Think Someone in America Could NEVER be Imprisoned for Sharing Their Christian Beliefs...

My heart skipped a beat as I read the words. 

Surely this couldn’t be true.

This is America.

It sounded more like Isaiah 5:20 NIV, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

I read the words again, “These days, when ANYone attempts to bravely stand up against virulent religious oppression, these monstrosities cry out alligator tears in overflowing torrents and scream that it is, in fact, THEY who are the dispossessed, bereft and oppressed. C'mon, really, you pitiable unconstitutional carpetbaggers?... Let us call these ignoble actions what they are: the senseless and cowardly squallings of human monsters…those evil, fundamentalist Christian creatures and their spiritual heirs have taken refuge behind flimsy, well-worn, gauze-like euphemistic facades such as "family values" and "religious liberty." Michael L. Weinstein Esq. -Huffington Post.

I decided to read from another source (which wasn’t easy to find). The Washington Post added this from Weinstein, “This is a national security threat. What is happening [aside from sexual assault] is spiritual rape. And what the Pentagon needs to understand is that it is sedition and treason. It should be punished.”

“The chain of command is compliant,” said Wilkerson. “Abuse of power is inimical to all military. Condoning of sexual assault or proselytizing is an abuse of command.”…The proselytizing they referred to is primarily from “dominionist” or fundamentalist evangelical Christians.”

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Sharing Christian beliefs was like RAPE!?! 

Sharing Christian beliefs should be considered SEDITION and TREASON!?!

And Weinstein was talking to the PENTAGON!?!

You’ve got to be kidding me! 

Breit Bart from Fox has this on his blog, “Obama administration Pentagon appointees meeting with anti-Christian extremist Mikey Weinstein to develop court-martial procedures to punish Christians in the military who express or share their faith.” 

Breit Bart also has this to say about Weinstein, “Weinstein is the head of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and says Christians--including chaplains--sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in the military are guilty of “treason,” and of committing an act of “spiritual rape” as serious a crime as “sexual assault.” He also asserted that Christians sharing their faith in the military are “enemies of the Constitution.”

Re-Read that. 

So what is Court Marshaling? 

It’s when a soldier (or military Chaplain) is convicted of committing a federal military crime. It’s punishable by such things as dishonorable discharge or even imprisonment.

Did you see that?

A Christian could be imprisoned for sharing their faith in Jesus Christ!!!! 

What does that mean for you and me?

It should send alarm bells ringing in your heart and ears! 

You tell me…if you’re a Christian who is committed to serving both God and country, wouldn’t you fear being imprisoned for sharing your faith with your fellow soldiers?

In my opinion, devoted Christians might decide AGAINST serving in the military! 

That leaves a Godless (or seriously watered down Godliness) military protecting our freedoms (including Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion). 

Say you don’t serve in the military and you naively believe Godly men and women will risk imprisonment for protecting YOUR freedoms when they could chose to serve somewhere else, why should you care about this?

Simple.

These are stepping stones.

It’s like taking prayer out of school. That was one small step that is leading to all forms of Religious expression from hanging in our court houses or civil buildings (and allegations that scriptures are being removed from military scopes). 

Or take Roe vs. Wade as another example. That pro-choice victory is what has lead to the Doctor Gosnell abortion trial (if you don’t know about this, please check it out- it’s horrible that a man may be acquitted for murdering live “fetus” due to botched late term abortions). 

If the left (under the disguise of Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF)), can successfully shut Christians mouths in the military, they will eventually move on to the pulpit. Pastors won’t be allowed to preach the unedited Word of God without fear of imprisonment. 

Think I’m being extreme?

In fact, EVERYONE who wants to LIVE a godly life in Christ Jesus WILL BE persecuted, ¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Tim 3: 12-13 NIV (emphasis mine).

The Family Research Council (who Weinstein names as cowardly monsters) has launched a petition urging the Pentagon to protect the religious freedoms of our military troops. Please join over 600,000 who have signed the petition and help spread this important information…ALL our liberties are at stake. Sign here.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, ²³ but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” Matt 6:22-23 ESV

Shortly after writing this post, I read an update to this story. So even before I've posted this, here's an

UPDATE: May 2, “Alliance Defending Freedom filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request Wednesday for records related to a Pentagon statement issued Tuesday that indicated members of the military could be subject to court martial for “religious proselytization.”- CharismaNews

Per this article, the pentagon released a statement saying that no one religion will be targeted and stated that service members can share their faith “but must not force unwanted, intrusive attempts to

convert others of any faith or no faith to one's beliefs (proselytization)”.

I don’t know about you, but that’s still not comforting. I wasn’t aware that Christians were “Forcing” their faith. I’ll look forward to what is revealed in the FOIA and how the Alliance Defending Freedom proceeds.

