Who are you?

Whoever you are, does your vocabulary reflect your identity?

Or are you masquerading as someone you’re not?

Lately, I’ve been hearing Christians say things such as:

• “Sending good thoughts your way.”
• “What’s your sign?”
• “Sending you good vibes.”
• “You’re so lucky!”
• “Bad karma will get him.”

But what are we communicating? Does our communication reflect our Christian identity? Do these phrases convey our relationship with the sovereign God? Are we proclaiming our trust in Him or in cosmic coincidences? Do we expect good thoughts and good vibes to substitute for the Holy Spirit in accomplishing His work?

You might think I’m making a big deal about something that’s insignificant. The words may not be significant, but what they illustrate is definitely important.

If we’re not careful, the world’s philosophies and values can influence us in ways we don’t realize. The process starts slowly, with a change in the way we think about our life and circumstances. Then it moves into our words, and finally our deeds.

We let down our guard in the little things, thinking they’re not important anyway. It’s just harmless fun, isn’t it? Besides, don’t we have to relate to unbelievers in order to share the gospel with them?

As someone taught me many years ago, bad influences and habits begin with a toehold in our life. Then they grasp a foothold. And finally, the thing that started out as a little harmless fun—something we thought we could control—is now a stronghold that controls us.

I’ve often wondered why some Christians feel as though they have to fit into the world before they can share Christ with the world. The solution is not to offer a weak copy of the world. Neither is it to beat up unbelievers with a fire-and-brimstone message of hell and damnation.

The answer is to be true to who we are in Christ while forming sincere relationships. People need to hear about the Savior. If our words are merely an imitation of what they already know, how will they learn what they don’t know?

Let’s communicate the truth in love, giving others what they need instead of what they already have. {eoa}

Ava Pennington is a writer, speaker and Bible teacher. She writes for nationally circulated magazines and is published in 32 anthologies, including 25 Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She also authored Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, endorsed by Kay Arthur. Learn more at  .

This article originally appeared at 

Among many other Christian leaders, Generals International Co-Founder Cindy Jacobs keenly realized the urgency of intercessory prayer prior to the 2016 presidential election, so much so that she helped orchestrate a network of intercessors to prayer-walk the seven swing states crucial in the vote.

God heard the pleas of these groups of prayer warriors, and Donald Trump indeed became the 45th president of the United States in what some say was a “miraculous” event.

During an interview for my new book, God and Donald Trump, Jacobs said the coalition of prayer leaders, called “As One,” was instrumental in mobilizing 10,000 people to walk around courthouses or through the centers of towns in the swing states, praying for righteousness to prevail.

She collaborated with kingdom leaders such as Dutch Sheets and Lou Engle to bring awareness to the call through the internet as well, and it became a worldwide effort of fasting and prayer.

“It was an urgent, Pentecostal type of prayer,” Jacobs said. “There is no way he could have been elected if it weren’t supernatural. … I think one of the interesting phenomena from this election as that so many believers around the world prayed that Trump would be elected president. The Chinese, Latinos, Europeans—many leaders simply told God that’s what they should pray for.”

Jacobs even prophesied that Trump would be elected, although she later had to be reminded of it.

“The year before the election, at a New Year’s celebration at Chuck Pierce’s, I had prophesied that the Lord said, ‘I have a trump card in my hand, and I’m going to play it,'” Jacobs said. “‘I’m going to trump the system.’ In retrospect, you see what God was trying to say.”

We turned the raw interview with Jacobs into a podcast, which you can listen to here.

I want to encourage you to download a sample chapter of the book by clicking here. See our exciting video trailer about the book. I hope it makes you want to purchase it, and I encourage you to preorder it online at , or . Of course, you can also order through a local Christian bookstore. These advance sales will help boost the numbers to qualify the book for some of the literary best-seller lists.

Special Preorder Offer!

Preorder before Nov. 7, 2017, and get an exclusive bundle worth over $40, with access to a free subscription to Charisma magazine, the first three chapters of the book before release and the God and Donald Trump e-book.

As always, please share this with your social media followers and leave your comments below. Help us get the word out about God and Donald Trump. {eoa}

Lauren Daigle’s radio remix of “O’ Lord” has been hitting Christian radio stations across the country. But don’t miss out on this original version of the hit single. Daigle’s fantastic voice and inspiring lyrics are on full display in this performance video.

In these divisive times, it’s good to see a cause everybody can get behind. Operation Christmas Child, a part of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse ministry, is going all out in 2017 to bring gifts to kids. The ministry has even recruited some famous faces to help out this year—including the Harlem Globetrotters.

Bethel Church’s Chris Gore gave a healing “shalom” word to the parents of a severely autistic girl. Months later, he found out the incredible results of that simple word. He shares his story in this short teaching clip.

