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11/27/2008

Xtreme News and Pastors Corner

Xtreme News and PASTORS CORNER
Hey everyone I just thought I would give you some information real quick. Please visit our website www.xtremeministries.com and check out the latest updates because we have several.
1. We have Xtreme News. This will be for announcements, emergency prayer requests, and news worthy items.Because of the website revamp you will need to sign up for this feature.
2. We now have a Pastors Corner Blog. Several of you had been asking me about opening up our blog to allow for comments. This feature has now been enabled. I will also be adding a devotional, book reviews, and other articles I get from various sources.
3. We added a "invite your friends" option. This is a link that will allow you to email your friends and invite them to our services.
4. There is a guest survey. If you have attended Xtreme for 6 months or less we would like you to fill this out for us (even though you arent a guest anymore).
5. Podcasting. Sorry for the delay but we are caught up on all of our podcasts.

Pastor Renken
BRINGING GRACE TO A LOST WORLD

11/24/2008

Xtreme Ministries website updated

Hey everyone just wanted to let you know that our website has been updated and there more changes to come

11/20/2008

ARE YOU A ROMANS 8:14 CHRISTIAN?

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, November 19 2008

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:13-14

Joshua and Caleb are described in Scripture as men who had a different spirit. They were two of the 12 spies sent into the Promised Land to determine if it could be taken, as God had promised it to them. The other ten gave a bad report that instilled fear in the people, which ultimately caused a rebellion. This resulted in an entire generation dying in the desert. Joshua and Caleb were the only two who were led by the Spirit of God, versus the spirit of fear. They were the only ones to enter the Promised Land from their generation.

Are you a person led by the Spirit? The verse above tells us that those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. "But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it" (Num. 14:24). Caleb was a Romans 8:14 man! The Spirit led him. He was not led by fear.

Many of us have failed to enter into our own Promised Land because we have failed to be led by the Spirit rather than by fear. Fear prevents us from entering into what God has promised for each of us. God has reserved an inheritance for us that is exceedingly good. God described the Promised Land as a land of milk and honey. Our own Promised Land is the same. But you must be led by the Spirit to enter in. You cannot be led by fear, reason and analysis, or even skill. The Spirit must lead you. Commit yourself to being a Romans 8:14 man or woman. Then you will enter into the land God has promised for you.

11/18/2008

PRODUCT TESTING

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Monday, November 17 2008

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" - Matthew 25:21
Testing allows one to discover how well a product is made when placed under extreme stress. Increasing the pulling pressure between two objects reveals the amount of tension that can be withstood in a chain link. Eventually, the "choking" point occurs. In sports, we ascertain the "choking" point for athletes by putting them into a pressure situation. At what point will the athlete lose concentration and collapse under the pressure? It is under these stressful times that we discover how well we have been trained to withstand the pressure and make right decisions regardless of outside influences.
In my younger days I played sports. I came to observe that we fail under pressure usually because we reach a point where our ability to focus on execution yields to concern about outcome. This worry about outcome forces us to lose our concentration. The fear of failure begins to rule our emotions and actions, which ultimately results in our failure. What we fear has come upon us. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In life, we see giving in to pressure in the form of compulsive behavior, withdrawal, anger, abuse, moral failure, and dishonesty, to name just a few manifestations.
Jesus never yielded to pressure. He never made decisions based on outcome. He always made the right decision. He always performed the same no matter what the circumstance. He lived a life based on absolutes, not circumstances. He never gave in to "situational ethics."
As God entrusts us with more and more responsibility, He brings more and more pressures into our lives to "test the product," to make sure that He can give even more responsibility to us. This process helps us see where we are in our maturity and determines our level of future responsibility. Are you a product that can withstand the product test? Will you perform as the Maker designed no matter what outside pressures come? Know that you cannot perform well unless you are continually in relationship with and obedient to the one who made you. Trust the product developer today. He has made you to perform well under pressure.

FULLING VOWS

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, November 18 2008

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. - Ecclesiastes 5:4
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement." Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God? (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives
Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered. Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.

Urgent prayer request

As you know on Sunday we were praying for pastor Bill Corley and his strength was increasing. It appeared everything was going well. The doctors found a bleed and don't know where its coming from. They filtered some of his blood and put it back in his system and he is about to undergo a procedure that is life threatening. We believe that god still has many things in store for pastor bill Corley so please join us in praying for total healing. Thank you all.

