I have a message from God in my heartconcerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of Godbefore their eyes.
In their own eyes they flatter themselvestoo much to detect or hate their sin.The words of their mouths are wicked and deceitful;they fail to act wisely or do good. Even on their beds they plot evil;they commit themselves to a sinful courseand do not reject what is wrong.
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,your faithfulness to the skies.Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,your justice like the great deep.You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.They feast in the abundance of your house;you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life;in your light we see light.
Continue your love to those who know you,your righteousness to the upright in heart.May the foot of the proud not come against me,nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen –thrown down, not able to rise!
(Above is Psalm 36- So appropriate for today as I see this nation tearing itself apart once more.)
It's Valentine's Day tomorrow. Let's celebrate love. Real love- the kind that lasts. This kind of love you won't find celebrated at Disney's Magic Kingdoms. Not at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris or even the original park.
Everyone looks for true love, but how do you find it? Can it be found in marriage?
Back almost 5 years ago, the United States Supreme Court has decided that same sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states. People that are disagreeing with the decision said it is not our court's position. They were opposed on grounds of their traditional understanding that God designed marriage for one man and one woman, referencing both the Old and New Testaments that make up the Bible.
Those folks celebrating the court's decision said "Love Wins", claiming marriage is only a legal bond between two people of any gender. They believe the availability of the institution should be made for all. Regardless of how they identify.
What do I think? The truth is "Love Already Won". It won two thousand years ago, when the ultimate act of true love was taken by Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind. His death and resurrection made a way to eternal life for all who would turn away from their sin by trusting in Him and His work on the Cross. He was raised from the dead proving He is God. The offer is yours. Choose to live a life that honors God by following the law he gave. The problem is, following Jesus means changing our lives in humility to His Authority regardless of how you feel.
What constitutes civil rights will change from county to country, decade to decade, and even President to President in the United States. Although Obama stated one thing and Trump another, God's Word and his law are never changing. They are eternal - in fact through the Ten Commandments, He did legislate morality- and He does not change.
Regardless of where you stand on these issues, the most important question we will ever have to answer still remains: Jesus asks "Who do you say I am?"
Your answer is of ultimate importance. The relationship you have (or don't have) with God in the Flesh, the creator of the universe, the only one who paid the price for your sin and mine, is the first and most important relationship you need to have settled. The one that determines your eternal future. Every other aspect of your life is very important, they are but secondary compared to how you answer this question.
Did love win? How you answer and then how you love people, even those you disagree with, will show whether or not real love has won in your life. It really is that simple. Show real love to each other and celebrate Valentine's Day by loving those you agree with- and those you don't. ------- Here's a great video from Dr. Michael Brown discussing God's love for ALL people, including the gay community. 20 Minutes worth your time- minus the slightly dorky music...
"Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins - or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom - Lucifer."
Author Saul Alinsky
Interestingly, this man has been quoted (or misquoted) by both politicians on the Left and those on the Right. Are Barack Obama, Ben Carson, and Hillary Clinton fans? Look at two different political perspectives below: From the Political Left From the Political Right
Saul Alinsky has also been quoted for his famous piece (graphic depiction above) on How to Create a Socialist State. The next set of elections is going to prove very, very interesting.
Stop the bullying! Just Stop. Please. All kinds of bullying. On line and in person. I'm sick of it, aren't you? In all its forms. Isn't it amazing, for example, what people will say on face book that they would never say in person? That's one reason I left it.
Look at the news, but look beyond as well. It's not just Harvey Weinstein and sexual abusers like him. Bullying takes many forms as well. It happens in schools, offices, playgrounds, boardrooms, churches, locker rooms, on the highways, and in the White House. Some bullies are straight up aggressive like our current president, and some are passive aggressive, shaming people instead of using intimidation. Like our previous one president. When bullies group together, it's even worse. Just take a close look at your favorite political action group. Or sports team. Or executive board. Take a very close look. See what I mean?
Now look even closer. Some bullies are like you, and some are like me. Every size, shape, color, philosophy and persuasion. Open bigots to liberal-minded folks. It's the human condition to not only prefer ourselves above others but to make sure that we self-promote - and to make sure our desires and preferences are satisfied.
