New Year Resolutions

Christmas has passed and the New Year is upon us. It's a time to reflect and evaluate our lives, figuring out what has worked well for us this year and what needs improvement or changed entirely. It does us no harm to realize we need to change things that are not working. What does harm us and others is not changing those things we could do better. We should ask ourselves how we can better serve our Lord and our families.

I have several resolutions to make this year, things I wish to improve in my life as it pertains to the relationship I have with God.

1)     I wish to increase the time I devote to God, solely one on one.

2)     I wish to incorporate time to reflect on what I have read in the Bible, so that it has the opportunity to sink in and penetrate my mind and heart.  

3)     I wish to spend more time spreading the gospel to people that are unfamiliar with God’s word.

4)     I wish to begin serving an agape meal to share on Sunday with the less fortunate as Jesus did when he walked this earth as well as the early home churches.

5)     I have an idea how to better care for the less fortunate that better serves God’s purpose using his own ideals and values, taking a hand-out and converting it into a hand-up. Thus reserving people’s dignity and allowing them to help themselves without breaking the food bank. (Several of the local food banks ran out of food last year, so I have been working on an idea that will perpetuate the food supply.)

 I wish to emulate Mary, she took the things the Lord told her to heart and she meditated on these things. I think it would help me to understand God's word better, if not feel much closer to him on an everyday basis. I wish to build a closer relationship with God and don't we all?

I have read that monks pray continually no matter what they are doing, they continue to pray to the Lord. I don't think at this time that I have the kind of concentration it requires. I can barely do one thing at a time without forgetting what I was doing or getting distracted by something else that I see that needs to be done. So, if I work on meditating on the things I read in God's word it will be a step in the right direction. 

There are many other things I am working on changing in my life in the coming New Year. As I am sure many of you want to work on as well; some want better health, to lose weight, to spend more time with family, to save more money, spend less and these are all admirable goals. I encourage everyone to try to make the changes in their life to become happier, healthier and closer to God. You may want to ask yourself what you might do to better serve the Lord. May God bless you in the New Year!

Where Is The Line To See Jesus?

If you have not had the opportunity to see this wonderful video of Becky Kelly singing the song "Where's the Line to See Jesus" you are missing out on one of the few modern songs out there that remind us the true meaning of Christmas is Jesus.

The song brought back many memories of Christmas pageants I attended as a child and of  the family traditions we started when my children were small. The reading of the Christmas story was a tradition as well as attending midnight mass together as a family. No matter where the family members were at Christmas, whether together or apart, we all attended midnight mass knowing that we would all be there together if only in spirit. It always filled my heart with love, joy and a peaceful feeling. We found it to be the best way for us to welcome Christmas morning by praising God and thanking him for the wondrous selfless gift of his son to the world. 

As the children grew older we made it a practice to give needy children Christmas gifts of things they really needed and would otherwise have to do without. My children got to pick their own recipient's name from the Angel tree that listed things of necessity. Using their own money they bought those gifts for them plus a toy and treats. I wanted my children to experience the warmth and joyous feeling you get from giving to others.

With my children grown many of our Christmas traditions seemed empty and meaningless. There was no one there to eat the special treats I was used to making and only two presents around our tree. Since we had no real wants, we decided to share Christmas with local families who were less fortunate and we have been doing that for many years now. It is still my favorite way to tell the story of Jesus to others, the true gift of Christmas.

It offends me when I see the overt commercial Christmas season that deprives Jesus of being the focal point of the holiday. Jesus is still the reason for the season. Many of us have forgotten him in the heat of Black Friday sales and in the long lines to see Santa at the store. Nearly all gifts bought have nothing to do with the reason we celebrate Christmas.

What can we do about it? I have asked this over the years and here is what I have done: I have stopped buying gifts from stores that don't allow the name "Christmas" in their store ads. I no longer financially support companies that try to eliminate Christ in anyway. I make my family gifts with my own hands from materials gathered throughout the year. In doing so, not only am I being thrifty and eliminating debt but my gifts reflect the love in which they were made and are more personal. I spend Christmas with the Lord and my family, thanking God for his son’s birth. Jesus offers us salvation if we come to him, the true gift of Christmas. That is what Christmas is all about.

I would like to encourage everyone to restore Jesus to his rightful place as the Star of Christmas, our savior, Christ the Lord. "Where Is The Line To See Jesus?" really brings this message home. Thank you, Becky Kelly, for bringing it to our attention.

How to Experience Peace and Tranquility in a World of Hate

Tis the season for peace on earth and good will toward men and yet we find ourselves surrounded by hatred and dissension. Around the world tension is rising and war seems inevitable. Israel is once again threatened with it's extinction. There are people who profess a belief in God but have no desire for a peaceful existence with anyone who believes something different than themselves.

When a person limits their view to their earthly existence, they can only hope for a false peace. A peace with only the outward appearance of tranquility. In reality, they only desire the illusion of security by attaining the greatest possible material wealth with the least possible effort. They build an imperfect and unsustainable peace that is doomed to fail. They will be bitterly disappointed, it is only a fragile sense of peace that is easily destroyed. The Lord, Jesus, shortly before his ascension into heaven told us, "Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you; not as the world gives do I give to you."

There are two kinds of peace: that which men can make for themselves and that which is the gift of God. Man's peace is imposed by the force of weapons and is terribly fragile. Man's peace doesn't last because his greed and selfish desire for power always overpowers his desire for peace. Man's peace is but a mere semblance of peace that is founded on fear and mistrust. On the other hand, the peace that comes from God is born in the heart and is a strong and lasting peace. Because God's peace is founded on justice and love it permeates the heart. It is God's gift to us, who love his commandments and live by his word.

Having a close personal relationship with God is the basis for a Christian's sense of joy and peace. In this sense of peace, we will find our true security, a warmth and trust for the future. We live with the assurance that.... "in everything God works for good with those who love him," as St. Paul told the first Christians in Rome. This assurance is also the source of our strength in difficult times. We shouldn't be frightened or fear any harm even though the circumstances we are experiencing may become unbearable, for God's hand is as powerful as it has ever been. If it becomes necessary, God can and will work miracles. We should have a great deal of peace in knowing that we have protection in God's hands.

