Christians and Oprah

The power that Oprah Winfrey has on the women of American (even Christian women) has scared me for years. She has between 15-20 million viewers every day in 132 countries, slowly converting her viewers to her strong new age views. What scares me most about this, is that she has more influence over these women than their Pastors, Christian friends or even the Bible. Many ASSUME that she is a Christian (and boldy defend her), but I strongly question how anyone who calls themself a Christian can support her in any way - and yet they do time and time again. One of the most revealing examples of Oprah's false religion was a recent show with guests Betty Eadie, (new age/Mormon author of Embraced By The Light and The Awakening Heart), Dannion Brinkley (new age author of near death experience books Saved By The Light, and At Peace With in the Light) and Sophy Burnham (new age author of A Book of Angels and Angel Letters). During the show Oprah related, "I was raised a Baptist and we were too hung up on traditional ways. I was sitting in church and heard that God is a jealous God. I asked 'Why?' Come on-let's get over it!" She related a "jealous God" to an insecure God. In the program Oprah revealed that she doesn't think God is hung up on what you believe about God-whatever that "force" is, it doesn't care what you call it. He doesn't have an ego problem. She states, "I believe in the FORCE-I call it God." She also said if you believe in a rhythm of nature and in love, then you believe in God. On another show, a Christian in the audience challenged Oprah about being a "New Ager." Oprah responded, "I am not new age anything and I resent being called that. I am just trying to open a door so that people can see themselves more clearly and perhaps be the light to get them to God, whatever they may call that. I don't see spirits in the trees and I don't sit in the room with crystals." Oprah's close friend and sometimes guest, Shirley MacLaine described on a show how to meditate, going inside yourself, asking your own "intuitive Self" to seek answers to life's questions. Oprah responds, "You know, that is the same as the Bible says, 'Ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find'." Shirley confirms. Oprah then asks Shirley, "When you connected to the higher Self...knowing that you can do anything that you want to do-is it what other people describe as being 'born again'?" Shirley nods, "Yes, probably." Oprah, as with other New Agers, is not in pursuit and in communion with God but is in pursuit with the "image of God"-by elevating man to Divinity. The problem with this is the God of the universe has not called us to join ourselves to the creation but to Himself, "the Creator who is blessed forever". How can any Christian justify watching the Oprah Winfrey Show? I can't answer that. Anyone who can almost magically control massive numbers of women, and calls Jesus an "egotist" with nearly no publicity, should raise a flag as an instrument of Satan. Be careful who you idolize.

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2007.

Several years ago a dear friend of mine released an album entitled "New Road, Different Season". She had recently left the Mike Speck Quartet and taken a job as a Music Associate/Pianist of a church & she was at a new and uncharted point in her life. Her album touched me in a way that I cannot explain, and eventually, her prayerful decision led her to begin working with another friend of mine in an awesome music ministry. God has blessed her so greatly because of her obedience and faith in him since she took that initial move to leave the life she loved as a professional artist.

It often amazes me how God leads and directs our paths when we put our trust in Him. I've been in the same situation time and time again - and at every point, He shows that He is in complete control.

After years of working in retail, I followed God at the age of 23. I didn't know where I was going or what I was going to do, but I followed God. This move led to my employment with the Community Action Program in TN. This was the best move I had ever made in my life. I had been terrified of the change, but when I let go and followed God, everything worked out wonderfully.

Over a period of time we felt God's call on us to move to Georgia. Reluctant to leave a job I loved, but not wanting to disobey God, Angela and I followed - and now I work for an even better agency under the same program. It's amazing how God will work out the details in our lives if we will just step out in faith. We actually are not in control of as much as we think we are.

Why do I look back at these turning points in my life? Well, once again, we are facing another "season" in our lives. After much prayer and stress, we feel it is time for Angela to leave the world of employment to stay at home with our children. We are facing a great deal of change in our lives. Tremendous budget cuts, changes in our lifestyle and spending habits, etc. - but we know that these changes are for the spiritual well being of our children. Are we worried? I have to be honest, I'm human and I worry about these things, but I know God won't let us down. We are stepping out on faith into this new "uncharted season" as we face a new year. What is God dealing with you about this year? What "uncharted territory" has he been calling you to? Are you following? My challenge to you this year is to take the plunge. Go for the gold, and follow God.

Thank you for the nearly 50,000 hits we received in 2006. It is encouraging to see that this simple ministry is reaching folks.

I love you all,

Shawn