Pastor John Renken

11/15/2008

Assorted thoughts from St. Thomas Hospital

As some of you may know Pastor Bill Corley has fallen gravely ill. Pastor Corley has served Clarksville for over 40 years. He has been pastoring in this city longer than some of you (including me) have been alive. In May of this year Pastor Bill and I met for the first time through the ministerial association. In June I invited him to the Prophetic Presbytery with Michael Cotten and Clem Ferris. The words spoken over him were...well there is no other way to say it but GOD!!!! In the short 6 months that have followed Pastor Bill and I have developed a relationship I will cherish through eternity. He has a lot of God's wisdom and earthly experience to pass on to the next generation. He has become a father in the faith to me. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to get to know this man of God. I have been spending as much time as I can with him at the hospital and it has really stirred me in a few areas and while I am here watching, praying, and waiting on him and God I thought I would share 3 things with you all. These thoughts are important enough that I will forgo my title of the "Master of Brevity."

Thought #1
PRAYER WORKS

Late last night Pastor Bill's blood pressure dropped through the floor. He became very weak and he was moved to critical care. In this process they finally identified some issues that caused the infection. He some how got Ecolai and it took over his immune system. He has an infection in the Aorta Valve and it needs to be replaced. Further he needs a quadruple Bypass. Through out the morning and up till now we have had rotating Prayer Chains. People from all spectrums of life have been coming and laying hands on him and anointing him with oil and praying for his recovery. At this time 7:35pm he has stabalized. The Bible tells us on several occasions that if we would lay hands on the sick they shall recover! PRAYER WORKS! Through out this process I keep going back to that Jesus said we should pray "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven." As some of you may of heard our series on prayer there are two very significant parts to this verse from the Lord's Prayer. First, God wants us to pray that his will be done on Earth just like it is seen in heaven. God wants us to cooperate with Him and join with Him in bringing His rule and reign to Earth. This would imply that we would have to know His will. The second thing is that too often people pray the Garden of Gethsemane prayer of "Not my will but your will be done" without ever really asking God what He wants! God expects us as His children to draw near to Him and ask Him what He wants. God wants us to know His will and then PRAY HIS WILL ONTO EARTH!!!! In case you didnt already understand this requires relationship with our DADDY! Ultimately, everything we do goes back to developing our relationship with our Father and through that relationship we expand His kingdom on this Earth.

Thought #2
FATHERS, SONS, AND INHERITANCE

I think in the western world we have lost the value of the relationships that mentor us. Through out the Scritpures it is clear that older men are to disciple (mentor) younger men and that older women are to disciple younger women. Look at the examples of Paul/Timothy and Elijah/Elisha. These are clear examples of Fathers and Sons. Why is it that we arent applying the concept of fathering to every aspect of our lives? In our jobs, in our families, in our churches, in our hobbies, in our money, and in our marriages? What is it about western culture that makes us so weak that we cant rely on the strength of those who have gone before us? Pastor Bill as well as our Apostolic Leadership Team (Michael Fletcher, Michael Cotten, and Clem Ferris) have taken this concept of fathering seriously and have personally invested in me more than money can ever pay for. On numerous occasions I have called them and asked them for Godly wisdom and counsel and they are available and provide me with things as a young minister I desperately need! This is a father's heart. When you have the ability to make the life, ministry, job, family, marriage, or anything else better because of your experience and you freely offer it and give it.
I thank God for these men in my life. They have saved me from countless mistakes with their wisdom and their hearts. The Bible tells us that a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children! I am coming to realize this isnt just a money thing. These 4 men have walked through situations and encounters with God that have made them who they are. I need that and much more if I am to fulfill my destiny in God. What would happen if we started Mothering or Fathering in every area of our lives and our children's children didnt have to learn the same lessons over and over and over? I will tell you what would happen...geometrical growth! If I learn the lessons that took Pastor Bill Corley 40 years to learn in a year of walking with him where would I be? Where would the kingdom be? THIS IS TRUE INHERITANCE! This is something I long for. I believe that God invests himself in men and women and expects that investment to carry on into the next generation...which leads me to my last thought.

