Will We Soon Have to Ask Permission to Use the Rest Room?

There is a nutrition bill moving along toward President Barack Obama which would allow the government power to limit school bake sales or other fundraisers that some say can replace wholesome meals in schools. This legislation is part of Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign. --- Internet news release

So, should anyone be surprised as the federal government continues to boldly infringe on the rights of United States citizens. None of us fully realizes the extent of the "invasion" that has taken place over the past few decades let alone the past few months.

It is an ongoing "cancer" of a different kind -- the predominant thinking and attitude in Washington DC that elected officials are more intelligent than the citizens they were elected to represent, starting with the president of the U.S. and his wife!

Therefore they know far better than we what is best for us and new laws and regulations are necessary in order to establish a higher "quality of life" for us -- stated simply -- "The federal government is resolved to save us from ourselves!"

Mentioned at the beginning is one of the latest debacles -- the government is going to seek to limit school bake sales which are one of the common ways fundraising has been done by various groups connected with our schools. This on the pretense of fighting off obesity!

Could it be as time moves on that the government will want to control our lives to the extent that we will actually have to ask permission to go to a rest room? At the risk of giving some politicians or the president or his wife a hint for pressing for new legislation, the grounds for this would be that we might contribute to further polluting the environment by our use of the rest room -- if we are merely going to wash our hands or comb our hair, that might be OK -- but don't do anything more than that!

Hey, don't laugh -- we're dealing with a government that has moved well into the area of what is most accurately described as the "lunatic fringe!" It might just happen, so get ready to raise your hand as we did in the old one room country schools of long ago and ask permission to go to the toilet -- we didn't actually say the word -- it was just, "May I leave the room?" And the teacher understood what our destination was, and that we would be returning to the school room in a short time after we had completed our "mission." Also it is highly unlikely that the so-called Republican "victories" of November 2010 will make any real significant difference in the future

But the good news is that the day is coming when there will be no legislating and passing of stupid laws -- all politicians will be out of a job. God has future plans for His creation and for this world, and that includes the control of this world under the direction of His Son, Jesus Christ. All dictators, prime ministers, presidents, members of parliaments and congressional bodies will be removed from their positions! At long last the world will know peace and God's standards will be in place and enforced -- a very healthy and profitable change. I hope it happens before the United States government tells me I have to raise my hand and ask for its permission to go to the rest room!

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

Many Broken Promises? Yes, But the One Main Promise Has Been Kept!

Mention has been made through various media outlets about campaign promises made by Barack Obama in his quest for the U. S. presidency and the fact that a majority of those promises have not been kept! --- as discussed on talk shows and as referenced in printed media

Promises, promises – was anybody able to really keep up with the grand total of all that was promised by that fellow who took over as president last January. It’s been nearly a year and does anyone dare to ask the question, “Are we better off now than we were a year ago?”

But one significant promise has been kept – no denying it – repeatedly Barack Hussein Obama promised that he was going to transform the United States of America. And he has accomplished that in just a few short months. When the State of the Union address is delivered, will he acknowledge the fulfillment of that one big promise? That is after he gets done blaming Bush for whatever is perceived to be wrong.

Note some of the “fruits” of the transformation as promised:

The nation has been plunged into more debt than the human mind can begin to comprehend so that now we make reference to it in terms of trillions of dollars with China holding about 1 trillion of that debt alone!

Unemployment continues to hang at a double digit level and some are predicting the worst is yet to come!

Government bureaucracy is exploding like an out of control cancer – yes, there have been jobs created but they are government jobs not private sector jobs, which is what is desperately needed.

The government has been taking over the private sector in many areas such as mortgage institutions, banks, and the automotive industries.

The government wants to control the heath care system which is being debated at the present time. Evidence is that most citizens do not want the government interfering in the health care system, but the attitude is that we citizens are stupid, the president and his partners in crime know best, and are determined to ram the whole thing down our throats whether we like it or not!

There are those highly questionable appointed persons known as “czars” with this president setting a record by appointing more of these questionable characters than any before him. They do not go through congressional examination and approval and have practically unbridled power to do things that would make a 2-bit dictator envious! The personal philosophy of these persons and a multitude of others in a myriad of positions for the most part goes against much of what our republic in its Constitution stands for and represents by way of freedom and privilege! When you have one of these extolling and praising the likes of a Mao Tse-Tung, mass-murderer of over 60 million Chinese people, then we have reason to wonder where our nation is headed!

President Bush came under heavy fire from the Democrats for taking us to “war” in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most interesting now is the fact that Barack Hussein Obama recently determined that we need to send another 30,000 troops into Afghanistan. Any whooping and hollering coming from the Democrats on this move?

