Another Happening on December 14, 2012 Is Ignored and Vehemently Denied!

Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah. --- 2 Kings 21:16

On December 14, 2012 in Newtown CT Adam Lanza, 20 years old, entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and shot 20 children and 6 adults to death. This tragic happening not only shook our republic but many other nations in this world as well.

The media immediately went into “shark in bloody water mode” with a constant stream of reports from the massacre scene and a barrage of statements issued by persons who had some kind of position somewhere within the borders of the United States! And it actually continues to an extent a month later. Our local NBC affiliate in Johnstown PA (WJAC TV) makes its pilgrimage to Newtown CT on a repetitive basis to dredge up something – sort of like a vulture returning to the bones to get that very last piece of rotting flesh on the rib cage!

Now then, do you realize this – that on that very same day hundreds (not just dozens) – yes, hundreds – perhaps as many as 3,000 innocent unborn children were intentionally mutilated and murdered in their so-called “mothers’” wombs in the “land of the free and the home of the brave?” Yes, it happened on December 14, 2012!

Answer me – how many of our diligent media reported this far greater massacre that took place on December 14, 2012? How many of our high profile elected officials pointed out this abomination as they prattled on and on about the shooting of small children and adults in a school in Connecticut?

And of course, as could have been expected, the anti-gun campaign began with such intensity that it would make a presidential campaign seem like an amateur contest in its earliest stages! Again, elected officials led the way with declarations of the need to ban guns or at the very least so restrict gun owners that owning a gun is about the worst thing you can be guilty of doing and you need to pay some kind of exorbitant price for such an offense.

Mr. Obama was quick to jump on the anti-gun bandwagon with all sorts of statements issued including the not so veiled threat to use executive “power” in order to bring a high degree of control on the availability and use of firearms.

But in all the flood of words that spewed forth from all officials (self-appointed and otherwise) including the present resident of the White House, did you hear one word of concern about the massacre of hundreds of innocent unborn children on December 14, 2012?

While the media has overwhelmed us with talk about banning guns and reducing violence as a result of usage of those horrible gadgets, have there been any proposals from our elite leadership about banning the tools used to rip apart an unborn child so that the pieces are scattered out on a table and a “doctor” (term used very loosely) takes an inventory so that he/she is certain everything is accounted for – before the pieces are then discarded as casually as throwing a tissue into the garbage can after blowing one’s nose into that tissue?

The greatest tragedy of all in this matter is not the killing of persons in a place in the state of Connecticut or even the daily destruction of hundreds of unborn children in a republic known as the United States of America – the ultimate tragedy is that we have leadership (political and church) so blind and so ignorant that they fail to realize that the God Who formed this mighty universe by mere spoken command is going to make His response to this massive “shedding of innocent blood” that has been going on for forty years as of January 22, 2013!

No culture in the past has practiced the “shedding of innocent blood” and gotten off without incalculable consequences – in fact they now lie in ruins somewhere in this dismal world. It is a guarantee that the United States will prove to be no exception!

And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the whole moon became as blood; and the stars of the heaven fell unto the earth, as a fig tree casts her unripe figs when she is shaken of a great wind. And the heaven was removed as a scroll when it is rolled up; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the princes, and the chief captains, and the rich, and the strong, and every bondman and freeman, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains; and they say to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of their wrath is come; and who is able to stand?” --- Revelation 6:12-17

Does An Old Man of 78 Years Have Any Real Future?

Clayton D. Harriger was born on August 5, 1933 to Russell & Helen (Sedgwick) Harriger at a farm house in Monroe Township in Clarion County, Pennsylvania.

I just recently celebrated my 78th birthday. Since I am on Facebook, my birth date was common knowledge among the many friends I have through this social network. I received a large number of greetings from not only friends and relatives here in the United States, but from many who live in nations outside the U. S. as well. For all these well wishes extended to me I am extremely grateful. I regret that I was not able to respond personally to each one of those greetings. So at this time I am stating my heart felt gratitude for all who took time to post some words and wishing me a happy birthday.

It was a good day and a relaxing one. There was no party and that was quite OK. I am at the age now where parties do not have the meaning they used to have in my very young years. I remember especially one my mother arranged for me when I was about 8 or 9 years of age. It was a surpise and quite a few friends came with gifts which were exciting to open. That special day was indelibly stamped into my memory.

But now, on to the question asked at the beginning - does an old man of 78 years have any real future? I have witnessed drastic changes in the nation and the world during the seven decades plus that I have lived. Science has developed many advances in many fields which have enhanced our living conditions. Going to the dentist, for instance, isn't quite the agony it used to be. At that young age to which I referred a moment ago, going to the dentist meant you would not receive novocaine for drilling out and filling a cavity. The drill was a slow speed piece of equipment which I referred to as the "grinder!" The pain could be sheer torture and added to that was the stink when the smoke began to roll as the dentist just kept on drilling and drilling -- no spray of water applied either during the process!

Anyway, developments and inventions of a wide variety have helped to make life a better quality experience over time.

But on the other hand the standards of morality, ethics, and spirituality have horribly deteriorated over time as well. Scandals among high profile persons in our culture are becoming quite common place. The two primary driving forces in our culture, state and church, are weighed in the balances and found greatly wanting -- to quote a situation from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible!

Elected officials in the U. S. government have hatched a "health care plan" which eventually will result in old people being hung out to dry -- one theme in all this is referred to as "cost effectiveness" -- that is, will it be good to treat a person for health needs because it will result in that person living longer and making a further contribution for the improvement of society, or will it be a wasted expenditure because the person in question will not be living very much longer anyway due to age!

There is a cold and calloused attitude developing which essentially says that old people are like parasites in our culture -- they are a drain on finances and take up space, while making absolutely no contribution for the enhancement of society -- they are like a ball & chain and hindering the progress and prosperity of our nation! So it really is best to see them make their exit from this earthly existence as soon as possible!

I am one of those "candidates" that eventually may be "hung out and left to dry" (insert word "die" if you wish). It is amazing how the spirit of Nazi Germany is creeping into our nation and influencing viewpoints and attitudes. Greatest proof is in the bloody trail created by destroying over 53 million unborn children since January 1973 by sanction of the Judicial, Executive, and Legislative branches of the federal government!

Do I have any real future? You thought I would never get to that, didn't you? I answer with an enthusiastic "Yes!" However, my future and high expectations do not rest upon what is going on in Washington DC or in the capitol of the state in which I live, Harrisburg PA. The shenanigans going on in such places as those offer no hope whatsoever, The Bible informs us clearly as to how the manipulative antics of humans in the times preceding the judgment of God will proceed.

My hope rests upon the Person and promises of Jesus Christ, the living Son of God. I was and am not worthy of such love and mercy as He has shown to me. I was not yet born when the apostle Paul said that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- and then he added, "... of whom I am chief!" I would have to say to Paul, "Get behind me and be second in line -- I'll take the place of being the 'chief' of sinners!"

Jesus died an agonizing, tortuous death on the cross -- in so doing, He paid the penalty leveled against me for every sin of which I have been guilty in my entire lifetime. And he did the same for you, dear reader. I repented of my sins, asked His forgiveness, and received Him as Savior and Lord into my life many years ago. My life has been far from perfect since that miraculous moment many years ago -- but where I have failed, He has been gracious to forgive and restore me to fellowship with Him on a daily basis!

