Recently I asked Jane, “What is it that makes a song a prophetic song?”

The answer is that God speaks to you through it. My day resounded with the lyric and tune of a song that I knew when I was a teenager. Not Christian – either the song  or I. But when God pierces your heart as you listen to some words, you should take notice, I think. I’ll share the song with you. Just change the word “Sun” to “Son” and it can easily be seen as a message, even if it doesn’t apply to you. But perhaps as we step out into the darkness of 2012 there is something here that you will identify with, and something to encourage you.

This article was forwarded to me by my friend Jim Enos. Jim is the CHP Candidate for Hamilton Mountain. This gives him an inside scoop on some of the things going on in our city and our province. He has been fighting the good fight for years.

I am convinced that politics is not the answer to the problems of the world today. Neither local nor global issues will be solved by votes or vetoes. Prayer and the Lordship of Jesus - the manifestation of His Kingdom and His Spirit are the only hope. But we must take action. Something must be done and said, with the power of the anointing of the spirit, and the authority of the elders of the city (that's not the politicians, by the way) something has to be done. A stand must be taken in order to protect the lives and the hearts of the coming generation. Take out the kids and you take out the Christ, right?If we care for Hamilton, if we care for our country, if we care for the lives of the people who are lost and have no Shepherd.... something must be done.

WAKE UP!!! You must realize that the battle is not one fought in the flesh and victory is not accomplished by debate. I suggest that we stand together and say, "No more! This far and no further. In fact, move back. Move back. Make way. Make way...."

The article is wrtten by Dr. Charels McVety. I must admit I sometimes feel he is weak in debating the provocateurs on T.V. and in other arenas. He seems to come off as ineffectual. But this article goes right to the point. At the heart of it is this line:

"In a free and democratic society values stem from the people to the state, not the state to the people."

How long will we wait? Until it is too late?

Subject: "a value that transcends every faith and every tradition and every culture"

By Charles McVety, President, Canada Christian College

Is supporting homosexuality “a value that transcends every faith and every tradition and every culture,”? According to Premier Dalton McGuinty it is and must be enforced with the power of legislation.

On December 12th Mr. McGuinty visited Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School in Aurora. After meeting with the Gay Straight Alliance he held a press conference and answered a few questions from the media. In reply to an unrelated question he declared “I think we’re talking about something here by way of a value that transcends every faith and every tradition and every culture”.

When a state leader decrees a “value” to supersede all other values he sounds totalitarian. In a free and democratic society values stem from the people to the state, not the state to the people. Ontarians have not been clamouring for a new law that would override the separation of church and state, with the state dictating to Catholic Schools that they must teach a radical pro-gay sex education program and support clubs that promote homosexuality. Ontarians have not been asking the state to force Churches renting public school facilities to follow this provincial doctrine. This new “value” comes directly from the Premier.

Recently Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty seized the opportunity to write his radical six gender sex education in the new ant-bullying law. Everyone agrees that bullying is a serious threat to children and must be combated with strong, stiff programs and penalties. Victims must be loved, cared for and respected. Children’s lives depend on it. Unfortunately the Premier is using everyone’s good will to advance his agenda.
The Anti-bullying Bill 13 uses the force of law to make teachers in both Public and Catholic to:

· Teach Radical Six Gender Curriculum - Equity and Inclusive Education

Bill 13 Section 2. (1) Paragraph 29.1 of subsection 8 (1) of the Act is repealed and the following substituted: equity and inclusive education
29.1 require boards to develop and implement an equity and inclusive education policy, and, if required by the Minister, submit the policy to the Minister and implement changes to the policy as directed by the Minister;

· Support Homosexual Clubs in all Public and Catholic Schools
Bill 13 Section 9. Board support for certain pupil activities and organizations
303.1 Every board shall support pupils who want to establish and lead,
(a) activities or organizations that promote gender equity;
(b) activities or organizations that promote anti-racism;
(c) activities or organizations that promote the awareness and understanding of, and respect for, people with disabilities; or
(d) activities or organizations that promote the awareness and understanding of, and respect for, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, including organizations with the name gay-straight alliance or another name.

· Force Churches Renting School Property to Follow Province’s Radical Agenda.
Bill 13 Section 7 (2) Agreements with third parties re use of schools
(3.1) If a board enters into an agreement with another person or entity, other than a board, respecting the use of a school operated by the board, the board shall include in the agreement a requirement that the person or entity follow standards that are consistent with the code of conduct.
It is egregious to impose, with the force of law, this bizarre social engineering experiment on Ontario’s children under the pretence of protecting children from bullying. There is no proof that forcing all schools, Public and Catholic, to teach this material and host gay clubs will stop bullying. This guise doesn’t hold water with standard pedagogical practices. Our schools don’t have to teach the intricacies of every element of difference to combat bullying. Teachers don’t need a 219 page curriculum guide extolling the virtues of being short, overweight, Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other identifying factor. They simply need to combat bullying.

