Article by John Tisdale
It’s a good idea to periodically assess where you are at in your journey and evaluate whether you’re making the kind of decisions and progress needed to accomplish what’s most important. Amidst all the busyness and demands of life it becomes so easy to stop differentiating focus and purpose from distraction and busyness. I’m reminded of the football coach Vince Lombardi who upon realizing his team was missing the forest for the trees started a team meeting with, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” We all need to get back to the fundamentals regularly, lest we miss the point of it all.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In the last chapter we gazed at the effect of mercy on the heart of God: the Lord would spare Sodom for the sake of ten righteous souls. We also discovered that God's mercy would have gone ever further. Even as the Lord's wrath was about to fall on Jerusalem, the Lord said if there had been just one man of integrity in the city, the man's presence could have gained pardon for the entire city (Jer 5:1). Yet, the Lord's willingness to extend mercy has not always been welcomed by the church. We must rediscover true, basic Christianity. We have been content to possess a religion about what Jesus did without actually manifesting the reality of who Jesus is. Truly, our destiny does not find sure footing until the life of Christ emerges through us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Today, multitudes of fine "Bible-believing" Christians think nothing of venting their anger and bitterness toward America and its sins. Understandably, there has been much to grieve over. We should be deeply troubled, like Lot, with the "conduct of unprincipled men" (2 Pet 2:7). We should at least be moved to tears and prayer, if not anointed action. Yet, the moment we think our warfare is "against flesh and blood," or begin to call for divine wrath against people, we step outside the will of God. Indeed, when Jesus' disciples asked for fire to fall on the Samaritans, He told them plainly, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of" (Luke 9:55).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Do we understand what it means to be blessed? Perhaps we are more familiar with what it means to be cursed. The Bible definition of a curse meant "to be bound with a spell," "hemmed in by obstacles," or "rendered powerless to resist." I think many Christians are fighting the effects of curses against their lives. Even though they may not identify as a curse the resistance or heaviness that they frequently feel, they are aware that something is working against them. Some curses are generational in nature. The Scriptures warn that the sins of the fathers will be passed to "the children, and on the third and the fourth generations" (Deut. 5:9). There are character traits, sinful attitudes and cultural prejudices that can be inherited from our parents.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The call was from a pastor I'd known for years. I had always appreciated his heart. Every Sunday during communion he would pray and gently lay his hands on each person's head. Now, however, his voice was troubled. He asked if we could meet at his church and I agreed. As we sat in his office he confessed, "I started smoking. No one knows, not even my wife. I only smoke when I'm by myself in the car." "Well, I've heard worse things," I answered, relieved that he wasn't confessing a real sin."

Article by Francis Frangipane
We have been studying the influence that one mercy-motivated intercessor can have upon the heart of God. In this, we looked at Abraham and then expanded our study to Moses. The Lord heard the intercession of Moses as he stood between divine judgment and Israel's sin, and he stayed in the place of intercession until God's Word concerning Israel came to pass. The cycle of Israel's sin and God's justice repeated itself time and again. In essence, it was always the same: Israel rebelled; God threatened destruction; Moses interceded; God forgave.

Article by Francis Frangipane
More churches have been destroyed by the accuser of the brethren and its faultfinding than by either immorality or misuse of church funds. So prevalent is this influence in our society that, among many, faultfinding has been elevated to the status of a "ministry"! The Lord has promised, however, that in His house accusing one another will be replaced with prayer, and faultfinding with a love that covers a multitude of sins.

Article by Francis Frangipane
To understand the conflict between the Elijah spirit and the spirit of Jezebel, we must understand these two adversaries as they are seen in the Scriptures. Each is the spiritual counterpart of the other. Is Elijah bold? Jezebel is brazen. Is Elijah ruthless toward evil? Jezebel is vicious toward righteousness. Does Elijah speak of the ways and words of God? Jezebel is full of systems of witchcraft and words of deceit. The war between Elijah and Jezebel continues today. The chief warriors on either side are the prophets of both foes; to the victor goes the soul of our nation.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray, so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols'' (Rev 2:20). You may challenge my using the above quote and addressing it to American churches. You may argue that not one of the pastors you know has anyone who openly instructs people to commit acts of immorality. I understand your sense of alarm. I agree that you probably know of no one who brazenly preaches that sexual lust and idolatry are not sins. When we speak of Jezebel, we are identifying the source in our society of obsessive sensuality, unbridled witchcraft and hatred for male authority.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The motto In God We Trust was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins. From Treasury Department records, it appears that the first such appeal came in a letter dated November 13, 1861. It was written to Secretary Chase by Rev. M. R. Watkinson, Minister of the Gospel from Ridleyville, Penn., and read:

Article by Francis Frangipane
To perceive America's future, we must appreciate its past. Without stepping into pride or blind nationalism, we need to esteem how God has used the United States, especially since the 1940s. Indeed, just as the Lord commanded Israel to recall their blessings and honor Him for their victories so, with humility, we should call to mind God's mighty hand upon this nation. Let us not forget how, during World War II, the Almighty empowered the U.S. to defeat Nazism and Japanese imperialism. Then, for the next forty-five years, the Lord manifested His resolve to arrest the advance of Soviet communism, ultimately using the spiritual, economic and military strength of America to topple this stronghold of atheism.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Recently, a number of respected church leaders, frustrated with America's slow turn to repentance, have proclaimed that divine wrath is coming to our land. "If God does not destroy America," one influential pastor wrote, "He will have to repent to Sodom and Gomorrah." Certainly, there are many things morally wrong with America, but America is not Sodom or Gomorrah. Neither is it a re-emergence of the spirit of ancient Babylon. You will not find charged against this land the "blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth" (Rev 18:24). The spiritual influence of these archetypes is here, just as they are also manifested throughout the world, but America is much more than the sum of its sins and failures.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We began this book by asking you to consider what the civilized world would be like without the United States. Now, I'm going to ask you to consider a world with America in revival. I do not mean a revival merely of emotional religion, but a deep revival, born of genuine Christlikeness in the church. Picture America experiencing a Christ awakening, where a priesthood of mature believers join the Lamb before the throne of God's grace; where the Lamb is offered as sacrifice for America's sin, God receives the sacrifice and, according to 2 Chronicles 7:14, He heals our land.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There is no greater opportunity to become Christlike than in the midst of pain and injustice. When Satan is raging with evil, God is planning to turn it to good. If we maintain our integrity in battle; if we let love rise to its purest expression, we will touch the heart of God. Such is the path to God's power. I have set my heart to eliminate many of the vulnerabilities to, and effects of, church splits and other ungodly divisions. At the same time, I realize that we can do almost everything right as pastors and churches and still suffer divisions. For some of us, this may actually be part of God's greater plan for our lives--that we should endure rejection, conflict and slander as part of the process of truly becoming Christlike.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night" (Rev. 12:10). We discussed last week that, while there will be an actual time when the salvation, power and kingdom of God are fully manifested when Christ returns, any time the accusing voice of Satan is exposed and renounced, we can possess a partial fulfillment of that future reality today!

Article by Francis Frangipane
Moses sent twelve spies to Canaan to bring back a report of the land. When they returned, ten said that, though the land was good, Israel would surely be defeated by the inhabitants. Although Joshua and Caleb argued that Israel certainly could drive out their enemies, the people moaned, complained, and rebelled, even seeking to stone Joshua and Caleb and return with new leaders to Egypt. And again, the anger of the Lord was kindled against them and threatened to bring judgment (see Num 12-14).

Article by Francis Frangipane
There will be an actual point in time when the salvation, power and kingdom of God, as well as the authority of Christ, is manifested in the earth. While we wait patiently for the final fulfillment of that glorious event at the return of Jesus Christ, the spirit of this reality can be possessed any time a people determine to walk free of criticism and faultfinding, and turn their sights toward love and prayer for each other. There are God-ordained procedures to initiate correction within a church. These corrections should be done by "you who are spiritual . . . in a spirit of gentleness . . . looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted." Your motive should not be to destroy, but to "restore such a one" (Gal. 6:1). Accusations against an elder, though, should not even be received except on the basis of two or three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19). The "witnesses" spoken of here are eye -witnesses, not the intuitive "witness" or "sense" someone receives apart from hard and visible facts. All too often, these sense "witnesses" are sent by hell to destroy the harmony of a church with rumors and gossip.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It is no secret that we live in prophetic times. Besides two world wars, earthquakes and famines, our generation has seen the return of Israel to its land, and we have personally witnessed the spectacular increase of knowledge and travel (Dan 12). Spiritual signs are like towns we pass through en route to a further destination: they reveal approximately where we are as we approach the Lord's return. Yet, it is important to not assume we are further than we are. There are two major end time signs that we have not yet passed through. I'd love to be wrong, but it's my opinion that those planning for an immediate rapture should probably unpack. For, while we should be dressed in readiness, the gospel of the kingdom has not been proclaimed worldwide (Matt 24:14) nor has the Antichrist been revealed (2 Thess 2:1-3). Both these things must occur before Christ returns.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Today, perhaps more than at any time in our nation's history, we stand at a crossroads. Will this nation move toward heaven or hell? Will we see a national awakening or national destruction? I am fully convinced that if we stand for our cities and neighborhoods--if a remnant in the church truly becomes Christlike in prayer, character and motives--we will ultimately see the glory of God fall again upon our land. Yet, to possess the glory of Christ again through the church means, among other things, that godly leaders will need to mentor and train disciples in the way of the Lord. We simply do not have enough time to all mature spiritually at the current pace. We not only need revelation of the potential of Christ in us, but we need impartation from leaders who are walking in some measure of Christlikeness now (see Rom 1:11; 1 Thess 2:8). We need the spiritual fathers in the church to accept that, while they are not perfect, God can use them to mentor and train pastors, intercessors and the future leaders of the church.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Jesus warned of our days. Speaking of the unfolding difficulties in the world, He warned, "See to it that you not be terrified" (Lk 21:3). Indeed, He also said that one prevailing affliction that shall plague humanity would be "men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of . . . things which are coming on the earth" (Lk 21:26 NKJ). Today, heart failure is the number one killer of men in the western world. In America, nearly one million people will die this year from some form of heart disease. Approximately every 30 seconds another heart fails and a person dies. There may be many contributors to heart failure, but a main source is the inability to handle stress.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Our salvation grants us more than just church membership and a conservative perspective. We have, in truth, become one with Christ. The Lord Jesus is our head, we are His body; He is our husband, we are His bride; He is the vine from which we, His branches, draw our life and virtue. These images, and many more, speak openly and passionately of our eternal union with the Son of God. Yet on a personal scale, only in the briefest of flashes have we glimpsed His mighty power working with us. We pray, we ask, we travail; but we give birth, as it were, only "to wind" (Isa. 26:18). Most of our sick receive just enough grace to endure suffering; they are not healed. On a national scale, only during the heights of revivals and spiritual awakenings has the church truly seen the arm of the Lord revealed and society significantly transformed.