Yes, the country has been transformed and in regard to a related question – is it better off now than it was a year ago, quite a large number of persons would not hesitate to give an answer – an answer which is strongly negative!

For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed. --- Isaiah 9:16

PA UM Bishops Declare War on Gambling – Will They Do Likewise on a Much More Serious Practice in the State?

"Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! --- Jesus speaking in Matthew 23:24

Four bishops have recently declared war on gambling in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is a result of Governor Rendell’s attempt to expand gambling with the hope of bringing in more revenue into the state’s piggy bank. Those bishops are Thomas J. Bickerton of Pittsburgh, Jane Allen Middleton of Harrisburg, Peggy A. Johnson of Philadelphia, and Susan W. Hassinger, of Albany, N.Y., whose area takes in a bit of Northeastern Pennsylvania

The bishops have issued a pastoral letter in which they said, “Contact your legislator and Gov. Rendell. Tell them video poker goes against God’s best intentions for Gods children.”

The bishops also noted that “The United Methodist Church believes ‘gambling is a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, destructive of good government and good stewardship,’” as they cited long-standing church law and scripture.

For a long time there has been no lack within the United Methodist Church when it comes to all out frontal attack on gambling. In fact, the way some church leaders approach it, one would be quickly convinced that it is the greatest evil to ever penetrate the human race!

Let’s consider another much more critical social and moral issue which the bishops of the UMC do not address, ever. It’s the issue of the destruction of unborn children at the rate of about 25,000 per week in the “land of the free and the home of the brave!” Quite a number of these very young ones are brutally mutilated and murdered within the borders of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Now then, ponder a modest proposition for the bishops since they have fired the shot – how about changing the wording a bit and issue one more letter to be read in the churches, since we are now making the claim for correcting immoral practices in Pennsylvania?

Here’s the revised “edition” on the two statements mentioned above, and the same could be applied throughout the whole letter. As UM’s know very well – the practice of doing amending at annual conference sessions is a very popular pastime – so let’s do some of it here:

Statement #1 amended to read “Contact your legislator and Gov. Rendell. Tell them abortion goes against God’s best intentions for Gods children.”

Statement #2 amended to read “The United Methodist Church believes ‘abortion is a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, destructive of good government and good stewardship.’”

The last statement presents a bit of a problem since the official position of the United Methodist Church can be regarded as giving the “green light” to the practice of abortion, although there is an attempt to couch the statements in pious sounding language. But in the final analysis, any woman can get an abortion who wants one on the basis of simply saying that the pregnancy will bring undue psychological stress, financial stress, health related stress, employment stress, social stress, family stress, home environment stress, household pet stress, garbage can stress, or whatever – it’s very easy to come up with a “reason” as to why an unborn child should be exterminated as simply as swatting a fly!

So, bishops, how about it – may we soon expect the second pastoral letter with the above amended statements in the war against social evils that are “a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, destructive of good government and good stewardship?”

To be continued in the next post………

"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. Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit.” --- Jeremiah 7:5-8

The World War II Memorial Controversy!

DECEMBER 7, 1941, A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY... --- opening statement of Franklin D. Roosevelt's address following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

On this Memorial Day it seems fitting to give some consideration to a bit of controversy swirling about the WW II Memorial in Washington DC. Emails have been circulating drawing attention to an alleged intentional omission of Franklin Roosevelt’s statement near the close of his speech that he gave following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps some assume that the entire speech was engraved on the WW II Memorial in Washington DC.

The actual statements taken from FDR’s addess as appearing on the memorial are:

The accusation is that the phrase, “So help us God,” was intentionally omitted. Since most of us were not in on any discussion concerning what would be used or not used from FDR’s address, we don’t know for sure how the selected phrases which appear were chosen and why.

Certainly the last phrase before asking Congress to declare a state of war would have been most meaningful and appropriate -- and it should have appeared on the monument in light of the president's reference to the armed forces -- after all, it is a memorial to those who served in WW II, is it not? FDR said, “With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounded determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.”

If the preceding phrase would have received any consideration at all as to possibly being engraved on the monument, it likely would have been rejected instantly. A lot of us have a growing suspicion about government in all its facets and how it operates, especially as we see with alarm its intrusion into private organizations and recent efforts to control corporations!

The growing anti-God and anti-Christ spirit is spreading like a vicious malignant out-of-control cancer. So if FDR’s phrase, “So help us God,” had been given a brief consideration, it would have been rejected on the basis of being “offensive” according to warped and idiotic reasoning we hear today in those arenas where God may be mentioned! And we wouldn’t want to risk offending some people who may view the WW II Memorial and see the name of God engraved on it would we?

