Many were surprised when the well-known former Muslim turned atheist Ayaan Hirsi Ali recently announced that she has become a Christian. I was not surprised for I have prayed for that very thing. I also wrote about her, without mentioning her name, in the foreword of Susan Hyatt’s latest book, “In the Spirit We’re Equal, second edition.” Ali ties her decision to become a Christian with her concern about the decline of Western civilization.

Only a Judeo-Christian Worldview Can Produce a Free and Civil Society

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently described the war with Hamas as a war between “good and evil” and between “civilization and barbarism.” I agree with him but with a very important clarification. A just war may protect a good and civil society from a barbaric attack, but war can never produce a good and civil society. Such a society will only emerge from the moral commitment and worldview of its inhabitants.

This is the insight that led to Ayaan’s conversion. The civilization of the West has produced the safest and freest societies in human history, and this has been the direct result of the teachings of the Bible, especially those of Jesus. The noted Yale University historian Jaroslav Pelikan has said, “Regardless of what anyone may personally think or believe about Him, Jesus of Nazareth has been the dominant figure in the history of Western culture for almost twenty centuries.”

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The Morals of Jesus Urged by America’s Founders

America’s founders urged the populace of the new nation to make Jesus their role model for life. In a 1783 letter to the governors of the various states, George Washington exhorted them to make Jesus their pattern for civility and morality, saying, “Without a humble imitation of His example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.” Thomas Jefferson agreed with Washington, and wrote, “Of all the systems of morality that have come under my observations, none appear to me so pure as that of Jesus.”

It was a moral system based on the Bible, and particularly the teachings of Jesus, that provided the moral basis for ending slavery in America and the Western world. This occurred at a time when slavery was accepted and practiced in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and most of the world. The distinguished historians, Elizabeth Fox-Genovese and Eugene Genovese, wrote,

“Europeans [and Americans] did not outdo others in enslaving others or treating slaves viciously. They outdid others by creating a Christian civilization that eventually stirred moral condemnation of slavery and roused mass movements against it.”

The brilliant Black scholar Dr. Thomas Sowell has also written about the unique contribution of Western civilization in ending slavery. He wrote, “Slavery was just not an issue, not even among intellectuals, much less among political leaders, until the 18th century–and then it was an issue only in Western civilization.” In my book, “1726,” I have documented how this movement against slavery was ignited by the Great Awakening that swept Colonial America in the early 18th century.

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Ayaan Sees Christianity as the Only Hope for Western Civilization

Ayaan became a Christian because she came to the realization that only Christianity embodies the moral truths and philosophical structure that can save the freedoms that Western civilization gave to the world. She points out that cherished Western freedoms of speech, of the press and of conscience all have their roots in Christianity. She also sees these freedoms being undermined and threatened by woke ideology, Islamism and authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia. She writes,

We endeavor to fend off these threats with modern, secular tools: military, economic, diplomatic and technological efforts to defeat, bribe, persuade, appease or surveil. But we can’t fight off these formidable forces unless we can answer the question: What is it that unites us? The only credible answer, I believe, lies in our desire to uphold the legacy of the Judeo-Christian tradition: Christianity has it all.

Yet I would not be truthful if I attributed my embrace of Christianity solely to the realization that atheism is too weak and divisive a doctrine to fortify us against our menacing foes. I have also turned to Christianity because I ultimately found life without any spiritual solace unendurable—indeed, nearly self-destructive. Atheism failed to answer a simple question: What is the meaning and purpose of life?

Only a Christian Awakening Will Preserve Our Freedoms

When we as evangelical Christians talk about praying for revival or a Great Awakening, we must realize what is at stake. It is not just the success of our individual churches or personal ministries that are at stake. Western civilization itself is at stake. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of conscience to worship as one chooses are all byproducts of Western civilization, and only a true “Christian Awakening” will preserve these freedoms for the next generation. {eoa}

Dr. Eddie L. Hyatt is a Bible teacher, church historian and ordained minister. This article was derived from his books, “1726: The Year that Defined America” and “America’s Revival Heritage,” 2nd edition, both available from Amazon and his website at .

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The book of Acts records that, after the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to the apostles “over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3c, NIV). This was in addition to the three-plus years they had spent with Him before His crucifixion, sitting at His feet and drinking in His words. Now it was time for Him to leave this earth, so the apostles asked Him in verse 6, “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” is seemed like a perfectly legitimate question.