Article by Francis Frangipane
If you think you know God but do not live your life in gratitude before Him, it is doubtful that you really knew Him in the first place. A thankful heart honors God. Often when we say we "know God," what we really mean is that we know facts about God. But we should ask ourselves, "Do I truly know Him?" Paul warns that just knowing doctrines about God is not enough to enter eternal life. He said, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." Romans 1:20-21

Article by Francis Frangipane
The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. Our attitude determines whether life is to us a place of blessedness or wretchedness and misery. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns have roses! It all depends on your perspective. This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the stronghold of God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
How do you handle criticism? How does one protect himself from the "scourge of the tongue" (Job 5:21)? Where is the stronghold from accusation? If you are going to be successful in the Lord's work, you must find God's hiding place from one of the most painful weapons in Satan's arsenal: the critical tongue. The fact is, for better or for worse, people are going to talk about you. You cannot do the will of God without causing changes, and changes will always cause some to stumble. In fact, Jesus said we were to beware when all men speak well of us. He said we cannot serve two masters; if we are to truly please Him, we cannot be distracted by trying to please everyone else.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Those who will be tomorrow's leaders will pay God's price today. Other Christians may seem to be enjoying the benefits of Christ's blessings while doing little to obtain them. You who have answered Jesus' command, "Follow Me," will find no easy path before you. Yet, it is written, if we "suffer with Him" we shall also be "glorified with Him"(Rom 8:17). How does a disciple actually suffer with Christ? At the core of our existence, we choose to let the way of Christ guide us rather than the way of man. The cross is the cost we pay so Christ's redemption will succeed.

Article by John Tisdale
In this article, you will learn how to do the spiritual limbo. Like the popular party game, it’s all about seeing how low can you go? Instead of winning party favors, the spiritual version is all about winning favor with God. What you will need is a desire to experience more of God in your life and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make that happen. The path isn’t for the faint-of-heart. But, if you’re willing to make the journey, the reward can be exceptional.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We in our world have a different version of Christianity than that which Christ founded in the first century. Our version secures a hope in the afterlife, but does little to change us in the present life. We are still as easily offended and as unloving as those who do not know Christ -- and we are certainly just as divisive. Yes, we marvel at what Christ accomplished at Calvary, but we shrink from what He desires to fulfill in us. We desire His blessings, but not His backbone. Because we have diluted the full purpose of Christianity, which is conformity to Christ, the power to transform us is likewise diluted. As a result, our leaders fall, marriages fail and the gospel is reduced to a course on ethics, which we can take or leave since God forgives us anyway.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It should be noted that most Christians understand the significance of Christ's crucifixion, and are bowed in thankful reverence toward it. Here, at the foot of the cross, our need meets God's provision. We find forgiveness, redemption and healing. These are well-known, established truths of the gospel. They are proclaimed and re-enacted for us in an variety of expressions, rituals, and celebrations. With trembling awe we gaze at the Lord of life dying on the cross; we are captured by God's grace.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Ask Him. Go on, ask the Lord, in view of the times in which we live, what He considers practical. I venture you won't hear Him saying things like, "My son, invest in an IRA", or "Child, always get eight hours of sleep." No. As I know the Lord---and He is practical---He will say something like, "Both righteousness and wickedness are coming to full maturity upon the earth, and the world order, as you have known it, will soon be gone. Therefore, stop worrying about the things of this age. Prepare yourself to live continually in My Presence and abandon yourself to Me and My will and I will guide you through the days ahead."

Article by Francis Frangipane
Often I have heard Christians presumptuously state what they were "going to do to the devil." The outcome, however, has often been a testimony of what the devil did to them. At one time or another we have all fallen into boasting of our plans or achievements only to fall headlong, tripped by our own pride. Consequently, it is vital to recognize the pitfalls of presumptuous or arrogant "faith" before we approach the idea of "taking our cities."

