Larry David Blasted for 'Curb' Episode Where He Urinates on Jesus Painting - FOXNews.com
Posted using ShareThis
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
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Rumor Is A Hoax
For those of you who may have heard that Todd and Sarah Palin were getting divorced, it is only a hoax meant to destroy the Palin's.
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.nypost.com/seven/08012009/news/nationalnews/palin__im_not_getting_divorced__182519.htm
http://www.facebook.com/l/;www.nypost.com/seven/08012009/news/nationalnews/palin__im_not_getting_divorced__182519.htm
Saturday, July 18, 2009
It's Like Exlax
Okay, I admit that is a dumb blog title but someone once told me that a certain decision was like Exlax. Wait until morning to see if you still need it. I am afraid that President Obama and the liberals in Congress are about to force feed us a good dose of Exlax before we have read the directions and before we know whether or not we need it.
Before anyone clicks delete let me state that I agree the health care system in the United States could use some reform. Maggie and I are both 62 and our health insurance premiums are not cheap. So, reform yes but government control NO. All a person has to do is look at the Canadian health care program to know that is not something we want in this country. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. But tell me what kind of luck you think the Congress has had fixing anything. Fifteen states now have unemployment above 10% which is far higher than anyone in the Obama administration had predicted. We heard for months that anyone making less than $250,000 per year would see their taxes go down. Uh, excuse me. I haven't noticed my taxes being reduced and I can assure you that I make far less than a quarter of a million. We now have about three dozen czars in the administration. We have a car czar, and by the way the first one just got fired and the new one is a union man who knows little about cars other than the view from the backseat of a limo. We have a homeland security czar. Why isn't having a Homeland Security Secretary enough? Well, because a czar does not require confirmation in Congress and is not answerable to anyone except the President who can hire and fire at will. We have a stimulus czar, a banking czar and probably a czar over the czars. There were a lot of campaign promises made, obviously by both sides, but the man who won has not kept those promises. We were promised lower taxes, smaller government and strong bipartisanship. None of this has come about. On the contrary taxes are increasing, we are well on our road to the largest deficit in history and the greatest expansion of government in history. Now tell me again how government can "fix" the health care of America?
Yes, the President says that if you like your current insurance you can keep it. But if it happens to be employer paid, kiss it good-bye. Most employers will opt to pay a health care tax rather than provide you with insurance. The tax will cost less. If you keep your insurance you also are likely to be taxed to help pay for government coverage of those who are uninsured. Friends, this is classic "wealth redistribution." This was the foundation of the President's campaign. Take from the rich and give to the poor. Sounds okay on the surface, but who hires you? Who hires most Americans. If you work for a medium size to large company president Robin Hood will be taking from the employer who then will not be able to afford as many employees and you get to stand in an unemployment line. Sound good? I don't think so.
How about being 70 years old and getting cancer. Some government "czar" is going to determine whether or not you get treatment and the answer will likely be no. After all you are nearly the end of your life expectancy so treatment goes to a younger person. Or how about being told that the new hip or knee you need is really optional. In Canada many people wait months to years for needed surgery. It's a lottery, a crap shoot. Why do you think so many Canadians are coming to the U.S. for treatment? They can get the needed treatment here in a few days. If socialized health care was such a great thing they would stay in Canada. Oh, I forgot....the poor do. And that would happen here.
Our health care system is in need of repair, but not with government run and controlled health care. If this goes through it will never, I repeat NEVER be turned around. It will be FOREVER because the agents will be out of business as will many of the insurance companies. If this is so great, why is it that President Obama and the Congressional liberals want it done before the August break? It's because they don't want the Senator's and Representatives to come home and hear what the people have to say.
This, if passed as the President wants it, will be the largest mistake in recent history and perhaps in the history of our nation. The government owns 60% of General Motors and the unions own another 17%. They are proposing the same thing with education and now with your health insurance. Look at that! What problem have you seen in this country that the government couldn't make worse? DO NOT let this happen people. Contact your Senators and Representatives now and remind them for whom they work. You hired them and you can fire them. In Nebraska we are more fortunate because our Representatives are conservative as is Senator Johanns. But they need your encouragement. They need to hear from you so they can fight the good fight. Call or email them now and tell them NO on President Obama's health care reform bill.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
A link worth clicking:
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?fa=Home.Home
Before anyone clicks delete let me state that I agree the health care system in the United States could use some reform. Maggie and I are both 62 and our health insurance premiums are not cheap. So, reform yes but government control NO. All a person has to do is look at the Canadian health care program to know that is not something we want in this country. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. But tell me what kind of luck you think the Congress has had fixing anything. Fifteen states now have unemployment above 10% which is far higher than anyone in the Obama administration had predicted. We heard for months that anyone making less than $250,000 per year would see their taxes go down. Uh, excuse me. I haven't noticed my taxes being reduced and I can assure you that I make far less than a quarter of a million. We now have about three dozen czars in the administration. We have a car czar, and by the way the first one just got fired and the new one is a union man who knows little about cars other than the view from the backseat of a limo. We have a homeland security czar. Why isn't having a Homeland Security Secretary enough? Well, because a czar does not require confirmation in Congress and is not answerable to anyone except the President who can hire and fire at will. We have a stimulus czar, a banking czar and probably a czar over the czars. There were a lot of campaign promises made, obviously by both sides, but the man who won has not kept those promises. We were promised lower taxes, smaller government and strong bipartisanship. None of this has come about. On the contrary taxes are increasing, we are well on our road to the largest deficit in history and the greatest expansion of government in history. Now tell me again how government can "fix" the health care of America?
Yes, the President says that if you like your current insurance you can keep it. But if it happens to be employer paid, kiss it good-bye. Most employers will opt to pay a health care tax rather than provide you with insurance. The tax will cost less. If you keep your insurance you also are likely to be taxed to help pay for government coverage of those who are uninsured. Friends, this is classic "wealth redistribution." This was the foundation of the President's campaign. Take from the rich and give to the poor. Sounds okay on the surface, but who hires you? Who hires most Americans. If you work for a medium size to large company president Robin Hood will be taking from the employer who then will not be able to afford as many employees and you get to stand in an unemployment line. Sound good? I don't think so.
How about being 70 years old and getting cancer. Some government "czar" is going to determine whether or not you get treatment and the answer will likely be no. After all you are nearly the end of your life expectancy so treatment goes to a younger person. Or how about being told that the new hip or knee you need is really optional. In Canada many people wait months to years for needed surgery. It's a lottery, a crap shoot. Why do you think so many Canadians are coming to the U.S. for treatment? They can get the needed treatment here in a few days. If socialized health care was such a great thing they would stay in Canada. Oh, I forgot....the poor do. And that would happen here.
Our health care system is in need of repair, but not with government run and controlled health care. If this goes through it will never, I repeat NEVER be turned around. It will be FOREVER because the agents will be out of business as will many of the insurance companies. If this is so great, why is it that President Obama and the Congressional liberals want it done before the August break? It's because they don't want the Senator's and Representatives to come home and hear what the people have to say.
This, if passed as the President wants it, will be the largest mistake in recent history and perhaps in the history of our nation. The government owns 60% of General Motors and the unions own another 17%. They are proposing the same thing with education and now with your health insurance. Look at that! What problem have you seen in this country that the government couldn't make worse? DO NOT let this happen people. Contact your Senators and Representatives now and remind them for whom they work. You hired them and you can fire them. In Nebraska we are more fortunate because our Representatives are conservative as is Senator Johanns. But they need your encouragement. They need to hear from you so they can fight the good fight. Call or email them now and tell them NO on President Obama's health care reform bill.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
A link worth clicking:
http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?fa=Home.Home
Thursday, July 9, 2009
It's Time For All Good Men and Women
"It's time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their country." Those of us who are old enough to remember typing class can remember typing that line repeatedly. The problem is that it has never been more necessary. No is the time for the people of this great democracy to lift their voices in peaceful protest and say, "No more, Mr. Obama! No more out of control spending, no more government take overs of private business, no more big government." It's time for us, while we still can to rise up and take back the home of the brave and land of the free.
Barack Hussein Obama has lied to the American people. He campaigned as a centrist and now he has defaulted on every single promise he made. He is bordering on a dictator, or at least a bully. He is pro-abortion, anti-religion and continues to make apologies for America's behavior. NO MORE Mr. Obama! Enough is enough! Pick up a history book and you will learn that when a government owns 60% of the economy it has become a socialist nation. Barack Hussein Obama has stopped fly overs of patriotic American celebration's such as "God and Country." He says it is a violation of church and state to use military aircraft in a celebration that mentions God. Bull!! He speaks at a Christian university, Georgetown, and makes them cover a religious symbol behind him with plywood. What is he afraid of? Now he says that Americans must use fluorescent light bulbs.
What can we do? In some sense -- nothing. Yet, we still have time to save our nation. One of my favorite old hymns of the church is, "Rise Up O Men of God." Here is how the first verse goes:
Barack Hussein Obama has lied to the American people. He campaigned as a centrist and now he has defaulted on every single promise he made. He is bordering on a dictator, or at least a bully. He is pro-abortion, anti-religion and continues to make apologies for America's behavior. NO MORE Mr. Obama! Enough is enough! Pick up a history book and you will learn that when a government owns 60% of the economy it has become a socialist nation. Barack Hussein Obama has stopped fly overs of patriotic American celebration's such as "God and Country." He says it is a violation of church and state to use military aircraft in a celebration that mentions God. Bull!! He speaks at a Christian university, Georgetown, and makes them cover a religious symbol behind him with plywood. What is he afraid of? Now he says that Americans must use fluorescent light bulbs.
What can we do? In some sense -- nothing. Yet, we still have time to save our nation. One of my favorite old hymns of the church is, "Rise Up O Men of God." Here is how the first verse goes:
Rise Up O Men of God!
Have Done With Lesser Things.
Give Heart and Mind and Soul and Strength
To Serve the King of Kings.
That, my friends is exactly what must be done. We must rise up in defiance of this tyranny that is unfolding before our eyes. I am radical, of that there is little question, but I believe what we are seeing is the unfolding of a Biblical prophecy. And the time is now to become the men and women of God and "give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings." The Democrats now have a filibuster proof Senate. If they wish, they can enact any legislation they choose. Don't let that happen. Politicians do listen to the people. You and I are their employers. We can fire them and they know it. The entire House is up for re-election every two years along with half of the Senators. Let them know we intend to throw them out! Call and email, not only your Congressmen and Senators, but as many as you can. Tell them that if they don't put a stop to this you will immediately give money to anyone who runs against them. Let's see what metal Obama is made out of when the people turn on him, and it's beginning to happen. Liberals are beginning to become more conservative as are centrists.
If we rise up and the take over of America still happens, at least we tried. Yet, if it happens and we were silent, "as a lamb before it's shearers is silent," then we have no one to blame but ourselves. As that famous Nebraskan says, "Get-r-Done!" Now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their country!
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
I Met a Man (or Woman)...
Sometimes I find it is easy to grumble and complain about the things that, for the most part, are simply distractions to an otherwise great life. I complain because my feet hurt, but I'm sure the extra 30 pounds they are supporting doesn't help. I grumble because we can't afford to go out and each at a nice restaurant as often as I would like, but consider the fact that I could buy that same steak and potato and eat at home for half the price. I moan and groan when it gets cool and wet outside and I have to give up my lawn work or golf game. For the most part we are a society of groaners and grumblers.
