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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Great American Crisis
No, I am not talking about the economy, although the unemployment rate is at 9.8% as of today and over 15,000,000 Americans currently without work. I am not talking about the socialization of health insurance, although that is the goal of the liberal left. I am certainly not talking about global warming since over 700 prominent scientists are saying that we are actually in a global cooling. I could be talking about the crisis of hot air spewing politicians in Washington, but I am not, even though I am tempted.
So then, what is the great American crisis? It is a crisis of morals and values which is a result of a crisis of faith. We are in the midst of something that may not be reversible if we don't step up to the plate and get involved as individuals and faith communities.
We have seen cell phone video of teen girls brutally beating another girl for allegedly stealing another girl's boyfriend. We saw the gruesome beating death of a young man who happened to get innocently involved with a gang. We see one celebrity after another being caught in the middle of a cheap affair. We have seen, how many, politicians come clean after repeatedly cheating on their spouse. We have seen government officials being forced to resign because they were caught in the tax payer's cookie jar. And we see abortion becoming as common as getting treated for the flu. A report this evening proudly boasted that now 51% of Americans identified themselves as pro-life. But sadly, that leaves 49% who either just don't care or are pro-abortion. The PC word is pro-choice, but that frankly is crap. The baby inside a mother's womb is NOT a choice. Babies are now subjected to saline solution, knives which chop and dice the fetus, to suctioning. When God allows an egg to be fertilized by the man's sperm that becomes life, not a nuisance to get rid of. I know one doctor who was reprimanded during his internship for asking a woman why she didn't consider birth control instead of repeated abortions.
I do not condemn the woman who has an abortion, because when I looked at my driver's license this morning it did not say GOD. Therefore, I will leave the judgement part to our God. I do pray for these women daily. And I pray for the fathers. Many who opt for abortion are young and unmarried. Years later the reality hits and they fall into depression and guilt.
I think all of these things are not indicators of a bad economy, global warming, unemployment or any such thing. These are indicators of a crisis of faith in America. This nation was founded in the the values of the Judeo/Christian faith. The President, regardless of political party, the Congress, the Supreme Court cannot legislate morality, despite the fact they believe they can. You cannot make a law forcing a person to carry a baby to term, love that child and give it a home. You cannot make a law forcing gangs to become neighborhood faith groups, etc. Here is what happens. The moment you make a law that law presumes guilt. You are never proclaimed innocent under the law, rather you are either guilty or not guilty. Only God can proclaim innocence.
It is time for the Church to become the Church, irrespective of denomination. The church needs to provide wise counsel to persons who are seriously considering an abortion. Not the council of judgement, because remember that is God's job. But we can provide the council of what it means to carry that child to term and bring new life into the world. If the mom and dad do not feel they can or want to raise the child then we must help them explore the possibility of blessing a family who cannot have children. The church needs to put on the armor of God and move into the neighborhood and show the angry teens the love and forgiveness of God.
God did not send us to be pew sitters, but missionaries...harvest hands....the Body of Christ. Rather than burying the victims let's rescue the perishing as the old hymn proclaims. The neighborhood needs to hear of God's redeeming love and forgiveness that came because His Son was killed by a mob.
We need to trade our Sunday best for "soup, soap and salvation" as the Salvation Army used to say. We can form athletic teams, build skate parks, advocate with our city officials. Our crisis in America did not start on September 11. It did not start when Barack Obama was elected President (but that didn't help). Our crisis in America began when the church moved out of the neighborhood, out of the alley and out of controversial issues. Christians, Jews and people of all faiths, there is but one God and I have to tell you he is pretty radical. Can you imagine how controversial it was when Jesus called the temple in Jerusalem a den of robbers and thieves? Can you imagine the controversy when he save the woman who had been found guilty of adultery? Can you imagine the controversy when he ate with sinners and tax collectors instead of the good people? Oh yes, he was more than a little controversial and radical. We have to begin to show that radical healing love of God.
