​On March 25, Stephanie Borowicz offered Christian prayer in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She prayed moments before the swearing in of the chamber’s first Muslim woman. It brought an onslaught of persecution and a call for censure-condemnation of the prayer.

The Muslim Democrat in Pennsylvania is blasting a Republican who prayed in the name of Jesus Christ. The Muslim said the prayer was Islamophobic.

Pennsylvania’s first female Muslim lawmaker in the General Assembly accused Stephanie Borowicz of Islamophobia after she opened a legislative session with a prayer that invoked the name of Jesus Christ.

Note: The female Muslim lawmaker was signed in to her office with a Qur'an-and given every right and privilege for her religion. I will give further comments below this summary.

Movita Johnson-Harrell won her Philadelphia seat in a special election earlier this month. A mother and grandmother, she arrived in Harrisburg with 55 guests, more than half of whom she said were fellow Muslims.

But she said her first day in office was marred by an “offensive” invocation before her induction.

Freshman Representative Stephanie Borowicz, a Clinton County Republican, was tapped to give the opening remarks the day of Johnson-Harrell’s swearing-in.

“There should definitely be censure because we need to be promoting inclusion, not division,” state Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, D-Philadelphia, told reporters of the invocation, laden with explicit Christian and political imagery, delivered by fellow freshman Rep. Stephanie Borowicz at the start of the House’s Monday voting session.

A censure typically involves a majority of lawmakers voting to approve a resolution to formally condemn an action. The action doesn’t necessarily carry any consequences for the lawmaker who is being censured, but represents a public reprimand of their conduct.

Borowicz, R-Clinton, invoked “Jesus” 13 times, “God” six times, and “Lord” four times in the rambling, nearly two-minute long prayer that is generally intended to be ecumenical and welcoming. She also expressed thanks to God that President Donald Trump “stands beside Israel.”

Speaking to Pennsylvania Legislative Services later in the day on Monday, Borowicz said “that’s how I pray everyday,” regarding her remarks. And asked if she intended to heed Democrats’ call apologize, she said, “Oh no, I don’t apologize ever for praying.”

                                                                    Commentary
First, I commend Stephanie Borowicz for her prayer, and the courage for not apologizing for it. The prayer was not used as a weapon, she was praying as we are told to in the bible.

Jesus Christ taught us to pray and make our requests in his name:

Joh 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 
Joh 14:14  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 

Additional references:

Joh_14:6; Eph_2:18, Eph_3:12, Eph_3:14, Eph_3:21; Col_3:17; Heb_4:15, Heb_7:25, Heb_13:15; 1Pe_2:5

A hundred years ago, the Muslim woman would not have been allowed to disrupt the opening session, and would have been removed-and rightfully so. Today, she is given an open platform to spew her own version of rhetoric, and hate-and make a vain show of being persecuted: rubbish.

This was a Christian prayer, and in this country we still have free speech and freedom of religion. The Muslim woman was given every right to be sworn in with a Qur'an-which would never have happened 100 years ago. This is a great concern to me-I will never bow to Sharia Law-ever, and will never wear a hijab. I'm not a Muslim, I'm an American, with all the freedoms my forefather's fought and died for. This is the agenda of what Muslims want for this country-and we better wake up to it.

Here are some facts I didn't see brought out:

1. The Muslim woman had the freedom to simply not listen to the prayer-she could have closed her ears, plugged them, or ignored it, showing tolerance- and allowed the woman the freedom to pray as she wished. It would have shown a lot of maturity, and willingness on her part to actually become an American, and to use her own words, become "inclusive".

2. Racism and bias is a two way problem- the Muslim woman is exhibiting both in her reactions to this simple, less than two minute prayer.

3. Her interpretation of  "inclusion" needs to be examined in light of the foundations of this country, and the Constitution, not her self proclaimed definitions of what the term means.