About a week ago I was working early, about 5:00 a.m., and a fellow walked in with a back pack, worn out running shoes, unshaven, unshowered, and about anything else you can think of. He asked, "Do you have any work I could do for a cup of coffee? I'm trying to stay sober." Of course, I simply said, "Let me buy you a cup." We spoke for only a minute and he was gone. I had never seen him before and doubt if I will see him again.....at least in this life. I thought, wow, I'm glad I'm not like that man. I had a shower, a breakfast, all the coffee I wanted and more than I needed. I had clean clothes, drove a car, so I sure wouldn't want to trade places. I suddenly remembered several scripture verses that convicted me. One was "be careful in entertaining strangers for in so doing some have entertained angels without knowing." I remembered how, by the well, Jesus was thirsty and again from the cross. And I thought, what if that man was Jesus? In a sense he was, because he made me see how little I had to grumble about. In fact, when I began to think of my blessings the other things faded into nothingness.
Almost everyday on West "O" Street there is an old gentleman holding a sign asking for help. He is obviously homeless and without money. Sure, he probably gets fed at the City Mission and other places, but when I get home I have a soft sofa to relax on. I take a hot shower, have a fresh cup of coffee or tea and then eat a great meal prepared by my wife. Man, I am glad I'm not like that guy. But what separates us? One paycheck, one tragedy in life? And what if that man is the Christ?
When you look at the old, the sick, the poor, the dying, the homeless, the hungry, the drunk, the drug addict what do you see? Open your spiritual eyes and catch a glimpse of the Christ who took our sin upon himself and carried it to the cross. He became the drunk, the addict, the sick, the leper, the orphan, the homeless, etc. So when you see these people they may be closer to the real Christ than the artist's impression. He was often dirty, had dirty clothes, had no home to call his own, we was a traveler. He was one of us. He is the soldier wounded in action, the grieving widow at home, he is the student who has given up, the teen who is tempted. Where will Jesus come first when he returns? The Jews believe that he will come first to the Mount of Olives. Some believe he will surely show up in on of the high steeple, few people churches. But I would suggest he might show up at the bar, at the crack house, at the track, at the children's hospitals, etc.
If we really want to serve Jesus, let me suggest that we get out of our pews and onto the streets. Find the street corner Jesus, find the drunk, find the sick, the near homeless, the little child. Go to the mission and volunteer. Offer to help your church in it's ministry to the poor and hungry. But you gotta get up from the pew and as the master said, "Go out into the alleys, the countryside," and find those who need a kind word and who will let you see Christ a little better.
I am reminded of a song that says, "I once had to food to eat then I met a man who had no teeth. I once had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet." Lord, forgive me when I grumble and whine and complain. Help me to remember that you suffered unbearable pain for me."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
About a week ago I was working early, about 5:00 a.m., and a fellow walked in with a back pack, worn out running shoes, unshaven, unshowered, and about anything else you can think of. He asked, "Do you have any work I could do for a cup of coffee? I'm trying to stay sober." Of course, I simply said, "Let me buy you a cup." We spoke for only a minute and he was gone. I had never seen him before and doubt if I will see him again.....at least in this life. I thought, wow, I'm glad I'm not like that man. I had a shower, a breakfast, all the coffee I wanted and more than I needed. I had clean clothes, drove a car, so I sure wouldn't want to trade places. I suddenly remembered several scripture verses that convicted me. One was "be careful in entertaining strangers for in so doing some have entertained angels without knowing." I remembered how, by the well, Jesus was thirsty and again from the cross. And I thought, what if that man was Jesus? In a sense he was, because he made me see how little I had to grumble about. In fact, when I began to think of my blessings the other things faded into nothingness.
Almost everyday on West "O" Street there is an old gentleman holding a sign asking for help. He is obviously homeless and without money. Sure, he probably gets fed at the City Mission and other places, but when I get home I have a soft sofa to relax on. I take a hot shower, have a fresh cup of coffee or tea and then eat a great meal prepared by my wife. Man, I am glad I'm not like that guy. But what separates us? One paycheck, one tragedy in life? And what if that man is the Christ?
When you look at the old, the sick, the poor, the dying, the homeless, the hungry, the drunk, the drug addict what do you see? Open your spiritual eyes and catch a glimpse of the Christ who took our sin upon himself and carried it to the cross. He became the drunk, the addict, the sick, the leper, the orphan, the homeless, etc. So when you see these people they may be closer to the real Christ than the artist's impression. He was often dirty, had dirty clothes, had no home to call his own, we was a traveler. He was one of us. He is the soldier wounded in action, the grieving widow at home, he is the student who has given up, the teen who is tempted. Where will Jesus come first when he returns? The Jews believe that he will come first to the Mount of Olives. Some believe he will surely show up in on of the high steeple, few people churches. But I would suggest he might show up at the bar, at the crack house, at the track, at the children's hospitals, etc.
If we really want to serve Jesus, let me suggest that we get out of our pews and onto the streets. Find the street corner Jesus, find the drunk, find the sick, the near homeless, the little child. Go to the mission and volunteer. Offer to help your church in it's ministry to the poor and hungry. But you gotta get up from the pew and as the master said, "Go out into the alleys, the countryside," and find those who need a kind word and who will let you see Christ a little better.
I am reminded of a song that says, "I once had to food to eat then I met a man who had no teeth. I once had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet." Lord, forgive me when I grumble and whine and complain. Help me to remember that you suffered unbearable pain for me."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Six Degrees of Separation? Rethink That Please!
I want to offer you a website today that every American should do to. It is http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/. You will be absolutely shocked and baffled when you see what's there. It is of little wonder to me that nobody has been able to fully connect all the ACORN dots, at least until now. There are literally hundreds of splinter groups that all come down the yellow brick road and stop at ACORN's front step. Further more, you will be shocked at some of the funders. Try the Carnegie Corporation, Allstate Foundation, Streisand Foundation, and the Lear Family Foundation to name just a few. One of the groups is Progressive Democrats of America which is probably closely linked to the socialist leaning Progressive Caucus and is supported by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She was named to that groups Executive Committee in 2002.
Next simply go to individuals and type in Barack Obama. You will see that there is compelling evidence that he is not a natural born citizen of the United States. His grandmother insisted that she was present when he was born in Kenya. There is also the question of a registration document from the Madrassa he attended where it states he is both Muslim and Indonesian. You will probably be surprised to learn that the group Democratic Socialists of America is linked to him, as is the Arab American Action Network, ACORN, Rainbow/PUSH Foundation and many more. I am not saying that he is impacted by these alliances, but it would seem as if he could be.
It is so hard to make all the connections between groups, individuals and givers because they keep morphing all over the place. You'll notice on the maps how they keep floating around. That's a sign of their disguise and it is intentional. Not all the groups or individuals are bad, but this website helps you make your own conclusions and I am grateful to the sponsors of this site for their hard work and diligence. Give it a try.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Champion
I met a man, the most incredible man, who must remain nameless for now. I met him at table breaking bread together. I didn't know him, but was drawn to him like metal is attracted to the magnet, or the other way around. I really knew nothing about this fellow. I had never met him before. He spoke to me with a Spanish accent and was obviously of Hispanic origin. Since I don't have his permission, I will only tell you that in Spanish his name means "The Champion." He told me something very interesting, however. A true champion is not someone who always wins or never gets knocked down. Rather, he said, "a real champion is the one who gets back up after being knocked down." Turns out, this man has been in prison twice. His father had murdered his mother. He had been in gangs, wandered around as one without any hope and lacked purpose in life. Somewhere along the line he discovered Christ and his grace and mercy. I instantly fell in love with "The Champion," who by the way had also been a prize fighter. I don't know exactly what first drew me to him, but none-the-less we are forever friends although our backgrounds are vastly different.
Why do I share this story with you? It is because it was on the road to Emmaus that two men, two disciples, met up with the risen Christ, but failed to recognize him. They walked and they talked, but had no clue they were walking with the Lord. It was a considerable distance from Jerusalem to Emmaus and so when it got late they ask this stranger to come in and eat with them. It was when they were at the table and the bread was broken that they realized this was the Messiah, the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. I would suggest that through the breaking of bread, the sharing of a meal, we truly get to know another. When we are at table together we discover the worth, the value, the uniqueness, the beauty and the Christ in those at the table with us. I remember Sunday dinners (at noon but it was such a feast we called it dinner) at my fraternal grandmothers. It just went without saying that every Sunday at noon the entire family would gather around grandma's table for a feast. Usually fried chicken, round steak or roast beef, fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, etc., etc. filled the table. Everyone, young and old, three generations would eat until we couldn't move. But more than that, we had family conversations around that table. That's where we learned all that had happened to each other during the previous week. Being a teen, I am sure I only told part of the happenings, but I listened intently to my parents and grandparents. I found something valuable at that table. I found my identity as a member of the family. Friends, it is when you sit at the table with others and invite the stranger on the Emmaus Road to eat with you that you find your identity as a child of God and as a brother or sister to others at the table.
My grandmother's table was open to anyone, anytime. She used to run a cafe, called the Victory. It was started at the onset of WWII. Growing up I saw her go the the cafe at 4 a.m. to bake pies and cinnamon rolls. Then I watched her give more away than she ever charged for. The police, firemen, etc. never had to buy a roll or coffee. I saw her fix chili and sandwiches for the firemen after a fire......never charging for that meal. I saw her fix sandwiches for Rodney and others who were poor, down on their luck or just needed a homemade meal. I saw her deny herself to help others, yet she always had more than enough. I am not telling you this to glorify my grandmother, although to me she was a saint, but to make a point. The point is that Jesus invites everyone to his table. Not just the rich and powerful, but the poor, the lame, the leper, the criminal, the heathen. He wants to break bread with us and reveal himself as our Savior.
He also wants us to do likewise. He wants us to invite the outsider to our table. He wants us to take time to know that outsider, what their hurts, their fears, their frustrations and their joys are. He wants us to invest ourselves in other people and that's true discipleship. Remember, in the breaking of bread you will discover the Christ in the the stranger.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Why do I share this story with you? It is because it was on the road to Emmaus that two men, two disciples, met up with the risen Christ, but failed to recognize him. They walked and they talked, but had no clue they were walking with the Lord. It was a considerable distance from Jerusalem to Emmaus and so when it got late they ask this stranger to come in and eat with them. It was when they were at the table and the bread was broken that they realized this was the Messiah, the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. I would suggest that through the breaking of bread, the sharing of a meal, we truly get to know another. When we are at table together we discover the worth, the value, the uniqueness, the beauty and the Christ in those at the table with us. I remember Sunday dinners (at noon but it was such a feast we called it dinner) at my fraternal grandmothers. It just went without saying that every Sunday at noon the entire family would gather around grandma's table for a feast. Usually fried chicken, round steak or roast beef, fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, etc., etc. filled the table. Everyone, young and old, three generations would eat until we couldn't move. But more than that, we had family conversations around that table. That's where we learned all that had happened to each other during the previous week. Being a teen, I am sure I only told part of the happenings, but I listened intently to my parents and grandparents. I found something valuable at that table. I found my identity as a member of the family. Friends, it is when you sit at the table with others and invite the stranger on the Emmaus Road to eat with you that you find your identity as a child of God and as a brother or sister to others at the table.