I could care less about H1N1 because I'm going to die physically sooner or later anyway. I don't care about global warming or cooling because my citizenship is not of this world. I am concerned about those who have never felt God's love or the love of the Church in their life. It is time as Jim Cymbala's book says to have a "Fresh Wind" blowing. In the words of that great Nebraskan who looks rough but has a heart of gold, Larry the Cable Guy, let's "get 'er done." Amen?
God Bless You and God Bless the Poor, Hungry, Homeless and Lost,
Ray
So then, what is the great American crisis? It is a crisis of morals and values which is a result of a crisis of faith. We are in the midst of something that may not be reversible if we don't step up to the plate and get involved as individuals and faith communities.
We have seen cell phone video of teen girls brutally beating another girl for allegedly stealing another girl's boyfriend. We saw the gruesome beating death of a young man who happened to get innocently involved with a gang. We see one celebrity after another being caught in the middle of a cheap affair. We have seen, how many, politicians come clean after repeatedly cheating on their spouse. We have seen government officials being forced to resign because they were caught in the tax payer's cookie jar. And we see abortion becoming as common as getting treated for the flu. A report this evening proudly boasted that now 51% of Americans identified themselves as pro-life. But sadly, that leaves 49% who either just don't care or are pro-abortion. The PC word is pro-choice, but that frankly is crap. The baby inside a mother's womb is NOT a choice. Babies are now subjected to saline solution, knives which chop and dice the fetus, to suctioning. When God allows an egg to be fertilized by the man's sperm that becomes life, not a nuisance to get rid of. I know one doctor who was reprimanded during his internship for asking a woman why she didn't consider birth control instead of repeated abortions.
I do not condemn the woman who has an abortion, because when I looked at my driver's license this morning it did not say GOD. Therefore, I will leave the judgement part to our God. I do pray for these women daily. And I pray for the fathers. Many who opt for abortion are young and unmarried. Years later the reality hits and they fall into depression and guilt.
I think all of these things are not indicators of a bad economy, global warming, unemployment or any such thing. These are indicators of a crisis of faith in America. This nation was founded in the the values of the Judeo/Christian faith. The President, regardless of political party, the Congress, the Supreme Court cannot legislate morality, despite the fact they believe they can. You cannot make a law forcing a person to carry a baby to term, love that child and give it a home. You cannot make a law forcing gangs to become neighborhood faith groups, etc. Here is what happens. The moment you make a law that law presumes guilt. You are never proclaimed innocent under the law, rather you are either guilty or not guilty. Only God can proclaim innocence.
It is time for the Church to become the Church, irrespective of denomination. The church needs to provide wise counsel to persons who are seriously considering an abortion. Not the council of judgement, because remember that is God's job. But we can provide the council of what it means to carry that child to term and bring new life into the world. If the mom and dad do not feel they can or want to raise the child then we must help them explore the possibility of blessing a family who cannot have children. The church needs to put on the armor of God and move into the neighborhood and show the angry teens the love and forgiveness of God.
God did not send us to be pew sitters, but missionaries...harvest hands....the Body of Christ. Rather than burying the victims let's rescue the perishing as the old hymn proclaims. The neighborhood needs to hear of God's redeeming love and forgiveness that came because His Son was killed by a mob.
We need to trade our Sunday best for "soup, soap and salvation" as the Salvation Army used to say. We can form athletic teams, build skate parks, advocate with our city officials. Our crisis in America did not start on September 11. It did not start when Barack Obama was elected President (but that didn't help). Our crisis in America began when the church moved out of the neighborhood, out of the alley and out of controversial issues. Christians, Jews and people of all faiths, there is but one God and I have to tell you he is pretty radical. Can you imagine how controversial it was when Jesus called the temple in Jerusalem a den of robbers and thieves? Can you imagine the controversy when he save the woman who had been found guilty of adultery? Can you imagine the controversy when he ate with sinners and tax collectors instead of the good people? Oh yes, he was more than a little controversial and radical. We have to begin to show that radical healing love of God.
I could care less about H1N1 because I'm going to die physically sooner or later anyway. I don't care about global warming or cooling because my citizenship is not of this world. I am concerned about those who have never felt God's love or the love of the Church in their life. It is time as Jim Cymbala's book says to have a "Fresh Wind" blowing. In the words of that great Nebraskan who looks rough but has a heart of gold, Larry the Cable Guy, let's "get 'er done." Amen?
