Category Archives: Bible

“Why are you persecuting Me?”

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Jesus asked that of Saul; and we ask today,
why oppose Christians who just want to pray?

And why should a book as greatly hailed
as the Bible oftentimes be assailed?

How have the ten commandments done harm
to people from any town, city, or farm?

And why does it cause some to be on edge
simply because “under God” is in a pledge?

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
A nation is sound when faith in Him is restored.

Why balk at the belief of intelligent design?
The right scientific research and the Bible do align.

Surely, all should see the need to refrain
from torturing the unborn with brutal pain.

Why does abortion become a cause
some fight for–can’t they see its harmful flaws?

The fruit of the womb is God’s “reward;”
that person in the womb is designed by the Lord.

He asked of Saul, and believers ask today…
why keep God’s amazing grace and love away?

Why do some resist a Name so renowned
and One who is coming back, rightly crowned?

The world has heard of His virgin birth–
He is Christ, the King, of incalculable worth.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’

“Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'” Acts 9:1-5 NKJV

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12 KJV

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 KJV

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” Psalm 127:3 KJV

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.” Revelation 14:14 NKJV

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV

Reminder: Thanks for remembering to review and declare the archived post of the Prayer Declaration from the Georgia “Flashpoint Live” Meeting

Thanks be to God

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Thanking God that we are anchored through Christ…

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20

Photo by Porch of the Lord

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute; if there be any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8 NASB

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 

“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.” John 6:11

“…other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks.” John 6:23 

(Other scriptures above, NKJV)

Visit http://www.moorelife.org for “101 Things God Said About Healing” and “Thanksgiving Victory.” To hear his songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.”

In case you missed it, yesterday’s post shared http://www.originstv.org where are featured many free programs regarding God’s wonderfully-designed creation.

WHO do you think made me?

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I’m one of the earth’s many notable designs…
of a workmanship the Bible so clearly defines.

We birds first appeared in Genesis, chapter one–
just after God made the moon and the sun.

Creatures of the sea and winged birds of the sky,
He said were good and should multiply.

Cattle and other living things, trees for shade…
and man and woman, also, by Him were made.

So birds are just one kind of creativity to see,
fashioned by God, who caused all things to come to be.

And Jesus Christ spoke of us birds of the air…
Turn from Old Testament to New to read of Him there.

He said the Father in heaven wants more new creations
to come forth before Him from all of the nations.

He shared God’s requirement, telling women and men…
that because of their sin, they must be “born again.”

The way to the Father is through Him, God’s Son;
and there aren’t “many ways to God,” but there is only One.

Through Christ, there’s abundant life, for God is good–
and it’s His desire for people to live in loving brotherhood.

Owls are said to be wise, so here is my view…
I say, thoughts that deny God as Creator aren’t true.

Without looking to the Bible, some theories have been told;
but it’s the brilliance of God that caused the galaxies to unfold.

If you haven’t done much study, it’s time to give a “hoot,”
and explore the Holy Bible, which no man can refute.

Can God use an owl to tell the gospel story?
In a way, because all of creation speaks of His glory.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1: 1

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so. Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’ So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.  And God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’  So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.”  Genesis 1:20-23 (and see all of Genesis 1)

“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”  Psalm 19:1

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.”  Psalm 33:6

“Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands.”  Psalm 102:25

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”  John 14:6

“Then He said to His disciples, ‘Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on.  Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.  Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds?’”  Luke 12:22-25

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”  Romans 1:20

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Scriptures: NKJV

For “The Miracle of Creation,” a DVD by Cornerstone Television, send a check, requesting that title, made out to Cornerstone Network for $20 (covers shipping/handling) to: Origins, Cornerstone Network, 1 Signal Hill Drive, Wall, PA 15148 with your return address/phone number, or call 412-824-3930 to order by credit card.

The DVD features information provided by the following contributors:

Biomedical Genetics, Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins
Geology, Dr. Andrew Snelling
Computational Physics, Dr. John Baumgardner
Microbiology, Dr. Kevin Anderson
Cosmology, Dr. Danny Faulkner
Paleontology, Dr. Marcus Ross
Bible Genetics, Dr. Robert Carter
Intelligent Design, Dr. Paul Nelson

Other DVDs of the “Origins” regular programming can be explored at http://www.originstv.org where currently you can view a program on line about the butterfly, “Marvels of Our Creator,” part 3, and/or view more parts of that series, among other presentations.

Barred Owl and Butterfly photos/Unsplash

Gifts by God’s Grace

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…grateful for God’s gifts…

Father…
Thank you for your merciful grace to your children in every situation…
in our individual lives and over our families, over our own and every nation.  

