphi. There is, of course, the possibility that she had actually been to Delphi and that is where she picked up this false spirit.

It is important to note that what she said was true. Satan and demons have some knowledge and will reveal their “secrets” in order to impress and draw people into their destructive web. Only our God, however, is omniscient, i.e., all knowing.

Here are some of the traits of a false prophetic spirit that are obvious in this narrative.

1. It loves to flatter.

The prophecy of this young woman was not given to encourage or affirm, but to flatter. We all need to give and receive affirmation and encouragement, but flattery is insincere and self-serving.

So many today, including leaders, are so starved for affirmation and approval that they are vulnerable to the flattery of a deceiving, python spirit. We must be so settled in God’s acceptance and approval that we are no longer susceptible to the flattery of a false prophetic spirit. Beware of those who use prophecy to flatter and, thereby, gain advantage.

2. It loves to be seen and heard.

This is indicated by the fact that she kept putting herself at the center of attention with her continual prophesying day after day. Scripture is very clear that the Holy Spirit is in the Earth to draw attention to Jesus. Jesus Himself said of the Holy Spirit in John 16:14, “He will glorify Me, for He will receive from Me and will declare it to you.”

Revelation 19:10b says, “Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Beware of those who use prophecy to thrust themselves into the limelight.

3. It wants to be important.

This is indicated by the fact that she directed her prophecies to the leaders of this new movement. Beware of those who use prophecy to gain status with pastors and leaders.

4. There is often a monetary motive involved.

This young slave girl was raking in a lot of money for her masters. I am afraid this same motive is at work in the church today in both overt and subtle ways.

For overt examples, you can go to the internet and find those who will send a personal prophecy in return for a donation. These are not psychics but those who claim to be Christian prophets. Such prophecies are not worth the paper they are printed on.

I recall observing a subtle expression of a monetary motive in a man who probably had a genuine gift of prophecy. After preaching he expressed his desire to pray for everyone who would bring a certain offering for his ministry to the front.

As he prayed and then prophesied over each one, I saw women looking in their purses to see if they had enough money to go forward and get a “word.” I believe this man was opening himself to a false spirit—a spirit of python—by his devious actions.

Taking A Stand for Truth

Many ministries today would probably have put this young woman on their prophetic team, for what she prophesied was positive and flattering. Discernment is lacking because, in this post-modern world, the lines between true and false are being blurred and even erased.

Some in the charismatic movement are tapping into New Age writings with the excuse that “all truth is God’s truth.” If this had been Paul’s approach he would never have confronted the python spirit and cast it out, for what was being said was true.

Taking a stand for truth is not always the most popular thing to do. Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten and thrown in jail because they distinguished between the true and the false and cast out the false prophetic spirit.

Because they refused to compromise, God sent an earthquake, physically and spiritually, and turned the situation completely around. God is looking for people who will stand for truth in this hour. As Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you remain in My word, then you are truly My disciples. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

 {eoa}

This article was derived from Eddie Hyatt’s latest book, Paul, Women and Church, available now from Amazon in the Kindle format and soon to be available in paperback. To learn more about his vision for another Great Awakening in America and around the world, visit his website at www.eddiehyatt.com.

Usually, judges are the ones handing out verdicts, not waiting on them.

But for the second time in his career, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore is waiting to find out if he will be removed from office by the Alabama Court of the Judiciary. The decision is expected within the next 10 days.

Moore testified Wednesday in the Alabama Supreme Court in response to charges filed against him by the Judicial Inquiry Commission following a series of complaints made by the liberal Southern Poverty Law Center. They alleged he abused his authority and urged subordinate probate judges to ignore the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that required all states to recognize same-sex “marriage.”

He was represented by Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Stever, as well as Liberty Counsel attorney Horatio Mihet, and Phillip Jauregui of the Judicial Action Group. Liberty Counsel put out a press release shortly after leaving the Alabama Judicial Building Wednesday afternoon:

The Chief Justice’s testimony was uncontroverted and very clear. The JIC had a short, and frankly weak, cross-examination. The JIC presented no live testimony. The JIC presented closing arguments for about 45 minutes.

Mat Staver presented closing arguments on behalf of Chief Justice Moore for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Then the JIC presented a short rebuttal argument. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Court of Judiciary adjourned stating the court will make a decision within 10 days.