Anyone out there want to speculate a bit as to how God is going to respond when in an unprecedented crisis in the future the president, along with political and church leaders, issues an appeal to pray and call on God for help? And remember, the nation can be plunged into such a crisis that suddenly masses of people who never gave it a thought previously now decide that praying to God is “the thing to do!”

Take a little walk through Jeremiah 2 and see how one nation of people fared when it was decided that maybe the time had come when they should call out to God for help in a moment of crisis!

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, and the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance. The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His habitation He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. --- Psalm 33:12-19

Lots of Smarts Minus the Fear of God Equals Failure!

For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. --- 1 Corinthians 1:19-21

References to the fact that Barack Obama is smart, brilliant and all those other terms which define a high level of intelligence have been applied to the president in recent days as the nation he is attempting to lead finds itself in great turmoil for many reasons.

Even persons who are high profile in the mass media and who claim to be “conservative” or beyond in their position on issues of the day are making reference to the president’s supposed “brilliance.”

But one main thing is missing – it’s like the missing cornerstone in a building’s foundation or the main drive wheel missing in a machine or the main spring being absent in a clock. With that being the case, commonsense tells us that it just isn’t workable – there is failure, pure and simple!

Lots of smarts do not guarantee success – oh, at times it may appear so, but eventually things happen in such a way that whatever venture was attempted by the person with all those “smarts” eventually ends in failure! God has plainly revealed a lot about the kind of “smarts” which make the difference in life – whether one will be successful or one will miserably end up a failure. Is anyone so foolish as to believe he or she can improve upon the formula given us in the following statements?

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths; to deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life; so you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. --- Proverbs 2:6-3:6

At certain points in reading through the above, do visions of politicians in Washington DC and the state capitols of this republic come into your mind? You know, statements such as those who “rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked, whose ways are crooked?”


President Obama, in spite of his “smarts,” has produced no evidence of possessing a healthy and reverential fear of Almighty God in the discharge of his responsibilities. Not one word has been reported that he and his family have established a disciplined pattern of public and private worship in their lives, which violates the clear teaching of Christianity in the New Testament. This is critical in setting an example for others and as a personal witness to a living faith centered in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. There is absolutely no way a person who claims a faith which identifies with Christianity can dodge this responsibility!

Further, there is no evidence that the will of Almighty God is sought in major decision-making moments which impact the lives of 306 million persons in the United States not to mention those in other nations of this chaotic world.

Worst of all is the attitude that human life in its developing stages is a disposable commodity and we can wipe out thousands a week as often as we choose because we have a “right” to do so! A person who has “smarts” which have been imparted by the Spirit of God would not be so foolish nor so stupid to adopt such an approach which guarantees the certain displeasure of Almighty God!

It boils down to this – it is possible to gain “smarts” in life through study, be awarded college and graduate degrees with high honors, impress the world with communication ability and do leadership activities which win rave reviews from ardent devotees in the mass media but still miserably flunk out and fail in the long run!

There is a great difference between what is labeled the “wisdom of this world” and that which is the wisdom imparted to an obedient follower of Jesus Christ through His Spirit! This difference becomes quite obvious when it comes to those who hold positions of leadership at the highest levels of governments all over the world!

Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my reproof; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil." --- Proverbs 1:20-33

Ending the AIG Crisis – A Modest Proposal!

The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men. --- Psalm 12:8

As more details became available about happenings at AIG since the big bailout costing U. S. taxpayers billions of dollars and millions of dollars in bonuses given to persons who made a substantial contribution to the insurance giant’s financial woes, the resulting outrage was like a powerful volcano erupting, spewing lava and ash everywhere.

It is a subject that has dominated the news and the Obama administration being pressured to reveal its involvement or lack thereof through Treasury Secretary, Timothy “Turbo Tax” Geithner. It seems just as some questions are answered by someone in this monster fiasco then more questions are raised.

How to get this thing resolved? There is a “weapon” that has been available down through the centuries of human history, but very few view it as such. It is called prayer and it is an exercise in which one can engage and see some amazing things take place as Almighty God hears and responds to the appeals of His people.

The assumption too long has been that prayer is limited to doing things such as expressing thanksgiving, confessing sin, interceding on behalf of persons in need, and submitting personal concerns. But prayer is a weapon employed by a Christian on the offensive against evil, of which we have a substantial amount in our country and our world at the present time!

Note a statement made in Psalm 141:

Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him reprove me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked. --- Psalm 141:4, 5

Did you notice the last statement? The “weapon” of prayer is deployed against the wicked! So here is the proposal for those who are on praying ground in relationship to God.