If we earnestly seek God, though he may see that we have faults and imperfections that shouldn't be there, he will still the winds and calm the sea of our troubles. He will also give us the peace we seek, we have but to possess the faith of a mustard seed, turn to him and trust him to experience a great calm and lasting peace.

May I wish everyone a blessed Christmas and holiday season. It is my hope that God has a prominent place in your celebration this and every year for we should always put God first. I also wish you the peace and tranquility that only truly exists walking by his side.

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

I am proud of God's Word because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes. God tried to save the Jews first but when they did not listen he offered the privilege to the Gentile. The Word of God shows how he makes people right with himself and that begins with faith. The scripture says "But those who are right with God will live by trusting in him." ~Habakkuk 2:4.

The Bible also says "God shows his anger against all the evil and wrong things people do. By their own evil lives they hide the truth. God shows his anger because some knowledge of him has been make clear to them. Yes, God has shown himself to them. There are things about him that people cannot see - his eternal power and all the things that make him God. But since the beginning of the world those things have been easy to understand by what God has made. So people have no excuse for the bad things they do. They knew God, but they did not give glory to God or thank him. Their thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with darkness. They said they were wise, but they became fools. They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals and snakes."

"Because they did these things, God left them and let them go their sinful way, wanting only to do evil. As a result, they became full of sexual sin, using their bodies wrongly with each other. They traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things, who should be praised forever."

"Because people did those things, God left them and let them do shameful things they wanted to do. Women stopped having natural sex and started having sex with other women. In the same way, men stopped having natural sex and began wanting each other. Men did shameful things with other men and in their bodies they received the punishment for those wrongs."

"People did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God. So God left them and allowed them to have their own worthless thinking and to do things they should not do. They are filled with every kind of sin, evil, selfishness and hatred. They are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, lying and thinking the worst about each other. They gossip and say evil things about each other. They hate God. They are rude and conceited and brag about themselves. They invent ways of doing evil. They do not obey their parents. They are foolish, they do not keep their promises and they show no kindness or mercy to others. They know what God's law says, that those who live like this should die. But they themselves not only continue to do these evil things, they applaud others who do them."
This describes so much of what we see in the world today but it was taken from Romans 1:18-32.

It is frightening how things that have happened in the past repeat themselves no matter who makes up the culture or what society is involved. Humans are inherently evil, it is not a learned behavior. Children don't have to be taught to lie or be selfish, it comes naturally. It is a behavior that can become a way of life. As parents, we have to be mindful and consistently discipline to correct these bad habits so they don't destroy the life we have guided. We do this by using our knowledge of what is best for them through God's word.

What happens when children become adults and no longer have parents that constantly correct their behavior? God should be in their lives and the relationship they have with him should govern their behavior as it does our own. It should be our desire to behave as God has instructed in the scriptures only driven by the love we feel for him. By doing so, we teach our children to love God and to obey his commandments.

What happens when we decide that we have no interest in obeying his word? He tells us that he will turn his face from us but will continue to let us choose our own path. Once we know him or about him, we will make the choice our conscience dictates to either follow him or not. But, if we follow the evil desires of our own hearts we are also choosing death. It is such a frustrating time for parents when they see their child making mistakes and having to pay the consequences for their actions. It can be just as painful for the parent to go through the emotion of disappointment in the child as it is for the child to bear what ever punishment they have earned.

This is what God must feel when we stray from his commandments. When we choose to follow our own fleshly desires instead of what we know, through his word, is right and good. I believe the situation is similar for God to see us suffer the consequences of our choices when we choose what is sinful. All he can do is respect our choice, turn away and let the consequences happen. We often blame God for bad things happening in our lives when it is actually the consequences of our own bad choices.

What if we haven't done anything wrong, why then do bad things happen? People have a hard time understanding why bad things are allowed to happen to good people. The sad fact of the matter is evil exists in this world and there will be no end to it as long as people are caught up in the lies of Satan and his cohorts. When God gave man free rein to choose good or evil it created a world where all is not fair. Satan doesn't care what is fair or right because he is evil and only does things that serves himself no matter who it effects, even good people.

We must depend on God to judge and punish others because he is righteous and his justice will be served but in his time and in his way. We may not always understand why it doesn't happen as quickly as we like. Sometimes justice may have to wait until the offender goes before the throne of God himself, but rest assured in the knowledge that justice will be done.

Another reason bad things happen, as we have seen in Job, sometimes they happen through no fault of our own and are merely tests of our faith. If things are good for too long a stretch we can become lukewarm and need to be jolted back to God. That's the sad thing about human nature, there are times when we get so comfortable that we are no longer thankful or remember to praise God for what we have in life. Often we need a reminder that we are so blessed to have what we do, many have much less. It's good practice to start your morning prayer with thanks and praise to God for all the kindness and provision he has shown to you and your family members.

With an attitude of gratefulness it is much easier to stay within the perimeter of God's commands. I do this by writing in a journal each evening going over the day in my mind and writing down significant events and emotions I'd felt. It makes it easier to express gratitude and renews appreciation for the gifts he has given me. Ending with prayer is a wonderful way to end the day, you will find yourself drawing closer to God day by day. Soon you will be rewarded with a closer more intimate relationship with the Lord our creator than you have ever had before. Going to church for fellowship maintains your walk with him but it cannot replace experiencing a personal relationship one on one, that's where I find my comfort and strength.

If you have fallen away or are on the wrong path, consider these things and know that forgiveness is there for you, if you will only turn from sin and ask for forgiveness. Everyday is another chance to make things right, you do not have to continue as you are. If he can accept and forgive Paul, a murderer of Christians, he can forgive you too. All you have to do is ask, be sincere, refrain from your sin in the future and walk in the light from here on forward.

For those who don't know him: Ask him into your life with a sincere heart and he will come. Knock at his door and it will open, seek and you will find him. Be prepared to put God before all things and he will give you all that you need. It is never too late. There is nothing you could have ever done that he cannot forgive. All things become new to those who choose to walk in the light, only through Christ the Lord. For he came to save us from ourselves and Satan, not to condemn us. Please, offer him your heart and let him save you too.