After all, He had been speaking with them for more than 40 days “about the kingdom of God.”

He had already spoken to them about His future coming to Jerusalem (see Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21).

And He even said this to them on one occasion: “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19:28).

They were now asking Him, “Will this happen now that You’re ascending to heaven? Will all Your promises to Israel and Your purposes for the world be fulfilled in the coming days?”

According to John Calvin, the famed theologian and commentator, they could not have been more wrong.

He wrote, “He showeth that the apostles were gathered together when as this question was moved, that we may know that it came not of the foolishness of one or two that it was moved, but it was moved by the common consent of them all; but marvelous is their rudeness, that when as they had been diligently instructed by the space of three whole years, they betray no less ignorance than if they had heard never a word. There are as many errors in this question as words.”

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That is a strong rebuke, especially in light of the fact that they had just spent 40 days with the resurrected Lord talking about some of these very things. Were they really that far off?

Calvin continued, “They ask Him as concerning a kingdom; but they dream of an earthly kingdom, which should flow with riches, with dainties, with external peace and with such like good things; and while they assign the present time to the restoring of the same. They desire to triumph before the battle; for before such time as they begin to work they will have their wages. They are also greatly deceived herein, in that they restrain Christ’s kingdom unto the carnal Israel, which was to be spread abroad, even unto the uttermost parts of the world.”

Their error, then, according to Calvin, was failing to see that Christ’s kingdom would extend far beyond the borders of Israel. This, of course, was true, but it was part of the Messianic vision in Jewish teaching as well, namely, that with the coming of the Messiah to Israel, redemption would come to the nations (see Isa. 2:1-4 for one example).

Calvin also claims that they misunderstood the timing of God’s plan, which was certainly a fair criticism. Yet it is a mistake of which many prophets throughout the ages have been guilty (see 1 Pet. 1:10-12).

In no way did the apostles deserve Calvin’s stern rebuke, namely, “They declared thereby what bad scholars they were under so good a master.”

That’s why Jesus didn’t rebuke their question, as if it were fundamentally flawed. He simply told them that this was not to be their focus at that time: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7–8).

In other words, that’s a great question, but that’s for the Father to know. You concentrate on bearing witness to the Messiah’s death and resurrection, starting in Jerusalem and going to the ends of the world.

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As noted by the late Messianic Jewish scholar David Stern in his “Jewish New Testament Commentary,” “Yeshua’s answer to His disciples’ question as to whether He will now restore self-rule to Israel is, ‘You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under His own authority.’ [emphasis added] From this we learn, contrary to the teaching of Replacement Theology, that the kingdom certainly will be restored to Israel. The only question is when, and that is not presently ours to know. ‘The secret things belong to Adonai [the Lord] our God’ (Deut. 29:28(29)).”

As to the term “replacement theology,” Stern commented:

There is an ancient, widespread and pernicious Christian teaching that the Church is the “New” or “Spiritual” Israel, having replaced the Jews as God’s people. In this view—known variously as Replacement theology, Covenant theology, Kingdom Now theology, Dominionism, Reconstructionism and (in England) Restorationism—God’s promises to Israel were nullified when “the Jews” refused to accept Jesus (never mind that all the first believers were Jews). This false theology, impugning the character of God by suggesting that he will welch on his promises, has provided apparent justification for many antisemitic acts in the Church. It also lies behind most Christian protestations that the present-day regathering of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel is without theological or biblical significance.

More recently, terms like “fulfillment theology” or “expansion theology” have been used, with many Christian leaders finding the term “replacement theology” to be both misleading (in terms of their own beliefs) and negative (in light of historic Christian antisemitism).

Either way, however, the end result is the same: Promises that were previously given to national Israel no longer apply to the Jewish people. We are told, instead, that they have been fulfilled in Christ or expanded to include all believers.

And while there are beautiful, Jesus-exalting truths intermingled within various forms of replacement theology, the end result of all these theological expressions is the same.

Consequently, it is no surprise that the Christians today who tend to be the most critical of the state of Israel are those who hold to one form or another of replacement theology. Conversely, it is those Christians who recognize that the same God who scattered Israel is also in the process of regathering to the land His ancient people who recognize the degree to which Satan himself is trying to wipe them out.

We can preach Jesus as the only way to salvation for Jew and Gentile alike (as I do).