Pray in the following way:

• that God will rebuke those guilty of selfishness and greed – a visitation of calamity upon them and their families until they repent and make full restitution and that they will receive no satisfaction whatsoever from those millions unjustly received.
  
  
• that God will return upon their heads the fruit of their doings – this is a Biblical term and it works both ways – for those who desire to obey and honor God, there will come blessing and benefit – for those who are defiant, concentrate on themselves and pursue greed, to them will come chaos and eventually disaster of some kind!
  
  
• the ideal would be that all would truly repent and make things right, but that is highly unlikely in a time when selfishness and greed, especially at the higher levels in the government and the corporate world have the preeminence.
  

That same prayer can be applied to the federal government since highly questionable antics with careless and irresponsible use of the tax payers’ money is standard procedure. Whatever you do at this stage, you don’t pray, “God bless….” We’re dealing with a situation that requires desperate action if effective healing is to take place and our nation is be improved as a result. A surgeon doesn’t gently massage a cancerous tumor when he finds it inside a patient’s abdomen -- quickly he grabs his scalpel, cuts it completely out and removes it so the patient will live!

One does have to wonder – if God cut off all who are driven and dominated by selfishness and greed in the corporate world and in government at the state and federal levels, how many would be left?

So pray – God’s solution is always the best in the end of it all!

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

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. --- James 5:17, 18

It’s NOT the Economy, Stupid!

“It’s the economy, stupid!” was a phrase attributed to James Carville during Bill Clinton’s successful campaign for the presidency in 1992. The phrase suggested that Clinton was the superior choice over George H. W. Bush because the sitting president had not effectively addressed the economy which had gone into a recession.

Just about every pair of eyeballs has been focused on the economy in recent months and the issue has whipped up into the intensity of a Cat 5 hurricane raging in toward the U. S. coast from the Atlantic Ocean!

There are probably many who feel that the original phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid!,” which was the brainchild (term brain used carelessly here) of James Carville is applicable to our present condition in the United States.

Certainly President Obama has been attempting to make political hay out of this circumstance and it has given him an “excuse” to go flitting about the country in Air Force One as he attempts to jam his stimulus bill down our throats. Had it not been for the betrayal of 3 Republicans (Senators Snowe and Collins of Maine and Specter of Pennsylvania) it is doubtful we would have gotten bogged down in this financial quagmire which is deceptively called "stimulus!"

But to get to the point – the root problem is not the economy, which is a distraction away from the real problem that is causing us to be on the fast lane to disaster! That real problem is a terminal illness which is ethical, moral and spiritual in nature.

A brief summary:

• Deadly love focused on self, money and pleasure!
  
• Compromised truth and principles within churches claiming to be Christian in faith!
  
• Government at all levels that is riddled with contradiction and hypocrisy!
  
• Widespread practice of idolatry in a plethora of expressions!
  
• Fast spreading malignancy of sexual immorality in virtually unlimited patterns!
  
• Intense desecration of the day in which Almighty God is to be honored and worshipped!
  
• Indoctrinating our children and youth with the false and very deadly teaching that we humans have evolved over eons of time from lower life forms – there is no need for teaching the involvement of a divine Creator when it comes to origins!
  
• And worst of all – a professed “civilized nation” implementing by judicial ruling a policy which has resulted in the mutilation and murders of over 50 million unborn children since January 1973!
  

Extensive details on this issue, which makes the subject of the economy have as much impact and significance as a gnat trying to stop a loaded 18 wheeler rolling down Interstate 95 out of Washington DC, are found at Driving the Final Nails! -- use reverse feature on your web browser to come back to this place.

There will be a majority who would vehemently disagree and say, “No, it’s the economy!” And that would include most of the politicians. But that response is because they are part of one or more, maybe ALL the problems as given above!

It's NOT the economy, stupid!

A PS: I don't believe it's fair that Pennsylvania should be saddled with an Arlen Specter and a John Murtha (my rep in Congress from 12th District) and the other 49 states having never experienced this pair -- the other 49 should have them for a few years and then they would appreciate what we Pennsylvanians have to endure by way of political shenanigans!

"And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed." --- Jesus speaking in Luke 17:26-30

Forked Tongue Call to Sacrifice!

Mention has been made on a repetitious basis of the need for U. S. citizens to be willing to sacrifice because the days ahead will be even more difficult than they are now -- so it has been declared by B. Hussein Obama who will be the new president of the United States as of noon on January 20, 2009.

Reminding us citizens that things will be more difficult in the future Mr. Obama has stated more than once that it will be necessary for us to sacrifice in order to get through the ordeal of a collapsing economy.

