- The Sanctity of human life
- The Dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
- The Rights of conscience and religious liberty.
The website dedicated to living and sharing Biblical Wisdom and Truth by Bernie Lutchman (Bible Teacher/Author, Pulpit Supply Minister and musician.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
SIGN THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION NOW!
Monday, December 21, 2009
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE TO THE US MILITARY: SONG BY VICKI, VIDEO BY BERNIE LUTCHMAN
Ed Merkel December 20 at 8:43am Reply
This is amazing and beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. I'll pass it along!
Paul Younghaus December 20 at 11:41am Reply
I love it Bernie, truly a work of love! I posted it as soon as I saw it and didn't have time to say thanks before church this morning. I must say thanks now brother!
Ed Evans December 20 at 2:13pm Reply
It's not fair to bring tears to an old man's eyes. Such a beautiful voice, and such precious words and pictures. Thank you for sharing, I'm doing the same. God bless Vicki Lutchman, Jr., and her husband, whats-his-name.
Mel Whirley December 20 at 11:32pm Reply
I agree with Paul that this is a labor of love. Bernie, this is an heirloom and thanks to you, and Vicki, for including me!
Doc Blakely December 21 at 1:08pm Reply
Thanks Bernie. Blessings on you and yours.
Susan E Harmony December 20 at 11:06am Reply
Thank you so much for this video, Vicki and Bernie. I have reposted it and hope that it can reach the world! I am still crying. God Bless You!
Brother Bernie I saw your Video on the home page this morning, about 4 hours ago-
I shared it on my Wall. and here is what my thoughts were while and after hearing such a beautiful loving song. I wrote on my wall right after listening...
Oh my what a story of the biggest trial to ever be put thru.
I have tears of Joy and Sorrow. Our Soldiers are the Most caring and bravest. we are all blessed in that. And then it is the most painful to lose any one of Our Precious Soldiers. So extremely heartbreaking for a lifetime for his and her family members. This song is so beautifully written by Ms. Vicki, and her voice is as an Angels would be. Singing with love and caring.
God Bless You Ms. Vicki for caring for Our Soldiers so very much.
and for sharing in a way, to remind us all to never forget.
~~ thank you so much BB for sharing this blessing with all of your friends. friends to you and Vicki. GOD BLESS, Forever :) your Patriotic Sister, Jeri D.! :)
The only thing I could hope for at this time, is to bring our troops safely... Dear lord please watch over and protect our armed forces while they are over seas fighting to protect us and our rights. Dear lord please make their family strong and give them the strength to get through this.... I ask this humbly in the name Jesus Christ your son, Amen...
Thank you brother Bernie and Vicki for such a beautiful song.... My soldiers are all that matter to me... please bring them home alive to their families and loved ones.
Thank you for sharing this....thank you so much.
Hello Bernie. Somehow...this wonderful email got in a heap of others and i missed it yesterday. What a wonderful blessing! I love songs dedicated to our precious Troops. What a great talent Vicki has. You two are quite "the dynamic duo"
for the Lord Jesus! I will be happy to share this. Merry Christmas & God Bless!
LUTCHMAN FAMILY MINISTERS AT THE VILLA
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
OH LITTLE TOWN OF "BEIT LEHEM" - HOUSE OF BREAD!
Micah 5:2(NKJV): " But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me - The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Monday, December 14, 2009
CHRISTMAS TIME'S A- COMIN!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
AVA ASTON...the Soul of a Patriot and Singer by friend and Author - DARIA DIGIOVANNI
I originally “met” beautiful, talented singer/songwriter Ava Aston when a mutual friend connected us on Facebook. The budding entertainer was seeking footage from the 9/12 March on Washington and photos from various, local tea party protests to enhance the video production of her newest single, We The People. Knowing of my involvement with all things Constitutional, our common friend sought me out for help, and I happily obliged.
The ensuing result was an inspiring anthem to American patriotism, designed to energize, inspire and — whenever necessary — life the spirits of dedicated citizens across the country who are fighting back against massive government, and standing tall for freedom.
Recently, my Conservative Republican Forum co-host Steve and I had the pleasure of interviewing Ava about her new song, her motivation for writing and recording it, and her experience as a right-leaning performer in an industry dominated by lefties.
Question: What was your motivation for writing and recording We The People?