What Are The Seven Deadly Sins And Their Meanings?

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope everyone enjoys the abundance of a wonderful harvest and being around family and friends. Thanksgiving is near and dear to my heart because it involves God in my life. I am so thankful for all that he has given me throughout the years, not just today.

I am thankful for my family both near and far. I wish I could be with all of them at the same time, but we all live so far apart and in so many directions that it is not possible. I want them to know they will be with me in spirit at my Thanksgiving table this year. I am thankful for my little grandsons, they help to keep us grounded about what is important in life. Their healthy curiosity and innocence in a crazy world is refreshing. I am thankful for my friends they help to reinforce my faith in humanity. I am thankful for those of you who read my articles, tweets and blogs for taking the time in your busy days to stop long enough to read them. I hope they add something to your life and you enjoy them. I am thankful for my little four legged friends for calming me when I am frazzled. Just petting them brings me comfort, they greet me a the door with tails wagging, always glad to see me.

Thanksgiving allows us all to stop and take a break to remember and appreciate all that we have been given in this life. Time goes by so quickly, it is getting almost impossible for people to slow down. It seems life demands so much of our time we hardly ever stop without being so tired we can't think. Will you join me and make a conscience effort this holiday to slow down? Try to remember what is important and prioritize our schedule to allow us a few moments each day to give thanks. May God bless you all.

Thank you everyone for being in my life, Happy Thanksgiving!

A Joyful Life

Recently I took the opportunity to re-evaluate my life and where I spent my time. I must say that I got caught up in the election process and was thoroughly disappointed with the outcome. But after much prayer time, what I had to realize was that my allegiance is with God the almighty and not with the government, no matter who is president.

My life and my business decisions will ultimately be governed by my beliefs. God is number one in my life and I need my life to reflect that fact.  I had to decide what actions I needed to take to confirm that outcome and consider it my responsibility as a Christian.

The most stunning revelation was that I had let myself be drawn into the cesspool of politics and the evil that dwells in that arena. I know by the signs indicated in the Bible that we are, in fact, experiencing the end times. I also believe that we are under judgment as a nation. The majority of people that dwell in the US are no longer allowing God to lead them but have succumbed to greed, sins of the flesh and laziness.

It is so easy to get swept up into these things when the culture celebrates immorality, selfishness and wastefulness. It becomes more difficult to remain in God’s values thereby achieving happiness. The culture teaches that having more, bigger, better or newest gadget brings happiness. They seduce our children and teens with television ads that tell them being skinny and dressing provocatively makes them desirable, as if they aren't desirable or interesting in modest clothing. They teach having the newest coolest things gets us the attention we want and brings happiness.  If that was the case why are so many Americans on anti-depression medication?

So, what really makes us happy? What brings a joyful life? I think the answer is TIME. It seems to be the one thing we cannot buy, replace, or store up for later use. We only have so much allotted to each of us. What we do with it is what determines if we can ever be happy.

If it was up to the government we would all be running to work every hour we could and spending it making money to buy all the things we think we fancy. A nice car, new clothes, gourmet food, the latest electronic gadget, a night on the town, an exotic vacation and a big house in a coveted neighborhood, then we could be happy. If we just had these things or maybe a job making even more money, we would be even happier.

God tells us a different story. Jesus walked the earth; he didn't drive or fly anywhere. He spent his time with common men and women, teaching God’s truth to the masses. He worked in his father’s carpenter shop as he grew up. He spent time on a fishing boat to get away from the crowds. He often went into the desert or the garden to pray to God for direction. He never owned a house, yet he loved his friends and spent time with them often. He sent his disciples out to teach and spread the gospel without as much as a change of clothes or shoes. God provided all they needed everywhere they went.

You don’t read about healthcare plans, pensions or retirement in the Bible. He tells us we are more valuable than the sparrow in the field and yet they are taken care of. They don’t want for food or water and are clothed in gorgeous colored feathers. But we spend our entire lives building false security in houses, land or storing up of money.

The times we live in reflect the insecurity we have here on earth. A stock portfolio can be worth less in economic declines and can be totally wiped out quickly if we don’t know when to sell. The housing crisis of 2008 cost people thousands of dollars as the prices dropped they lost equity and sometimes their entire home and savings.

So, where do we spend our time that would be most beneficial to us? We must sow seed to bear fruit, we must build our treasure in heaven and not on earth where it can be wiped out with the fluctuations of the economy or destroyed in a natural disaster or war.

We must ask ourselves, what do we really need to survive? Air to breathe, water to drink, a little food to eat, a place to rest our tired bodies and someone to love, those are the necessities in life. How hard is it to obtain those things? It’s really not that hard. But we don’t stop there. We pursue comfort and convenience most of the time. We are always looking for an easier way to do everything. We, as a culture, have exaggerated our needs to reflect our extravagant wants. Why? Because we were sold a bill of lies, that we can buy happiness. But chasing money inevitably costs us our happiness. We must put God first and all of the necessities of life will be given to us. It is God's promise and the way to a joyful life.

Living a simple life can provide us with all the things we require without taking all of our time. If we downsize our homes, stop buying all the newest gadgets, turn off the television set and spend time with the ones we love, doing things together and doing things for others brings the satisfaction that will ultimately make us happy. We just have to take the time to stop. Stop running, we are so busy we have no time to reflect or to think about what we are doing or why. We feel like we have to fill every hour of everyday with activity or entertainment. How much time do you spend in reflection and quiet thought? How much time do you spend with God?

Time is a gift from God but strangely we don’t know how much time any of us has so, we should not waste our time chasing after the luxuries of this world. We were not created or put on earth for the purpose of acquiring things but to acquire the knowledge of who our creator is and pass that message on to others. It is imperative for us to know our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, if we are to return to him and spend eternity with him. There is no way to our creator except through Jesus Christ our Lord. When was the last time you spoke to someone about him or shared the message of salvation? When was the last time you listened for his voice? When was the last time you asked for his guidance?