We can emphasize that, in Jesus, we are all equals, without class system or caste system (this is true).

And we can call for justice and equity for both the Israelis and their Palestinian neighbors (as we should).

But let us not do it at the expense of God’s covenantal promises to Israel.

As Paul wrote, “As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:28–29).

Let all of God’s people say, “Amen!” {eoa}

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Dr. Michael Brown () is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Revival Or We Die: A Great Awakening Is Our Only Hope. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter, or YouTube.

In an exclusive beyond the article interview with Charisma magazine, pastor Todd Coconato shared how God miraculously showed him through an angelic encounter why consecration is vital to the life of a believer.

“It’s kind of like in the Bible where every time pretty much where somebody saw an angel they got paralyzed with fear so I felt like that at first,” Coconato said of his angelic encounter that God used to tell him the message he has for the church today. “[The angel] basically said two things: ‘Come out from among them and be consecrated.’ And it shook me to the core and then as quick as it came it was gone.”

As Coconato pondered on what this meant, he saw that God wasn’t only sending him a message for his own personal life, but for the church at large. He pointed out that one of the main issues with ministries today is thinking that there is a place of arrival, believing that you have it made. Instead, it is key for Christians to be teachable, responsible and focused on the person of the Holy Spirit.

“We need to be teachable, we need to have mentors, we need to have elders, but we also need to hear from the Holy Spirit that’s the most important take advice. It’s good to be teachable and to be under the leadership of elders and mentors but we also need to hear from the Lord and know what the Scripture says,” Coconato said.

Without conviction, the following of the Holy Spirit and time spent in the Word of God, many modern churches today have instead receded to what Coconato considers a “microwave church” of seeking out instant faith and actions.

“I don’t believe in prophecy on demand,” Coconato said. “I’m not going to make up a word and get into my flesh just because somebody wants that. That’s prophecy on because we’re in a microwave church era you know where people want—everything in our society we can get real fast. You know you order things online, they come in a couple of days, some overnight, you go to a drive thru, you get a meal, I mean you know everything is very fast and that’s happened in the church now. It’s microwave Christianity where we want everything right now.”

One of the problems with demanding to have prophetic words when you want is that it no longer respects the person of the Holy Spirit. Instead, it treats the omnipotent, omnipresent God, the creator of heaven and earth as nothing more than a vending machine to gain what one would like.

“And so people have now gone to a lot of these folks, it’s almost like how they go to a psychic or a medium, and this is where we have to be extremely careful. They have to get a word for today; let me go to their website, and this is where I don’t believe that it’s all from God. I believe some of it could be from God, yeah, but this is where we have to have discernment. So the best thing that a Christian can do is just know the word, be in prayer, you know, hear from the Holy Spirit,” Coconato said.

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For God’s anointing to overflow on His church, Christians must not only heed these warnings about becoming more hungry for the prophetic than for Jesus, but Coconato says that discipleship is also key for believers to consecrate themselves and grow in their faith.

“There’s not a lot of discipleship happening right now,” Coconato said. “There’s two reasons. One: people don’t want to be discipled, and two, people don’t want to disciple.”

While discipleship may be lacking in the church currently, Coconato says this is pivotal for the strength of believers’ faith, for tearing down pride, so that we may be more like Christ.

“We’ve walked away from discipleship and mentorship, and this once again has to be a major priority in the church,” Coconato said.

God is not looking for us to stay trapped in the bondages of this world. Instead, He’s looking for humble and committed hearts to seek Him and live for Him. To protect the anointing and to use it for the purposes God has intended it to be used for, we must place Him first before all other things. {eoa}

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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories on :

LeCrae Shares Testimony of Deconstruction to Find Greater Faith in Christ

In a newly released video, Christian rapper and music artist Lecrae shared his powerful testimony of deconstruction and how he ultimately found his way to a greater and more in-depth relationship with Jesus.

After struggling with the sentiments of evangelicalism during varying cultural events, Lecrae realized that some topics are more politically-charged and polarizing than what he believes should be. He also began to notice that religiosity is, in many ways, a bigger stronghold over the Christian community than actual fear or desire for the Lord. Instead, he warns that many times what people are after instead is a production.

“We see people showing up on Sunday to come to a play or a Broadway presentation,” Lecrae said. “They’re disconnected from one another. There’s not really genuine fellowship; you don’t know if you’ll see the same people from week-to-week.”

