Does God Smile a Bit After All the Fuss?

Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." --- Psalm 2:1-6

We went through it again during Christmas 2008 with controversy just about everywhere over the subject of Christmas -- can you really use the term "Merry Christmas" in a public setting? It's pretty much off limits in the public school systems across the nation. And there are the idiotic court decisions handed down by judges who have a dangerous vacuum existing between their ears in regard to the legality of displaying nativity scenes in certain places, etc! They say it all has something to do with a misleading phrase, "separation of church and state," plus other professed "intellectual" nonsense.

It's no secret that there is a fervent resistance to and a hatred for anything that provides a reminder of Jesus Christ, and this stuff is growing like a fast spreading deadly cancer.

But here's the one thing they can't change and even the most ignorant of that crowd of judges probably wouldn't want to try to change it in any way by yet another stupid decision -- it's a daily reminder of that very controversial Person known as Jesus Christ!

Even an atheist when he opens his check book to write a check and places the date on it -- for example, January 12, 2009 -- what does that date mean? Literally it means January 12, 2009 A.D. -- in the year of our Lord!

Granted that some try to get around this by using the term Current Era (C.E.) but that doesn't change the significance of what happened that caused the calendar to take this shape in terms of days, months and years! Like it or not, the agreement is rather widespread with the vast majority using what is known as the Gregorian calendar -- and if you go back to 0 on the calendar, you come to why that is the dividing point and you end up with a measurement in time using "B. C. (Before Christ was born)" or A. D. "Anno Domini (after Christ was born). Any way you slice it, Jesus Christ comes into the picture. You can use your B.C.E. or C.E. initials if you want, but that will not take Him out of the picture at all -- He is still the dividing point in the centuries of time -- He is the Alpha and the Omega -- the beginning and the end -- the first and the last!

Wikipedia had the following comments about the calendar:

Anno Domini (Medieval Latin: In the year of (the/Our) Lord), abbreviated as AD or A.D., is a designation used to number years in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. More fully, years may be also specified as Anno Domini Nostri Iesu (Jesu) Christi ("In the Year of Our Lord Jesus Christ").

The calendar era that it numbers is based on the traditionally reckoned year of the conception or birth of Jesus. Before Christ, abbreviated as BC or B.C., is used in the English language to denote years before the start of this epoch.

Though the Anno Domini dating system was devised in 525, it was not until the 8th century that the system began to be adopted in Western Europe. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, even popes continued to date documents according to regnal years, and usage of AD only gradually became more common in Europe from the 11th to the 14th centuries. In 1422, Portugal became the last Western European country to adopt the Anno Domini system.

Year numbering using the Anno Domini system (or its alternative Common Era (CE) designation) is the most widespread numbering system in the world today, including numbering of decades, centuries, and millennia. It is a de facto standard as used by international agencies such as the United Nations and the Universal Postal Union. Its preeminence is a consequence of the European colonisation of the other continents, thus spreading the Gregorian calendar.

Does God smile at all these feeble attempts to keep any reference to Him and His Son far removed from public consciousness? There is one reference at least to the fact that He laughs a bit at the sheer ignorance exhibited by nations and their leaders when it comes to failure to honor and obey Him as He expects. And this leads us on to the fact that He is going to directly intervene in human affairs on this planet at some point in the future.

This can mean only one thing -- it is imperative for the leaders of nations and the citizens they claim to be leading to set their houses in order -- it will not be pleasant if they fail to do so! At this moment in human history it is obvious that most choose to identify with the ways and world view of the generation living at the time of a man named Noah. It is likely that they also did not want any reference made to the living God Who created a majestic universe for His pleasure and purposes in spite of the fact that Noah is described in the apostle Peter's writings as a "preacher of righteousness" and he was at that for many, many years.

So when you look at a calendar to reference some date, make an entry in your check book, or do some writing in a daily journal, remember the reason behind why that date is the way it is -- and smile a little bit as you remember also that even the most hard core bunch of atheists can't do a thing about changing it, and who knows, maybe our God is smiling a bit with you!

Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. --- Psalm 2:10-12

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" --- Revelation 11:15

Does This Little Guy Have Anything to Which He Can Look Forward?

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." --- Jeremiah 1:4, 5

His name is Owen and he reached the age of 1 year on July 19, 2008, the same day as a much older 1st cousin of his was getting married with the wedding being performed by his grandfather. The grandchildren on his father’s side of the family have quite a span in age – the oldest of the 9 grandchildren is 28 years old with Owen being the youngest.

Above you see Owen getting into one of his Christmas presents at his grandparents’ home on Christmas Day, 2008. It was an exciting time for him. He is a very adventurous little guy and always on the go. For him there is a big world out there to investigate. It is agreed in the family that he doesn’t like to be held in anyone’s arms – he has to be let down on the earth or the floor in a home – his legs are already churning in high gear when he hits the surface and off he goes! His grandmother H. already has confessed that she cannot keep him by herself – the reason is very simple – she says, “I could never keep up with him to make sure he doesn’t get into something he shouldn’t!”

But on to more serious matters in light of the question asked above about whether Owen and many others his age have anything to which to look forward as they grow up in what used to be a nation of some standards and principles.

Right now Owen could not care less who is president or who is going to be president – what persons comprise the U. S. Congress – what persons come forth with judicial decisions which more often than not cause further erosion of the moral and spiritual fabric of our republic.

At the age of 1 ½ years he will not be aware that the most pro-death administration in the history of our country will take control on January 20, 2009. Further, at this point in time he is unaware that the republic is unraveling at the seams due to its lack of respect for human life, its deeply entrenched idolatry, its pandemic sexual immorality, and its lack of respect for the one day in the week in which Almighty God is to be honored and worshipped. Also, he will likely be exposed to a deadly teaching in his young years in a public school system which attempts to brainwash us into believing that we humans have evolved from lower life forms.

However, within his family will be teaching and training that will counter the aforementioned stuff. He will be made aware that God also knew him before he was conceived in his mother’s womb as was the case with a man by the name of Jeremiah. He will be learning that through Jesus Christ there is a wonderful plan and purpose for his life.

And he will be made aware that human governments are unreliable and that we dare not place our hope and expectations for the future in elected officials – they will disappoint us constantly because they fail to face the root problem of the human race and therefore cannot provide satisfactory solutions to human problems – the most serious one has to be dealt with first.

Most important of all he will be informed that God has shown us that the human race will do a devastating repeat of those chaotic times in which Noah lived before the judgment of the flood and conditions with which Lot contended when he and his family lived in Sodom. But this is counter balanced by the possession of what the Scripture says is the “blessed hope” – a hope that centers in the personal return of Jesus Christ to this earth to set up His Kingdom and rule it forever!