My grandmother's table was open to anyone, anytime. She used to run a cafe, called the Victory. It was started at the onset of WWII. Growing up I saw her go the the cafe at 4 a.m. to bake pies and cinnamon rolls. Then I watched her give more away than she ever charged for. The police, firemen, etc. never had to buy a roll or coffee. I saw her fix chili and sandwiches for the firemen after a fire......never charging for that meal. I saw her fix sandwiches for Rodney and others who were poor, down on their luck or just needed a homemade meal. I saw her deny herself to help others, yet she always had more than enough. I am not telling you this to glorify my grandmother, although to me she was a saint, but to make a point. The point is that Jesus invites everyone to his table. Not just the rich and powerful, but the poor, the lame, the leper, the criminal, the heathen. He wants to break bread with us and reveal himself as our Savior.
He also wants us to do likewise. He wants us to invite the outsider to our table. He wants us to take time to know that outsider, what their hurts, their fears, their frustrations and their joys are. He wants us to invest ourselves in other people and that's true discipleship. Remember, in the breaking of bread you will discover the Christ in the the stranger.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We Owe No Apologies!
It seems as if every time I turn on the news, I mean real news which does not include CBS or NBC, I hear our President offering an Islamic nation an apology for America's actions. On his foreign visits and when meeting with world leaders, our President apologizes for our post 911 responses. Today, in Cairo, Obama told the world and the Islamic nations that after September 11 America did not act according to our traditions and ideals. I would say to him that we absolutely acted according to our traditions and ideals. The people of the United States have always stood with those who have been victimized by the acts of others. Our ideals tell us that when a bully hits us we will retaliate against that bully. That's exactly what we did and I will make no excuse or apology for America or for supporting our post 911 actions! I am proud to be an American and if you kill my neighbors I will come against you with everything I have. I will honor the fallen by defeating evil wherever it raises it's ugly head.
During his speech, Obama made several references and even quoted the Koran. Don't take me wrong. I have a deep respect for Muslims and their faith. I have read much of the Qur'an and it has many of the same teachings that Christians have. And the same way in which some people can make the Bible say what they want, others, extremists, can make the Qur'an say what they want. But Obama seems much more familiar with Islam than with Christianity. After all he was schooled at a Madrassa. Do some research and you will see that these schools tend to be more militant. Some would argue that they produce terrorists. Whether or not that is true I will leave to your opinion. All I know is that I am sick of hearing our President apologize for our actions. Would it have been different if Michelle or his daughters had been in the Twin Towers?
Even Billary Clinton, back in January of 2007, stated that Obama had attended a Madrassa, something he would rather you not know. To me, I don't really care, but I will tell you it seems like he has a love affair going on with Islam that is causing him to apologize all over himself for America's response to September 11. In fact, so much so that in this speech he never mentioned terrorists, terrorism, etc. He said that Iraq was a war of choice. He has said that Iran has every right to nuclear technology for generating power. That's their intent!! They are building bombs that will generate power over Israel and God knows who else. He is more interested in the rights of the GITMO inmates than in the rights of Americans to end terrorism.
Truthfully, I am ashamed of our President. He can't speak without a tele-prompter. He bows to Muslim leaders and looks down his nose at us. Don't believe me, look at how he holds his head when speaking to Americans. I would say that he is a joke, but there is nothing funny about it. God help us if we are attacked again. He'll make all sorts of excuses, but take no action for fear of offending foreign leaders. This man is not fit to be President. And I will not only say, God Bless American, but also God Help America and get us through his administration in one piece.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
During his speech, Obama made several references and even quoted the Koran. Don't take me wrong. I have a deep respect for Muslims and their faith. I have read much of the Qur'an and it has many of the same teachings that Christians have. And the same way in which some people can make the Bible say what they want, others, extremists, can make the Qur'an say what they want. But Obama seems much more familiar with Islam than with Christianity. After all he was schooled at a Madrassa. Do some research and you will see that these schools tend to be more militant. Some would argue that they produce terrorists. Whether or not that is true I will leave to your opinion. All I know is that I am sick of hearing our President apologize for our actions. Would it have been different if Michelle or his daughters had been in the Twin Towers?
Even Billary Clinton, back in January of 2007, stated that Obama had attended a Madrassa, something he would rather you not know. To me, I don't really care, but I will tell you it seems like he has a love affair going on with Islam that is causing him to apologize all over himself for America's response to September 11. In fact, so much so that in this speech he never mentioned terrorists, terrorism, etc. He said that Iraq was a war of choice. He has said that Iran has every right to nuclear technology for generating power. That's their intent!! They are building bombs that will generate power over Israel and God knows who else. He is more interested in the rights of the GITMO inmates than in the rights of Americans to end terrorism.
Truthfully, I am ashamed of our President. He can't speak without a tele-prompter. He bows to Muslim leaders and looks down his nose at us. Don't believe me, look at how he holds his head when speaking to Americans. I would say that he is a joke, but there is nothing funny about it. God help us if we are attacked again. He'll make all sorts of excuses, but take no action for fear of offending foreign leaders. This man is not fit to be President. And I will not only say, God Bless American, but also God Help America and get us through his administration in one piece.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Does He Realize?
Take a look at the map of Israel on the left. Next take a look at the map on the right. The blue area is Israel. The yellow is the state of Maine, not an overly large state but much larger than the size of Israel. Below the comparison map of Maine and Israel is a map showing Israel compared to the United States. Look very hard at the blue area on the map. It is roughly where Nebraska is, so this could be a map of Lake McConaughy, which has a shore line of approximately 100 miles. But this is not Big Mac, rather it is the state (nation) of Israel. President Obama loves to meet with terrorist nations and their leaders, but gives little time to those who have 
historically stood with America. He has now met with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader and as a result has encouraged Israel to stop settlement construction in the West Bank. The West Bank is disputed territory, but it is historically part of Israel. Look at how tiny this little nation is compared to event he state of Maine and we have the audacity to tell them to stop building. Everyday there are rocket attacks on Israel. Many civilians have been injured and killed, but all we ever hear about is poor Palestine and how Israel is being the bully. Before the 1968 war, Israel was only 9 miles wide at it's narrowest point. It isn't much better today, yet Obama says "stop building." He just doesn't get it friends! We best stand with Israel 100%. It will be Israel that puts an end to Iran's nuclear program, not Palestine. I have been to Israel twice and have stood at the very northern point. I was able to throw a stone from Israel into Southern Palestine and Syria. Lincoln and Omaha are both larger than Israel if you count the suburbs. Those of you who have been around Lincoln a lot may have heard of the 9 mile prairie. It was 9 miles from Lincoln. Now it's just a stone's throw. If the Governor told Lincoln to stop building west of 1st street he would be chased out of office. Yet, Obama tells this tiny nation to stop constructing settlements in the West Bank. Nonsense Mr. Obama! Since my calling is Christian ministry, let me quote a bit of scripture, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Maybe we should begin to stand with those who stand with us. If we were in trouble do you suppose Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinians would stand with us or fight for us? Rhetorical question.
historically stood with America. He has now met with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader and as a result has encouraged Israel to stop settlement construction in the West Bank. The West Bank is disputed territory, but it is historically part of Israel. Look at how tiny this little nation is compared to event he state of Maine and we have the audacity to tell them to stop building. Everyday there are rocket attacks on Israel. Many civilians have been injured and killed, but all we ever hear about is poor Palestine and how Israel is being the bully. Before the 1968 war, Israel was only 9 miles wide at it's narrowest point. It isn't much better today, yet Obama says "stop building." He just doesn't get it friends! We best stand with Israel 100%. It will be Israel that puts an end to Iran's nuclear program, not Palestine. I have been to Israel twice and have stood at the very northern point. I was able to throw a stone from Israel into Southern Palestine and Syria. Lincoln and Omaha are both larger than Israel if you count the suburbs. Those of you who have been around Lincoln a lot may have heard of the 9 mile prairie. It was 9 miles from Lincoln. Now it's just a stone's throw. If the Governor told Lincoln to stop building west of 1st street he would be chased out of office. Yet, Obama tells this tiny nation to stop constructing settlements in the West Bank. Nonsense Mr. Obama! Since my calling is Christian ministry, let me quote a bit of scripture, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Maybe we should begin to stand with those who stand with us. If we were in trouble do you suppose Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinians would stand with us or fight for us? Rhetorical question. 
God Bless You and God Bless America! And, May God Bless Israel!The tiny red dot is Isreal. Stop building?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
One Step Closer
"U.S. Likely Taking Majority Ownership of GM" That's the headline and it's being done by a 24 member task force whose experience equals zero. But the real story here is not General Motors. Rather, it is clear evidence that we Obama is one step closer to a socialistic nation. The auto makers, the banks, the insurance industry, Fanny and Freddie, etc. all can be summed up with one little, yet incredibly big word "SOCIALISM."
The Democrats can call it whatever they want...a rescue plan, revitalization, job growth, mortgage relief, credit card relief, ad nauseum. But it is socialism, plain, pure and simple. There is no other word for it. Wikipedia says this: "Socialism refers to any one of various economic theories advocating state or cooperative ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods....." When the United States government, which is supposed to be of the people and by the people and for the people, takes majority ownership of private business and industry what would you call it if not socialism?
And then the announcement of a woman to become the next Supreme Court justice who says openly that her opinions and decisions will be influenced by race and gender. Is this not just one more example of what the Obama administration is trying to do? I think a woman on the Supreme Court, whether anglo, latino, asian or black is wonderful. But when anyone, male or female openly states that race and gender will play a big part in their decisions, that person should not be allowed to sit on that bench, or any judicial bench.
Folks, we conservatives only have a very short time to rally the forces and give the people back their government. We have Senatorial and House elections next year and right now we look like a bunch of confused children lost in a department store. We better get over that and quick. You touch a hot store once it's an accident and a learning experience. Touch it twice and shame on us. We haven't learned much out of our defeats. We are dazed and confused. We are unorganized and the Grand Old Party isn't very grand right now. We let the liberal Democrats take control of the mayor's offices in our two largest cities. Shame on us! It's not just about fund raisers, and banners and "meet and greets." It's about rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. It's not to late yet, but to use the phrase with no insult intended, the fat lady is getting ready to sign. We best make sure it's the right song and not our funeral dirge.
Write, not only your representatives but also as many as you can. Volunteer to help get the grass roots growing. Get excited, get involved......GET OUR COUNTRY BACK before it's too late.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
The Democrats can call it whatever they want...a rescue plan, revitalization, job growth, mortgage relief, credit card relief, ad nauseum. But it is socialism, plain, pure and simple. There is no other word for it. Wikipedia says this: "Socialism refers to any one of various economic theories advocating state or cooperative ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods....." When the United States government, which is supposed to be of the people and by the people and for the people, takes majority ownership of private business and industry what would you call it if not socialism?
And then the announcement of a woman to become the next Supreme Court justice who says openly that her opinions and decisions will be influenced by race and gender. Is this not just one more example of what the Obama administration is trying to do? I think a woman on the Supreme Court, whether anglo, latino, asian or black is wonderful. But when anyone, male or female openly states that race and gender will play a big part in their decisions, that person should not be allowed to sit on that bench, or any judicial bench.