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Christ the Redeemer Illuminated for Taylor Swift’s Tour Raises Questions

The recent illumination of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate Taylor Swift’s tour has ignited discussions about the appropriateness of using a symbol of Jesus Christ for secular purposes.

While the initiative aimed to bring joy to fans and coincide with the World Day of the Poor (by collecting donations of food and water for the needy), it raises questions about the alignment of such practices with biblical teachings on the sanctity and holiness of God.

One key consideration is the nature of Taylor Swift’s music, which has been known to incorporate new age and occult themes in her music videos. The Bible warns against participating in practices contrary to God’s holiness and calls believers to focus on what is pure, lovely and praiseworthy (see Phil. 4:8). Using a statue of Jesus Christ to celebrate an artist known for such themes raises concerns about whether it honors the Lord who sacrificed His life for mankind’s sins.

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What Hurts the Most While Watching America Fall Apart

The state of our nation today reminds me of “The Twilight Zone” reruns that I watched as a young boy. They were always very eerie and unsettling.

This Is Fact Not Fiction

For those unfamiliar with “The Twilight Zone,” it was a science fiction horror series that ended in 1964. Each episode began with an introduction from host Rod Serling telling the viewer they were entering “the Twilight Zone”, and featured a story where the actors experience very disturbing or unusual events, sometimes scary, sometimes comical.

But for us today, this is no TV series—many disturbing events we hear of in the news and in our communities are real. For example: {eoa}

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In a recent Rolling Stone article, Pastor Jim Garlow and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson were brought to attention for speaking about the need of prayer and ignition to renew America’s spiritual condition. While the media could not fathom the actual spiritual implications of the growing culture around us, Garlow and Johnson were brave enough to actually discuss what the ongoing issues are from a Christian perspective.

Johnson questioned whether or not the Lord would allow America to continue on its current pathway without judgment.

“The only question is: Is God going to allow our nation to enter a time of judgment for our collective sins?…or is He going to give us one more chance to restore the foundations, return to Him? This is going to be a shaking that might help answer that question.”

While this sentiment that America could actually deserve punishment perplexed the media, Johnson’s statement went further with a hope-filled message.
“Look, I believe God is about to do something,” Johnson said. “I’m an optimist…I believe that there’s a remnant of faithful people and He’ll guide us through; I don’t think God is done with America yet.”

Johnson and Garlow’s conversation took place prior to Johnson’s nomination as Speaker of the House. In this conversation, whether Johnson knew it or not, he foreshadowed his own nomination.

“I can’t think of any one figure who could unify this small group,” Johnson said. “The time is so perilous you could not bring someone in who’s not, pardon the pun, well-versed in the rules of the House and where we are in policy and everything else. So, it almost has to be somebody within the body, and we’ll see who the Lord allows or raises up or appoints for the time of judgment. Here we go.”

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Since then we’ve seen that God has appointed none other than Johnson himself to be the person in that position. And even more, is it possible that we knew this was coming?

In September, Kent Christmas gave a prophecy about a shaking that God would bring through the end of the year in Congress. Part of this shake-up would include a “Spirit-filled, Holy Ghost, tongue-talking preacher to open Congress,” and that God would “confuse the so-called experts.”

Not only has Johnson been criticized for his own faith, but because of the support and praise that other Christians have offered up, including Garlow. NPR criticized Dutch Sheets for his approval of Johnson’s election, and Rolling Stone for best-selling author Jonathan Cahn’s involvement with the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance.

While only time will continue to tell if Johnson is the man from Christmas’ prophetic word, there is one thing that is certain: the experts in the media field have been confused, and the name of Jesus is being glorified publicly in the governmental sphere that no one saw coming.

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Abby Trivett is a marketing copywriter and coordinator for Charisma Media.

In the heart of Glendale, Arizona, the proclamation of the gospel faced an unforeseen challenge when Hans Schmidt, a 26-year-old military medic and committed Christian, was shot in the head while sharing his faith on a street corner.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, Nov. 15, leaving Schmidt in critical condition and a community grappling with the senselessness of this violent act.

As we unravel the details of this tragic event, it is paramount for us, as Christians, to turn to the Scriptures for guidance and solace. In times of persecution, our faith undergoes scrutiny, yet the Bible assures us of God’s enduring presence and promises.