No, he doesn’t have much to which to look forward so far as the future prospects of this country and the world at large are concerned, but he does have much by way of hope and purpose in living when his faith is centered in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and our soon returning King! And so it is for every person who chooses to march to the beat of a very different Drummer in times such as these!

And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. --- Matthew 24:4-13

Christmas Benefits Excel All Others!

When it comes to wages and benefits in times such as these the major issue often centers on the "benefits" -- what kind of health care benefits are there -- are there eye and dental care provisions -- what kind of pension benefits and how about vacation time -- and how many sick days does one get in a year's time -- can I accumulate them over the years and get paid for the ones I haven't used when I retire? Yes, indeed, there is a lot of preoccupation about the "benefits" and then after settling that, we get into the wage issues.

Sad, but true -- with all the hostility and controversy that now surrounds Christmas along with focusing on the materialistic aspects of life, the Christmas "benefit" package is ignored or flat out rejected by a vast majority of U. S. citizens, not to mention most of this world's 6 billion inhabitants!

A few can testify that the "benefit" package of Christmas beats all the others hands down! Because of God becoming human and visiting this world in the Person of Jesus Christ -- because of His death on our behalf on a Roman cross and because of His victorious resurrection here is what we have by way of benefits:

• His peace - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1,2).
  
  
• His presence with us always - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Jesus speaking in Matthew 28:19, 20).
  
  
• His power - Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8).
  
  
• His promises that apply to all areas of our concern - Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4).
  
  
• His provisions that are always sufficient - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..... And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:13, 19).
  
  
• His place which He is preparing for His people -- the perfect environment with no negatives as constantly experienced in this present world - "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (Jesus speaking in John 14:1-3). A PS on this one -- can you imagine living in a place where there is perfect peace -- no conflicts of any kind whatsoever -- a place where there are no hospitals, doctors, drug stores, funeral homes and cemeteries -- a place where you have perfect health and no aches and pains -- and where you do not age?
  

That Christmas "benefit" package makes even the most luxurious ones dreamed up by the biggest corporations in this world quickly shrink into dust by comparison, does it not?

Have a blessed Christmas and rejoice much in the benefits it makes available through the Lord Jesus Christ as you celebrate with family and friends!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." --- Jesus speaking in John 3:16

A Tightrope Christmas!

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. --- 2 John 1:9-11

Here we go again – do we dare mention the word, Christmas, or back off and simply refer to the days of December as a holiday season and wish people a cheery “Happy Holidays?” It seems to be an adventure similar to walking a tightrope!

Reaction to the Christmas controversy is varied again this year – from allowing atheists to post a sign near a nativity display in one part of the country to the aggressive distribution of badges and bumper stickers boldly stating “Merry Christmas.”

Mike Huckabee on his Fox News program perhaps best expressed thoughts about Christmas to which those professing to be “evangelical” would say a hearty “Amen!” I just happened to accidentally catch those remarks while surfing a bit during the ad blitz on a channel showing a Christmas movie which I was attempting to watch. I very rarely view Fox News – you know, the channel that highly qualifies as a competitive beauty pageant for females, jam packed with oodles of ads, has flashy and splashy graphics and throws in a few tidbits of news with a ticker tape moving across the bottom when the ads aren’t running!

Anyway, Mike got into explaining about Christmas and the Biblical account behind it. He mentioned that God came and took on human form. He then became almost apologetic and stated that he did not want to offend those of other faiths such as Muslims, Hindus etc. but that his intent was to explain what Christmas means to those who follow the Christian faith. His explanation will probably be accepted by many with no offense.

However, the real hostility against Christmas lies not so much in a few people believing that God became human at some point in the flow of human history – it is due to a fewer number who believe and proclaim without apology that Jesus Christ is absolutely the only way of forgiveness, experiencing peace with Almighty God, and eventual entrance into God’s eternal Kingdom after death ends our existence on earth! You see, by doing this, one is stating that all other religious expressions outside of Christianity are false and without a reliable foundation! This does not sit well with most who are devotees of something other than genuine Christianity. The consequence is resentment, hostile responses and in some places, violent acts of persecution. Unfortunately there are within the ranks of professing Christianity those, including church leaders, who have backed off from being in agreement with Jesus on this issue, and have indicated one way or another that other religions in the world have legitimate claims to speak on issues related to deity, life's purpose and eternal destiny. In taking such a compromising position it has also been necessary to shift in one's view of the Scriptures with the conclusion that they are simply human produced writings with errors here and there! You can go for many miles once you start down that trail, but it will cause the vehement objections from religionists outside of Christianity to settle down a bit!

It is not a theory or some far fetched idea that bring these few to such a conclusion of what some describe as being very intolerant and narrow minded. It is based on the personal and very radical exclusive statements made by Jesus Himself – each of those statements begins with “I am…”

Further, these statements rest on the solid facts of His sacrificial death on behalf of every human being, His subsequent resurrection from the dead 3 days after crucifixion and His ascension back to Heaven after a 40 day period spent with a number of His followers. He has also specifically promised to return to this planet again and we are informed that He will rule it with a "rod of iron!"

He gave a parting command to go into all the world, issue a call to repent from sin, accept Him as Savior and Lord, and exhort all to obey His teachings – there were to be no exceptions to this – never once did He say, “Do this except for those who are of the ________ faith.” (insert any one of the vast number of religious expressions of your preference in today’s world in the blank space.).

But He also stressed one other thing which we often overlook. And that was in regard to Christians who are faithful to carry out that parting command to confront the world about His call and claims upon all members of the human race – the radical nature of that message and witness will cause them to be hated among all nations! The reason? Simple – Jesus’ followers represent light and truth which is often rejected as stated by Jesus in John 3:19-21:

"And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

In my years of hunting there were times as I walked through the woods that I would come across a piece of a dead log – I would kick the log over to see what would happen. Underneath were all kinds of creepy crawly things – as soon as they were exposed to the light they scurried quickly to find a hole into which they might crawl – they didn’t want to remain where there was light -- it made them too uncomfortable! A majority of human beings are much the same – the light and truth that comes through Jesus Christ Whose birth we celebrate at this time of year is more than they can stand – the reaction is hatred and hostility as they scramble to get back into the darkness and away from the light which exposes them for what they really are!

Actually, it ought not to be considered walking a tightrope at Christmas or at any other time in regard to our faith in Jesus Christ – just continue to bear witness to the fact that He is still the only way of salvation and hope in spite of the majority responding in a negative fashion – always bear in mind the inspired words of the apostle Paul – they give a powerful encouragement and challenge to keep on going because somewhere in the future when that statement is totally fulfilled we will wholeheartedly agree that it has been worth it all to have fulfilled the calling of Jesus Christ upon our lives each day of our journey on earth!

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. --- Philippians 2:9-10

How About One Half of An Abortion?