My hope is not only centered in Him as Savior and Lord, but also in the prospect of His personal return to this chaotic planet to take control of human affairs. What a day that will be. I got so excited one time about this that I wrote a blog piece discussing the wonderful fact that a great day is coming -- all government officials will be out of a job, including those in the U.S. -- if it is still around at that time! Jesus Christ will be in total charge as He establishes His Kingdom over the whole world.

One of many promises concerning this future event upon which I stand is found in Revelation 11:15 which explicitly declares: "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!'"

Yes, it is an ever present reality that an old man can have a rock solid hope for the future as he views the shifting sands of the nations and present governments of this world -- a hope that extends beyond the very limited things of time into eternity itself where the perfect trouble-free environment exists as established by One Who holds the title, "King of kings and Lord of lords!"

But until that hope of which I speak becomes a reality in this world, I shall continue to fulfill the calling God gave me to preach and teach His holy Word, bearing witness in whatever way possible that Jesus is "..the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father but through Him." (John 14:6).

Where is your hope centered today?

By You I have been upheld from my birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of You. I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, saying, "God has forsaken him; pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him." O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries of my life; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again, and bring me up again from the depths of the earth. --- Psalm 71:6-20

Will The United Methodist Church Capitulate to the Sodomite/Lesbian Agenda?

Out of concern for the welfare of all God’s people, and, out of special concern for the people of The United Methodist Church, we, United Methodist Bishops – retired, believe The United Methodist Church should remove the following statement from The Book of Discipline (2008):

“…The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.” ¶304.3 ............

[Clayton D. Harriger is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, a member of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference and author of the following comments.]

It's a well known fact -- the old oak tree may be huge -- the trunk may be at least 15 feet or more in circumferance -- but if you keep chopping away and the chips keep falling, the tree will topple eventually!

And so it goes in the United Methodist Church. For some time those supporting the sodomite/lesbian agenda have been zealously at work to force full acceptance of unrepentant sodomites and lesbians into the life and ministry of the denomination. One central focus of attack has been the statement in the UMC Book of Discipline that states homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teaching.

Other areas of attack have been the statements dealing with ordination of those who practice this abominable lifestyle and the performing of ceremonies which join 2 sodomites or 2 lesbians in a "union" that is supposed to be comparable to the marriage of a man and a woman.

The political posturing has been taking place for some time in anticipation of General Conference which will be held in spring of 2012.

Noted at the beginning is a partial statement from a gang of retired United Methodist bishops (term used very loosely) who are pressing for acceptance of unrepentant sodomites and lesbians without any objection whatsoever. The "bishops" signing that declaration are: Sharon Z. Rader, Donald A. Ott, Beverly Shamana, C. Joseph Sprague, Melvin G. Talbert, S. Clifton Ives, Joe A. Wilson, William Lewis, Forrest Stith, Susan Morrison, Susan Hassinger, Judy Craig, Dale White, William Boyd Grove, C. P. Minnick, Kenneth L. Carder, Roy I. Sano, Joe Yeakel, Kenneth Hicks, Joseph Humper, Monk Bryan, Jesse DeWitt, Jack Tuell, J. Lloyd Knox, Charles W. Jordan, J. Lawrence McCleskey, Marshall L. Meadors, Jr., Franz Schafer, Sheldon Duecker, Fritz Mutti, Cal McConnell, and Leontine T. C. Kelly. Not all signed that statement -- at least one did not and that was Bishop George Bashore who retired a few years ago after serving the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference. However, in the list of those signing is the name of William Boyd Grove who is originally from the Western Pennsylvania Conference and served in that conference before being elected to the office of bishop.

From out of Illinois has come a pledge on the part of 200 U. M. clergy to flout church policy and bless "unions" for same-gender couples who seek to be "united" in the same. Further, it has been reported that United Methodists in the Northern Illinois Conference called on the global church to impose no more than a 24-hour suspension for clergy who defy the policy of the United Methodist Church regarding same-gender union ceremonies!

Should we be surprised? With the stench of Illinois and Chicago politics greatly impacting Washington DC, it follows that the U. M. Church in Illinois would demonstrate it too is very capable of tolerating corruption of the first magnitude!

A female U. M. pastor this past June was found guilty for performing a "union" ceremony for 2 lesbians. The trial court really came down hard on her for this violation -- she was suspended for 20 days! There are more details as to what she has to do in writing a document along with discussions etc. in preparation for next year's annual conference. The Board of Ordained Ministry and the bishop have certainly bent more than 90 degrees backward to accomodate Amy DeLong, and of course she continues to do pastoral work as an ordained elder in her conference. Is this akin to laying your pinky lightly across her wrist and saying, "You naughty, naughtly girl -- now please, if you can find it within yourself, try not to do this again."

United Methodist pastor, Michael Gray, is in the heart of the effort to get a referendum on the ballot in Maine which will legalize marriage between same-gender couples. He supported the effort back in 2009 which was eventually overturned. He claims most of his congregation supports marriage between same-gender couples.

Six states have now legalized marriage for sodomites and lesbians which means U. M. pastors in those states will really be under pressure to do weddings involving such persons.

The above situations are but merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ferment taking place within the United Methodist Church. Will 2012 be the year that significant changes are made and the door is opened quite a bit wider for unrepentant sodomites and lesbians with same-gender sexual intimacy no longer regarded as "incompatible with Christian teaching?"

One very effective strategy being used by the sodomite/lesbian agenda people is the "dialog." This is where you sit down at the table and discuss your differences with participating parties agreeing to respect one another and to refrain from any negative references to those holding an opposite position on the issue. Too many claiming to be "conservative" and believers in the Scriptures have fallen into this trap. It makes for good publicity and in order to "get along, we go along" even in our dialog experiences! Remember the old oak tree -- dialog advances and more chips are taken out of the old tree's trunk.

There is talk of a split in the UMC over this issue. There are those who strongly support such action. But really, it will do little good. The sodomite/lesbian cartel would not be content with a split -- they want universal unquestioned acceptance on the part of every person who is a part of the UMC -- laity and clergy alike!

Any who refuse to accept this abominable lifestyle have already been labeled in the most negative terms that can be dredged out of Mr. Webster's dictionary, starting with the word, homophobic.

How very real are the words of Jesus in these times as He warned that conditions would duplicate those which existed in a city named Sodom when a godly, but tormented, man by the name of Lot lived there. Unfortunately Lot paid an extremely high price for the deadly choice of moving into that city with his family.

Those who believe God has clearly established the boundaries of human sexuality will increasingly become targets of attack in this ongoing moral war. But stand your ground, dig in your heels, and speak up to the end -- victory lies straight ahead. Be comforted in knowing that our Lord will render the final judgment and have the last word!

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star." And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. --- Revelation 22:14-21

I Did Not Listen to Obama's Address and Here's Why...!

Obama gave an address, March 28th, in which he attempted to spell out the issue of our involvement in Libya. And remember, this is the man who gave speeches and adamantly opposed G. W. Bush's policy of going into Iraq for the purpose of removing S. Hussein from power. --- documentation on both these matters readily available on the Internet

President Obama gave an address on Monday evening, March 28, 2011, that was devoted to the issue of our involvement in the conflict presently taking place in Libya.

