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Captive

Breaking Free from Captivity in Your Mind

by Greg Lancaster

Do you ever feel captive by your mind? Greg shares how this is possible and how we can break free from this captivity! The first narrative we will hear in our mind or speak out can be like an infant’s response. An infant will say or do the first thing that comes to mind, and even into adulthood our first thought or narrative can be like an infant’s response, but we must choose what narrative we will follow. There are people that have lived 50 years following a childish narrative! Many people have believed everything their brain tells them about their situation. We are not spiritual by going with the first thing our brain tells us to do. The spiritual thing is to challenge our natural responses to something else, so we need to stop and not respond to the first narrative. Many times, our first response to things in our life is to defend ourselves. “But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” If everything we do is to defend ourselves, then we are living in pride. We may need to ask ourselves the question, why am I still acting like a child? And if that is the case, then you may be following the first narrative in your mind. Be encouraged because the battlefield is in the mind! The first narrative you hear will be the same narrative you heard at 5-years-old, but we can stop and ask God about what just happened and ask Him how we need to respond to the situation. We can choose to fight and follow God’s narrative. A way to find out who you really are is by hanging out with other people. We need to choose to step outside of ourselves and talk to people and listen to their pain and find out who they are. If we listen to the first narrative, we isolate ourselves. As believers, we should not be submitting ourselves to our flesh. If we are responding with the first narrative in our minds, then we need to “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” God will give us the power to walk this out, and we can submit our minds to Him and learn to not follow the first narrative in our minds. God will impart to us what we need as we abide with Him which is spending time with Him daily. You can download a free abiding plan today at iAbide. Make sure to listen or watch to hear the full encouraging word. We want to hear from you! Also shared in this segment: Love, Church, Humility, Judgment, Freedom. Greg and John shared in this segment.

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WATCH! Human Trafficking is Happening and What You Can Do About It

by Greg Lancaster

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Human Trafficking is Happening and What You Can Do About It

We can’t take action or do anything unless we know about a problem. At VFNKB we want to bring awareness to human sex trafficking so that we can know how to take action and gain compassion for those that are stuck in sex trafficking.

There are more than 27 million women and children that have been enslaved in sex trafficking all over the world, and this includes the United States. It is reported that only 1-2 percent of these victims are rescued. And the average age of a sex slave is 12-years-old. As believers, we must have compassion for those stuck in this slavery and cry out for justice and freedom to come to every person and child!

Benjamin Nolot, the founder of Exodus Cry, works to bring awareness to the truth that takes place regarding sex trafficking. Exodus Cry is a ministry that works to free sex slaves and to educate them so that the victims can be free to pursue a career and to provide for themselves.

Benjamin describes for us the breaking down that happens to someone that is brought into sex slavery. “As a girl is brought into this environment…it begins with a breaking process. It begins with a breaking down of that person’s soul, of that person’s spirit, of that person’s body, of that person’s psyche. They want to completely break that individual so that they are at the mercy and under the control of whoever that trafficker might be. And the process for that involves nightmarish activities of rape, and abuse and gang-rape and just violence against these girls to bring them to a point of being broken. Then there is a thing in phycological terms that we talk about called traumatic bonding that happens. And when somebody has had such violence against them, then there’s a survival instinct…I actually began to bond with my abuser. I began to bond with my captor because I am trying to survive. In that context is when these women and girls begin to be brainwashed…” This is horrific to hear of the tragedies taking place and there is hope! Jesus has come to set the captives free.

Benjamin is also the producer and director of the documentary film Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. This film shows real stories of those trapped in human sex trafficking. It is shocking to watch the realities of what is exposed in this film. One man shares from his experiences of ordering women, “…you ask it, and the girl comes to you. It’s like you order a pizza, something like that you can compare it.” Another man describes how women could be bought for $10 a night.

Katja was one of these very women. She aspired, like many others, to travel and continue her education. When she met with others, she was confronted with the reality of being forced into prostitution. “I wanted to go to Greece to work six months…and then come back in my country to continue my education. When I arrived, they took me to a house and take my passport and say if I don’t work the prostitution, they will kill my family, and they would break my bones. I felt like I wanted to die.” According to the A21 Campaign, “victims of sex trafficking are forced to service up to 40 clients a day, 14,600 a year.” Katja’s continues, “I would drink a lot of alcohol, so I wouldn’t understand who I was, where I was, or what I was doing. I felt like I was not a person anymore. I had no heart, no soul, no will.” Katja was trafficked for two years. Then, Katja was found by A21 Campaign and rescued from sex trafficking. “After two weeks in the A21 house, I was able to sleep again like I was at home. The people who work there became like my mother and best friends. Sometimes I look up and don’t believe it is true…now my future is full of hope.” A21’s goal is to abolish slavery around the world!