Article by Francis Frangipane
Ultimately, I believe there are only two acceptable, core attitudes we should have toward the Almighty. The first attitude is heartfelt abandonment. This is the result of having found the Lord's Presence in a new unfolding of His glory. Heartfelt abandonment will always be accompanied by transcendent awe, unspeakable joy and irrepressible love. All of these are the result of having laid hold of the Lord; they are the consequences of His presence. The second core attitude we must possess comes in the seeming absence of God's presence. It is a relentless longing, an unquenchable thirst, to find Him whom your soul loves. Abandonment and longing are the two tracks that lead us into our destiny in God and guides into true spiritual fulfillment.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It is incredible, but many Christians actually believe that the only unity there will be in the last days is in the apostate church. The very spirit they think they are avoiding, the antichrist, is what has divided them from the rest of the church! (see I John 2:18-19) It is simply unscriptural and a sin for the believing, citywide church of Jesus Christ not to maintain the unity of the Spirit! One need not be a biblical scholar to recognize the Jews had to be uncompromisingly united in their worship of God. All Israel was required to come to Jerusalem three times a year to worship during the feasts. If their worship was compromised to where they began to serve the pagan gods of the region, they were quickly defeated in their battles.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Bible describes our relationship with the Christ in strong symbolic pictures of oneness: He is Head of a body, Husband of a wife, God in His temple. In spite of these powerful metaphors, there remains a sense of distance between the Presence of the Lord and ourselves. This distance is a test. Our call is to possess that love of God which reaches even into eternity and brings the glory and Person of Christ into His earthly House.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In the last days, God's word promises that the "mountain of the house of the Lord will be established" (Isaah 2:2). Our sincere conviction is that if this dwelling place of God truly emerges in our cities, it will transform entire regions and great revival will emerge. However, I would make it clear from the beginning, if our goal is anything other than becoming a home for Jesus, this truth will simply become another "wind of doctrine"; we will again be blown off course. Without the abiding fullness of Christ in the church, we will have no more impact in the world than a political party, whose strength rests in numbers and not God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Lord is cleansing us for the distinct purpose of bringing His people into His glory. Yes, out of His desire to present a pure bride to His Son, the Father is purging the church of its sin. He is refusing to allow our inter-church relationships to continue without love. According to the Scriptures, before Jesus returns, the body of Christ will be holy and blameless (see Eph 5:27; Titus 2:14; I Thess 5:23; Col 1:22; Phil 2:15; etc.). Through new and successive levels of purification, the house of the Lord will again receive and display the glory of God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
I want to commend those who sent us their comments about church splits. We received more responses to this subject than any previous message. From my best analysis, about five percent blamed pastors, saying that the pastors were in serious sin, heavy handed, weren't in "the river" or refused accountability to anyone (sadly, this is true among a minority of ministers). Twenty percent wrote simply to encourage us to write the book. However, amazingly, 75% spoke of being "deeply devastated" by a split, some calling it "hell on earth." These people usually wrote long and obviously painful emails. They grieved for their pastors, the loss of friends and the "death" of their church. These individuals said the division arose from a subordinate leader or group within the church.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week, as we discussed church splits, we marveled that heaven itself endured a time of strife where Lucifer challenged the leadership of God. The Scriptures reveal that a full third of the angels succumbed to the persuasion of Lucifer's spell. We do not know what lie the devil was able to weave, but that angels could, on the one hand, know God in His unlimited capabilities, yet believe a strategy could emerge that could defeat Him is a testimony to the unfathomable cunning of Lucifer's wiles.

Article by Francis Frangipane
If you have ever been through a church split, you are all too familiar with the terrible churning of emotions and the inconsolable distress that accompanies this descent into hell. If you are unfamiliar with the experience, expect that large factions of otherwise nice Christians will be pitted against one another. They will participate in slander, anger, deception, fear, bitterness, hatred, gossip, unforgiveness, strife, rebellion and pride.

Article by Francis Frangipane
God's word assures us that the Redeemer we see in the gospels is the same Lord Who enters our lives when we are born again. The same things Jesus did in the first century, He promises to do again for us today. Indeed, Scripture confirms that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever" (Heb 13:8). If the person we call "Jesus" is not as wonderful or powerful as Jesus of the gospels, we are serving the wrong one.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Because we live in prophetic times, there exists a great deal of passion concerning prophetic perspectives. Christian analysts on gospel television stimulate ever growing constituencies with new "signs" and "revelations," all pointing to the return of Christ. Generally, such zeal is healthy, for we should live spiritually alert and sensitive to our times. However, it is also easy to make false assumptions, where we believe we are closer to the end of the age than we actually are. The primary problem is that, once we accept the premise that we are at the final stage of end-time events, we step out of sync with the Father's heart.

Article by Denise Frangipane
Before I appropriated the gift of Christ's peace, I was always looking for something to distract me from my fears. There were few times when I found myself alone while growing up in a family of eleven. My sense of security came from having people always around me. In fact, I hated being alone, especially in the darkness. To keep from dealing with my gloomy, fearful thoughts, I would occupy my mind with radio, television or books. When all these distractions were removed, however, I was left with an unending supply of tormenting, disabling thoughts.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There will be a time when each of us will stand before Jesus Christ and He will open a door called "reality-past." There, we shall gaze into the days of our earthly existence. Jesus will not only commend our lives in a general way, but He will point to specific things we did. Rejoicing together with us, He will say, "Well done!" Perhaps there was a special act of kindness that turned a bitter person back toward God; or you overcame your fears and led a person to Christ whom God then used to win thousands.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We have three foundational standards in our home church, River of Life Ministries. One is to be a house of prayer. That means our hearts are positioned to stand in the gap in prayer between the judgment and the mercy of God. Our earnest goal is to manifest the intercession of Christ Himself, where redemption brings an end to sin rather than God using His wrath.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There is a place of immunity for the believer, a spiritual fortress in Christ that shelters us from the attacks of the devil. For those who abide in this stronghold of God, the onslaught of the wicked one does not touch them. Here, in this secret dwelling with the Almighty, we are hidden from the effects of the accuser's tongue; we are sheltered from the assignment of the destroyer.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Jesus warned of the deception which would occur at the end of the age. When we consider His words, we instinctively think of false teachers and prophets; and these will, indeed, mislead many (see Matthew 24). But there is another dimension to the enemy's tactics that is, perhaps, even more dangerous. For we may actually know the truth, but be too preoccupied and distracted to obey it. If this is the case, greater judgment will fall on us than upon him who did not know God's will at all.