Physical and verbal intimidation are only two forms of this kind of abuse. Sexual intimidation another. Ridicule, innuendo, and being snarky are other forms of abuse and bullying. Abuse of power from the boardroom to the bedroom and everywhere in between. The list goes on and on because sin runs deep within us. More than we admit, more than we realize, and more than I acknowledge within me. God have mercy on us all. (Think about this- the most powerful person to ever grace the earth was its humblest resident. You know who I'm talking about.)
New President of the United States, Donald Trump, delivered the following address immediately after being sworn in. As with every president before and after him, promises were delivered. I'm watching to see if he keeps them. Here are his words:
Chief Justice Roberts, President Carter, President Clinton, President Bush, President Obama, fellow Americans, and people of the world: thank you. We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and to restore its promise for all of our people. Together, we will determine the course of America and the world for years to come. We will face challenges. We will confront hardships. But we will get the job done. Every four years, we gather on these steps to carry out the orderly and peaceful transfer of power, and we are grateful to President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama for their gracious aid throughout this transition. They have been magnificent. Today's ceremony, however, has very special meaning. Because today we are not merely transferring power from one Administration to another, or from one party to another – but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People. For too long, a small group in our nation's Capital has reaped the rewards of government while the people have borne the cost. Washington flourished – but the people did not share in its wealth. Politicians prospered – but the jobs left, and the factories closed. The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of our country. Their victories have not been your victories; their triumphs have not been your triumphs; and while they celebrated in our nation's Capital, there was little to celebrate for struggling families all across our land. That all changes – starting right here, and right now, because this moment is your moment: it belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today and everyone watching all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration. And this, the United States of America, is your country. What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20th 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. Everyone is listening to you now. You came by the tens of millions to become part of a historic movement the likes of which the world has never seen before. At the center of this movement is a crucial conviction: that a nation exists to serve its citizens. Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighborhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public. But for too many of our citizens, a different reality exists: Mothers and children trapped in poverty in our inner cities; rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation; an education system, flush with cash, but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of knowledge; and the crime and gangs and drugs that have stolen too many lives and robbed our country of so much unrealized potential. This American carnage stops right here and stops right now. We are one nation – and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams; and their success will be our success. We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans. For many decades, we've enriched foreign industry at the expense of American industry; Subsidized the armies of other countries while allowing for the very sad depletion of our military; We've defended other nation's borders while refusing to defend our own; And spent trillions of dollars overseas while America's infrastructure has fallen into disrepair and decay. We've made other countries rich while the wealth, strength, and confidence of our country has disappeared over the horizon. One by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind. The wealth of our middle class has been ripped from their homes and then redistributed across the entire world. But that is the past. And now we are looking only to the future. We assembled here today are issuing a new decree to be heard in every city, in every foreign capital, and in every hall of power. From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it's going to be America First. Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs, will be made to benefit American workers and American families. We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our companies, and destroying our jobs. Protection will lead to great prosperity and strength. I will fight for you with every breath in my body – and I will never, ever let you down. America will start winning again, winning like never before. We will bring back our jobs. We will bring back our borders. We will bring back our wealth. And we will bring back our dreams. We will build new roads, and highways, and bridges, and airports, and tunnels, and railways all across our wonderful nation. We will get our people off of welfare and back to work – rebuilding our country with American hands and American labor. We will follow two simple rules: Buy American and Hire American. We will seek friendship and goodwill with the nations of the world – but we do so with the understanding that it is the right of all nations to put their own interests first. We do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to follow. We will reinforce old alliances and form new ones – and unite the civilized world against Radical Islamic Terrorism, which we will eradicate completely from the face of the Earth. At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other. When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, "how good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity." We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. When America is united, America is totally unstoppable. There should be no fear – we are protected, and we will always be protected. We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement and, most importantly, we are protected by God. Finally, we must think big and dream even bigger. In America, we understand that a nation is only living as long as it is striving. We will no longer accept politicians who are all talk and no action – constantly complaining but never doing anything about it. The time for empty talk is over. Now arrives the hour of action. Do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. No challenge can match the heart and fight and spirit of America. We will not fail. Our country will thrive and prosper again. We stand at the birth of a new millennium, ready to unlock the mysteries of space, to free the Earth from the miseries of disease, and to harness the energies, industries and technologies of tomorrow. A new national pride will stir our souls, lift our sights, and heal our divisions. It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots, we all enjoy the same glorious freedoms, and we all salute the same great American Flag. And whether a child is born in the urban sprawl of Detroit or the windswept plains of Nebraska, they look up at the same night sky, they fill their heart with the same dreams, and they are infused with the breath of life by the same almighty Creator. So to all Americans, in every city near and far, small and large, from mountain to mountain, and from ocean to ocean, hear these words: You will never be ignored again. Your voice, your hopes, and your dreams, will define our American destiny. And your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. Together, We Will Make America Strong Again. We Will Make America Wealthy Again. We Will Make America Proud Again. We Will Make America Safe Again. And, Yes, Together, We Will Make America Great Again. Thank you, God Bless You, And God Bless America. (Photograph copyright REUTERS/CARLOS BARRIA)
Alright folks- let's talk politics. You've read my previous post on the election day. It still holds. But let me share with you a few other pieces I found that are excellently written and make great points to ponder.