I encourage you to re-evaluate your life to see just where most of your time is being spent. Is it chasing a dream lifestyle of comfort and luxury here on earth or are you investing your time here on earth to build treasures in heaven by feeding the hungry, clothing the downtrodden, bringing comfort to those less fortunate? Are you spending time in God’s word to acquire the wisdom to spread God’s message to others? These are questions we should all be asking ourselves as we move into Thanksgiving and begin the holiday season. We need to remind ourselves what is really important instead of putting on our boxing gloves to go shopping on Black Friday.

Election Results

It is hard for me to accept that we are going to have to bear four more years of the Obama administration. I am disappointed to say the least. It is almost as if we just witnessed Eve biting the apple once again. The only difference is we already know what the consequences are. I fear we will be thrown out of our "Garden of Eden" with the blood of the innocent aborted babies on our hands.

It seems we are a divided nation, about half the population either does not believe in God or does not follow his commandments and principles. The other half are very strong in their beliefs and are willing to stand for them and God. The stock market reflected our disappointment and I fear many companies will be closing their doors because of the added burden of Obama's healthcare mandate.

It is a sad day in the history of our country when the tax burden outweighs the benefits of self-employment. Regulation and taxation of small business has become an unbearable burden and has weakened our economy. With Obama in office for another four years it is best for us to prepare for the inevitable collapse of our economy. You can not run a business, much less a government, without a budget. The unlimited spending this administration has demonstrated in the past will continue and nothing will change for the better now. I fear for the erosion of all of our rights, religious as well as the right to arm ourselves. I believe we should prepare for the battles ahead to hold on to those and all of our constitutional rights. I ask for prayer for our country. Pray, all of us should continue to pray that God hear us and hope he does not turn his face away from us as a nation. I fear what will happen if he does.

In the Path of the Storm

Hurricane Sandy is bearing down upon the US eastern coastline heading for some very densely populated areas. I pray for all who are in this storms path that it turns out to sea or causes no great damage to anyone. They are calling it a "Frankenstorm" because of the uniqueness of the situation that spawned and propelled it to it's current path. There are some people calling it created or engineered by HAARP technology and seeding the clouds with chem-trails. It seems the technology has been in existence since the 50's to create and direct the path of a storm, even increase it's velocity. What do you think?

I believe the technology exists, there is a patent on file that describes such things are possible. Would a government use it against it's own people to achieve it's own agenda? Probably. If you look at what the world governments have done to their own people in the past, it is probable that they would use this or any science experiment on an unsuspecting public.

Others say it's the "Storm of the Century" that will cause power outages all across numerous states affecting the election or at the least postponing it. With all the election buzz circulating about the Benghazi deaths still fresh in the voting public's mind, it creates a doubt of the effectiveness of the current administration's foreign policy as well as their loyalties. The polls are reflecting the dissatisfaction the public has with the current president, the State Department and the Pentagon.

Is the current administration corrupt? I would have to say yes, I don't trust them. But it isn't just the President, he does not work alone though I have never seen a man so full of deceit and narcissistic tendencies as this president. Even when he has been called on the lies and stories he tells he repeats them anyway, as if repeating them somehow will them make them true. It seems he believes, we the American public, are stupid and will believe anything we see on TV. The media certainly thinks so. It is pretty obvious that what they report as news is merely propaganda.

The corruption goes deep into Washington and to all the career politicians in some degree or other. Let's face it, money talks and many people can be bought at a price. The longer someone has been in office the more likely they are serving their own interests. We need to make some changes in policy that limit the ability to make specific laws that allow them to benefit from their service outside of their salaries.

I suggest that perhaps this storm is not a man created storm to skew the elections but is a God created storm to give us a final warning sign that we are on the wrong path and need to clean our proverbial political house. Washington D.C. is in the path of this storm.

We are truly in the path of the storm here in the US as well as many other nations. The people who want a one world government are at work everywhere in the world, not just here. I can not understand why the richest people are never satisfied with the riches they have but want to own the world and everyone in it. The love of money and all it can buy or who it can buy is truly evil. The world seems to be filled with people who will sell themselves at any price just to have a moment of pleasure or comfort on this earth for a few decades. They don't seem to understand that they are trading a few pleasurable moments or decades of comfort for an eternity of hell.

I believe the current crisis of the past four years has awaken a sleeping giant, the Christian population is no longer turning a blind eye and waiting for God to handle everything. They have been moved into action to preserve this great country of ours and I applaud them for it. It has united churches that have disagreed on theology for years to protect our religious freedom. Our freedoms and religious rights are only ever one generation from extinction. There are no places in the world one could go and have the freedoms we have individually. We must believe God has a purpose in all that is happening and what will happen in the future. What was meant for evil he will turn and use for his good. So, brace yourself for the storm, pray but trust God that he will use it for his purposes and somewhere down the line something good will come of it.

So many of our children take our freedoms for granted because they have never been enslaved. Now that we as a people are awake, let us stay awake, teach God's word and educate our children against tyranny while not letting our guard down again.

How Can A Christian Vote for Obama?

This is an awesome article that I wanted to pass on to anyone who might be having difficulty in deciding who to vote for in the coming elections.

Reblogged from Grassroots Contemplations:

How Can A Christian Vote for Obama?

“The future must not belong to those that would slander the prophet of Islam.” President Barack Hussein Obama

Causal knowledge of the tenets of Christianity would reveal that a practicing Christian would never make a statement like this. Any observant Muslim would believe Christianity slanders the name of Mohammad. Christians believe in one God and the one way to God  is through His son, Jesus Christ. Our God is the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, not Allah.

 Jesus answered, “I am THE way and THE truth and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

This statement alone leaves no room for the prophet of Islam.

Wallbuilders has put together a list of over 50 acts by Obama that shows his hostility to the Bible and the Christian faith.  How can any person that professes to be a Christian vote for a man openly hostile to the Christian faith? Before you start throwing out the don’t judge lest you be judged scripture. Let me remind you that Scripture also says “by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 17:16)

The 10 Commandments tells us to not covet anything that belongs to our neighbors. The entire entitlement platform of the Obama administration is to covet from the rich. The rich must pay their “fair share.” The class warfare that Obama perpetuates on our society is all about coveting.

Obama is the most pro abortion president in history. My fellow blogger recently wrote “DNC Platform-Hating God and Loving Immorality” in which she referenced Dr. John MacArthur’s sermon after the DNC convention, “The Campaign for Immorality.” As a Christian I cannot vote for a party or a candidate whose platform promotes abortion and  immorality.