In the first place, I do not believe anything he says these days -- the one exception would be if he told me that the newspaper he is holding in his hand is white with black print -- that I would believe, but only after a close look with my own eyes to make sure he hadn't had it changed to black paper with white print!

In the second place, here is a man totally inexperienced to deal with the vast and critical responsibilities of the United States presidency.

What has he really done by way of preparation? There is absolutely no experience in the real work place by way of serious employment -- that is, holding down a job for a period of time in which one really has to work to make a living and to know how it is with the majority of U. S. citizens who sweat and labor to earn their bread, take care of their families, and provide a roof over their heads.

He has had absolutely no military experience whatsoever and has never known the discipline which starts with day one of basic training, nor really how the chain of command operates when one is in the military. Actually, I would pay money to see him go through Marine Corps boot camp, and if I had the choice, it would be conditions in boot camp at Parris Island when I went through during what was known as the Korean "Police Action" with drill instructors, such as ones I had, who were in the 1st Marine Division when they were surrounded by the Chinese in Korea and fought their way out!

Obama has had no real business experience and as some have observed, not even a slight taste of managing a McDonald's hamburger place! So much for understanding what business is about in a free market society -- or what used to be a free market society in light of growing government intrusion and control under the "leadership" (term used very loosely) of his administration.

What has he done? Well, he has a Harvard law degree and with the proliferation of trial lawyers and the deluge of their advertising to pressure us to sue someone, even if we can only come up with an ingrown toenail for which to blame someone and sue for "money that the law says is rightfully yours!" So the law degree thing is not all that impressive. And there are serious questions raised as to where he got all the money to get that Harvard education as well as attending college before he got that far -- one of many mysteries that surround this person.

And there were the "community organizing" stint and the sitting under the radical and anti-Biblical preaching of Jeremiah Wright for years that took place. And eventually the involvement in Chicago and Illinois politics with election to the legislature and later a seat in the U.S. senate. Politics in that part of our republic makes the traditional Philadelphia PA brand seem like pure honey by comparison!

There are at least 2 solid reasons why this man cannot be successful in his role as president. First, he is a staunch supporter of the practice of destroying unborn children by the thousands every week of the year. His record on past legislation and his statements bear solid witness of that fact. Second, he pressed for and eventually signed legislation lifting the ban on sodomites serving openly in the U.S. military. He is in obvious disagreement with God's view in these areas -- the sacredness of human life and the practice of sodomy being an abomination as God defines it!

Therefore, he is laboring without the blessing of God and such "leadership" results in a dark cloud hanging over our nation, which grows darker with the passing of each day. Barack Obama's counterpart lived centuries ago - a king by the name of Manasseh in the ancient Israelite kingdom of Judah -- note this observation of the man: "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 21:16).

Is there hope in such a dismal circumstance? Yes, but it remains to be seen just how God will work this out -- at this point the preponderance of evidence is pointing to a judgment taking place. If there should be full repentance on the part of all (citizens and leaders, political and church) then the nation would be healed and become stable and secure for the future.

The ultimate hope of course is in the return of Jesus Christ to this planet, taking control of all nations, and ruling in righteousness and truth, thus establishing peace all over the world. In part that hope involves the assurance that all the leaders of the nations of this world will be removed from their positions -- something great to look forward to, is it not? I liken it to a child on Christmas Eve looking forward with a sense of deep excitement and intense expectation -- at least, that is how I view this prospect!

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

Is Hypocrisy a Possible in the White House Oval Office in Washington DC?

With American military forces poised for action, President Barack Obama said Saturday that the United States and its allies are prepared to act with urgency to end violence against civilians in Libya......"Our consensus was strong, and our resolve is clear. The people of Libya must be protected, and in the absence of an immediate end to the violence against civilians our coalition is prepared to act, and to act with urgency," Obama said in Brasilia, Brazil, on the first day of a three-country Latin American tour. --- AP news information on the internet

Barack Obama (D-Ill.) came out in opposition to the Iraq War at least as early as October 2, 2002, when he gave a speech against the war at an anti-war rally in Chicago. --- SourceWatch and Congresspedia

You have to go back a few years when the Iraq issue came to the forefront and President G. W. Bush was attempting to sell the idea that we just had to go in and take out Saddam Hussein. Details were given as to the reasons why this had to be done as soon as possible. I, for one, still wonder to this day whether or not Daddy Bush wasn't also urging his son to take such action in light of the fact that Daddy B. failed to do this when he had the opportunity to do so in an event known as Desert Storm! Maybe a conversation something like this took place -- "Son, I really fumbled the ball in Desert Storm by negotiating with Saddam's people under a tent out in the desert -- why don't you nail his hide to the wall?"

Anyway, we got involved in a conflict that has cost a lot of lives of our young folks and a lot of big bucks, with the end not yet. A runny-nosed, wet-behind-the-ears member of the Illinois legislature by the name of Barack Obama went on a crusade against the war in high profile fashion. In one of his speeches he asked questions of George Bush and his willingness to fight. One question asked was whether G.W. was willing to fight against our dependence upon foreign oil, which was one factor involved in the Iraq circumstance.

Now that he has been president for over two years it seems that President Obama hasn't done anything significant to set us free from our dependence upon foreign oil has he? If anything, we are in worse shape now in regard to the oil issue than ever, though we have access to great amounts of petroleum -- but what some call the "environmental wackos" have blocked that possibility rather effectively!

So now the Libyan crisis has erupted with the attempt by rebels to topple Gadhafi from power. But the man is waging war against the rebel forces. In the eyes of Barack Obama this man is evil and he treats his people badly and so he needs to go. Hmmmm -- wasn't that kind of thing also said about Saddam Hussein and the quality of his leadership in Iraq, but B.O. felt it was none of our business to interfere in the nation of Iraq and its affairs? He also made a big issue about the loss of American lives in the Iraq conflict. Doesn't seem to matter now if it should come to the point of losing any Americans as long as we get that bad man out of office and it doesn't matter about the cost -- what's a few more billions of dollars since we are up over our eyeballs in excess of 14 trillion dollars in debt?

So now, suddenly, we need to get Gadhafi removed from power! Do you sense anything here that is more than a tad hypocritical? But then with U.S. politicians at most any level, is that really anything new? And can this be simply another matter where the REAL reason is that Libya is sitting on a sizable puddle of oil? Just sort of thinking out loud on this!

Little do the leaders of the nations (including the United States) of the world realize they are walking down the very path which the Bible says they would -- wars, rumors of wars, accompanied by chaos of every conceivable kind. When you hear presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens, or two-bit dictators speak and act, just remember that they are demonstrating how to fail due to an unwillingness to submit to Almighty God's sovereign authority!

But there is good news for the future so far as the followers of Jesus Christ are concerned -- many statements in the Scriptures make reference to the future, but one which summarizes it so well is found in the book of the Revelation -- "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!'"

Sleep on that one tonight -- a bright future that will provide pleasant dreams!

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

Take All the Rope You Want!

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. --- Psalm 2:1-4

It's one of those old household sayings common among generations of long ago -- "Give a man enough rope and he will hang himself!" We are witnessing a mass fulfillment of that rather simple homespun proverb throughout our nation and around the entire world in these chaotic times.

The fundamental truth of that statement is not at all universally recognized at the present time. If anything, there would be mass denial that it has any real meaning for us humans in this year of 2011.