By grace, anyone can receive the wonderful assurance from you
of eternal life through Jesus Christ and grace for this life, too.

By grace, through faith, we receive, as well, of your promised peace.
From anxious thoughts and from our sins, you’ve given us release.

Where sin has abounded, there abounds your grace to us much more.
Because of the depth of your love, unmerited blessings for us are in store.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

“Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 5:15-21 NKJV

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 RSV

Be blessed to hear encouraging messages and read praise reports at http://www.josephprince.org

Visit http://www.moorelife.org for “101 Things God Said About Healing” and “Thanksgiving Victory.” To hear Keith Moore’s songs, click on “Word Supply,” then, “Music.” Be blessed by any and all of them. If you feel in need of peace, listen to his beautiful songs on the peace of God….

By Many Convincing Proofs…

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…after His suffering, Jesus presented Himself to the apostles alive. Thus, with any doubtful thoughts in their hearts, they’d no longer have to strive.

Gathering them together, the Messiah commanded that they shouldn’t leave…but stay in the city of Jerusalem, for, in not many days, they were about to receive…

what they had heard of from Him–the Holy Spirit’s power! Upon receiving, they would be the Lord’s witnesses from Jerusalem and beyond, from that very hour.

After Jesus had shared this, He was lifted up from them and was received into a cloud in the sky. As they watched, two men in white clothing stood beside them and asked the apostles why they were gazing so intently on high.

The two men went on to say that this Jesus, who was taken up from them in such a way, would come again in just the same manner, a reference to a future day.

The apostles, upon returning to Jerusalem, went to the upper room where they were staying. With one mind, they, and some women, including Jesus’ mother and His brothers, were all continually praying.

At that time, Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, about one-hundred, twenty in all. He shared about the fate of Judas. After that was said, it was determined that Matthias would, instead, answer the Lord’s call.

And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly, there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, which filled the house in every space!

Next, what looked like tongues of fire came to rest upon each one. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues of various languages before that first outpouring was done.

Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation all around. “The multitude” of them came together, bewildered, at this unusual sound.

They noted that all who were speaking in their language were Galileans by birth. Then Parthians and Medes and residents of many other areas joined in questioning it all, as well as visitors from Rome and other parts of the earth.

They were impressed, hearing them speak of the mighty deeds of God, “in a language that is mine.” But some others mocked them, saying, “They’re just drunk with sweet wine.”

This made Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raise his voice in a bold declaration–that they were not drunk so early in the day, but this was a phenomenon of God’s own preparation.

Peter referenced the prophet, Joel:

“‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even upon My bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy. And I will grant wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-32

Then Peter addressed them, saying, “Men of Israel, listen to these words,” and he related the account of Jesus, the Nazarene–reminding them of the many miracles, wonders, and signs that many of them had actually seen.

Yet, by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, He was put to death by them through the hands of godless men. However God, Himself, raised Jesus Christ, the Messiah, up again.

Peter made reference to Jesus as the promised descendant of David, who had looked ahead…to the resurrection of Christ and His exaltation to God’s right hand after that raising from the dead.

Of that resurrection, Peter said, he and the apostles were witnesses to all that had taken place; and the promise of the Holy Spirit, of which Jesus had spoken, was further evidence of God’s grace.

And all of Israel should know for certain that God made Him both Lord and Christ–this Jesus, whom they’d crucified. Greatly moved, they asked Peter and the rest what they should do…their hearts were open wide.

Peter then told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. They would also receive the Holy Spirit…all part of how a new life in Christ begins.

So those who received his message and were baptized that day were about three thousand souls. Further teaching from the apostles, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer now were their devoted goals.

Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe…and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles that the people saw.

The believers had all things in common, sharing with one another where there was a need. In the temple and from house to house, gladness and sincerity of heart was shared in both word and deed.

The Lord was adding daily souls being brought into His fold, as He is doing still, if truth be told. The book of Acts continues to this day, so that “multitudes” may find the love of Jesus, as today’s Christ followers share and pray.

P.A. Oltrogge

(a poetic sketch of Acts 1 and 2)

Also referenced by Peter, Psalm 16:8-11 and Psalm 110:1

Fight Like Heaven

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This week’s programming on “Fixing the Money Thing,” with Gary and Drenda Keesee, features Drenda, as spokesperson all this week for the topic covered in her new book, “Fight Like Heaven.” She details, with much research, the present anti-Biblical culture/agenda and how Christians are called to stand against it. The entire week is dedicated to the topic, but July 6 and 7 programming are a good place to start if you’re unable to take in each day’s programming.