I am an unsigned artist, which means I have a day job. I live and work in the New York area as a bartender, so I do a lot of events. One day in particular, I was really mad after listening to a.m. talk radio, something I do regularly to stay informed. As I recall, it was Fashion Week in New York and I was doing an event at Banana Republic. The more I thought about what was bugging me, the angrier I got. So just as I’ve done from the time I was five years-old, I conceived a melody in my head, which I wrote down on a cocktail napkin. Then I began to list all of the things that were annoying me about this current administration.
By the time I left work, I had the first verse and chorus, which I immediately shared with my husband. He assured me it wasn’t silly, and encouraged me to keep going. By 4 a.m. the song was done. When I sang it to my mom over the phone, she was adamant about me recording it and producing a companion video. Because in my family, we’re like many others out there — we’re watching the news everyday and we’re horrified by what’s going on. In some small way, I am hoping We The People will help keep the tea party movement mobilized and energized. It’s also a tribute to all Americans who are fighting so hard to preserve our freedom — first and foremost the US Military.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF OUR DEAR FRIEND, DARIA'S, COLUMN
Sunday, December 6, 2009
SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS by NIKKI HAHN
Can you believe in a few weeks we will celebrate another Christmas? Can you believe 2010 is peeking around the corner? Time seems to travel at warp speed. A person can hardly take a breath without another day passing at lightning pace. Do you think Christmas, compared to a Christmas generations ago, has changed? More and more people are angry, entitled, and out to commercialize a sacred month.
When Tony and I are home and the television is off, we play traditional Christmas music—those good old tunes by Bing Crosby, and others, with the scratchy background reminding you of the antiquated technology. I recall many Christmases with sweets decking out the dining room table, cousins romping around, making eyes at the presents under the tree, and the movie, “Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer,” playing downstairs (sung by a claymation snowman, played by Burl Ives). The most pleasant memories were made around my cousins.
Next Saturday is my Coffee and Dessert Open House. Tomorrow I will begin preparations so I can enjoy
Acker Music Night and all fun of putting together my yearly Christmas party. What is Christmas without food? What is Christmas without the hope and love the birth of Jesus Christ brings to us? Most gifts do not come wrapped or with price tags. Most gifts come in the form of the people we call friends and family. I know I am blessed to have so many of them surrounding me today. What makes Christmas special for you? What are your traditions?
NIKKI HAHN IS OUR FAVORITE GUEST BLOGGER!
Lemon or Chocolate Parfait
1) In a small plastic cup (usually bought at party stores), add some pieces of white cake. Top the parfait with either lemon curd or chocolate cream.
2) Top with whipped cream, chocolate bits, a chocolate wafer, or a lemon wedge. Whatever makes it look delicate and pretty. Serve immediately.
PART 3 OF MY SERIES: "'THE SECRET PLACE"
.
REPENTANCE
If anyone reading this thinks this does not apply to them, preacher, priest or programmer, then we have another problem. Repentance is the ongoing process of Sanctification which never stops once the believer is alive on this earth.
Both Repentance and Faith are gifts from God. We are first saved by Grace through Faith in Christ (alone).Grace is the first gift. We grow by gradually or dramatically turning away from our evil, vile and disgusting sins...making them dead to the flesh, as we grow weary of battling the flesh and surrender more and more control to Christ, through the Holy Spirit (this is the Spirit-filled living).
In the Secret Place, we bare it all. We hide nothing from Christ. He knows it anyway!! If you struggle with smoking a pack a day, plainly state this and plead for help to stop. If you struggle with looking at miniskirts in the office, more than confess and ask the Lord to direct your eyes elsewhere. If you struggle with drinking beers almost daily and thinking you're not an alcoholic, come to Christ for the strength to quit drinking, even socially.
In the Secret Place, where the rubber meets the road, where His Eyes see all and He is just waiting to help - just come! You can't lie to the Holy Spirit who just convicted you! Will you wake up 15 minutes earlier to spend time with your face up to Heaven calling on His Name? You can't con Christ, why not Repent? He loves when His sheep come calling. Won't you?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
THE SECRET PLACE, PART 2
Do you look in His Eyes the same way you look at the world? We think nothing about having fellowship freely with the fickle emotions of this world, yet neglect 'RETIRING' our heart to DIRECT communication with the Father.