Schmidt’s response to the Great Commission exemplifies the courage and conviction necessary to share the gospel, even in the face of hostility. The apostle Paul, no stranger to trials for preaching Christ’s message, conveyed to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12: “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This revelation serves as a poignant reminder that persecution is not an anomaly but an anticipated aspect of a life devoted to Christ.

⁦@GlendaleAZPD⁩ spokeswoman Gina Winn hoping witnesses come forward leading to arrest of person who shot Veteran Hans Schmidt 51st Ave & Peoria. He was shot around 6pm Nov. 15th while standing on the corner peaching ,he remains in critical condition #fox10phoenix

— Rick Davis (@rdavisfox10) November 17, 2023

The incident is a stark reminder of the escalating animosity toward those who openly profess their Christian faith. Witnessing this unfortunate event, it is crucial to discern the signs of the times. In Matthew 24:9-10, Jesus cautioned, “Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. And you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. Then many will fall away, and betray one another, and hate one another.” These words echo the current climate, emphasizing the urgency for believers to stand resolute in their faith despite the challenges that may arise.

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In the midst of the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges. Victory Chapel, where Hans Schmidt served as the outreach director, provides an update on his condition, stating that the family is encouraged by signs of improvement. As a community, let us unite in prayer for Hans’ complete recovery and for strength for his family during this trying time.

Navigating a world increasingly opposed to the message of Christ, let us not be disheartened. Instead, let this incident galvanize the response among Christians. The Great Commission, as given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, implores us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” This mandate remains unwavering, even in the face of persecution.

Let us join in prayer for Hans Schmidt’s recovery and for the restoration of our communities. May this incident inspire a renewed commitment to sharing the love of Christ in America and around the world, even in the presence of opposition. As we traverse these challenging times, may our faith stand firm, anchored in the promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top stories on :

Christ the Redeemer Illuminated for Taylor Swift’s Tour Raises Questions

The recent illumination of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate Taylor Swift’s tour has ignited discussions about the appropriateness of using a symbol of Jesus Christ for secular purposes.

While the initiative aimed to bring joy to fans and coincide with the World Day of the Poor (by collecting donations of food and water for the needy), it raises questions about the alignment of such practices with biblical teachings on the sanctity and holiness of God.

One key consideration is the nature of Taylor Swift’s music, which has been known to incorporate new age and occult themes in her music videos. The Bible warns against participating in practices contrary to God’s holiness and calls believers to focus on what is pure, lovely and praiseworthy (see Phil. 4:8). Using a statue of Jesus Christ to celebrate an artist known for such themes raises concerns about whether it honors the Lord who sacrificed His life for mankind’s sins.

Get your FREE CHARISMA NEWSLETTERS today! Stay up to date with current issues, Holy Spirit news, Christian teachings, Charisma videos & more!

Lecrae Shares Testimony of Deconstruction to Find Greater Faith in Christ

In a newly released video, Christian rapper and music artist Lecrae shared his powerful testimony of deconstruction and how he ultimately found his way to a greater and more in-depth relationship with Jesus.

After struggling with the sentiments of evangelicalism during varying cultural events, Lecrae realized that some topics are more politically-charged and polarizing than what he believes should be. He also began to notice that religiosity is, in many ways, a bigger stronghold over the Christian community than actual fear or desire for the Lord. Instead, he warns that many times what people are after instead is a production.

“We see people showing up on Sunday to come to a play or a Broadway presentation,” Lecrae said. “They’re disconnected from one another. There’s not really genuine fellowship; you don’t know if you’ll see the same people from week-to-week.”

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Leaving Babylon Behind

Two years ago this past August, I had a night I will never forget. I was sleeping soundly when, around 3 a.m., I felt something tap gently on my shoulder. I am still unsure whether it was a realistic dream or an event that occurred while I was awake, but nevertheless, it seemed as real as could be to me. That night, I was visited by a messenger angel.

My first reaction was fear. I was startled and unsure as to what I was even experiencing, yet only seconds afterward, I felt a peace come over me. I knew this visitation was holy and of the Lord. The angel spoke to me a simple yet powerful word: “Consecrate yourself” and “Come out from among them.” That was it. Then he departed.

Little did I realize at the time that the angel’s word was a word not just for me but for the church overall, setting forth a blueprint and road map for us to return to our first love, Jesus Christ.

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My friend stopped by the other day. We sat at the kitchen table and chatted. She rumbled in her purse. “You have to see the pictures I took during our trip,” she said.