Thought #3
The Passing of the Mantle

This is an important concept and I am learning that it is more important that I originally thought. The Bible tells us that Elijah and Elisha had a special relationship and that there was something to be passed on from generation to generation. In some circles we call this passing the torch, but that isnt sufficient to explain the fullness of the Biblical story. In 2 Kings 2:1-14 it tells us that Elijah was about to go to heaven. Elijah on several occasions tries to get rid of Elisha and Elisha refuses by saying "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." A quick question for you and me. Are we that committed? Are we committed enough to lay aside our lives and pursue what God has for us? Finally Elijah responds to Elisha with "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?" Do you here that? Persistance pays off in the Kingdom! PURSUE WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU!!!! Be aggressive, be militant with what you believe God has in store for you! The other lesson for us is not only be aggressive but to be bold in asking for what we believe God is giving us. Elisha asks to INHERIT a double portion of Elijahs spirit (anointing)! Elijah responds with "have asked a difficult thing, yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise not." Can we be a people and a church that waits for our inheritance or our mantle? Can we be a people that will pursue our dreams and our destiny till the end? There is so much more in this passage! I pray that as you read this story and the blog that you will begin to see the importance of the mantle.

As I sign off remember...
PRAYER WORKS
FATHERS, SONS, AND INHERITANCE
PASSING THE MANTLE

11/14/2008

SOLD OUT

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, November 14 2008

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:7
George Mueller was a man known for building orphanages by faith in the mid-1800s. He raised literally millions of dollars for his orphanages, yet died with little in his own bank account. When asked about his conversion experience he commented,
"I was converted in November of 1825, but I only came into the full surrender of the heart four years later, in July 1829. The love of money was gone, the love of place was gone, the love of position was gone, and the love of worldly pleasures and engagements was gone. God, God alone became my portion. I found my all in Him; I wanted nothing else. And by the grace of God this has remained, and has made me a happy man, an exceedingly happy man, and it led me to care only about the things of God. I ask affectionately, my beloved brethren, have you fully surrendered the heart to God, or is there this thing or that thing with which you have taken up irrespective of God? I read a little of the scriptures before, but preferred other books; but since that time the revelation He has made of Himself has become unspeakably blessed to me, and I can say from my heart, God is an infinitely lovely Being. Oh, be not satisfied until in your own inmost soul you can say, God is an infinitely lovely Being!" [Basil Miller, Man of Faith and Miracles (Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bethany House Publishers, n.d.)]
Many will never get to the place where George Mueller was in his spiritual life, because we are unwilling to release control of these areas of which he speaks. If we do release control, it usually is due to a process that God brings us through. Paul got knocked off a horse and was spoken to personally before he was willing to listen and follow completely. Peter had to live with Jesus three years and he still denied Him. It was only later, after he denied Jesus and realized how weak he was in his own faith, that he became fully committed to the Savior. What will it take for you to fully surrender? You will know that you have given full surrender when power, money, and position no longer have meaning in your life. Paul said he came to a place where his life was the life of Christ only. It is a sacrificial life, but it is also a life of freedom, purpose, and meaning. Let God take full control and see His life lived fully through you.

Clarksville online blog (gay marriage topic)

Hey everyone check out this link.

http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2008/11/12/gay-marriage-race-isnt-a-scapegoat/#comment-10379

11/13/2008

PROSPERITY IN AFFLICTIONS

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Thursday, November 13 2008

"The second son he named Ephraim and said, 'It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.'" Genesis 41:52
When Joseph was elevated to rule over the Egyptian kingdom, he revealed some profound truths gained from the experiences of his years of adversity. He named his first son, Manasseh for, he said, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household" (Gen. 41:51b). His second son was named Ephraim because, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."
Whenever God takes us through the land of affliction, He will do two things through that affliction: 1) He will bring such healing that we will be able to forget the pain, and 2) He will make us fruitful from the painful experiences.
God does not waste our afflictions if we allow Him the freedom to complete the work in us. His desire is to create virtue that remains during the times of testing so that He can bring us into the place of fruitfulness in the very area of our testing. He has never promised to keep us from entering the valleys of testing, but He has promised to make us fruitful in them. He is the God who turns the Valley of Achor (trouble) into a door of hope (see Hos. 2:15). If you are in the valley of affliction, now is the time to press into Him. When the time comes to bring you out of this valley, He will heal your memories and bring fruit from this very time.