Now that causes a very appropriate response in the form of a question -- "Mr. Obama, since you will be at the helm of our republic, just how are you going to demonstrate your willingness to sacrifice -- you know, lead by example?"

So far there is no evidence that there is going to be any real sacrificing on the part of the next president, his family, his staff and his cabinet plus the many department people over which the secretaries rule! If anything, the hard reality is that the costs connected with this president will be greater than for any preceding president in the history of this republic!

First, an inauguration and all the parties associated with it -- millions and millions of dollars in what some describe as the big "bash" unlike any ever taking place in DC with more people, more security and a declared "state of emergency" issued by the outgoing president so that even more millions become available. There could have been some drastic cutting back and limitations imposed in the name of "sacrifice" with an example of such set by a very high profile person who says we citizens will have to sacrifice! Ooops! I almost forgot -- we're dealing with a forked tongue situation here!

Second, there are a lot of "perks" that would make any CEO envious. There is a brand new armor-plated limo being used for the first time, which really isn't necessary. There are a number of special built limos in the Executive Branch fleet which can adequately take care of those who need to ride down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Oh yes, there's that rather costly aircraft known as Air Force One. Don't you know that Mr. Obama will be chomping at the bit to do some nation-hopping and globe-trotting somewhere in that winged symbol of majesty of the highest rank! Again, there are less costly aircraft that could do the job just as well, if you just feel the need to get your feet off the ground for a while -- on the other hand, why not just hop on Marine One and skip over to Camp David for a day or two -- it will really save the bucks! But then, sacrificing a bit and getting rid of Camp David would help somewhat in the credibility department when a president talks about sacrifice.

Third, the expansion of government and exorbitant costs of the same has been going on for generations. The president does have influence in such a matter. He can cease adding and adding and adding (insert a whole page of addings if you want) more people in his little self-made "kingdom" and he can sharpen his red pencil and use dozens of the same to eliminate the massive waste found in every federal budget each year! It has to do with something called sacrifice. He does have a power called the veto when it comes to lavish and often very selfish use of the citizens' tax dollars.

But, as noted in other postings -- very, very few people can handle power and wealth responsibly, especially those who are younger in years and still very wet behind the ears! This will become quite evident as we move through the next 4 years -- that is, if the nation holds together that long.

The sacrifice as mentioned from time to time by leaders at the top levels of government with a president attempting to lead the way is one that always applies to the governed ones not to those who are trying to govern. Don't forget, it's a classic case of a forked tongue call to sacrifice!

A Necessary PS on this! Perhaps it has been a bit unfair to accuse the new president, his staff and cohorts as not being willing to do any sacrificing. So in order to correct that misconception, let's remember that Mr. Obama and the members of his administration are willing to do a lot of sacrificing in one area -- in fact, they are among the most militant and determined group to do such sacrificing. And what is it? Why, you should know already -- it is the unrestricted sacrificing of thousands of unborn future citizens of this republic every week of the year! Don't object to me -- B. O. is on public record about this and his past voting record bears clear witness that this kind of sacrificing is most desirable. It's also significant in this respect -- this sacrificing is done in the name of a much perverted interpretation of something called "constitutional rights" and at the altar of a "god" clearly identified as Convenience! More details available at A Quick Look At the United States' Massacre Tally!

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

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

Can I Really Help a Terminally Ill Patient, If I'm a Terminal Case Myself?

Feds Plan Huge Bank Bailout - Paulsen: Hundreds of billions of dollars needed to address the problem --- Internet news headline, September 19, 2008

They do it again and again – those “bail-outs” of gigantic firms that have gone belly-up financially. And now the latest announcement of the bail out of banks which as Treasurer Secretary Paulson put it – “Hundreds of billions needed to address the problem.” President Bush and various officials are scrambling to deal with the issue as the stock market took a critical nose dive. After announcements of action to continue the "bail out" operation of various companies and financial institutions the stock market took off into the wild blue yonder with a big trail of GREEN! That is, for the time being.

Now there's a question here and it’s a legitimate one – suppose you are in over your eye balls in debt and a relative is on verge of bankruptcy and comes to you for financial help, would you or more importantly, could you give the cash needed to help that relative?

Think for bit -- here’s the federal government bailing out these big businesses, one after another, and “loaning” horrendous amounts of money – how? Our country is over 9 trillion dollars in debt and the hole is being dug deeper and deeper as time passes!

Isn’t this sort of like

• A terminal cancer patient in the last hours of life trying to console and comfort another cancer patient in the same condition as suggested in the title above?
  
  
• A blind man trying to lead another blind man across an eight lane freeway in the middle of rush hour traffic?
  
  
• An alcoholic trying to help another alcoholic recover as together they drink their 3rd bottle of Jack Daniels with 2 more bottles to go?
  