Jesus gave the guidelines (see verse above) for what some people call "QUIET TIME" with God. I don't! Sure, I remain quiet, but I want the SPIRIT of the Living GOD to speak LOUD and CLEAR to me! Meditation is a heart to His Heart pressing into Abba Father.
HOWEVER, we should NEVER lose sight of what caused this to be so - the Cross. The Cross was the most vulgar, obscene, scandalous and bloody evil instrument of death. Yet it is the most amazingly beautiful symbol of Love ever in Human History. Those who follow pagan religions and those so-called Christians who compromise the Crucified Christ with the world, by watering Him down to lukewarm vomit (Revelation 3:15-16) should shudder because they are not invited to the Secret Place.
It is only us, those who are called to the Cross, carry a Living Temple within us - the Holy Spirit. Would you consider taking up residence in that temple, starting now?! This is the Secret Place He spoke of in the verse!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
WORSHIPPING HEARTS BREAKTHROUGH !
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
GUEST BLOGGER: - "OUR FIRST HOUSE TOGETHER" by Nikki Hahn
Our house is three-years old. When I stood in the giant kitchen, it was love at first sight. I ran my hands along the counters, envisioned the wall color, and in my mind dictated where each piece of furniture would find a home. We eagerly called our friend and realtor and signed the papers. Picking up the keys to our new house was the happiest day of our lives. My husband owned a house all ready when first I met him, but this is our first house bought together. This is my first house.
I drove to our new home as fast as the speed limit and police officers would allow. I pulled into my new driveway and squealed in glee when I saw what my husband had done; he bought a bottle of wine and some flowers. We slept on the floor in our new bedroom. The next day my mother-in-law and other family friends rallied around us in our new barren front yard. I pulled in with a fresh batch of groceries. Smiles adorned everyone’s face as they shared in our joy.
The cell phone rang.
I should have ignored it. I should have listened to the nervous twitter of my heart. The day my husband and I moved into our home is forever tainted by the memories of that phone call. I imagined so many teas and so many friends stopping over to say hello. I imagined many heart-to-hearts in the kitchen over coffee and fresh baked goods. I imagined my home would flow with friends and family. It may not have turned out the way I had imagined at first blush, but I am grateful for what God did teach me.
Relationships take two people. It takes two people who want to learn about each other and who want to get involved. It takes two people who forebear each others faults and encourage each others strengths. It takes two people who care enough to break down the barriers. We each put up barriers. We are not even aware of it. Once we become aware of those barriers, we need to break them down and allow people inside. Our friends may let us down. Our family may let us down. Our hearts may break a thousand times, but Jesus has a big tube of super glue and He knows how to put those pieces back together again. Do not be afraid to let your heart break. Take a risk on someone. Love them in spite of their differences. Enjoy healthy boundaries. Most importantly, keep your hearts and doors open for the unexpected. You will not have any regrets.
My home is full of love and encouragement. It is not a brittle or cold place. I don’t care if you come in with muddy shoes. I don’t care if you wish to use my place as a place to crash because the world is unfair and weighing too heavily upon your shoulders. I don’t care what you have done wrong. God loves you. He loves you so much He sent us His Son to die on the cross for our sins. A home is not a roof and four walls; our home is where Jesus resides. My home is also wherever my husband sleeps. Our house is full of laughter. Joy has a permanent place in our house. How? Because we believe a marriage is three people: Jesus, your spouse, and you. We believe a marriage is not about power plays or egos. It is not about selfish ambition. It is not about crossing healthy boundaries. It is about encouragement, love, and following Jesus with all your heart and your soul. How are you breaking down the barriers? How are you making your home a place where people want to spend their time?
GO TO NIKKI'S WEBSITE:
Friday, October 30, 2009
POWER WORSHIP! - GOD YOU REIGN!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
PART ONE OF SERIES "The Secret/Sacred Place"
THE SECRET/SACRED PLACE, part 1
Now more than ever God is calling His people to that Secret Place - the place where He meets with us, fellowships with us, reveals to us His Will and His Word. The great thing is His Revelation NEVER contradicts the Living Word of God, found in 66 books of the Bible!
