Rev. Wayne's Place

'Feel Good' recovery

2010-07-16T12:13:00.001-04:00

Who among us believes or even thinks that the economic recovery has begun ‘in-force?’ Offer then your proof of said recovery. What is the measure of economic prosperity? What amount of income does one person need to earn in order to be described as economically successful? How much earning power must be stripped away from productive society members in order to make the non-productive and the unwilling societal members economically prosperous? What are you willing to ‘give’ to those who won’t or refuse to produce? The White House and its spin doctors have once again hit the ‘campaign trail’ to tell us about the Emperor’s New Clothes – the Economic 0bamao Recovery. That sell is incredible. For those folks who are unfortunate and have lost their jobs – many have quit looking and have settled for lower-paying even part-time work that barely keeps food on the table. There are those who are still receiving their jobless benefits but are facing the very real probability that no job is available and they will find themselves in the aforementioned status. For those new to the jobless benefits they know that this is not what she or he wants. The net result is disillusionment with the charm, smiles and silvery rhetoric of ‘hope.’ For the sale that exists now is the empty message of ‘hope’ that socialism and a fundamentally changed capitalist system cannot bring. 0bamao is a liar and a misanthrope. He trusts only big government. He doesn’t care what you want or need. He knows there is no economic recovery that will allow you and me to be successful in our own definition of success. His desire is for your success to be tied to your neighbor’s inability to succeed. He wants you to give up the collective difference from who those who have more to those who want more. The problem lies in the fallaciousness of that reasoning. In our system those who own or provide the means of production provide also the jobs that produce tax revenues and economic success for those whom they employ. No government job produces tax revenues that sustain an economy. There must be production of goods and services that are sought by a consumer willing to pay for those good and services. Socialists like 0bamao don’t want that system. They want everyone’s economic salvation to be predicated upon everyone having the same level of ‘junk’ except of course those like him who know best what we need. In the words of Sharon Osbourne, “He’s barking mad.” Sharon would know that definition, she’s married to Ozzie. Realistically we are faced with a dilemma. Shall we be bold and rid ourselves of these ‘fleecers’ in the Fall 2010 midterm elections or shall we stand idly by scratching our heads wondering who’ll step up and ‘do it?’ There is no one else. It’s come down to this we must get our hands dirty, do the heavy and unpleasant lifting of eliminating the trash from our governance process. We won’t get them all in the first sweep but our next sweep will – 2012 can put the socialists into a deep sleep which should be familiar to them since they are somnambulistic dreamers of the 0bamao persuasion who have no cogent thoughts of their own.

Department of Justice Scofflaws

2010-07-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

I have been struggling with the right words to describe my disbelief over the illegal behavior of the Department of Justice attorney, who has at the request of the 0bamao administration dropped the cases of voter intimidation against members of the New Black Panthers who threatened and intimidated voters during the 2008 elections. When I became old enough to vote I had to pay a ‘poll tax.’ The poll tax was meant to keep poor and black voters away from the ballot boxes. That was a pure form of voter intimidation and discrimination. I add to this that the Voter Rights Act of 1965 was already Federal law when I had to pay the ‘poll tax.’ Fast forward to this behavior by the Department of Justice and we see a revisiting of voter intimidation only it’s coming from a president who has sworn (by his own admission in his biography) to ignore his mother’s race because it represents oppression and thusly will intimidate anyone who comes to the voting place who is not black.

The political appointees swore an oath to uphold the laws of the land and now we learn that not only did the Department of Justice civil rights division attorney Thomas Perrelli choose to ignore the law but he did so in consultation with Cassandra Butts, former White House deputy counsel and Harvard classmate of 0bamao (aka CINCO - comrade-in-chief 0bama) whom she calls her dearest friend. Attorney General Eric Holder and his boss 0bamao (CINCO) have blatantly violated their oaths of office. 0bamao warned those who would vote for him and those who wouldn’t that he was out to fundamentally change America. His idea of fundamentally changing America is to ignore 234 years of learning to be a representative government. This nation is quickly becoming a thugocracy run by a despot, elected by the incapable and fawned over by the blinded left media sycophants.

If we stay away from the November elections we will get more of this. And if we turn out in force to reject their behavior they will act in ‘lame-duck-absentia’ to destroy this nation with their poison pill legislation. We must bite down hard on the bullet and get rid of this despot and his fawners.

Spin and Lie when all else fails

2010-07-12T00:18:00.000-04:00

It looks as though CINCO (comrade-in-chief Obama) and his minions will be targeting the tax cuts put into effect after the 9-11 attacks as the reason that the economy is failing. When all else fails point the accusatory finger at Bush. There is a problem with that logic: the housing mortgage market imploded taking the economy with it. If you examine carefully the reasons behind the mortgage market implosion you will clearly see that its implosion had nothing to do with tax relief. The mortgage market imploded taking the main economies with it because of the failed lending practices put into place by the bereft policies that everyone, without regard to their ability to repay, deserved a mortgage. The sub-prime mortgage market was like the junk-bond market of the 1980s. When you change the fundamental rules of doing business and thereby protecting the lender and the borrowing public from extreme failures you are at risk for the total mortgage market failure. Guess what happened. Yep. The entire mortgage market failed taking down the economy which was threaded to the mortgage market domestically and internationally. Who changed the rules? It began with Jimmy Carter, William Proxmire and Paul Volcker. Think for a moment about the former president who has built a reputation on building ‘free homes’ for those who couldn’t afford to own a home. Carter. In successive years the predominantly Demokrat congress (house and senate) have loosened the controls and lowered the standards for mortgage lending practices as well as funding the quasi-governmental failures known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Remember too that it was Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Barney Frank (D-MA) who’ve been at the helm of making those fundamental changes. You cannot pin the failed economy on Bush without heaping blame on the Demokrat legacy of free housing at the tax-payers’ expense. Blaming Bush is like blaming a firefighter for the house burning down but that is the November tactic that is brewing in the gangster-riddled boiler room of the Chicago thug in the Whitehouse. Don’t sit around and listen to their lies. Stand up and challenge them wherever you find them. They want you to forget that it was the mortgage market that took down the economy and that THEY (CINCO included) precipitated the failure. From Alinsky’s rules for Radical, Rule #5 states, "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon." The Demokrat plan of attack for the mid-term elections is to ridicule any conservative platform as failed Bush policy. Pay attention to this one as they will try repeatedly to convince you through ridicule, which they admit is irrational but it keeps their opponent off-balance. They are liars and market wreckers. That is what communists do.

Character shines through again

2010-04-20T07:10:00.000-04:00

I know - this is my 3rd character anecdote that includes golf and acts of integrity. As a fly fisherman you’d think that I’d have story about the character of fly fishers. Tim Dahlberg has again written a masterful article about character and as he points out, “after months of being mired in the slime of Tiger Woods, golf needed Brian Davis worse than Davis needed to win his first tournament on the PGA Tour.” Read this and send Tim an email thanking him for yet another article about integrity and character in sports: tdahlberg@ap.org

“A loss for Brian Davis _ but a big win for golf

Published: 4/20/10, 3:25 AM EDT

By TIM DAHLBERG

(AP) - What happened in the junk off the 18th green at the Harbour Town Golf Links could have all been avoided if Brian Davis had only taken the easy way out. That, however, was never really an option. Davis was going to play the shot out of the hazard instead of taking a penalty drop because it was probably the only chance he had to finally win a golf tournament. And for that, golf can be grateful. If this was some kind of fairy tale story, Davis would have won the tournament he so desperately wanted to win. It's not, and Jim Furyk's name is on both the winner's trophy and the $1.026 million check. Don't expect Davis to be happy about that. He's tried too long and too hard to win a PGA tournament, and this one was almost in his hands. "You're not playing for second, but playing to win," Davis said. "But I can hold my head up high." Indeed he can. And, in the end, that may be more important than the win that got away. Because after months of being mired in the slime of Tiger Woods, golf needed Brian Davis worse than Davis needed to win his first tournament on the PGA Tour. "It's not exactly what I was thinking about," Davis said. "But anything good for our sport is good, I guess." In case you missed it - and the anemic television ratings would indicate all but the most die-hard golf fans did - Davis was in the hazard next to the final green with a wedge in his hand, needing to somehow get up-and-down in two to keep his overtime playoff against Furyk going. After much deliberation with his caddie, he splashed out from a crummy lie to about 30 feet, giving him a chance to make it to stay alive. But something felt wrong, and he immediately called over a PGA official to tell him why. "I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye," Davis said Monday in a telephone interview. "I didn't feel anything, but I thought I might have seen something." What Davis saw was his club almost imperceptibly grazing a reed in the hazard. Under rule 13.4 - moving a loose impediment during a takeaway - that meant a 2-stroke penalty, even if the offense was only visible in super slow motion replays. And that meant the golf tournament for Davis. For six years the Englishman turned Florida resident has been trying to win one on this side of the pond. He could have pretended he never saw the club graze the reed, and taken the chance no one else saw it either. But he didn't. He's a golfer. And golfers don't cheat. Not on the course, at least. "That's what makes our sport so special," Davis said. "It was just one of those things. I had to call it and I did." The golf community understood. They patted Davis on the back, and two prominent players on the senior tour called and thanked him for restoring some sense of integrity to the game. But what shocked Davis more was the reaction from people who don't know the difference between a putter and a 6-iron. The e-mails and phone calls flooded in Monday from around the country. Teachers even had their students write. "It was mostly `I just wanted to send you a note to say we need more people like you in sports,'" Davis said. "People saw it as an example to the younger generation to make the right choices." In this case the right choice was the only choice for Davis. He may not play golf like Woods but, unlike Woods, he plays a gentleman's game like a gentleman. And instead of capitalizing on his newfound fame to sell shoes, he's using it to sell awareness. Davis, who has had three bouts of skin cancer, is a spokesman for the Skin Cancer Foundation. "If you see the damage it's done to someone, it wakes people up," Davis said. "Coming from England we didn't worry much about it because we seldom saw the sun, and by the time I became aware of it, it had already done a lot of damage." Davis hopes to get people slathering on the sunscreen like he does twice a day. He hopes even more fervently to win on the PGA Tour some day, and believes his time will come. It almost did Sunday in South Carolina, where he had to make an 18-footer on the final hole just to get in the playoff. He's sure he would have made that last 30-footer, too, had it meant anything. Instead, he halfheartedly hit it by the hole, knowing his big chance was gone. It was a bitter disappointment, but Davis was buoyed by the response to what he did. "For me now it's nothing but positive looking forward," Davis said. "It's going to be a good year for me." It could be a good year for golf, too. And for that, some thanks should go to an Englishman who acted like a gentleman.”

____

Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org

The Real Winner

2010-04-12T09:01:00.000-04:00

I enjoy golf. I am not a good golfer. What I truly enjoy is humility and respect for the game. With the circus around the amoral character of Tiger Woods at this Masters, Phil Mickelson showed the greatest of character, integrity and love of family. He didn't rant and rave at missed shots - he simply played his game as best he knew how. In the end character shown through not the surly and despicable words of a snarling 'tiger' who only signs up to win but a real man who knows the value of love and family.

Congratulations Lefty and May God heal your beloved Amy and your mom quickly so that you and your family may continue to share character in world without character.

This article by Tim Dahlberg is worth reading several times...grab a Kleenex.

April 12, 2010

“Phil Mickelson's emotional win a win for golf, too”

Published: 4/12/10, 7:09 AM EDT

By TIM DAHLBERG

"AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) - Phil Mickelson was doing his best not to cry again as he slipped on another green jacket and tried to put into words things that he couldn't possibly put into words. He had already shed a tear on the 18th green, though he wasn't alone. Anyone who knew the story had to shed a few, too, as Mickelson latched onto the tiny blonde woman who had been through so much and shared an embrace that neither seemed willing to end. He had struggled on the golf course all year, but that meant nothing. Not compared to the struggles Amy Mickelson went through while battling breast cancer. There would be plenty of time later to talk about the shot that will live in Masters lore, plenty of time to reflect on what a third title means to his career. As the fading sun added some drama to the victory ceremony on the practice putting green, though, Mickelson wanted to talk about something closer to his heart - his wife. "We've been through a lot this year; it means a lot to share some joy together," he said. "She's an incredible wife, an incredible mother. She's been an inspiration for me this past year, seeing what she's been through." It couldn't have been more sincere. It could hardly have been more appropriate. All week long the talk at the Masters was of another golfer and other women. The circus that surrounded Tiger Woods blew into town on Monday, and the tent was still up as the leaders teed off on a Sunday afternoon brimming with drama. Mickelson hadn't been ignored, but he had certainly been overlooked. He wasn't alone, because the drama surrounding the comeback of Woods overshadowed the entire week at Augusta National. Until early Sunday evening, that is. That's when the week that golf feared suddenly became the week golf fans will always remember. It started with a shot a Vegas high-roller would have never dreamed of betting on. It ended with a scene so touching it washed away any lingering memories of the stain Woods had put on this Masters. The man who stands for everything Woods doesn't stood wearing the green jacket Woods so desperately coveted. Even better, when he looked up on the 18th green, his wife - who had been bed-ridden most of the week - and his children were there to share it all with him. "I was just really glad she was there," Mickelson said. "I wasn't sure if she was going to be there today. I knew she would be watching. I didn't know if she would be behind 18. To walk off the green and share that with her is very emotional for us." If it was emotional for Mickelson, it was also therapeutic to golf. The throngs who crowded every hole as the leaders made their way around Augusta National may not have been quite sure how much emotion they were going to invest with Woods, but with Lefty there was no doubt. They cheered him on every shot, pulled for him at every turn. And when he hit the shot on No. 13 no one will ever forget, they roared with delight. The swashbuckler danced with danger and pulled it off. Mickelson couldn't help himself because, while the risk was great, the reward was even greater. He's taken that approach his whole career, and he's lost some big tournaments because of it. He could have lost this Masters, too, something caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay was thinking as he debated the wisdom of the shot with his boss of 18 years. "I begged him to lay up on 13," Mackay said. "He said, 'Get out of the way.'" Mickelson was in the pine needles off the right side of the 13th fairway with two large trees right in front of him and 207 yards to the hole. He had a 6-iron in hand, and a narrow chute of just a few feet to feed the ball through while making sure he hit it pure enough to clear the water in front of the green. No one else would have even attempted it. Mickelson didn't give it a second thought. "I just felt like at that time, I needed to trust my swing and hit a shot," Mickelson said, "and it came off perfect." The ball flew out of the pine needles, settling just 4 feet from the hole. Mickelson missed the eagle putt but made the comebacker for birdie and didn't miss another shot the rest of the way in. "It's one of those shots, really, that only Phil can pull off," playing partner Lee Westwood said. "Most people would've just chipped that out. But that's what great players do. They pull off great shots at the right time." Indeed, the shot was a reminder of just what a great player Mickelson is. The other reminder is that he's now won four major championships, three of them at the place where he first broke through with a win in 2004 that broke a long scoreless streak in big tournaments. That tournament will be remembered for the leap Mickelson took on the 18th green after sinking a 20-footer to win. He then scooped up his daughter, Amanda, and told her something she likely couldn't comprehend at the time. "Daddy won!" he said. "Can you believe it?" Amanda is 10 now, and Saturday night she had to have her wrist put in a splint because of a hairline fracture from a roller skating fall. Life isn't always perfect for the perfect family man, but that was a mere blip compared to the cancer issues both his mother and his wife face. Mickelson, who has for the most part kept Amy's condition and treatment a private matter, said earlier this week that her long-term prognosis is very good, though she still deals with unspecified quality-of-life issues. Once a fixture in the crowd following Mickelson, she hasn't been on the course with him at a tournament since being diagnosed last year. On this memorable day, she walked hand-in-hand with her husband off the 18th green, waving to everyone along the way. People stood and cheered, yelling out well wishes to both. Mickelson was red-eyed, seemingly shell-shocked, the goofy grin that so often adorns his face gone for the moment. Amy, though, was all smiles. "Good to see you guys," she told them. Surely it was. But not nearly as good as it was for golf to see a champion and his wife, together once again."