Found on Facebook by one of my family members:
"1) Remember when everyone who didn't want Obama in
office thought the world was going to end in 2008/2012? It didn't. Same thing
goes for this election. Life goes on. We'll endure and make it through these
four years.
2) Calling a group of 59 million+ people racist,
sexist, KKK supporters, uneducated, etc is unbelievably ignorant. There are
other legitimate reasons people may have chosen to vote for Trump over Clinton,
but grouping them all together under these terms goes exactly against the very
motto the Democratic Party has been pushing these last few months: "Love Trumps Hate." So stop spreading more hate.
3) Just because I am glad Clinton lost doesn't
mean I am happy about Trump winning.
If #2 specifically seems like something you absolutely
can't stop doing or get your mind around as a Democrat who just watched Clinton
lose, I would honestly love to have an open and honest discussion with you to
try and help you see that there can be good in people you disagree with, and
that we do need to come together as a country."
As expected, lots of articles are being written about a Trump Presidency. A link to the best one, one explaining why a large group of Christians could vote for a guy like Trump is below. Catch it before it disappears off USA Today. It's just too objective to last for long in a news format that is losing its balance on reporting vs. propaganda.
Regardless, we need to work together as a country, and we need to pray for it. The world is watching. Will democracy fail because the extreme liberal left is angry about the results? I hope not.
The newscasters on this Egyptian show have much to say about President Obama and ISIS. It's an absolutely FASCINATING 2 minutes. Certainly, there are things we can learn from the Muslim world- and this is one of them. Play the video below.
The United States Supreme Court has decided that same sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states. Those folks that are disagreeing with the decision say its not the court's place to decide or are opposed on grounds of their traditional understanding that God designed marriage for one man and one woman, referencing both the Old and New Testaments that make up the Bible.
Those celebrating the court's decision say "Love Wins", claiming marriage is only a legal bond between two people of any gender, and the availability of the institution should be made for all.
I say "Love Already Won". And it won two thousand years ago, when the supreme act of love was taken by Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sin of all mankind, making a way to eternal life for all who would turn away from their sin, trust in Him and His work on the Cross before being raised from the dead, and choose to live a life that honors God by following the law he gave.
What constitutes civil rights will change from county to country, decade to decade. God's Word and his law are eternal - in fact through the Ten Commandments, He did legislate morality- and He does not change.
In spite of where you stand on the issue of gay marriage, the most important question we will ever have to answer still remains: Jesus asks "Who do you say I am?"
Your answer and the relationship you do or don't have with the creator of the universe, the only one who paid the price for your sin and mine, is the first and most important relationship you need to have settled. Everything else is important but secondary.
How you handle this decision and how you love people, even those you disagree with, will show whether or not real love has won in your life. End of story. ------- Here's a good video from Dr. Michael Brown discussing God's love for ALL people, including the gay community. 20 Minutes worth your time- minus the slightly dorky music...
A brand new year sounds like a great time to put together a wish list, doesn't it? Does to me! So, in no particular order, here are some things I wish for in 2014:
People to say what they mean and mean what they say. So tired of sarcasm and innuendo. Show some integrity and say and do what you say you will.
I'd like the suits at The Walt Disney Company to really go toe to toe with their theme park competitors. What would be even better would be if they would view their parks as works of art to be enhanced and added to due to the love of the place and not just the financials. Walt Disney loved his park. It showed, and folks flocked to see his living work of art.