Below are some excerpts from comments on a Youtube channel of the video posted at the bottom of this blog-that everyone can watch, of the prayer being offered: 

"The second largest religion in the world is Islam.  The largest religion is Christianity.  They have principles and beliefs that directly contradict. There is no way they can both be true.  They are both very complicated and nuanced and no one knows everything about either one.  But if you only look at the founders it can tell you a lot.  The founder of one led an army of 10,000 men on horse back and developed a sward that could cut a person in half as they rode by.  The founder of the other rode into town on a donkey and gave his life for everyone without lifting a finger in defense.  Our country was not founded by both beliefs system.  They directly contradict."

"So Christian prayer is controversial but a Muslim swearing in on the 
Quran in the House of Representatives in the United States of America 
isn't? Islam has it's own law called Sharia Law, and it's in direct 
contradiction to US law which was founded on Biblical principals and 
ethics."

"The United States is a spiritual people, a Christian Nation. Even though many citizens have rejected Christianity and decided to follow Satan. The vast majority of Americans still are convinced by the solid scientific and biblical evidence that obeying Jesus is our way to Salvation"

"This has been, this was, this will always be One Nation Under God. That's not Islamophobic. That's truth.
We have only been praying for centuries in this country in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Son of the Living God, the Savior of the world.
But somehow now it is wrong?  Christianity has not changed, my Muslim friend, so it must be your problem.
If you're offended by Jesus' name, then that's to be expected of non-Christians. Regardless, it's not political its simply following Jesus' command."

Here are some links to articles giving explanation on the foundations of this country:

http://www.judeochristianamerica.org/AmericaChristianFoundation.htm
https://answersingenesis.org/culture/america/christian-foundations-of-america/
https://christinprophecy.org/articles/americas-christian-heritage/
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2013/June/American-Revivals-Key-to-Shaping-US-History
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pennsylvania-lawmaker-defends-controversial-prayer

​The Name of Jesus, scripture references:​
Act 2:36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 

Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

Rom 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 

2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Php 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 
Php 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

​Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

For the intercessor called by God, it's very important to spend time examining themselves regularly to see if there's hindrances in their lives that would block their prayers. It's of no use to continue on any further with any specific intercessions until you know your standing right before the Lord again, and able to petition Him on any matter with no blockages. Why waste your time and energy? At this stage of my life, I've learned well that it's worth it to get all hindrances out of the way-in order to be a useful force in prayer for God, and against the devil.

In this blog, I'll use IPeter chapter verses 3:7-13 and expound on them.

1Pe 3:7  Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

The B.W. Johnson commentary gives insight into this verse:
​
Ye husbands. Duties of Christian husbands are now briefly stated. They are to dwell with their wives. The fact that their wives are unconverted is no ground for separation, but if the wife is converted, still stronger is the bond.
According to knowledge. A knowledge that shows judgment, moderation and gentleness as toward one weaker than himself.
Joint heirs. Hence "one in Christ Jesus." The home life is to be regulated according to knowledge.
That your prayers be not hindered. Mutual prayer is not possible unless there is mutual love and forbearance. Nor can the husband's prayers be acceptable unless he treats his wife aright.

If a man who is married desires to have right standing with God in his daily life, and know his prayers and petitions before Him will be heard-it's necessary for him to align himself with this verse, and if he's having trouble; the one prayer that God will hear is for him to ask for help in his relationship with his wife. This is where his prayer life needs to start.

But, it is also the same for the woman. You'll not find any success on a deeper level in prayer-until you back up, and read the verses in IPeter ch. 3 from verses 1-6, and apply them to your life. If your living in sin, fornicating outside of marriage, committing adultery, are unfaithful in your marriage, not attending to your home-life as a wife should, dressing immodestly, advertising yourself in a sexual manner-your prayers aren't going any further than the ceiling.

If you are in an abusive relationship with a man who has hit you, your kids, or has abusive behaviors he can't control, you may have to leave him. God can give you help in knowing what to do-pray, and seek help. Don't stay in a dangerous situation, and live in fear for yourself or your children. God can change the situation, and He can answer your prayers for your husband if he's out of control, but you don't have to remain in a relationship and be in fear. 