God Bless You and God Bless the Poor, Hungry, Homeless and Lost,
Ray
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Nebraska State Treasurer
Some of you already know that State Senator Tony Fulton has decided to seek the office of Nebraska State Treasurer. I want you to know that you can trust Tony, you can count on him to do what he says and always have the best interest of Nebraskans, you and I, in mind.
Tony has a strong background in finance and business. He is a strong Christian and a great family man. He and his wife Judy are the parents of six children. Tony is well known for his honesty and integrity. His office as State Senator has always been completely transparent. To Tony there is no "good old boys" club. He works hard for all citizens regardless of their socio/economic situation.
It has been my great pleasure to be able to call this man a friend. In the days to come Tony will be asking for your support and I want you to know that I support him 100%. You'll be seeing a lot from Tony and I hope you'll take time to get to know this man.
That's it for today, especially after the Husker loss. But these guys played hard and with intensity. They have made us proud.
Blessings,
Ray
Tony has a strong background in finance and business. He is a strong Christian and a great family man. He and his wife Judy are the parents of six children. Tony is well known for his honesty and integrity. His office as State Senator has always been completely transparent. To Tony there is no "good old boys" club. He works hard for all citizens regardless of their socio/economic situation.
It has been my great pleasure to be able to call this man a friend. In the days to come Tony will be asking for your support and I want you to know that I support him 100%. You'll be seeing a lot from Tony and I hope you'll take time to get to know this man.
That's it for today, especially after the Husker loss. But these guys played hard and with intensity. They have made us proud.
Blessings,
Ray
Saturday, September 5, 2009
I Don't Want My Grandfather's Buick
To borrow from the old slogan of Buick talking about your father's Buick, I would say, "NO!" I don't want my father's or my grandfather's Buick, or Chevy, or Olds, or Ford. Those were good cars in their day, but today cars are much better. They can go further, faster and safer than ever before. If you want some toys, they can be equipped with satellite radio, a satellite phone, backup camera, television/DVR, they can automatically sense a collision and slow you down. Today's car is superior to the ones I drove as a young man, although nothing compares to the 1962 Chevrolet SS with at 327 cu. in. engine and 300 hp. I guess we all have our favorites, but his blog is not about automobiles, but change.
My maternal grandfather, Clarence Gates (no relation to Bill darn it), was from Burr Oak, Kansas which is about as Republican as you can get. My grandfather had a bumper sticker I will never forget. It said, "Don't Blame Me......I Voted GOP" I can assure you that he, nor my paternal grandparents, nor my parents EVER voted anything but Republican. I was born with the tatoo of a red, white and blue elephant on my lower region. But I will admit to you that I have voted for Democratic candidates on a local, county, state and national level. NOT OFTEN, but I have done it which now gives me the right to complain about the party of my kin folk.
I now choose to support individual candidates more than I support the party. Over the past few years the Republican party at all levels, county, state and national, has become disjointed, dysfunctional and fragmented. We did a sloppy job in the Presidental election and we are about to make the same mistakes all over again because we refuse to get rid of the "good 'ole boy" network. What is the say, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." There is no room for fresh ideas, fresh faces and fresh candidates in the GOP of today. There are, of course, exceptions. I think of my friend Hal Daub who, while he has been involved for many years, he is an exceptional servant and willing to allow new ideas. Tony Fulton is another man who is the exception. He is not the politician of the "good 'old boys." And there are others, but if I try to name them all I'll miss someone I shouldn't have.
What I am saying is that we can no longer do business as usual in the Republican party and Nebraska is no exception. I am spending much of the day watching football. I am reminded of how the game has changed since I played. It is faster, more dynamic, adjusts easily, etc. Perhaps we who love the Republican party should take a lesson from the way athletics, cars, airplanes, medicine, television, etc. have adapted and adjusted. Those newspapers, for example, who refused to make changes are no longer in business. The first computer I owned was a Commodore 64, then I upgraded to a Commodore 128. Today my BlackBerry is faster than either of those and has far more memory. I used to be able to connect to CompuServe only in the evening. Now with lightening speed I can connect to any public server. Change is hard, but change is necessary if the GOP is to remain a viable political party.