Perhaps one of the greatest tragedies right now is that the majority of humans and organized nations with their governments have the rope in their hands, and are running amuck with it, failing to realize that is what they are holding much less the ultimate consequences to be experienced later as history reaches its climax. Take a close look at the statement in Psalm 2 -- nations massively in rebellion against God does not make for a happy and peaceful world -- have you seen scenes from different places in our world that unmistakably bear this out lately?

Almighty God has clearly revealed Himself to the human race. That revelation is seen in three main ways -- through the creation itself -- that is, if a human incorporates the common sense with which he/she is born (evidence is that few choose to do this), then by simply observing the creation one comes to the conclusion that a supreme Power of ultimate authority is responsible for the origin of all that exists! And that all living things derive their life and existence from this supreme Power.

Second, through God's inspired Word, known as the Bible. He did take some time to complete His volume of information. It required about 1,500 years and the use of 40 persons or more through whom the information was recorded that God wanted the human race to know. This would enable us to learn the really important facts as to Who God is, What He is like, What He has done, What He expects of us, and how He is going to bring human history to an end as we now presently experience it. All the basic information is in the book -- all we have to do is become familiar with it and conform our lives to His will and purpose.

Third, God made the awesome choice to personally visit this planet which He had created. A young virgin was chosen to be the human vehicle through whom God would enter the world in the form of an infant. Angelic revelation at the time informed Mary and Joseph that this child was indeed unlike any child ever born into the human race - He would have no human father and further, that this male son would be named Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins!

In creating humans God gave them something that has proved more often than not to result in disaster -- it is called "free will" - the awesome power to choose to do good or evil -- to walk in light or in darkness -- to love or hate -- to be generous in sharing or be filled with greed and lusts -- to relate to and appreciate God or to turn the back on Him and reject His offer of mercy and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ!

And so, in a sense, God gives the rope to each human -- individually each can take and run with it, and God will give each all the rope that he or she wants. There is always a choice -- to wake up and realize that by taking all that rope and running with it, I will end up hanging myself -- but if I stop and say to God, "It is not good nor is it right for me to do this my way -- here is your rope back -- I want to do things your way and to have your Son, Jesus, live in my life as Savior and Lord -- I want your will for my life to be done each day, whatever that might involve, and wherever that may take me."

But it's not just an individual personal thing about the rope and running with it -- this involves whole nations and their governments as well. At the present time with all the unrest and the violence erupting in so many places, it is obvious that government leaders are also taking the rope and running with it -- and God will give them all they want! We don't have to look across the ocean to see this taking place -- our own leadership at the federal as well as at the state levels provide overwhelming evidence that they are running fast with the rope!

Those who know the Lord Jesus Christ and have been seeking to understand His revealed Word (Bible) recognize that there is coming a time of judgment -- a demonstration with shocking events human language cannot adequately describe in which the human race will experience catastrophic horrors -- a once-for-all witness that the human race cannot ignore the will and purpose of God and survive! Some details are given in the book of the Revelation -- for those who took the rope and ran, the final end is worse than a hanging -- it is existence in a place of unprecedented torment and horror -- but for believers there is comfort in knowing that God will indeed write the last chapter of human history and has great plans for His people with a special place prepared for them in a trouble-free, sorrow-free, and pain-free environment forever and ever! Note Jesus' promise in John 14 -- further comfort for His followers.

You are not still holding on to that rope, are you?

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. --- Revelation 20:11-15

An Ego Distinctly Qualified for a World Record!

Ego: the self; the individual as aware of himself...
Egocentric: dwelling upon one's self or upon one's own personal interests almost to the exclusion of everything else; viewing everything in relation to oneself; self-centered. --- from Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary

All world leaders, as is true of each individual, have to deal with the issue of ego -- to what extent is the ego going to dominate one's life and influence one's decision making. History is strewn with the wreckage of cultures due to leaders who miserably failed to bring the ego into submission to the will of the Creator of this mighty universe. God has revealed quite a few things about the ego and how it is to be dealt with in human experience.

We are presently saddled with a president whose ego demands attention on a 24/7 basis. Some have suggested that he has never really shifted out of "campaign" mode. There is the felt necessity to be always traveling somewhere and personally face crowds of people for whatever reason, and those reasons can be as varied as a giant box of Crayola crayons!

The latest expression of the Obama ego is seen in the planned Asia trip of 10 days which will take him into such countries as India and Indonesia. Controversy has erupted over the magnitude and expense of such a venture when in reality it isn't really necessary. While speaking platitudes about the economy and the need to get things up and rolling, the president fails to recognize that he can do some things or refuse to do some things that will not further burden the way things are financially at the present time in our republic.

Here are some things involved in the trip: already three visits have been made by security personnel to plan for "The Visit." Some hardware involved are 34 warships, 40 aircraft, a bunch of limos including the $300,000 "Beast," and of course Air Force One which gets a tad less than 28 miles to the gallon while in flight!

The entire 5-star Taz hotel has been booked for the entourage. This involves at least 500 people which includes Secret Service and White House staff persons. It was the Taz that was the scene of bombings and riots last year. So it figures that security will require not only a huge number of our people, but those from India as well.

One figure tossed around which is being challenged is 200 million dollars a day. But is it really possible to calculate the grand total which involves the expense of the hardware and the time and salaries paid to all involved somehow in this debacle of the first magnitude? One thing sure, you have more than a figure of $39.95 involved here.

As an aside - the ego rose again to the occasion at the press conference following the day of the election. The message sent by the voters was totally ignored with the "ego" suggesting that we citizens did not really understand what he was trying to do through what we interpret as "government intrusion" -- so there you have it again, we are a bunch of stupid people -- he's the smart one and knows what is best for us and the country.

Fortunately, there is a change coming at some point in the future and he, with the record setting ego, will not be the one who brings it about! Just take a sobering, prayerful look at Revelation 11:15 -- it tells of the time when all world leaders will be out of a job!

Then He (Jesus) said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what advantage is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels." --- Luke 9:23-26

I Have Seen Over 7 Decades of Change -- A Lot of It Very Bad!

Clayton D. Harriger was born to Russell and Helen (Sedgwick) Harriger in a farmhouse in Monroe Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, USA on August 5, 1933

My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! --- Psalm 139:15-17

I celebrated my birthday on August 5 and was blessed with a great outpouring of well wishes on Facebook as well as receiving phone calls and greeting cards.

I was a Depression-era baby -- that is, I was born during the time the Great Depression had a tight grip on the United States. My parents were living on a rented farm. Life was a constant struggle for them. Eventually they were able to buy the farm at the end of WW II.

My early education took place in a one room country school in which one teacher took care of grades 1 through 8. After completing 8th grade we were bused to Clarion Jr and Senior High Schools in Clarion PA.

In school during those years we started our day with reading from the Scriptures, praying the Lord's Prayer, and pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. In the one room school we sang the first stanza of "America the Beautiful" before eating lunch each day.

The big social occasion of the week was Saturday night in Clarion. Families not only went to do some shopping -- they also went to visit with one another. Getting a parking spot on Main Street was a top priority. You ate fresh roasted peanuts from Maul's Dairy Store and sat in your car, observing the traffic as well as visiting with people who passed by.

Sunday was a quiet day with most families in the area going to church in the morning. After the noon meal there may be a trip to visit a neighbor or relative in the afternoon. Businesses in Clarion were completely shut down. The town was very, very quiet on Sunday afternoon in sharp contrast as to how it was the night before!

