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
We live in unparalleled times. Not since the first century have more scriptures been fulfilled in a single generation. Each unfolding word brings down another mountain; it lifts another valley. In truth, the way is being prepared for our King's return into this world. The Great Revolt - The Lord forewarned that, during the end-time, "many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase" (Dan 12:4). Contrast our time with any other in history: Not only are we traveling farther and more frequently, but we do so in a world inundated with increasing knowledge. It has been our privilege to behold the prophetic return of Israel to its land (Jer 16:14-15), and our misfortune to live when "the earth is...polluted by its inhabitants..." (Is 24:5).

Article by Francis Frangipane
Whether or not we find God answering our presidential prayers as we expect; regardless if we must continue to deal with delays in our quest for revival, God remains our ally. Indeed, even in the most terrible of times, He still commands, "Ask of Me, and I will give the nations for thine inheritance." The Great Revolt - As though Jesus were reading a news summary of recent years, His prophecies of two thousand years ago clearly describe our times. He warned, "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars...in various places there will be famines and earthquakes...many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many...because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold" (Matt 24:6- 7,11-12).

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 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 is designed to bring encouragement and conveys the preciousness of life and how we need to breathe in as much life as possible rather than waste a single moment. You may click the Email a friend link at the top of page to direct it to a friend. A link to a downloadable flash version is also listed at the bottom of the article.

Article by John Tisdale
This word sheds light on your ability to choose your own attitudes to life independent of the circumstances of your life. It discusses how our ability to celebrate life in the midst of the challenges is a key to responding to life instead of reacting to it. Our thoughts shape our words and our words shape our lives. We have the ability to transform our lives by coming into alignment with God's purposes at work happening in and around us.

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
This article explores how people are like diamonds. It lends us some valuable insights into the challenges and difficulties of life by making an assortment of comparisons between the process of diamonds forming and being processed and the circumstances we encountered regularly in life.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Value of Brokenness - Up until the moment Christ enters our lives, surrounding our souls there exists a hard outer shell, a "survival nature," which protects us against life's harshest offenses. The shell is necessary while we are in the world, but becomes an enemy to our new life in Christ, where the nature of Christ becomes our shelter. Thus, as the shell of a seed, a nut or an egg must be broke before its inner life comes forth, so it is with us: the "shell" of our outer nature must also break in order to free the Spirit of Christ to arise in our hearts.

Article by John Tisdale
This is a review of a movie through the lens of spiritual insights. This article considers the conflict that arrises when freedom and captivity collide. It is shown through the Hollywood film First Knight. It explores how passion and desire drive us toward the matters of the heart and yet barriers often keep us enslaved to so much less than life has to offer.

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
Now that the elections are over, we are compelled to return to what should be our first purpose: fulfilling the Great Commission. Indeed, as we draw closer to the Lord's return, His passions shall increasingly become our passions and to rescue the unsaved world is the epicenter of His heart. To understand the Lord's desire for the unsaved, we simply have to review Peter's discourse in Acts, chapter two. Remember, the disciples had been with Jesus for forty days after His resurrection. The words, which Peter took from Joel, conceivably might also have been spoken by Jesus Himself during this last intimate time with His disciples before the ascension.

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 Francis Frangipane
Safe in the Word - The primary means through which we are kept and preserved by God is through obedience to His word. In the submission of our will to God, our soul finds protection from evil. Consider the apostle John's words to the young men of the first century church. He said, "I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one" (1 John 2:14). Abiding in the Word of God brought spiritual strength to the young men in John's day, enabling them to overcome the evil one. Is this not the reason many of us are defeated by the devil we do not abide in the Word? Christ's teaching guides us into the Presence of the Father; it is the Father's Presence that both empowers and protects us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
The Gift of Woundedness - The world and all it contains was created for one purpose: to showcase the grandeur of God's Son. In Jesus, the nature of God is magnificently and perfectly revealed; He is the expressed image of God. Yet, to gaze upon Christ is to also see God's pattern for man. As we seek to be like Him, we discover that our need was created for His sufficiency. We also see that, once the redemptive nature of Christ begins to triumph in our lives, mercy begins to triumph in the world around us.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Last week we discussed how Ham's sin of exposing the shame of his father, Noah, led to Noah's curse upon Ham's son, Canaan. Noah saw in Ham a character flaw that would be passed on to Ham's children. The specifics of this curse would be that, from generation to generation, Ham's descendants would become the "servants of servants." Why would they abide in this economic slavery? Simply because one who habitually disrespects, shames or exposes the weaknesses of those in authority over them simultaneously disables their ability to advance in life.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed for someone who is struggling with difficult circumstances and is losing hope. It is a simple message and yet a much needed one in challenging times. In addition to text, it includes stunning graphics to set the tone for the message.