As a pastor, I have found that brand loyalty is not important to today's Christian. They don't want to sing the same songs as their parents. No longer do we use a flannel graph to teach or even a black board. We are now high tech, with digital images, the music is more contemporary, people can do online registrations for events, etc.
Don't take me wrong. I am not jumping ship on the GOP. If I were, I would tell you after I had registered Democratic or Independent, which half our kids have done. I asked them why and they say it is just more of the same. I argue that the Democrats have similiar issues, but they are either giving the change a try or just not voting which is even worse. Folks, if you, like me, love the Republican Party then let's change it. You know that's tough and not popular when you suggest changing players, but it has to be done from the bottom up. Just because someone has been involved for years we don't need to throw them away, but we maybe bring in a fresh team. I have been critical as as such have been shut out of some circles, but I will keep on fighting for the GOP to again be the GRAND 'Ole Party, not just the Old Party. Roll up your sleeves, be willing to take some bumps and bruises, but let's again make this the party we know it can be. It's our best hope.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Ray
My maternal grandfather, Clarence Gates (no relation to Bill darn it), was from Burr Oak, Kansas which is about as Republican as you can get. My grandfather had a bumper sticker I will never forget. It said, "Don't Blame Me......I Voted GOP" I can assure you that he, nor my paternal grandparents, nor my parents EVER voted anything but Republican. I was born with the tatoo of a red, white and blue elephant on my lower region. But I will admit to you that I have voted for Democratic candidates on a local, county, state and national level. NOT OFTEN, but I have done it which now gives me the right to complain about the party of my kin folk.
I now choose to support individual candidates more than I support the party. Over the past few years the Republican party at all levels, county, state and national, has become disjointed, dysfunctional and fragmented. We did a sloppy job in the Presidental election and we are about to make the same mistakes all over again because we refuse to get rid of the "good 'ole boy" network. What is the say, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." There is no room for fresh ideas, fresh faces and fresh candidates in the GOP of today. There are, of course, exceptions. I think of my friend Hal Daub who, while he has been involved for many years, he is an exceptional servant and willing to allow new ideas. Tony Fulton is another man who is the exception. He is not the politician of the "good 'old boys." And there are others, but if I try to name them all I'll miss someone I shouldn't have.
What I am saying is that we can no longer do business as usual in the Republican party and Nebraska is no exception. I am spending much of the day watching football. I am reminded of how the game has changed since I played. It is faster, more dynamic, adjusts easily, etc. Perhaps we who love the Republican party should take a lesson from the way athletics, cars, airplanes, medicine, television, etc. have adapted and adjusted. Those newspapers, for example, who refused to make changes are no longer in business. The first computer I owned was a Commodore 64, then I upgraded to a Commodore 128. Today my BlackBerry is faster than either of those and has far more memory. I used to be able to connect to CompuServe only in the evening. Now with lightening speed I can connect to any public server. Change is hard, but change is necessary if the GOP is to remain a viable political party.
As a pastor, I have found that brand loyalty is not important to today's Christian. They don't want to sing the same songs as their parents. No longer do we use a flannel graph to teach or even a black board. We are now high tech, with digital images, the music is more contemporary, people can do online registrations for events, etc.
Don't take me wrong. I am not jumping ship on the GOP. If I were, I would tell you after I had registered Democratic or Independent, which half our kids have done. I asked them why and they say it is just more of the same. I argue that the Democrats have similiar issues, but they are either giving the change a try or just not voting which is even worse. Folks, if you, like me, love the Republican Party then let's change it. You know that's tough and not popular when you suggest changing players, but it has to be done from the bottom up. Just because someone has been involved for years we don't need to throw them away, but we maybe bring in a fresh team. I have been critical as as such have been shut out of some circles, but I will keep on fighting for the GOP to again be the GRAND 'Ole Party, not just the Old Party. Roll up your sleeves, be willing to take some bumps and bruises, but let's again make this the party we know it can be. It's our best hope.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Ray
Monday, August 24, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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