Tag: Abba’s House

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America Healing Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith

America: A Covenant with Death

With recent events in our nation, we are a people in fear…

The Oklahoma tornadoes. We are afraid of forces of nature we cannot control.

The Boston Marathon terror attack. We are afraid of an enemy we cannot see.

Government scandals at the highest levels. We are afraid of a corrupt government that we can no longer trust.

Quite honestly, we’re not just afraid of the shadows… we’re afraid of our own shadows.

I believe that fear was Job’s fatal flaw. Job stated that “… the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” I think that Satan knew that fear was Job’s “Achilles heel”, and was drawn to that flaw like a moth to a flame. But Satan’s attack on Job was not just about picking on a righteous man… his attack on Job was a part of a greater strategy:

 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face. ~ Job 1:11

Satan’s strategy was to use Job’s fear as a catalyst for him to turn his back on God. Everything that Job went through was simply for the benefit of Satan seeing Job shake his fist at God, and curse Him to His face.

So what fear has you paralyzed?

Fear of life?

Fear of death?

Fear of the enemy?

Fear of man?

Fear of insignificance?

Fear of the future?

FlagI could go on and on for days. But the fact of the matter is that, because of our fear, we have allowed the enemy to build a stronghold in America. While the voices of ungodliness and fear are running amok, the real voices of truth and hope have been cowed into a corner of anti-Christian, anti-American, and un-Constitutional silence.

We have called evil “good”, and good “evil”.

We have embraced our enemies while alienating our friends.

We have slaughtered the innocent in the name of “choice”, while rabidly fighting for nonsensical liberal causes in the name of being “conscientious”.

We (as the church) have sacrificed morality, decency, and holiness on the altar of moral relativism, self-improvement, and dead works.

In trying to avoid controversy and conflict, we have given the reins of power to the ungodly and corrupt. By “going along to get along”, we have remained silent in the midst of a chorus of voices that mock our sacred beliefs. By compromising with evil at every turn, America has made a covenant with Death.

Now, are you ready for some good news? When Satan attacked Job, he failed at his primary goal. In everything that he went through, Job reiterated one sentiment: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

On Sunday, May 26, 2013, I will be returning to the pulpit of Abba’s House with a powerful word… for our church, our community, and our nation. I am going to let you know that there is, in fact, hope for America! You do not want to miss this important message.

For service times, or to watch LIVE online, please visit http://www.abbashouse.com

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Living It Out In Real Time The Bible The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

At the Crossroads or In the Crosshairs?

Through the Looking GlassOver two hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson spoke these words:

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.

For the last several years, we have heard a lot about change. But change, strictly for the sake of change, is not necessarily a good thing. Society thinks it is being progressive by becoming more socially open-minded. But with issues such as gay marriage and abortion on the forefront, America is at a crossroads.

BibleSo, what does God think? What does His word say?

The Bible makes it clear that God is holy, that He is just, and that He never changes. When we don’t see His hand of judgment, could it be that His silence is not necessarily a sign that He approves of what we are doing?

Could it, in fact, be that He is simply giving us another chance to turn our hearts and our country back to Him?

By taking a stand on an issue (or issues) that opposes God’s Word, are we merely standing at the crossroads of history, or are we standing in the crosshairs of judgment?

I have a word for the church and the nation this coming Sunday (5/26/2013). I hope you will join me at Abba’s House, or by watching online at http://abbashouse.com/pages/page.asp?page_id=136360

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The Mystery of The Hiram Code

Anyone who knows me, or has watched my program Ron Phillips from Abba’s House for any length of time, knows two things about me:

I love Israel. God said of Israel, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you“. The nation of Israel and the Jewish people have always been close to my heart. I have traveled to Israel over a dozen times. We are a part of The One New Man partnership with Rabbi Curt Landry’s ministry (The House of David, in Tulsa, Ok). We have invested time, resources, and energy into bringing our viewers products made exclusively in Israel, such as The King’s Oil, as well as the tallits (prayer shawls) our ministry offers. Every time someone buys one of these products from our ministry, it blesses the people of Israel.

I am fascinated by archaeology and science.  I love the way God reveals Himself and proves His Word through nature around us, as well as through archaeology and studying the past. In my more than 6 decades of life, I have learned that if skeptics and critics will simply be honest and look at the FACTS, the Bible will come out as being EXACTLY what it is… the historically-accurate account of the love of God to man – the true, living, and infallible Word of God.