Last year, parents voiced their concern over this same material. The Premier promised to withdraw the program. Instead the Ministry of Education transferred the teaching to another department Equity and Inclusive Education. The Ministry admonishes teachers "to address controversial issues" even in the face of "negative parent response". Teachers are further warned if they omit any of the curriculum then they will be guilty of "foster(ing) a poisoned environment". The fact that they include such a statement means that the Ministry knows that parents are upset but just don't care. Would you teach your eight-year-old child, six genders and to question his or her gender?

If not then your home is a "poisoned environment" according to the reasoning of this Equity and Inclusive program. If McGuinty is successful at sneaking this program into the anti-bullying legislation teachers will be forced to "read some traditional folk tales and fairy tales with the class. Have students write/illustrate their own "gender-bending" versions." After opposite sex role-play the children must read the textbooks, Are You A Boy or a Girl, William's Doll, or Doing It Right (covering topics such as anal sex and masturbation).

Your child will then be forced to "Read Gloria Goes to Gay Pride and "Search images of Pride Week". I warn you not to do so. Your child will find numerous pictures of full scale nudity and people performing mock sex acts on the street. The little children are then ordered to "make posters for the TDSB float and/or school bus that are in the Pride Parade. Additionally, students could have their own Pride Parade in their school."
What does any of this have to do with bullying?

As parents we trust our children in the hands of Ontario's Premier. We expect him to care for our children as they would care for their own. This trust has been betrayed.

Freedom for parents to raise their children within the confines of the law is a foundational Canadian value. In this Orwellian age, the State has become a "bully", so hostile to parents that it will present in-your-face sexually explicit topics and material to our children and expect us to just accept it.
If you dare to voice dissent they will attack you with ad hominem slurs, portray you as a supporter of bullying and slander your name. Are they not prime examples of school yard bullies who resort to name calling when they are losing an argument?

Link Bill 13 http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=2549

Link to Equity and Inclusive Curriculum http://word.ca/TDSB%20Equity%20%20Inclusive%20Curriculum%20-%20See%20page%2010%20!.pdf

As Jane and I arrived at the prayer room for our one hour time slot to pray for the city, Jill was just backing it out of the alley so that the garbage dumpster could be put back in place. After some back and forth the prayer room was again reversed into its narrow parking space so that the ministry could resume. It was hot. We were installed in this tin box with our friend, Jill Weber, the director of the Greater Ontario House of Prayer (GOHOP) and began to worship together. As we sang spontaneously and prayed for Hamilton, and for Living Rock the odd passer by would ignore us on their way back to their office, or give us a strange look. I began to think, "You're the ones who are strange - this is normal! You really are an odd passer by...."

Is Freemasonry a Religion?

Had a great time tonight teaching at Cafe Adonai re. Freemasonry. It was cool to have two Christians there who both were previously lodge members. One was a "Worshipful Master". Cool because they both agreed that the description of Freemasonry and its rites were accurate and true. So here is part of the notes - on whether or not Freemasonry is a religion.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable claims that masons insist on blindly is that Freemasonry is not a religion. They claim you can be a Christian or anything else for that matter, and still be a Freemason. Let me tell you that the Bible says, “You can't drink the cup of demons and the cup of the Lord.” and “What fellowship does light have with darkness?”
Although Freemasonry claims to be revealing light to its initiates, there is only darkness ahead for those who are 'obligated'.

So here's an examination of some of the practices, terms and tenets of the organisation. Also quickly consider what organisations are also part of Freemasonry.

Bible
They use a Christian bible, although they have their own version of the bible – you may have heard of a “Masonic Bible”. The Bible is used for swearing oaths and also as a basis for the mythology of the religion. So in that sense, they actually misuse it: The story of Hiram Abiff, for example in masonry, is based on the story of bringing in an artisan for the building of the temple of Solomon. Who he was, and what his skills were, his role, his significance is fabricated by the masons, not based on the Biblical narrative.

Altar
Like in a Catholic or Anglican church – there is an altar used in their ceremonies, bedecked with the trappings of Freemasonry.

Cathedral
The headquarters for the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the largest Masonic organisation in Canada is in Hamilton at King and Queen. It is called a Cathedral.
Chambers:
Cathedral
noun: the principal church of a diocese, in which the bishop has his throne.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Greek kathedra seat.