I'm speaking from my own experiences. I've lived through these kinds of troubles, and I've seen God answer me and change situations that seemed to have no solutions. I've watched him change people, my husband, and situations. But it didn't always happen overnight, sometimes it took years of praying and asking God what I needed to do to see those answers come. When I did what I was given by the Lord in prayer-I saw answers come.

It's the same when praying for nations, communities, and other people's problems. God gives called intercessor's specific people, areas, and nations to pray for, and gives details to help in those prayers-and many times it takes years to see the results of our intercession-but I've seen enough proof and specific answers to be convinced beyond doubt that God does indeed hear and answer the prayers of his servants-who are serious in their callings.

When prayers aren't answered, you need to examine yourself in the light of God's Word. If you find in yourself anything that's not pleasing to God, confess it, ask God for forgiveness, and help to change. This is where it must start, before any further prayers will be heard or answered from the Throne. If you can't be honest with yourself and God in this area-nothing will change.

God loves you, and your spouse-He knows many details about both of your lives, that you do not. He gives wisdom and direction to those who ask him in faith, believing. I say this also from experience. Whatever your problem in your marriage, He has the answer-if you seek Him, you will find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart.

1Pe 3:8  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 

The JFB commentary gives these insights to this verse:

of one mind — as to the faith.
having compassion one of another — Greek, “sympathizing” in the joy and sorrow of others.
love as brethren — Greek, “loving the brethren.”
pitiful — towards the afflicted.
courteous — genuine Christian politeness; not the tinsel of the world’s politeness; stamped with unfeigned love on one side, and humility on the other. But the oldest manuscripts read, “humble-minded.” It is slightly different from “humble,” in that it marks a conscious effort to be truly humble.

1Pe 3:9  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 
1Pe 3:10  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 

The Adam Clarke commentary gives a wonderful overview of these texts:

Not rendering evil for evil - Purposing, saying, doing nothing but good; and invariably returning good for evil.

Ye are thereunto called - This is your calling - your business in life, to do good, and to do good for evil, and to implore God’s blessing even on your worst enemies. And this is not only your duty, but your interest; for in so doing you shall obtain God’s blessing, even life for evermore.

For he that will love life - Refer to- Psa_34:12-16, He who wishes to live long and prosperously, must act as he is here directed.

1. He must refrain from evil-speaking, lying, and slandering.
2. He must avoid flattery and fair speeches, which cover hypocritical or wicked intentions.
3. He must avoid evil, keep going away εκκλινατω, from evil.
4. He must do good; he must walk in the way of righteousness.
5. He must live peaceably with all men; seek peace where it has been lost; restore it where it has been broken; and pursue it where it seems to be flying away.

He who lives thus must live happy in himself. And as excess in action and passion always tends to the shortening of life, and nothing preys on the constitution more than disorderly passions, he must live not only happiest but longest who avoids them.

It is an edifying story that is told in the book Mussar, chap. 1., quoted by Rosenmuller: “A certain person, travelling through the city, continued to call out, Who wants the elixir of life? The daughter of Rabbi Joda heard him, and told her father. He said, Call the man in. When he came in, the rabbi said, What is that elixir of life thou sellest? He answered, Is it not written, What man is he that loveth life, and desireth to see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile? This is the elixir of life, and is found in the mouth of man.”

1Pe 3:11  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 
1Pe 3:12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 

The B.W. Johnson commentary gives this assistance in understanding these texts:

Peter enjoins good deeds for evil, and blessing for reviling, because any other course would be inconsistent with the Christian calling. Called to a heritage of blessing they must live lives of blessing, for "as a man soweth so also shall he reap."

For. If you desire to inherit blessing, you must abstain from evil. The conditions are stated by the Psalmist, Psa 34:13-17, from which the next three verses are quoted.
The eyes of the Lord. He ceases not to regard his righteous servants.
The ears. He not only sees, but hears when they cry to him.
But his face. Is turned in displeasure upon evil doers.