As I got older changes began to take place. Pressure mounted to permit Clarion's two movie theaters to show movies on Sunday and so in time it was done. Then came the pressure to allow retail businesses to be open on Sundays and so in time it happened. So at this point in time Sunday is no different than any other day of the week with focus being mainly on the expectation of fair weather so we can party and have lots of fun throughout the country!

Then came earth-shaking court decisions that made an impact on our republic that no person is capable of comprehending -- that is, the full consequences of such decisions have yet to be realized. The U. S. Supreme Court saw fit to rule that it is unlawful to have Bible reading and prayer in the public schools. This was considered a good thing and the country would be a much better nation because of it in years to come. "Religion" is a private matter, you know! And so, the question can be raised - is the nation healthier now ethically and morally, than it was at the time the practice of reading Bible and praying the Lord's prayer was in place?

And there was one of the most diabolical decisions ever made by a court anywhere in the history of the human race when certain black robed individuals got their pointy little heads together and decided that it is a "constitutional right" for a female to have her unborn child mutilated, murdered, and removed from her body! As I have stated in commentary on this elsewhere, we have yet to witness God's full response to this massive destruction of 52 million innocent victims since January of 1973!

Entertainment industries moved from what were considered G-rated programming for the entire family to increased display of vulgarity, violence, and immorality in very graphic fashion! And there is the very awkward question as to why our young often act very selfishly, immorally, violently and speak gutter language constantly. Monkey see, monkey do, you know!

Churches increasingly began to compromise the Biblical standards of ethics and morality, due in part by adopting positions that the Bible does not really mean what it says and that it is simply a human produced volume of material filled with contradictions and errors!

Government began to grow at the rate of a malignant tumor out of control. But not only was there unhealthy growth in government, but all the while it was growing it was also becoming more corrupt as time passed! At present time scandals involving government officials are common place and no longer are we shocked -- it is now the "norm" and we tend to accept such things as being normal!

These are but some of the changes I have witnessed in my lifetime. By God's grace in 1957 I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. A few months later He placed me in the ministry which began in June of 1959. Perhaps because of that I have been extremely sensitive to the changes that have been taking place over the last few decades -- changes that guarantee the nation in which I hold my citizenship is headed for disaster and cannot expect anything in the future but the outpouring of the wrath of a holy God in judgment!

But I look beyond that horrible prospect of devastation to the promised return of my personal Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, the living Son of God. He is going to return to this sin drenched world and set it right side up, ruling it with true justice. That is why from time to time I say to people that there is good news for the future -- part of it consists of the fact that all government leaders and their associates will be thrown out of office because the King of kings and Lord of lords is now in charge. It will be a great day -- make sure you don't miss out on it!

And there will be changes taking place when Jesus takes control that we cannot begin to even imagine. One of the greatest will be no more conflicts of any kind with the implements of war being destroyed and material being used in the making of implements of peaceful activity. Even animals will no longer be in conflict, but will live in peace -- e.g. the lion will eat straw like the ox!

So there is a bright future to anticipate, if you look far enough ahead!

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

Nazism Reborn in the USA!

On March 30, 2001, Obama was the only Illinois senator who rose to speak against a bill that would have protected babies who survived late term labor-induced abortion. Obama rose to object that if the bill passed, and a nine-month-old fetus survived a late-term labor-induced abortion was deemed to be a person who had a right to live, then the law would "forbid abortions to take place." Obama further explained the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment does not allow somebody to kill a child, so if the law deemed a child who survived a late-term labor-induced abortion had a right to live, "then this would be an anti-abortion statute." --- source: Obama Nation, by Jerome Corsi, p.238, Aug 1, 2008

To even mention the name Nazi and apply it to anything taking place in the United States is considered an offense that is equal to being guilty of blasphemy and on a par with that of slapping Almighty God in the face! But hang on and consider some comparisons that provide evidence showing indeed WW II Nazism has been reborn in the "land of the free and the home of the brave."

Recent decades have witnessed a deadly change occuring in government at the federal level in the United States.

First, Nazism rejected God's view of human life and the fact that each conceived human life is special in God's sight. Further, He has a unique plan for each human life. (Note such Scripture references as Jeremiah 1:4,5; Psalm 139, and Ephesians 1:3-6). Adolph Hitler and the Nazis took the position that they were the arbiters when it came to who should live and who should be exterminated from the society of the living. It is estimated that there were at least 14 million or more who were victims of the Nazi view of human life, of which at least 6 million were Jews alone! There seems to be a near unanimouse agreement that these were very "evil" people for having been involved in exterminating those millions.

The spirit of Nazism, having gained a foothold in the United States, has resulted in 52 million unborn humans being intentionally mutilated and murdered in their "mother's" wombs since January of 1973! Elected officials of both major political parties give sanction to this practice while some others who claim to be "pro-life" seem to be afflicted with a severe case of lock-jaw when it comes to speaking out and advocating aggressive action to stop the "shedding of innocent blood" throughout the land. G. W. Bush was considered to be a president who was "pro-life" but the millions continued to be destroyed in the womb during his presidency. He showed none of the aggressive spirit in putting the killer doctors out of business as he did in convincing the nation that we had to invade Iraq and take down Saddam Hussein who was guilty of an estimated 1 million victims during his reign of terror -- ah, there is a difference between 1 million and 52 million, is there not? And of course the present president puts his stamp of approval on the practice and will nominate judges to the Supreme Court who will guarantee that the slaughter of the innocents will continue. Well, that is, until God steps in and says, "Enough is enough!"

Second, Nazi leaders progressively took control of industry, business and finance in Germany as the months came and went. The media came under strict control as well. Joseph Goebbels was a master of deception as he directed the flow of propaganda so that the people would "feel good" about their country and its leaders.

We are witnessing increased control by the federal government in areas involving industry, banks, healthcare, etc. Remember the General Motors episode in which people began referring to GM as "Government Motors?" And while the government does not literally control the media outlets yet, they might as well since many of those involved in major media outlets have become so enraptured with Barack Obama that they resemble children enthusiastically following the Pied Piper! They would not want to be the least bit critical of the president, because if you convey the slightest hint of negativity, then you are a "racist" and extremely prejudiced!

Third, Nazi leaders were convinced that they were more intelligent than the German citizens and therefore in a position to know what was best for them. So they initiated their "programs" with the idea that these were best for everyone and the establishment of a Reich lasting a thousand years.

We have a president with strong support from other elected officials who believes that we citizens do not really know what is best for us or for the country at large. Since they are of superior "intelligence," they know what is best and we need to learn to trust them and go along with all that they propose without question or objection! And while there is talk at times of "bi-partisanship" there are persons in both major political parties that really don't believe it -- "It's my way or no way!" In the meantime, whatever goes wrong or is wrong presently, it is all George Bush's fault. Politicians presently in office will likely go the grave claiming they were unable to undo all the wrong that George Bush did -- it was all his fault and they simply did not have enough time to set things right side up.