Rite

(Chambers again)
1 a formal ceremony or observance, especially a religious one. 2 the required words or actions for such a ceremony. 3 a body of such acts or ceremonies which are characteristic of a particular church

Clearly, a religious building where “rites” are conducted.

Temple
Another common phrase is “The Masonic Temple.”
Again, a temple is a place of religion, true or false.

God
The organisation purports to reveal the true nature and identity of God.
The organisation claims to reveal the names of God to its initiates. Beginning with “GAOTU” - the “great architect of the universe”. Through successive levels Masons are then told new names, which are not the names given earlier. Jabulon, is a despicable contrivance from the names Yahweh and Baal and
Osiris (On was thought at one time to be a variation or alternative name for Osiris. Even if this is now known to be inaccurate, the intent is the same).
Ahura Mazda – Persian god of fire.
AUM, hindu false trinity of Brahma/Vishnu/Shiva

God said,
"Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. “
Exodus 20:7 GNB

Also “Baphomet”, “Osiris”.
Finally the secret is revealed and the claim is made that Lucifer is the bringer of light....

The New Testament says, “at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

There are many names of God revealed in the Bible, but the masonic names are not in there. This is not God, but false names for God.

FALSE PLAN OF SALVATION
Along with this their is a false plan of salvation:

In the Entered Apprentice Degree, the Worshipful Master asks, "What covering has a Lodge?" The Senior Warden answers:
A clouded canopy or star-decked heavens, where all good Masons hope at last to arrive. . .
During the Master Mason Degree, the Worshipful Master asks, "What is meant by the three steps usually delineated on the Master's Carpet?" The following answer is given by the Senior Warden:
. . .as Fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbors, and ourselves; so that, in Age, as Master Masons, we may enjoy the happy reflections consequent on a well-spent life, and die in the hope of a glorious immortality.
When a mason portrays Hiram Abiff, the Worshipful Master offers a prayer just before he (as Hiram Abiff) is "raised" from the dead. His prayer ends with these words:
Yet, O Lord! have compassion on the children of Thy creation; administer them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. Amen.
At the close of the Legend of the Third Degree. The Senior Warden says:
Then, finally my brethren, let us imitate our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, in his virtuous conduct, his unfeigned piety to God, and his inflexible fidelity to his trust; that, like him, we may welcome the grim tyrant, Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent by our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.
The following explanation of the meaning of the Legend of the Third Degree is found on page 96 of Albert Mackey’s Manual of the Lodge:
It was the single object of all the ancient rites and mysteries practiced in the very bosom of pagan darkness. . .to teach the immortality of the soul. This is still the great design of the third degree of Masonry. This is the scope and aim of its ritual. The Master Mason represents man, when youth, manhood, old age, and life itself have passed away as fleeting shadows, yet raised from the grave of iniquity, and quickened into another and better existence. By its legend and all its ritual, it is implied that we have been redeemed from the death of sin and the sepulchre of pollution. . . .and the conclusion we arrive at is, that youth, properly directed, leads us to the honorable and virtuous maturity, and that the life of man, regulated by morality, faith, and justice, will be rewarded at its closing hour by the prospect of eternal bliss. . . .the Master Mason represents a man saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation.
Masonry teaches that Master Masons, as a group, may die in the hope of a glorious immortality, that they represent those raised from the grave of iniquity and that they have been redeemed from the death of sin. Masonry is teaching that Master Masons have salvation!

Worshipful Master
Worship is something that is directed to God. It is true that we use the term in reference to other people, notably, “His worship the Mayor”, for example. However, in the context of a rite in a Cathedral at an altar with a Bible, the man is taking the position of a priest – directing the worship.

Proverbs 29:18 in the New King James Version states: "Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint." 

We see that happening now. Let me put it in a societal context; the church is not providing revelation of the word of God to the people who desperately need to hear it. Restraint is being cast off all around us. It doesn't look good. The moral compass is spinning wildly, with no true north to provide the reference point or give direction.

Some of the worst news I've had for a while was received in an email this week. The Methodist church (building) in England, where my son (now 28) was dedicated as a baby, where we learned about the Holy Spirit, where we were discipled in the Lord and where we made friends who remain, even across an ocean,  firm friends to this day - that church, - yes, OK, its just a building, but that church - is going to become a mosque. I think of  this situation like this: Whereas Hitler couldn't do it with the Blitz, England is being bombed into defeat in order to become a radically altered state. It was never going to be a Nazi country. That just was not going to happen. Could it become an Islamic state? Englandistan? Well, there is little restraint at the moment.

Its not only there that the church is on the run. Where I live, too, the church is struggling. We seem to have lost our voice. We have the message, the Words of Life, but who is standing up and speaking? Where is the prophetic voice of the church today? Where is the revelation of the Word and the Will of God? 