11/12/2008

CREATED FOR HIS GOOD PLEASURE

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, November 12 2008

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
Eric Liddell was an Olympic runner from Britain who won a gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was a man who had a deep commitment to the Lord and had future plans of being a missionary. In the meantime, he knew God had given him a special gift to run, and he often said, "I feel God's pleasure when I run."
He spent years training for the Olympics. He passed each hurdle and qualified for the Olympics. Finally, the day came for him to run in the games that were held in Paris. There was only one problem. One of his running events was held on Sunday. Liddell refused to run on Sunday, believing it dishonored the Lord's Sabbath. He held to his convictions and brought great persecution on himself. He made a decision that even if it meant losing his opportunity to compete, he would not run. God's laws were greater than man's applause. Just when the circumstances seemed hopeless, another situation arose that allowed Liddell to run on a different day. So often this is the case in the spiritual realm. God tests our hearts to see if we will remain faithful to Him at the cost of something important to us. Once He knows where our loyalty lies, He opens a new door that meets the desires of our hearts. God takes pleasure in seeing His creation used for His glory. Liddell understood why he was made to run; he used his gift of running to bring pleasure to his Creator. Later, Eric Liddell went on to serve God on the mission field. Does your life work bring pleasure to the Lord? Do you understand that God instilled certain gifts and talents in you so that He might find pleasure in His creation of you? Take pleasure in the gifts God has given to you this day. And let His glory shine through you

RECEIVING ONLY FROM GOD

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Tuesday, November 11 2008

"I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me-to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share." Genesis 14:24
Abraham's nephew was a man named Lot. Lot was part of Abraham's household until the land on which they fed their flocks could no longer support their growing families and herds. Abraham allowed Lot to choose the land where he wanted to live. Lot chose the land of Sodom.
Afterwards, four kings invaded Sodom, and Lot's family and goods were taken into captivity. When Abraham learned of this, he immediately gathered his best fighting men and pursued the armies to free Lot and his family. He was successful in freeing Lot's family and the families of Sodom. The king of Sodom was grateful to Abraham for what he did and wanted him to keep the goods he recovered. Abraham had made a decision before the battle that he would only keep what he recovered for his nephew Lot, and goods as payment for the men who fought.
Abraham understood the principle of receiving from God. He was a man with great integrity in God. He did not want to be known as someone who became wealthy because of the kindness of a wicked king. He wanted others to know that whatever prosperity he gained was a result of the blessing from God's hand alone. Abraham understood an important principle of receiving from God. Jesus also modeled this principle by receiving only what His Father wanted Him to receive. God's will for Jesus was to receive based on a carpenter's wage even though He was the God of the universe who had access to all things. Imagine the discipline Jesus had to have, knowing what He could have had. He upheld His own financial integrity in God. Each of us must discern what comes from the hand of God rather than the hand of man. As workplace believers, there are situations that allow us to manipulate, sweat, and toil our way to profit. There is also profit as a result of hard work done in obedience to our calling to the workplace. Knowing the difference in these two concepts is a sign of integrity before God. Only God receives glory when we receive what God wants us to receive. Are you receiving the fruit of your labor in God? Ask God to show you the difference of these two concepts for your own life.

11/06/2008

DIVINE SETUPS

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Thursday, November 06 2008

"Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32
Have you ever perceived yourself to be at one place spiritually only to discover that you were actually far from this place? Peter perceived himself to be so spiritually strong that he was prepared to suffer greatly for his Master. Yet Jesus knew where Peter really was in his own pilgrimage. He knew that Peter's enthusiasm did not match his reality. He was suffering from an attitude of self-righteousness. So, how did Jesus help Peter match his perception to his reality? Peter was the object of a divine setup.
First, notice that satan asked permission to sift Peter as wheat. Jesus determined that satan would be used to bring Peter to the maturity level both Jesus and Peter really desired. And Jesus was praying that Peter would pass the test. Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times that very day. Peter could not believe what Jesus was saying.
Sometimes the lessons we must learn are very painful. This experience was necessary in Peter's life. It was necessary to purge Peter from his sin of self-righteousness. This very lesson would allow Peter to come face to face with his own misperception of where he was in his relationship and devotion to Jesus. When he was forced to confront this, it nearly broke him apart. He wept bitterly once he realized he had done just as Jesus had predicted. This confrontation with reality is necessary at times in our lives. Do not be surprised if Jesus allows you to experience some painful circumstance. You may be the subject of a divine setup designed to bring you to a greater maturity level in your walk with Jesus. It may not be a fun experience when you go through it, but you will, like Peter, become a leader whom God will use to lead others.