Then the king said, "Bring me a sword." So they brought a sword before the king. And the king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to one, and half to the other." --- 1 Kings 3:24, 25

The announcement has just been made and as could be expected, there has been reaction from some persons who have not been real positive. B. Hussein Obama has tapped Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback Church which comprises about 24,000 members, to give the invocation at the Inauguration on January 20, 2009.

Warren managed to set up a “forum” at his church during the presidential campaign in which he “interviewed” B. Hussein Obama and John McCain on issues a number of which related somehow to faith.

Shortly after this episode Time Magazine placed Mr. Warren on its front cover with a caption noting that he was America’s most powerful pastor. That of course can be seriously questioned. But there is talk that he will be Billy Graham’s “replacement” as a kind of #1 preacher, evangelist, and whatever else might be included in being elevated to the top of the religious totem pole in the republic of the U.S.A.

A writer for the New York Times noted that B. O. was extending an “olive branch” to the “evangelicals” and conservatives by selecting Rick Warren to do the invocation on January 20, 2009. One interesting thing to watch for in that moment is whether "evangelical" Rick Warren will do that prayer in the name of Jesus Christ or choose to avoid the mention of that name which is declared to be above all other names -- the name to which at some point in the future all will bow whether they be in heaven, on earth or under the earth and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father! (Philippians 2:9-11). We have to admit, do we not, that it is not common practice to acknowledge that special name at the federal government level at the present time!

Warren is described as being “evangelical” with a claim to being strong pro-life and supportive of traditional marriage in his pastoral position. In his “interview” with B. O. the issue of abortion was briefly discussed. B. O. made it plain that he wants to “work with” those opposed to abortion and that by working together the number of abortions taking place in the nation will be reduced. He did not ever mention an objective of eliminating abortions and the evidence is overwhelming that he wants to do everything possible to remove any and all restrictions relative to abortion now in place by signing the Freedom of Choice Act after becoming president.

B. Hussein Obama is attempting to build a reputation as a “peacemaker” among opposing factions. Comments made as he assembles his staff and Cabinet draw attention to the fact that there are persons on his “team” who hold opposing views and in some cases, these are in disagreement with the president-elect himself!

So, back to the abortion issue – does this mean then that in working with those opposed to abortion that we can meet half way and be offered situations where only half an abortion will be done – and in the case of the partial birth abortion, which will be resumed under the FOCA where it is now restricted, that only half the baby’s brains will be sucked out instead of all of them? That was the approach that Solomon offered in a conflict involving two mothers, a dead baby and a living baby. Each mother claimed the living baby was hers – Solomon’s recommendation was to cut the living baby in half and give each mother a half of a baby. As superior a compromise as could ever be proposed, wouldn’t you say? Those familiar with the story know that the real mother insisted that the baby be given to her opponent, while the opponent insisted on dividing it as originally suggested by the king. The wise king then ordered that the baby be given to its real mother.

B. O. has mentioned that “dialog” will be an important part of his administration – sitting down and engaging in discussion where there is strong disagreement, so that a compromise is reached. Professed “evangelicals” have been pressured for some time to engage in discussion and resolve differences so that peace prevails and everyone gets along – we’re all just one big happy family! After all, we are all God’s children, aren’t we? Or are we? If you want to see how God looks at who are really His children and who are not, take a slow read through 1 John 3 sometime – it’s a real eye opener!

With all the compromising in values that has been taking place in recent years, maybe at that table it can be suggested to just do half abortions. Yes, yes – I know – to even suggest such a thing is unreal – it’s crazy – it’s more than a tad preposterous! You either do an abortion or you don’t do it, because in this situation there is no half way deal.

Now – try some serious thinking – is it not even more insane to believe we can sit down at a table with the likes of a B. Hussein Obama and “work together” to reduce the number of abortions? At least a few of us (the ones labeled as having narrow beady eyes, a Neanderthal shaped forehead and breathing fire out our nostrils) are not interested in reducing the number of abortions – we want to see them stopped, because that is what Almighty God wants! His view of human life, identifying us humans before conception in the womb and a special purpose for each human life has been made abundantly clear. Mr. Obama has yet to honestly face up to this revelation as well as a lot of other politicians, judges and too many church leaders!

We are now at the doorway and about to be ushered into living under the most pro-death government ever to exist in United States history. When a professed “pro-life” president sat in the White House and professed “pro-life” Republicans controlled the U. S. Congress and nothing significant was done to stop the massive “shedding of innocent blood,” do we, as we sit comfortably in our compromising positions, really believe that there will be any serious attempt to respect unborn human life beginning on January 20, 2009 – further, that we will demonstrate before the nations of the world that we indeed are a people who believe and practice that ALL persons have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

Perhaps we should just scuttle that historic document known as the Declaration of Independence in which the following words appear:

We hold these truths to be self–evident,
That all men are created equal,
That they are endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable Rights,
That among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
Deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

Isn't it true that as a nation we have provided brazen testimony for years to the fact that within our borders about 100,000 persons each month do not have those unalienable rights, do they? And with a pro-death administration in control starting the 3rd week of January 2009 those rights are not going to be reinstated! So be wary if someone says to you, “Let’s work together and try to reduce the number of abortions taking place each year in this country.” A simple reply is this – “The issue is not reduction, but termination!” Would the person making that suggestion be satisfied if his or her surgeon said, “We’re going to reduce the number of cancer cells we have found in your body!” Is it not the practice of surgeons to use such terms as "We got all of it." or "We weren't able to get all of it." when referring to the cancer that they were trying to remove? So, even a rabid abortionist would not likely be satisfied if told by his surgeon, "We reduced the number of cancer cells in your body by about 50 per cent!"

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the LORD Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. --- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, 7:1

Will the New President Mark This Milestone After Taking Office?

Senator Barack Obama debated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton on Tuesday night and said his biggest mistake was voting with a unanimous Senate to help save Terri Schiavo. Terri is the disabled Florida woman whose husband won the legal right to starve her to death. --- quote from Steven Ertelt, Editor of Lifenews.com, reporting on debate at Cleveland OH on February 26, 2008

It's like a darkening cloud with lightning flashing moving toward us and by the time January 20, 2009 arrives that cloud with its accompanying lightning bolts will be hovering over us!

The evidence is there for anyone with sufficient vision to see it -- the new administration will be rabidly pro-death in its approach to human life as none other preceding it has ever been.

Many appointments by B. Hussein Obama involve persons who are radical when it comes to supporting the policy of destroying unborn children at any stage in their development as God forms them in their mothers' (term used loosely) wombs. If you are not afraid to do so, take some time to ponder God's statement made to one man some time ago and all the implications of that statement: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." --- Jeremiah 1:4, 5

B. O. himself has vowed to sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law once he takes over the presidency. This will be a federal statute that basically will erase whatever limited protection of unborn children has been put in place in the past. Literally, it will be "open season" on the unborn!