___

Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org.

Out of Action for two weeks

2010-02-27T07:48:00.000-05:00

Hello friends in Christ! I will be out of 'action' for two weeks beginning Monday March 1st with knee replacement surgery. Please pray for my wife and me as I undergo surgery and the recoery therapy. Thank you in the healing Name of Jesus

Lenten Devotion - Saturday February 20

2010-02-17T23:17:00.001-05:00

Hebrews 9:11-14, “But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!”

Being born again because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us is an amazing if not wondrous act of love. What do we do with His act of love? How have we responded? What do we now believe? In this letter to the Hebrews we encounter the negation of blood sacrifices as essential to eternal life. Once Jesus gave His life upon the cross our eternity is written with His and the Father and the Holy Spirit. We have the choice to accept or refuse Jesus’ act of grace and mercy on our behalf. How we choose determines what we will ‘do’ about our sin and guilt. If we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior then we must confess our sin, ask God through Jesus to forgive us and repent. When we have experienced God’s grace and forgiveness it will be our longing to live as Jesus lived in holiness.

Prayer: Eternal and loving God thank you for seeking us constantly and redeeming us through Jesus Christ. Hear my prayers Father and forgive me I pray. In Jesus’ holy Name I pray. AMEN.

Lenten Devotion - Friday February 19

2010-02-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

Matthew 11:20-24, “Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades. For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Jesus speaks to nations, cities, and communities regarding their faithlessness and sinfulness. It wasn’t a phenomenon of Jesus rather God had been speaking in this same manner through His prophets and He continues through His Son. Each nation, city and community is comprised of individuals who have a duty to relate to God through Jesus Christ and with one another. When nations, cities and communities fail to be obedient that failure begins with the individual who refuses to be obedient to God through Christ. The only way for a nation, city or community to return to favor with God through Christ is for each individual to confess, seek God’s forgiveness and repent. It is here that we begin.

Prayer: Father thank You for today and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Help us fall to our knees in humility. Let us once again see Your Divine will for our lives. Forgive us we pray in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Lenten Devotion - Thursday February 18

2010-02-17T23:13:00.001-05:00

Jonah 3:4-9, “Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.”

What an amazing and wonderful thing to witness that the prophetic message that sent Jonah to Nineveh to deliver was heard and being heeded not just by its inhabitants but by its leaders as well. Wouldn’t it be a miraculous act of God that the leaders of our Nation and the world suddenly turned her or his heart to God through Jesus, confessed their sins, asked God to forgive them and repented – sinning no more? Would you believe it if it happened one day? God has that kind of power and that kind of influence. We must be carriers of God’s truth as Jonah was and be willing to go into ‘Nineveh’ where danger certainly awaited him to deliver the message of God’s real hope of eternal life. We must never stop seeking out ways to share the great good news of repentance and eternal life.

Prayer: Father forgive our weakness and lack of faith. You have been amazing in Your anticipation of our faith. Strengthen us in faith, help us confess our failures, lead us in Your Holy Way. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Ash Wednesday

2010-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Daniel 9:3-6, “Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and supplication with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.”

Daniel knew that he needed to devote himself completely to God - so he began his prayer time with God by fasting, wearing sack cloth (burlap cloth) and his exposed flesh covered with ashes. All these are signs of humility, submission and obedience to God. As we begin this Lenten time we too come forward with fasting and ashes as a reminder that we must clear our hearts and minds of the distractions of daily life that cause us to turn away from God slightly or completely. When we are distracted from God we lose focus on what it is that God would have us do. Daniel teaches us again how we must approach our renewal by preparing our hearts to confess, receive forgiveness and repent – starting and our relationship with God and one another.

Prayer: Father I confess that I have not You and one another with my whole heart; I have not been faithful to Your church; I have not kept my covenant with You and with my neighbor another. Forgive me I pray in the Name of Jesus who saves me. AMEN.

A Christian Nation

2010-01-31T09:47:00.000-05:00

Leviticus 19:1-4, “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy. You shall each revere your mother and father, and you shall keep my Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. Do not turn to idols or make cast images for yourselves: I am the LORD your God.”

As early as the Mayflower Compact the United States was founded upon its faith in God through Christ. Those who would seek to destroy or limit religious speech or public practices of faith fail to remember that basic truth of our existence and founding. It is time that we recognize whereupon we have begun our journey.

Prayer: Father, deliver us from our failed practices of faith. Strengthen us in Your Holy service. Help us remember that You set our Nation on a course of Christian belief and Christian hope. May those who seek to destroy our Nation hear Your powerful Word Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN

Alinsky's Rules are in play again by Bolshevik Obama

2010-01-30T18:59:00.002-05:00

From Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals:

RULE 5: "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon;"

RULE 12: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it;" CINCO (comrade-in-chief Obama), went on the attack again.

Yesterday CINCO (comrade-in-chief Obama), at the invitation of the Republicans, went to Maryland to talk (fight) with the House and Senate Republicans to prove to them and the world with cameras rolling that he is right and the Republicans are wrong. He continued his antagonistic rant against Republicans so virulently that he proved the points that have been made that he simply will not listen to anything a Republican has to say. He came to office as a ‘uniter’ by his own definition and what that really means is that he wants to unite his Bolsheviks under one banner instead of working for America. He said in the Spectacle of the Union speech that ‘we all love America.’ He lied. If he loved America he wouldn’t have made a world apology tour and he would have saluted the men and women who were murdered at Ft. Hood instead of holding his crotch. CINCO is a liar and a divider. He said to the Republicans that he heard their concerns about tort reform, defensive medicine and trade barriers among states regarding health insurance purchases and those things are in the bill. Which bill CINCO? Where is it that those elements have been included? You lie!

When you hear Demokrat strategists speak about this action by CINCO they applaud him - they have no desire to get along with Republicans or any conservative. They are in full attack mode with CINCO at the lead. Soros and Alinsky are flying the hammer and sickle.

What does he do today? He begins a brand new tactic and that is espousing the pilfered plank of too much spending. He stole a plank from Scott Brown's win and now he's riding in with the hammer and sickle flying to save us reckless spenders especially since none of us is smart enough to figure out what to do since we have already shown that we cannot be trusted to interpret a healthcare bill from behind a locked door.

A Nineveh Moment

2010-01-29T07:29:00.000-05:00

Jonah 3, “The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.” When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh. He ran. And God still found him. Resigned to his ministry he went to Nineveh and proclaimed God’s powerful message for repentance. Jonah’s fear of being destroyed in that great warring city came to be unfounded. The Ninevites and their king repented and dressed themselves in sack cloth and ashes as a sign that they believed God and were truly sorry for what they had done. Simply put, they believed.

Prayer: Eternal and loving God. Help us to confess, seek Your forgiveness and repent believing forever that Your Words and actions are true and in love for Your Creation. Help us Father return to Your Holy Way. In Jesus Name we pray. AMEN

Stand Up and Fight for our Nation!

2010-01-29T07:20:00.001-05:00

Since Wednesday night we’ve been swarmed by pundits and their take on the Spectacle of the Union that CINCO (comrade-in-chief Obama) trotted out; his lies, his constant haranguing rhetoric about who’s to blame and his belief in his own messianic anointing. The American people deserve better than this empty suit. I did note however, that the American electorate so desperately wanted someone with silvery words and a willingness to step into the breach that they elected a shaped image that better reflects that of a hologram than a real leader. CINCO stood in front of Americans and denigrated us for not ‘understanding the healthcare legislation when not one senator or representative could admit that she or he had read the bills and understood them. In fact CICNO had not read the bills and when he challenged Republicans or anyone to come to his office and he would go over them line by line he didn’t keep his promise as Republicans lined up for that moment. CINCO’s behavior toward the Supreme Court was nothing less than despicable. He expects respect for his office but is unwilling to give the same respect to the Supreme Court.

Brothers and sisters of America the current president of the United States is a pretender, a liar and a communist who wants to destroy this nation. The time is growing short for action. Every member of Congress and the Senate who sees what he is attempting and are either helping in the overthrow or simply are looking out for her or his own political interests need to be voted out of office. It’s time for those who haven’t been involved in politics to rise up and take charge of this citizens' revolt against the destruction of America. Find a candidate or any issue and began swamping your senators or representative with the news that this is over. Stand up America and get involved – this is our future!

Avoid them!

2010-01-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 3:1-5, “You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!”

Even in the time of this pastoral exhortation to Timothy we find the prophetic voice of the future calling out to us. We read: lovers of self, money, boasting, arrogant, and abusive; this behavior sounds like today. This self absorption and tyrannical behavior is brokenness with God and with our neighbor. Listen to the arrogant political speeches about a politician’s self-importance and follow the advice of Paul, “Avoid them!” In other words keep them out of your government, your schools, your businesses, your church congregations and your homes. There are strong words in this pastoral letter and it would serve us well to follow what is encouraged to Timothy. At the core of this wicked behavior is brokenness that leads to spiritual destruction. We must avoid them and it.

Prayer: Loving God You have set our lives in motion and You have given us Your pattern for holy life. Help us bring to this world a sense of right relationship with You and with one another. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Spectacle of Lies

2010-01-28T07:59:00.000-05:00

The State of the Union was a spectacle of lies. Taunting, mocking and lecturing Republicans to do what CINCO (comrade-in-chief Obama) wants. That is his philosophy of bi-partisanship. He tried to use the word ‘no’ as a tool of vindication and he took no responsibility for failure. He stated that he should have explained things better. We’ve had enough campaign speeches CINCO. What America needs and deserves is an honorable leader. You are a liar and a phony. There is no openness or transparency. Those are sheaves of lies and you know it. Two million jobs created or saved? Hardly, even the Congressional Budget Office states that there is no way to calculate that. Tax credits and incentives will not cut it. You need to cut taxes across the board and stop spending across the board. Congress needs to give back its pay raises and expense accounts.

CINCO you discredit the office of president, this nation and yourself. You are a disgrace. Your arrogant and condescending ways do nothing more than polarize this nation into factions. A lying coward that hides behind braver men and women than you’ll ever become. It’s best if you and Joe ‘Bribe-‘em’ leave office.

Shadows and hope

2010-01-27T07:41:00.003-05:00

Hebrews 10:1, “Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach.”

Routinely I hear of those practicing the Christian faith attempting to convert the Bible, the Holy Word of God, the foretelling and incarnation of Jesus, as a recipe that we must follow for our salvation. Human history with practice like that is long and storied. There is a simple explanation and it takes the form of humans needing some ‘thing’ to worship and follow. The law or Word of God is not followed so as to gain salvation. The Holy Word of God is the guide of our faith and within its rule we are allowed to share in the limits of our understanding of God. The basic salvific fact is accepting Jesus Christ as Lord of our life and Savior of our life. Once we get that and are moved by the Holy Spirit to yield to His Lordship we will get the rest. Let’s not let the rule of faith be our recipe for salvation. Let’s live into our faith in Christ and live out what He desires for us and in His Kingdom.

Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for today and for the gift of Your unfailing love for us – Jesus. Soften our hearts to yield to His desire for our lives. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Liar-in-Chief redux

2010-01-27T07:28:00.001-05:00

Tonight we will have the State of the Union spectacle. This person sitting in the highest office of the land delivers silvery throated rhetoric that makes my skin crawl. He epitomizes how Satan works, ‘seductively calling Eve to the forbidden fruit.’ His style is smarmy and disingenuous. You cannot believe anything that he says because as we have seen, it didn’t take more than a few days in office for him to realize that he was elected on charisma. He is an empty suit trying to be president. He is failing miserably and creating a greater gulf between voters. It must be his plan to cause civil war within our borders. He’s creating such enmity among folks that the only solution left will be for those who believe that others have more than they will be for the ‘less-thans’ to take from the ‘more-thans.’

America, please do not be fooled by this 21st century Bolshevik and the revolt that he fomenting. He wants nothing more than to turn this nation into a vassal state of the last standing communist power. His clueless approach to economics and his stable of wannabe economists and ‘money-experts’ have mangled the economy. Tonight he’s going to pull a Marie Antoinette stunt and say, ‘let them eat cake (spending freezes and tax credits).’ He’s going to tell us that he’s fighting for us. He lies. That’s the Chicago-way. With Gibbs, Jarrett and Emanuel on his close team of advisors and Plouffe now showing up to help the ‘anointed one’ campaign we can expect more spurious lies of the half-truth variety.

Remember what this liar says tonight. He does not have any interest but his own in mind. He is not a Christian, he is a socialist, and he is trying to destroy our nation.