Remember what I said…these are stepping stones. If they can’t get the full proposition to stand, then they will take all they can get. They are laying ground work.

It is my personal belief that the petitions signed and the voices raised against Weinsteins words are what are causing the DOD to backpedal. Let’s keep hitting our knees in prayer, signing petitions and making this issue known.

Another article on this subject can be read here.  

God bless America and God help us protect our military.

"are you LIVING or existing? 9 steps to change your life" Book Launch + $100 FREE STUFF!

When Kimanzi Constable posted on his blog, tales of work, about being part of his launch team for his new book, “are you LIVING or existing? 9 steps to change your life” I didn’t hesitate to participate. 

Why?

Because Kimanzi has not only LIVED out these principles, he’s maintained his integrity and modesty as well. 

Over the course of knowing him through blogging, I can honestly say Kimanzi has remained a true friend. No matter how busy he is, he takes time to read my blog. But it’s not only that. There has never been a time he hasn’t quickly gotten back to me via email when I’ve had a question, prayer request or concern. 

He means what he writes!  He’s down to Earth, practical and entertaining. 

In his new book he shows you step- by -step how to make LASTING changes in your life. He walks you through obstacles you will face as you endeavor to pursue your dreams. He explains realities you will encounter, such as: Making grand plans but having your desire fizzle out before ever implementing them, overcoming negativity from within as well as from without, and how to tackle physical, mental and emotional strains on your time and resources. 

But he doesn’t stop there: Kimanzi also explains how to maintain these changes as well as why it’s important to pay it forward. 

I’ve implemented some of these principles in my own life and they work! It simply takes ACTION and DEDICATION. 

It’s not rocket science, its common sense. So stop thinking you Can’t LIVE out your dreams/make radical changes to your life, the main thing holding you back is yourself.

If you purchase this book between May 1-19 you can also get $100 of FREE STUFF - additional books, webinars and more! 

To check out the FREE bonuses click here. 

What are you waiting for? 

Disclaimer: I was given this book as part of Kimanzi’s launch team but I in no way had to give a positive review. I only wish I was  better at putting pics up here so I could show you the cover.

Interview with Michael Kimball on Self Publishing (Plus get a FREE book!)

In my March (2nd Quarter) Newsletter, Michael gave a great interview that I thought should be shared with those who don't read my Newsletter. (If you'd like to subscribe to my Quarterly Newsletter you can do so on the right side of this screen. Make sure to confirm subscription through your email. If you'd like an opportunity to be a Featured Blogger in one of my Newsletter send me an email.) 

Michael blogs with his lovely wife, Shelia, at LongingsEnd.com.

You can find out more about purchasing his books here.  

If you'd like to read my book review of "Portals" you can do so here- it's a great book!

I

1.       How many books have you published (you can list all the titles here if you’d like)?

To date, the books I’ve published include:

-        Portals (a novel)

-        Alligator Bay (fiction for young readers 8-12)

-        Timken’s Christmas (short story)

-        A House For Molly (short story)

-        The Girl and The Forest (short story)

2.       Have you self published all your books?

I’ve self-published all but one. My first book was The Girl and The Forest together with A House For Molly. It was published by a small publisher in Pennsylvania. They had been quite successful publishing quilting books but were taken with the two tales and wanted to get them out to the public. Unfortunately, there was a warehouse fire and all ten thousand copies were lost. Sometime afterwards, they went out of business so the title never really had a chance to get off the ground. Being my first foray as an author it was terribly disappointing and it would be years before I decided to give it another try.

3.       Have you used more than one publisher, if so why?

Yes, I have. In fact, I’ve yet to use the same publisher twice! I think it’s because, by the time I got more serious about writing for a wider audience than family and friends, the publishing world was embroiled in the sort of revolution in the industry we see peaking now. Competition in the self-publishing world is fierce and the number of players constantly increasing. Authors now have a wide variety of publishing venues from which to choose with many having their own particular strengths—and weaknesses.

4.       What publishing houses have you utilized? Please tell us which has been your favorite to work with and why?

The first publisher, the one in Pennsylvania, was RCW Publishing. Since then I’ve worked with iUniverse, Full Sail Books, and WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson. And I’ve self-published eBooks with Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Booktango.

RCW Publishing was owned by Rebecca Wilber. She and her husband, Mark, became very dear friends and remain so to this day. I loved working with them.

Gretchen Ricker at Full Sail Books is wonderful to work with and I admire her efforts to inspire Christian authors and promote their work.

For my first novel, Portals, I decided to go with WestBow Press. There was some expense involved and it also entailed a much more disciplined and structured process. But the end result was the production of a book of very high quality in both hardcover, softcover and various eBook formats. There was the added benefit of being part of their parent company, Thomas Nelson, who monitors sales looking for titles they decide worthy of converting to a traditional royalty relationship.