11/05/2008

10 WAYS TO PRAY FOR BARRACK OBAMA

Whether you are happy about this week’s election results or not, all Christians must unite in prayer for our new president. Please don’t forsake this responsibility.
It’s over. We’ve reached the end of the longest, angriest and most nerve-wracking presidential campaign in American history. Finally the “I approved this message” ads have ceased. The endless robot phone calls have stopped ringing. The debates, and the annoying post-debate comments from “experts,” are history—until the next election cycle.

More than half the nation is celebrating today while others are mourning. We are a divided nation, split into unhappy fragments by abortion, gay marriage, global warming, a failed economy and an unpopular war. Those who voted for Barack Obama have claimed a historic victory; some on McCain’s side are already looking for scapegoats. Politics is politics.

But when I got up this morning, I turned all my attention to the fact that Jesus Christ is still on the throne. His government is what is most important. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, the Bible says “the nations are like a drop from a bucket” to God (Is. 40:15, NASB). That includes the United States. We may boast about being “the greatest nation on earth,” but He who sits in heaven has a different perspective. Let’s take a big sigh of relief now and remember that God is sovereign.
"But when I got up this morning, I turned all my attention to the fact that Jesus Christ is still on the throne. His government is what is most important."
I’ll admit this election did not turn out as I had hoped. I supported McCain primarily because I am pro-life and I prefer his small-government mindset. But now that the election is over, I’m not going to harbor bitterness toward Obama supporters or go into attack mode. Obama has been elected president of this country, and that means I have a biblical responsibility to support him in prayer—even if I challenge his policies.

Whether you voted for Obama or not, you need to pray for him. Here are 10 ways I plan to intercede for him regularly:

1. Pray for Obama’s protection. We already know that some weird, neo-Nazi fanatics in Tennessee plotted to kill Sen. Obama during his campaign. Let’s pray that racist hatred is not allowed to spread. Let’s cancel every assassin’s bullet in the name of Jesus. May civility triumph over bigotry.

2. Cover his wife and daughters in prayer. It is not easy to live under constant media scrutiny. Pray for Obama’s wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Malia and Natasha, as they face invasive cameras, nosy reporters, maniacal fans and dangerous enemies. Obama is not only a politician but also a husband and a father.

3. Pray that Obama will govern with God’s wisdom. God rewarded Solomon because he asked for wisdom instead of wealth, long life or vengeance on his enemies (see 1 Kings 3:11-12). Pray that Obama will order his priorities like that. Despite Solomon’s tragic character flaws, his legacy was wisdom. We can ask God to give our president the same grace.

4. Ask God to keep our president humble. Many great American leaders became corrupt after they moved to Washington. The fatal attraction of fame, wealth and power proved irresistible. The only thing that will guard a man or woman from this pitfall is humility. May God deliver President Obama from the curse of pride.

5. Pray for wise and righteous advisers to surround him. Godly leaders cannot do their job alone. Even the best leaders have failed because they trusted the wrong people. Pray that Obama will not select his counselors based on party, race, pedigree or political cronyism but on godly character and proven wisdom. Pray also that he will not allow secret traitors into his inner circle.

6. Ask for the spirit of reconciliation. Some segments of our deeply divided society want nothing to do with Obama now that he has won the presidency. Even some Christians will be tempted to harbor resentment and nurse political grudges throughout his term in office. Pray that God will grant forgiveness and healing so that leaders on all political levels can have constructive dialogue.

7. Pray that Obama will adopt pro-life convictions. Many politicians have changed their views on key issues while in office. In the 1800s some leaders who favored slavery later denounced it. In the 1950s some who opposed racial integration later became champions of it. Even though Obama won approval from many voters because he sanctions abortion, God could soften and change his heart.