Obama lifted restrictions on U.S. government funding for groups that provide abortions abroad, thereby forcing taxpayers to fund pro-abortion groups in other nations. Obama also encouraged the non-enforcement of federal laws relating to conscience protection for healthcare workers who refuse to participate in abortions and other medical procedures that violate their moral and religious convictions. He also worked for the repeal of these conscience protection laws.

Obama’s anti-Catholic views in attempting to force the Catholic church to violate their conscience in regards to abortion and contraception in regard to the healthcare mandates are well documented.

Obama  used taxpayer money, even though it violated  federal law, to get Kenya to change its constitution to include abortion.

Obama has well documented associations with anti-Israel activists such as Bill Ayers, Bernadine Dorn and Rashid Khalidi. Obama has been openly disrespectful to Benjamin Netanyahu by having him come in through the back door at the White House and refusing to meet with him, yet making time to appear on David Letterman. Ajmadenajad threatens to wipe Israel off the face of the map, Obama offers to meet with him.

Remember God’s promise to Abraham, the father of the nation of Israel:

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse,…” Genesis 12:3

In Obama’s book, The Audacity of Hope (page 261) he is quoted as saying  ”I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction” in speaking about Muslims.

Obama supports the Muslim Brotherhood and has filled his White House, State Department, Department of Justice and the Pentagon with members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist organization dedicated to the destruction of Israel.

I can list multiple incidents of Obama’s hostility to Christianity. I will be happy to provide upon request.

The facts that Obama shows preference to Islam over Christianity, is divisive with his socialist policies, is pro-abortion and is not a supporter of Israel should demand that any Christian not vote for this man for president.  If after examining the facts, you still feel inclined to support Obama for President, I encourage you to open your Bible and get down on your knees in prayer to Almighty God and ask Him to search your heart. As Christians, we are obligated to do everything we can to keep Barack Obama from being re-elected President of the United States.

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The Good Shepherd

Sometimes the ugliness of the world overwhelms me and I am glad to retreat to the rural life of the farm. I keep goats at the farm; tend ducks and chickens as well. I take great satisfaction in raising my own meat and living a sustainable lifestyle. But, I am not your average farmer, more of a shepherd really.

Everyone knows when I am outside because I am greeted with great fanfare by the animals I tend. I am welcomed with the rather loud quaking of the ducks, the chickens flock to my feet from where ever they may be out in the fields. I swear sometimes they have a lookout that clues everyone in with a secret signal. It's an amazing sight to behold as nearly 100 chickens come from seemingly every direction at a moment’s notice, to arrive at my feet. Of course I reward their attention with several scoops of scratch, and then go about my day. They happily scratch and peck the grain until it's gone and then go about their day as well, laying eggs and continue foraging in the fields.

The next stop on my agenda is to let the goats out of the night enclosure and lead them out into the wooded area to find foliage for them to eat. This time of year the foraging is a bit slim as the underbrush has been depleted from the drought and browsing all summer. They have cleaned out most of the leaves, vines and brambles within their reach as well. It is necessary for me to bend the smaller trees over so they can eat the leaves from the tree tops. I usually spend a few hours out with them in the mornings and they forage through the grass in the pasture during the afternoons unassisted. 

There is something so peaceful and tranquil about being out there with them in the early morning hours. I was out with them this morning and I realized what it must be like for Jesus as our shepherd as he watches over us here on earth. 

The goats are a bit flighty. When spooked they run for their lives back to the inner enclosure, it's their safe zone. If I am with them they instead run to me, looking up to see if I run or stand still. When I stand still they know they are safe, I become their safe zone, and they settle down quickly. Sometimes we get worried or confused, when we run to our shepherd he is our safe zone, he tells us not to worry in his word. He says that he will provide for us like he does the animals in the fields, for we are much more valuable to him than they. Much like a shepherd he takes care of our needs. In the economic crash of 2008, businesses all around town where going under one by one, I was very concerned we would follow suit. But he blessed me and took care to provide for my needs, one day at a time, the jobs came in, barely enough to scrape by, but my basic needs were met. I was thankful for his provision and his mercy.

I know my goats very well as individuals, I can tell if something’s wrong with them with only a glance. Each has their own personalities and mannerisms. I know each of their voices as they call out and answer them back. If they are out and I cannot see them I only need to call them and they answer back. If I call them again they come to me no matter where they maybe. They trust if I call them it is for a reason and they come. If one of them wanders too far or is left alone by the herd they panic and call out. I answer them and call them so they find their way home, then I take them to find the others. They rely on me to care for them and to guide them to safety or back to the herd. Much like Jesus does for us. 

Jesus knows each and every one of our voices and hears our prayers much in the same way. He knows us as individuals, our personalities and mannerisms. He knows what is best for us and tries to lead us in the way he knows we should go. We don't always listen to his voice or his calls to us, because we are easily distracted with the shiny things of this world. Sometimes he comes looking for us; the sheep that have wandered away, to lead us back to the flock and to keep us safe from harm. We also need to be part of the flock, we need others to support us with fellowship and understanding. We all face the same battles and have the same enemies of sin, temptation and trials. We can learn from each other and provide encouragement. It is a lot easier to walk with God when we stand together giving moral support to each other when we are tempted, to gather strength from others when we are too weak and tried to resist on our own.

We all need to look to the shepherd; The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness, for his names sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:1-6

If we follow the Lord all the days of our life we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I encourage all to lean on our shepherd, for he truly does what he say he will do. He speaks truth to all who will listen; he will call to all who believe in him. Be still and listen for his voice, as he listens for ours in prayer. 

Do you ever wonder why God announced the birth of his son to the shepherds in the field first? Could it be they were the only ones listening?

Are There Any TV Shows Worth Watching?

I had the misfortune of watching a few minutes of a few shows on television yesterday. I know that seems unreal to most but I have not had television or watched it in ten years. Ten years ago I determined that there was nothing of value on television, my time was best used elsewhere and evicted it from my household. I have relied on my computer to stay in touch with the outside world and am only interested in the News and Weather. 

