Goodbye for Now, Billy Graham

"America's Pastor" Billy Graham has passed at age 99. It's a sad day for American Christians and many around the world, but he is resting in the arms of Jesus. I love this quote from him, 

"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

That said, what's far more important is that he focused on the message of Jesus Christ and him alone. For years, he has been faithful to proclaim that Jesus is the only way to God, the only way to eternal rest in heaven, and that the ways of man and any other religion are useless. 

Billy never swayed from calling sin for what it was and reminding people that Jesus' death on the cross was the only payment for our sin, moving us from a place of shame to a place of honor as part of God's family. All because of God's great love for the human race, Jesus was straightforward and plain about it. (See the book of John chapter 14.) Billy never forgot that. It was due to God's love Jesus was sent and His death and resurrection only proved He was who he said he was.

Here's Billy's final prayer for the world given on his 99th birthday last November:

""I've been praying that we might have a spiritual awakening," Graham said. "I think that becomes possible only as individuals surrender their lives afresh and anew to Christ."

There's a reason why American Presidents during his lifetime requested an audience with him to provide prayer and counsel. The man was not perfect, but he was wise, focused, and attempted to live a life of integrity. I, for one, will miss his influence on our nation and its leaders.

Is This Extortion?

This story about the 14 year old who bought a clock to school that looked like a bomb continues to get stranger and stranger. Now, he and his family are demanding $15 Million in damages because the school district and the city did their job making sure the school was safe. 

Yeah, this looks like a clock...

Not only this, but this kid is considered a hero and invited to the White House. Wow. Would he have gotten an invitation from President Obama if he were a Jew? Probably not. Full story here.

Too Hot for the President- Linked to the Muslim Brotherhood?

This is serious stuff- and something to be looked at and thought through objectively by every American. Does President Obama have deep links to the radical Muslim Brotherhood? A quick read of this article may be worth your time. 

Think about this: Any reading of the Old or New Testament in any depth will show the LORD ALMIGHTY has always been faithful to His people Israel. He has allowed discipline because of his love when they wander. And of course, there has been great hatred and persecution and mass murdering of the Jews. But God Himself promises the nation Israel will prevail (and that includes followers of Jesus Christ). It's always smart to be on the side of where God throws His promises and support.

Have the people always treated others perfectly and are without sin? Of course not- neither you nor I are always perfect and without sin. Still, this life is temporary and eternity is truly forever. What happens to us is something we may not understand this side of heaven. In a world that is crumbling before our eyes, keeping them on God and His promises remains a wise thing to do.