There are many requirements, once the saint or believer, decides he/she wants to enter this SACRED PLACE! In my humble opinion, they are:
1. Complete Faith in the Power of God and the Glorious Mystery of the Cross.
2. Complete surrender to the Son of God, knowing we are nothing without Him.
3. Complete consecration centering on the Character of God.
It could take a series of sermons to flesh these points out into an aggressive dynamic for flourishing in the Secret Place with Abba Father. But we will have to settle for bite-sized morsels in this blog, until the book comes out! :-)) So here we go!
1. Complete Faith: The Majesty and Power of God is evident for ALL mankind to see, but more so to the saint as we have the Holy Spirit to guide and instruct. Ninety percent of the World does NOT, and will not, even after hearing the Gospel. The Power of God is not in dispute. What gets those who are perishing is the Glorious Mystery and Power of the Cross! THIS they, including infidels in the church, will never grasp, even as their rank disobedience descends with them into the eternal fire.
NEXT: THE POWER OF THE CROSS IN THE SECRET PLACE!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
ONLY PRAYER CAN SAVE AMERICA!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Dr. Diane Dike - Amazing Woman of God!
Her multi-faceted ministry is needed now more than ever in the body of Christ!
Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSyKi_ZdMk4
(The actual video is copyright and cannot be posted elsewhere)
God bless!
Bernie Lutchman
Illinois State Capitol Coordinator
National Day of Prayer
www.ndptf.org
Monday, October 12, 2009
AWAKEN YOUR HEART OF PRAYER! LOU ENGLE IN SPRINGFIELD, IL. NOV 5-7 2009!
Reasons and excuses are many. The good news is that changes are coming. Starting in 2008, our National Day of Prayer head office in Colorado Springs forged alliances with national men's movements like the National Iron Sharpens Iron and Joe White's Men at the Cross Conferences, that are bearing fruit. From Kansas City, the International House of Prayer (IHOP) movement spread like wildfire across America and here into Springfield, Illinois (led by Scott Beauchamp).
Men - young and old are now walking in the Spirit as mighty warriors of prayer in the IHOP, Apostolic and other independent prayer networks and churches we travel in.
The primary goal is to Glorify God; seek His Face; repent of personal and corporate sins and travail in intercession with someone in need (or over a critical issue).
For the fervent and effective prayer to be heard, the spiritual heart of a righteous man MUST be awakened to the Call of the King. Too many men lose out on this amazing blessing, by thinking crazy things about prayer warriors - except when they need us!
If you wish to find out for yourself, contact Scott or anyone of us. One great opportunity is here: consider attending this Awakened Hearts Conference led by Lou Engle from November 5-7, all or part of it. A meaningful relationship with Christ can not be developed only by going to church on Sunday. Pray about it.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
FEAST OF TABERNACLES - SUKKOT TOV!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
NIKKI HAHN: WRITER, GUEST BLOGGER
Don't you wish you could sometimes press 'pause' and stop the continuing march of time? Every day, every month runs swiftly past, and dark hair turns gray, children grow older, and the time a husband and wife have to share together grows shorter. Was it not yesterday when we were children playing house, playing ball with our fathers, and was it not yesterday when we first fell in love? My husband and I are lucky for our relationship has no distractions. There is not a day I do not appreciate him or wish I could press 'pause' and spend more time with him.
Why, you ask me, am I thinking so seriously today? A friend of mine lost someone dear to her this past weekend and my prayers are with her as well as my sympathy and love, but time ticks on by like a clock unrestricted by battery power. She will grieve and be surrounded by people who care, but outside her world traffic continues to back up on the freeway, people are hanging out at a coffee shop, and grandmothers are knitting cute scarves for their grandchildren. Life continues like the wind, but we do not have to be the leaf controlled by the blowing of the winds. There are those of us who are children of God who believe Christ died on the cross for us. Our fate is not controlled by a chance wind. Our fate rests in the hands of Jesus. We laid our life in His hands, handed over the control of our life to Him, and we are the better for it.
Social networking like twitter and face book are not simply a means for my name to get out there in order for my book to have a better chance at publication. Social networking is caring about others in our world. There are so many lost souls floundering like a leaf in the wind, with no direction, purpose undiscovered, and so many who are beguiled by the other side. In short, I have come across many great people online and I was given the privilege of being able to pray continually for them. Their requests are fresh on my heart even now.