   Hiram TombWith that being said, unlocking the secrets of The Hiram Code was something I dove into with both feet! The more I read and studied, the more fascinating and intriguing it became. The revelations that scientists have made in recent years are shattering our understanding of our own history. For example, did you know…

… that the ancient craftsmen Phoenicians intermarried with the Jewish tribes of Dan, Naphtali, and Zebulun?

… that the Cherokee Indians share 26 genetic markers with the Phoenicians, and 5 with the Jewish people?

Los Lunas… that depleted gold mines in the Eastern United States, as well as depleted copper mines in Michigan, have been discovered that pre-date Columbus?

… that a stone containing Hebraic writing was discovered in Los Lunas, NM? The Los Lunas stone also pre-dates Columbus.

What is more is that The Hiram Code also holds valuable secrets that can unlock blessing in our lives today…

How can we release prosperity as a nation?

How do we become disqualified for blessings and favor?

How can we be assured of walking in the Presence of God?

Watch this clip…

Want to learn more about The Hiram Code, and the implications it can have, not only on your life, but also on the future of America?

As a special offer from Ron Phillips Ministries, we are offering my teaching, The Hiram Code & Anointing, as well as a tallit (made in Israel) for your personal devotion and prayer time. For more information or to order, click here.

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Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith Through The Looking Glass

Prioritizing Your Passion

Through the Looking GlassFormer Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir was known for her wit and her wisdom. She once said…

“Let me tell you something that we Israelis have against Moses. He took us 40 years through the desert in order to bring us to the one spot in the Middle East that has no oil!”

Though at times accused of governing from her emotions, she replied…

“It’s no accident many accuse me of conducting public affairs with my heart instead of my head. Well, what if I do? Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart don’t know how to laugh either.”

That is advice we as Christians would do well to remember. We can laugh and claim that “the joy of the Lord is our strength”. We can dance as David danced, and throw ourselves into unrestrained worship at the drop of a hat. However, if we can’t weep for the hurting in this world – if we cannot burn with hearts of conviction for the least, the last, and the lost –  how can we claim to be passionate for any of the things of God?

In Romans, we are encouraged to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep”.  If we as the Church cannot show compassion to a world that Jesus died to save, we should probably re-examine whether the title “church” belongs on our door.

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Honoring Mom

Mom.

We all have one. Your mother might be the “All-American Mom”, resembling June Cleaver, Clair Huxtable, or Carol Brady. She might be the epitome of grace, virtue, wisdom, and beauty. She might be the picture of grace under pressure who, in the face of difficulty, eschews panic…  instead opting for words of wisdom:

“Six kids and no noise. THAT’S what’™s the matter with that… I’ve never heard such a loud silence.” ~ Carol Brady… The Brady Bunch

“And THAT, young man, is what marriage is made of: it is give-and-take… fifty-fifty. And if you don’t get it together, and drop these macho attitudes, you are never gonna have anybody bringing you anything anywhere any place any time EVER.” ~ Claire Huxtable… The Cosby Show

“Wally, you never use not and hardly together. Either you’re not doing anything, or you’re hardly doing anything.” ~ June Cleaver… Leave It To Beaver

“You’ll shoot your eye out.” ~ Mrs. Parker… A Christmas Story

Or…

You may have a mom rooted in the reality of family life, grounded in the grit of the “daily grind” of a job outside the home, and content to trade in the “SuperMom” spandex and super-hero gadgetry for a juice-stained blouse, a minivan, and a Cuisinart… answering to the titles “medic”, “cook”, “cleaner”, “banker”,  “enforcer”, and “sage”.

Whatever side of the spectrum your mom falls on, she is – first and foremost – your mom. You love her, admire her, respect her, and cherish her…

Or, at least you should.

Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ~ Ephesians 6:2-3

“The first commandment with a promise”. Wow! God places such a high value on the position of parents that the commandment to honor them is the first one tied to a promise. Even though the idea of giving mom a special day is a comparatively new idea (May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day), the Bible places value on honoring mom as far back as the time of Moses. Exodus 20:12 says…

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

While I know that not everyone has the blessing of being raised by loving, Godly parents, I am thankful for mine. I was raised by Gladys. She was a no-foolishness kind of woman. She commanded respect, demanded obedience, and did it all with a firm hand and a loving heart. Regardless of where we were on any given day, come Sunday, we were in church. Even during a time that my father was far from God, drowning in the “black sea of alcoholism”, my mom was the rock. She determined that ours would be a Christian home, held my siblings and I to obedience to Him, and “did without” personally so that we would have what we needed. Because of her prayers and example, my father forsook alcohol, embraced the Cross of Jesus, and finished his life strong as a servant of God. And although Gladys is no longer with us, we are blessed to still have Pauline, my wife’s wonderful mother, with us. Having both been raised by Godly mothers has contributed deeply into making us the people we are today.

Ron & Paulette2This Sunday, May 12, 2013, is Mother’s Day. What can you do to show honor to your mother? What way can you say “thank you” to your mother, and let her know that you value the life, love, and sacrifice she has shown you over the years?

Be creative. I hope that you can express yourself in a way commensurate with the promises God has made to you for your obedience to Him… and your mom.

So, to my wonderful wife Paulette – the mother of three of the best kids in the world – and all of the other hard-working moms reading this… May you have a blessed and happy Mother’s Day!

Pastor Ron

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Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God Through The Looking Glass

When Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

Through the Looking Glass

The Tsavo Man-Eaters ("The Ghost" and "The Darkness") on display at the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL
The Tsavo Man-Eaters (“The Ghost” and “The Darkness”) on display at the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL

The movie The Ghost and the Darkness is based on the true story of two man-eating lions (named “The Ghost” and “The Darkness”) who attack a railroad crew in Africa. In reality, it was estimated that these beasts killed over 100 people before they were finally hunted down and killed by Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson in 1898. The by-line of the movie states that…

“Only the most incredible parts of the story are true”.


Mark Twain once said that “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities… truth isn’t”.

As Christians, we must hold on to the truth of God’s Word. While society may tell us that the truth is subjective, and is constantly changing, we have a golden standard by which we live. If what we are being told – by society, the media, or even some churches – does not line up with the Word of God, quite simply, it’s not truth. God will never contradict Himself. He is the same… yesterday, today, and forever.

The “User’s Manual” for life is the Holy Word of God… the Bible. The answers are there — all we have to do is take the time to look.

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When the World Goes Mad…

At one time or another, we all want to run and hide. We want to resist the urge to get out of bed in the morning, simply pull the covers up over our head, and pretend the rest of the world has dissolved into time and space. For many, the recent events in our world make these feelings not just a passing fascination, but a genuine wish…

The recent terrorist attack in Boston, and information being reported in its wake make us question the safety of our nation.

The revelations coming out in the trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell makes us question the sanity of a civilization that allows the horror of abortion to be perpetrated upon the most innocent and helpless among us… the unborn.

The contrast of the media reaction in treating a professional athlete who “comes out of the closet” (with regard to his sexuality) as a hero, while ridiculing and denigrating another for simply being unashamed of his Christian faith, makes us skeptical of an “unbiased” media clearly bent on force-feeding the public with a left-wing, liberal, Godless agenda.

I could go on for days, but you get the picture. Honestly, sometimes we just want to hide.

So how should we deal with it? How do we keep our sanity when the world is losing it’s collective “mind”? How do we maintain a heart-cry of holiness when we feel as though we are being drowned-out by the noise of profane and abhorrent voices actively pursuing our silence?

How do we find “the secret place”?

Must I wrestle as Jacob? Must I run as Elijah? Must I weep as Isaiah? Must I be martyred as Paul?

No. These are only the outward circumstances that lead us to the simple secret of his Presence. The answer lies in having a depth of spiritual hunger and thirst. God is looking for some people with a desire as strong as a parched and thirsty man lost in a desert. Such a man would give all he owned in a desperate moment for a lifesaving drink of water.

Our desperate cry for Him should be wholehearted and passionate! In Scripture, we find out how to seek Him, and discover promises from the Father for those who are thirsty. Are you…

Like a deer running from a hunter? (Psalm 42:1-2)

Like a weary worshipper, tired of the ordinary? (Psalm 63:1-4)

Like a tired traveler on a journey? (Psalm 107: 5-6)

If any of the above describe you, then ACT!