Folks, we conservatives only have a very short time to rally the forces and give the people back their government. We have Senatorial and House elections next year and right now we look like a bunch of confused children lost in a department store. We better get over that and quick. You touch a hot store once it's an accident and a learning experience. Touch it twice and shame on us. We haven't learned much out of our defeats. We are dazed and confused. We are unorganized and the Grand Old Party isn't very grand right now. We let the liberal Democrats take control of the mayor's offices in our two largest cities. Shame on us! It's not just about fund raisers, and banners and "meet and greets." It's about rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. It's not to late yet, but to use the phrase with no insult intended, the fat lady is getting ready to sign. We best make sure it's the right song and not our funeral dirge.
Write, not only your representatives but also as many as you can. Volunteer to help get the grass roots growing. Get excited, get involved......GET OUR COUNTRY BACK before it's too late.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Nero and The Fiddler On the Roof
It is said that, "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." It is now widely agreed that Nero could not have actually been playing a fiddle because that instrument had not been invented yet. However, there is another meaning to this word that is more likely. It is more like, "He was just fiddling around." Nero, in all likelihood was not playing a musical instrument, but was probably putting forth an ineffectual effort. It suggests a lack of proficiency and aimlessness. In other words, Emperor Nero didn't have a clue and in the meantime Rome actually burned.
I am concerned that Rome may be burning again while President Obama fiddles. It's not that he doesn't care, but I believe his effort, like that of Nero, is ineffectual and is somewhat aimless. He just doesn't get it. Barack Obama speaks about our Constitution, The Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. He made a big deal out of that when bashing George Bush and dismantling everything the former administration did. We are fighting an enemy that does not wear a uniform, much like in Vietnam. We are fighting an enemy that is brutal, that cares nothing for the lives of "infidels." We are facing an enemy that will attack us again if we allow our guard to be let down. These people are terrorists, they are radicals and would do anything to destroy us. They have NO RIGHTS! They are killers and they brag about it. I have been to too many military funerals, the Patriot Guard has ridden too many miles, too many flags have been at half staff because of these people who brag about killing Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen. It's like the old west when the Indians counted coup. THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO THE SAME RIGHTS YOU AND I HAVE!! They would kill you or I in a New York second and never think twice about it.
Water boarding isn't a pleasant experience but neither were the events of 9-11. Which is worse, being water boarded which only simulates drowning or the fiery inferno of the Twin Towers or the Pentagon or the Pennsylvania field? If you answered water boarding, then read no further. In a speech today, the President said we had went off course. He rejects enhanced interrogation. Well, my friends, the enemy doesn't reject them. They were about to set off some car bombs in New York if the CIA had not infiltrated the cell and headed it off. A car bomb loaded with nails, glass, pellets, etc. is the ultimate means of torture, NOT water boarding. In closing Gitmo, where are these terrorists going to be housed. Nebraska is one likely spot because we are one of several states that has the secure facility. I don't know about you, but I'm not overly excited about having them a couple miles from me. Plus, why do they need to receive a criminal trial in a U. S. courts as you and I would? These are war criminals. Some have been released and a large percentage of those simply went back to their terrorist roots.
Rome burned as Nero fiddled and the United States has become less secure as Obama fiddles. He is still basing many of his comments and decisions upon campaign slogans and rhetoric. Someone needs to tell him the campaign is over and he won so now be Presidential. He displays that same type of smug attitude when attending graduations in places like Notre Dame when he knows full well it will divide a faith community. He does the same thing when he insists a Christian symbol be covered so it won't be seen behind him. While he looks down his nose at you and I and gives the same justice to a terrorist that a U.S. citizen gets Rome is burning my friends.
Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, "When the people fear their government there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." Let us not relent in reminding those in Washington that they serve at our pleasure. We hired them and we can fire them. All too often they seem to forget that. Now, we have some great Nebraska leadership in Washington and we need to stand firmly with them and encourage them to fight the good fight. But the liberal, washy washy fat cat politicians who now control everything from the White House to the Congress need to be reminded for whom they work and we have to work hard to get them removed. No, they are not in Nebraska with the exception of Senator Nelson, but you know what. I made phone calls for McCain to places like Florida, Missouri and others from the comfort of my home and you can do the same. And now is a good time to begin writing letters to these false prophets. It's also a good time to donate time and money to the GOP. In the words of that famous Nebraskan, let's "Git 'er done!."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
I am concerned that Rome may be burning again while President Obama fiddles. It's not that he doesn't care, but I believe his effort, like that of Nero, is ineffectual and is somewhat aimless. He just doesn't get it. Barack Obama speaks about our Constitution, The Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. He made a big deal out of that when bashing George Bush and dismantling everything the former administration did. We are fighting an enemy that does not wear a uniform, much like in Vietnam. We are fighting an enemy that is brutal, that cares nothing for the lives of "infidels." We are facing an enemy that will attack us again if we allow our guard to be let down. These people are terrorists, they are radicals and would do anything to destroy us. They have NO RIGHTS! They are killers and they brag about it. I have been to too many military funerals, the Patriot Guard has ridden too many miles, too many flags have been at half staff because of these people who brag about killing Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen. It's like the old west when the Indians counted coup. THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO THE SAME RIGHTS YOU AND I HAVE!! They would kill you or I in a New York second and never think twice about it.
Water boarding isn't a pleasant experience but neither were the events of 9-11. Which is worse, being water boarded which only simulates drowning or the fiery inferno of the Twin Towers or the Pentagon or the Pennsylvania field? If you answered water boarding, then read no further. In a speech today, the President said we had went off course. He rejects enhanced interrogation. Well, my friends, the enemy doesn't reject them. They were about to set off some car bombs in New York if the CIA had not infiltrated the cell and headed it off. A car bomb loaded with nails, glass, pellets, etc. is the ultimate means of torture, NOT water boarding. In closing Gitmo, where are these terrorists going to be housed. Nebraska is one likely spot because we are one of several states that has the secure facility. I don't know about you, but I'm not overly excited about having them a couple miles from me. Plus, why do they need to receive a criminal trial in a U. S. courts as you and I would? These are war criminals. Some have been released and a large percentage of those simply went back to their terrorist roots.
Rome burned as Nero fiddled and the United States has become less secure as Obama fiddles. He is still basing many of his comments and decisions upon campaign slogans and rhetoric. Someone needs to tell him the campaign is over and he won so now be Presidential. He displays that same type of smug attitude when attending graduations in places like Notre Dame when he knows full well it will divide a faith community. He does the same thing when he insists a Christian symbol be covered so it won't be seen behind him. While he looks down his nose at you and I and gives the same justice to a terrorist that a U.S. citizen gets Rome is burning my friends.
Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, "When the people fear their government there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." Let us not relent in reminding those in Washington that they serve at our pleasure. We hired them and we can fire them. All too often they seem to forget that. Now, we have some great Nebraska leadership in Washington and we need to stand firmly with them and encourage them to fight the good fight. But the liberal, washy washy fat cat politicians who now control everything from the White House to the Congress need to be reminded for whom they work and we have to work hard to get them removed. No, they are not in Nebraska with the exception of Senator Nelson, but you know what. I made phone calls for McCain to places like Florida, Missouri and others from the comfort of my home and you can do the same. And now is a good time to begin writing letters to these false prophets. It's also a good time to donate time and money to the GOP. In the words of that famous Nebraskan, let's "Git 'er done!."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl
Those of you who are fans, or patrons, of Applebees know that the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl is one of their signature dishes. It also happens to be my favorite entree. It has slivered almonds, peppers, rice, broccoli, mushrooms and that just right bite. Maggie and I treat ourselves on occasion by exploring the menus at various eating establishments in Lincoln. I love most of them and those who have seen my spare tire would agree with me. I am in love with The Oven which serves Indian cuisine. Texas Roadhouse, Greenfields, Jade River are also on my favorite list. But when I want a tried and true meal that I can always count on we go to Applebees where I have only ordered one thing in the past five years (not quite). It just happens that there is an Applebees about one quarter mile from our home, so tonight that's where we went. As usual I ordered, you guessed it, the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl.....or so I thought.
It didn't take long for our meals to arrive and when they placed mine in front of me, I gasped. It wasn't the Crispy Orange Chicken. Instead it was the Oriental Chicken Salad, also good but not what I had planned on. The server was very astute and noticed my shock. I started to say, "That's not what I ordered," but I suddenly remembered it was exactly what I ordered, although not what I intended.
I told our server to leave it and I would eat it. After all, it was my mistake and I would live with it. She insisted on taking it back and bringing me the Crispy Orange Chicken. I felt bad and thanked her over and over. She just smiled and said, "It's our pleasure." Now, you are surely asking what all this has to do with anything. Truth is, I could go several directions with this story. I could turn it into a political point about getting what we asked for, but not what we wanted. Not a bad thought. However, to me this drives home a spiritual point. It is a modern day parable of sorts. I had hoped for wheat but got weeds? Perhaps, but to me this is a grace parable.
You and I are sinners. Case closed! We are spiritual criminals who have committed acts of lawlessness against God. We have broken God's law more times than we can count. Let's see, how many times have you and I used God's name in a less than holy way? How about adultery? Jesus taught that when you lust after another person in your heart you are guilty of adultery...oops! Ever committed a murder? Jesus said that if we hate someone we are guilty of murder. Okay, point made. We are not always the nice people on the inside that others see on the outside. So, "the wages of sin is death." That's what we ordered, but not what we wanted. That's what we deserve. We worked hard for it, we paid for it, we slept with it, ate it, drank it and so we deserve it. But wait! God through Christ also paid for it on the cross. We were given what we asked for, but God said "Let me bring you what you really want, not what you ordered." God says, "My grace is sufficient for you. I will take back that which you really asked for and bring you something better.....much better. I will bring you healing. I will bring you happiness. I will bring you happiness. I will bring you forgiveness." And that, boys and girls, is grace......God's Riches At Christ's Expense: GRACE.
I thanked my server upon leaving the building also. I thanked the manager. But mostly I thanked God.....no, not for Crispy Orange Chicken although it is divine, but for the lesson of this meal.
Look around you and you too will find grace staring you in the face. You will find Christ in a simple meal.....perhaps bread and wine, but also perhaps Crispy Orange Chicken. I will close, because if I preach any longer I will have to receive an offering. After all I am United Methodist. But wait....the bill has been paid. The offering has been given. We are free from the bondage of sin. A few lines ago I said, "The wages of sin is death," but the rest of that verse says, "but the free gift of God is eternal life."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
(The Tomb in the Garden of Gethsemane)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Showing the Ultrasound
Kudos to Senator Tony Fulton, who just happens to be my State Senator. Tony sometimes reminds me of John the Baptist. No, I have never seen him dressed in camel's hair or eating wild locusts. I think that may have been our friend Ernie Chambers. But, John the Baptist was a "voice of one crying out in the wilderness." His was a message of repentance. Likewise, Senator Fulton is often that voice crying in the wilderness of liberalism, of same-o-same-o politics, of it's done of our business thinking, and this won't work.