Many think this will never happen to them, to their families, their children but it is happening! It is a huge thing that many are getting involved to help end slavery. We can all work together to help end sex slavery. Life requires for us to be involved in it and we can live life with purpose and being aware of what is going on around us. We can have an impact for the Kingdom of God in our homes and our communities which can change the world including helping to end sex slavery. We have an opportunity to make a difference with every person we meet. We are not promised tomorrow; all we have is today! Be challenged and activated to see the evil that is happening and making a difference today. Also, keep praying for the ending of sex slavery and even be challenged to pray for the captors for them to come to know Jesus. We want to hear from you! You can write to us at Friends@VFNKB.com. John and Steve shared in this segment.

Abiding Faith Mountain

Breaking Free from Captivity in Your Mind

by Greg Lancaster

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Courtesy of Kamira/Shutterstock.com

Government Mountain

N. KOREAN HOSTAGE RELEASED!! Sec. of State Mike Pompeo, Flying Back With all Three

by Greg Lancaster

We are happy to hear the reports that the three Americans that have been held captive in North Korea for over one year has been released to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to CBN News. The three Americans who were captive are Kim Dong-chul, Kim Sang-duk (Tony Kim) and Kim Hak-song. They were all moved from a labor camp sometime last month to be treated, and rest and are now on their way back to America. President Donald Trump tweeted the announcement of their return and that Secretary Pompeo and guests will arrive at Andrews Air Force Base at 2:00 A.M. and President Trump will be there to greet them.

family member of Tony Kim is expressing gratitude to “all of those who have worked toward and contributed to his return home…the support and prayers of friends and even strangers during this challenging year.” We are thankful at VFNKB that prayers were answered for these three Americans to be brought back home to their families.

Secretary Pompeo said this trip is “to put in place a framework for a successful summit.” President Trump did say in his tweet that a place and time have been set for the summit which may happen later this month or in June.

UPDATE

President Donald Trump and his wife Melania welcomed Kim Dong-chul, Kim Sang-duk (Tony Kim) and Kim Hak-song, home at Andrews Air Force Base on 05/10/18.

The three men expressed their thanks according to the state department.

“We would like to express our deep appreciation to the United States government, President Trump, Secretary Pompeo, and the people of the United States for bringing us home,” the men said.

“We thank God, and all our families and friends who prayed for us and for our return. God Bless America, the greatest nation in the world.”

A White House spokeswoman said the three former prisoners would be taken to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in nearby Maryland for further medical evaluation.

Screen Capture courtesy of YouTube.com The White House

Faith Mountain Persecuted Church VFNtv Programs WATCH FULL PROGRAM

WATCH! Persecution against Christians in the World is at an All Time High; and Susan’s Story

by Blogger Import

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Persecuted Christians: Top 10 Nations that Persecute Christians, 9 out of 10 are Islamic Nations

Right now, more than ever, Christians are being persecuted throughout the world solely because of their faith in Jesus Christ. As the Church, we must not only see this an un urgent and important matter, but we must also empathize with the reality that so many are currently facing. Empathy is simply not taught anymore. There may be pity for another, but empathy is feeling the pain of another. It is to say what it feels ‘walking in someone else’s shoes’. Open Doors USA is a ministry that not only monitors the rising persecution of Christians throughout the world, but they also respond by supplying the needed resources to these effected areas. With Open Doors’ most recent report about persecution, a list of the top 50 nations regarding persecution of Christians brings a concerning reality about those that are at the top of the list. Nine of the top 10 countries are Islamic nations.

It is one thing to hear about the overview of these realities, but to hear an individual story is even more revealing of these realities. Take for instance Susan, a young girl who gave her life to Jesus Christ. Her father, following the ways of Islam, gave her this ultimatum while holding a knife to her throat, “Susan, if you do not stop going to church and worshiping God, I will kill you and your brother.” Susan, standing resolutely in her faith caused her father to lock her in a bedroom with a mat on the floor. His ultimatums continued, “Sit on the mat and do not move until you are willing to deny Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.” Sitting alone in the room, on the mat, the door that her father locked behind him, remained locked for 3 months. What happens to Susan, how she endures, and her response to her own reality will surely challenge you!

These are situations that many face and endure everyday of their lives. As Open Doors USA reveals a deeper look into this rising tragedy, there are additional statistics that highlight just how bad it is. “Each Month: 322 Christians are killed for their faith; 214 churches and Christian properties are destroyed; 772 forms of violence are committed against Christians (such as beatings, abductions, rapes, arrests, and forced marriages).” From the signs that are being witnessed and experienced throughout the world, it will only get worse.

We must take a concern and a proactive response to these realities. It matters if we are not broken or affected by these truths. Jesus said this in Matthew 25:45, ‘…Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ If we respond to those who are currently being persecuted, it is as if we were responding to Jesus being persecuted. If we do not respond, if we do not have a broken heart towards those being persecuted, it is as if we are not responding to Jesus being persecuted.

If we do not have an understanding of how to pray, here are a few ideas: Pray they will stand firm in their faith; Pray they will not fear for themselves or their families; but trust God; Pray they would not retaliate, but entrust themselves to our Righteous Judge and live in peace with everyone.