“We felt our evidence was legally and factually unassailable and clearly showed that the JIC’s charges are baseless,” said Mat Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “The Chief Justice did an excellent job of testifying in the very court where he should be presiding,” said Staver. “The JIC has too much power to file charges that have the effect of automatically removing a judge. This system turns ‘innocent until proven guilty’ on its head. After the JIC made a bogus statement of the law, we had to rebut the JIC with a unanimous 2013 U.S. Supreme Court case directly opposite of what the JIC argued.  And yet, no matter how wrong the JIC may be in any given charge against a judge, that judge is automatically removed. This system must be changed,” concluded Staver.

If Moore is removed from office, it will be the second time in nearly 14 years. He was removed from office in 2003 over his refusal to remove a Ten Commandments monument after an order from a federal judge. Alabamans, however, returned him to his original job as Chief Justice in 2012.

News this week emerged of Katy Perry stripping naked in front of the video-viewing world for what she undoubtedly sees as a good cause—getting the vote out for Hillary Clinton.

The 31-year-old Perry pulled this unsavory stunt in honor of Voter Registration Day. As the scandalous clip rolls, the gospel-turned-raunchy pop singer emerges in American flag-clad pajamas and lollipops stuck in her hair.

“I’ve got some great news. This year, you can look like [expletive] when you vote. Yep, I’ve briefly scanned the Constitution, and nowhere does it say you can’t just roll out of bed and come to the polls in whatever state you woke up in. In the name of democracy, any ‘just out of bed’ look is A-OK.”

JOIN JENNIFER ON FACEBOOK FOR SPIRITUAL COMMENTARY AND ENCOURAGEMENT. CLICK HERE.

Here’s the unrighteous rub: Perry apparently sleeps nude. In the video skit, she plays off this reality by showing up to the polls and disrobing as she prepares to cast her ballot. But her perverse plans are foiled as two cops arrest her and carry her off to the backseat of a police car.

“Scratch that. Gotta wear clothes,” Perry says. “My bad! See you at the polls November 8!”

This may seem funny to many onlookers, but it’s a sad testimony of a woman who used to sing to the glory of Jesus. Perry, whose given name is Katheryn Hudson, was raised in a Pentecostal home as the middle child of two traveling ministers. But she has strayed away from the way her parents taught her to go.

This is not the first time she’s chosen ungodly paths. Perry actually empowered the gay agenda with her smash hit, “I Kissed a Girl.” Now she’s stumping for pro-abortion Hillary. I know this grieves her parents, who have in the past cried out for the body of Christ to pray for her and not judge her.

I’m praying for Katy.

My prayer is that Katy, and other prodigals like her who are caught in the glare of the celebrity spotlight, will return to her Father’s embrace. God is just waiting with open arms for her to come running over the hill. Let’s pray she finds her way home in her American flag-clad pajamas and uses her influence to advance the gospel instead of perversion.

With over 36 years of service in the U.S. Army, I feel that I understand more than most how critical national security is to the future of America and to my own posterity.

Today, our military is the most experienced military in the history of this nation, having been at war now for 15 consecutive years. Our troops are combat-hardened and mature beyond their years as a result of their responsibilities as leaders under the most difficult circumstances that anyone can face, which is responsibility for the lives of others.

At the same time, our military is being devastated by the administration of Barack Obama and our military readiness is at the lowest point that I have seen since the end of the Vietnam conflict. Budget cuts have devastated military readiness with units now cannibalizing equipment to keep airplanes flying and tanks running.

Morale is lower than I have ever seen it due to the social experiments and the assault on religious liberty. Good people are leaving and quality young men and women are discouraged from entering the services as they see what our armed forces have become and how they would be treated.

For these reasons, I have very grave concerns about Hillary Clinton as the next commander in chief. She has helped create this current crisis and will make it even worse as president.

Remember that she left people to die in Benghazi, which is inexcusable. Furthermore, she compromised national security with her blatant disregard for classified materials rules and regulations that were designed to protect the nation by denying the enemy a knowledge of America’s secrets.

Hillary will complete the Obama agenda of the complete destruction of America’s armed forces by continuing and even accelerating the pace of the destructive policies of President Barack Obama. Consequently, my grandchildren will have a dubious future and America’s enemies will grow in strength and boldness while Mrs. Clinton panders to her socialist allies who would love nothing more than to see this nation become a third-rate military power.

Think it can’t happen? Well, we are headed there rapidly right now. {eoa}

Lt. Gen. William G. “Jerry” Boykin (ret.) was the United States deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence under President George W. Bush. During his 36-year career in the military, he spent 13 years in the Delta Force, including two years as its commander. He is currently executive vice president at the Family Research Council and teaches at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. The views expressed are his own, author’s titles and affiliations are for identification purposes only.