8. Bind all evil forces assigned to manipulate our president. The specter of Islamic terrorism looms over the United States, and dark forces are ready to infiltrate. Our only hope lies in prayer to the God who is able to expose and outwit the schemes of the wicked. This is truly a time for spiritual warfare, and intercessors must not come off the wall in this hour! Pray that no foreign government, terrorist organization or demonic principality will use Obama as a tool. We must stand strong against the spirit of antichrist that promotes dictatorship, persecution of Christians and hostility toward Israel.

9. Pray that Obama’s door will remain open to the church. The loudest voices of secular culture—from Bill Maher in Hollywood to atheists in academia—would be happy if religion were removed from public life. Pray that Obama, who claims to have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, will unapologetically welcome Christian leaders into his company and seek their counsel. And pray that false religious leaders (who claim to know Christ but deny His power) will not have his ear.

10. Pray that our nation will enjoy God’s peace and blessing during the Obama administration. The apostle Paul instructed early believers to pray for all in authority “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2, NASB). God’s will is for America to experience peace and prosperity so that we can continue to export the gospel to the nations. This must happen whether a Democrat or a Republican is in the White House. As we cry out for God’s mercy on our wayward nation, pray that He will allow us to be a light to the world as we finance global missions, feed and heal the world’s poor and share Christ’s love at home and abroad.

J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma.

LEADERSHIP THAT FREES

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Wednesday, November 05 2008

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives." 1 Peter 3:1-2
"I am having a real problem with something that I need input from you guys," said the lady in our fellowship group. "My husband wants to make a major purchase that I am opposed to. We cannot afford it right now. I understand what the Bible says about headship in the home, but what do I do when I totally disagree with his decision?" The men in the group looked at each other, realizing the sensitive nature of such a question, especially in today's society.
Then someone said, "You really only have a few options if you adhere to the principle that God has entrusted the man as the leader in the home. God has placed you under the umbrella of His protection as well as your husband. There are times when he will not make the right decision. Does that mean God is not protecting you? No. There may be several things working here. God may be testing your own obedience to this principle. He may use you to open up your husband's spiritual life due to your obedience and submissive spirit. Your obedience may cost your family something, but it will be beneficial in the long term. Your alternative is to rebel and pay him back for his decision by withholding your love from him, which is often what a wife does in this situation. It becomes a vicious circle of paybacks. My suggestion is to tell your husband how you feel about his decision and the impact you feel it will have on you and your family. If he still wants to make the purchase, you must let him do it and support him. What happens next will rest in God's hand as your ultimate protector."
A few weeks later our sister in Christ came to our meeting. "I have some wonderful news. We did make the purchase. However, we were able to make it in such a way that we did not go into debt and I was able to support my husband. I have already seen a change in his attitude toward me by the way I responded to him in this. It has been a real lesson for me. I see him much more open to spiritual things since I made this decision and supported him, even though I disagreed with it."
God has made man and woman equal in His sight. Yet He has given each a different role to play in marriage. Husbands must answer to God for their leadership in the home. They will be judged for that leadership. When a wife submits to that leadership, God protects her from wrong decisions of that husband, although sometimes it may not appear that way at first.
You can trust God to protect you in your decisions that are made in obedience to His Word. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

11/04/2008

A MOMENT OF OPPORTUNITY

As I have sat here tonight and watched the elections I was continually impressed by the Spirit that this is not a time of fear, but of opportunity. I believe as the Bible clearly tells us that through all of this that Jesus Christ is still sitting on the throne. He is not surprised, he is not taken aback by the outcome of tonight. As a matter of fact the Bible tells us the opposite. It tells us in Daniel 2:21 that "He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them."

So what are we to do in this time? We are to pray! The Bible once again is very clear on our course of action. We must show the world Jesus Christ through our love by laying our lives down in prayer for President Elect Barrack Obama! 1 Timothy 2:1-2 tells us "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Proverbs 21:1 tells us that the heart of the king is in the hands of God, so when we think about praying for President Elect Barrack Obama that should be our guiding principle. Let us join together praying for several things for our future president.