As a Christian pastor I fully and apologetically support this bill in the unicameral which would require a woman to be shown an ultrasound image of the unborn fetus in her before an abortion could take place. The bill also does not require the woman to view the image, but it has to be shown. So, I ask Senator Nantkes and other opponents what they have to worry about. The woman does not have to look at the image and she can still have the abortion, so what is the problem? What are those who oppose this bill, which happens to be LB 675 in case you want to contact your senator, afraid of? What is wrong with giving a woman more information? Are they afraid that more women will choose life over death? YES!! That is absolutely the issue. The opponents are absolutely afraid that women, often young girls, will view the image of life within the womb and decide to let this unborn child of God live. As a pastor, I would never condemn any woman for choosing to have an abortion. God does not condemn me, so who am I to condemn another? Yet, I can tell you that I have listened to many stories from women who have had abortions and live with that decision every second of their life. They often feel guilt, remorse, and more. I have tried to do my best to assure them of God's grace, yet I can see and often hear the depression, despair, guilt and anger. I have seen marriages break apart over this issue.
Senator Fulton is a man who is not afraid to let his faith and commitment to his Lord show on the floor of the Unicameral. If you have faith, light, what good does it do if you hide it (under a bushel)? So Kudos to Tony! Remember that Scripture proclaims, "Choose this day whom you will serve." It also says, "Choose life or death, but for me I will choose life." Human beings are the only creatures who will destroy a life before birth. I will not argue with anyone about when it involves the life of the mother or when it is from rape or incest. I would, however, council persons to speak with their pastor, priest or rabbi, and mostly with God. But abortion for abortion's sake is something that should not be made easier. Rather the decision should be made only after a woman has the opportunity to actually view the life within her. Write, call or email your state senator and tell them to support the Fulton bill LB 675. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/index.php
This is a case where my faith cannot remain silent and I pray yours will not.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
As a Christian pastor I fully and apologetically support this bill in the unicameral which would require a woman to be shown an ultrasound image of the unborn fetus in her before an abortion could take place. The bill also does not require the woman to view the image, but it has to be shown. So, I ask Senator Nantkes and other opponents what they have to worry about. The woman does not have to look at the image and she can still have the abortion, so what is the problem? What are those who oppose this bill, which happens to be LB 675 in case you want to contact your senator, afraid of? What is wrong with giving a woman more information? Are they afraid that more women will choose life over death? YES!! That is absolutely the issue. The opponents are absolutely afraid that women, often young girls, will view the image of life within the womb and decide to let this unborn child of God live. As a pastor, I would never condemn any woman for choosing to have an abortion. God does not condemn me, so who am I to condemn another? Yet, I can tell you that I have listened to many stories from women who have had abortions and live with that decision every second of their life. They often feel guilt, remorse, and more. I have tried to do my best to assure them of God's grace, yet I can see and often hear the depression, despair, guilt and anger. I have seen marriages break apart over this issue.
Senator Fulton is a man who is not afraid to let his faith and commitment to his Lord show on the floor of the Unicameral. If you have faith, light, what good does it do if you hide it (under a bushel)? So Kudos to Tony! Remember that Scripture proclaims, "Choose this day whom you will serve." It also says, "Choose life or death, but for me I will choose life." Human beings are the only creatures who will destroy a life before birth. I will not argue with anyone about when it involves the life of the mother or when it is from rape or incest. I would, however, council persons to speak with their pastor, priest or rabbi, and mostly with God. But abortion for abortion's sake is something that should not be made easier. Rather the decision should be made only after a woman has the opportunity to actually view the life within her. Write, call or email your state senator and tell them to support the Fulton bill LB 675. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/index.php
This is a case where my faith cannot remain silent and I pray yours will not.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Human Rights?
Everyone of us should be advocating for the rights of all persons regardless of race, age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Every person is created by God. Nobody else has been able to actually create a unique human being. It's a little like the story about man challenging God to the making of a person. God reaches down, takes some soil and fashions a person, then breathes life into it. Then the man reaches down to grab some dirt and God says, "Wait a minute. Go get your own dirt."
The problem is that not everyone, in fact very few, are treated with respect, dignity and honor. Even in this nation, the greatest nation on earth, very few people are granted equal rights as humans. I am among the privileged and perhaps you are too. I grew up in a small Nebraska town, Superior, with two parents who loved me, cared for me and taught me the value to other people. At the age of 35 I entered the ordained ministry and was granted the title of Reverend. It's amazing what that title does for a person. I have called hospitals, prisons and military commands that had it not been for the title "Reverend" I would not have gotten past the receptionist. I don't like using that title, but I have to admit it has gotten me through closed doors that otherwise would not have been open. My point is that I have been granted privilege. Not everyone has that.
Many people don't believe we have a homeless problem in Nebraska and especially in our rural areas. These folk are in denial. I remember one small western Nebraska community that when I helped someone with the basics of life I would ask "what is your address?" Very often the reply would be "under the bridge." These "under the bridge" folks do not have the same human rights that I have. They are looked down upon, they are made fun of, they are cast out, called drunks (when many don't drink because they can't afford it) and they are generally looked down upon. There are literally thousands of homeless persons in Nebraska and tens of thousands more who are "near homeless."
Watch when you go into a discount store and there is a greeter, or a customer, who is in a wheelchair. Normally, it is assumed that these men and women and young people are hard of hearing since they are in a chair. Clerks will often address the person who is with them, as if they aren't smart enough to answer. Shoppers will seldom look these people in the eye. They do not have the same human rights as I do.
I was excited when I heard that President Obama wanted the U.S. to sit on the UN Human Rights Council. Others who will be seated include Cuba, China and Saudi Arabia. Come on, get real! China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia in the same sentence as Human Rights is an oxymoron. Some of the members of this council are among the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world. Perhaps the best way to assure human rights is to do as President Bush did when he shunned this council. Others include Russia, Bangledesh, Cameroon, and Azerbaijan. Yet, I am not surprised. It seems as if President Obama spends more time making nice with repressive regimes, terroristic nations and the like than he does on true human rights issues. With the red tape involved it is nearly impossible for the "have nots" the "down and out" those that use the food pantry regularly, those that can't pay the rent, dress their kids like others, or afford utilities to make it. Do you have any idea how long it takes to get "Section 8" housing? What about SSDI, Medicaid, etc.? The part of the city where I currently work is filled with great people, honest people, hard working people, family people.........but the majority are among the working poor. How do they get out of this? They don't want a handout! But they do need a way out. Perhaps rather than glad handing with nations who are known for their human rights violations and terroristic actions, Mr. Obama should be more concerned about how to restore dignity to hope to the hurting of America. An old man at a mission once told me, "Homelessness is not the problem. Look into their eyes and if you don't see a sparkle, that is hopelessness and hopelessness is much worse than homelessness." Mr. Obama, rather than trillions on banks and greedy, ruined business leaders, perhaps you should spend that money on the hopeless and restore the twinkle in their eye. Restore the pride of a parent in their child who no longer has to dress in too small, worn out clothing. Remember, "hope does not disappoint us." Restore hope and you have restored America and we no longer need to give billions to "fat cats."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
The problem is that not everyone, in fact very few, are treated with respect, dignity and honor. Even in this nation, the greatest nation on earth, very few people are granted equal rights as humans. I am among the privileged and perhaps you are too. I grew up in a small Nebraska town, Superior, with two parents who loved me, cared for me and taught me the value to other people. At the age of 35 I entered the ordained ministry and was granted the title of Reverend. It's amazing what that title does for a person. I have called hospitals, prisons and military commands that had it not been for the title "Reverend" I would not have gotten past the receptionist. I don't like using that title, but I have to admit it has gotten me through closed doors that otherwise would not have been open. My point is that I have been granted privilege. Not everyone has that.
Many people don't believe we have a homeless problem in Nebraska and especially in our rural areas. These folk are in denial. I remember one small western Nebraska community that when I helped someone with the basics of life I would ask "what is your address?" Very often the reply would be "under the bridge." These "under the bridge" folks do not have the same human rights that I have. They are looked down upon, they are made fun of, they are cast out, called drunks (when many don't drink because they can't afford it) and they are generally looked down upon. There are literally thousands of homeless persons in Nebraska and tens of thousands more who are "near homeless."
Watch when you go into a discount store and there is a greeter, or a customer, who is in a wheelchair. Normally, it is assumed that these men and women and young people are hard of hearing since they are in a chair. Clerks will often address the person who is with them, as if they aren't smart enough to answer. Shoppers will seldom look these people in the eye. They do not have the same human rights as I do.
I was excited when I heard that President Obama wanted the U.S. to sit on the UN Human Rights Council. Others who will be seated include Cuba, China and Saudi Arabia. Come on, get real! China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia in the same sentence as Human Rights is an oxymoron. Some of the members of this council are among the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world. Perhaps the best way to assure human rights is to do as President Bush did when he shunned this council. Others include Russia, Bangledesh, Cameroon, and Azerbaijan. Yet, I am not surprised. It seems as if President Obama spends more time making nice with repressive regimes, terroristic nations and the like than he does on true human rights issues. With the red tape involved it is nearly impossible for the "have nots" the "down and out" those that use the food pantry regularly, those that can't pay the rent, dress their kids like others, or afford utilities to make it. Do you have any idea how long it takes to get "Section 8" housing? What about SSDI, Medicaid, etc.? The part of the city where I currently work is filled with great people, honest people, hard working people, family people.........but the majority are among the working poor. How do they get out of this? They don't want a handout! But they do need a way out. Perhaps rather than glad handing with nations who are known for their human rights violations and terroristic actions, Mr. Obama should be more concerned about how to restore dignity to hope to the hurting of America. An old man at a mission once told me, "Homelessness is not the problem. Look into their eyes and if you don't see a sparkle, that is hopelessness and hopelessness is much worse than homelessness." Mr. Obama, rather than trillions on banks and greedy, ruined business leaders, perhaps you should spend that money on the hopeless and restore the twinkle in their eye. Restore the pride of a parent in their child who no longer has to dress in too small, worn out clothing. Remember, "hope does not disappoint us." Restore hope and you have restored America and we no longer need to give billions to "fat cats."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Have You Forgotten?
Of course, many of you recognize the title of tonight's blog as Darryl Warley's hit song about the events of September 11. The chorus of Warley's song says,
"Have you forgotten how it felt that day
to see our homeland under fire
and her people blown away?"
There is obviously more than that and you can see the entire lyrics at http://http://www.anysonglyrics.com/lyrics/d/darrylworley/haveyouforgotten.htm. I am not trying to boost sales of Warley's music, but I am trying to suggest that many people have forgotten, but not the man and woman on the street.. We did have people inside those towers going through a living hell. The little spectacle involving Air Force One and what was billed as a photo op proves that some people still are edgy when it comes to low flying aircraft over NYC. I hardly blame them. But I do believe, unfortunately, that many of the liberal Dems have forgotten. The are more concerned with the blame game than defeating terrorism. Our President wants to sit down with terrorists and have a nice chat over tea. The House Speaker, Nancy (I Forgot) Pelosi does not want to violate a terrorist's civil rights. We can't use extreme measures to get the truth out of them. Well, what about the extreme measures of September 11 Ms. Speaker? You have forgotten what it felt like that day.