Nothing I saw last evening has done anything to change my mind; in fact it has permanently secured the decision in place. I was not only offended by the content, but the principles that were implied by the shows characters. If this is what the general public watches as a matter of course I can understand the decline in our country's morals. I must wonder if you can watch these programs if you have any discernment.

I saw a bit of Two and a Half Men, I would describe this type of programming as porn, with the portrayal of threesomes involving roommates and their girlfriends. The moral character of these actors is beyond bad. I cannot as a Christian condone watching this type of programming.

Game shows used to be clean; the only lure was money, but not anymore. Have you ever heard of the show Baggage? Hardly worth watching, in my opinion, it is nothing more than a few girls with skeletons in their closet they should be ashamed of trying to win a date with a guy who has some indecent baggage of his own. It is a contest of who can be the most seductive so their baggage seems only a pittance to trade for a great sexual evening with the girl would be worth. If they signed up to be on this show their character is way too much baggage for me.

Survivor is another show I had the misfortune of watching, I had heard so much about it from others. I had assumed it was how to survive in the wild, but what I actually got out of the show was much different. The object of the game is to deceive others into believing you have an alliance with them so that you survive in your tribe as they vote others out until the end. It really has nothing to do with survival in the wild. I see no reason to have it in remote places other than that of an exotic place to film the show. Am I missing something here or are the values taught by this show treachery, deceit and putting you above others just to win a game? I see nothing Christian about those practices, or any reason to watch it. Why would any Christian who is trying to teach their children God’s principles confuse them by allowing this in their home?

This is another example of how Christians are supporting the evils of this world. Why would you want to support these shows? If no one watched it would not stay on television. I encourage all Christians to evaluate the shows they watch and what their children see, weight it against God’s word. Is it something he would approve of? If not, do not let it in your home to corrupt and mislead your children’s heart. Protect them and yourself, guard their heart against these sinful and vile things.

What we see and become accustomed to become what we see as normal acceptable behavior. Is that what you want your children to believe is normal and good? Perhaps you have been watching it all your life and it has changed so gradually you have not noticed. Step back and look at it with fresh eyes, from a biblical view, would Jesus approve? Would you watch these programs if he were a guest in your home?

Are You Walking In Truth?

So many of us call ourselves Christians but what does that really mean? 

It seems to mean different things to different people. Christian is very loosely defined in this country (the US) and can mean as little as “I identify with and associate with the cultural aspects of Christianity, irrespective of personal religious beliefs or practice,” or “I believe in all that is noble, good and Christ like,” to as great as “I believe in God and adhere to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Bible and live in such a manor that reflects those beliefs.”

That’s a pretty wide stretch in definitions and can cause confusion to non-Christians when deciding if they want to become Christians. How you live your definition of Christianity will determine if you are someone they emulate or turn away from. We need to remember that each of us, are ambassadors of Christ when we deal with non-Christians and may be the only version of Christ they will ever see.

I believe the latter of the definitions is the true definition of Christianity. If one of the others best describes your version of Christianity I encourage you to evaluate your definition and give more thought to the matter.

If after careful consideration, you do not want to follow Jesus of Nazareth’s example and really prefer the loose beliefs and prevalent practices of the secular society please refrain from calling yourselves Christians as not to misrepresent Christianity.

What sort of secular practice that I agree with would mean I was not really a true Bible believing Christian?

Abortion is not a God given right, it is one women took upon themselves. Abortion is one of the secular practices that would qualify someone as being defined as a Secular Christian. My definition of a Secular Christian is not a Christian at all; just someone wearing the tag, so to speak, because they don’t practice the beliefs they associate themselves with, even though they may attend a church. 

Christians do not advocate killing human beings no matter what stage or age they are in. The Ten Commandments clearly state Do Not Kill, there are no exceptions listed or amendments. Christians believe that because God created a person in his image, that life is sacred. All life, not just perfectly formed life. We were fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together in our mother’s womb and even before we were there he knew us. God is the one who breathed life into us; we, as the creature, have no right to take that life. It is a purely selfish act to have an abortion, or take a life for any reason. He has a specific purpose for every life he creates. Why would we be so arrogant to suppose we know better than God?

Marriage as defined by the biblical reference “between one man and one woman” is not up for debate if you are a Christian. Jesus’s teaching on this is clearly stated as intended by God for the best outcome for raising our children. People can try to argue that it was common to have multiple wives in biblical times and they did; it was common practice in that century. However, the prevalence of something does not constitute what is right, Jesus did not advocate the practice of having multiple wives. His purpose on earth was to save us from our sins. If we were without sin it would not have been necessary. Being true bible believing Christians, we cannot support any other view than the one created by God himself. To believe otherwise would throw you into the Secular Christian category because you believe differently than what the bible states is true and correct.

Another touchy subject we should understand is homosexuality; God is clear on this issue as well. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because there was not one righteous man found there and all men were acting in a depraved manor having sexual relations with other men as well as multiple sexual partners. God said it was an abomination, an unnatural act, not man. I know today we are being pressured to not only accept people behaving in this manner as “normal” and no different than straight sexual relations but it just is not true. We should never teach our children that this is healthy or correct.

What we should be teaching our children is to love everyone in spite of their sins, for we are all sinners. We should never hate or cause distress to homosexuals or others for their non-belief in our principles but rather love them as God’s flawed creatures and the sinners that they are. They need Jesus all the more for them to understand that their beliefs are false. When anyone has a desire for a person of the same sex it does not mean they have to act upon it. The human form is one of beauty and should be admired but not lusted after. Even as straight men and women should restrain from sexual relations until they are married, so must we all curb our sexual appetites. Sex is to be enjoyed only as prescribed in the Bible, as a way to cement the bonds of matrimony between a husband and a wife, joining them together as one flesh. Not as a casual encounter to satisfy our carnal lust.

Perhaps the most common problem a human faces is lack of self-control. It plagues everyone in all things including controlling our sexual urges, our eating habits, drinking habits and our emotional state. Everyone has a difficult time controlling their flesh nature. All of us unwittingly at times seem to be taken over by it. It’s a fight all of us have within ourselves daily, so it is best fought one day at a time.