Application:
1) So many times on Twitter people trying to market new ideas are always trying to sell something on their profile. Are we like this? Are our conversations focused on ourselves? Are we losing time that could be spent more wisely? Is our witness like a salesman on your front porch?
Ephesians 5:31: "For this reason a man leaves his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." (NASB)
"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
AMAZING TESTIMONY ON RIFQA'S CONVERSION TO CHRIST AND ESCAPE TO FREEDOM!
TO READ MORE ON THIS, CLICK ON PAM GELLER'S WEBSITE HERE: http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/09/couple-who-sheltered-rifqa-bary-speak.html
WATCH VIDEO HERE:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/faith_news/091709_Couple_who_sheltered_Rifqq_Bary_speak%22%3ECouple
Friday, September 11, 2009
Annual NDP Prayer Summit October 16-18, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
ACTION POINT: MICHELLE HIGGINBOTHAM ON SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS BEING "RAILROADED"
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE ENOS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.
If you’ve followed the local news recently, you’ve probably seen coverage of the plan to bring high speed rail to Springfield and the current proposal to locate it on the Third St. corridor. You may have even seen protestors lining the streets on your way home from work, or received an invitation to a “Rail Rally.” Since Amtrak and freight trains already operate on the Third St. corridor, it may be hard to understand why so many groups oppose the current proposal. After all, isn’t high speed rail a sign of progress? Doesn’t the construction of it create jobs and bring economic growth to our city? What’s the big deal?
Three distinct railway corridors dissect the city of Springfield, which is highly unusual for a city of our size, and each corridor is owned by a different company. The corridor along Third Street is owned by Union Pacific, who is slated to receive more than 2 billion dollars in federal stimulus money earmarked for high-speed rail. However, the primary increase in trains will be additional freight, and Union Pacific held a groundbreaking ceremony last week for a new distribution center in Joliet. A second set of tracks will be needed to accommodate the additional freight trains. The question now is where the second set of tracks will be placed, and which corridor will become the primary rail line for the city.
This is a decision which will affect the citizens of Springfield for generations to come, and we believe it is a decision that should not be made lightly. By IDOT’s own standards, an Environmental Impact Study is supposed to be conducted to compare the effects of using Third St. or 10th St. as the primary rail corridor, but now IDOT insists that there is no time to study the issue. IDOT is also required by Public Act 93-0545 to engage the citizens of a project in "early and ongoing" collaboration to ensure that the values and needs of the affected communities are identified and carefully considered. IDOT and Union Pacific signed a memorandum of understanding for this project back in May, but it has only been recently that the citizens of Springfield have been made aware of this proposal, and now we are being told it is a done deal and there is no time for study or discussion.
Although the city and county have hoped for years to eventually be able to consolidate the rail lines along the 10th St. corridor, there are strong feelings on all sides of this issue. We believe that makes it all the more important for our elected officials to engage in dialogue with the citizens of this community about how the various proposals will impact us. To date, Senator Durbin has not been receptive to discussions with Mayor Davlin, County Board Chair Andy Van Meter, Chamber of Commerce President Gary Plummer, and others. Local officials understand the dramatic impact that this rail plan will have on our community, but our federal officials are turning a deaf ear, and this is a public project funded with taxpayer money!
Political pressure comes from the people. Contact Senator Durbin and Governor Quinn and insist they get Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern to the table to negotiate an agreement that will allow both companies to improve their operations in the manner that will be the least disruptive to the citizens of Springfield.
Legal pressure comes from groups filing class action suits or seeking an injunction to slow down the process, or correct violations of state and/or federal law. Contact Ray LaHood (USDOT), Administrator Szabo (FRA), and Secretary Hannig (IDOT) to ask them to follow and enforce all rules and regulations as related to the selection of eligible projects for stimulus funds.
Above all, pray for the elected officials involved in making these critical decisions, and especially pray for the opportunity to engage in open dialogue with the people who will be most impacted. No matter where the rail line is ultimately located, there will be homes and businesses affected. This is not an issue that is specific to one neighborhood or one part of Springfield- it affects all of us. Rather than using this as one more way of dividing the citizens of this city, let this be an opportunity for us to come together around a common cause.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28)
Michelle Higginbotham is Vice President of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association.
For more information or to be added to the list for “Rail Rally” notifications, call 553-4629 or
email: mhigginbotham@devonshire-realty.com