And Mr. Obama, you have forgotten! You want to reduce the deficit by reducing benefits to our veterans. You want to "cut and run" and just pull out of Iraq before the mission is accomplished. We are so very close to helping the Iraqi's strengthen their democracy, but you want us to pull out because George Bush was wrong and lied, as you say, to the people about this war. I have an opportunity on a daily basis to visit with military personnel. I have yet to find one that agrees with you Mr. Obama. "To pull out now says our soldiers who died, died for nothing," is what many tell me. War is hell, but sometimes you gotta take it to the enemy or they'll bring it to us. They proved that on September 11. And if we reduce our military, equip them inadequately, and make the same mistakes we made in Viet Nam I will assure you that we'll be fighting them again right here on our soil. I had a young soldier last Saturday tell me he was deploying to Iraq that day. I asked how he felt about it and he said, "This is my third tour and I can't wait to get back there." "Why," I asked. "Because, you wouldn't believe the difference we are making. We can't leave now, when we're this close," he replied.
But the Democratic leadership in Washington would rather give ten banks another $75 billion dollars that to protect freedom around the globe. They would rather debate the "cap and trade" issue that the weapons our troops need. They would rather talk about........well, just about anything that defeating terrorism. They would rather sip tea with the devil in Iran than feed him a cruise missile. If Bill Clinton had paid attention I don't think September 11 would have happened and Obama is even worse. Somebody needs to tell that man that the campaign is over and he won so get to work actually being the President.
America cannot afford this kind of behavior, because this is the real world and they are tearing Detroit down. This is the real world and they are leaving America vulnerable while all the time ushering in socialism. Listen friends, we have an opportunity to elect conservative Republicans in less than two years to both the House and the Senate. We can't wait until six weeks before the primaries, we have to start now. Talk to your friends and even those who are Dems. Write letters to the editor. Contribute to the GOP. Do something because as another old song says, "You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Public Health Emergency -- Spiritual Death Is Pandemic
In the past few days we have been hearing a lot about an outbreak of the "Swine Flu," that has apparently originated in Mexico and has now spread north of the border with 20 confirmed cases in the United States, one as close as Kansas. This is, of course, not the first time that Swine Flu has spread to humans. In the 1918 pandemic, which actually lasted nearly two years, some 20 to 100 million persons worldwide died. Nearly one-half of the world's population contracted this deadly virus. Since then, there have been at least three other outbreaks, the most note able of these being in 1976, however this was a relatively mild outbreak that caused very few deaths. Thus far it appears that in the United States, at least, this is also a mild form of the virus, however, it is potentially deadly.The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. So, what can you do to avoid getting the Swine Flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
I don't believe it is advisable to panic, even though this may become pandemic. Remember the scare we had over "Bird Flu?" It was going to kill tens of thousands. The government was scrambling to develop a vaccine. While in some of the less developed nations where sanitation is an issue it did cause considerable deaths, it just never really developed here. Just use good judgement. If you are sick, stay home. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not into your hand that you use to open doors, pick up books or shake hands. And wash those hands often.
Yes, it is true that influenza, just regular old human flu, causes thousands of deaths each year. Yes, many died from the Bird Flu worldwide and many could die from the Swine Flu. Already in Mexico there are at least 80 deaths. Cemeteries are filled with graves of those who died from Scarlet Fever, Measles, Smallpox, Tuberculosis and other illnesses. Thousands of graves hold the remains of persons who have died from war, from being victims of crime, from motor vehicle accidents, suicide and more.
My point being that, and I hope this is not a revelation to you, we are all going to die. Some of us will die at a very old age. Others may die in the prime of their life or even as infants or young children. Whenever it happens and whatever the cause, the result is the same........we are dead! Since dying is not an option, although we may have some control over the circumstances by getting regular checkups and taking certain precautions, the fact of death is not something to be overly concerned about. It will happen! Hence, the issue is what do we do about the life between birth and death? Are we living it out in a way that good physical, emotional and spiritual life? John Wesley, founder of Methodism is quoted as saying, "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." This is much like what Jesus said, "Whatever you do to the least of these, my brothers (and sisters) you do it also unto me."
My suggestion is that if you are sick and running a fever, have a cough and are vomiting, for goodness sakes stay home. If you are spiritually sick, please come home. The young lad in the parable of the Prodigal Son took his cut of the family farm early and went off into the big city and "lived it up," to the point where he had no food and no friends. Funny how many friends disappear when the money goes away. So, he finally came home expecting punishment. But he was greeted instead by his father who welcomed him home, put an expensive robe on him, gave him an expensive ring and held a feast in his honor. This young man was sick, he was spiritually dead and the father said, "My son who was dead is now alive." Personally, I think the odds of you dying from the Swine Flu are very small. But the odds of you dying are 100%. But worse than a physical death, because our body is just a shell, is a spiritual death...the death of our spirit when all hope is gone, when we see no way out of the deep, dark hole we are in. That's the worst kind of death because we have removed ourselves from the family. Good news is that God is waiting for us to come home. While we may have ignored him, while we may have forgotten about him, God has never ignored us. He yearns to give us back our life, putting new wine into new wine skins. The fact is, when God notices that you have not been talking to him, when he notices you have not gathered with the family lately, God makes a pastoral call on you. He is there with open arms.
Yep! Death is coming. For someone my age, it could, of course, be anytime but hopefully it'll be another 20 plus years. For my great grandchildren I pray it will be 80 or 90 years. Regardless, it is coming and we cannot stop it. What we can do something about is life. So, go live it up! Go party! God is the author of party, didn't you know that. He turned water into wine, he prepared a banq
uet for us in heaven. God wants us to have some fun. All too often Christians look as if they are at a funeral rather than a resurrection. And use that joy to share the good news with someone else. Twelve disciples were all that originally followed Jesus. Then he commissioned 72 others. Think of what millions of us can do for those who have no hope. AND, if you are one that feels as if you have no hope, realize that Christ died and rose again for you. Go find a pastor and have a visit. If you want names and numbers just let me know. But let's go LIVE for HIM and CHANGE the world for HIM.
uet for us in heaven. God wants us to have some fun. All too often Christians look as if they are at a funeral rather than a resurrection. And use that joy to share the good news with someone else. Twelve disciples were all that originally followed Jesus. Then he commissioned 72 others. Think of what millions of us can do for those who have no hope. AND, if you are one that feels as if you have no hope, realize that Christ died and rose again for you. Go find a pastor and have a visit. If you want names and numbers just let me know. But let's go LIVE for HIM and CHANGE the world for HIM.God Bless You and God Bless America.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
"We Can't Leave Now"
I have the high privilege of meeting and visiting with a number of military personnel on a daily basis. I am amazed at two things. First, I am amazed at how young they all look, but I have trouble telling age the older I get. Some of you can understand that. Second, I am amazed at their dedication to the mission and the cause of freedom. I have visited with PFC's, Sergeant Major's, Crew Chiefs and a few officers. These men and women have been deployed multiple times and they all, without exception, tell me they are ready to go back.
Today I asked both the Sergeant Major and an E-7 why they felt that way. "Because to leave now would be a defeat. It would also mean that a lot of people died for nothing." I asked if they thought we were really making a difference and they both replied, "Without question." You see, these folk are not politicians. They are men and women dedicated to the cause of freedom, whether it's here or somewhere half way around the world. To leave now would simply be another VietNam, where a lot of people died and nothing was finished.
I talked to these two men about the prospect that some individuals might be prosecuted for water boarding and other forms of interrogation. They were both angry, but especially the E 7, who is also Airborne. He hit the counter and said, that President Obama was more concerned with the enemy than with his own people. He said something about it being a disgrace. And you know, he is absolutely correct. Remember the song, "Have we forgotten?" I remember September 11 like it was yesterday, but today there are no, or very few, churches who hold services in remembrance of the events of that day. For about 90 days following September 11, churches were full. People were reaching out to God, but soon things were back to the way they had always been. It would be a national disgrace to prosecute people for water boarding! Especially so since Congress knew about it at the time and gave their blessing.
But you have to remember, we are talking about the same President who has apologized for the actions of the United States. He called us arrogant. He shook hands, not once, not twice but three times with Hugo Chavez who made a laughing stock out of him. He wants to be nice to the President of Iran. He has nothing but good to say about Castro. I really hope that all those who said, "Change Now," are happy with the changes they see, because this writer isn't. Change is not always a good thing. And change, just for the sake of change is seldom positive. As the leader of the free world, this President has to first ask, "is this in the best interest of Americans?" I don't think he has asked that question, and my gut says he never will.
I can respect most people and I could have lived with Hillary Clinton. She, at least, knows the dangers and warning signs which is more than I can say for Barack Obama. First, he has never stopped campaigning. Somebody needs to tell him that he won and now he needs to step up to the plate, stop being nice to everyone and be the President. I watch of a lot of football and basketball and I never once saw a team win by being nice to the other side. They can play fair, but those linemen are there to hit the other team as hard as they possibly can and drive the ball into the endzone. So far, Obama has just opened up a nice hole and invited the other side to run through it.
Let's remind him that he is able to be President because a bunch of people fought and died for his right to do so. A lot of blood was shed to allow him to take the oath of office. "Has he forgotten what it felt like that day?" Regardless of anything else, let's all write to him in support of our troops, in support of freedom (which is never free) and tell him "Not until the mission is accomplished."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Today I asked both the Sergeant Major and an E-7 why they felt that way. "Because to leave now would be a defeat. It would also mean that a lot of people died for nothing." I asked if they thought we were really making a difference and they both replied, "Without question." You see, these folk are not politicians. They are men and women dedicated to the cause of freedom, whether it's here or somewhere half way around the world. To leave now would simply be another VietNam, where a lot of people died and nothing was finished.
I talked to these two men about the prospect that some individuals might be prosecuted for water boarding and other forms of interrogation. They were both angry, but especially the E 7, who is also Airborne. He hit the counter and said, that President Obama was more concerned with the enemy than with his own people. He said something about it being a disgrace. And you know, he is absolutely correct. Remember the song, "Have we forgotten?" I remember September 11 like it was yesterday, but today there are no, or very few, churches who hold services in remembrance of the events of that day. For about 90 days following September 11, churches were full. People were reaching out to God, but soon things were back to the way they had always been. It would be a national disgrace to prosecute people for water boarding! Especially so since Congress knew about it at the time and gave their blessing.
But you have to remember, we are talking about the same President who has apologized for the actions of the United States. He called us arrogant. He shook hands, not once, not twice but three times with Hugo Chavez who made a laughing stock out of him. He wants to be nice to the President of Iran. He has nothing but good to say about Castro. I really hope that all those who said, "Change Now," are happy with the changes they see, because this writer isn't. Change is not always a good thing. And change, just for the sake of change is seldom positive. As the leader of the free world, this President has to first ask, "is this in the best interest of Americans?" I don't think he has asked that question, and my gut says he never will.
I can respect most people and I could have lived with Hillary Clinton. She, at least, knows the dangers and warning signs which is more than I can say for Barack Obama. First, he has never stopped campaigning. Somebody needs to tell him that he won and now he needs to step up to the plate, stop being nice to everyone and be the President. I watch of a lot of football and basketball and I never once saw a team win by being nice to the other side. They can play fair, but those linemen are there to hit the other team as hard as they possibly can and drive the ball into the endzone. So far, Obama has just opened up a nice hole and invited the other side to run through it.
Let's remind him that he is able to be President because a bunch of people fought and died for his right to do so. A lot of blood was shed to allow him to take the oath of office. "Has he forgotten what it felt like that day?" Regardless of anything else, let's all write to him in support of our troops, in support of freedom (which is never free) and tell him "Not until the mission is accomplished."