Stretch your hands toward Him. (Psalm 143:6)

Claim His promise of outpoured blessing. (Isaiah 44:3)

Respond and come before His grace. (Isaiah 55:1)

Realize that you are invited – not to religion – but to Jesus. (John 7:37)

Your responsibility is to come. (Revelation 21:6)

When you arrive, you may drink of Him. (Revelation 22:17)

In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says…

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

My only requirement is a holy dissatisfaction with all that is around me. My heart must be thirsty for Jesus, and Him alone. I can hear Him calling me up the stairs into the High Place where there flows an artesian well of life. It is mine to enjoy. I may drink, or I may splash in it like a child on a hot summer day.

I come, O Lord. Indeed, I come with all my heart and soul.

~ from my book, Secret of the Stairs

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Friendship Healing Living It Out In Real Time Miracles Out of Nowhere The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God The Secret Place

What A Difference A Year Makes

As I sit in my office contemplating the last year, I am overwhelmed by a profound sense of thanksgiving. At this time a year ago, I was lying in a hospital bed, recovering from open heart surgery.

As many of you may (or may not) know, a year ago things were very different in my life. After more than a week of exhibiting some very serious symptoms, my family, staff, and friends began voicing their concerns. My son, Ronnie Jr., had been out of the country preaching, and while he was away, had a heavy burden for me. He and his host pastor prayed and interceded for my life, and upon returning home, tried to convince me to go see my doctor. Reluctantly, I did so, and was diagnosed with “severe sleep apnea”. However, that diagnosis did not quell the stirring of the Spirit for those concerned about me.

On that Friday, I was taken to the emergency room, but everything was deemed “normal”, and they sent me home. Now, anyone who knows anything about Spiritual Warfare has heard of “generational curses” or “generational demons”. I believe that generational demons can play a strong role in our lives if we fail to recognize their patterns and method of working. Looking back on my case, this is very obvious… my own father was sent to the emergency room twice the week he died. Both times he was sent home, being told he was okay. A couple of days later, he was gone – at the age of 69.

After being released from the ER, Ronnie and I had a couple of discussions. He was still concerned, but I tried to assuage his fears. I had speaking appointments, a church to shepherd, and much to do. Going in for medical tests – being poked and prodded by doctors and nurses – just did not fit into my schedule. In frustration, Ronnie contacted a dear friend of mine by the name of Ron. He asked Ron to talk to me, and try to convince me to go have some tests done.

On Sunday, April 15, Ron spoke to me, and convinced me to change my plans. I was actually scheduled to leave the next day for Louisiana to speak in the very area where my ministry began. After hearing the concerns of my best friend, my son, and others, I decided to cancel my trip, and go for the tests. On Tuesday, Ron picked me up and took me to the hospital for a stress test…

I failed miserably.

As the providence of God would have it, when I failed the stress test, my cardiologist just happened to be there. Two nurses in the room who “just happened to be Christians” immediately laid hands on me and began to pray. The doctor immediately took preventive measures, admitted me, and sent me for an arteriogram. It was at this point they discovered that I had extensive blockages – what doctors term “the Widow Maker”. Among others, I had a 4cm blockage (100%) in my main artery.

Now, what makes my trip to Louisiana significant is that I was going to the very place (the 9th Ward) where my ministry began… a place and time of poverty, struggle, and depression for my family. I firmly believe that the enemy was taking me back there to kill me, for had I not had those tests, the doctors believe I would have been dead within hours.

I was put into intensive care, and they proceeded with surgery the next morning. I came through the bypass surgery and was put into recovery. It was during my time in recovery that I had a sensation that I was choking, and I heard the voice of the devil tell me, “I’m going to kill you!” But before fear even had a chance to take hold, I heard the voice of an angel say, “You’re a liar!” It was then that I saw a golden blanket descend on me. I felt the Holy Spirit telling me that this blanket was my prayer cover. I went back to sleep, and woke up to the beautiful face of my wife telling me everything was ok, and that I had made it through.

They moved me back to the intensive care unit, where I noticed one nurse in particular who seemed to be there a lot, almost like a guardian angel. She was working a double shift, and I came to learn that her father had come to a saving knowledge of Jesus toward the end of his life through the ministry of Ron Phillips from Abba’s House. This kind nurse said that the Lord told her to take care of me, and even though hooked up to wires and tubes, I had the opportunity to pray with her.

Over the next few days, God gave me the opportunity to rediscover the joy of the simple things in life – things like getting to sit up in a chair, walk down the hallway, or carry on a conversation with a friend. There is so much in life we take for granted.

