I made a post about this issue before. I am just glad that Joyce Meyer is making an effort and maybe it will clear her name from suspicion. I am still skeptical. Story below:

A US Senator says televangelist Joyce Meyer has shown a "good faith" effort to comply with a congressional review of nonprofit laws affecting churches and religious ministries.

Last week the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) announced it granted accreditation to Joyce Meyer Ministries and Oral Roberts University. Joyce Meyer is one of six televangelist ministries under investigation by the Senate Finance Committee for alleged violations of their tax-exempt status.

Meyer has been accused of lavishly spending ministry money on, among other things, a $23,000 marble-topped commode and an $11,000 French clock. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who initially launched the probe, says he is encouraged that Meyer has accepted ECFA oversight.

"She wants to reassert to her givers that she's using the money in the fashion of which they intended it when it was given to her," he explains. "And that's important to me because when an organization has nonprofit status, they are a trustee for that money, and then it also backs up another goal that I have [which] is maintaining the credibility of the tax-exemption that goes with charitable and church giving."

Grassley says four of the six ministries he has been scrutinizing have chosen to continue stonewalling his investigation -- Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church, Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Senator GrassleyChurch International.

Although he is still holding out hope the four ministries will voluntarily comply with his probe, Grassley admits he is "getting close" to asking Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus to issue subpoenas.

First and foremost let me state that I do not agree with any new revelation. However, I do post on current events within the Christian realm. This particular post has to do with Pat Robertson making his annual prediction for the year. He claims his predictions come directly from God.

For 2008, he predicted a much more violent world, a U.S. recession and oil hitting $150 a barrel. Robertson's global forecast for the coming year was equally grim, predicting violent threats, poverty and misery. Russia, he said, "will be the most dangerous."

Robertson said "The Lord said the economy of your nation will recover" during a prayer session which he broadcast on the 700 Club. He also said "I'm flying in the face of all of the experts or most of the experts who say, 'Oh no, no, no, it's going to get worse,' but I don't think so." He explains this will be done by bigger government "The people will welcome socialism in order to relieve their pain."

In regards to Islam, he thinks that it will weaken. "The violence and the bloodshed has turned away many against this religion of hate and the Lord said expand your outreach to Muslims. They are ready to listen."

Israel "is entering a period of extreme crisis." He added, "A strong government that deals forcefully with the Palestinians will bring international condemnation and sanctions, but the Lord will uphold his people despite world opinion."

FULL ARTICLE

Questions:
What do you make of "new revelation" (i.e. visions, dreams)?

What is your opinion of Pat Robertson?

I was introduced to Dr. S M Lockridge recently. I like what I hear so far, but I am only finding small clips of his sermons. I hope you enjoy and I will try and find more.

I just found out that my Pastor who baptized me and married my wife and I is retiring. He has been with my church 19 years. I have known him since my early teenage years, which was over a decade ago. He has been much more than just a pastor to my wife and I and we will truly miss him after he leaves.

More importantly is our church's transition to find a new pastor. There is a big challenge ahead for us and especially for our deacons. I pray that God will provide the right person for us. Since my pastor has been there for such a long time, I have never gone through this process before.

I am filled with ambivalence because on one hand I am sad to see my pastor go, but on the other I am happy because he has been planning this for some time and wanted to retire from the full-time ministry and do something part-time. With his extensive background and knowledge God has provided him a part-time position with a seminary in North Carolina which is close to his hometown. This is exciting because with his vast experience he will be teaching future Christian pastors. He will join other great Christian men on the faculty such as Charles Ryrie.

I would like to ask for your prayers for my wife and I and our church during this time of transition.

Here is a glimpse of what Obama hears at his church.
WARNING: Language

If you don't think this matters and it is only by association. Look at some of these statements made in this article. "I don't think my church is actually particularly controversial."-Sen. Obama. "Rev. Wright married Obama and his wife Michelle, baptized their two daughters and is credited by Obama for the title of his book, "The Audacity of Hope."". He has definitely impacted and influenced Obama's life.


UPDATED VIDEO

I know televangelists have a bad reputation along with lawyers and used car salesman, but do they bring it on themselves? They are making millions off of their followers. Living in mansions, driving luxury cars and dressing in the finest clothing. I am not against anyone being wealthy, but I am skeptical when it is the result of sharing the gospel. It seems that things should be the opposite or that the money could be used elsewhere. I will examine three televangelist, not to attack them personally, but because they are the most popular and people will be familiar with them.

First, Joyce Meyer. I don't agree with women pastors, but I will skip that and move on to her salary. Here is an article that states Meyer's salary at $900,000, but don't worry, it has been reduced to $250,000. This does not include her royalties from her books and the use of a corporate jet. Her husband who happens to be vice president of the ministry made $450,000 in 2003-04.

Secondly, Joel Osteen, who portrays to be gracious by giving up his $200,000 salary. This is because of all the books he sells. He also gave up a portion of the book profits to renovate the former Compaq Center where the Houston Rockets use to play. His luxurious lifestyle isn't to shabby for someone who didn't complete college nor attended seminary. Here is an article about Mr. Osteen.

Lastly, Rick Warren. He is not on television so he does not classify as a televangelist, but I included him in this because of his salary and his resulting actions. You might remember him from his best seller "Purpose Driven Life", the one who let Hillary Clinton and Obama speak in the pulput of his Saddleback Church or his praise of Syria. He seems a little more giving by doing what he calls "reverse tithing". He keeps 10% and tithes 90%. I am sure this does not break his pocketbook.

Now it is time for my disclaimer, for I am sure some will take this as judgmental and /or divisive. I know these people have done good and may even have good intentions. However, getting rich of the gospel of Jesus doesn't seem right and while they my donate large sums of money they are making much more. They write book after book and they all seem to be the same. Psychologically centered and less Biblically structured.

Again this is not an attack on Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, large churches or rich people.