Prayer Concerns and joys in Christ

2010-01-26T09:47:00.001-05:00

Something we can share together. Respond to this post with your prayer concerns or joys in Christ. Give first names (or relationship - sibling, spouse, parent, friend) only; joys or issues and we will take those to our prayer time in Christ.

Our prayer begins this way: "Loving God we thank you for this day and for Your Son Jesus Christ who redeems us. Hear our prayer...(add your prayer concern or joy)..."

Respected Leadership

2010-01-26T09:26:00.001-05:00

Titus 1:5-9, “I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, “Is this man well-thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?” It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.”

This pastoral letter to Titus is insightful. Paul speaks about the work that he left half-completed and why he appointed Titus. I wonder, if we chose our leaders throughout our land as our forbearers were instructed what condition would our society find itself in today? The standards that Paul offers in choosing leaders seems foundational and structurally sound to a moral and holy people. Why can’t we change the course of a nation and begin to choose leaders based upon these principles?

Prayer: Eternal and loving God, we thank You for this day, the day that wasn’t promised. Let us live lives and choose leaders because we are all guided by the same commands that You gave so very long ago in human time. Your love is timeless. Help us see Your authority and take Your authority to do Your holy will. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Broken Covenant

2010-01-25T16:51:00.004-05:00

This morning my wife and I were at the orthopedic surgeon’s office. While in the waiting room I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation between a husband and wife. Apparently the husband was supposed to undergo an MRI and had taken an anti-anxiety medication in advance. The office assistant had advised the couple that they would have to wait a bit. After they learned that they would have to wait, the man’s wife was trying to reason with her husband about sharing information with the medical team about his having already taken his medicine. He became nasty toward his wife and ultimately said, “Why don’t you use your brain?” He said it loud enough for anyone around to hear. She got up and walked out. He muttered, “Guess I’ll have to find a ride home.” I sat and stared at this oaf wondering why she would tolerate his antics. He just kept looking down at his phone all the while texting and griping.

The marriage covenant is very simple. You both agree to, “love, honor and cherish as long as you both shall live.” When that or any other portion of the covenant is broken the covenant that the husband and wife made with God and one another is now broken. This man needs to repair the damage that he has done to his wife. His belligerent and condescending behavior toward his wife was a despicable act. I pray God’s healing on their relationship, his repentance and for his wife’s safety and assurance.

Temptation

2010-01-25T08:39:00.002-05:00

Matthew 4:1-4, “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Satan is active in this world and life. He won’t stop until he is stopped by Jesus Christ at His Second Coming (or Parousia). As we can tell from reading from Matthew, Jesus was hungry after fasting for forty days and nights. Most of us would be hungry after a one day fast (me included). Satan used Jesus’ hunger as a moment of perceived ‘weakness’ to lure Jesus into his snare and engage Him for his purposes rather than to serve God as Redeemer and Restorer. Jesus put a very quick halt to Satan’s march and gives us in this lesson an understanding of what it takes to live into God’s expectation of us, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” We cannot survive merely with sustenance for the physical we are composed of a spiritual self or soul that requires spiritual food or sustenance that only comes from God through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Loving God, You have made us in Your very image to be fed by Your very hand and desire. Feed us with Your holy will and by Your loving heart. Lead us into Your perfect Way, Jesus Christ, for it is in Jesus Name that we pray. AMEN.

Ohio golfer's scorecard confession earns accolade

2010-01-24T17:11:00.001-05:00

“Ohio golfer's scorecard confession earns accolade
Published: 1/24/10, 4:25 PM EDT

MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (AP) - A scorecard confession that cost an Ohio high school golfer the state championship five years ago has earned him a national sportsmanship of the decade award. Adam Van Houten (HOW'-ten) of Mount Gilead High School in north-central Ohio had finished the 2005 state high school golf championship with a seven-stroke lead when he noticed a mistake on his card. A playing partner had written down a 5 for the 10th hole instead of 6. Van Houten pointed out the mistake to officials and was disqualified because he'd already signed the card. Five years later, Van Houten's act has won him a spot on Sports Illustrated's sportsmanship of the decade list. Van Houten is now a sophomore on the golf team at George Mason University near Washington.”

Information from: News Journal, http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com//

Character is what you do when no one is watching. This young man is a credit to his family and his integrity adds a measure of respect for his athletic endeavor. Praise God for him and for Sports Illustrated for recognizing integrity.

Vengeance is Mine

2010-01-24T07:20:00.000-05:00

Deuteronomy 32:35-36, “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; because the day of their calamity is at hand, their doom comes swiftly. Indeed the LORD will vindicate his people, have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, neither bond nor free remaining.”

One of the great challenges in life is to not take vengeance. In 1782, Pierre Ambroise Francios Choderios de Laclos wrote, “Revenge [vengeance] is a dish best served cold.” He didn’t attend to what God said that revenge [vengeance] belongs to God alone. Often we want to get even or even up the score or regain wholeness; and our method in doing so is exacting revenge [vengeance] on those who hurt us. If it is justice that we seek, then seek justice and let God serve the revenge [vengeance], else our souls will be in mortal danger.

Prayer: Father, thank You for today and for Jesus Christ who came to save us and to be our judge. Help us get into Your Way and desire for us. Let revenge and vengeance alone be Your province. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN

Current Rage

2010-01-23T16:27:00.002-05:00

The current rage in politics is Senator-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts. Why? I believe the answer to why he is the current rage is the current rage of the American electorate. Americans are angry at elected officials who choose to ignore us and not do what we asked them to do. America is not Europe. While many of our ancestors came from Europe the reason many left Europe to begin with was to get away from Europe. Some of our ancestors are from Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. Every one of our ancestors came here to get away from the status quo of Euro-imperialism and bigotry. The exceptions are those who came as indentured servants and slaves. America came to its being through a harsh struggle at times tearing itself apart to remake itself. But here we are in 2010 where a black man is the sitting president and the nation is angry not because the president is black but because he and the rest of the political elitists and statists have decided that we aren’t intelligent enough to know what is good for us so they are going to ram what’s good for us down our throats and we get to like it.

Guess what? The most liberal and Democrat state in the union, Massachusetts, just elected a conservative Republican as the new senator to fill the seat held by the most liberal senator on the floor. Scott Brown is every man, woman and child in this nation who seeks her or his own way through self-determination not governmental central planning in its nanniest of states. He made an interesting comment that he is the 41st vote but so is every other Senator who chooses liberty over tyranny. CINCO (comrade-in-chief-Obama) said that Scott Brown was swept into office for the same reason that he was. That’s a lie! CINCO has spent so much time believing all the god-terms associated with his candidacy and qualifications that he suddenly believes that every man, woman and child thinks as he does.

This is rage against your Chicago-style politics as usual CINCO. Get over your self-indulgent, self flattery and land the ship of state in reality. You have failed miserably in every endeavor that you and the Demokrat party have taken this Nation.

Congratulations Massachusetts for having the presence of mind and conscience to say no to this political recklessness and to show America that there is still a tree of Liberty in your hearts.

First Fruit

2010-01-10T08:13:00.003-05:00

Leviticus 23:9-11, “The LORD spoke to Moses: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: When you enter the land that I am giving you and you reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. He shall raise the sheaf before the LORD, that you may find acceptance; on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall raise it.”

What is our first fruit? It is our salary, income, receipts for services, proceeds from the sale of an item or property and it represents the pre-tax amount or gross sale. The tithe is part of the first fruit and it is one-tenth. This long ago was given to Moses by God to remind us of the source of our abundance. Some in ministry abuse the giving practice and have at heart a monument building intent. These individuals are no different from those in Jerusalem whose intent was strengthening their coffers for the purposes of riches and power. God’s intent for the first fruit offering is a reminder of the source of mercy and an honor to God. Let us remember what God has done and let us honor God by keeping this ordinance.

Prayer: Father we thank You for all that we have received in Your mercy. Forgive us we pray when we fail to remember and help us to become better stewards and more faithful in our attention to Your ordinances. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Holy Days and Holy Ways

2010-01-09T22:52:00.000-05:00

Leviticus 23:1-8, “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the people of Israel and say to them: These are the appointed festivals of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations, my appointed festivals. Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work: it is a Sabbath to the LORD throughout your settlements. These are the appointed festivals of the LORD, the holy convocations, which you shall celebrate at the time appointed for them. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, there shall be a Passover offering to the LORD, and on the fifteenth day of the same month is the festival of unleavened bread to the LORD; seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not work at your occupations. For seven days you shall present the LORD’S offerings by fire; on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation: you shall not work at your occupations.”

After bringing the people of the House of Jacob (Israel) out of Egypt and into the wilderness God spoke to Moses to have the people set apart celebrations and remembrances of God’s acts in redemption of Israel. So holy were these times of remembrance that no work could be done. These celebrations and worship of God were held in the same regard as the Sabbath. Over time the House of Jacob would turn these days into such perfunctory performances that the worship of God was driven out replaced with ‘duty and obligation.’ What God did for Israel should have been held in the deepest of reverence and love yet the people of Israel had a way of corrupting the holiest of days into duty when what God wanted was worship and love and honor. How do we honor God today? Do we make others work so we won’t have to? Or do we set aside the Holy days of god for God worship?

Prayer: Eternal and loving God thank You for the day that wasn’t promised. Turn our thoughts, words and deeds back to you. Help us live Your expectation of us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

"Why I am Not a Communist" by Betrand Russell

2010-01-08T18:10:00.002-05:00

"Why I am Not a Communist"

by Betrand Russell

"I am completely at a loss to understand how it came about that some people who are both humane and intelligent could find something to admire in the vast slave camp produced by Stalin."

In relation to any political doctrine there are two questions to be asked: (1) Are its theoretical tenets true? (2) Is its practical policy likely to increase human happiness? For my part, I think the theoretical tenets of Communism are false, and I think its practical maxims are such as to produce an immeasurable increase of human misery.

The theoretical doctrines of Communism are for the most part derived from Marx. My objections to Marx are of two sorts: one, that he was muddle-headed; and the other, that his thinking was almost entirely inspired by hatred. The doctrine of surplus value, which is supposed to demonstrate the exploitation of wage-earners under capitalism, is arrived at: (a) by surreptitiously accepting Malthus's doctrine of population, which Marx and all his disciples explicitly repudiate; (b) by applying Ricardo's theory of value to wages, but not to the prices of manufactured articles. He is entirely satisfied with the result, not because it is in accordance with the facts or because it is logically coherent, but because it is calculated to rouse fury in wage-earners. Marx's doctrine that all historical events have been motivated by class conflicts is a rash and untrue extension to world history of certain features prominent in England and France a hundred years ago. His belief that there is a cosmic force called Dialectical Materialism which governs human history independently of human volitions, is mere mythology. His theoretical errors, however, would not have mattered so much but for the fact that, like Tertullian and Carlyle, his chief desire was to see his enemies punished, and he cared little what happened to his friends in the process.

Marx's doctrine was bad enough, but the developments which it underwent under Lenin and Stalin made it much worse. Marx had taught that there would be a revolutionary transitional period following the victory of the proletariat in a civil war and that during this period the proletariat, in accordance with the usual practice after a civil war, would deprive its vanquished enemies of political power. This period was to be that of the dictatorship of the proletariat. It should not be forgotten that in Marx's prophetic vision the victory of the proletariat was to come after it had grown to be the vast majority of the population. The dictatorship of the proletariat therefore as conceived by Marx was not essentially anti-democratic. In the Russia of 1917, however, the proletariat was a small percentage of the population, the great majority being peasants. it was decreed that the Bolshevik party was the class-conscious part of the proletariat, and that a small committee of its leaders was the class-conscious part of the Bolshevik party. The dictatorship of the proletariat thus came to be the dictatorship of a small committee, and ultimately of one man - Stalin. As the sole class-conscious proletarian, Stalin condemned millions of peasants to death by starvation and millions of others to forced labour in concentration camps. He even went so far as to decree that the laws of heredity are henceforth to be different from what they used to be, and that the germ-plasm is to obey Soviet decrees but that that reactionary priest Mendel. I am completely at a loss to understand how it came about that some people who are both humane and intelligent could find something to admire in the vast slave camp produced by Stalin.

I have always disagreed with Marx. My first hostile criticism of him was published in 1896. But my objections to modern Communism go deeper than my objections to Marx. It is the abandonment of democracy that I find particularly disastrous. A minority resting its powers upon the activities of secret police is bound to be cruel, oppressive and obscurantist. The dangers of the irresponsible power cane to be generally recognized during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but those who have forgotten all that was painfully learnt during the days of absolute monarchy, and have gone back to what was worst in the middle ages under the curious delusion that they were in the vanguard of progress.

There are signs that in course of time the Russian régime will become more liberal. But, although this is possible, it is very far from certain. In the meantime, all those who value not only art and science but a sufficiency of bread and freedom from the fear that a careless word by their children to a schoolteacher may condemn them to forced labour in a Siberian wilderness, must do what lies in their power to preserve in their own countries a less servile and more prosperous manner of life.

There are those who, oppressed by the evils of Communism, are led to the conclusion that the only effective way to combat these evils is by means of a world war. I think this a mistake. At one time such a policy might have been possible, but now war has become so terrible and Communism has become so powerful that no one can tell what would be left after a world war, and whatever might be left would probably be at least as bad as present -day Communism. This forecast does not depend upon the inevitable effects of mass destruction by means of hydrogen and cobalt bombs and perhaps of ingeniously propagated plagues. The way to combat Communism is not war. What is needed in addition to such armaments as will deter Communists from attacking the West, is a diminution of the grounds for discontent in the less prosperous parts of the non-communist world. In most of the countries of Asia, there is abject poverty which the West ought to alleviate as far as it lies in its power to do so. There is also a great bitterness which was caused by the centuries of European insolent domination in Asia. This ought to be dealt with by a combination of patient tact with dramatic announcements renouncing such relics of white domination as survive in Asia. Communism is a doctrine bred of poverty, hatred and strife. Its spread can only be arrested by diminishing the area of poverty and hatred.

from Portraits from Memory published in 1956

While Russell was a philosopher and logician (aka dreamer) he was practical. He was a socialist and I thought that reading his thoughts on a nanny/totalitarian state under the guise of socialism might be helpful. Dr. Russell's opinions are not mine - we share intersections in thought.