Is it really possible that the Air Force no longer has room for people of faith? Based on the matter of Col. Bohannon, that may sadly be the case.

Leland Bohannon is a decorated colonel who has devoted decades of his life to serving our Air Force, including flying missions in the B-2 stealth bomber. He’s been ranked first on his performance reports, has been bestowed numerous honors, and trusted with oversight of nuclear weapons. In other words, he’s the model Air Force officer.

Yet Colonel Bohannon’s career may be flushed down the drain by the Air Force simply because of a subordinate who wanted approval of a same-sex marriage. When he was handed several awards and certificates to sign for the subordinate’s retirement ceremony, Colonel Bohannon signed all of them except a “certificate of spouse appreciation”—which he couldn’t in good conscience sign because the certificate was for a spouse of the same sex. He sought advice about what to do from his chaplain and attorney; the chaplain told him to ask for a religious accommodation. He submitted one but it was returned six weeks later “without action.” In the meantime, a major general offered to sign the certificate instead, and it was signed and presented to the subordinate. Yet when the subordinate saw that Colonel Bohannon was not the signatory, he filed an Equal Opportunity complaint against him, alleging discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The EO investigator found that Col Bohannon violated Air Force regulations and “unlawfully discriminated against the MSgt based on sexual orientation.” The EO investigator recognized that a religious accommodation had been sought, but claimed that “even had the accommodation been granted, Col Bohannon would nonetheless be guilty of unlawful discrimination.”

As a result, his superior “suspended Col Bohannon from command, withheld his decoration, and submitted a letter to the Air Force Brigadier General promotion board—the rank for which Col Bohannon is eligible—recommending that Col Bohannon not be promoted.”

Not only is this entire side-show an absurd waste of time, it is clearly unlawful and unconstitutional. The EO investigator is apparently ignorant of the law in this area; if a religious accommodation is granted, that means by definition that he’s not “guilty of unlawful discrimination”—because he’s been granted an accommodation. Moreover, religious freedom law and military policy demand that he be granted an accommodation in an instance like this—where the objective is easily fulfilled with another signature on the certificate.

At best, this entire matter is a distraction for Colonel Bohannon. At worst, it could end his career. That’s the track this train is currently proceeding on.

Thankfully, our friends at First Liberty are on the case, and those in the media like Todd Starnes are calling attention to this. Let us hope the Air Force fixes the issue before the entire situation is derailed and the military environment only grows more toxic for people of faith. {eoa}

Travis S. Weber is the Director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council, where he focuses on a variety of legal and policy issues pertaining to religious freedom. This article originally appeared on the Family Research Council Blog.

With October 31 rapidly approaching, many churches are preparing for fall festivals and trunk or treats, tried-and-true Christianized methods for celebrating Halloween.

But this puts a burr in the saddle of New Age expert-turned-believer Steven Bancarz. The end of the month is about much more than a holiday with pagan roots, especially for those who claim Jesus as Lord.

In a Facebook post, he writes:

The only reason we aren’t all Roman Catholic, the only reason we are allowed to actually read Bibles and keep them in our homes without putting our lives at risk, the reason we are able to worship Jesus in a way that is separated from government, the only reasons we have freedom to voice our disagreements with church authorities, the only reason we have pastors and not priests, the only reason we aren’t being burned at the stake or exiled for sharing the true Biblical Gospel is because of the Protestant Reformation that happened 500 years ago on October 31.

Have you ever suffered intense worry, anxiety or fear about something in the future? It’s a useless question, isn’t it? Of course you have! We all have—and some of us just about every day. Fear in all its forms is the most common human emotion. And the enemy especially uses it to keep us from the blessings or freedom God wants for our lives.

My Own Future Fears

I’ve certainly faced my share of future fears. Some 10 years ago, I left an area and friends that I loved to move to a location where I didn’t know anyone, all in order to help a ministry in some tremendously difficult times. Though I knew God called me to the move, I still had great fear about what the future held.

Some five or six years later, I felt God call me to step out into my own ministry, and make some significant personal and financial investments in order to begin. I had no idea from where the money would come, or if my efforts in ministry would have any kind of success. At times, the feelings of fear were almost overwhelming.

And more recently, I needed to have a series of difficult conversations with some people. If I thought too long about these meetings, my mind raced with fears about their potential reactions.

The Key to Pressing Through Fear

Years ago, some profound words from a famous missionary, Elisabeth Elliot, were significantly helpful to me. After facing some almost debilitating fear herself, Elizabeth wrote: “Sometimes fear does not subside, and one must choose to do it afraid.”