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
You're Right John.....He Is Greater
In recent days and weeks I have become increasingly frustrated by what I see going on with our government and some of our leaders. In particular I am frustrated and worried about the actions of our President and others in his cabinet. My concern centers around what I believe to be a move from a nation that protects the innocent, defends the cause of the poor, homeless, sick and elderly to one that is more concerned with becoming all inclusive to nations that have proven track records of denying basic human rights and freedoms. I am not opposed to allowing more travel between Cuba and the United States as this will allow Cuban Americans to visit their families still living just a few miles away. But until we see and end to the atrocities that the Castro dictatorship's commit on a daily basis, until we see free and open elections, until we see the end of a campaign of fear I am against the normalization of relations with them. Then, when I see my President shaking hands, not once but three times, with an evil dictator by the name of Hugo Chavez I am heart sick. This is the same man who called our former President "the devil." This is the same man who cares little, if anything, about the people of his country. He was a friend of Saddam Hussein and remains a friend with the Castro's and with the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is the leading supplier of weapons to the terrorists in Iraq and other places. And then he apparently bowed to the Saudi King. There is only one King that we, including our President should bow to and that's the King of kings.
It's strange how one hour in the presence of a Spirit filled church can change one's perspective, or is it? As I listened to one of my pastor's this morning and the the song's of praise that were offered I was instantly reminded of my favorite Bible verse, 1 John 4:4, "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." The world has always been filled with people who embraced evil and corruption, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. I pray that what I see happening in Washington is not intentional, but either way "Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world."
Throughout the pages of Scripture, which is the inerrant Word of God, we see evil, corruption, hatred going on. Go back and read the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Every evil we can think of was going on and God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and we think covered them with the Dead Sea. The world was, as we might say today, "going to Hell in a handbasket," in the days of Noah so God wiped out everything except Noah and his family and the animals that were brought aboard the ark. That should have been a purification, but it was short lived. God was saddened by what soon began to take place. God was heartsick and, I think angered. I know how much I love my children, but when I rescue them from self-destruction and then they turn around and do it again I get more than a little upset. Now, God had already promised never to destroy the world again with the water's of a flood, so what was God to do.
God could not tolerate such a Godless world. Even his chosen people, the Israelites, were filled with sin and corruption. They were not much better than the Romans. At least the Romans didn't profess to be God fearing people as did the Jews. There was only one thing left to do and that was a blood sacrifice. In seminary I used to have an old friend from Kentucky who was fond of saying, "There is no worship without sacrifice." David was right in those words. And in the Jewish culture there was no forgiveness without sacrifice. So God decided that he would provide one sacrifice good for all time and for all people. He became flesh and dwelt among us and His name was Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, The Christ, Christos, Dios, Jesu, the Lord of lords. God, allowed his one and only Son to die for the sins of the world, for you and for me and for a Godless and corrupt world that did not deserve it. But that's the beauty of grace. It doesn't just come to those who deserve it. If it did, nobody would ever received grace because none of us deserve it, although some perhaps think they do. Grace is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense." He was and is the Passover Lamb who was slain. Christ offered forgiveness from the cross that you and I hung him on when he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." "He who was without sin, became sin for our sakes." The sky turned black when he took our sin upon himself and then he breathed his last and offered up His spirit. But when he rose on Easter morning he had defeated the last enemy.
So now, I say that despite all the corruption in the world, in the Untied States, in Washington, in Nebraska, in my home, "He who is in us (you and I) is greater than he who is in the world." God defeated Satan long ago and cast him out of heaven and one day, "by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ," we will enter the gates of heaven. I do not believe in universal salvation, but I do believe it is universally available. It doesn't come by shaking hands with a corrupt leader, but it isn't denied by that either. It comes when one bows to the one true King, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is in those who believe and is greater than the one who is only in the world. Believe, be at peace, don't worry about the stock market, or anything else. Simply "know Jesus and know peace." In four to eight years we'll have new leadership, but we will always have one Savior.
God Bless You and God Bless America.
It's strange how one hour in the presence of a Spirit filled church can change one's perspective, or is it? As I listened to one of my pastor's this morning and the the song's of praise that were offered I was instantly reminded of my favorite Bible verse, 1 John 4:4, "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." The world has always been filled with people who embraced evil and corruption, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. I pray that what I see happening in Washington is not intentional, but either way "Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world."
Throughout the pages of Scripture, which is the inerrant Word of God, we see evil, corruption, hatred going on. Go back and read the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Every evil we can think of was going on and God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and we think covered them with the Dead Sea. The world was, as we might say today, "going to Hell in a handbasket," in the days of Noah so God wiped out everything except Noah and his family and the animals that were brought aboard the ark. That should have been a purification, but it was short lived. God was saddened by what soon began to take place. God was heartsick and, I think angered. I know how much I love my children, but when I rescue them from self-destruction and then they turn around and do it again I get more than a little upset. Now, God had already promised never to destroy the world again with the water's of a flood, so what was God to do.
God could not tolerate such a Godless world. Even his chosen people, the Israelites, were filled with sin and corruption. They were not much better than the Romans. At least the Romans didn't profess to be God fearing people as did the Jews. There was only one thing left to do and that was a blood sacrifice. In seminary I used to have an old friend from Kentucky who was fond of saying, "There is no worship without sacrifice." David was right in those words. And in the Jewish culture there was no forgiveness without sacrifice. So God decided that he would provide one sacrifice good for all time and for all people. He became flesh and dwelt among us and His name was Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, The Christ, Christos, Dios, Jesu, the Lord of lords. God, allowed his one and only Son to die for the sins of the world, for you and for me and for a Godless and corrupt world that did not deserve it. But that's the beauty of grace. It doesn't just come to those who deserve it. If it did, nobody would ever received grace because none of us deserve it, although some perhaps think they do. Grace is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense." He was and is the Passover Lamb who was slain. Christ offered forgiveness from the cross that you and I hung him on when he said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." "He who was without sin, became sin for our sakes." The sky turned black when he took our sin upon himself and then he breathed his last and offered up His spirit. But when he rose on Easter morning he had defeated the last enemy.
So now, I say that despite all the corruption in the world, in the Untied States, in Washington, in Nebraska, in my home, "He who is in us (you and I) is greater than he who is in the world." God defeated Satan long ago and cast him out of heaven and one day, "by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ," we will enter the gates of heaven. I do not believe in universal salvation, but I do believe it is universally available. It doesn't come by shaking hands with a corrupt leader, but it isn't denied by that either. It comes when one bows to the one true King, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is in those who believe and is greater than the one who is only in the world. Believe, be at peace, don't worry about the stock market, or anything else. Simply "know Jesus and know peace." In four to eight years we'll have new leadership, but we will always have one Savior.
God Bless You and God Bless America.
Friday, April 10, 2009
What's So Good About Friday?
This is Friday and it's been one of those weeks today. Just about anything that could go wrong, as Murphy says, did. I nearly overslept this morning and that's never a good way to start a day. I got to work and my inventory count was messed up, so I had to recount but to no avail. I think it's the database that's giving me fits. Next, my weekly order of merchandise arrived today but was short about 90% of what I had ordered. I had to wait until 7:30 to call the company in Omaha and, you guessed it, they lost my order. After some pleading and begging they filled the most critical items and a salesman delivered it late this afternoon.
The rest of my daily paperwork went without a glitch until I went to the bank. I had called in a change order which included $140 in $5 bills. I never looked in the bag until I got back to my office and when I did I discovered they had given me $140 in $1 dollar bills.........so back to the bank we go.
By this time I am grumbling and using the number system since we clergy are not supposed to swear. I was up to about a 7 on the list and I said to myself, "What in the #6 is so good about Friday?" This is a horrible day. Nothing has went right. At one point I was so upset I felt myself begin to hyperventilate. "I see absolutely nothing good about this Friday!!!" Then it hit me. Good Friday is not good because everything went right that day, but because it didn't. Jesus, God incarnate, may not have seen the good in that day either. He was kicked, spit upon, beaten to a point where most people would have died. He was made to carry his own cross up a hill. They drove large spikes through his wrists. The pain was horrible and he would have agreed that this was not a good day.
But, you see, the worst that human kind....you and I, could do to God was turned into the best God could do for us. I didn't even blink when I drove a nail into his wrist, how about you? God didn't blink either when, from the cross, he said, "Father, forgive them...." Forgive someone who would do such a horrible thing to one of my children? Not in a million years! But that's exactly what God did. Had Jesus came to condemn the world we wouldn't be here today. But this was the good of Good Friday, that God sent Jesus to save the world. When I die I am going on to perfection where I will be made perfect in love. There will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more tears......only joy, eternal joy. I am not going to get there by my own efforts, because they are meager at best. But I will get there, as will you, because of God's efforts and because of what happened on the Friday we call Good. God showed his grace, this forgiveness, this love and his salvation from the cross that day and by that grace we are saved.
Come to think of it, this hasn't been such a bad day all things considered. I have a wife I love more than all the world. I have children and grandchildren that are my joy. I have a God who knows me and still loves me. I have a brother who suffered and died on a miserable day to make it a Good Friday.
Lord, forgive me when I grumble about small things that simply don't matter in eternity. Forgive me Lord when I look down upon a brother or sister. Forgive me when I utter a harsh word to people I love. Forgive me Lord for the thoughts that I think. I praise you Lord, because I know you have forgiven me. Now let the world know of your forgiveness and let me be a messenger of your salvation. Amen.
Happy Easter
Monday, April 6, 2009
Did You Know?
Do you know who hires your boss? Even better, do you know who hires employees at your company? You would probably say that a Board of Directors is responsible for hiring your CEO and your companies Human Resources Director is responsible for hiring the employees at your firm.
In the traditional way of thinking you would be absolutely correct. Normally your boss, unless it is a sole proprietorship, is hired by a board of directors or something similiar. And chances are, you were hired through an application and interview process with your HR Director or, in some cases, your boss. But did you know, that the United States Government may soon pick out your CEO and whats more, Big Brother may soon dictacte your salary......not the minimum, but the maximum.
I don't know about you, but this sends chills up my spine and scares me to death. This is not the American way. This is not the free market way or the capitolist way. This borders, not just on socialism, but communism. When the government begins to control businesses in such a manner they have over stepped their constitutional authority.
Now, did you know that President Obama wants the authority to control the internet. I am not talking about taxing it, but actually controlling what websites you can visit. The site would require government approval before it could be posted. The pretense is that this would be done in cases of national security, but we all know how broad and wide that term can be.
I, like some of you, lived through the 1960's. I spent many nights at Camp Ashland in full combat gear in case we were deployed to Omaha for riot duty. Civil disobedience was widespread and not just by the hippies. I believe we are about to see that again. I am not a proponent of violence, but peaceful civil disobedience is not always a bad thing. The majority of voters elected our government and the majority of voters can elect new leaders. No, unfortunately we cannot elect a new President for almost four years. However, we can elect new Senators and Representatives who will listen to the voices of the people, who are supportive of the America we know and love. Nebraska is fortunate to have good leadership in Washington and in state government, but we can still have a voice. Many of us spent hundreds of hours calling for candidates in other states. Many of us wrote letters to the editor and posted blogs. This is a "government of the people, by the people and for the people," and it's time that the people reclaim control of their government. This is not President Obama's government. This is not Speaker Pelosi's government. This is not Majority Leader Reed's government and it sure as the world is not Secretary Geithner's government.