Socialism/communism

2010-01-08T18:03:00.001-05:00

I felt that it is necessary to review again the tenets of socialism/communism:

Marx described three necessary phases toward achieving his ideal state (Summarized from the communist manifesto).

Phase 1: A revolution must take place in order to overthrow the existing government. Marx emphasized the nee¬d for total destruction of the existing system in order to move on to Phase 2.

Phase 2: A dictator or elite leader (or leaders) must gain absolute control over the proletariat. During this phase, the new government exerts absolute control over the common citizen's personal choices -- including his or her education, religion, employment and even marriage. Collectivization of property and wealth must also take place.

Phase 3: Achievement of utopia. This phase has never been attained because it requires that all non-communists be destroyed in order for the Communist Party to achieve supreme equality. In a Marxist utopia, everyone would happily share property and wealth, free from the restrictions that class-based systems require. The government would control all means of production so that the one-class system would remain constant, with no possibility of any middle class citizens rising back to the top.

Marx also detailed the 10 essential tenets of communism:

• Central banking system

• Government controlled education

• Government controlled labor

• Government ownership of transportation and communication vehicles

• Government ownership of agricultural means and factories

• Total abolition of private property

• Property rights confiscation

• Heavy income tax on everyone

• Elimination of rights of inheritance

• Regional planning

Use this as a checklist with Congress, the Senate and CINCO.

Away

2010-01-08T18:01:00.000-05:00

Hello my sisters and brothers in Christ!

I have been swamped with other duties and have not been writing. Please forgive my interruption. So much has happened that we must stay current. I look forward to hearing from you in 2010. My earnest prayer is that 2010 will be a memorable year for all the right reasons.

May God bless you and fill you with the desire to speak your heart in Christ, in truth, and with integrity.

TYRANNY HAS RETURNED

2009-12-24T11:54:00.002-05:00

Tyranny once again is resident on the North American continent. This time it is not the British but the Soviets and the Chinese who swore that they would bury our grandchildren. Barack Hussein Obama is not a natural born citizen. He is a fraud and a communist. The funding that he and the tyrants of this current congress and senate have obtained to be elected is sourced in tyrannical desire. This Nation is in imminent danger. We have slovenly chosen leaders who promise everything from nothing. Well we got what we deserved. There will be no one to take care of you in this nanny state of central government control. Tyrants like Obamao want nothing more than to destroy you and me. Whatever you own today will be the property of the state within five years. The elections of 2010 cannot come soon enough to resolve this problem. It has been created in the living rooms and bedrooms of America where 30-somethings still live at home and their parents continue to ‘wet-nurse’ them. America has become a land of weak-wristed, round-shouldered, cowards. The few brave Americans left are fighting a two-front war while the rest of country elects Reid, Obamao, Pelosi, Nelson, Lieberman and whiners of their ilk. You got what you wanted. For those who think that you can undo this – you’re wrong. The Republican party fiddled and wheedled instead of acting. They get busy sending out requests for money to perpetuate the myth that they will ‘mount’ an offensive. They too are liars, ne’er-do-wells who had the chance to get it right. Instead the country gets Al Franken as a senator. When the tax man comes to your door and evicts you, steals your retirement, taxes your ‘carbon-footprint and kills you with waiting lists for medical treatment remember that you did this. It took 233 years for stupid to reign supreme and greed to be its ugly step-sister. But they’re here. The blood and lives of patriots who fought for this nation as the shining city upon the hill have now had their memory besmirched and dragged through the filth of this congress and administration. There is no self-respect, no pride no sense of loss in this nation. Just thieves and politicians – government bureaucrats who seek one thing – self-perpetuation. Happy now?

Bolshevik Liar - NO TRANSPARENCY!!

2009-12-08T11:45:00.000-05:00

Transparency, what does it mean? Let’s go to the dictionary, “1 a(1) having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : PELLUCID (2) : allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X rays or ultraviolet light) b : fine or sheer enough to be seen through : DIAPHANOUS; 2 a free from pretense or deceit : FRANK b easily detected or seen through : OBVIOUS c readily understood.” Hmmm…free from pretense or deceit. Sheer enough to be seen through.

In light of CINCO’s (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) current charades on healthcare and climate change exactly when does he plan on allowing the rest of Congress (non-Demokrat) and the citizens of this Republic to be part of his totalitarian makeover of our nation? CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) IS A LIAR AND IS NOT KEEPING HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISE TO HAVE THE MOST TRANSPARENT GOVERNMENT EVER. THE ONLY THING TRUTHFUL ABOUT HIS PLANS IS THAT IT IS TRANSPARENT TO EVERYONE THAT HIS PLANS ARE THE TAKEOVER OF THIS NATION BY COMMUNISTS AND HIS COMRADES IN BOLSHEVISM.

The upright shall behold His Face

2009-12-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

Psalm 11, “In the LORD I take refuge; how can you say to me,

“Flee like a bird to the mountains; for look, the wicked bend the bow,

they have fitted their arrow to the string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD’S throne is in heaven.

His eyes behold, his gaze examines humankind.

The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates the lover of violence. On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and sulfur; a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

For the LORD is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.”

How often do we take refuge in God? The dictionary says that refuge is, “Shelter or protection from danger or distress.” The Lord is my refuge and my strength. Not only will He protect me but He will mete out His judgment upon the unrighteous and unjust. God will judge from heaven from upon His throne. God tests both the righteous and the wicked and those who are righteous gaze upon God’s face and those who are wicked…well their lot is with fire – their sentence is death.

Prayer: Lord God thank You for loving us and granting this day. Thank You for redemption through Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. Strengthen us for Your Holy purpose and create within us Holy hearts. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Baucus and His girlfriend

2009-12-06T13:48:00.002-05:00

“Baucus: Girlfriend merited US attorney nomination

Published: 12/6/09, 3:45 AM EDT

By MATTHEW DALY

WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus defended recommending his girlfriend for appointment as Montana's U.S. attorney, saying Saturday his one-time staff member and the former state prosecutor is "highly qualified" but eventually withdrew her nomination. Baucus said that he began dating former state office director Melodee Hanes after they were both separated from their spouses. The Montana Democrat said they did not have an affair, but began dating while she worked for him.

Hanes received her Justice job after applying "independently," Baucus said. "Not surprisingly to anyone who's looked at her resume, (Hanes) got the DOJ job on her merit," he said.”

Please forgive my cynicism here. They began dating after they separated? Are they the reasons for the separation from their former spouses? Does anyone believe that Hanes got her Federal job on her own merits without Baucus’s help? The LIBERAL MEDIA will let this slide. Like they let Barney ‘Fwank’ and his Fannie Mae lover were let off the hook!!

God's Way of Loving

2009-12-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

Lamentations 3:22-26, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”

God is permanent in His love for us. God’s love is unending and never ceasing. Sounds redundant but it can never be overstated that God has persisted in loving us. What if we loved one another the way God’s love us? What would the world we know be like? Let’s try it for a week, how about for one day? Let’s say you wake up at 6 a.m. and go to bed around 11 p.m. That’s 17 hours of loving the world the way in which God loves us. Start the day in prayer asking God to guide you in love and love your day away ending in prayer with confession and forgiveness. They describe what it was like to love the day away with God. Write a note to the blog – tell us how it worked.

Prayer: Loving God we thank You for this gift of the day – it is the present – thank You! Help us to live and love as You taught us to do through the redeeming love of Jesus. Help us be the shining love of Jesus for the world. In Jesus Name we pray. AMEN!

About Christmas

2009-12-04T19:11:00.001-05:00

My friend Ginger sent this to me in the form of an email. I've read it through several times trying to imagine how we'd explain ourselves to Jesus in light of the theology written here - simply and beautifully:

"Letter from Jesus about Christmas –

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year.. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

11. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS"

Thank you Ginger! May God bless you in this season of His Son's birth!!

Redeeming Love

2009-12-04T11:24:00.000-05:00

Romans 3:19-20, “Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.”

We cannot do anything to please God such that we will receive salvation. It is only through God’s love and grace that we receive our salvation. As Paul writes, he became aware of his sin because of the law. He didn’t gain anything by attending to the law for a prescription to gain eternal life. What he learned and shares is that we are sinners – all of us. We should be reticent to sin and willing to confess our frailty to God who saves us. For by our confession we have made known to God that we seek His redemption and restoration. “For through the law comes knowledge of sin.”

Prayer: Eternal and forgiving God thank You for today and for the gift of love through Jesus Christ who by His blood redeems us. Help us to see where we have fallen short of Your Glory and come humbly before You in confession, seeking forgiveness and redemption. We pray this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Global Warming Scam!

2009-12-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

Global Warming Scam! The Wall Street Journal published some interesting findings after the ‘leading climate change scientific unit in the world’ had its email servers hacked and the contents scoured. Here’s a quote, “Yet even a partial review of the emails is highly illuminating. In them, scientists appear to urge each other to present a "unified" view on the theory of man-made climate change while discussing the importance of the "common cause"; to advise each other on how to smooth over data so as not to compromise the favored hypothesis; to discuss ways to keep opposing views out of leading journals; and to give tips on how to "hide the decline" of temperature in certain inconvenient data.” What I find fascinating is that these ‘scientists who supposedly use deductive reasoning aka the scientific method, want to smooth over the data to keep alive the theory of man-made climate (aka global warming) Not much science here just lies.

CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) is pushing Cap-and-Trade legislation to punish America and he’s going to Copenhagen where the idiot science of Al Gore will be further perpetrated on the world. The unqualified and undereducated voters of this country have elected a village idiot from Kenya or Indonesia or somewhere to be the president. People we have to fix this problem. We need to elect a president whose moral character isn’t for sale and one who believes in the premise and endurance of foundational America.

Lies all lies CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) – have you no shame? You stood at West Point in what your sycophant Chris the commie Matthews calls the ‘enemy camp’ and lied about the Afghan War. Now you’re jetting to Copenhagen for what? Some Danish? Stop the lying and get down to the business of cutting taxes and true economic recovery. Jettison the theft and robbery plan called healthcare reform because foundational and original believers of this Nation will take back the Congress and the Executive branches by ballot.

Here's the link:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704888404574547730924988354.html

"Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified..."

2009-12-03T12:59:00.001-05:00

Acts 4:1-12, “While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the Temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead. So they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and they numbered about five thousand. The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’ There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

I love this exchange among the Temple authorities, Peter and John. Luke’s witness says that 5,000 people heard and believed in Jesus; even in the face Peter’s and John’s arrest. The Temple leaders wanted to know by what authority they were saying these things. These Temple leaders had just killed Jesus for the same teaching and preaching and now they were coming after the disciples. When Peter spoke he spoke with the power of the Holy Spirit and defied the Temple leaders and reminded them that Jesus of Nazareth who they killed and whom God raised from the dead who healed the man standing before them. Then he said this, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved;” NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MORTALS BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED!!! Peter called out the Temple leadership for what they did and reminded them that they too must claim Jesus NOW in order to be saved.

Prayer: Thank You Father for redeeming us through Jesus. Thank You for this glorious day in Your Kingdom. Please work through us to love, teach and, claim those who have yet to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Liar-in-Chief

2009-12-03T09:05:00.002-05:00

CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) made his Afghanistan speech at West Point and MSNBC’s Chris Matthews says Obamao was in the ‘enemy’s camp.’ WHAT?! Young men and women who have committed to becoming leaders of character are now referred to as the enemy? So Matthews apologizes again but here’s the problem he does this all the time and none of objects of his ‘leg-tingling’ affection denounces his rhetoric. Obamao did believe that he was in the enemy camp as does Matthews. He isn’t sorry for anything! This is outrageous. Obamao encourages the Taliban and al Qaeda to wait eighteen months to takeover…just in time for a new election campaign war-footing slogan that surely will say that he was just trying to extinguish a failed GWB war strategy. They already threw Robert Gates under the bus in the speech saying that he refused more troops in Afghanistan. Who’s next? I guess Gates has found out what the rest of the ‘proletariat’ (we lesser mortals) know – no one is safe under Obamao.

Eyes of our hearts

2009-12-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 1:15-23, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Open the eyes of our hearts that we may come to know you thoroughly and completely Lord Jesus. Michael W. Smith, the contemporary Christian singer and writer, wrote and sang these words:

“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up

Shinin' in the light of Your glory

Pour out Your power and love

As we sing holy, holy, holy”

Words simply stated lifted from Paul’s own imploring of the churches of Ephesus to have the eyes of their own hearts opened to the glory, love and honor of God through Jesus Christ. At the Resurrection God spoke loudly and clearly for everyone to hear and to accept His love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father You acted in a powerful, dramatic and transforming Way to redeem us. Forgive us please where we have failed to see what You did and are doing. Turn our hearts back to You. In Jesus Name we pray. AMEN.

"...just as he planned to do.”

2009-11-28T18:36:00.000-05:00

Zechariah 1:1-6, “In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah son of Iddo, saying: The LORD was very angry with your ancestors. Therefore say to them, Thus says the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, “Thus says the LORD of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.” But they did not hear or heed me, says the LORD. Your ancestors, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your ancestors? So they repented and said, “The LORD of hosts has dealt with us according to our ways and deeds, just as he planned to do.”

Remember when we were growing up and one of our siblings or perhaps a friend kept warning us about something that would happen if we continued on doing what we were doing? I remember watching a buddy swinging on a rope over New Caney Creek. Another friend kept telling him he’d better stop doing that because the branch that the rope was tied to was dead and he’d end up in the creek. Well it broke and the words that met our buddy as he came out of the water were, “I tried to tell you Jimmy but you wouldn’t listen.” This where the people of the House of Jacob are; they’ve been warned but do they listen? No. We’ve been warned and the question is, “Do we listen? Will we yield to God’s authority?” The prophets say that only a remnant will. Are you among the remnant?