Now the question is this -- will the president issue some kind of proclamation marking a significant milestone in this matter of the destruction of the unborn? In just a few days following B.O.'s inauguration the republic of the United States will have destroyed 50,000,000 unborn children since the infamous Roe v. Wade decision of January 22, 1973! So it is only fitting that one who is so dedicated to continuing the practice of destroying unborn children in the name of a so-called "constitutional right" should issue a proclamation -- maybe even make the day on which the 50 millionth victim is executed a holiday and everyone make merry and celebrate the occasion with uplifted glasses!

His many statements about his low view of human life, including the one above related to Terry Schiavo, provide solid proof that B. O. intends to widen and deepen the stream of the shedding of innocent blood in the future -- well, that is, until Almighty God chooses to step in and put a stop to this abomination and rest assured, He will stop it -- it's not a question of whether, but when! It would be most fitting if that interruption in the flow of U. S. history would take place while B. Hussein Obama is occupying the Oval Office at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC. Further, if it should happen under his "watch," it will be interesting to see what B. O. and his Democratic controlled Congress will attempt to do to in a feeble and vain effort to counter the anger of a holy God!

Time will tell -- at any rate, this nation continues to exhibit its rebel spirit and shake a defiant clenched fist in the face of the Creator of this universe. The new administration has already served notice that this defiance will continue with whole hearted approval of the United States' version of Holocaust and many other rebel acts added to that as well!

The new president being inaugurated on January 20, 2009 has signaled at this stage by statements and deeds that he will prove to be a 21st Century version of an ancient king who lived centuries ago whose name was Manasseh!

But they paid no attention, and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the LORD spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, "Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.'"...... Moreover Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD. --- 2 Kings 21:9-12, 16

More About Winter....

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.... He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes; He casts out His hail like morsels; who can stand before His cold? He sends out His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. --- Psalm 147:1, 15-18

Lots and lots of memories about winter over the years -- especially in those growing up years on a farm in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

My parents made sure my younger sister and I had warm clothing to wear in the winter time. It was a long walk to school. In those years it was common for the younger ones to have what were called "snow suits" -- heavy coats and heavy pullover pants -- sometimes so balky you couldn't walk very well -- the heavy boots added to the problem. And with a heavy cap and heavy gloves or mittens, you were prepared to face the harsh weather of winter!

Many hours were spent outside, especially if we had lots of snow and/or ice. Skating on the local creek was a favorite activity. We didn't have ice skates -- we just took a run onto the ice and then slid for a few feet. Sometimes we would take the boots off and the soles of our shoes made it possible to really slide with the risk of getting off balance and falling. More than one of us knew the experience of falling and hitting the back of our heads on the ice -- a very painful moment!

And there were the sled riding times. The ideal which didn't happen too often was when we got snow, then some rain to wet it down and then a deep freeze which formed a hard crust on the surface. I can remember one time on our fields on a hillside we could go like it seemed forever before getting off the sled and going back to the top for another adventurous ride!

Jean and I had a more updated and modern experience of this a few years back. We had gotten our son a Honda 185 3-wheeler for Christmas (that was before the government which is determined to save us from ourselves decided that 3-wheelers were too dangerous and forced the manufacturers to quit making them!). Anyway, we had a crust factor for ideal sledding. So near our parsonage was a long slope -- one of us would ride the sled down and the other would take the 3-wheeler down and pick up the rider and tow the sled back to top of the slope -- we took turns doing this and had a blessed time, later topped off with hot chocolate!

Another memory of winter time in those early years -- our "menu" prepared by my mother for our meals. One of the main staples was buckwheat cakes with home made syrup. The cakes were made from pure ground buckwheat flour and the batter was started with yeast -- they didn't smell very good, but they sure tasted good. We had them for breakfast and often for supper as well. Mom would just add some flour on a regular basis plus the other ingredients as needed. We usually started having them in November (as soon as flour was available) and went through to spring time). Sausage from our butchered hogs was also a part of the meal with the buckwheat cakes. My dad would not eat syrup on his -- he said that spoiled them -- my mother would make a type of sausage broth which he would put on his cakes.

I have made those same buckwheat cakes and have some going at the present time. But I keep the batter in the refrigerator so they don't get away from me -- if they do, they get too strong due to fermenting. Because we ate them constantly at home, my mom let the batter set out in a crock on the kitchen counter. Before my dad went to be with the Lord he came down for a visit with us and I had started a batch of buckwheat cakes some time earlier. I served him some and received what I considered a very kind compliment -- he said, "They are almost as good as your mother's!"

I did have an adventure one time a few years back in getting the buckwheat cakes started. I start with flour, buttermilk, yeast, water and salt. I mixed them up in a bowl and we left for Bible study. Jean said I had better put a pan under the bowl in case the cake batter raised and ran over. I said they won't do that much till we get back. When we got home there was buckwheat cake batter running all over the counter and the floor -- that stuff had really taken off and guess who said, "I told you so!"

There were times in winter that the road conditions were pretty bad. One of the worst I remember was back in about 1944 or so - we had a storm that dumped about 3 feet or so of snow on us. My dad was working for the New York Central Railroad at that time. He usually drove to work about 3 miles away but that day he walked it in order to get the tracks cleared -- trains had to keep running in those days of WW II. I can still remember seeing his footprints in that deep snow. It was quite a while before our roads were opened because of bad drifting where there were cuts and embankments as high as 10 feet or so along the roadways.

A later incident in winter involved Jean and me when we were dating. I was to take her to her sister's place to stay. Lots of snow on the roads and I had a '51 Ford with an overdrive transmission which caused it to be about as helpless as anything could be on winter roads. I had put the chains on the back wheels and we were trying to get up a very steep hill with the Ford pawing around like crazy and then it threw one of the chains off! Where that chain went I had no way of knowing -- so we made it back to my home just a short distance away and Jean spent the night at my house. Her family did not have a phone yet, so we could not call and tell them what happened. Ooooh! When her mom found out what happened, it was like a tornado, blizzard and hurricane all wrapped up in one big blast! She thought the worst -- but I slept in my bed and Jean slept with my sister that winter night! This is a bit delicate -- but in spite of the pressures and temptations of 2 years of dating, we were never intimate until our wedding night! These days such a thing is considered odd, strange and practically unheard of. Much more could be said about the radical change regarding sexual behavior over the years but that has been dealt with in some of my other blogs and in areas of my web site.

Our Christmas times were always wonderfully blessed. Even in those early years when we did not have electricity. Our tree was always decorated with a sense of great excitement and there were always some gifts there on Christmas morning in spite of the fact that we would be considered to be in the poor class of people.

Then came the year we moved into a home with electricity and my mother got a string of Noma electric lights for the tree. What excitement that year -- it had 7 bulbs on it, but you would have thought by looking into the faces of my sister and me that the tree had a thousand lights on it!