  
• A person who can’t swim jumping out of a boat in water 100 feet deep and trying to rescue another person who is going down for the third time?
  

Now then, if you dare, check what the latest is in regard to our national debt at
National Debt Clock -- use reverse feature to come back to this place. But notice while you are there the fact that this debt translates into over $31,600.00 per citizen in this country. There are other items of information and links at that location.

What is not recognized by high ranking officials in business and government is that money is a most uncertain commodity. Money is also a very powerful false "god" with people and organized groups of one kind or another (banks, companies, corporations, governments at all levels, etc.) willing to do anything and everything to get their hands on huge amounts of it! In fact, money may be the false "god" that holds sway over greater numbers of people in this country and in this world than any other "god" or "goddess."

Therefore the person applying common sense coupled with a keen sensitivity to spiritual reality recognizes that the true and living God Who created this vast universe by spoken command will at a time determined by Him bring judgment on the false deities which humans have established for themselves -- and this includes the "god" of money! In fact God has made a statement to the effect that He will "famish" the "gods" of this world.

And since I'm in a rather good mood at this point in time, I'll let you hunt that statement up -- I'll even help you by giving a hint -- it's in the Old Testament! There, I've narrowed it down for you -- really, I'm a nice guy, however there are times when people just won't let me be nice!

But alas! I digress -- while the U. S. government will appear to be successful for a time in "shoring up" the finances of the country, just keep in mind that it is like trying to shore up a mine shaft with timbers riddled by termites! Or to put it another way, it's like the government flushing money down an object that is considered an absolute necessity in every home!

The righteous also shall see and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying, "Here is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness." --- Psalm 52:6, 7

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, 2a

Please, Mr. Fed, I’m in Financial Distress – Will You Bail Me Out?

The U. S. Treasury along with the Federal Reserve revealed plans to “shore up” those odd-named mortgage outfits known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Shares have plunged due to losses from their mortgage holdings which posed a very serious threat to their financial survival. --- news information released on July 13, 2008

Here’s the key – get BIG and invest tons and tons of money, getting it from whomever you can convince to go along for the ride! And then when things go sour and the money is leaving you faster than it can be flushed down the toilet, just yell, “Help!”

And guess who will come running? Why the financial “Dynamic Duo” of Washington DC – the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury, of course!

Years ago there were “bail outs” of big companies and since history doesn’t really change in such matters, we are seeing a repeat – only this time it is in the wonderful world of mortgages with two biggies on the verge of going belly up!

News information revealed that the “government is prepared to take all necessary steps to prevent the credit market troubles that started last year from engulfing financial markets and further weakening the economy and housing markets.”

And how about this – the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has been given “authority” to lend those outfits with those odd names the money needed at a rate of 2.25 percent! That’s the present rate paid by commercial banks and what are considered “big’ Wall Street firms!

When was the last time you got a loan at a rate of 2.25 percent? If you have the misfortune of having certain credit cards, you are paying well over 20 percent on unpaid balances. Your vehicle loan is quite a bit above that 2.25 percent level is it not? Although in desperation some manufacturers once in a while bait potential customers in with an offer of 0 percent financing over a number of months. But the price of that gas guzzler is so high that getting that 0 percent is not that much of a bargain in the long run -- especially when you discover it likes its "tea" in huge amounts!

But here’s the point – if you are big enough, when you wallow and begin to sink in financial disaster, just yell and the government will bail you out! But if you a “little guy” as most of us are, and you are trying to deal with financial disaster, don’t go to the government for help – all those people are interested in is the tax money you pay, and if possible, they will scheme somehow to get more out of you in the future!

A couple of things to remember:

First, the government is itself so deeply in debt, that the day will come when it won’t be able to bail out a person who is $1.00 in debt! The national debt is increasing steadily by billions each year – total now is over 9 trillion – that’s a 9 followed by a lot of zeros!

Second, there is good news – the day will also come when government officials in every nation will be dismissed from their positions, because One Who is identified as the King of kings and the Lord of lords will have returned and taken control of the affairs of this present world. Now it will be a bit messy at the time of this transition, but He will get it all settled down and finally, peace will be the order of the day.

You can read all about it in a book called the Bible. Yes, yes, I already know – for some people, to talk like this is to talk like a crazy person who should be put in a padded cell. So it comes down to a choice – did Jesus know what He was talking about when He mentioned quite often that He will return to this earth, or is He simply a deluded fool? What do you say, and how has this impacted your life? Does it make a difference when you wake up in the morning and when you lay your head on the pillow at night?