A change in focus in how news is reported. If you're like me, you'd probably enjoy the news facts being reported and not interpreted for the reader or listener. We are grown up enough to understand what you are telling us. Stop treating us as if we need you to explain events to us.
World Peace. Sure, Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality and all the women of pageants clamor for it, convinced it will make them memorable. I want it, but I do not want to have to sacrifice my morals for it. God bless our military men and women for standing up for freedom and humane treatment of others. Yes, someone has to do it.
Less Miley Cyrus more Danielle Bradbery. Our culture is prone to produce young women who feel like they have to flaunt their sexuality to sell and make a point. Yes, this includes you, Lady Gaga. Let's give it up instead for some good old-fashioned music made for real people and not Hollywood and their wannabes. Madonna has shown more class throughout most of her career.
Sports figures you act like good sportsmen. I'm a bit tired of entitled NFL players and the like who act as if they can break the law and get away with it. Say what you will, but men the likes of Tim Tebow are good role models for our youth.
Politicians that truly care about America and what she stands for. I'm sick of 99% of our politicians, including our current president. Time for something new.
The church. And I do not mean just the Roman Catholic Church. May we be the light on the hill that Jesus spoke about. We can and must speak the truth in love or who will listen to the only true message that calls us to The One who can save us from ourselves?
Lastly, I'd like to be a better me. More like the Lord I follow and more like the man He created me to be. Oh God, please change my heart and empower my life.
While everyone debates the ObamaCare victory (Is it a tax? Is it a mandate?), I thought I would post this wonderful photo of my two youngest grandsons. Sometimes, regardless what side of the debate you are on, it's good to just stop and smile. These guys are both miracles in different ways, but the guy on the right was born perfectly healthy- when just three days earlier, doctors said ultrasounds, sonograms, and all other tests showed he had no cerebellum. Tell me that God Almighty is just a fairy tale! He is alive, active, and personal! Stepping in to perform a miracle.
Today is the National Day of Prayer. Especially in an election year, it is a perfect day to set aside our differences and join in unity, praying for our country, our community, our leaders, our world. Abraham Lincoln said it best, " It is the duty of nations as well as men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God." Join me, will you? Take a moment and pray, focusing on these seven areas: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family. In 2009, the brilliant teacher, Beth Moore, was the Honorary Chairman that year, and she offered her own prayer: "Father in Heaven, We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness. Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear towards us. We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor. Look over this fevered landscape and heal us, Lord. Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes to the sky, for we know where our help comes from. United these States again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line. Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart. 'May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You." In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Did they really do this? Sure seems like it. With California Adventure's relaunch due to hit June 15 and the November election not far behind, it's more than possible Disney is putting their muscle behind the current President Barack Obama.
This concept art for the new "DJ's Dance and Drive" show displays dancers holding fans (?) that are clearly President Obama's campaign logo. Not a wise partisan move on behalf of the Company.
Are you manic for Mitt? Gaga for Gingrich? Or bonkers for Barack? No matter! Here's a fun little chart sent to me (unfortunately with no credit) where you can follow along and discover if you are a person of faith and who if no one you believe in. Religion of no interest? Still click on the graphic for a good laugh!
Traces of romance in my head... Visions of today when I watched one man die and another emerge through the ancient rite of baptism. New hopes rise, old sins die, life begins anew in Jesus Christ, the creator of the world. Thinking of the power of forgiveness, not just towards us from Him, but from us towards others who have wronged us- and being delighted that change is coming and change has come. Real change, the kind stronger than political rhetoric from all sides. Freedom. Sending my camel off to bed...with joy. (Another post later today...)
Attention Americans: Get out there and vote. There really is no excuse. Democrat, Republican, or something different in the Third Party range, go do it. Or please be quiet about what you don't like in America. We have rights other countries have lost. Be brave. Be wise. But be on the road to the polls.
President Obama continues to show how out of touch he is with the American people. What a disappointment he has turned out to be!
Yes, I am for freedom of religion- but placing a mosque near Ground Zero shows incredible ignorance and insensitivity. Akin to a pro-Nazi monument next to Auschwitz, a pro Pol Pot monument next to Cambodia's government buildings, or a host of other possibilities where the triumph of evil is celebrated next to sites of great human loss.
Our president is becoming a fool right in front of the very eyes of his people. This emperor is showing his lack of clothes. (NOTE: For an admittedly better explanation of what I was trying to say, please read the comments.)