Article by Francis Frangipane
As Christians, we spend too much time battling basic, elementary battles: "Am I truly saved?" "Am I really forgiven?" "Is there really a heaven?" God has so much more for us. He seeks to form in our thought-life the very mind of Christ. The Holy Spirit comes, not just to give us goose bumps and chills, but to restructure our attitudes and perceptions until we think with the thoughts of Jesus Himself.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Many ministers hate discussing finances; others are obsessed with it and teach about it all the time. Because Jesus Himself referenced it, we must put the issue of personal wealth into perspective. In the great overview of topics the Lord desires we learn, He has both promises and warnings concerning the issue of money.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Without fail, as long as we live in this world, pressures and heartaches will hunt the human soul, often springing upon us when we least expect them. Jesus, too, faced conflicts, but He did so from the perspective of one who lived in the fullness of God's Presence. For all He endured of spiritual warfare or frustration with His disciples or attacks from the Pharisees, His spirit always was full of life in abundance.

Article by Francis Frangipane
One of the great errors of the church is to set its faith and standards by yesterday's achievements. Many promises must yet be fulfilled before Jesus returns. The Bible tells us that the church will not only experience "perilous times" in the last days (2 Tim 3:1 KJV), but seasons of renewal and restoration (Acts 3:21). Consequently, in the midst of worldwide conflicts, the kingdom of God on earth will continually be restored and renewed until it is conformed to the kingdom of God in heaven! Plan on seeing new harvests and expressions of God's glory and power. We should expect to see wonders which our fathers did not see (Acts 2:19-21)! Yes, and let us also trust that the promises we fail to achieve, our children will possess.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There has been a subtle spiritual attack -- a cloud of unbelief -- that has settled on a number of people. Some folks have not even noticed how unbelief has imperceptibly crept into their thought life; others have been in major battles, suffering from relentless questions concerning the validity of God's promises. People are finding themselves in circumstances that are far removed from what they hoped or envisioned.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week we sent you the resolution presented to the House of Representatives by Congressman Tom DeLay, (R, TX). This initiative called for a national day of repentance and reconciliation across America, starting with the government. The stated goal was to "permit Members and Senators to come together voluntarily in private fellowship within the House Chamber to seek repentance and reconciliation for our nation. What we seek is an open climate of communal prayer and repentance."

Article by Francis Frangipane
A Word To Leaders: I am concerned about the leaders who have not dealt with their personal fears. I have a word for you: stop terrorizing the people under your influence. A number of ministries have submitted to the oppression caused by the terrorist attacks. As a result, they are speaking to their constituencies from a position of fear and trepidation. Leaders, please hear me: The people who are listening to you are already praying, fasting and repenting. Don't burden them with fear; empower them with vision and faith.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Terrorists have openly, defiantly proclaimed no city in America will be safe from their attacks. Our own government has warned that these attacks, whether through biological, chemical or nuclear warfare, are a "clear and present danger." We need God's mercy. The following message is an excerpt from the House of the Lord. In this article is an important revelation concerning the effect of extending mercy and it's consequential effect in releasing God's protection over a city.

Article by Francis Frangipane
I do not believe the Sept. 11th terrorist attack was a venting of the wrath of God, as some say. God is both good and just. Abraham had a theologically perfect revelation of the Almighty when He prayed, "Wilt Thou indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked . . . Far be it from Thee to do such a thing" (Gen 18). Repeatedly, the Bible affirms the character of God: in times of divine wrath, the Lord separates the righteous from the wicked (Gen 9; Gen 19; 1Thess 5; etc.). Why should the "Judge of all the earth" kill innocent people for the crimes of pornographers, drug dealers and abortionists? This is not the mind of God, but the perverse psychology of the terrorist.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Many are questioning whether or not the September 11th terrorist act against America was actually a manifestation of the wrath of God or the fury of Satan that struck our land. That we should even be confused seems strange, considering that the Lord and Satan stand at opposite moral extremes. However, Satan specializes in sowing confusion, and into confusion, deception comes. Indeed, the devil typically authors some heinous crime and then deceives people, causing them to blame God for the destruction and heartache.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The events of recent days have been staggering, like nothing else in most of our lifetimes. We are in a new world, one that is significantly darker, significantly more unstable; but we are not trapped in this darkened world without God. Indeed, the promise of the Lord remains true. He said, "darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you." The outcome of this emergence of divine glory in the midst of terrible darkness, is that "nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Isaiah 60:1-3).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Of all virtues, Jesus elevated meekness above the others. Why? Humility is the door opener to grace: no virtue enters our lives except that humility requests it come. Without humility, we have no sense or attachment to our personal need; we see no reason to change or appropriate future grace.