Ah, those were the days -- life was so much simpler then and filled with values as revealed in God's holy Word -- winter time, spring time, summer time, and fall -- those were indeed times of blessing with many precious memories.

On my previous post to this one I mentioned about having a pleasant interlude by going to a web site where you can view a series of paintings by a very talented artist named Robert Duncan. We have some of his paintings of winter scenes. If you haven't viewed these, by all means go to Winters of Long Ago. It will be worth the time to do so. You will be blessed and it will be a pleasant interlude! Please use return feature on your web browser if you wish to return to this place.

Have a most blessed and wonderful Christmas experience this year as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus -- the only One Who offers forgiveness, peace and hope to a sin-saturated world of over 6 billion people!

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. --- Psalm 51:7

How About a Very Pleasant Interlude?

Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. --- Mark 9:2-4

I have a multitude and then some of memories -- good memories -- blessed memories of childhood and growing up in a home with parents who feared and reverenced God -- who believed that Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, is our one and only source of forgiveness, salvation and hope.

Many of those memories are of winter -- many hours were spent out of doors playing in the snow at home and at the one room country school which I attended for 7 years. School lunch hours were spent sled riding -- in those years it seemed that the snow began in November and lasted until mid March at least.

Snow balling was forbidden by our teachers -- I got caught by my 6th Grade teacher violating the rule -- the penalty? I had to write a sentence, "No snow balling on the school ground." on the blackboard, and I had to write that sentence 500 times! After that my hand was so tired I couldn't form a snowball if I had wanted to!

Anyway, another confession at this point in addition to the one just made -- I used to look forward to and enjoy very much the season known as winter. I have changed a bit in my old age in my attitude toward winter, but can still enjoy the scenery and beauty that winter brings, so long as I am inside where it is warm and cozy. On our living room walls we have a number of scenes of winter painted by a very talented artist by the name of Robert Duncan.

Recently a relative sent a link from a web site which presents a series of Duncan's paintings with music. It is most appropriate for this time of year. Two of my favorites which you will see and which we have hanging in our living room are the boy riding the Hampshire hog and the curious Holsteins watching the boy pass by with his sled and dog.

Go to Winters of Long Ago. It will be worth the time to do so. You will be blessed and it will be a pleasant interlude! Please use return feature on your web browser if you wish to return to this place.

Enjoy and be blessed!

PS: When I take my morning 2 mile walk, even in winter, when it is snowing, I am reminded of two things -- each snowflake falling represents a blessing God has bestowed upon me and my family of which we are undeserving -- and, second, though I have been guilty of sinning, I can be forgiven and all defilement removed so that I am "whiter than snow" as mentioned by the prophet Isaiah!

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

The Obama Administration and the Third Reich – Point of Disagreement Is Merely in Timing!

The cult of personality and hysteria for a charismatic orator are frightening parallels between Obama and Hitler. Like Hitler, Obama too is a phenomenal political figure, extraordinary in American politics. No American politician has made such an impression on Americans. He receives excessive admiration and adoration from his admirers reminiscent of hero worship but with a messianic twist. --- Jerry A. Kane in article, “The Obama-Hitler Parallel”

Not a few persons are quite upset at comments made recently in which B. Hussein Obama is being compared to Adolph Hitler. The comparison involves such things as personality, charisma, oratorical skills and a “love at first sight” response from masses of people of all ages. And all this taking place in a brief period of time after coming literally from out of nowhere!

The intent here is not to pursue many of the foregoing comparisons which have already been discussed, but to point out a common ingredient shared by the newly elected president and his administration with those who gained power about three quarters of a century ago under the banner of a swastika and were eventually identified as the Third Reich!

It is the view of human life in which we see these two governing powers as being quite compatible. Adolph Hitler and cohorts took a view that certain persons should not continue to live and so a “Final Solution” was concocted and a total of about 15 million persons were put to death, 6 million of which were Jewish by racial identity.

B. Hussein Obama and his cohorts are on record that they sanction the deaths of a large number of persons on an ongoing basis. This translates into about 100,000 per month throughout the year!

What’s the difference? It’s only in the timing – in the days of the Third Reich the victims had already been born, but Hitler and cohorts determined that some were not deserving of life, so those lives were terminated. On the other hand, Obama and his cohorts take the position that certain unborn children should not be permitted to live because it is not “convenient” for them to be born! His administration has persons within it that enthusiastically support the Freedom of Choice Act which the newly elected president has vowed to sign into law. B. O. and his Chief of Staff, R. Emanuel, both were co-sponsors of the Freedom of Choice Act when it was introduced into the U. S. Senate and the U. S. House of Representatives. You know the truth of the old saying, do you not -- "Birds of a feather flock together!"

So it’s simply a matter of timing – Hitler and associates arranged for dispatching the unwanted at whatever age the victim happened to be – Obama and associates give their blessing and approval to execution before birth because it’s the most convenient thing to do, right?

Lesson here? The only thing we learn about history is that we miserably fail to learn from the lessons of history. "Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it," as stated by George Santayana (1863–1952)!

In spite of being repetitious – I’ll say it again and will continue to say it – God is not going to let this nation continue to wantonly destroy thousands of unborn children every week of the year – He will respond to this abominable practice and it may be sooner than any of us realize due to the simple fact that on January 20, 2009 we will have in place the most aggressive pro-abortion bunch in charge of our federal government that we have ever had in the history of this republic!

Hitler and his people didn’t get away with it and we in the United States are a bunch of fools (and this includes our "leaders") of the first magnitude if we believe we can prove that we are the exception!

By the way, the United States' tally of unborn victims is fast approaching 50 million who have been deliberately mutilated and murdered in their mothers' wombs -- sort of makes the governing powers of the Third Reich seem like amateurs by way of comparison, doesn't it?

The Third Reich arose in the wake of the loss of land, the heavy reparations, and the perceived national embarrassment imposed through the Treaty of Versailles which ended World War I. Following civil unrest, the worldwide economic depression of the 1930s, the counter-traditionalism of the Weimar period, and the rise of communism in Germany, many voters began turning their support towards the Nazi Party with its promises of strong government, civil peace, radical changes to economic policy and restoration of national pride. --- from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Moreover Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD........... Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon. --- 2 Kings 21:16; 2 Kings 24:3, 4

Losing in Two Ways!

United Methodist Church membership declined by approximately 74,791 members as of Dec 31, 2007 – United Methodist Church membership was approximately 7,856,752 as of Jan 1, 2008. --- sources include Annual Conference Reports, Newscope, United Methodist News Service and General Council on Finance and Administration

So, what else is new? Annual Conference reports for the United Methodist Church reveal another year of declining membership which brings total U. S. membership below the 8 million level. The pattern has been an annual loss of tens of thousands of members for quite some time. A very few conferences posted some gains, but for most it was the use of that minus sign again. My own conference, W. Pennsylvania, lost 1,738 members during 2007. And this in spite of all the hype and money invested in the kite flying “Believe Again” campaign which has been underway for a while!