As for me, He’s the best Friend I have and I’ve know Him personally for over 5 decades. I and some others excitedly look forward to His return and taking control of the chaotic governments and financial systems of this world! In the meantime we seek to carry out His parting command to confront the world with His call to repent of all sin and rebellion and believe on Him as Savior and Lord, the living Son of God. Yes, some of us still believe that command is still in effect -- in spite of what you may have heard in some church circles!

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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." --- Matthew 28:18-20

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

42 Million Dollars to Tell Us What We Already Knew!

Yes, most all of us have heard the term, "monkey on your back." Most often it has been applied to a human situation where a person is addicted to something from which he or she cannot break free. These days it can be just about anything -- in times of old it seemed to be limited to certain habits such as alcohol, tobacco or drugs. But that has been expanded a bit.

The one M. O. B. we all share is something called the U. S. federal government. In my post yesterday it was compared to a special airplane designed and built back in 1921. Just to refresh your memory, here is the photo of the "monster" sitting like a duck on a lake in Italy before its first (and last) attempt to fly!


As noted, the federal government is not just like the cumbersome flying houseboat pictured above, but it is a monkey on the back of every citizen.

The latest debacle was the spending of 42 million dollars to send us letters to tell us how much we would receive in this big refund that is supposed to get the economy back into high gear, and then immediately shifted into overdrive! We had already been given the details days back right after Bush signed the bill -- printed and broadcast on radio and TV again and again!

Is it true, as some have suggested, that once you take office in Washington DC you store your brains (what few there may be) along with all common sense in a mason canning jar, screw the lid on tight, and bury it in your back yard before leaving for that place where the dominant philosophy practiced is, "To get along, go along!"

You know, don't you, that the day will come when those people will shuffle things around and we'll be hit with tax increases somewhere, somehow -- it's the name of their game! We are a nation wallowing in trillions of dollars of debt and this increases steadily month by month. Yet there is no hesitation when it comes to spending billions here and there.

And don't forget -- each member of Congress has his or her "pet" projects -- those infamous "earmarks" you hear about from time to time -- I have the misfortune of living in the district in PA which is represented by John P. Murtha, the "earmark" champion in the U. S. Congress!

As you will note if you browse around in this blog or take a look at some things in the related web site, "Circuit Rider's Range," there are a number of negative comments made on matters related to government and church -- the kind of things which bring about "negative" responses from government people and church leaders in particular!

So how about a positive comment before we close this one out -- would you like that? If you will look at the links on the right side of the blog you will see at one point I have a subject area titled, "A Short Range Pessimist with a Long Range Optimism!" It's just below the picture of the "older" CDH -- being a preacher for nearly half a century can cause a thing called "aging!" In that area are some subjects which will produce evidence that I am deep down a positive person -- no, really I am! But I also am a realist when it comes to facing the national and world situation politically as well as the overall church situation.

The good news is that there will be a change come about one of these days which even the most dedicated Christian cannot fully grasp! Jesus Christ is going to interrupt the flow of human history as it is presently being played out -- He will take full control of this world and all the nations existing at that time when He returns as King of kings and Lord of lords!

Just think -- no more elections ever -- that in itself will help create a heavenly condition, will it not? But there is so much more -- make sure you don't miss out on it!

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

The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool." The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! --- Psalm 110:1, 2

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!" And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth." --- Revelation 11:15-18

Skateboarding, Snowboarding, and Pet Boarding, But Waterboarding?

In a news release earlier today it was reported that the Bush Administration attempted to defend the use of an interrogation technique known as "waterboarding" with the claim that it is "legal" rather than "torture" as some persons have claimed, and that by employing this method American lives have been saved! In testimony before Congress, CIA Director Michael Hayden stated that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, Abu Zubaydah and Abdal-Rahim al-Nashiri were waterboarded in 2002 and 2003. --- Information contained in a news release - Feb. 6, 2008

Well now -- what have we here? As mentioned in the title, certain types of "boarding" are quite OK and in some cases most pleasant and enjoyable to experience, but "waterboarding?"

Some may not be familiar with what goes on when a person is "waterboarded" -- definitely it stands in sharp contrast to being on a skateboard or a snowboard!

OK, are you ready? First, you strap the victim down so that he or she is unable to move in such a manner as to remove the cloth which is placed over the face. Now don't jump to conclusions at this point and say, "Well, that doesn't sound too bad -- I can still breathe if I have a cloth over my face!" Wait -- here's the good part as practiced by some U.S. government "interrogators" -- the next step is pouring water over the cloth and getting it well saturated so that the victim goes through the agonizing experience of feeling as though he is drowning and struggling to get his next breath!

The history of this goes back over the centuries to the Spanish Inquisition and is presently condemned by most nations around the world.