These are just a few of the mistruths that we are currently being pressured to accept as normal and permissible in our society. As a Christian it is our responsibility to stop our children from being indoctrinated into accepting these false teachings and teach them the biblical truths.

We should all spend more time reading the word of God. If you do not know what the Bible says it makes it impossible to live our faith correctly or defend it. Educate yourself and your children; perhaps you can introduce a new chapter every evening at dinner. It can be discussed as you eat and explained until they understand it, leaving them with a clearly designated and precise way to live.

When my children were in their teen years my son once asked how he could tell what he should do to keep himself out of trouble. My answer was simple. I told him if whatever he was about to do could not be done in my presence than he would know he shouldn't be doing it. It’s a good rule of thumb. If you wouldn't do it in front of Jesus then you should not do it. Remember, God is always watching us.

I hope some of you found this helpful and I know being very volatile subjects not everyone will agree. As Christians we should have the ability to agree to disagree. We are all trying our best to live as God intended we should. Life is not easy and everyday can be a battle. If you come away with something of value that helps you to become a better Christian or brings you closer to God then I have accomplished what I intended here. I believe there are too many complacent Christians out there willing to settle for whatever is popular and fun. There are many false prophets peddling their wares as feel good church therapy condemning nothing and leading people astray. The road to heaven is narrow and difficult with many distractions along the way. Ground yourself in your Bible immerse yourself in God’s truth and he will direct your path.

Freedom From Religion

The Freedom from Religion Foundation seems to keep rearing its ugly head with the challenge that anyone who practices religion should do it beyond their sight as not to offend them. They proclaim that the constitution was written as a secular non-religious document. As I read the constitution I cannot understand how they come to these conclusions. Especially since General Washington, our first president, dedicated this country in a church in New York City at the foot of where the Twin Towers once stood. Money was minted with "In God We Trust" stamped within it. I can only explain their view as wishful thinking on their part. Biblical principals are prominent within the constitution and in our early government. Our founding fathers came here to escape religious persecution and founded this country with a constitution that protected the rights of the believer to practice their God given unalienable rights and limited government so that it could not interfere within the church environment. It was never meant to be used against the culture as it is currently being interpreted.

Is it possible to have freedom from religion without banning religion entirely?

I think not. Everyone has the freedom not to practice any form of religion in this country, but they do NOT have the right to prevent anyone else from practicing their religion whether it offends them or not. That is what religious freedom is all about; the ability to practice the religion of your choice and live your life according to your beliefs so long as by doing so it does not violate the law. The freedom of religion is guaranteed by our United States Constitution. It does not say you have the freedom to not be offended by someone’s actions. With the freedom to practice what we believe there is sure to be someone who will be offended. That's part of being free, freedom of speech offends some people, but it doesn't mean we have the right to limit freedom of expression. If you choose to refrain from religious practice of any kind, that is also respected. 

However, you have to understand that when it comes to infringing on another's freedom you have over stepped your boundaries as per the constitution. I really don't understand why there is repeated attempts to limit religious practice in this great country of ours. It is a situation where by giving in an inch of tolerance everyone tries to take a mile. We all live here and will have to agree to disagree, that is the short of it. We are a country of many national heritages and thus are sure to have differences of opinion.

I understand that the cross is offensive to non-believers; nevertheless, I am also offended that a symbol of my religious heritage is not respected. Everyone has the right not to practice any religion or live by it, as much as everyone has the right to practice it in the open proudly, which includes displaying their religious symbols and expressing God's message to the world. For a country that declared they were one nation under God, we have strayed away from our founding principles in a big way.

In Kountze, Texas, Cheerleaders are fighting for the right of religious expression in their public school. We should back their efforts to fight for that right. I will personally not support a public school in anyway if they do not allow God in their hallways. We have other choices, we don't have to send our children to public schools. The school would not survive without children to attend it. We are the ones who support or decide where our children go to school. Christians must stand and fight for their freedoms even if it makes our world a little less convenient. Our rights have been whittled away already at an alarming rate. You can make a difference.

Like all things, the best way to show your disapproval is to pull monetary support from these institutions that do not support our beliefs. Money talks and can accomplish things little else can. Support Christian businesses, schools and other enterprises that stand for our beliefs. Neither a business nor a school will stand unless it is supported by the community in which it lives. If you truly want to make a difference, I call on you to put your money where your beliefs are. Cultivate an atmosphere that is friendly towards Christianity, do not encourage hostility to our Christian beliefs.

I was tremendously pleased that so many Christians supported Chick-Fil-La restaurant owners through the attempted assault on their religious beliefs. The temperature in this county is hot and hostile toward Christians and growing more volatile. There is definitely an agenda to eliminate our religious freedom. It is imperative that we preserve the right to practice our religion of choice and live by our beliefs. Jesus was known as a gentle soul and cured many people. He also stood up to the Sanhedrin and threw out the money changers at the temple. As Christians we are called to stand for God’s word and our beliefs. It is time for us to stand united as believers for our faith.

As always, I am open to other points of view and discussions. Please leave your comments below.

Yon Kippur

Tomorrow is the Day of Atonement for our Jewish brothers and sisters. It actually starts today at sundown. I pray that the people of Israel have a peaceful time of celebration. This is the holiest time of year for them. It is a day that a special offering is made to make atonement for the sins of the past. They believe that this is the time when God is planning the events that will take place in the coming year. It’s a time of reflection and changing oneself to become a better person. They fast for about 25 hours and refrain from enjoyable activities to spend concentrated periods with family, friends and others in the Jewish community. It’s a time to cleanse of old grievances and gripes. To let go of the past sins and transgressions and move on into the new year with a new attitude and a new self.

I think whether we are Jewish or not this is a good thing to do for ourselves. We are all so busy in our lives sometimes we forget to forgive others and ourselves. We all need a time to let go of things, cleanse our hearts and souls of the darkness that has accumulated over the past year and start the year fresh and alive, open to the light of the gospel and with renewed hope and goals.