1. Pray for wisdom in troubling times
2. Pray that he develops a Biblical Worldview
3. Pray that he defends life, not choice
4. Pray that he is given the gift of discernment to see things for what they are, not what they appear to be
5. Pray that he is given the gift of knowledge to know how to deal with Terrorism, the Economy, and the moral challenges of this Post-Modern World
6. Finally and most importantly pray that he develops a greater relationship with Jesus Christ and that his relationship with Jesus, not party affiliation would guide and direct his path.

Xtreme Ministries
"BRINGING GRACE TO A LOST WORLD"

DONT FORGET CULTS TOMORROW

Hey everyone just a quick reminder that tomorrow at 7:15 at Xtreme we will be beginning our series on CULTS.

Topics to be covered are Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Satanism, Islam, Atheism, New Age.

11/03/2008

THE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1
by Os Hillman Monday, November 03 2008

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:15
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer. Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain. The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP

One of the surest signs of spiritual attack against the mind is the feeling that you want to throw up your hands and quit. Discover how to battle this attack.

“God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).
Spiritual warfare against the mind releases fear, confusion, despair and offense.
Spiritual battles are not fought with fleshly ordnance. scri pture declares, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh” (2 Corinthians 10:3). Spiritual warfare is using the Word of God and your delegated authority to oppose demonic opposition against you.
The Holy Spirit is still giving us understanding of the ghostly powers that battle against us. scri pture says, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6). The Apostle Paul makes it clear that we are in a spiritual war and declares that, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”
Before we attack principalities and powers let’s learn how to pull down the warring thoughts and imaginations that rise within us. Paul continued, “Casting down imaginations.” An imagination is an image, a picture formed in the spirit of your mind of something unseen. Something that exists only in the imagination is not real unless you give life to it. Have you experienced an imagination today? What did you do with it? Did you cast it down and move ahead or have tea and biscuits on white clothed tables?
Spiritual warfare against the mind releases fear, confusion, despair and offense. scri pture says such things do not come from God, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Let’s start with confusion. Corrupted imaginations can affect sound judgment and inject confusion into your life. Left unrestrained they will release uncertainty and cause difficulty with problem solving, staying attentive and remaining focused. Confusion is like a grey haze that dares you to enter. Mental murk is the symptom of a weapon that clouds truth. That’s why its source needs to be justly observed. Sometimes it is caused from lack of rest, health or disinformation that affects your ability to solve problems or clear your thoughts. At other times it’s the result of spiritual attacks, warfare within your mind that produces mixed-up thinking. When the haze assaults remember that, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Often confusion is a spiritual attack against your mind that has little or nothing to do with the general circumstances surrounding you. If attacked by confusion plead the blood of Jesus over your mind and watch the cloudiness disappear like the morning fog at sunrise.
Sad news can release despair. Yet dismay from spiritual warfare usually has nothing to do with a winter’s tale. Have you felt like you just wanted to give up and quit? Monday morning has come and you just want to turn back. One of the surest signs of spiritual attack against the mind is the feeling that you want to throw up your hands and quit. Despair feels like a lonely winter. It is the capricious notion that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well. It is an attack against hope. scri pture says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Notice that faith activates hope that resides in the unseen realm within. You have probably heard much about the importance of faith, but faith activates hope. Hope is the stuff that dreams are made of. That’s why the spirit of this world attacks it so. If the enemy can destroy your hope he can disarm your faith. Those times when you feel like quitting and the whole world is against you are sure signs that victory is right at the door. Pick up your double-edged sword and slay that feeling.
WINNING THE MIND WARFARE
Confusion can also be the result of witchcraft that whispers in your ear. In my book “Exposing Spiritual Witchcraft” we learn that witchcraft is a spiritual force that battles against the spirit of your mind. Ungodly imaginations, for example, can have you entertaining works of the flesh and take you right out of the Spirit.
Some people are like the lone Joshua trees found in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. They are surrounded by desert and void of the refreshing waters of the Holy Spirit. Those who live according to their own hearts walk in spiritual parchedness. scri pture describes them as those that, “Have forsaken my law which I set before them and have not obeyed my voice neither walked therein but have walked after the imagination of their own heart and after Baalim which their fathers taught them” (Jeremiah 9:13-14). Baalim was a darkened prophet that ministered in divination and witchcraft because of a covetous heart. He sold-out God’s chosen for “the rewards of divination,” power, prestige and money (Numbers 22:7).
Thoughts that take you out of the Spirit are evidence of the spiritual war against your mind. Beware the fate of the foolish Galatians. Some thoughts are works of witchcraft within your imagination. Bewitching imaginations that lead you away from God’s principles and precepts into the flesh need to be bound and cast down (Galatians 3:1-3).
Witchcraft works best inside one’s imagination. Enchanted images are simply focal points the prince of the power of the air uses to steal Christ’s abundant life. scri pture describes witchcraft as a work of the flesh. “But if you be led of the Spirit you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions and heresies” (Galatians 5:18-20). Witchcraft is a work of the flesh because people have the power to cast down orphic imaginations or to entertain them and walk them out. Beware the ritual of pictured witchery. You give life to an imagination by speaking it. scri pture declares that “life and death are in the power of the tongue.” You have to be careful what you speak because the world of the spirit doesn’t operate on what you mean, it operates on what you say (Mark 11:23). When you speak the imaginations that attack your mind you prophesy over your life. So be cautious with your words because speaking vain imaginations, an activity of your flesh, is a form of witchcraft according to the scri pture you just read.
Others may have witchy thoughts about you and speak them over you. When they do, they give life to it and pass the assignment on. Now you have to deal with those spoken words. Not only was the imagination working within their imagination leading to wrong conclusions but now they’ve released the assignment of that imagination against your life; when they do that releases confusion, a form of witchcraft. If this happens to you, don’t receive it. Don’t think about it. Don’t agree with it. Don’t repeat it. Bind it up and cast it down.
Someone may say, for example, “I was thinking about you last night and recommend that you double lock your doors tonight because I just feel danger in the air.” Or they may talk about how you’re going to be sick and so on. Don’t give life to other people’s fleshly munitions.
When spoken, vain imaginations release demonic assignments through fear. If someone releases fear at you through one of their imaginations bind it up. You can declare God’s truth over your life by saying, “No weapon formed against me can prosper in Jesus’ name!” Remember that warring against imaginations means that you chain every thought, every word and every imagination to the Word of God, even the gossiping words spoken by others. This is why some Christians are taken out by imaginations because they don’t know how to campaign against them. Use God’s Word in your life and take dominion over vain imaginations. Avoid other people’s imaginations and don’t try to combat thoughts with thoughts. Instead use the Word of God and your spiritual authority to take them captive.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
Spiritual warfare is using the Word of God and your delegated authority to oppose demonic opposition against you.
Before we attack principalities and powers let’s learn how to pull down the warring thoughts and imaginations that rise within us.
One of the surest signs of spiritual attack against the mind is the feeling that you want to throw up your hands and quit.
The world of the spirit doesn’t operate on what you mean, it operates on what you say.