It’s almost like an annual “ritual” -- there is the loss of tens of thousands as reported each year, but there is another loss to which no reference is ever made in the United Methodist Church.

That is an unknown number of persons who would have become members of the UMC but they never had a chance – you see, they were the victims of intentional assault and murder before they were born!

A new milestone is about to be reached in “the land of the free and the home of the brave” – soon there will be 50 million unborn victims who will have been mutilated and murdered in their mothers’ wombs since the infamous decision by very blind and very foolish Supreme Court members back in 1973. The terms “blind” and ”foolish” are very applicable because they did not realize the extent of the harvest yet to be reaped by opening such a Pandora’s Box as this.

Anyone out there want to broadcast your ignorance and deny that at least some of those 50 million victims would have become members in United Methodist churches scattered throughout the 50 states of this republic?

The oldest of these would be in their mid-30’s with families and settled well into their careers! Who can fathom what would have been the extent of their contributions made within the fellowship of the church?

You are aware, are you not, that not much discussion or serious concern is raised about this group which could have made some measure of difference in the life of the United Methodist Church?

Yes, I’m fully aware of the fact that the UMC has an “official” statement on the subject of abortion in its Social Principles. That statement, when all the attempts at pious language are honestly analyzed, brings you to an intersection with a flashing green light which says that any woman can get an abortion with sanction from the United Methodist Church – it’s quite simple – all she has to do is say, “This pregnancy is going to bring a lot of undue stress, financial hardship and extensive psychological damage to me!”

That’s it – a free ticket with the UMC stamp of approval to execute an unborn child whom God is forming in the womb for a high and holy purpose.

Will anything be done to try to reverse the losses? Highly unlikely, although there may be some “campaigns” launched to try to lessen those negative yearly numbers reported by the annual conferences, but very, very few if any will mention that just maybe something ought to be done about ending the United States’ version of “Holocaust” – and our number is nearly 3 times the number of victims under the Nazi version in WW II. Just a little something to think about when it comes to the United Methodist Church and its adventure with numbers!

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." --- Jeremiah 1:4, 5

Up At the Speed of Light – Down At the Speed of a Lame Turtle!

Oil dives below $50 bbl, near 2 year low --- Internet headline on November 20, 2008

Have you ever noticed the way the gas prices at the pump change? If there is a headline or a news clip that says that the price of a barrel of oil has increased by $10 or $15, instantly the prices on those marquees at gas stations are increased right now – no hesitation whatsoever! In fact, if there is even a rumor that the price of a barrel of oil is going to increase, that is enough to up the pump price at least 10 cents or more per gallon – and that is quite some time before the tanker pulls in with a new supply of gas at the new price!

But when the prices of a barrel of oil start to drop off as they have been doing just recently, have you noticed how long it takes before that is reflected on the marquees? It takes about forever and a day until they finally reduce the price by a few cents – always lots and lots of foot dragging on price reduction.

It becomes a real stand-up comedian style experience when the oil company executives try to explain these things – one a while back attempted to explain when the prices were going up and then there was some reduction in the price of a barrel of oil but no reduction in prices at the pump that the oil companies had “absorbed” some of those earlier increases and that was why the price at the pump had not dropped as quickly as expected! Yea, sure – and what was that recent report about Exxon-Mobile having another quarter of record profits recently?

The name of the game in the petroleum industry is still pure unadulterated greed! But of course greed is the kind of disease that is pandemic at the present time and not limited to the issue of how much you pay to put a couple of gallons of gas in your tank – if you want an example of how it works in other areas, just look at what legislators have voted for themselves regarding salaries and “perks” at the state and federal levels – and that’s just for starters!

A Bible prophecy is right on target about this issue:

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…..--- 2 Timothy 3:1, 2

But there is good news – one of these days the Creator of this great universe is going to personally step in and interrupt the flow of human history – He will take complete control of this planet and things will be done His way from that moment on. To say the least, it will be a whole new ball game for the human race! The greed thing, along with a lot of other maladies afflicting the human race (including the desire to always wage wars somewhere), will no longer exist! One other great blessing as noted elsewhere on this blog is the undeniable fact that all politicians will be out of a job!

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. --- Isaiah 9:6, 7

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. --- Revelation 19:11-16

More Than Just a Count Down of Days Until January 20, 2009!

"The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That's the first thing that I'd do." -- Senator Barack Obama, speaking to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, July 17, 2007

Mass media people are all lathered up in anticipation of the inauguration on January 20, 2009 with the "count down" well underway. News people are scrambling all over themselves as they attempt to predict who will have cabinet positions (those not yet officially announced) and other top level jobs in the B. Hussein Obama administration.

But there's something else to which nobody in the huge mass of cable news outlets, newspapers and news magazines, TV talk shows and radio talk shows is giving significant attention -- and that is the count down in sheer numbers of certain individuals whose lives will be violently terminated until the newly elected president takes office in January 2009.

It's an interesting number to watch -- strange, is it not, that no person who is high profile is speaking about it -- at the very best it's x number of days until Mr. Obama assumes his position as our nation's chief executive!

Why not take a look? It's all set up -- just go there and see what the count down number is, with an explanation about it and what the new incoming president has to do with it all.

So just slip on over to The Count Down Nobody Mentions! -- use return feature on your browser to come back here.

What's the number at now? Can you explain why this special kind of count down is not being reported in major news organizations? On second thought, most all of us know the answer to that, do we not? Just something to think about.

"The instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, to pull down, and to destroy it, if that nation against whom I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I thought to bring upon it. And the instant I speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, if it does evil in My sight so that it does not obey My voice, then I will relent concerning the good with which I said I would benefit it." --- Jeremiah 18:7-10

It’s Much More Than Praying, “God bless the President!”

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…” --- 1 Timothy 2:1-6

In the midst of much criticism associated with the campaigns and the election process, there are those voices which here and there cry out that we need to get behind our newly elected president and pray for him and the members of his administration.

The appeal for prayer is a staple among those who claim to be “evangelical” in their faith. Often the prayers that are uttered are packed full of “bless him..her …this or that” expressions. It seems the “blessing” of God is the point of focus and that God is urged to just pour out blessing after blessing upon our nation, its leaders and its millions of citizens.

It is painfully obvious that we fail to realize that special blessings of God are conditional – they always have been and always will be. And there are those common benefits God grants to all individuals whether they be conscious of that or not, as noted when He gives rain which falls on the righteous as well as upon the wicked, etc.

Can God really bless the individual, for instance, who supports the destruction of large numbers of unborn children in the womb – children for which this same God has a high and holy purpose after they are born into the world?