I smiled.

“Oops,” she added, “I always forget you— well—that you can’t see.”

“I forget myself,” I said with a chuckle. (I like folks with a sense of humor.)

For me, having no sight is a way of life—actually, a wonderfully blessed life. My days sweep by with gratitude, so much thankfulness that I can hear, walk, talk and love. I am truly rich with so much.

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And for that reason, I thought I’d share my unique recipe for this Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t mind if you copy it and serve it to your loved ones.

1. Gather the ingredients stored in the cabinet of God’s Word.
2. Stir together large portions of His promises, spoonfuls of His direction and dashes of His admonitions.
3. Place in a large bowl several cups of commitment to read His Word.
4. Add generous amounts of faith to cover all traces of doubt.
5. Blend together, adding sprinkles of laughter, of enjoyment, fun and unexpected surprises.
6. Bake in the oven of your heart till triumph is golden brown.

With songs of thanksgiving playing in the background, present it to the guests who come into your life. And unlike the rest of the world, instead of entering the doors to stress, gloom or anxiety for the days to come, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Ps. 100:4).

Why? “For the LORD is good; His mercy endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations” (Ps. 100:5).

It’s your turn. Can you share (via comment) some things you’ll be giving thanks for this year? I’d love to read them.

Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and author of four books. She helps thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.

This article originally appeared at .

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Following are snippets of the top stories posted over the past week on . We encourage you to visit the links to read the stories in full.

Prophetic Warning to Megachurches: Free Chapel’s Revival Signals Paradigm Shift

In a recent episode of the Encounter Today Podcast hosted by Bishop Alan DiDio, Larry Sparks from Larry Sparks Ministries shed light on the powerful revival that took place at Free Chapel, led by Pastor Jentezen Franklin in Gainesville, Georgia.

The revival, spearheaded by Evangelist Perry Stone, witnessed a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with approximately 3,000 individuals experiencing a transformative baptism in the Spirit.

Amidst the chaos and disunity prevalent in the 21st-century church, Sparks passionately conveyed a call to move beyond superficial expressions of many modern churches, emphasizing a genuine hunger for more of the Holy Spirit. He highlighted an unfortunate trend of what he termed “Pentecostal light” in certain gatherings, where the pursuit of God’s presence is diluted to mere comfort without embracing the dynamic move of the Spirit.

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The Spiritual Force Choking the Life Out of the Church

Earlier this week I spoke at a leadership conference for a group of pastors in El Salvador. These pastors face a lot of spiritual challenges in their culture: Drug addiction among youth, alcoholism, idolatry and rampant witchcraft. But I had to tell these pastors that the biggest challenge to their churches is not something outside—it is something inside the church. 

One of the biggest enemies of revival is the spirit of religion. It could be the reason your spiritual life is stagnant. It could also be the reason your church isn’t growing.

Religion opposes biblical preaching, resists the Holy Spirit, persecutes those who truly love God and turns vibrant faith into empty formalism. And most of all, it sterilizes churches until they die from barrenness.

Kat Von D on Leaving Behind Alcoholism, Throwing Away Occult Books and Baptism

Kat Von D is breaking her silence on how she became a Christian and her journey of leaving behind alcoholism, throwing away occult books and her baptism that left the entire world in awestruck.

On the Relatable podcast with Allie Beth Stuckey, Von D explained that she grew up learning about God, but that the concepts of Christianity didn’t stick with her.

“I ended up straying,” Von D says. “I ended up like being a pretty wild teenager and leaving home at the age of 14 running away and putting my parents through a literal hell that I have made amends for had a lot of questions as a kid and I don’t think my parents were equipped with the answers.”

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Dr. Ron Kenoly Rebukes Congregation During Worship

In Psalm 96:8-9 it says: “Give unto the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.”

Well, how do we enter into His courts? Psalm 100:4 answers that question: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

When a worship leader sees a congregation that is not focused on the Lord and respecting the holiness that comes with worshiping Him, it is their responsibility to correct the people lovingly.

Sean Feucht: Peace Anthem ‘God of Israel’ Is ‘A Prophetic Sign’

During the holidays in December—especially Christmas and Hanukkah—”peace on earth” has been a popular phrase for nearly 160 years. Henry Wordsworth-Longfellow, one of the most prominent American writers of the 19th century, composed the poem of the same name on Christmas Day in 1863.