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
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 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 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
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 Francis Frangipane
Normally my Sunday sermon is prepared a few days in advance, but this week was different. All week the heavens seemed like bronze. Saturday morning came and still I was at a loss. Nothing seemed alive. It was now Saturday evening and I was pacing the floor seeking God. "Lord," I asked, "What is the message for tomorrow morning? What topic should I address?" A dozen ideas filed through my mind, loitered momentarily in my imagination, and left as unanointed as they had arrived. I went to bed praying. When I woke Sunday morning, my prayer was still on my lips.

Article by Francis Frangipane
'Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?' Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for He, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him" (John 6:70-71). To what was Jesus referring when He identified Judas Iscariot as "a devil?" Was He speaking figuratively or factually? Could a human being not only "have" a devil, but actually become one? Some believe that Judas had become so perfectly possessed by satan that he actually lost his humanity. Yet, consider: after this fallen apostle delivered Jesus up, he felt such remorse for betraying Christ that he committed suicide. Could a devil feel remorse for sin? I do not think so.

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 Francis Frangipane
The sense of distance we often feel between Christ and ourselves is an illusion. As we enter the days prior to Christ's Second Coming, the Lord shall begin to remove that falsehood. Indeed, He promises, "In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you" (John 14:20). The Scriptures tell us that Christ is the vine, we are the branches; He is the head, we are His body; He is the Lord and we are His temple. From start to finish, the Bible declares the Lord not only has a dwelling in heaven, but that He also abides perpetually in redemptive union with His people. The ever-present focus of His activity is to guide us into oneness with Himself.

Article by John Tisdale
This article is designed to give you a high level overview of the dynamics at play in an addiction. It provides a foundation upon which other articles will build. It discusses some strategies to gaining victory over past addictive patterns that have robbed you of life. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, this may be a good starting point for understanding some of the keys involved.

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 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 John Tisdale
This very short article brings encouragement that you have the ability to control your life by working in conjunction with God's efforts. The strength and courage needed to break free is within your reach. It is designed to get your thinking about the power of life and death that is in your hands.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Two Types of Knowledge - There is a type of knowledge that is doctrinal, theological and instructive, and there is a type of knowledge that is born out of a revelation of God. Both are known as "truth," both produce a certain type of person, and both are accepted as "Christianity." You can be certain that God wants us to have right doctrines, but we must never content ourselves with merely the accumulation of correct knowledge. For this knowledge often remains just a file of religious facts; where the Word of God is viewed more as a museum than a power plant.

Article by Francis Frangipane
Among all in his era, Noah was the most godly. He alone was considered by the Almighty, blameless. In a time when terrible wrath was about to unfurl, Noah alone found favor with the Lord. Consider this man Noah and what he experienced: Aware that the end of his world was at hand, he faithfully preached repentance for over one hundred years, yet his words converted no one. His eyes beheld the terrible descent of the wrath of God; his ears heard the terrifying cries, the final cries, of an entire civilization. His mind experienced the horrifying destruction of every man, woman and child outside the ark.

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 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 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 focuses on a message of divine love. It is designed for the person who is struggling with understanding his/her needs for love and acceptance (and not feeling either). It goes below the surface of the obvious and considers some important principles about your real identity and worth.

Article by John Tisdale
This is an Encouragement Gram (or e-gram). It is designed to be sent to loved one who may be in need of some encouragement. This e-gram conveys a message of the great love of a magnificent God who sings over us. This is the HTML version. You may click the Email a friend link at the top of e-gram page to direct it to a friend.

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 John Tisdale
This article introduces the concept that you have been given a false sense of worth from others. It is the starting point for exploring your true worth and beauty. It challenges you to step outside of the box and see your true self from a different and higher perspective - God's. It goes against the grain of common social thinking that bases worth and value on many transient but worthless things.

Article by Francis Frangipane
It was not a dream. It was simply a thought in the middle of the night, but it came into my mind with such clarity that it roused me from my sleep. It said, "He keeps two sets of books: one is exact and the other forgiving." I barely had time to wonder who it was that kept these mysterious two accounts when the parable of the wise, but wasteful, steward surfaced in my mind. The story, which comes from Luke, chapter 16, tells of a manager who was soon to be dismissed for squandering his employer's wealth.

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
"Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit" (2 Cor 3:17). There are, perhaps, many evidences that tell us the living presence of the Lord is near, but the most prevailing sign of God's Spirit is seen in the transformation of those surrendered to Him. True Christian liberty does not mean we have freedom to do what we want; in God, it means we have freedom to do what He wants. We have freedom to change.

Article by John Tisdale
This is a short article meant to give you encouragement that how you are in control and you have the incredible opportunity to live life in a meaningful way starting any moment that you so choose. If you are in need of encouragement about your life, you may find it helpful.