And if such an individual rises to become the most powerful leader in the world, then what does one seek from God on behalf of that person? It can’t be a “blessing” or “special favor” but it can be something else. It can be a seeking that God in His infinite power will do whatever necessary to bring that leader to a state of repentance with a new understanding of God’s ways and purposes as it applies to the members of the human race.

It means also a seeking that God will confront such a leader with the fact that the nation he is attempting to lead has drifted far from the principles and standards as originally established by God at the beginning for a culture’s unity, health, strength, prosperity and ongoing survival!

The common problem as exhibited by elected officials over time is the attempt to address problems related to the economy, the environment, education of the young, health care, immigration, international crises, etc. But they will not address the ethical, moral and spiritual decay which is steering the nation on a course to sure and certain collapse! On second thought, perhaps the major reason for this is the fact that too many elected officials are a major part of those ethical, moral and spiritual problems!

So, pray for elected leaders – for the President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, members of the Cabinet, the members of the U.S. Congress and the leadership in that body, etc. But move far beyond the “bless so and so” prayer, seeking that God will do whatever necessary to bring this nation and its leaders (political and church) to repent of the massive wickedness of which the nation is guilty at the present time, forsaking all sin, and seeking His holy will in all activities and relationships – to the honor and glory of Jesus Christ, Who is Savior, Lord and our soon returning King!

It is also wise to keep in the back of the mind that God deals with nations which profess to believe in Him in two possible ways -- first, when a nation gets out of line He will bring various chastisements upon that nation -- a series of calamities of various kinds over time. If that does not eventually bring the people to seek Him in a true spirit of repentance then He will bring judgment upon the rebel nation. Chastising actions mean there is hope, if repentance quickly follows -- but judgment means there is no hope -- only disaster and devastation will take place once God initiates judgment against a nation. 2 Chronicles 36 clearly reveals the pattern!

One of many helpful guidelines for praying beyond the "bless so and so" level is found in the following -- that is, if we have not crossed that "line in the sand" which God has etched with His sword of judgment:

To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock: do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Do not take me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. Give to them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give to them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve. Because they do not regard the works of the LORD, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them and not build them up. Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! --- Psalm 28:1-6

Oh, a PS on this one: Do you suppose that statement about certain persons failing to regard the works of the Lord and the operation of His hands could apply to God's activity in forming a human being in the womb? Want a little help on that? Read Psalm 139 -- it gets very interesting in discussing certain things that God does!

It Is My Practice to Never Embrace a Rattlesnake!

“…quit the bickering, appreciate a fair and peaceful transference of power, and unite behind the new commander-in-chief…” --- one of many examples of admonitions, appeals and exhortations from even professed “conservatives” to go completely along with President-elect B. Hussein Obama and give him whole hearted support because he is our newly elected president and deserves respect and support from all the people.

I can hear it now – the “How dare you!” responses that anyone in this republic would make such a statement as related to the incoming president much less entertain such a horrendous thought.

The point to be made is simply this – a rattlesnake is not to be trusted and if you get too close to it, it will strike out at you and sink 2 fangs (as long as an inch) into your flesh, dispensing some deadly poison as it does so!

Those who did not vote for B. Hussein Obama, including many who were quite vocal in their opposition, and that crowd which professes to be “conservative” are now being enthusiastically urged to jump on the band wagon and go along for the ride as the newly elected president takes us to unprecedented heights and ushers in a glorius utopia for all U. S. citizens far beyond our wildest dreams.

Now back to the rattlesnake with its fangs dripping deadly poison – I will be opposing B. Hussein Obama so long as he declares “open season” on the destruction of unborn children. He intends to sign the Freedom of Choice Act – I leave it to you to search this out and read it for yourself. Even if he didn’t sign it, his record is clear – it’s as if he has declared war against the unborn! His Chief of Staff shares this Nazi-like approach to those deemed not fit to live -- numbering on average about 100,000 per month throughout the year! This opposition will be vocal, by means of my web site and blog on the Internet, and by prayer. At a later time there will be a post on the subject of praying for government leaders.

The newly elected president is set to eliminate present restrictions in place which prohibit embryonic stem cell research – you know what that means don’t you? More potential citizens “executed” in the name of science – you say, “No, it isn’t!” What else can you call it when it involves a human being God is forming for a special purpose? Have you really checked into what God has to say regarding His view of human life, its origin, its identity and its purpose? If you have then you will know that B. O. and God are at opposite ends of the spectrum on the issue of human life – and to be at odds with God on anything is to invite disaster!

It’s also his approach to pursue the tragic “tax and spend” policies which some in the past have pursued. It simply won’t work – for some strange reason, too many elected officials (Big John Murtha of the PA 12th District in which I reside is a notorious example) believe there is a bottomless pit with oodles of money into which you can dip your hands any time you want and come up with handfuls to dispense anywhere and everywhere, fixing our economy which presently is in a terminal state. Have you looked at the national debt numbers lately? They are NOT going down, are they? And how often have your heard politicians from the president on down put a priority on paying off the national debt? How often have you heard the congressional leaders draft legislation that says we will stay within budget and also make provision to pay off the debt? Don’t hold your breath on this one!

And then there is this thing of our personal rights and privileges – B.O. poses a potential threat to these, starting with the 2nd Amendment. Time will tell as to how fast he plans to move to restrict U. S. citizens in this area. Gun and ammo sales have sky rocketed since the election. Do you have any explanation as to why?

More issues could be cited but that’s enough to let me know that I can no more get on the B. Hussein Obama bandwagon than I could go along the Clarion River in PA near my home town, reach down on a warm rock on a summer day where a big fat Eastern Diamondback is sunning itself, pick it up and embrace it! Its venom would do me in – so will that which will be dispensed by B. O.’s administration which gets underway at noon on January 20, 2009!

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," says the LORD Almighty. --- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Hit the Ground Running And Be Sure To Ignore the Banana Peels!

“Hit the ground running!” --- common expression now being applied to B. Hussein Obama and his administration when they take control of a republic known as the U.S.A. on January 20, 2009

A whirlwind of activity is taking place during this transition period as President-elect B. Hussein Obama assembles advisors and his Chief of Staff, R. Emanuel, whips the troops into line. The phrase very commonly applied is to “hit the ground running” as January 20, 2009 reaches the noon time hour!

For a majority, especially those who cast their votes for B. Hussein Obama, this is a very impressive thing and to be expected from one who at times has been labeled “Messiah” and “Savior.”

While the newly elected president may relish the term, he and his cohorts have essentially omitted a rather critical phrase. While doing their running they will deliberately choose to ignore the banana peels that litter the path. A runner who is wise not only avoids the banana peel but will remove and dispose of it so others will not be threatened by such a hazard.