That word 'revelation' in Proverbs, according to my handy notes, speaks of "revelatory vision. A word from God." If you've ever heard a word from God which spoke to you directly you will know the way it can impart life and motivation, faith and vision. One little piece of such Manna can sustain for more than just a day, yet there is an ample supply available. How many scriptures speak of the giving of God's word? I can think easily of a few: "Surely the Lord does nothing without revealing it to His servants the prophets." "I will write my word on their hearts...." "My sheep hear my voice."

We just have to pour it out. Stay close to God with intent. Clean the filter with repentance. Prime the pump with worship. Let the Word come out as the Revelation of God. Even if you feel like a voice in the wilderness, you, child of God, are called to be a voice of revelation to those who are saved and to those who are perishing. 

 Why I'm planning on moving away from Facebook. Not an anti FaceBook rant, particularly.

As he describes the truths of God and our relationship with Him, Mike Bickle has a great way with superlatives, which I think are totally appropriate: "Staggering beyond exageration..."

I want to recommend Mike's site to you, www.mikebickle.org. There are some amazing teachings, complete with notes, available. This is motivated, I have no doubt, by a desire in Mike to simply honour and bless God by teaching and challenging His people to know him more, love him more and serve him better because of that love.

Try out this one video teaching on loving God. Warning! It may turn you inside out, and challenge you in a way that is staggering beyond your expectation. Please give it a listen. God needs this teaching to take on in the hearts of the church.

Clcik here to go to the site and watch a video teaching. Approximately 50 minutes.
"Make some time to feed your spirit on this indescribable truth."

Got to pay your dues if you wanna preach Good News, and you know it don't come easy....

"Everyone needs compassion,
The kindness of a saviour...... "

Kindness: "Good will, benevolence, that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others.
an act of good will, and act that promotes the 'happiness or welfare' of others. "

This part of the song Saviour He Can Move The Mountains, always reminds me of the movie, A Streetcar Named Desire.

Blanche, who has had a tumultuous life to the point where she has gone crazy, says to a man who has shown her a little bit of kindness and gentleness in the midst of her pain, "I have always relied on the kindness of strangers."

In a way it is sad she had to rely on strangers for kindness but that is often how it is. Family and friends do not always pour in the kindness that we need. But a passing stranger who doesn't know the complications of our lives, can look and extend that kindness without being drawn into the whole kit and kaboodle that makes up our lives.

But most of us these days are hungry for that kindness more often. In a world filled with the darkness of our time, we cry out for that kindness and gentleness, sometimes to no avail. Children cry out for it, women cry out for it, men cry out for it. The pain of each is unique and deep.

But Jesus, the perfect picture of kindness, is a saviour who will extend to us the type of kindness and gentleness that heals; spirit, soul, and body.

The woman caught in adultry received that kindness when others were ready to stone her. The woman at the well, living a sinful life, received that kindness and was taught where to get "living water".

Peter, who ran when they took his master and denied him three times, was restored to relationship by that kindness.

The demoniac was healed, and delivered by that same kindness.

Everyone needs compassion. Everyone needs kindness. But Jesus is the only one who can give it every time we need it. He is the only one who can extend that kindness and bring restoration and healing along with it. He is the only one who has the fullness of that kindness, that fruit of the Spirit we all need to extend and receive. Hopefully we will learn how to extend that kindness as we receive it from the Lord.

Yes, everyone needs compassion.
The kindness of a Saviour.

Let mercy fall on me Lord.
Let mercy fall on me.



more to follow........

Well finally after years in the making the newest new CD is done. Its ten original songs made to give glory to God. The objective of making CDs is something that has been in process for years and years! Now Worship With Us is at the point where we can take on other people's worship CD projects!

The songs vary in age from a number of years to a couple of months - its really a transitional CD. Because I've been in this creative process for so long, and for much of it "equipmentally-challenged" it is a turning point in that I have now been able to publish most of the songs that have beeen waiting for release for some time, and also acquired the equipment now to do this better. I'm an artist painting with a new brush! Still, most of these tracks were recorded on a Pentium 3 through a regular sound card! I don't discourage anyone from doing that. Give the songs as well as you can. "Euggh!!!" I hear the "real musicians" going. I refer to my previous much vented point about intentionally never spending $10,000+ on producing a CD, even if I had it. Its about the message and people singing the songs, not about being a rockstar. (I get it that if its done better more people might want to sing it.... I get that).

When I was much younger I remember an album called "Nicely Out Of Tune" - not many Canadians will know of it - and I think, "Hmmmm. Is this?" It is what it is, I guess. I like it - come and get it!