Fourth, Nazi leaders for the most part did profess "belief" in God -- that is, they claimed that there was a God Who existed. They simply didn't take His special revelation (the holy Scriptures) seriously nor did they make any concentrated effort to apply the Scriptures to daily life and responsibility, either on a personal level or on a collective level. But then, as you look at the political circumstances involving elected officials at the state level and at the federal level in our republic, you see the identical drama played out -- presidents and others are fond of throwing out the expression, "God bless America!" After having done this, God is put back in his cage, the door locked shut, and He is reminded not to interfere in any of our affairs. He has been forbidden to set foot on the property of our public schools for decades and it is not "politically correct" to make reference to God in other settings as well -- that is, unless you want Him to "damn" something or someone, then that is considered appropriate at any time and in any place!

As the government continues to take more control and our freedoms are being taken from us, we are forced to face the fact that Nazism did not really die when Germany was defeated in May of 1945. It just seemed that it did as Germany was rebuilt, but it was lurking in the shadows and waiting for the grand opportunity to rise again -- and it has. We just don't wear armbands with a swastika stamped on them!

But in the midst of bad news there is good news -- Jesus Christ has promised that He will return to this world which He brought into existence by spoken command a very long time ago. He is going to take control of this planet and rule it, which means drastic changes are going to take place. Government leaders of all nations will be out of a job and followers of Him Who is described as King of kings and Lord of lords will be involved in His Administration. All implements of war will be destroyed and reforged into useful instruments for peaceful purposes. What a day that will be!

Time to let your imagination soar a bit -- do you suppose when Jesus returns that the elected officials of the U.S. government at that time (if the U. S. still exists then) will hastily draft and pass legislation that He is not permitted to enter this country unless He has a valid passport -- ooops! I forgot -- all He has to do is go over the fence, coming in from Mexico into Texas or one of the other border states and it will be OK -- if it has worked for millions of others, why not for Jesus?

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

OK, Who Wants to Go First?

UNITED NATIONS - With President Barack Obama presiding over a historic session, the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a U.S.-drafted resolution Thursday aimed at ridding the world of nuclear weapons. --- News release, September 23, 2009 from New York

It most likely will be noted in future textbooks on world history due to being only the fifth time that the U. N. Security Council met at summit level since the United Nations was put together in 1945. Barack Obama was the first American president to preside over a Security Council summit. One has to wonder what political shenanigans and arm twisting took place behind the scenes to bring that about. With all his pride and arrogance that seems to increase with each public appearance President Obama declared, “The historic resolution we just adopted enshrines our shared commitment to a goal of a world without nuclear weapons, and it brings Security Council agreement on a broad framework for action to reduce nuclear dangers as we work toward that goal."

Now the big question in pursuit of this goal of a “world without nuclear weapons” is simply this – who will be the first to lead the way? Which nation will announce through its leadership (president, prime minister, king, queen, or 2-bit dictator) “We have a cache of nuclear weapons and we are going to dispose of them promptly – send your representatives to witness this historic moment!”

Hearken, what’s that I hear? Why it's a bunch of loud footsteps -- almost like a stampede, indicating people in high and powerful places rushing to the door to line up and say, “We want to be first, and if we can’t be first, we’ll be second in line!”

Yes, I admit it – once in a while I’ll entertain a fantasy and when it comes to the granddaddy of all granddaddies in a fantasy world, this one on universal nuclear disarmament takes the grand prize. Maybe Obama has been puffing on the wrong peace pipe and wasn’t aware of what was put in it!

Recently I posted a commentary on the G-20 summit taking place in Pittsburgh PA. In that it was noted that the major problem is the fact that those who are in positions of leadership in nations around the world are in the main unregenerate in heart and mind. That means spiritual blindness regarding who God is and what God expects of us individually and collectively. Another negative associated with this condition is selfishness and suspicion of others.

The foremost Authority on human behavior and relationships pinpointed the reason for conflicts that escalate from small circumstances to whole territories and nations. Here’s how He said it, and it certainly beats any diagnosis of a psychologist or psychiatrist:

And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man." --- Jesus Christ speaking in Mark 7:20-23

So, if and when this thing of pursuing a “world without nuclear weapons” should come to pass and in light of the above statement on human nature, it will likely go something like this – “I’ll get rid of my nukes, but you have to get rid of yours first!” Maybe Obama with his super inflated ego can broker the deals on this and set a noble example by having the United States go first.

But not only did Jesus, the foremost Authority on human behavior, pinpoint the root of all human problems, but He also pulled back the curtain a bit and gave us a view as to what to expect in the future – it’s not very pretty. Here’s what He said:

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

The book of the Revelation goes into graphic detail as the human race comes down the final stretch of history as we presently experience it. It becomes painfully obvious that nobody was willing to go first and get rid of his nukes and so everybody tenaciously hung on to what he had. Further, it is likely the number of weapons will be steadily increased because we can’t “trust those other people!”

Don’t hold your breath in the midst of the fancy rhetoric now taking place until someone says, “I’ll go first and here are all my nukes – see, I’m dumping them all into the garbage can!”

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. --- James 4:1-4

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

Presidential Example for Little Tykes!

"And whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!” --- Jesus speaking in Matthew 18:5-7

This issue as well as similar ones in the past which deal with the subject of politics with a bit of religious mix is highly controversial. I will not make any new friends and will likely gain a few more enemies in the process! But since I have been at this kind of thing for 50 years, I am somewhat used to the flak that is often fired in my direction.

A previous posting touched on this issue a bit over President Obama’s “beer diplomacy” as some have labeled it. But let’s back up a bit – in fact, quite a bit.

“I wanna be president when I grow up!” is a statement in times past that has been sometimes expressed by small children. God’s revelation makes it explicitly clear that teaching and example setting are demanded and are extremely critical in the shaping of the lives of the young. If this responsibility is done faithfully, then that young one will have gained an acceptable value system and should he or she become president, then he or she will be a good and very effective president!

At least a few (the numbers seem to be dwindling quite a bit) in these chaotic times of confusion would agree that setting an example is not an option so far as the office of U. S. president is concerned. But some in the past did not see it that way. And it is painfully obvious that the present occupant of the Oval Office in Washington DC doesn’t see it that way either!

A few years back school administration officials in a certain school district were shocked when it was learned that 6th and 7th graders were very much involved in the practicing of oral sex. When confronted, the little tykes were fast on the trigger with their response – “The president does it!” Bill Clinton’s example did not go unnoticed, did it? A further ramification of this is the fact that these young ones feel they can engage in sexual activity because it’s fun and it feels good, and the “president does it,” etc. So now we have a shocking stat that informs us that 1 out of every 4 teenaged girls has at least one STD (sexually transmitted disease) and some have more than one!

It is now known that John F. Kennedy engaged in musical beds during his presidency, though a sympathetic press kept it hush-hush at the time. But our young can learn some of the lurid details in their reading and quickly conclude if it’s ok for presidents, then it’s ok for me too!

George W. Bush was caught on an open mike using gutter language in conversation with Tony Blair in a meeting over in the Middle East. If his potty mouth was functioning well at that time it is very safe to assume that it worked at other times as well. For the young, if a president talks that kind of talk, then it’s a green light for them to do likewise – although it needs to be said that foul mouths among the young is rather common because they often learn it first of all from mom and/or dad!

Now in regard to the example being set by the present resident of the White House:

• Obama and family managed to make it to church on Easter. Just maybe he may make it this Christmas. Such a practice is the choice of quite a number who “profess” Christian faith but are sadly lacking when it comes to possession of the same. God has made plain what the practicing of the faith involves, including the discipline of faithful and regular worship in a public setting.
  