My experience was a wake-up call. While I have made a living and lifetime out of feeding my mind and spirit on the things of God, I failed to take very good care of the “earthly temple” that God entrusted to my care. However, I have learned that living a “life more abundantly” is all inclusive… body, mind, and spirit.

RP Year
Top image: Just prior to surgery
Bottom image: December, 2012 (8 months later)

It’s now April, 2013, and I feel very thankful to be alive. I am thankful for the life God has given me, and for the second chance at being the best husband, father, grandfather, friend, and pastor that I can be. I am thankful for morning cups of coffee, looking at the sunrise, and making the most of the life God has blessed me with.

God has slowed me down a little, but not in a bad way. He has just made me more observant, has taught me to listen more to others, and care about what affects them. He has taught me to look for the lonely and hurting, and to take the time to hear what they are saying, not just be an advice-giver.

I am looking forward to many more years serving the King, listening to His voice, and sharing His Good News with anyone with an ear to hear.

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The Aerodynamics of Faith

Through the Looking Glass        Well, a much belated spring finally showed up here in the Tennessee Valley. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the pollen is out in force, and as a result, so are the bees.

This reminds me of an observation by Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She said…

“Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly… but the bumblebee doesn’t know it, so it goes on flying anyway”.

That sounds just like a lot of us. Many times in life, we face overwhelming odds. Regardless, we refuse to give up when things seem hopeless, and we believe when the issue in question seems to be a lost cause. We hang onto faith when those around us can’t decide if we are too stubborn or too stupid to give up.

So why the tenacity???

Because we have hope.

As Christians, we stand on the words of Paul when he said…

“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me“.

Got an obstacle that seems unmovable?

Find your strength in the promise of a God who makes the impossible possible

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Healing Living It Out In Real Time The Life of Faith The Mysteries of God The Secret Place

No Fear

After following the news in the wake of this week’s terror attack at the Boston Marathon, it is obvious and understandable that emotions in our nation are running the gamut.

We are saddened by the physical and emotional pain that our friends and fellow Americans are facing as a result of those killed and injured. Our prayers for healing and comfort go out to the victims and their families during this time.

We are angry that someone had the audacity to commit this heinous crime on a day (Patriot’s Day) that was about everything that is right with our nation (courage, honor, freedom), on our own soil – our home.

We are confused as to why and how this could have happened. Who committed this act? Why did they do it? As our fine law enforcement officials investigate, we believe that answers will be forthcoming.

We are afraid. Many people in our nation are now living in fear on a variety of levels:

People are in fear that it could happen again.

Witnesses may face fear from the memories of that horrific day.

Victims are fearful of moving forward into a future of uncertainty.

Terror, by it’s very definition, is about eliciting a fear response. Terror means “extreme fear”. Terrorism is not simply about killing and wounding innocent men, women, and children; it is about inciting fear in those who remain, and causing people to live in fear.

The problem we face is that fear (terror) is a vicious cycle. Fear is a magnet to demons. The more we discuss and voice our fear with our lips, the more demons are attracted to the atmosphere of fear. Fear is more than emotion… fear is a spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that…

“God has not not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind“.

In the Bible, Job was considered a righteous man. However, Job had a fatal flaw. In Job 3:25, Job confesses:

“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.”

Job feared the loss of his children and his treasures, and Satan was drawn to that fear. And while we may think that fear is an unavoidable part of life, living in fear is an existence that we do not have to settle for. 1 John 4:18 tells us that “perfect love casts out fear“, and in Proverbs 29:25, we have this promise:

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.

Abraham Lincoln is arguably the greatest president our country has ever seen. However, history bears out that he lost every single election he ran until he ran for president. What if he had allowed fear from past experiences to convince him to quit? How different would our country look today.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” For the believer in Jesus Christ, the opposite of fear is more than courage… it is faith and hope.

For those of you that watch my television program, Ron Phillips from Abba’s House, you are familiar with my co-host, Angie McGregor. What many of you may not realize is that Angie is a gifted songwriter and singer. Several years ago, in the immediate shadow of 9/11, Angie released a song that resonates today. Having faced down some fear in her own life, she penned the song simply titled, I Will Not Fear. After the events of 9/11, this song took on a whole new meaning for all of us that heard it.

— from the CD Could We Dance? ©Copyright 2002 FacePlace Music