Here are some of the banana peels that will bring this nation down:


3 Very Deadly “Loves”
It has been predicted that as the human race comes down the home stretch of history, it will wallow in three deadly loves which are love of self, love of money and love of pleasures more than love for God. If you want to see it for yourself, go to 2 Timothy 3 in the New Testament of the Bible.

The Ongoing Destruction of Unborn Children
Our republic is fast approaching a tally of 50 million unborn victims who have been mutilated and murdered in their mothers’ wombs. These have ranged in age from a few weeks to being within a few minutes of being born. Ruins of past cultures which adopted a cheap and very low view of human life are mute evidence that you cannot choose this route without paying a very high price, which ultimately is extinction!

Rampant Sexual Immorality
The evolution of a philosophy about human sexuality has reached its zenith where now it can be defined by saying, “Sex is fun with anyone (or more than one anyone at the same time) anywhere and at any time by choice on the part of the parties involved! We simply make our own rules." The ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah still speak but who in these United States (soon to be known as the Obama Nation) is listening? Any few that do are considered right-wing fire-breathing religious fanatics!

A Fast Spreading Cancer of Idolatry
As a culture begins to prosper, it is not long before it begins to forge idols for itself in many forms. It is obvious to a few who are sensitive to such a disaster that money is dominant as #1 “god” in the United States, plus numerous others which could be also cited. The true and living God has given fair warning that there comes a time when He brings judgment upon a nation’s false gods! Anyone noticed how things are going financially in “the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

The Profaning of the Day of Worship
As noted in other areas of my web site and blog, Sunday should be renamed “Funday” – for most residents of the United States this day is the final day of a weekend of pleasure pursuit – fun & games – partying and getting high on alcohol and/or drugs – sports activities of about every conceivable kind! Who in the world wants to spend a very boring bit of time in what is supposed to be the worship of Almighty God Who created this universe, imparts life and grants blessing and benefit indescribable by which life is nurtured on a daily basis. Then He did the unthinkable – He gave His Son that the way of forgiveness, peace and eternal life in His Kingdom would be available to us sinners! But who has time to give any attention to that – we have fun and games to do before Monday comes!

Teaching Our Young the Way of Damnation
The theory of evolution is dominant in the process of educating the young. With a very few exceptions our young begin a journey early on in which they are taught that our ancestry, humanly speaking, is traced back to lower life forms – you have to travel back in time a long ways to get there. This means that millions of our young have no exposure whatsoever to the real and truthful fact that God is the Creator of all things, including human beings. And since back in the early 60’s a Supreme Court ruling effectively said that there could be no more prayer and no more reading of the Scriptures in public classrooms, and since more than half our population chooses to absent itself from a place of worship on Sundays, we are effectively raising millions of heathen – and we wonder why our country is so screwed up ethically, morally and spiritually!

A Government Increasingly Confused and Corrupted
It takes some searching but the evidence is there for any who want to face it – over time our elected officials have concentrated on themselves in terms of benefits and salaries – the retirement benefits are out of this world. Then, once established in their comfortable positions, they throw a bone or two to their constituents to make us feel good and that they do indeed have our best interests at heart – or do they? The partisan battles that constantly go on are a scandal in and of themselves so that it is “party first” and the public can go to ____________ (fill in the blank!).

Now then – will the administration of B. Hussein Obama as it hits the ground running on January 20, 2009 address the issues represented by the banana peels? The chance of that taking place is as great as a snowball surviving in a very hot place which you have heard mentioned from time to time – a hot place which is vehemently denied at the present time by not a few pastors and church leaders!

Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. Do not trust in these lying words, saying, 'The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD are these.' For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor, if you do not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, or walk after other gods to your hurt, then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.” --- Jeremiah 7:3-7

Only One Kind of Change Will Restore Our Republic!

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you." --- Jonah 3:1, 2

B. Hussein Obama made “change” the key word and constant theme of his campaign for the presidency. Like the Pied Piper of olden times, he quickly gained a very large following with extensive help from many in the mass media and high profile celebrities such as Oprah, etc. Over time he was able to fill his campaign coffers with at least a half billion or more dollars. It’s still true – money talks and buys a lot of stuff!

But will the Obama formula for bringing about “change” really work? At least during the “honeymoon” period and glowing positive reports from most of the media, it will seem that this fellow does indeed have the answers the country has been searching for over many decades.

But there is only one change that will bring the nation to the place where it needs to be if it is to survive and have hope for the future. It is not a change involving the economy, the environment, the employment rate, national security, energy resources, or education. It is a change that must take place in the ethical, moral and spiritual realms of our culture – literally in the heart and soul of every person living in this nation. But that is something the overwhelming majority of citizens and their leaders (political and religious) do not want under any circumstance to seriously consider.

At the beginning was reference to a man called by God to go to a place called Nineveh. Jonah’s message was a warning of impending judgment within a few days' time – God’s wrath was going to be poured out upon the city for its wickedness. However, something most unusual happened – the people believed and began to change their wicked way of living – they actually sought to repent of all sin, and this included the king himself. Read the account for yourself:

So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in extent. And Jonah began to enter the city on the first day's walk. Then he cried out and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!" So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published throughout Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, "Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; do not let them eat, or drink water. But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily to God; yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish?" Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it. --- Jonah 3:3-10

The wickedness found within the republic of the United States is excessive and manifested in countless ways, starting with the destruction of unborn children. But we also have our rampant sexual immorality which violates the numerous standards God has established for acceptable sexual behavior and relationships. Other ways we have defied God involve our idolatry, our profaning of the day of worship, and our feeble attempt to erect a fence to keep God confined so that He doesn’t interfere in areas of public life and education! We also are doing a first rate job at convincing the vast majority of our young that our “roots” go back to lower life forms – and that we have arrived at our present condition by means of a process of evolution, but we’re not finished yet!

Elected officials and church leaders are at a critical crossroad at this point in time – as God issues the call for repentance, personally and collectively, what will the response be? Will it be a correct change which results in turning from all that offends God, or will we as a nation give Him the all too familiar obscene gesture and suffer catastrophic consequences which we cannot begin to comprehend?

At this moment in time there is no recognition on the part of elected officials or on the part of church leaders that there is the urgent need to repent, call on God for mercy and commit to being an obedient people, seeking His will for our daily lives!

It appears more likely with the passing of each day that we will experience what ancient Judah experienced (the wrath of God) in spite of urgent appeals rather than what Nineveh experienced (the blessing and mercy of God) after heeding the message of a prophet by the name of Jonah!

Consider the record of what Judah experienced:

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He also did evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD. And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel. Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the LORD which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak; He gave them all into his hand.And all the articles from the house of God, great and small, the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his leaders, all these he took to Babylon. Then they burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious possessions. --- 2 Chronicles 36:11-19

Is that a mighty voice thundering out of eternity shouting, “Now it’s your turn!”

And the LORD spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, "Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.’” --- 2 Kings 21:10-12