Prayer: Father thank You for this day that wasn’t promised. Thank You for Jesus Christ. Help us Father to hear You and follow You through Your Son Jesus. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Watchdog warning about TV in post-Soviet states

2009-11-26T15:31:00.002-05:00

This is not just news in America check this out:
Watchdog warning about TV in post-Soviet states
Published: 11/26/09, 2:48 PM EDT

By VERONIKA OLEKSYN

VIENNA (AP) - Government-influenced television is hampering democracy in Russia, Belarus and most post-Soviet countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, and it could endanger international peace and security if misused as a propaganda tool, a watchdog warned Thursday. Miklos Haraszti, the outgoing media freedom representative at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said even TV stations that are not directly state-owned are often in the hands of people close to those in power. "We cannot speak about free elections, we cannot speak about true democracies where most people get most of their information from television that is either quite firmly in governmental hands or, if privatized, then in the hands of cronies or even families of governmental leaders," Haraszti said. "Or if (the countries) nominally have public service broadcasting, then it is in fact just a propaganda tool for the government."
Government influenced television – not overtly owned by the government but strongly influenced. Sort of makes a tingle run up your leg doesn’t it MSNBC, CBS, ABC, CNN and NBC? You guys get all giggly over Obamao don’t you? Isn’t this the kind of country you want where the press is simply a mouthpiece of the government?

Here's to the Heroes - Thank You!

2009-11-26T11:48:00.001-05:00

My buddy Joe sent me this link to the youtube of the Ten Australian Tenors singing "Here's to the Heroes." Awesome - this will stir your heart - Praise God!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL-0mdEg0U4&feature=related

Happy Thanksgiving from America!!

2009-11-26T09:51:00.001-05:00

A farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – The United States of America

An Amish farmer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania – The United States of America

This is America! The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. As we give thanks to God today let us never forget! We are free to make choices of how we will steward the land and we recognize that we will be judged not by humans but by God alone for our stewardship!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:11:00.001-05:00

Psalm 65

Thanksgiving for Earth’s Bounty

"Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed,
O you who answer prayer! To you all flesh shall come.
When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions.
Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.
By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.
By your strength you established the mountains; you are girded with might.
You silence the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples.
Those who live at earth’s farthest bounds are awed by your signs; you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy.
You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.
You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.
You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness.
The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy."

Prayer: Father we stop in this day, fall on our face realizing that everything is from You. You created the heavens and the earth and You gave us the ability to care for Your creation. Thank You Father. Thank You for redeeming us through Jesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus Name. AMEN.

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-23T13:56:00.000-05:00

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last night I listened to Chuck Colson bear witness to Jesus Christ and explain frankly and simply what has befallen our once great nation and what is on our horizon near-term and not-so-near-term. Among those things looming large is the destruction of the church. Some may choose to believe that this will never happen. I believe that the church in essence may not perish but I do believe that Jesus will come again and gather the faithful remnant to Him. Until that time we are and will continue to be under increasingly devastating attacks. We must stand now. If you go to this website and read the Declaration, read also the names and denominational affiliations of those who stand with our foundational liberties: http://manhattandeclaration.org/index.php

Have also posted the link at the bottom of my blog. This is vital! I urge each of you to read this declaration of faith in Jesus. It is that 'line in the sand' that must come in defense of our faith, our foundational liberties and our inalienable rights as Americans. If you can, after reading the declaration carefully, please take your stand with a growing number of Christians who will no longer permit political correctness to invade the sanctity of our belief in the salvation and eternal life offered through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ and sign the declaration.

May God Holy desire for you be lived out each day.

Imitate what is Good

2009-11-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

3 John 1:11, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

Our elected officials are imitating what is evil. This behavior must be called into accountability as John’s letter says about those in the church are imitating what is evil and must be exposed for their imitation of evil. Nothing that we do in this life and in this moment rises to the level of exposing these official malfeasances save our own salvation. It is our duty and responsibility to call them out else we will be doing harm to those who cannot fend for themselves. Today we must choose to imitate evil or imitate good and the good is Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father thank You for today and thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ who saves us for eternal life. Help us to be strong in our faith in Jesus to stand unflinchingly for truth – Your Truth and do what is right and holy in Your sight. Thiis we pray in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

The Louisiana Purchase

2009-11-23T08:05:00.005-05:00

You've probably heard about this. I've read it and I heard Ms. Landrieu say these things repeating her statements and what happened is a sign of the corruption that is festering is Washington:

"Posted by Erick Erickson (Red State)
Sunday, November 22nd at 8:15PM EST

Back in the old days, people would at least look ashamed when caught being bribed, but not Mary Landrieu. It’s being called the Louisiana Purchase. Senator Harry Reid put a provision on the health care plan that originally called for $100 million to be funneled to Louisiana exclusively.

Mary Landrieu refused to vote for cloture on the motion to proceed to the health care debate. Reid raised the offer to $300 million and Mary proved she wasn’t a cheap date after all — she took the increase, voted for cloture, and then bragged about the $300 million bribe.

In a statement sure to be repeated by Republicans endlessly over the coming weeks of Senate health care debate, the senator flaunted the inclusion of the provision. “I will correct something. It’s not $100 million, it’s $300 million, and I’m proud of it and will keep fighting for it,” Landrieu told reporters after her floor speech. “But that is not why I started this health care debate; I started this health care debate for all the reasons I just mentioned in my statement” on the floor."

These are our tax dollars that the idiots: Harry Reid, Max Baucus, Chuckie Schumer, Chris 'buy-me-a-house' Dodd, Dufus Durbin et al are voting to spend. Our money. They are cheating, lying and stealing our money!!! This has gone from slightly socialist to completely insane. The only way I can understand this whole tax and spend mentality is is wonder what Obamao offered the Chinese Communists to hold our debt. Let me guess - Chinese military installations in its new satellite. Wake up America before we become Amerika the land that once was.

Majesty of God

2009-11-22T08:31:00.001-05:00

Psalm 8, "O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! AMEN!!"

Think on these things. What an amazing love of Creation! How will we treat God’s Creation today – all of it? We decide from this second forward how we will live – God gives us the choice for eternity.

Prayer: Creator God – thank You for Your love and Your Creation. Help us to live into Your expectation of us. May we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our eternity. For it is in Jesus’ Name that we pray. Amen.

Senate communists assured of 60 votes to debate health bill

2009-11-21T18:03:00.002-05:00

Just in from the communist takeover leaders in the Senate:

Senate Democrats assured of 60 votes to debate health bill
Published: 11/21/09, 4:00 PM EDT
From Ed Hornick, CNN

Washington (CNN) - Senate Democrat Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas said Saturday she will support bringing the Senate health care reform bill to the floor for debate, giving Democrats the 60 votes they need to prevent a Republican filibuster. "Although I don't agree with everything in this bill, I believe it is important to begin this debate," she said. "This issue is very complex. There is no easy fix," she said in making her announcement on the Senate floor, just hours before Saturday night's 8 p.m. procedural vote. Earlier Saturday, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, became the 59th lawmaker to agree to vote for debate. But she added a caveat on the floor of the Senate: "My vote today to move forward on this important debate should in no way be construed by the supporters of this current framework as an indication of how I might vote as this debate comes to an end. "It is a vote to move forward to continue the good and essential and important and imperative work that is under way."

Sixty votes are needed to move the controversial bill to the floor for discussion. The legislative body is expected to vote Saturday night. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced the Senate version of the health care bill on Wednesday. The House passed its version two weeks ago. Reid says the 2,074-page bill would expand health insurance coverage to 30 million more Americans at an estimated cost of $849 billion over 10 years.

Proceedings got under way shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday and will last through the early evening. Around 8 p.m., the Senate will hold a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture. Reid needs 60 votes to overcome a certain GOP filibuster attempt and open the chamber's debate on the bill. It also would take 60 votes to close debate that could last for weeks, while final approval of the bill would require only a simple majority. Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said it would be a "real break" if even one Republican got on board with Democrats. Three moderate Democrats -- Landrieu, Lincoln and Ben Nelson of Nebraska -- had kept party leaders guessing. Reid met Wednesday with the three, who have expressed concerns about the cost and scope of health care reform proposals.

LIBERALS ARE COWARDS

2009-11-21T13:59:00.004-05:00

I have been watching the Bill O’Reilly interviews with former Governor Sarah Palin. They’ve been good interviews. The questions by O’Reilly have been tough but fair though he gets rambunctious and aggressively presses points when he needs to shut up and let the person answer. There is a however to that. This is the kind of preparation that Vice-Presidential Candidate Palin should have received from the McCain team instead of worrying about her wardrobe.

Governor Palin has been credible, confident and sure of her positions. Contrast that to CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) who has flip-flopped, waffled, kowtowed to and bowed to everything and everyone he feels is superior to us lesser mortals – Americans. Governor Palin has proven herself worthy of the national stage and when liberals cannot find something to talk about; they resort to calling her a ‘quitter.’

Why do they do that? Because they have spent millions of dollars if not hundreds of millions of dollars chasing leads that they hoped would destroy or at least derail Candidate Palin ambitions of leadership. It is a COWARDLY, SAUL ALINSKY TACTIC. LIBERALS ARE COWARDS WHO FIND COMFORT IN DEHUMANIZING EVERY PERSON. Alinsky taught his slobbering, drooling and pathetic Bolshevik-style communist dreaming followers to tie up your opponents in legal actions that will distract them from their stated objective. Governor Palin was seemingly tied up financially and governance-wise with these miscreant and hateful tactics such that she said the state’s business isn’t getting done. She pulled the plug, let the Lt. Governor step in and she then proceeded to recover financially and legally beating back every frivolous action perpetrated by an UNSCRUPULOUS CONTENTIOUS CROWD OF LIBERAL THUGS AND LIARS ON THE PLANET.

They called her a quitter because she didn’t want their actions to take down Alaska. She beat them at their own game. So they are licking their chops in anticipation of using this tactic again. Woe be unto those who try. Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals is a movement killer. It is up to us to denounce this practice and cause it to wither. Enough of this political correct garbage that only the conservatives follow. Liberals don’t give their own money to help someone else they redistribute your earning power to assuage their comfortable lifestyle. They are entitled to what you earned. NOT!!!!!

This should be the warning siren America. Governor Palin turned it on and fired the first shot. Let’s ROLL!!

Psalm 2

2009-11-21T12:42:00.002-05:00

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying,
“Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.”
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
“I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.”
I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.

Senators pay attention this day. Your hubris and pride and willful disobedience will be brought low. You are not doing God’s will you are serving human greed and desire. Pay attention to this Psalm.

Prayer: Father of all Creation, You have granted us wisdom and knowledge and ability. Please help us use these gifts for Your Holy purpose and not for the pandering of human desires for power and authority over one another. We pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.

Real Commander-in-Chief

2009-11-20T13:15:00.001-05:00

I received an email from my friend Windell, who forwarded the attached email and picture: "Now this is real class !

I SURE WISH WE HAD HIM BACK!!!!!

I got the following from my friend Jim, in Florida.

Randy Royer, from Dothan, was a shooting victim at Ft. Hood. A man had his television on in his office when the news of the military base shootings came on. One of his employees husband was station at Ft. Hood.

He call the employee into his office and the minute he told her what was going on, she recieved a text message from her her husband saying, "I'm okay."

The cell phone started ringing right after that. It was an ER nurse. She said , "I'm the one who just sent you a text, not your husband." She thought the message would be comforting, but she immediately knew she
had to let the wife know what was going on. She said, "I am sorry but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery." (Later learned that he had been hit twice).

The wife left Southern Clinic in Dothan and drove all night. Miraculously, here is the photo I just received from my brother that was taken today in the hospital room. He is awake and will recover. His wife,who lives in Dothan, made it to Ft. Hood about the time he was waking up.

Thought I'd share this great outcome.

A real Commander in Chief!"

Don't you love these folks!!!

Sharing in suffering

2009-11-20T12:19:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 1:3-7, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.”

There are times when we ‘go through things together.’ We, as a Nation are going through some things together.’ There is a war or terror being fought globally, the economic recession that we face each day and the disparate morality that takes more and more souls each day. We endure these afflictions together. We do not function in a vacuum. What one suffers we all suffer. While some may be closer to the impact of each of these circumstances we are all connected by our humanity, our faith and our love. Let’s pray for one another and endure with one another. Let’s help one another bear the burdens.

Prayer: Father of all Creation and Author of Life we praise You and thank You for this day that wasn’t promised. We thank You for hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Help us to endure and persevere in faith through Jesus Christ for we pray these things in His Holy Name. Amen.

Further on Major Hasan and Homeland Security

2009-11-20T09:43:00.001-05:00

I just looked at the George Washington University website regarding Homeland Security; they claim that Major Hasan was 'only' in the audience but he is prominently displayed on page 32 of the Task Force Report, as previously presented, as a participant in the Roundtable. I guess if you tell a lie long enough you begin to believe it yourself right CINCO? http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/

Senator Graham and Attorney General Holder

2009-11-20T08:27:00.001-05:00

Senator Graham rightfully throws AG Holder in a position of accountability on the Khalid Sheik Mohammed trial being moved to a civilian criminal court and AG Holder has no where to run. Click on this Youtube link and turn up the volume:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS292US293&q=lindsey+graham+holder+youtube&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=e5gGS6iXMMn-nAfi_8jDCw&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQqwQwAA#sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS292US293&q=lindsey+graham+holder+youtube&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=e5gGS6iXMMn-nAfi_8jDCw&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQqwQwAA&qvid=lindsey+graham+holder+youtube&vid=-5733392818414588274

UGA VII Dies

2009-11-19T19:53:00.003-05:00

UGA VII has died

Allen West for Congress

2009-11-18T23:29:00.001-05:00

There is a retired Army officer named Allen West who is running for the 22nd Congressional District Representative of Florida. I worked with Allen in the 1970s at Sears in Atlanta. He is brilliant, patriotic and conservative. If you live in the 22nd Congressional District in Florida please sign up to support LTC West. If you don't live in that Congressional district he needs your support. There's a link at the bottom of the page as well as this one - help this American hero get elected: http://allenwestforcongress.com/. He's truly the future of this great nation

What does Obama know about the Ft. Hood shooter?

2009-11-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

When CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) went on national television and said that we should not rush to judgment about the Ft. Hood shooter and insisted that Congress not begin a separate investigation into the shooting until the military investigators completed their work what exactly was he concerned about? Perhaps it is about the fact that MAJ Nidal Hasan was involved in the President-elect’s Roundtable discussions on Homeland Security. On this link (http://www.gwumc.edu/hspi/old/PTTF_ProceedingsReport_05.19.09.PDF) page 39 you will find Major Hasan’s name. He was in a Roundtable discussion of Homeland Security presumably vetted and probably placed on the roundtable because of his Middle Eastern (ethnically-based) name. The President knew that this man had issues from when he attended his residency training and he hates America. I contend that CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) knows he’s got a real problem and that he pandered to Arab and Muslim interests by putting this radical American hater on this roundtable.

CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) needs to be impeached. Congress needs to know what he knew and when he knew it. The families deserve better than what he has delivered thus far. This is yet another outrageous act by the Coward-in-Chief.

In case you're wondering - yes Snopes was checked: http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/nidalhasan.asp

Governor Palin is a great American!

2009-11-17T19:23:00.000-05:00

I watched the Oprah Winfrey Show as Ms. Winfrey attempted to skewer former Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Ms. Winfrey rarely smiled and was disingenuous to Governor Palin. She didn’t like the answers that the Governor gave her and badgered her for clarification claiming she didn’t understand her answer. Ms. Winfrey had to point out several times, when the audience didn’t laugh uproariously, that she was attending the ‘other’ political convention and ‘missed’ some of the Republican ‘goings-on’. Governor Palin is a class act. She answered the questions and at the end of the interview was gracious to Ms. Winfrey in spite of her lack of cordiality to Governor Palin. She didn’t tell the audience to go out and buy the book she simply said it was out for purchase. Ms. Winfrey never asked candidate Obamao the tough questions she asked Governor Palin. Instead she drooled and slobbered over him as though he was the messiah. Governor Palin is good for this Nation in a land of slobbering Oprah fans who think any drivel she pushes out is manna.

Pray for those who Abuse you

2009-11-17T14:33:00.001-05:00

Luke 6:27-36, “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

At a church where I served as pastor, the parsonage was vacant – just sitting unused. A family needed a place to stay so it was offered to them. They were comfortable ‘taking’ whatever churches offered them. In fact, they took and took and took, even though the husband worked. I explained before they took the offer of the home that they would need to pay a small amount on the utilities. They failed for months to do so even though they kept showing up with new appliances, alcohol and tobacco (forbidden on church property). On several occasions I spoke with them about the problems that they were creating for themselves and with promises of ‘doing better’ they didn’t. One couple in the church asked me how many times I was going to let them ‘slap’ me in the face, scoffing at what I shared with them to do. I was ‘told’ to ‘get rid of those people.’ I remember looking at the couple and saying, “Jesus told us to pray for those who abuse us, who hate us, who wish us harm. What would you have me do?”

Prayer: Father help us to live into the courage of Jesus that teaches others how He lived and guides us to eternity. Let us be thankful to You for the gift of each day and of the redemption offered through Christ Jesus. Strengthen us for Your holy service, in Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Colonel Lewis L. Millett, USA, Retired - CMH

2009-11-16T20:46:00.002-05:00

Colonel Lewis L. Millett died Saturday, November 14, 2009. He was at one time my regimental commander. That’s not significant. He was the epitome of a warrior and had the courage that shared no peer. I was in awe of the Colonel when I met him not because of his being the recipient of the Medal of Honor but because of his fierce warrior countenance and inspiration to those who were training to become warriors.

Salute Sir! This country has lost one of the greatest who ever defended us.

Here’s Colonel Millett’s Medal of Honor Citation:
“Capt. Millett, Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action. While personally leading his company in an attack against a strongly held position he noted that the 1st Platoon was pinned down by small-arms, automatic, and antitank fire. Capt. Millett ordered the 3d Platoon forward, placed himself at the head of the 2 platoons, and, with fixed bayonet, led the assault up the fire-swept hill. In the fierce charge Capt. Millett bayoneted 2 enemy soldiers and boldly continued on, throwing grenades, clubbing and bayoneting the enemy, while urging his men forward by shouting encouragement. Despite vicious opposing fire, the whirlwind hand-to-hand assault carried to the crest of the hill. His dauntless leadership and personal courage so inspired his men that they stormed into the hostile position and used their bayonets with such lethal effect that the enemy fled in wild disorder. During this fierce onslaught Capt. Millett was wounded by grenade fragments but refused evacuation until the objective was taken and firmly secured. The superb leadership, conspicuous courage, and consummate devotion to duty demonstrated by Capt. Millett were directly responsible for the successful accomplishment of a hazardous mission and reflect the highest credit on himself and the heroic traditions of the military service.”

Uncommon valor is common among warriors like Colonel Millett. I will never forget him. To the Corps Sir!

Purity in eternity

2009-11-15T07:18:00.002-05:00

Zephaniah 3:8-13, “Therefore wait for me, says the LORD, for the day when I arise as a witness. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all the heat of my anger; for in the fire of my passion all the earth shall be consumed. At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, my scattered ones, shall bring my offering. On that day you shall not be put to shame because of all the deeds by which you have rebelled against me; for then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. For I will leave in the midst of you a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD—the remnant of Israel; they shall do no wrong and utter no lies, nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. Then they will pasture and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.”

As Christians we have been reckoned in this age as a remnant of the past. A remnant is what God said that we would be. Zephaniah speaks of God’s coming judgment of the world – the unjust, the unfaithful, the scoffers – those who deny God and stand opposed to God’s desire for His Creation. As Christians we may take some comfort in knowing that God alone can render such judgment and that He will not destroy everyone. So we must remain faithful – especially now that popular culture delights in marginalizing Christ and those who believe in Him.

Prayer: God we thank You and praise You for this day that wasn’t promised. Thank You Father for restoration and hope through Jesus Christ. Help us live today in that promise and deliver us from the evil of other worldly desires. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

SSGT William F. Manuel

2009-11-13T13:02:00.003-05:00

My wife and I retired the American flag that flew on the front of our home when a neighbor Robert, a member of the Patriot Guard, brought me a flag to fly. This flag is very special. It was flown on the back of Robert’s motorcycle for the funeral of S/SGT William F. Manuel, Kinder, Louisiana – 1/156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade who was killed in action in SW Baghdad on January 10, 2005. Every morning I step onto the porch and render proper military courtesy.

The Patriot Guard (http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx) Riders ride to honor and protect the memory of men and women lost in defense of our Nation. Here is the Mission statement of the Patriot Guard:

The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn't matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives:
1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protestors.
We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.
To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.

God bless the men and women who serve our Nation, their families and God Bless the Patriot Guard Riders for their continued honor guard for these faithful warriors.

Terrorist on trial in NYC

2009-11-13T12:51:00.002-05:00

Attorney General ‘Turn-em Loose’ Holder has just announced that the 9/11 mastermind and four others will be brought to trial in civilian courts with citizen-style rights granted with jury trials BUT he says he asking for the death penalty. Right. They get convicted and then CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) will pardon them because he would be killing an Islamic brother. I can see where this is going.

Stiff necks or soft hearts?

2009-11-13T08:26:00.002-05:00

Luke 4:42-44, “At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.” So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.”

From Luke’s witness you can tell that the people of Israel were hungry for the Truth and Jesus fed them spiritually, fulfilling their hunger. He didn’t just preach in Israel but as Luke bears witness He taught in the synagogues all over Judea. His people, the House of Jacob, were historically a stiff-necked people whom God used as His example for the world that the world may come to know Him. The House of Jacob was ‘chosen’ to be taught and led because, in part, they were so obdurate. Jesus’ message remained constant – God’s desire for us to be restored, reconciled and redeemed to Him. Where are we today? Do we remain obdurate or are we willing to be restored, reconciled, and redeemed to God through Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for today. Thank You for lovingly calling us back to You through Jesus’ sacrificial act of redemption on the cross. Help us to hear Your powerful call on our lives to be restored perfectly back to You. We pray this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

Senate and House Thieves!!!

2009-11-12T13:50:00.001-05:00

For some reason the lunatics in Congress (the House and Senate) seem to think that they can pass whatever laws they want and have no accountability for that passage. WRONG! Senator Reid is now determining to go after your 401k and your retirement income to pay for this outrageous theft and nationalization of the healthcare industry. He’s decided to tax the wealthy seniors. Who are those wealthy seniors? Those who have 401k and IRA accounts with more than $100,000 in them. Get ready the socialism express is rolling through your neighborhood and you are going to be punished for not trusting in social security to provide your retirement income. The ugly part of this is that is he plans to cut Medicare benefits and ROB seniors of their retirement income to fund this takeover.

CALL YOUR SENATORS AND TELL THEM TO SAY “NO!” TO HARRY REID’S THEFT. THIS IS CRIMINAL.

Let she or he who is without sin...

2009-11-12T13:44:00.002-05:00

John 7:53-8:11, “Then each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, sir.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.”]]"

Often the application of the Decalogue or Ten Commandments has a sin hierarchy. Some sins are worse than others. Notwithstanding blasphemy which God alone holds as unpardonable the Ten Commandments are sin in God’s sight and forgivable. The scribes and Pharisees don’t seem to think so. They’re going to stone this woman to death until Jesus confronts them on their own sinful ways. Later in Jesus ministry at the end of His earthly time the scribes and Pharisees knew the only thing that they could ‘charge’ Him with that could not be argued by everyday folk was blasphemy. The lesson today is about the sinful nature of all humanity as an affront to God. These Temple leaders were going to kill this woman for adultery when Jesus stopped them with their sins. The truth is that all of us are sinners none more so or less so – all have sinned and that was and is His point. Only Jesus judges – we seek forgiveness.

Prayer: Father thank You for this glorious day in Your kingdom. Thank You for Jesus and thank You for forgiveness and mercy. Help us not to judge lest we be judged. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T08:20:00.000-05:00

John 15:13, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Today is the day that we remember the men and women who serve and have served in our military. This is Veteran’s Day. This is the day that we recognize those men and women who willingly step into harm’s way for us. So I thought it fitting to print the “Oath of Enlistment.” Here it is:

"I, American soldier’s name, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

There is no equivocation about duty. There is no parsing of responsibility. When I read Jesus’ words about the greatest love His words sound like this promise to defend the Constitution the preamble of which reads, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” They provide for the common ‘defence’ and ‘secure the blessings of Liberty’ with their lives if need be. When ordered to fight these men and women have and will fight our enemies foreign and domestic and they have and will again lay down their lives for us. There is no greater love – just look at the intent in that oath of enlistment, an intent rarely spoken of but held closely in each one’s heart.

This is the American soldier – the veteran. Thank a veteran today – their humility may shock you but it will never harm you.

Prayer: Thank You God for this day and thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the brave men and women who have served this nation in our defense and in defense of our friends - for there is no greater love than to give one’s life for another. Help us always remember in Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Peace be within you

2009-11-10T10:00:00.002-05:00

Psalm 122

“I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together.
To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
For there the thrones for judgment were set up, the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.
Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.”
For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.”

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” says the Psalmist. As we consider the plight of the world today and the unwillingness of those who oppose Jerusalem and Yahweh we know that the world has stood in opposition to what God has called us to do and to love. We should not be deterred in our faith and our beliefs. God is faithful and so too we must be faithful. In the midst of great tragedy there is great strength and comfort. Seek God’s strength and God’s comfort and you will find a solace that has no peer. We will attain God’s peace within our hearts and souls.

Prayer: Father we thank You for today. We thank You for Jesus Christ. We thank You for redemption and restoration. Help us to seek You in all our ways and paths. Help us gain that inner peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Happy Birthday USMC!!

2009-11-10T09:51:00.005-05:00

Today is the celebration of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. Happy Birthday Marines!! Semper Fidelis! The traditions of the United States Marine Corps mirror those of our Nation. The finest of America’s men and women have served proudly in the Marine Corps. There exists a belief: “Once a Marine always a Marine.” Conversation with a Marine at some point is punctuated with oorah and concludes with semper fi. I am proud of my friends who are Marines, Robert C.(RIP), Jerrold B. (RIP) Larry L., Robert Q., John B., Jim M.(RIP), Timothy J., Scott D., Sean B., Kyle B., and all the others whom I’ve yet to meet. We are a better Nation because of your commitment to excellence and to your Corps. First to fight is not about warfare it is about defending a great Nation. I am proud of you all. Happy 234th Birthday United States Marines!!

Political correctness kills

2009-11-09T18:27:00.000-05:00

Political correctness killed 13 and wounded 38 at Ft. Hood. Brave men and women who volunteered to serve in the military and fight in the War on Terror have been attacked by an Islamic terrorist. Political correctness pulled a trigger last week because the U.S. Army has been tip-toeing around the problem of radical Islam. The U.S. Army leadership can accept as much responsibility for this government educated physician, and U.S. Army major shooting these soldiers as the major himself. They have known about this Islamist radical for some time and yet he is transferred away from Walter Reed to Ft. Hood where he had direct access to troops leaving for the war. This is outrageous. I am sickened by the political correctness and CINCO’s (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) insistence that we shouldn't ‘rush to judgment’ about Dr. Jihad. There is no rush to judgment there is simply a revelation of facts. Fix this problem now or face the certainty of a jihadist overthrow by Muslim population explosion or by radical Muslim political correct explosions. Take your pick. It has happened in plain sight. Europe is experiencing the population explosion and America is experiencing the political correct explosion.

Yuletide Trees?

2009-11-09T18:17:00.000-05:00

Below I’ve listed the lyrics to the Yuletide Carol, “Deck the Halls.” Yule or Yule-tide is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic peoples as a pagan religious festival. Notice that the lyrics make no reference to Christ or Christmas. The practice of burning a Yule log is pagan not Christian. The reason I bring this up is that Home Depot is now referring to Christmas Trees as Yuletide Trees. Last year they called them Holiday Trees. CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) and his pagan family are referring to the Whitehouse Christmas tree as the Holiday tree. Home Depot and CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) are determined to alienate Christians. You’re both doing a great job of that!! Another reason not to shop at Home Depot and NOT to vote for CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama).

Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel.
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

See the blazing Yule before us.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Follow me in merry measure.
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
While I tell of Yuletide treasure.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Fast away the old year passes.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Hail the new ye lads and lasses
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Sing we joyous all together.
Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la
Heedless of the wind and weather.
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Not everyone who calls My Name

2009-11-09T09:28:00.002-05:00

Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’”

“Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” What is the will of God? Jesus didn’t change anything that God ever said through His prophets. We have but to look at the Ten Commandments to realize the Father’s will. The first four commandments are about our relationship with God and the remaining six are about our relationship with one another. Jesus summarized God’s will through the Ten Commandments this way, “Love God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength and love your neighbor as you love yourself.” It means that we are to worship God, pray, study the Bible have Christian conference with one another, follow in faith what Jesus teaches us and we are to love one another.