Allow this sobering truth to impact your heart as you take an account to the what is being endured each and every day for the cause of Christ. Be encouraged as God moves upon your heart to begin a dialogue with Him about the persecuted Church as He may be calling you to respond, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: Open Doors USA, shipping containers, Radical Islam, humility, brokenness, and prayer. Greg and Steve shared in this segment.

Pray they will stand firm in their faith (1 Pet 5:8-10).

Pray they will not fear for themselves or their families; but trust God. (rev 2:10).

Pray they would not retaliate, but entrust themselves to our Righteous Judge and live in peace with everyone (Rom 12:17-21).

Pray they would rejoice, even in suffering (1 Peter 4:12-14).

Pray they would love and forgive those who persecute them (Mat 5:43,44; Luke 23:34, Col 3:13).

Pray they would keep their eyes on Jesus and not grow weary (Heb 12:1-3, 10:32-39).

Pray those who suffer great physical pain will be delivered by the Lord (2 Cor 1:9-11).

Pray they would proclaim the gospel, even when suffering ( 2 Tim 4:15-18).

Pray they would rely on the Lord’s strength and not their own (2 Cor 1:8-9).

Pray their oppressors will be saved, as Paul did (Acts 9:1-9).

Pray Bibles and Christian literature will reach needy areas (Ps 119:42-43).

Pray leaders of persecuted churches will continue to be faithful (2 Peter 5:1-4).

Pray Christians who have religious freedom will understand what it means to suffer with other members of God’s family (1 Cor 12:26), to speak out boldly and seek changes in the name of the Lord on behalf of persecuted believers (Prov 31:8-9), and to faithfully remember to pray for our Christian family worldwide who are in prison and suffering for their faith (Heb 13:3).

Abiding Faith Mountain Heart of Nehemiah, The Secret to Rebuilding the Walls of the Church in America

Heart of Nehemiah: The BLAME GAME doesn’t WORK, but Abiding with the Lord does! (Part 12 of 13)

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! Greg and Pat continue their discussion of the importance of having the heart of Nehemiah which they believe is the secret to rebuilding the church in America. They continue to discuss how going through public repentance is very important. The word of God convicts us, affirms us, challenges us, and brings us into alignment with God and how we can worship Him.

“But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.” Nehemiah 9:28

The last time God handed them over to their enemies this time God abandoned them to their enemies. It’s a very dangerous time being on liberty. Sailors would get in trouble on liberty, however when they were manning there position they were focused. Gifting’s can take you where your character can’t keep you. Character is perfected when you are brought close in relationship.

^“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

1 Corinthians 10:12

Idleness produces idolatry.

^“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.”

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

What is the pattern to building or even rebuilding the church to the way God wants it to be? We don’t have a lot of time to respond. There have been plenty of times in history of those who have gathered themselves around what God is doing. God is a faithful deliverer who has been faithful to deliver us time after time after time. God longs to be sympathetic, merciful, and have compassion towards you if you confess your sins to him. If we confess openly and honestly before God truly seeking to acknowledge being right with him He will respond to us.

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

We become deceived when we blame the world for our problems. What is happening is because we have sinned. Nehemiah understood that God warned them about what was going. God warned them to turn them back to their law. Even in the midst of darkness people have a tendency to go deeper. When you are in God’s word you are listening to his heart and what God has to say so you can follow and obey him.

“You warned them in order to turn them back to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, of which you said, ‘The person who obeys them will live by them.’ Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you warned them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.” Nehemiah 9:29-31

Nehemiah understood the depth and the severity of their bondage and how it was their fault not God’s fault for them being under oppression. How hard is it for a prideful man to take ownership for his own sin? The question for the church is can she repent from her sin?

“Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Luke 7:23

Nehemiah was not offended with God. He realized who God was and how he could handle it. He just needed to figure out how they got there and how they can get out. Matthew 21:44 “Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed Nehemiah understanding Israel’s history saw how their government, their priest, their leaders, nor their fathers did not follow God’s commands.”

Torch Articles on Each Part:

*We suggest listening to all segments for complete context

Israelite’s Confessing Sin, Standing Firm?, Warning Against Idleness, Little Sleep & Slumber, Abide in Jesus, If My People, Broken & Crushed

Nehemiah 9, 1 Corinthians 10:12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Proverbs 6:10-11, John 15:1-8, 2 Chronicles 7:13-16, Matthew 21:44
The Heart of Nehemiah SERIES: The Secret to Rebuilding the Church in America

Prophecy Prophetic Words from Oct 2016 and Older

The Battle – Elijah vs. Jezebel

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! Then and now it is a battle to change the leadership’s mind and heart or the leadership itself over God’s people to protect God’s people from the captivity of man’s philosophies and traditions.

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Greg Lancaster, VFNtv · The battle – Elijiah vs Jezebel

Prophesy

GLM

Holy Spirit Eye Doctor

by Blogger Import

LISTEN NOW! Christians being held captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than Christ. Find how how to break free.

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