Booktango was both frustrating and thrilling to work with. Their model is quite unique and they allow authors to retain 100% of the selling price of their books. In working with them I had occasion to enjoy the help of one of their executives who was passionate in his support. They still have room, in my opinion, to improve their process but they represent one of the better venues for authors wanting to break into the market as you can do an awfully lot at absolutely no cost.

5.       Did you do your own edits or hire someone?

Primarily, I’ve served as my own editor. But I also married one! Sheila has a background in journalism and has occasionally helped me on the editing front.

Being my own editor isn’t necessarily by choice. If I had the financial resources I’d love to write and leave the editing to someone else as the editing portion of writing is amazingly time consuming and requires different skills than creative writing.

6.       Did you query agents? Tell us about your experience.

I’ve disappointed myself in this regard as I haven’t given it the sort of unrelenting effort it needs to bear fruit. I’ve queried a handful but without success. And I know that it takes a far more dedicated and determined approach. One I am getting closer to pursuing in earnest.

7.       What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

The same age-old advice that’s been offered before: Write! Hone your craft and keep at it. And take advantage of today’s dazzling array of self-publishing options. It’s easy to get a book published. Even at no cost at all. The harder part lies in marketing and sales. Of course, if the content isn’t compelling, if you don’t have a good book to begin with, no amount of marketing will ever sustain success.

You have to love to write. Write to benefit others. Especially the Audience of One. And be generous. Grow your fan base by being willing to share your work at low or even no cost. If it’s good reading that base will grow and perhaps one day provide the revenue stream you’re looking for so you can write full time.

8.       How do you market? Any marketing tips?

Marketing is a weakness for me but I’m getting better at it. It’s hard to balance the three-legged stool of writing, marketing and tent making to keep the bills paid.

My own approach has evolved to what I mentioned earlier: being generous and doing what I can to either give away copies or make them inexpensive to buy. In the current year you’ll see much more of this from me. I’m thinking that the first two or three novels are the seeds of generosity I need to sew to build a strong base of readers who enjoy my work and would then be willing to pay a reasonable amount for future works.

There are so many social platforms that can help get the word out, too. Like Facebook and Twitter, etc. Platforms that are organic where people who have read something they’ve enjoyed freely promote it at the grass roots level with their friends.

I’m also going to more aggressively pursue getting my books reviewed by people like you, TC. Folks who have a good reputation and a following of their own where my writing can be introduced to others I have no connection with.

9.       What was your favorite book to publish?

It’s hard to pick out a single title as my favorite. Each book holds a special place in my heart because each was written with someone in mind. Portals, being my first novel, perhaps holds an edge as it involves my working through a period of extended challenge in my life, helping me to sort through a painful and complex issue one bite at a time. It also led to meeting my wife, Sheila, joining two writers together in pursuit of our heart-child, Longings End.

10.   What’s the biggest challenge you face as a writer?

As much as I don’t like to admit it, my greatest challenge is my own laziness and procrastination!

11.   What’s the greatest lie satan tells you regarding your books?

That successful authors are few and far between and I’m not going to be one of them.

12.   How do you stay focused?

Love. Writing is love in motion. Why write if it isn’t to bring a benefit to your readers? There isn’t anything I’ve published that wasn’t written, as I’ve said, with someone in mind. And with love comes focused passion: the book must be written so it can go out and accomplish all you mean for it to.

13.   Who is your favorite author?

That’s an easy one for me: George MacDonald. He had a gigantic intellect harnessed to a likewise great and child-like heart and his writings covered an array of genres. Just as he has for countless others, he has helped me see my Lord ever more clearly, fanning flames of love for Jesus.

14.   What’s your favorite book (besides the Bible)?

George MacDonald’s, The Curate’s Awakening

15.   Any advice you’d like to share.

Write from the heart or don’t write at all. And if writing is your dream, the thing you believe you were meant to do, be willing to risk everything in pursuit.

16.   How can people purchase your books?

If your preference is for books in traditional print form you can buy them online at either Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. If you have a Kindle or Nook or don’t mind reading eBooks on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, we’ve set up a special opportunity at our Longings End Book Store where you can download a copy of any title of your choice for free. Just enter the discount code WISDOM during checkout and the price will be reduced to $0. This offer is good through the month of MAY!
I also want to encourage your readers to visit Gretchen Ricker’s website for Christian authors, Full Sail Books.

17.   Are you writing another book?

Internal Affairs is the working title of the next novel and there are several chapters already written. (You can get a preview by visiting the Novels page of the Longings End website.) I hope to see it published and available to the public sometime in 2013.