Now, in verse 12 it tells us the Lord's eyes are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers. Who is righteous in God's eye's?  No one, in themselves. The only one who God sees as righteous is one who has confessed their sins, repented, and opened their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, and received His gift of salvation. One who is now standing covered in the precious blood of Christ, forgiven, washed, and cleansed by His blood. One who recognizes there is nothing good within themselves-we are now adopted sons and daughters of the King, purchased by Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. This is what puts us on victory ground, and opens heaven to our prayers. None of our works, good deeds, or standing in the community will do this. 

If anyone is living in open rebellion, blatant sin-such as adultery, fornication, sexual perversions, witchcraft, etc., they will not see answers to prayer. The only prayer God will hear from a person in open sin, is the prayer of repentance. 

I've heard many "testimonies" of those who have said their prayers were answered when they were still in open sin-I line up what these people say with what their lives are telling me. I also know Satan answers prayers-he is the "god of this world", and he has the power to give people what they want in this life-but it is temporal. Those who know their bibles, and have the discernment to see the difference can tell whether these people are receiving their "blessings" from the one true God, or the devil. It's sad to watch some of these people, because these are many of the false teachers out there preaching and teaching false doctrines and there's plenty of people with itching ears who have taken the bait, and are totally deceived. This is why it's so vitally important to stay in the word of God and check what someone is teaching with the scriptures. I include myself in this warning-don't just listen to me, see if what I say is in agreement with the bible. 

Some cross reference texts to study on who are the righteous-

the eyes: Deu_11:12; 2Ch_16:9; Psa_11:4; Pro_15:3; Zec_4:10
his ears: 2Ch_7:15; Psa_65:2; Pro_15:8, Pro_15:29; Joh_9:31; Jas_5:16
but: Lev_17:10, Lev_20:3, Lev_20:6, Lev_26:17; Psa_80:16; Jer_21:10; Eze_15:7

I'll finish this with what Adam Clarke gives us for insight on verse 12, because it sums up well what the hindrances are to prayer, and the solutions:

The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous - That is, He is continually under God’s notice and his care; God continually watches for him and watches over him, and he is under his constant protection.
And his ears are open unto their prayers - The original is very emphatic: The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears to their prayers. The righteous man ever attracts the Divine notice, and wherever he is, there is the ear of God; for, as every righteous man is a man of prayer, wherever he prays, there is the ear of God, into which the prayer, as soon as formed, enters.

But the face of the Lord - Far from his eye being upon them, or his ear open to their requests, (for prayer they have none), his face, his approbation, his providence and blessing, are turned away from them; and he only looks upon them to abhor them, and to turn the arm of his justice against them.

Lastly, a quick list of hindrances to prayer that is prevalent in the churches today:

1. Apathy/Unbelief/Laziness-people have no desire to really know God, to get to know who He really is. If they did, and spent any time studying his Word, this country, and this world would be vastly different. There would be active prayer sessions in the churches-and the people would be hungry for His presence. That only comes from the honest desire to spend time with Him, and want to receive His instructions/guidance/correction. The truth is, most people do not believe their prayers will be answered, have little or no faith to believe for an answer, and have no desire to seek for those answers. The game parlor's, movie houses, video game stores, and entertainment industry has their attention, their money, and that's what has taught them their belief system-which is the world's power and money. They are given over to the "god of this world".

2. False teachings-which leads people away from the Lord, and causes many to walk into deception and apostasy. The saddest thing about this is those who are in this place are as the Pharisee's-they think they are righteous, without sin, and are the many leaders of churches today-leading other's into perdition-because the majority of people in the pews do not read their bibles, do not know what their listening to, and do not really want to know the truth-they only want to be told how good they are, and be patted on the back. They are happy in their apathetic state.