  
• B. O. has made it clear that promises are made to be broken. Defenders are quick to say that every politician makes promises that are not kept and B. O. is no different. Ah, but they are missing the point – and for those who are quick to jump to his defense on this issue, I ask one simple thing – show me name of book, chapter and verse in the Bible where God in no uncertain terms says it is acceptable to make promises and not keep them. In fact He does give considerable attention to the issue that when you make a vow (or promise) you better make sure you keep it! The consequences of failing to do so are most unpleasant.
  
  
• Obama's beer and tobacco usage are now known with any number of defenders saying that if he wants to indulge, let him do so without criticism. Both products have produced overwhelming evidence of extensive harm and destruction. The jury is no longer out in deliberation on these issues.
  
  The evidence is overwhelming. And the young are influenced to indulge because of two main factors – high powered advertising by greedy adults in the business who want more and more people to indulge in order to enlarge their bank accounts and high profile adults who by example nudge young folks down the path to disaster! And on the part of both groups, they couldn’t care less what happens to the young except in the case of the first group that the young spend lots of money on the packaged “poison” being sold and in the case of the latter group that the young be sure to vote the “right way” in elections when they become eligible – that is, if they live long enough!
  
  
• But most serious of all is the fact that Barack Hussein Obama has taken the lowest view of human life ever taken by a U. S. president and by strokes of his pen has expanded the carnage of the destruction of unborn children. They are as easily disposed of as yesterday’s garbage. He is on record in the past as opposing even those few efforts to try to protect the unborn in the latter weeks of pregnancy, and opposed legislation that would have required medical attention to be given to an unborn who survived an abortion attempt! Yes, once in a great while it does happen. But B. O. says in effect – “Let them die – don’t help them in any way, should they survive an abortion that is intended to terminate their lives!” Such an example will help the young to adopt a revived Nazi view of human life in the “land of the free and the home of the brave!”
  

But don’t forget – there is some very good news in midst of all this chaos – one of these days God is going to interrupt the flow of human history as we presently experience it – He is going to personally step in and take full control of this planet! Think not? Then what does it mean when God has declared in His Word, “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).

You see, part of the great news concerning this event is the fact that all politicians and government leaders will be out of a job! The One designated as King of kings and Lord of lords will be in charge. For a few of us at least, it’s an exciting hope to which we look forward!

Sleep on it tonight!

And Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” --- Matthew 18:2-3

No Apologies for Some “Offenses” in 50 Years!

Then His disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?" But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." --- Matthew 15:12-14

This Sunday, June 21, will be a special day for me and my wife, Jean. On that day 50 years ago I preached my first sermon at the Simpson and Greenwood Methodist Churches in New Castle PA. In the spring of 1959 I had completed the requirements for obtaining a license to preach in the Methodist Church and was eligible to be appointed as a supply pastor in what was known as the Erie Conference. It was a small conference in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania and was made up of four districts.

Over the 50 years that followed that day in June of 1959 God granted us the privilege of working with 12 different congregations. One of those was very limited when during my senior year at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore KY I was asked to be pastor of a group of Cumberland Presbyterians which was in the process of forming a church in the Lexington area. My work with those fine people only lasted a few months until my graduation and return to Pennsylvania

There are some things for which I have never apologized over a half century of time and never intend to in the future so long as God grants me life here on this earth.

First, I never apologized for believing the Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God and the absolute authority in regard to faith and the practicing of that faith. I have without question accepted the record of the mighty acts of God which involved countless miracles that are beyond human understanding. It all came together when God Himself chose to become human, being born of a virgin named Mary, and continued to do mighty works while He was here on earth. Since becoming personally acquainted with Jesus, I have had no problems regarding Who He really is and what He accomplished on behalf of the entire human race!

Second, I have never apologized for preaching and teaching that Jesus Christ is absolutely the one and only way to experience peace with God, purpose for living day by day, and hope for the future in terms of both time and eternity. His sacrificial death on the cross paid the penalty for the sins of every human being. This clearly suggests that any religious expression that does not have Jesus Christ at the center of its faith and purpose for existing is in deadly error! If I enter into discussion with a Muslim, a Hindu, a Buddhist or a member of any number of other religious groupings in the world, my statement is basically this – “Jesus Christ loves you just as He loves me – He died for your sins just as He died for mine – and without Him in your life as Savior and Lord, you have no hope whatsoever after this life on earth is over!” For taking that position I do not apologize. The reason is simple – all you have to do is to examine all of Jesus’ exclusive “I am…” statements and His absolute demands placed upon all members of the human race such as, “Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.”

Third, I have never apologized for preaching and teaching God’s truth as it pertains to the boundaries He has established for our sexual experience and expression. The gift of sexuality is a very powerful gift and possibly the most misused and abused of all gifts which God has given us! The very common approach to human sexuality in today’s world is defined in this way – “Sex is fun with anyone or more than one anyone at the same time, anywhere and at any time!” A recent report released by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) gave us some shocking information – one out of every four teenaged females has at least one STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) and there are those who have more than one!

While I have come under fire for being “radical” on issues of human sexuality, I have not and will not apologize. God set the boundaries and when those are violated, a high price is to be paid as large numbers of people are finding out. And in some cases, the price is an early trip to the grave and in other instances, one is forced to live with an incurable disease the rest of his or her life!

Fourth, I have never apologized for insisting that world peace will never come about through the efforts of world leaders or through the actions of that circus by the river in New York known as the United Nations! The reason is simple – the overwhelming majority, if not all, of those who are supposed to be leading the 194 governments of the world are in an unregenerate state. That condition in itself is the formula for trouble. Paul discusses the pathetic situation of the “natural man” in the Corinthian letter. The problem is that such persons will not receive the things of the Spirit of God – they are steeped in unbelief and rebellion.

Fifth, in connection with what has been just said, I have never apologized for preaching and teaching that Jesus Christ is going to return to this world. It is then that peace will finally come to the entire earth under His control. Many are the promises that hold this hope out to all who “love His appearing.”

While there is much distress as to what is happening in our nation and our world, there is a remnant of faithful followers of Jesus Christ who remind themselves and one another that it will not always be like this – Jesus is going to return in glory and His Kingdom will be established!


Clayton & Jean Harriger

50 Years in Ministry

June 21, 1959 - June 21, 2009

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

The Battle Will Continue Unabated Until…!

Carrie Prejean's comments about her opposition to same-sex marriage ignited a media firestorm after a celebrity judge suggested her response may have lost her the Miss USA title; she finished as first-runner up. The photos from her teenage years surfaced later and led to the review of her state title, but pageant owner Donald Trump said Tuesday that Prejean may retain it. --- quote from AP news release, May 13, 2009

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, will keep her crown due to a decision by Donald Trump who says what is or isn’t concerning the Miss USA pageant. It was Miss Prejean’s answer regarding marriage being between a man and a woman that stirred a pageant judge who advocates same gender coupling as a legitimate way of life. His negative response and the resulting fall-out dominated the media news for some time.

While all this was happening the Hate Crimes Bill is making its way through the U. S. Congress with provisions of special protection for those who practice same gender coupling as a way of life.

We also have witnessed the acceptance of same gender “marriage” in some states and pressure being brought to bear for others to do likewise – it is no longer an issue of “civil unions” – it is the goal to have same gender couples enter into a marriage covenant and that ultimately these would be performed either in a civil setting with a judge or magistrate presiding or in a church with a clergy person officiating!