In Osceola, Nebraska, our home prior to moving to Lincoln there was a T-shirt that was worn by a number of youth and adults. It simply said, "Be Afraid.....Be Very Afraid." That shirt should be worn by conservatives everywhere. We should be afraid......afraid enough to stand up and say, "I'm mad as hxxx and I'm not going to take it anymore." This is the government "of the people," and we are the people so let's get fired up.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
In the traditional way of thinking you would be absolutely correct. Normally your boss, unless it is a sole proprietorship, is hired by a board of directors or something similiar. And chances are, you were hired through an application and interview process with your HR Director or, in some cases, your boss. But did you know, that the United States Government may soon pick out your CEO and whats more, Big Brother may soon dictacte your salary......not the minimum, but the maximum.
I don't know about you, but this sends chills up my spine and scares me to death. This is not the American way. This is not the free market way or the capitolist way. This borders, not just on socialism, but communism. When the government begins to control businesses in such a manner they have over stepped their constitutional authority.
Now, did you know that President Obama wants the authority to control the internet. I am not talking about taxing it, but actually controlling what websites you can visit. The site would require government approval before it could be posted. The pretense is that this would be done in cases of national security, but we all know how broad and wide that term can be.
I, like some of you, lived through the 1960's. I spent many nights at Camp Ashland in full combat gear in case we were deployed to Omaha for riot duty. Civil disobedience was widespread and not just by the hippies. I believe we are about to see that again. I am not a proponent of violence, but peaceful civil disobedience is not always a bad thing. The majority of voters elected our government and the majority of voters can elect new leaders. No, unfortunately we cannot elect a new President for almost four years. However, we can elect new Senators and Representatives who will listen to the voices of the people, who are supportive of the America we know and love. Nebraska is fortunate to have good leadership in Washington and in state government, but we can still have a voice. Many of us spent hundreds of hours calling for candidates in other states. Many of us wrote letters to the editor and posted blogs. This is a "government of the people, by the people and for the people," and it's time that the people reclaim control of their government. This is not President Obama's government. This is not Speaker Pelosi's government. This is not Majority Leader Reed's government and it sure as the world is not Secretary Geithner's government.
In Osceola, Nebraska, our home prior to moving to Lincoln there was a T-shirt that was worn by a number of youth and adults. It simply said, "Be Afraid.....Be Very Afraid." That shirt should be worn by conservatives everywhere. We should be afraid......afraid enough to stand up and say, "I'm mad as hxxx and I'm not going to take it anymore." This is the government "of the people," and we are the people so let's get fired up.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
When Two and Two Do Not Equal Four
This afternoon Maggie and I enjoyed a late afternoon of Husker Volleyball as they took on Missouri State in an exhibition game at the Coliseum. The weather even cooperated. It was dry when we went in.....rained during the game and then the sun came out as we were walking to our car. Now that's when two plus two equals four. But what do we do when it doesn't? I happened to be sitting next to a wonderful gentleman in his 70's from Bellevue, who was extremely intelligent and knowledgeable about sports and schools. We struck up and almost instant friendship as we talked mostly about Husker sports. He knew nearly all of the girls, where they went to high school, who their parents were and what their strengths were. I asked him what he had done for a living to which he replied, "I was in the school business." Never got much more than that, but at one point I remarked, "You were more than 'just in the school business.'" He said, "well, let's just say I enjoy athletics." Never did find out his name, but that didn't keep us from becoming instant friends. I told him that I was a second career pastor and just retired after nearly 25 years. Finally he said, if it won't offend you I may have something that would make you chuckle. He said that when most people pray they are hoping that two plus two doesn't equal four.
In other words, he was saying that we somehow hope God will change the mathematical equation of our situation. I chuckled, but instantly thought how absolutely right he was. That is very profound. We go to God and say, "please make two plus two equal anything but four." It doesn't work that way. It always comes out to be four regardless of how much we beg and plead with God. Very often the Lord will take a situation and rewire it a bit to make it turn out differently. I have seen people with a "terminal illness," graduate from Hospice and live many years. I have seen people receive a miraculous healing. I have seen drunks and addicts suddenly become dry and clean. So, does that mean God changed the course of history and made two plus two to equal something other than four? No, not in the least. You see, two plus two is a logical equation that always and everytime equals four. Three times three equals nine. Ten times twenty is always 200 and so on. God designed it that way. Every situation, like a mathematical equation, is intended to turn out for our good and God's glory. "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord." "I know the plans I have for you, 'says the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil. Plans to give you a future and a hope."
God's design for humanity is that we fall madly in love with Him and with each other. God's design for us is good and perfect and that two plus two always equals four. Bad things happen to be sure, but that doesn't mean the answer is something other than four. Sometimes our problems are brought on by ourselves. For example, if I smoke for fifty years and get lung cancer was that God's doing or mine? If I drive my car down the road at 90 miles per hour with bad tires and I crash, who caused that.....me or God? Then there are times that it is not our doing at all, but someone else's. If I get hit by a drunk driver and am killed or disable, is that God's doing? Hardly. It is the doing of someone, who for whatever reason, drank too much and then got behind the wheel. Can God change those things? Absolutely! But when He doesn't we can't blame God. Two plus two still equals four although we pray that the answer is something else. What I am saying is that if God heals one person and not me, then is it fair of me to blame God? No, because the final answer to the equation is not found in this life anyway, but in eternity. The plans "for hope," that I mentioned is not always and earthly thing. The perfect hope is in God.
So, do you pray that two plus two equals 3? Sure you do and so do all of us from time to time. But remember that tomorrow is Palm Sunday. The crowds wanted two plus two to equal three, but that was not to be. They had their hopes that Jesus would overturn the corrupt Roman government and restore political and financial security. They had "fuzzy math," as we say. Jesus had something else in mind, something more perfect, something that would provide the correct answer, something that would bring eternal hope. That meant he must also suffer and die and that meant that his followers believed that the answer was wrong. But they were proved wrong. When he rose from the grave he showed them that two plus two was four. It is the only answer just as He is the only answer. Do yourself a favor. Just pray that God will provide the right answer, not the one that we may have decided would be better. He will not disappoint you.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
In other words, he was saying that we somehow hope God will change the mathematical equation of our situation. I chuckled, but instantly thought how absolutely right he was. That is very profound. We go to God and say, "please make two plus two equal anything but four." It doesn't work that way. It always comes out to be four regardless of how much we beg and plead with God. Very often the Lord will take a situation and rewire it a bit to make it turn out differently. I have seen people with a "terminal illness," graduate from Hospice and live many years. I have seen people receive a miraculous healing. I have seen drunks and addicts suddenly become dry and clean. So, does that mean God changed the course of history and made two plus two to equal something other than four? No, not in the least. You see, two plus two is a logical equation that always and everytime equals four. Three times three equals nine. Ten times twenty is always 200 and so on. God designed it that way. Every situation, like a mathematical equation, is intended to turn out for our good and God's glory. "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord." "I know the plans I have for you, 'says the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil. Plans to give you a future and a hope."
God's design for humanity is that we fall madly in love with Him and with each other. God's design for us is good and perfect and that two plus two always equals four. Bad things happen to be sure, but that doesn't mean the answer is something other than four. Sometimes our problems are brought on by ourselves. For example, if I smoke for fifty years and get lung cancer was that God's doing or mine? If I drive my car down the road at 90 miles per hour with bad tires and I crash, who caused that.....me or God? Then there are times that it is not our doing at all, but someone else's. If I get hit by a drunk driver and am killed or disable, is that God's doing? Hardly. It is the doing of someone, who for whatever reason, drank too much and then got behind the wheel. Can God change those things? Absolutely! But when He doesn't we can't blame God. Two plus two still equals four although we pray that the answer is something else. What I am saying is that if God heals one person and not me, then is it fair of me to blame God? No, because the final answer to the equation is not found in this life anyway, but in eternity. The plans "for hope," that I mentioned is not always and earthly thing. The perfect hope is in God.
So, do you pray that two plus two equals 3? Sure you do and so do all of us from time to time. But remember that tomorrow is Palm Sunday. The crowds wanted two plus two to equal three, but that was not to be. They had their hopes that Jesus would overturn the corrupt Roman government and restore political and financial security. They had "fuzzy math," as we say. Jesus had something else in mind, something more perfect, something that would provide the correct answer, something that would bring eternal hope. That meant he must also suffer and die and that meant that his followers believed that the answer was wrong. But they were proved wrong. When he rose from the grave he showed them that two plus two was four. It is the only answer just as He is the only answer. Do yourself a favor. Just pray that God will provide the right answer, not the one that we may have decided would be better. He will not disappoint you.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Where Oh Where Has The Dollar Gone?
It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that the United States of America, home to Uncle Sam, One Nation Under God, Home of the Brave, is dangerously close to no longer being the Land of the Free. I am not a brain surgeon, but I have done my share of reading and studying and I am frightened at what I see happening to our country. First, the mere idea that the Secretary of the Treasury would "leave on the table," the notion of a global currency should cause even the steadiest to tremble and quake. When we give up the dollar we have given up the financial security that has given us world clout. Much of the world bases their financial base upon the dollar. So, why would the Obama administration even pretend to entertain such an idea. First, and let me be very clear on this, the Executive Branch of government does not have any legal authority to do that. Yet, this administration seems to believe somehow that they are above all that "constitution" nonsense. The disappearance of the dollar would most certainly spell disaster for us. We would be at the mercy of partner nations.
Second, who in heaven's name does the Administration and some of their European buddies think they are talking about capping the salary of those in the banking industry. Yes, there have been absurdities with the bonus checks, etc. But in "The Land of the Free," you cannot do such a thing......unless that is, you intend to become a Marxist (socialist) nation. Then, as the government you can own businesses, tell people how much they can earn and control the market place......no more free market. To cap someones salary is un-American to say the least and should worry anyone. Let the market determine how much a person can make, not the government. THIS IS AMERICA!! Perhaps President Obama could begin by offering to serve for $1 per year. Let's limit the salaries of those in the Administration. One cannot solely blame the woes of our economy of the banks. There are many factors that all came together in a negative way to cause this crash. But let it alone and it will heal itself. I'm not against some government money being pumped into the economy, but there are limits. Obama is so far left that you can't even see the right. His administration is further left than France for crying out loud.
Third, the mere thought of government controlled health care and education makes me cringe. I know what has happened in other countries where the government controls health care. You don't have the choice of what doctor to go to, no choice on hospitals. Doctors work for far less than American doctors do now, so the good ones go elsewhere and you get what's left. Oh, maybe not at first, but take time to research what happens when there is nationalized health care. And government intervention in education? We already saw during the campaigns how teachers in some schools were openly trying to indoctrinate the students on which candidate to support. They were teaching them little Obama songs in some cases. Sound vaguely familiar to China, Korea, Iran, Iraq under Saddam and the former USSR? It should.
What happened to the concept of a "government of the people, by the people and for the people?" If we give up our freedoms to a handful of people in Washington then shame on us. I heard Glenn Beck urging his listeners to take back America. He is right, it is our country and it's time to tell some folks if they want to keep their job in two or four years they better begin to listen to their bosses......you and I. That's my ranting for today, but please write your Senator's and Representatives, write others whether they are yours or not. Write the White House. Make phone calls and volunteer to help take back America.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