If you show up in church on Sunday and present a holy self it is not enough. The other six days must be as holy in your life and your relationship with one another must be holy as well. You can call out Jesus’ Name day in day out but if your life doesn’t reflect a transformed self then all the calling and begging on the planet won’t change the outcome – condemnation. We must live holy lives in accordance with our faith.

Prayer: Merciful God, thank You for waking us to this day. You have spared us eternal damnation through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Thank You! We love You and wish to serve only You. Bless us and strengthen us for Your service. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Communist takeover of Healthcare and the government

2009-11-09T09:16:00.002-05:00

The House of Representatives voted to bankrupt the nation, raise our taxes to all time highs and destroy the United States of America to the levels of a third world country all because CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) and the Congressional communists cannot stand free enterprise. They function in a world where creativity and innovation means finding new ways to steal money from creative, hardworking Americans. There was and is a saying, “Those who can do and those who can’t teach.” It has become the norm now that those who can produce and those who can’t politik.”

Call, write, email and send facsimiles to your Senators NOW! Stop this theft of American innovation, productivity and free enterprise.

Your Way

2009-11-08T07:56:00.001-05:00

Ezekiel 33:17-20, “Yet your people say, “The way of the Lord is not just,” when it is their own way that is not just. When the righteous turn from their righteousness, and commit iniquity, they shall die for it. And when the wicked turn from their wickedness, and do what is lawful and right, they shall live by it. Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not just.” O house of Israel, I will judge all of you according to your ways!”

It is not a unique characteristic of modernity for humans to selfishly seek her or his own way. As you can see, Ezekiel was the bearer of God’s truth: “I will judge all of you according to your ways!” We would rather have God’s mercy than God’s judgment. The issue comes back to having our cake and eating it too. We want to ‘play’ but we don’t want to ‘pay’ for the ‘play’. In this ‘me-for-me’ world we realize that this human self-centeredness why God has been calling us into accountability along a continuum. We fail to turn to God and His Way through Jesus Christ – no matter what God does. We do not want justice or judgment even though we cry out for them – we want mercy. God will judge us according to our ways so let our way be His Way.

Prayer: Merciful God thank You for today and for redemption through Your Son Jesus Christ. Please help us follow Your Holy Way through Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us see the folly of our ways and return us to You. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Uncleannesses clean

2009-11-07T19:37:00.001-05:00

Ezekiel 36:22-27, “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD, says the Lord GOD, when through you I display my holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances.”

Isn’t it amazing to be so loved by God that He is willing to make an example of what it means to be holy by using us? He says that He will make us clean, that we will be sprinkled with water, and that our ‘uncleannesses’ will be clean. We get a ‘new’ heart as in soul. We are born again, renewed with God’s indwelling Holy Spirit that for eternity will dwell in us for God’s righteous purpose. We will follow God’s desires because of God’s indwelling spirit gently directing us toward God’s purpose and eternal life.

Pause now and think about how much God loves you. Bow your head, lay on your face or simply close your eyes without distraction from music, television or family and think on these things of God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, enormous is Your love for us. Thank YOU! You loved us so much that You sent Jesus to redeem us. Thank YOU! Guide our thoughts, words and deeds in Your holy way and name to the end that the Kingdom of Heaven may come upon the earth in the New Jerusalem with Jesus Christ as sovereign and judge. In His Holy Name we pray. AMEN!

War Protests

2009-11-07T13:29:00.003-05:00

I had a conversation with a person about war, war protests and soldiers. This person commented that they had ‘no problem with anti-war protests as long as the soldiers (those fighting the war) were respected.’ The continued logic was that the protests are meant ‘to bring the troops home.’

I have a problem with antiwar protests. Protests like those mounted during the Vietnam War created an enemy within. Had the protests reflected the sentiment of the nation against an unfavorable public policy then one could rightfully argue for the protests. The enemy within was actually the purpose behind the protest. There existed core groups whose leaders were ‘community organizers’ of the Bolshevik ilk and influence. The most vulnerable group to the war effort was the group of young men between the ages of 18 and 30. Notice what Bill Clinton did while he was in college. He committed to serve in the military vis-à-vis the ROTC. When it came time for his graduation and commissioning he reneged on his deal and left the country. He was not alone and this tactic was used frequently as well as the escape to Canada.

What the protests against the war did within the nation was horrific. What it did to the fighting man was even worse. Fast forward or rewind to the 1968 Tet Offensive. We can still see images of Walter Cronkite declaring that the ‘light was out at the end of the tunnel’ as he stood at Khe Sanh with a burning C123 as a backdrop. He declared the war lost and it encouraged a beaten North Vietnamese Army to rally. His words were disparaging and disheartening to those who ‘trusted’ Cronkite. Replacement troops were more and more resolved not to fight or to find ways around fighting. Our ally, South Vietnam, was going to be ground up in the Bolshevik grist mill and fired in the crucible reserved for malcontents and traitors to the Bolshevik cause. Jane Fonda would be declared a hero to the communists and the American soldier would return home to jeers, sneers and taunts.

The celebration of Veteran’s Day is Monday. Please do me and every veteran a favor and do not say to us, “We aren’t protesting you we’re protesting the war.” We do what we’re called to do. The rest of you who won’t, can’t or don’t need to simply be quiet. It is far better for you to remain silent and to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and erase all doubt. When you publicly protest the war you embolden our enemies. When you publicly protest the war you embolden our enemies. It is just like multiplying the number of troops they have on the ground and in the fight. Our soldiers die when you embolden the enemy.

Comfort

2009-11-05T21:07:00.002-05:00

Psalm 23
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Our prayers this night are for the families, soldiers, friends and coworkers of the men and women who were gunned down at Ft. Hood today. This tragedy is unspeakable and devastating. Please pray for them and the dangerous work that our soldiers perform.

Prayer: Father, thank You for today and for Your Son Jesus Christ. You saw what happened today at Ft. Hood. Our hearts are saddened and hurt by this unnecessary act of violence. Help those who suffer this night the great loss of unexpected death and wounding. Heal them and strengthen them. We pray also for those who committed these senseless acts that they may come to You and seek forgiveness from those whom they harmed. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Read the bill!!!!!

2009-11-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

This morning as the Congressional Republicans displayed their healthcare proposals the hue and cry from the Demokrats is that the Republicans didn’t want to participate in the healthcare discussions or even attempt to be bipartisan. The truth is that bipartisan to Demokrats is writing legislation the way the Demokrats want it written without any input from Republicans. Bipartisan means falling into lock-step behind CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) slobbering after his every socialist dream and following blindly into economic and national death.

Read the Republican Bill: http://www.gopleader.gov/UploadedFiles/06-17-09_House__GOP_Solutions__Group__Outline.pdf

Then you decide where you want to put your tax dollars.

Living Water

2009-11-04T20:17:00.000-05:00

John 4:7-15, “A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

This experience at the well has long been a touchstone of faith for me. It is a reminder of how Jesus sees each of us; not stained, nor damaged or beyond hope. Jesus takes this woman’s heart into His loving hands and tenderly offers her eternal waters, living waters, in the Kingdom of Heaven. There is no issue of nationality or race it is about God’s love through Him to her. It is the same for each one of us. Jesus speaks to us individually through this encounter. It is our choice to live into Jesus Christ’s offering of living water.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this day and for Your Son Jesus Christ whose offering of living water is made to us as well. We will drink from that eternal promise. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Elections

2009-11-04T17:07:00.003-05:00

There is much ado over the recent elections held in New Jersey, Virginia and the 23rd Congressional District in New York. Everyone seems to have an opinion. The truth of the actions that we saw occurring in these three places is voters – we the people making their vote heard. Congress and the Whitehouse need to sit up and take notice that they should NOT pass any legislation without this country first getting to read what is being passed. Pay attention to what your Representative and Senators do with regard to any piece of legislation. If it does not reduce the deficit or reduce spending then vote her or him out of office. If one dime is added to the debt – vote them out of office. If they lie, cheat or steal – vote them out of office. If they fail to keep their campaign promises – vote them out of office. I don’t care which political stripe marks their garments – vote them out!

I have taken it upon myself to write a letter to each Representative and Senator with my opinion about healthcare, cap-and-trade, bailouts, the war on terror, and increased taxes. 535 times $.44 equals $235.40 in postage. LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU THINK AND FEEL ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO DO!!!

Pray for our Leaders

2009-11-03T14:15:00.001-05:00

1 Timothy 2:1-7, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one, and one Priest-Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free. Eventually the news is going to get out. This and this only has been my appointed work: getting this news to those who have never heard of God, and explaining how it works by simple faith and plain truth.” From the Message.

“Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.” I confess that this current government of the United States disturbs me greatly. I pray for our nation and our leaders every day. Our nation is an experiment in freedom and liberty that has been challenged every year of its existence. The challenge is immense today and our leaders need to turn back to God.

Prayer: Father thank You for today the day that wasn’t promised. Thank You for salvation through Jesus Christ for we know that whatever happens on earth that our eternal home is with You. Help our leaders choose Your path, Your Son and Your Way. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN!

It's not a Christmas ornament it's offensive

2009-11-03T10:41:00.002-05:00

The peace symbol used in the 1960s as a protest against the war in Vietnam is repugnant to me. I saw it plastered all over the grimy clothing of hippies, on protest signs and eventually scrawled on the helmet covers of fighting men in Vietnam. The symbol meant anything and everything but peace. In Nam it meant I could expect that whoever was wearing that symbol was using drugs, i.e. marijuana and/or heroin. Certainly not everyone who wore that symbol used drugs but the preponderance of those who did wear the symbol used drugs. The symbol also meant contempt for the men and women who served in the military. I was in the military and felt that contempt on more than one occasion. Yesterday a catalog arrived in our home from the Pottery Barn. Emblazoned on the front cover as a Christmas tree ornament is a peace symbol all covered in glitter and set against a balsam backdrop. I am truly offended to see that show up on a Christmas tree as an ornament.

Plea for Help in Evil Times

2009-11-01T07:11:00.002-05:00

Psalm 12,
“Help, O LORD, for there is no longer anyone who is godly; the faithful have disappeared from humankind.
They utter lies to each other; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that makes great boasts, those who say, “With our tongues we will prevail; our lips are our own—who is our master?”
“Because the poor are despoiled, because the needy groan, I will now rise up,” says the LORD; “I will place them in the safety for which they long.”
The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
You, O LORD, will protect us; you will guard us from this generation forever.
On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among humankind.”

Prayer: Father thank you for today. Thank you for redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ. Bring us back to a time when we are Godly and Christ-like. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

O LORD my strength

2009-10-31T17:50:00.000-04:00

Psalm 18:1-3, “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.”

Upon whom do you place your trust? David said that the LORD is his strength and that he depends on the LORD for refuge and for safety. He claims the salvation that the LORD God offers and his faith remains strong in the LORD. The most important thing that he says is that he loves the LORD and trusts Him entirely.

Prayer: Father thank you for today. Thank you for Jesus Christ. Thank You for this Psalm of David which heartens us and give us comfort in distress. May we continue to find strength in Your love, may we not waver and remain faithful to You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

AP is PC - outrageous...prayer is Prayer Praise God!

2009-10-31T17:40:00.002-04:00

I was watching the Auburn-Ole Miss game when Auburn's safety Zac Etheridge had a scary injury. His teammates knelt down and prayed for Zac as the trainers, EMTs, paramedics and the team doctor worked on Zac. I just saw this Associated Press story about the event. Notice the bold print as the AP describes what his teammates did:

"Auburn safety carried off field on backboard
Published: 10/31/09, 1:45 PM EDT
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Auburn safety Zac Etheridge was carried off the field on a backboard after a collision with teammate Antonio Coleman in the first quarter against Mississippi. The two players banged helmets at the end of a running play Saturday. Etheridge appeared to have hurt his neck and was taken to a hospital for evaluation, but Auburn officials said he was able to move all his extremities. Etheridge lay on the field for several minutes while both head coaches stood at midfield looking on. Auburn players knelt on the sidelines and on the field. The safety was strapped to a backboard with his head immobilized, and flashed a thumbs-up as he was taken off the field and up a tunnel to a waiting ambulance. Etheridge came into the game fourth on the team with 49 tackles."

According to the AP the players just knelt. They just couldn't bring themselves to report that these fine young men were praying for their teammate as were we who watched. As they were carrying Zac off the field he gave the team and the crowd a 'thumbs-up' to thank everyone and to let them know that he would be okay.

Love one another

2009-10-30T14:31:00.001-04:00

John 15:12-14, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

Men and women today give their lives in defense of liberty. We say that so often that it becomes a cliché. Never should we allow such sacrifice to be seen as a cliché. Each life given is like the life that Jesus gave for us. Jesus gave His life for us in a depth of compassion that cannot be plumbed or measured. We can never merit the devotion or love that God has for us but we can receive His grace and mercy, accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Redeemer God, You have loved us from the very Creation. You woke us to this day that wasn’t promised and you saved us through the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help us receive Your love and mercy in love, gratitude and reverence. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Hero of the Vietnam War

2009-10-30T14:18:00.000-04:00

I found this letter from a U.S. Army Advisor to his parents while reading the profiles in courage of the men and women who died in Vietnam. His name is Captain Gerald Austin Brown, Ft. Worth, Texas. Captain Brown died May 16, 1967. Note the date on the letter - it indicates that he wanted his family to know some things about himself and the war. You can read the link yourself: http://www.vvmf.org/index.cfm?SectionID=110&anClip=203684

"The letter below written by Jerry before his departure for Viet Nam was left with long-time friends in Fort Worth. It was delivered to his parents after his death 16 May, 1967. The FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM carried Jerry's letter on the front page of its'May 27, 1967 edition. Picked up by an Associated Press reporter, it was published nation-wide.

June 1, 1966

Dear Mother & Bud,

These are a few of the things that were always left unsaid for some reason or other. First, I loved you very much, and was always very grateful for the many blessings that you saw that I was provided with. Sometimes we didn't say "I love you" enough, so I just wanted to make sure I didn't take off without making sure you understood how much I cared for you.

