Haiti: Devistation and Devilment?

A couple days after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit
the nation of Haiti, its inhabitants are yet in grave
and increasing devastation. There is still a limited
amount of medical supply, violence is increasing, and
the bodies of the deceased fill the streets.

In the midst of this disastrous situation a prominent
televangelist made the following statement,
Many years ago, the island's people "swore a pact to
the devil." They were under the heel of the French...
and they got together and swore a pact to the devil.
They said, 'We will serve you if you'll get us free
from the French.'" "True story. And so the devil said,
'OK, it's a deal.' They kicked the French out. The Haitians
revolted and got themselves free. Ever since, they have been
cursed by one thing after the other."

During the crisis that Haiti is suffering such statements
over this platform are unnecessary and do not promote the
purpose of God sending His Son into the world. When social
darkness is apparent and crisis can be identified, isn't the
responsibility of a Christian to be a light? That requires
putting down political agendas, racial differences and even
religious hang-ups though.

• What are your views concerning the televangelist's statement?
• What advise would you offer to an individual that wants to be
  involved in helping with the humanitarian efforts in Haiti?
• Do you have any words of comfort and love for Haiti?
  

Whitney Houston: Honesty The Best Policy?

In a recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney Houston
discussed her very private struggles with her relationship
with Bobby Brown and the battle with her drug addition.

With Whitney's resurgence and recent CD release many are saying
that the private information that she shared on the Oprah
Show may alter the public's view of her. Oprah shared throughout
and after the show that it was the most powerful interview
that she has ever done.

Being captive all those year's in an abusive marriage and living
life on the edge with her drug abuse; doesn't she deserve to
sweep out her closet? It may be true that good news isn't celebrated
and bad news is often heralded!

Let's hear it from you:

• Should Whitney have fully exposed her past?
• Can she rebound from her broken past?
• Have you been through something similar? Can you relate?
  

Obama: A Liar?

During a recent Presidential speech on the topic of
health care, South Carolina representative Joe Wilson
shouted at the president "you lie"! On Thursday, Wilson
offered a apology, but then turned around and released a
YouTube video defending what he did saying "On these issues,
I will not be muzzled, I will speak up and speak loudly..."

Of course, in America we have freedom of speech but...

• Should this kind of behavior be allowed?
  
• Should Wilson have some kind of consequence?
• What do you think about Obama's health care proposal?
  

Should Brides Change Their Name?

In the midst of our modernistic and technologically
advanced society a report was recently released to
prove that American's still hold true to traditional
beliefs. The study found that 70 percent of American's
believe that wives should take on the last name
of their husbands. Just 29 percent said that the wife
should keep her maiden name.

"One of the most interesting things is that a lot of people
assume that because language in general is gender-neutral,
that name change would also be one of those things in which
attitudes would be shifting towards being much more liberal."
"...Some studies have found that younger women are as likely
or more likely to change their name when they marry as their
baby boom counterparts. "It's not a straight age trend."

What are your beliefs?

Real Housewives of Atlanta coming back July 30th

To many the popular reality show seemed like it never
went off, but Bravo is bringing "Housewives of Atlanta"
back July 30th.

This season there is a change to the cast with DeShawn
Snow off the set and R&B singer and songwriter Kandi
Burruss as the fifth housewife. Many say that this season
will present more fireworks and drama than last season,
and the ratings are expected to sky rocket.

• Does this show cast a negative stigma?
• Are there any positive messages that the show portrays?
• Is this reality show actual reality? Do women really behave like this?
  

Is Racism Still Alive?

The incident with Harvard's professor and scholar Henry Louis
Gates Jr. caused quite a stir this past week. The news of Gates
arrest was even spoken of by President Obama during Wednesday's
presidential address. Check it out...



What do you think about this situation? Furthermore, do you
believe that racism is still alive in America?

Gospel Artist Deny Leading Michael Jackson to Christ

On June 25th the world stood in amazement as it was announced that
pop star Michael Jackson died. Many just could not believe that the
pop icon had actually died, especially just before his newest tour was
about to kick off. To top that, what caused others to stand in
disbelief was the news that was recently shared by two well known
gospel artists.