It’s a concept that three songwriters and performers—all of very diverse backgrounds—are trying to keep alive today in a time when bitterness, contempt, prejudice and outright hatred are becoming more prevalent each day as the return of our Lord Jesus Christ draws nearer in these treacherous but hopeful end times.

American Christian Sean Feucht, Lebanese Christian Carine Bassili and Israeli Jew Yair Levi’s collaborative song “God of Israel” is sweeping the globe to help bring about peace in a world gone completely mad. Released—and not without controversy—this past week, the song, performed in Hebrew, Arabic and English, has risen to No. 1 on the American Christian chart on iTunes in only a few short days.

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Following are snippets of the top stories posted over the past week on . We encourage you to visit the links to read the stories in full.

Cancel Culture Strikes Jewish Singer’s Release of Song Promoting Peace

Need more proof that antisemitism continues to grow and plague the international atmosphere? The transparency of the worldwide hatred against Israel and its people continues to grow exponentially, and now it’s rearing its ugly head in the music industry.

The song “God of Israel,” performed by American evangelist and worship leader Sean Feucht, Lebanese Christian Carine Bassili and Jewish Israeli singer-songwriter and musical producer Yair Levi, was not only delayed in its release this past week iTunes and Spotify, but when it was finally released three days later, the two companies refused to credit Levi for his participation in the song on their download label.

Although it is steeped in centuries of bias and hatred toward the Jewish people, antisemitism has exploded since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7. With Israel simply trying to defend itself and its people, global media bias has pointed its crooked fingers at Jews and the government in the Holy Land. Many millions around the world have taken up sides with Palestinians and the animosity toward Israel simply continues to grow limitlessly.

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7 Signs That an Angel Is Next to You

Pastor, author and founder of New Life Church in South Africa, Dr. Miz Mzwakhe Tancredi says that there are seven things that happen when an angel enters your atmosphere. If you’re a believer, you probably know that there are angel(s) always next to you, but wouldn’t you like to be able to see the signs of it?

Tancredi says that there are seven things that happen when an angel of the Lord enterers your atmosphere.

“We all know what, according to Hebrews 1:14, angels are ministering spirits sent by God to minister to us. And, of course, angels are there for our protection, preservation and prosperity. But what happens when an angel enters your atmosphere?”

Kat Von D on Leaving Behind Alcoholism, Throwing Away Occult Books and Baptism

Kat Von D is breaking her silence on how she became a Christian and her journey of leaving behind alcoholism, throwing away occult books and her baptism that left the entire world in awestruck.

On the Relatable podcast with Allie Beth Stuckey, Von D explained that she grew up learning about God, but that the concepts of Christianity didn’t stick with her.

“I ended up straying,” Von D says. “I ended up like being a pretty wild teenager and leaving home at the age of 14 running away and putting my parents through a literal hell that I have made amends for had a lot of questions as a kid and I don’t think my parents were equipped with the answers.”

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IHOPKC Announces Major Update in Bickle Investigation

In the wake of accusations that have rocked the Christian community, IHOPKC has developed and released a report on the initial findings of the investigation into founding pastor Mike Bickle.

The following present extracts from the initial findings report put forward by IHOPKC leadership:

Three weeks ago, on Oct. 24, a group of men led by a local Kansas City pastor, (the “Complaint Group”) officially presented IHOPKC’s Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”) with a series of allegations against Mike Bickle allegedly made by eight women whom the Complaint Group claimed to represent.

Prophetic Warning to Megachurches: Free Chapel’s Revival Signals Paradigm Shift

In a recent episode of the Encounter Today Podcast hosted by Bishop Alan DiDio, Larry Sparks from Larry Sparks Ministries shed light on the powerful revival that took place at Free Chapel, led by Pastor Jentezen Franklin in Gainesville, Georgia.

The revival, spearheaded by Evangelist Perry Stone, witnessed a profound outpouring of the Holy Spirit, with approximately 3,000 individuals experiencing a transformative baptism in the Spirit.

Amidst the chaos and disunity prevalent in the 21st-century church, Sparks passionately conveyed a call to move beyond superficial expressions of many modern churches, emphasizing a genuine hunger for more of the Holy Spirit. He highlighted an unfortunate trend of what he termed “Pentecostal light” in certain gatherings, where the pursuit of God’s presence is diluted to mere comfort without embracing the dynamic move of the Spirit. {eoa}

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