3. Party spirit-saturated in entertainment-they have no time or desire for God really. They go to church, and events but spend very little time in serious prayer before God, and those who do are considered fanatics-and suspected of being mentally ill. Video games, computer games, social events, community action groups, sports, coffee houses-and those attached to the churches-are now what is going on in most churches. Serious, prevailing intercession, and warfare prayer is almost non-existant. I do not see this getting any better-it will continue to get worse, and the apostasy will worsen. This is the falling away spoken of by Paul in Thessalonians.

​Using these guidelines over the years, has been invaluable to me as an intercessor who desires an open heaven-knowing the Lord hears them. You may find them helpful in your walk with the Lord. Shalom
Lorna Couillard

​In this post the subject of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ will be looked at, and bring out some points to consider. For me, this is a subject of great interest because I am one who Paul describes who earnestly looks for His appearing, and have for a generation now. If it does not happen in my lifetime I am looking forward to meeting Him in heaven when I leave this world. Either way, it will be a day of rejoicing to me.

The subject of the second coming is a very important one in the bible. It is spoken of over 300 times in scripture in the New Testament. These are some important points brought out:
​
1. He is coming to take His church to be with Him. John 14:1-6,  1Thess. 4:16,17
2. He is coming to judge the nations.  Matt. 25:31-46
3. He is coming to save Israel. Rom. 11: 25,26
4. He is coming to sit upon the throne of David. Isa. 9:6,7 and Luke 1:31-33
5. He is coming to bring righteous government to this earth Heb. 1:8, also Rev. ch. 19 thru ch. 22 to the end.

In the first chapter of the book of Acts in verses 4-8 Jesus gives some last instructions to the disciples and people standing with him, and then starting in verse 9 it reads:
Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 
Act 1:10  And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 
Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

These two men in white-we can assume are angels. They give a very important statement. "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. What does this teach me?

1. These two men affirmed all the statements Jesus spoke in the gospels about His second coming before He went to the cross. 
2. They said He will return in "like manner"- He's not coming back in a space ship. As He ascended to heaven-so shall he return- bodily.
3. Going forward in the book of Revelation-we see described for us by John in Rev. 19: 11-16 the return of Jesus Christ mounted on a white horse-and all the saints with him to earth, to bring judgment, and establish His reign on it.
​
This is the fulfillment of the "Blessed Hope" spoken of in Titus:
​
Tit 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

From the beginning of the age of grace, there's been ongoing controversies about when the second coming will happen. The debates are whether Jesus will come before, during, or after the Great Tribulation. There's been heated arguments on all fronts about it. I've read and listened to many theologians, scholars, and teachers, and studied their teachings with scripture on my own, asking the Lord for understanding. I've come away not convinced by any of them, nor have I made a solid commitment on when I believe He will appear; but I am absolutely sure He will come again-just like He said. The empty tomb gives me enough assurance to know He will keep His word.

Below is an excellent teaching by a bible scholar I respect, Dr. Walter Martin. In my view he gives a very solid argument for the case for Jesus' return after the Tribulation. I know this goes against the people who hold to the Rapture view-I understand their using the statement from Paul in Thess. on "not appointed unto wrath". However, I've read many testimonies, and accounts of untold numbers of people down through history who've been tortured and slaughtered for their faith in Christ. The first disciples died being torn to shreds by animals, raised on posts and burned alive covered in oil to light the emperor's paths at night, crucified in various ways, and every other kind of torture they could come up with. They went through the fire- and met their Lord in glory after going through monumental wrath. I've also read Foxes book of Martyr's- that emphasis' this to me.

If I'm wrong, and the Rapture takes place and I find myself rising to glory without going through any tribulation, I'll be the first to admit I'm wrong to anyone when I'm up there. But, for now, I am of the persuasion that we may well see a lot of hardship, and may go through it, and then see Jesus when he sets his foot on the Mount of Olives. I do not have any desire to argue over it-it's not worth it to me. I agree with Dr. Martin, we can agree to disagree, and still love one another. It would be well worth the time to listen to this teaching, and read the scriptures along with the lesson. It would give greater insight to this subject. 
Lorna Couillard

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.