Church groups that have “held the line” on refusing to ordain those who practice same gender coupling while indicating that such a way of life is incompatible with Christian teaching find themselves under assault. Protests are increasing and pressure is mounting to change the standards and accept this “alternate lifestyle” without objection. The United Methodist Church is at the forefront of controversy on this issue during its General Conference every four years. The alarming thing is that the will to resist becomes weaker at each of these gatherings. It is obvious that eventually a cave-in will take place.

What does it all mean for the country? With laws that provide special protection for the same gender couplers along with their well organized groups, high profile supporters in the mainstream media, almost unlimited financial support, and highly intelligent people to map out future strategies, it is simply a matter of time until all are forced to comply and accept the same gender coupling philosophy of life! We will march in lockstep with them without objection, or else face extremely serious consequences, including severe penalties!

To object or speak against it is to open yourself up to criminal charges if that objection should be raised in a public arena. This seems to be wild and far fetched now, but a pastor in a Scandinavian country actually did some jail time for preaching from Romans 1 in a Sunday morning worship service in his church. He had charges brought against him for negative statements made about homosexuality as based on the Romans 1 passage of Scripture! And so he did time in jail as a result of that “offense.”

The message? Don’t speak against same gender practices regarding sexuality – accept it and we’ll all be one big happy family, right?

If someone had told me when I started in the pastoral ministry 50 years ago this coming June that the time would come when a battle would rage over the legitimacy of same gender sexual practices, I would have said to that person, “You’re crazy – it will never happen!” Obviously, my prediction was very, very much in error!

But as I often do – I try to close out on a positive note – it will be rough for a while – but it is like the dark night for a brief time, and then the bright dawn breaks with the sun shining brightly. The day is coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will confirm the truth of His Word and His promises – this mess we have to put up with now and the battle in which we are presently engaged will be ended – the wheat and the chaff will be separated, and He will rule with His people living in peace and prosperity forever!

And don't forget the other good news -- when that event happens it means also that all politicians and judges (Supreme Court included) will be out of a job -- isn't that exciting to think about?

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

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

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Continues to Strive to Set Record for Notoriety!

Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them. Isaiah 1:23

Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. Ezekiel 22:27

For some of us in Pennsylvania, it came as no surprise that Senator Arlen Specter is switching his party affiliation. A number of us PA residents have known for a long time that Arlen was in reality a closet Democrat. He will fit right in with the Obama crowd without any hindrances. He will support Obama’s pro-abortion agenda and the ongoing destruction of the unborn at all stages of development – from the early weeks to full term. And Arlen was one of three turn-coat “Republicans” supporting the grotesque stimulus bill. Those 2 females from Maine ought to follow Specter’s lead in this matter, and remove their masks for the sake of citizens who have failed to see them as they really are!


And then there is Representative John Murtha who represents the district in which Johnstown PA is located. Local news reports recently indicated that Johnstown may become the “poster child” of pork barrel spending due to Murtha’s manipulating tactics which have resulted in millions and millions of dollars being channeled into the Johnstown area over the years. One interesting project is a radar system at the airport which bears his name. It cost a few million dollars but has never been used – it just sits there, rusting away!

But ask the locals about this Washington DC “pork” landing in Johnstown over time and it is practically unanimous – Big John has done many good things by bringing all that government money into the area and no person should question that. You see, John Murtha holds a status that is at least equal to Almighty God in the Johnstown area – and just maybe in some cases, there are those who hold John Murtha in even higher esteem than God Himself!

In the race for setting a record for notoriety, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is ahead by at least a length or more! There are some of us, however, that feel it isn’t fair that we are saddled with the likes of a Specter or a Murtha and the other 49 states don’t have a taste of them – then the other states would know what we have to endure – maybe a trade could be worked out for a while!

But in spite of having such representation as Specter and Murtha over the years, there is good news which must always be kept in mind – it won’t go on much longer like it is now. The day is coming when all politicians will be removed from office. In fact every nation in the world will be impacted by this dramatic change in governing authority – Jesus Christ is scheduled to return to this world to take full control – He declared that He has all authority in heaven and on earth and promised He would come back. We don’t know the precise time when that will be – His word (and warning) was to watch and be ready, which implies that we are to live and work in anticipation of His return at any possible time. At least a few of us hope that it would be within the next 24 hours – to say the least, it will be a most dramatic change as to how things are done in the world when it comes to government!

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. --- Revelation 20:11-15

Any Friend of Bill Is a Friend of Mine!

Port-of-Spain, April 18 (DPA) With two broad grins on their faces, the presidents of Venezuela and the US greeted each other with a traditional “solidarity” handshake Friday. Hugo Chavez and Barack Obama were seen in an informal, animated exchange and sideways handshake in a series of photographs released just as the Summit of the Americas got underway in Trinidad. --- news release from Trinidad on April 18, 2009

Just a few things to ponder as President O. continues his world wide travels, making apologies for us nasty, arrogant, and belligerent Americans:

The president and his people have tried desperately to distance himself from Bill Ayers who became notoriously famous as an activist in the Weather Underground and planted bombs in the Capitol and the Pentagon in the early 70’s. He was never prosecuted and never expressed any regret at such actions. In fact in an interview with the New York Times, Ayers said in an outspoken manner, “I don’t regret setting bombs.”

It was in 1995 that State Senator Alice Palmer indicated that the person succeeding her in office should be Barack Obama. The location of the meeting where this was announced to some influential people was the home of Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, who is Bill’s wife and partner in the former Weather Underground outfit.

B. Hussein Obama won a seat in the Illinois legislature and continued to make a name for himself with the help, of course, of very influential people in Chicago.

Between the years of 1995 and 1999 Obama led an education foundation known as the Chicago Annenberg Challenge and was on the board of that group until 2001. This group is known to have channeled more than 100 million dollars toward community organizers and those described as “radical education activists!”

Documents clearly indicate that the relationship between Bill Ayers and Barack Obama was more than just a casual “Hi, how are you?” acquaintance – they were partners in CAC!

An Education Forum in Caracas, Venezuela, took place in November of 2006 with Bill Ayers, University of Illinois professor, in attendance. He indicated his support for education reforms taking place under President Chavez. Ayers then said, “We share the belief that education is the motor-force of revolution…I look forward to seeing how you continue to overcome the failings of capitalist education as you seek to create something truly new and deeply humane.”

After that statement, as he stood beside Chavez, Ayers raised his fist and yelled, “Viva Presidente Chavez!”

[Source: journalists as quoted by Bernie Goldberg in his book, “A Slobbering Love Affair starring Barack Obama” (True and Pathetic Story of the Torrid Romance Between Barack Obama and the Mainstream Media) pp 89-103]

So why shouldn’t B. Hussein Obama cozy up to the president of Venezuela? After all, they have a close mutual friend and share similar values and goals. Why get all bent out of shape over a simple handshake?

And the power-grab adventure continues – we citizens in the United States haven’t seen anything yet!

For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed. Therefore the LORD will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. --- Isaiah 9:16, 17

Make sure you look far enough ahead and beyond the years of the Obama fiasco – there is a great time scheduled for those who have chosen to see things God’s way and seek to do His bidding – it’s a wonderful hope:

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

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” --- Revelation 21:3-7