Elisabeth’s words ring so true in my life. In every situation when I faced a significant fear, I had to do it with shaking knees, butterflies in my stomach and a lump in my throat. In each case, I pressed through the feelings of fear by holding to a promise God gave Israel: “The Lord your God who goes before you, He shall fight for you” (Deut. 1:30). Essentially, every time I envisioned the future and felt shaken by all the possible negative outcomes, I interrupted my worries with the truth that “God is going before me; He’s already working on the hearts and the situations so that they’re ready for when I get there.”

Today, I can say that in every circumstance, God was faithful; none of what I feared came to pass.

What Do You Need to Do?

Is there a difficult task God has called you to? Is there a situation you need to confront or something you need deal with? Though you might feel fear at times, you can do what’s necessary knowing that God has gone ahead of you and is preparing the way. So step out. Make that move. Deal with that issue, trusting that God is here, even in the places that you fear! {eoa}

Kyle Winkler equips people to live in victory. His mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, is the #1 spiritual warfare app; and his book, Activating the Power of God’s Word, uncovers 16 strategic declarations to transform your life. Kyle holds a Master of Divinity in biblical studies from Regent University. Get daily encouragement from Kyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABC recently announced a reboot of “Roseanne” that features most of the same characters from the original show and a few new ones—primarily, the young children of on-screen couple Darlene and David (played by Sarah Gilbert and Johnny Galecki). The new “Roseanne,” airing in 2018, has decided to feature the gender fluidity issue. Reports have said that of Darlene and David’s two children, one will be a 9-year-old son, Mark, who’s “gender creative.” The casting notice obtained by Fox News describes the character as “sensitive” and “effeminate.” Mark “displays qualities of both male and female young child traits,” according to the casting call.

Unfortunately, the age of Roseanne’s grandchildren may attract young viewers, so the victims of this outrageous program are the young cast members, not to mention any child who views the show. The sexualization and moral corruption of these children is child exploitation at its worst. No child should be introduced to the experience of mental disorders.

Neither “Roseanne” nor ABC are strangers to controversial storylines. The original series aired from 1988-1997. The show first made headlines when it featured a lesbian kissing scene.

This new series will inevitably be celebrated by the LGBT community, as the 9-year-old is the first “gender non-binary” character to appear on network TV.

This will only be the beginning unless we speak up. Consider that the original “Roseanne’s” most controversial move was once a kiss between two women—that’s sadly a common scene on network television today.

Placing gender fluid and non-binary characters in mainstream television shows are the next step in normalizing a culture that dissociates a person’s biological gender from their “gender identity.”

DNA proves a female is female and a male is male. There is no gray area here and no such thing as “gender fluid.” Confusing young viewers and child cast members with gender dysphoria is destructive. ABC is glorifying gender dysphoria, also known as gender identity disorder, and using a child to promote this mental disorder. {eoa}

This article originally appeared on One Million Moms.

On October 31, the Star Bible moves into its second chapter as the constellation Libra (the scales) moves into the sun.

The first chapter of the Star Bible, Virgo (the virgin) speaks of God’s promise given in the Garden of Eden to send the “Seed of Woman” to redeem mankind. (Gen. 3:15). The second chapter, Libra, describes the system of religious observation which God established prior to the coming of Christ, the seed of woman. The picture of Libra, the scales, describes the price for sin: One star, Zuben Al Genubi (the price which Is deficient) and another star, Zuben Al Chemali (the price which covers).

Prior to the coming of Christ, the payment for sin was made through the sacrifice of animals, as represented by the associated constellation Lupus (the victim), a picture of a slain animal. However, also associated with Libra is the constellation Crux (the Southern Cross), illustrating that the ultimate covering for sin is Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Sadly, the precession of the equinoxes has carried the Southern Cross too far south to be seen in the latitudes north of Jerusalem (around 30 degrees north) Interestingly, the northern cross (Cygnus), which is visible throughout the northern hemisphere, and the Southern Cross, which is visible throughout the Southern Hemisphere, make the cross the only star picture which can be seen from any point on Earth.

The third constellation associated with Libra is Corona Borealis (the north crown) which stood at zenith over Jerusalem before sunrise on Easter Sunday. The constellation pictures the crown of glory given to Jesus because of His suffering on the cross (Heb. 2:9). The brightest star in Corona Borealis, Gemma (the shining), reminds us the light of Christ which shines in our hearts (2 Cor. 4:6) as a result of Christ’s finished work through the cross.

If you ever have a chance to travel southward, be sure to take time to see the beautiful Southern Cross. In the meanwhile, enjoy the view of the Northern cross, still visible in the Western sky. And marvel at the message and power of the cross. {eoa}

Ron Allen is a Christian businessman, CPA and author who serves in local, national and international ministries, spreading a message of reconciliation to God, to men and between believers. He is founder of the International Star Bible Society, telling how the heavens declare the glory of God; the Emancipation Network, which helps people escape from financial bondage; and co-founder with his wife, Pat, of Corporate Prayer Resources, dedicated to helping intercessors.