Andrae and Sandra Crouch announced that despite the rumors
circulating that they led Michael Jackson to Christ before his
death, that it was not actually the case. According to Andrae,
"Andrae and Sandra did in fact visit with Michael Jackson 2 times,
once in the recording studio, and once at his home in the last 2 months".
At that time, "asking for prayer concerning the anointing of the Holy
Spirit, and how he could make his music more ‘spiritual'."

• Do you have any thoughts as it relates to Michael Jackson and eternity?
• Can fame, prestige, and acclaim bring eternal security?
• If an unsaved person could read your post right now, what would you tell them concerning the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus?
  

The Book Release: Find Purpose, Find Life

Tonight is the release night of the much anticipated
book "Find Purpose, Find Life". For more information
about the book and to order on line visit
www.publishrevealed.com


Here is a small excerpt from the book:

"When you are moving in the lane of true purpose there will
be the temptation to panic, because everything around you
is changing. It is the power of change that gives birth to
expanded capacity. The reason your life is changing is because
God is switching the scenery of your life to prepare you for
what’s to come. By disfiguring your environment, He leaves
you no point of reference, no crutch that will allow you to
ever be comfortable in that place again. It is in this place
of purpose that you say things like, “I’ve come way too far
to turn back now,” or “I’m on my back and the only way I can
look is up.” You have come too far in purpose to turn back
and too close to quit. Remember this: whatever you do, just
don’t give up!"

Bishop Jakes' Brush With Death

Well known pastor of the 30,000 member church, The Potter's
House says that on June 7th he, "stood on the brink of eternity
and dangled on the cliff of destruction." Jakes reported that
there was a major gas explosion at his home that demolished
an entire portion of his home.

It so happened that Jakes canceled a meeting on the same day
of the explosion, and if he had not he and others would've been
in the same room as the explosion.

Fear of the Flu?

For the past week now, the media's top story all across the world has been what is known as the "swine flu." As of yesterday, there were 2500 suspected cases of swine flu in Mexico and 159 suspected deaths. The U.S. has reached 64 suspected cases of the swine flu with just 1 death reported.

To place things in proper perspective, 20,000 people die from flu related illness each year. Many media sources are suggesting that this outbreak has the potential to unfold into a major pandemic; but does it really? What many media sources will not take the time to say is that many Americans lived through the 1968 "Hong Kong flu" which was very mild and the 1976 "swine flu," for which the vaccine did more damage than the flu itself.

President Obama recently commented on the swine flu, saying that the outbreak warrants concern, but not panic. With that being said, how do you feel about the way the nation is processing the outbreak?

• Are the media and public officials presenting the world with a dramatization of the flu, where facts and fear are beginning to intermingle?
• What does the bible say about fear, and how can we implement God's word in times like these?
• Have you taken any precautions since you heard about the flu outbreak?
  

Timothy Wright: The Life and Legacy

The Grammy-nominated gospel singer and song writer Timothy Wright has died at the age of 61. Many knew Wright by his upbeat songs and mass choir appeal that many choirs all over the world sang and patterned themselves after.

In July, Wright was in a car crash that killed his wife, Betty, and their teenage grandson. He was paralyzed from his chest down and was in rehab, but was determined to get back to what he loved to do. Thank God for the gift of Pastor Timothy Wright.

Some of his more notable songs included Certainly Lord, Come Thou Almighty King, I Won't Let Go of My Faith, Who's On the Lord's Side, Yes I'm a Believer, & Trouble Won't Last Always...just to name a few.

• Were you ever in a choir/group that sang any of Pastor Timothy Wright's songs?

• If you could take yourself back to that moment, what was your experience singing one of Pastor Wright's songs?
  

Same-Sex Marriage: Is It Here To Stay?

Recently, there has been a resurgence of the topic of
same-sex marriage in various forms of media. Just
last evening there was a very heated discussion on
Larry King live featuring Perez Hilton debating issues
relating to same-sex marriage.

In addition, there is controversy surrounding what Miss
California said about same-sex marriage in Sunday's Miss
U.S.A. pageant. Her answer included the phrase that same-
sex marriage was not "biblically correct". Many people
speculate the reason she lost the pageant is specifically
connected to what the Miss U.S.A. judges classify as a wrong
answer to the question relating to same-sex marriage.
Should she have just communicated a politically correct
answer to preserve her win as Miss U.S.A?