Article by Francis Frangipane
When true holiness exists in a Christian's life, it produces a luminosity, a glow around that individual. Infants and little children, because their spirits are yet pure and undefiled, and because they are so close to the actual Presence of God, emanate this light as well. Their light is visible because their hearts are transparent and truthful. For us, the way to the bright lamp of holiness is this same way of transparency and truth. It is the way to the pure gold of the kingdom of God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Too many Christians serve a little, prepackaged god who, along with a hymnal and bulletin, was given to them at church years ago. Today, "little god" still sits in their minds, blocking their capacity to see the true God for who He is. "Little god" asks nothing of his followers except they try to be good, and he promises that everyone will go to heaven regardless of what they believe. "Little god" is harmless, nice and safe. Unfortunately, he is also an idol that dwells in the church and needs to be cleansed from our thought life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The desire to be acknowledged and appreciated by others is basic to human nature. Jesus Himself seemed somewhat troubled that, after healing ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17). Yet, while the need to be occasionally appreciated is not sin, it can become sin when we begin seeking recognition. We must determine that our service to mankind is guided by a higher, more focused obedience to God.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, "All it needs is light!" Likewise, in the beginning of our spiritual lives, we also are "formless and void" and God, just as confidently, is still saying, "All they need is a little light!" Remember: it's the Lord's responsibility to create and our responsibility to submit to His creating.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In the book of Revelation there is a marvel: "in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind . . . around and within" (Rev. 4:6, 8). Our purpose here is not to spend ourselves in speculations about these creatures. Our goal is to possess that purity of heart which comes from living in the awareness of God. We're seeking the open vision that is manifested at His throne.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Here's the scene: You're in a battle with sickness, oppression or some similar need. However, you seek God and, in some way, the grace of God touches your life. Your victory may have come through a word or prayer or some other encouragement, but you absolutely know the Lord delivered you. Using the five smooth stones of divine grace, you defeated your Goliath.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The true church is a child in the womb of God; what the Almighty feels affects us. We absorb into our spiritual DNA the great loves of God; His passions become our passions. However, there are things that He also hates. Without becoming self-righteous, we must allow ourselves to feel the Lord's hatred for sin and injustice; we must receive into our spirits His attitude concerning violence, abuse and abortion.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We cannot attain the approaching glory of God if we do not esteem the living glory that is here now. Indeed, many speak of the last great moving of God's glory. However, at this very moment the Presence of the Lord is accessible to each of us. Yet, our goal is not merely to know about God's glory, but to enter His Presence and abide with Him forever.

Article by Francis Frangipane
We often will hear messages on sin and lawlessness, but the idea that the Lord will not only remove sinners from His kingdom, but specifically people who willfully cause others to stumble, needs to be addressed. This is no small issue with the Lord. Just as "dead flies make a perfumer's ointment stink," so a few stumbling blocks in a local church can cause an otherwise loving congregation to repel the unsaved, rather than draw them.

Article by Francis Frangipane
What we define doctrinally as "salvation" is, in truth, the entrance, and then expansion, of Christ's Presence throughout our person. What we call salvation is, in truth, the beginning of God's glory in man. If you are a Christian, then Christ is in you; you are already in glory. You have been clothed with Christ, who is Himself the "radiance of [the Father's] glory" (Heb 1:3). The fact is, Satan knows you are a Christian, not simply because he heard you repeat a prayer at a church altar; the Devil sees what happened when you prayed: The glory of Christ entered your spirit!

Article by Francis Frangipane
The battles we face are often intense times of weakness, distress and confusion. If the events of our lives were charted upon a graph, these would be the lowest points. Yet, God is no less with us during difficulties than at other times. In fact, these valleys are often as much the plan of God as our mountaintop experiences. There is a story in the Bible which speaks plainly to this truth. Israel had recently defeated the Arameans in a mountain battle.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Concerning the end of the age and beginning of judgments, God is not looking at His watch; He's looking at His heart. Indeed, His eyes are upon the harvest, for in sync with the harvest all prophetic events unfold. Listen carefully to what Jesus taught...

Article by Francis Frangipane
The intercessory prayer of the Apostle Paul was not just a prayer for protection or for a few blessings to rest upon the saints. He said, "My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you" (Gal 4:19). Paul was "in labor" to bring forth the actual spirit of Christ within the church. Let me say it again: his goal was Christ, not merely Christianity!

Article by Francis Frangipane
When Jesus is lifted up, great multitudes follow. By the thousands, people left their cities, their market places and businesses. Great throngs of men, women and children eagerly left their homes and communities to be with Jesus in the wilderness. Such is the power of the Master. Yet, seeing these multitudes, He departed and went up on a mountain, and after he sat down, His disciples came to Him. Keep this in mind: Not all the multitudes were disciples; only His disciples came to be trained by Him. The multitudes came to be healed and blessed. Some came to be delivered, while others to be encouraged or just loved. His disciples came to Him not merely to be touched, but transformed.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The disciples came to Him, saying, 'The place is desolate, and the time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.' But Jesus said to them, 'They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!' And they said to Him, 'We have here only five loaves and two fish'" (Matt 14:15-17).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Two forces are increasing in the world: the power of life and the power of death. The Scriptures tell us that, before Christ returns, Satan will be cast down from the spirit realm to the earthly realm "having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time" (Rev 12:12). Jesus warns us in Matt 24:22 that,"...unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved." Prophecy after prophecy warns of these days. Satanic darkness is on the face of the earth, and where the devil is, death and destruction are soon to follow.