You will find this by going to http://www.govictory.com and click on “Shows.” Then scroll down to find “Fixing the Money Thing” on the left-hand side of the screen.

More information on her book can be found at: http://www.fightinglikeheaven.com

For Thine is the Kingdom

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“After this manner therefore pray ye: 

Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
in earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”

Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

“Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 NKJV

Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem
A Song of Ascents, of David

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
Our feet are standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, that is built
As a city that is compact together;
To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the Lord–
An ordinance for Israel–
To give thanks to the name of the Lord.
For there thrones were set for judgment,…
The thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
“May peace be within your walls,
And prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and my friends,
I will now say, “May peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God
I will seek your good.

Psalm 122 NASB

Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
Who dwells in Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm 135:21 NASB

…see today’s post by Dutch Sheets:

http://www.givehim15.com (written and video)

(The Prayer Declaration mentioned by Dutch can also be found on this blog in the search bar by entering “Prayer Declaration.”)

God’s Word, Our Compass

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“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Even when it seems as though the enemy has gotten farther ahead,
realize that you’re more than a conqueror, as the compass of God’s Word has said.

For the “ship of faith” sails, on every journey, at a steady and determined pace;
with the guidance of God and faith and patience, it will certainly win the race.

Just as Jesus spoke to the winds and waves in the midst of a furious storm,
with the spirit of faith and God’s Word on your lips, your victory, too, will form.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Ephesians 6:16-17

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

“To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:1-2

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:3-5

“We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.” 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV

Book recommendation: “The Spirit of Faith” at http://www.markhankins.org

…today’s post by Dutch Sheets:

http://www.givehim15.com (written and video)

July 5 program, if you missed it: http://www.govictory.com/flashpoint

Photos/pxfuel and Porch of the Lord

Wake Them to Your Word

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The Bible is widely heard of, yet many people haven’t actually “heard”
of much that’s written within its pages. Lord, wake them to Your Word.

For it’s written that it’s the scriptures that make us “wise unto salvation.”
Lord, we pray, You’d wake people to Your Word throughout ours and every nation.

Send laborers across the paths of those whose hearts You will have prepared
to be ready to receive the Gospel invitation, which those laborers will share.

We thank You, Father, for Your great love and for the Holy Spirit’s power
to draw souls to Jesus, our Savior and Good Shepherd, in this important hour.

P. A. Oltrogge

“And he (Jesus) said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 4:9 KJV

“And continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

“And that from a child thou hast learned the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

2 Timothy 3:14-16 KJV

“Therefore, said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Luke 10:2 KJV

“And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.”
Acts 16:13-14 NKJV

…to learn of and grow in the Word: http://www.govictory.com

Prayer Declaration from the Georgia “Flashpoint Live” Meeting

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“Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.” Job 22:28

Watchman Decree

As a Patriot of faith, I attest my allegiance first and foremost to the kingdom of God and the Great Commission. Secondly, I agree to be a watchman over our nation concerning its people and their rights to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness–

Whereas: We, the Church, are God’s governing Body on the earth,

Whereas: We have been given legal power from heaven and now exercise our authority,

Whereas: We are God’s ambassadors and spokespeople over the earth,

Whereas: Through the power of God, we are the world influencers,

Whereas: Because of our covenant with God, we are equipped and delegated by Him to destroy every attempted advance of the enemy,

We make our declarations:

1 We decree that America’s executive branch of government will honor God and defend the Constitution..

2 We decree that our legislative branch (Congress) will write only laws that are righteous and constitutional.

3 We decree that our judicial system will issue rulings that are biblical and constitutional.

4 We declare that we stand against wokeness, the occult, and every evil attempt against our nation. .

5 We declare and we now take back our God-given freedoms, according to our Constitution.

6 We declare that we take back influence at the local level in our communities.

7 We decree that we take back and permanently control positions of influence and leadership in each of the Seven Mountains (Church/Religion, Education, Family, Government, Media, Arts, Business/Finance).

8 We decree that the blood of Jesus covers and protects our nation. It protects and separates us for God.

9 We declare that our nation is energy independent.

10 We declare that America is strong spiritually, financially, militarily, and technologically.

11 We decree that evil carries no power, authority, or rights in our land, nor over our people.

12 We decree that we operate in unity, going beyond denominational lines in order to accomplish the purposes of God for our nation.

13. And we decree that AMERICA WILL BE SAVED!

We know this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.

We know the truth; therefore, we stand for truth and will NEVER be deceived!

We will NEVER stop fighting!

We will NEVER, EVER, EVER give up or give in!

We WILL take our country back.

We will honor THE ONE TRUE GOD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!

AMERICA SHALL BE SAVED!