Within the last month the Iowa state Supreme Court ruled that
same-sex couples have the right to marry, and Vermont has
followed the same ruling. The District of Columbia has also voted
to recognize same-sex weddings done elsewhere as official, and
in New York the governor has consented to sign legislation
legalizing same-sex marriage.

• Is same-sex marriage here to stay?
• What are your feelings about same-sex marriage?
  
• What is the connection between same-sex marriage and politics?
• What should be the churches stance concerning same-sex marriage?
  

God-Proofing Schools?

The Lakeview Elementary
School in Nashville,
Tennessee is the latest
example of God-
proofing within the
school system.

In a yearly event,
"See You at the Pole"
there were hand drawn
posters created by the
students and their families,
that school official ordered
to be altered. The school
officials ordered for the
messages on the posters
"Bless God in the U.S.A"
and "In God We Trust" to
be covered up before they
could be displayed
throughout the hallways.

The Alliance Defense Fund Attorneys
filed a lawsuit on the behalf of the parents
and students at Lakeview Elementary
School there in Wilson County. The lawsuit
states that the schools actions violates the
14th Amendment due process and the
Establishment Clause.

It was not many years ago that Madalyn Murray O'Hair
said that she didn't want prayer in the schools and the
world witnessed that in 1962 prayer was abolished from
the School System within the United States of America.

What is your stance on this subject? Should the words
"In God We Trust" and "Bless God in the U.S.A." be
allowed to be posted within our schools?

Still Teaching Leadership: John Maxwell Goes To Jail

Leadership guru John Maxwell was arrested this past
Thursday at the Palm Beach International Airport for trying
to board a plane with a concealed weapon. In his blog,
Maxwell says that someone gave him a handgun as a gift and
he made the mistake of not taking the gun out of his bag.

I have to say that I love the transparency that John Maxwell
displays concerning this mishap in his life. Despite the
sensitive nature of this situation and the swarming reports of
the media, Maxwell still takes time to share leadership principles
from his downfall in his blog. Thanks John Maxwell for
exemplifying true leadership!

What are your thoughts?

Wilkerson's Urgent Message- What Does This Mean To You?

David Wilkerson, the founding pastor of Times Square
in New York City and one of the leading voices to Christian
minister's released an urgent message to the world on
March 7th.

In his blog, Wilkerson says that "an earth shattering calamity
is about to happen. It is going to be so frightening, we all
are going to tremble-even the godliest among us. It will engulf
the whole megaplex, including areas of New Jersey and
Connecticut. Major cities all across America will experience
riots and blazing fires- such as we saw in Watts, Los Angeles
years ago. There will riots and fires in cities worldwide. There
will be looting- including Times Square, New York City. What
we are experiencing now is not recession, not even a depression.
We are under God's wrath. In Psalms 11 it is written, "If the
foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"'

Wilkerson continues by saying, "If possible lay in store a thirty-
day supply of non-perishable food, toiletries and other essentials.
He closes the message with, "I do not know when these things
will come to pass, but I know it's not far off. I've unburdened my
soul to you. Do with the message as you choose."

Could there be a message that God is trying to get across to the
world? What does this mean to you?

A New Revelation: Gay Inclusion?

Once at the forefront of a major christian movement
and classified as a mega church, Chapel Hill Harvester
Church has been through more than its share of issues
within the past few years. Similar to many individuals all over
the country and even internationally, I too in the later 90's
would watch the Sunday morning broadcasts of this ministry.
I would often stand amazed at the power of God sweeping through
the sanctuary, and the masses of multicultural worshipers that
filled the auditorium week after week. Now the congregants have
diminished from over 4,000 to under 1,000 in weekly attendance.
You may ask the question, why?

Recently, the newly installed pastor of just three years D.E.
Paulk began preaching a doctrine called, "Gay Inclusion". Just
7 or 8 years ago Christendom was rocked by Carlton Pearson's
announcement of him leaving the message of biblical Christianity
to herald the message of the gospel of "Inclusion". Unfortunately,
the doctrine of "Gay Inclusion" takes it to the next level. Paulk says
this persuasion is a "creation of groups of people all looking for the
answers". He goes as far to say that he believes that in several years
those that are following him probably won’t be called a church
anymore, but will be classified as a community.

Is this going too far? What can be done to bring restoration
at this point?