Article by Francis Frangipane
"He is the sole expression of the glory of God the Light-being, the out-raying of the divine and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power." Hebrews 1:3 amplified. I know the unrepentant world is destined for the Great Tribulation, and that many worldly Christians will become spiritual prisoners of the Antichrist. But as far as the living, praying church is concerned, if we continue to climb toward the standard of Christlikeness, ahead of us lies a time of great glory and harvest. In support of this holy goal, let me submit to you an encounter I had with the Lord.

Article by Francis Frangipane
To know Christ is to know His heart toward His church. Consider: On the night before Jesus died, the most somber night in His life, our Master presented His most lofty request to His Father. He prayed His disciples would be "perfected in unity" (Jn 17:23). Yet, the only unity the disciples knew that night was a common fear and a collective abandonment of Christ. Jesus told these soon-to-be leaders of the Jerusalem church that they would be known for their untiring agape love. But that night Christ's three closest friends could not remain awake with him even one hour while He agonized alone in prayer.

Article by Francis Frangipane
When church leaders serve the living Christ in love, aggressive faith, and prayerful humility, the people who live under their anointing become rich in the presence of God. Conversely, when a leader blatantly sins or is led into deception, the heartache of his downfall is absorbed into the spirits of those following him. This precept, that a leader's sin carries consequences which affect people negatively is seen in all facets of life. Do you remember what you felt when you heard of former President Clinton's sins? Or when Jimmy Swaggert fell? Or consider the distress that crushes a family when a parent falls in to serious iniquity. Unless it is remedied, the impact of these events is similar to that of a curse upon one's life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
People often ask me, "How will we know true revival when it comes to our city?" To me, a revival is not legitimized merely by the increasing numbers of signs and wonders. Moses, Elijah and Elisha all had great signs accompanying their lives, but proliferation of signs did not create a revival nor does their existence equate to revival. Israel was often awed by manifestations, yet spiritual signs never brought the nation to lasting repentance.

Article by Francis Frangipane
In a most profound verse the apostle Paul unveils God's supreme plan for the church. He tells us we are called to nothing less than "the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13). The Father's glorious intention is to exhibit through us all the attributes and power of Jesus Christ. He has purposed that, not only in eternity but here in the midst of our battles and temptations, we are to grow "in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (vs 15).

Article by Francis Frangipane
To live for God is to be nourished by the nectar of heaven. As the days unfold toward Christ's return, an ever increasing number of voices will clamor for our attention. There will be church programs and prayer strategies, activities and powerful movements. Signs and wonders will splatter the world, dazzling the religious mind of man. Remember also, the days ahead shall increase in pressure and troubles. Jesus warned that, because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall grow cold. Do we not know too many whose heart, once hungry for God, is now stricken dead with cold love? Angry Christians: the world is full of them. We must not assume it cannot happen to us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The spirit of Jezebel will target, and then seek to divide, the relationship between a pastor and the church intercessors. The antidote? Let the senior leader appreciate, communicate and support his intercessors and esteem their contribution, and let the intercessors set their prayer focus to first seek the spiritual fulfillment of the senior pastor's vision. Pastors are under siege. At every conference where I speak, various pastors approach and tell of terrible experiences with Jezebel-like battles in their churches. But I don't have to travel to be informed, for not a week passes where I do not hear from pastors from many places via phone, letters or emails; each desperate for specific prayer concerning the conflict in their churches. The war is over one thing: satan seeks to neutralize spiritual authority, and no enemy of hell does this more efficiently than the spirit of Jezebel.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed as a brief introduction to the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding love as well as a practical guide to help you take steps forward in putting those teachings to practice in your life. By the time you finish, you will have a basic understanding of how to experience the unconditional love of God and to allow His love to change you and empower you to love others unconditionally. As this article is simply an introduction, it is intended to be a springboard that leads to additional studies and practical steps to bring His love into your everyday life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
There is a war, a very ancient war, between the spirit of Elijah and the spirit of Jezebel. In this age-old battle, Elijah represents the voice of Heaven: the call to repentance and the return to God. Jezebel, on the other hand, embodies that unique principality whose purpose is to hinder and defeat the work of repentance. Its goal is to silence the prophetic call.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Moses sent twelve spies to Canaan to bring back a report of the land. When they re turned, ten said that, though the land was good, Israel would surely be defeated by the inhabitants. Although Joshua and Caleb argued that Israel certainly could drive out their enemies, the people moaned, complained, and rebelled, even seeking to stone Joshua and Caleb and return with new leaders to Egypt. And again, the anger of the Lord was kindled against them and threatened to bring judgment (see Num 12 14).