My fear for the Jewish state of Israel is that Iran and the Palestinians will take advantage of this holy time to disrupt their life and worship. I believe in putting myself in their shoes and I would be upset and angry if they try to use this special holy event to attack them trying to catch them unaware. It seems the radical Islamic sect have no compassion and are driven out of madness rather than any kind of kindness or love for others. As a Christian I cannot understand this kind of reaction or belief. Christ is all about understanding, offering love and compassion not violence.

I have rarely seen violence accomplish much except more violence and resentment while Christianity extends the hand of love, compassion and help for people who need assistance, offering the gospel message through our actions of love not violence. I can't help but think they would get a better conversion rate if they tried something other than killing people who did not agree with their message. It seems downright counterproductive to me. What do they hope to gain by killing anyone who refuses to believe as they do?

When I see what goes on over there in Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt, I feel lucky to still have the ability to believe in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though of late, I have felt that right slipping away from us here in the United States of America. We must stand as Christians and retain our freedom of religion because it is our most fundamental right and the one that guarantees all the others we have come to know and live by. You can see what taking our religious freedom away will do by looking across the sea at those countries that terrorize their own people.

Our country has gone overboard on trying to keep the peace here in this country. We have successfully lived side by side with Jewish, Protestants, Catholics, Baptists, Evangelicals, and numerous other religions without offending anyone. Why is it that the Atheists cannot realize they are not the only one who has an opinion? Can we not just agree to disagree and allow the other party to continue as they always have? It seems the minorities in this country are trying to overshadow the wants of many for the wants of a few.

The demise of a democracy is when the majority are no longer represented. We are witnessing that phenomenon today. If we don’t clean the House and Senate of all these special interest agenda’s they will destroy this country. It’s time to go green and recycle, limit their terms so that they are less likely to be subsidized by these big corporations and special interest groups thereby representing the people who actually elected them instead.

The World's Opinion

“You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” That is what we all have to face as bloggers, writers, or just people in general. I have become quite used to this phenomenon and have been dealing with it most of my life. Being a believer in Christ Jesus and taking the Bible as the literal directive for my life here on earth, seems to makes some people a bit disgruntle and uncomfortable. However, it is hardly unusual to have someone who hates, misjudges, or condemns us for our perspective and interpretation of the word of God. It really does not matter who you are someone will find fault with something you say or do. So what do you do?

You ask yourself a couple of simple questions. Whose opinion of you really matters to you? Do you really care what other people think more than you care about how God sees you? Are you relaying the truth, as you know it? Do you feel lead by the Holy Spirit or is it only your opinion as a human being directed by your own mind and worldly influences?

The answers are easy. First, the only opinion that I should be concerned about is God’s. Second, he holds the scale of justice and mercy in his hands and I had better give you an honest measure, it matters to him, he expects it from all of us. Third, I am relaying the truth in God’s own words and simply explaining it as the Holy Spirit explained it to me. He directs me in all things and expects me to be honest and true whether it pleases someone or not the truth is the truth. Forth, I am very well aware that a man’s own mind can lead him astray, so it is imperative that we pray and ask for guidance before relaying our message to the world to assure ourselves it is right and truth.

That is what the book of Job really relates to us. Job’s friends thought they knew what was going on and were advising Job about what he had to have done to deserve the judgments of the Lord. Nevertheless, in reality God was testing Job, not punishing him for any misdeeds. He had to dig down deep inside and rely on his faith in the Lord. Even though he did not understand the reasons, he did know and trust the Lord with all of his being. He held on to that belief until the end of his suffering and his faithfulness was eventually rewarded.

If you set your heart aright and stretch out your hands toward him, if you remove all iniquity from your conduct, and let not injustice dwell in your tent, surely then you may lift up your face in innocence; you may stand firm and unafraid. For then you shall forget your misery, or recall it like waters that have ebbed away. Then your life shall be brighter than the noonday; its gloom shall become as the morning, and you shall be secure, because there is hope; you shall look round you and lie down in safety, and you shall take your rest with none to disturb. –Job 11:13-19

I stand firm in my beliefs in my Lord and Savior and his written word. I take comfort in the knowledge that I am following what he has called me to do. I try to encourage others to be strong in the secular world we live in; we are in the world but not of this world. It is little wonder we do not feel like we belong here for we do not. I look forward to the coming of the Lord and the homecoming we will receive as we meet our father in heaven. When I go before the Lord, I will do it with the confidence that he will look at me and say, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” That my friends is what matters, so hold on to the truth and profess it with all your heart for you are not alone.

Consequences of Sin

If our sins are forgiven, doesn't that mean all is well? Everything is back in balance and we are good to go, just as if nothing ever happened? The answer may surprise you; the answer: Not really.

When we commit sin God does forgive us our transgressions but the consequences of the sin we committed are still going to be felt by us. We do not have to go any further than 2 Samuel 11:2-27. It tells the story of David and his adultery with Bathsheba, it ends with the murder of Bathsheba's husband Uriah the Hittite.  God forgives David of his sins of adultery and murder but there are still consequences that he experiences because of the sins he committed.

David and Bathsheba's newborn baby dies because the Lord stuck the child with an illness that took his life on the seventh day. So even though the Lord forgave them both the sin cost them both the life of their son. Perhaps that is why it is said the children suffer the sins of their fathers. I do not really know for sure but it was definitely the case in this situation.

All of that said so that everyone might keep in mind, before we commit a sin, that there would be consequences even though we might not see them happen immediately afterward. I know people who sin without remorse because they know God will forgive them. It has become nearly ineffectual in its nature. I have to wonder if they are truly forgiven just because they ask.

I think sin is only forgiven if you are truly sorry you committed said sin and you are genuine in your remorse and resolve to not commit the sin again. What do you think? I have heard different opinions in reference to sin and forgiveness mostly based on the different religious views. It seems so open ended out there anymore. There does not seem to be any definite black and white, right or wrong, everything seems permissible, nothing but muted shades of gray. Churches feel they should not condemn anyone, or call them out if their behavior is non-biblical. They say it is all about Love, not judgment.

My personal position is not a politically correct one. It is a Biblical one. The sin of yesterday, the sins of the Bible, are still sins today. That may not be a popular opinion and it was not in Jesus's day either but it is the fact of the matter. That is my belief. A church who instructs otherwise is teaching falsely. Where do you stand, with God or with Man?