Second, do not be bitter or have doubts over the cause of my death. If I go fighting for my country, or for the people in Viet Nam, then I go by my own free will because it is right. It is right because (1) It is God's will that we love all our fellow men -- regardless of RACE, CREED, or COLOR. This I believe, and for this I willingly fought. There is good in every single human, and one needs to look until you find it. (2) I am an American. I believe in our country, and all of the ideals on which it was founded, and I prefer death rather than to be guilty of not defending it or its principles to the maximun. By the same token, if a man asks me or my country for help -- then he should expect to be able to receive it. Not just money but a personal, individual, commitment of an individual American to his problem. It was my turn to fulfill this individual commitment and I could not ignore my duty.
(3) I believe in God, and it is only through personal commitment that His will is accomplished. At least I have tried. Read Hebrews II, that was the source of my strength.

These are my reasons, and whether you understand them or not, I don't know. But I did, and that is sufficient.
Do not be sad, and for Pete's sake don't play a lot of sad songs at my funeral. If you must play music, by all means play "When the Saints Go Marching In"! ( and play a good jazzed up version of it too! ). Also, the beautiful sound of TAPS played on a good bugle was always great -- but end it with a rousing charge. You may rest assured by the time you read this I will be hard at work in God's Angel corps or swapping yarns with Big Daddy while hoeing in his heavenly garden ( watermelons -- what else? ). So don't cry over me, I'll be just as happy as I always was.

Good-bye for awhile. Until we meet again in Heaven, remember --

I love you,
Jerry"

"Return to me," says God

2009-10-28T08:45:00.002-04:00

Jeremiah 3:12-15, “Return, faithless Israel, says the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, says the LORD; I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God, and scattered your favors among strangers under every green tree, and have not obeyed my voice, says the LORD. Return, O faithless children, says the LORD, for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Jeremiah spoke these words of God to a people who had departed from God and seemingly had no interest in returning. We live in a Nation today where the leaders want no mention of God and have no interest in following God. Our elected leaders only want to follow the prurient desires of power and will align him or her with those who will keep her or him in power and privilege. Most of these who are elected cannot succeed anywhere else and seek to destroy free enterprise, free thought and free choice. It’s time that they turn to God. I don’t say turn back to or return to God for these do not appear to have a relationship with God. The spiritual trouble that waits is devastating and the damage that they are causing and fomenting is horrific. Woe be unto them!

Prayer: Loving God, thank You for today and for Jesus who redeems us. Create in our elected leaders a heart for You and for their sworn obligation. Develop and stir within our leaders the foundational desire to create and have a place where freedom and justice for all is revered and seen as sourced in You. We pray this in the powerful Name of Jesus. AMEN!

Home Depot Cowards!!

2009-10-28T07:20:00.002-04:00

Home Depot has crossed the line. Trevor Keezer is a young south Florida man who was just fired from his job at Home Depot. He was fired for wearing a button on his apron which reads, “One Nation Under God…Indivisible”. Trevor’s brother is in the military and serving in a war theater of operations. Trevor wore that pin in honor of his brother and the men and women who serve our Nation. Home Depot states that they only permit their pins on the aprons and offered Trevor another one to wear instead of the button, “One Nation Under God…Indivisible.” When he refused to wear their pin they fired him.

Over the years my wife and I have spent thousands of dollars at Home Depot. They’re offended by the Pledge of Allegiance which states, “One Nation under God, Indivisible.” I am offended that they’ve made billions of dollars on freedom-loving Americans and now slap our hand away. I guess this is all part of the Obama-hate-America-campaign. Since Arthur Blank (Mr. Home Depot) was a major fund-raiser for Obama and freedom hater, now apparently a God-speak hater, I will no longer shop at Home Depot.

Link: http://wdbo.com/localnews/2009/10/discrimination-lawsuit-coming.html

The Body of Christ

2009-10-27T08:43:00.001-04:00

Jude 1:3-4, “Beloved, while eagerly preparing to write to you about the salvation we share, I find it necessary to write and appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain intruders have stolen in among you, people who long ago were designated for this condemnation as ungodly, who pervert the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

This letter of Jude gives us a sense this morning of what is happening among the congregations of the Church. Notice the use of the description, ‘congregations of the Church.’ We are members of congregations but the church is the body of Jesus Christ. What happens to one happens to all. We are encouraged to contend for the faith that was given in trust to us. The Apostles, those anointed by the Holy Spirit, entrusted the body of Christ to us. How have we done? Have we kept the faith that was entrusted to us? Have we been faithful in raising new Christians, making new disciples and teaching others about Jesus Christ? Have we been faithful in keeping Godly that which is Godly?

Jude’s letter isn’t a call to judgmental action it is a call to righteousness. It is a call to renewal. It is our call to restore our practices of faith that are sourced in the foundational church – the church planted by Jesus Christ in each heart at Pentecost. There are those in the body of Christ who can’t even say the Name of Jesus Christ who won’t even bear witness to His Lordship and Redeeming love. There are those who teach in the seminaries of this land who subvert and attempt to destroy the truth of Jesus. We must stand up against this perversion and say no to their destructive practices. Do not let them take an Exacto® knife to the Bible because they don’t like some things that God has said, done or spoken forward. Stand up for Jesus Christ as Savior.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today – it was not promised us. Thank You for loving us and redeeming us through Your Son Jesus. Help us stand strong and call into accountability all those who use Your Church as their playground and seek to destroy the Truth expressed in Your Holy Word. We pray this in the powerful Name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!

A Pig dressed up to be a horse is still...

2009-10-27T08:20:00.001-04:00

I found this on (http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9BIUUF02&show_article=1) “SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) - A government-sponsored "public option" for health care lives, though it may be more attractive to skeptics if it goes by a different moniker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday. In an appearance at a Florida senior center, the Democratic leader referred to the so-called public option as "the consumer option." Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., appeared by Pelosi's side and used the term "competitive option." Both suggested new terminology might get them past any lingering doubts among the public—or consumers or competitors. "You'll hear everyone say, 'There's got to be a better name for this,'" Pelosi said. "When people think of the public option, public is being misrepresented, that this is being paid for with their public dollars." Pelosi said that was a misconception and that any taxpayer money used to start up the public option would be repaid. She also said such an option would ultimately drive down government health care costs.”

WHAT!!???? Where is the money coming from for this sham if it isn’t public money? Speaker Pelosi has lost her mind, if it was ever there. I don’t know what these communist wannabes are thinking. I don’t know where this tack will take them. What is their gain from this if not holding onto power? There is nothing to gain when the taxpayers of this nation get the bill for this treason and sedition. We thought, from our study of history, that King George imposed unfair taxes – he had nothing on Pelosi-Reid-Obama-Durbin-Baucus-et al. Here’s the truth you can dress a pig up to look like a horse and guess what it’s still a pig dressed up to look like a horse. These people are wrapping up garbage and sending it to us, the American voters and telling us that it is a present a real gift that we should be thrilled to get. They all need to be in prison for their treason and deception.

"Forgive your enemies it messes with thier (sp) minds"

2009-10-26T10:03:00.002-04:00

“Forgive your enemies it messes with thier (sp) minds,” is the message posted on the lawn sign of a local church. A casual reading of those words may bring a smile to your lips and it may even sound funny or humorous. When I drove by that church and read those words it saddened my heart to realize that someone would allow theology like that to be displayed for the world to see. In my opinion, messages on church signs indicate the heart of those who attend and are members of that congregation. If that message reflects the theology of that particular congregation there is significant trouble brewing.

We don’t forgive our enemies or love our enemies to ‘mess with their minds.’ This statement reveals that this congregation does what God does but for a far different reason – to ‘mess’ with someone’s mind – to damage their spiritual growth – to do some harm. This statement reveals intent that seems to be malicious not intentional love as the love that Jesus spoke of and taught. Jesus said that we are to love our enemies and pray for those who hate us. He said that we are to love one another as He loves us. Jesus loves us so much that He went to the cross for us. He didn’t forgive those who were His enemies to ‘mess’ with their minds, He forgave them so that we could all be part of a restored people, restored back to God who created us in His very Image.

As I write this I am praying for that congregation and the pastor who permitted such flawed theology to be expressed in such a public way.

Jesus and Satan

2009-10-26T08:44:00.002-04:00

Mark 1:21-28, “They went to Capernaum; and when the Sabbath came, He entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.”

This is one of my favorite encounters of Jesus with every day folk. Notice that Jesus was in the synagogue explaining the Law and the Prophets. He was speaking, as Mark witnesses, with authority – as one who had been given supreme authority to make the interpretations and explanations that He was making. Jesus was doing so in a very familiar way – a way and manner of everyday people. He spoke in their language and was among them. Notice what happens when a man possessed by Satan (unclean spirits) encounters Jesus as will happen in every church everywhere in the world. The man says, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” Satan knew Jesus and was afraid of Him as well he should be. Jesus called him out of the man and freed him of Satan’s grip. This act astounded those in the synagogue thinking that Jesus was teaching something new and performing miracles on top of that. What the stiff-necked, hard-headed people of the synagogue forgot was that God had been acting in this precise way since God’s first encounter with fallen humanity. Now He had their attention and Satan’s as well!

Prayer: Gracious God, loving Father, thank You for today and thank You for Your Son Jesus whom You sent to redeem us and restore us back to You. Help us live into Your love for though we are undeserving of Your devotion we strive to serve You. In Jesus Name we pray. AMEN.

Let's go fishing!

2009-10-25T08:04:00.001-04:00

Mark 1:16-20, “As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.”

How is it that these fishermen would leave their nets and follow Jesus, whom they may have known to be an itinerant rabbi or perhaps a neighbor or maybe they didn’t know Him at all? Their livelihood and the livelihood of their families were dependent upon their being on the water fishing and catching fish. Fish are a frangible commodity and as such last but a few days. What is it that these fishermen knew and understood about Jesus that caused them to follow Him? He was like no other that any of them had encountered. He specifically called them and was seeking several others with the same specificity in purpose.

Jesus calls us with His specific purpose in mind. He wants us to go and make disciples, to share the Good News of eternal life and to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are to be ‘fishers of people.’

Prayer: Father, thank You for this Sabbath Day. Thank You for Jesus who saved us by His blood. Strengthen and wizen us for Your Holy purpose to make disciples of the world. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Godliness

2009-10-23T10:01:00.003-04:00

1 Timothy 4:6-10, “If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, Godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

In this pastoral letter to Timothy we encounter a pastor-mentor to student-pastor counseling moment where Timothy is being encouraged to encourage the body of Christ, the Church, toward a selfless practice of Godliness. Behaving in a manner that reflects what Jesus taught and lived. We read that this behavior is good not only for this life that we live today but for our eternal futures. When others encounter us practicing a Godly way of life two things will occur. They will acknowledge and accept that it is Jesus Christ who inspires, loves and teaches us or they will reject the Godly lifestyle as nonsense. I don’t believe that there are middle ground or grey areas with our belief in Jesus. We either believe in Jesus Christ and live a Godly life committed to daily life in faith or we are living outside of a personal relationship with God through Christ and therefore stand opposed to God. While we cannot do works to gain eternal life, our faith walk in Godliness reflects our eternal promise. Where do you stand on Godly living? How many days do you live as God expects you to live?

Prayer: Redeemer God, thank you for today. Thank you for saving us through Jesus Christ who is Your only Son. Strengthen us to live each day in a Godly way that shows the world how we love and serve You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. AMEN.

Just say 'no' to Fox - not so fast

2009-10-23T09:39:00.001-04:00

CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) and his White House Slander Secretary are hard at it this morning as they have been over the past three weeks attempting to muzzle, silence and exile Fox News. The only way you couldn’t know this is if you haven’t turned on the news in the past month. Yesterday an interesting event happened. There is a Whitehouse pool of news outlets that amalgamates events in the Whitehouse for other news outlets to dissect and disseminate. It is a resource conservation technique that works well until you attempt to dismantle it as CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) and his White House Slander Secretary did. ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS and Fox comprise the Whitehouse pool. Yesterday when “Pay Czar” Kenneth Feinberg was ‘allowed’ to be interviewed by the pool, CINCO (Comrade-in-Chief Obama) and his White House Slander Secretary said yes but Fox is not allowed to interview Feinberg (link: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/23/white-house-loses-bid-exclude-fox-news-pay-czar-interview/). Guess what happened. The other four press members of the pool said no thanks, if Fox is not allowed we won’t interview the “Pay Czar” either. YES!!! What you saw happen with the fourth estate was an awakening to the abridgement of the U.S. Constitution that has been surreptitiously creeping throughout the capitol, especially from the nefarious and evil world of the Chicago-style thugs, thieves and liars of CINCO’s people. They don’t care about the U.S. Constitution. I believe more and more everyday that these criminals will attempt to subvert the 2012 election process perhaps even the 2010 elections through deceit and treachery.

It is time to stand up and fight these criminals. Not only have they single-handedly attempted to destroy the dollar’s value and free enterprise but they are attempting to turn America into Amerika where “president-for-life-CINCO” can run amok as a national communist organizer.

Diluting God's Truth

2009-10-22T07:42:00.001-04:00

Jude 1:17-23, “But you, beloved, must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.”

There are events and prophecies that we don’t want to be true. Our desire to not see those fulfilled is backed by a desire to bring all to Christ as He commanded us. Now in Jude’s epistle we encounter just the circumstance of prophecy about which Jesus spoke. The ‘scoffers’ among us are those who aren’t just on the outside of the church but those who have come into the church to water down and dilute the powerful antidote to sin and death. Some of these scoffers are seminary professors, some are preachers, some are friends, and some are seemingly the saintly church mothers who only want their interpretation of what’s best for the church. Each in her or his own way tries to mitigate the powerful message and intent of God. God’s truth is revealed in His Incarnation, His powerful Word, Jesus. We encounter Jesus in a very personal and direct relationship both in scripture - the Bible - and in our prayer life. There is no doubt that what Jesus said is what He meant and certainly what had been offered by God as an antidote to sin and death. There is no middle ground. Either love God through Jesus Christ or face a certain eternal and damnable death.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for waking us this day. You never promised this day. You made Yourself flesh and dwelt among us. You saved us through the precious blood of Jesus. Thank you, thank you for loving us. Help us to serve only You and hear Your truth completely. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.