Article by John Tisdale
In this powerful article, the author takes a sober look at the dysfunctional and irrelevant condition of the Christian church in our culture. It makes a call for reformation to begin within each of us. It isn't critical in nature but designed to expose just how far we've move from the mission and calling of the New Testament church. If you have been disappointed by your experiences with church in our culture, this article will give you some language to define points of frustration as well as some calls-to-action to facilitate needed change in each of us.

Article by John Tisdale
In this article, John defines the 4 primary stages of our spiritual journey. He provides insights to help define in which stage you are currently in, the characteristics of each stage and what typically causes someone to get stuck in one of those stages. We all start out in stage 1 along our journey. Most people get stuck along their journey in one of the first 3 stages. Few make it all the way to stage 4. This article will help you discover how to get unstuck in whichever stage you find yourslef and advance into the next stage of spiritual maturity.

Article by Anita Tisdale
God-like-ness is a gift given by the One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ. He gives it to those He is in a relationship with, and it can’t be obtained any other way. Read more to broaden your understanding of godliness and what can be attained by living a godly life. This article provides an excellent launching point for a bible studio as it provides plenty of scripture references.

Article by John Tisdale
This is a story of God's work of redemption in the life of an average man named John Tisdale. Here he shares his personal journey of searching and finding what he's been looking for his whole life. It is written in somewhat of a poetic style and uncovers the author's heart-felt cry to experience the touch and transforming power of God into his life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
A few years ago, I had a dream in which I found myself inside the mind of a dying man. The man had been in a coma for some time; his family had been praying, but they did not know whether or not he had accepted Christ. All they were sure of is that, throughout his life, he had resisted their efforts to lead him to Christ. In the dream, I became so acutely aware of the man's state of mind that his thoughts, feelings and struggles almost seemed my own. Although his eyes were nearly closed and his vision clouded, he could see his loved ones at his bedside. I watched as he tried to reach toward his family, but outwardly his arm never lifted.

Article by John Tisdale
This article addresses a critical question with which many people struggle when it comes to God's goodness. This article takes you on a journey exploring why God's doesn't prevent injustices from happening in our reality. It's an important issue that gets in the way of many people being at peace with God. So, it's a good starting point for seeing past the potential offenses and discovering the goodness of God that lies on the other side.

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores some of the deep truths found in the Hollywood movie starring Eddie Murphy Coming to America. We go on a journey exploring how this son of a king reveals some profound things about the purpose for the human race. The author proposes that this film's storyline actually represents God's plan and purpose for the human race. It points out the parallel's between this film and what scripture reveals about our reason for being.

Article by John Tisdale
Death is a subject with which many people struggle. Yet, it's as much a natural part of life as dreaming and sleeping. In this short article we see that death was an essential part of God's plan. He had to design us as both temporary and eternal beings if our purpose was to be fulfilled. It explores the purpose life and death play in God's plan for the human face.

Article by John Tisdale
This is an interesting question that you may not have considered before. It is apparent that heaven has an economic system. Scripture speaks repeatedly of having treasures in heaven (as well as there being a least and greatest in heaven). Yet, what is it that will have value there? We can derive the answer from a simple principle of economics that scripture indicates is at work in God's eternal economy...

Article by John Tisdale
This article explores the question of whether everyone will go to heaven. It begins the discussion by considering some of the implications of human freedom of choice and what it reveals about God's strategies. The issue of heaven and hell and brought into focus through some practical examples of how our free will works in this reality. These concepts are put into the perspective of God's plan for the human race.

Article by John Tisdale
Have you lost some of what once caused you to hope and dream beyond your limitations? This short and simply article considers the impact that lost dreams have had on your life. It's message is inspirational. It challenges you to reconsider your dreams and to believe in that which is bigger than you. Dreams serve a purpose of casting vision, focusing our efforts and moving us against the flow of apathy.

Article by John Tisdale
This is an interesting perspective on the film Good Will Hunting. It considers what you will do when your hunger for life collides with your fears. We each have dreams and desires that call us out beyond our comfort zones. Yet, we each are challenged with fears that would rob us of ever moving beyond our safe little worlds. If you've seen the movie, you should check out this review from a spiritual context.

Article by John Tisdale
This page examines the possibility that there is more to life than what meets the eye. It does so through the lens of the Hollywood film The Matrix. It looks at life in terms of how invisible spiritual dynamics are at play in it.

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses the situation in which many find themselves. They have their desires, but they feel that their duties and responsibilities keep them from ever having those desires met. It is seen through the Hollywood film Sense and Sensibility. It explores some truths portrayed through this movie.

Article by John Tisdale
This article looks at what happens when fear and hope collide through the Hollywood film The Shawshank Redemption. It considers what happens when you discover that you have allowed yours fears to imprison you. Will you break free or will you surrender to the fate of fear's control over your life?

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses what happens when freedom and oppression collide. It does so through the lens of the Hollywood film Braveheart. It is something with which we are all intimately familiar. How we choose to respond to oppression determines the amount of life we will experience in its aftermath.

Article by John Tisdale
This article discusses the opinion that Christians are nothing more than a bunch of hypocrites. It delves into numerous dynamics that must be considered to understand the real issues. It begins by exploring the objection and insights from the author's personal encounters on the subject. It seeks to cut through the religious facades and get to the heart of the issue of faith and spirituality.