A PSALM FOR AMERICA

A Psalm for America
Composed by the members of Community Covenant Church, Manlius, NY,
at our prayer meeting October 27, 2008.

O Lord, great and awesome God,
forgiving and merciful, righteous and faithful,
we call upon you to hear our prayer.
We who are in covenant with you—we pray for our nation.
You have given us freedom—as no other nation—
and we have abused it, departing from you and your Word,
getting farther away on the wrong roads.
Lord, as we have broken our relationship with you,
our own relationships are breaking down.
We cannot hear you and we cannot hear one another.
So the weak suffer—children, women, the elderly,
the poor, the disabled, the unborn,
and so many men who have lost their way.
Self-centeredness results in more and more people not being loved.
Come back, Lord Jesus!
Have mercy on us!
Give us ears to hear and eyes to see.
Break through our stubbornness
and convict us with the drawing power of the Holy Spirit.
Help us to hear and see you—
then we will be able to hear and see one another.
Please give us grace to love you, O Lord,
and to love our neighbor.
We have lost the understanding of you as our Heavenly Father.
Restore the Spirit of Adoption
where we could call you, “Abba, Father.”
Save our society from its illegitimacy.
Bring the American dream into line with your dream for us!
Dear Father, you sent the Lord Jesus,
the Lamb of God into the world
to bear the sins and sorrows
that we have mentioned to you in this prayer.
So we plead and we trust in your cross to still save the world.
O Lord, we trust you to hear us. In Jesus Name, Amen.