Since Bush and his supporters insist that this isn't "torture," why not have them go through the "procedure" and see what their conclusions are afterward -- about 2 or 3 days of this prolonged "treatment" should do it, wouldn't you think? After all the gagging and choking has subsided may we expect each one of them, president included, to say, "No, that's not torture at all!"

Will it be stopped? Not likely and we don't know the whole story as to how suspects have been or are presently being treated. Some would argue that since they do horrible things to us, we should retaliate in kind -- treat them as they would treat us, etc. That might fly a little bit if we were a nation that makes no claim to being civilized or that we have "In God We Trust" stamped on coins and currency, or that we place hand over heart and in final words of our Pledge of Allegiance, we say "...one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all."

But then again, since we have pretty well regressed to being a rather violent heathen style of culture, the practice of waterboarding is no more offensive -- in fact, less so, than our national practice of brutally mutilating and murdering thousands of unborn children in the womb each week, is it not? Toll so far in the "land of the free and the home of brave" is over 48 million victims!

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. Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered to do all these abominations?'" --- Jeremiah 7:3-10

The "True" State of the Union!

President Bush gave his final State of the Union adddress on Monday, January 28, 2008 before the U.S. Congress, other government officials, special guests, and anyone who chose to listen and view by means of TV.

It was pretty much the usual pattern -- the effort by the president in saying that things are going rather well with some areas needing a bit of attention for improvement, the need for bipartisan cooperation in whatever is to be done for the well being of U.S. citizens, and the country does have a hopeful and bright future.

Republicans clapped and cheered at points while Democrats did not -- what a sight -- Dick Cheney clapping while beside him at the same time Nancy Pelosi remained motionless with a look on her face as though she had half a lemon in her mouth!

Once in a while the camera focused on new bosom "buddies," Barack Obama and Ted Kennedy -- this pair looked like their menu for the last few days had been limited to dill pickles! And maybe they had shared some with Hillary Clinton, or was it vice-versa?

And as usual -- responses and the media "autopsy" after the address was completed -- E. coli is not the only thing that can cause one's digestive system to bring on a myriad of trips to the bathroom!

Let's get to it -- what is the TRUE state of the union?

The president, along with all others who hold elected or appointed office in the federal government, blindly overlooks or refuses to address the ethical, moral and spiritual crises that are causing our republic to resemble a cancer victim in the terminal stages of that deadly disease!

There are at least 8 monumental problems which are taking this country on a path to unprecedented disaster unless sure and certain corrective measures are taken very soon. These are:

• a confounded love
  
  
• a conceding church
  
  
• a contradictory government
  
  
• a contagion of idolatry
  
  
• consigned children
  
  
• a conflagration of immorality
  
  
• contaminated sabbaths
  
  
• contrived origins
  

These are described in detail at Driving the Final Nails! A link at the bottom of that area will bring you back here.

Will a true spirit of repentance, rescue and full recovery take place with the nation getting back from its capsized and sinking position and thus gain the favorable blessing of Almighty God? How do you answer that one?

Most cultures over the centuries failed and experienced total collapse. For a number there was a total disappearance from ongoing existence. For instance, where can you go in this world and find a Babylonian, a citizen in what was once known as one of the greatest and most powerful empires in human history!

The tragedy for us is at least two-fold -- too many assume we shall always be on top in this world -- the richest and most powerful country in the world -- and second, that nothing such as a downfall or major collapse/defeat would ever happen here!

But a very small minority of us look at it this way -- the potential of judgment at the hands of a holy God is increasing with the passing of time! A review of "Driving the Final Nails!" mentioned above supports the position that God does hold this country, which claims to be "under Him" fully accountable and will deal with it according to the fruit of its doings!

"But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.' Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward and not forward. Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. Yet they did not obey Me or incline their ear, but stiffened their neck. They did worse than their fathers. Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you. So you shall say to them, 'This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the LORD their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth.'" --- Jeremiah 7:23-28

Should Obedience to God Be A Top Priority National Issue or Not?

But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. --- Deuteronomy 28:15-19

Should obedience to God be a top priority national issue or not? On such a question as this, the overwhelming response is bound to be an excessively loud "No!" -- so loud that vocal cords are strained to the maximum, windows might shatter, and walls quiver as though an earthquake is starting to crank up!

Much of the negative response would be interspersed with cries of "We need to maintain the 'wall' of separation of church and state!" It is true that some in their ignorance have abused, misused, perverted and distorted a statement attributed to Thomas Jefferson about this thing of "separation" of church and state. As many influential people bought into this deceptive doctrine we have opened a Pandora's Box resulting in court decisions being handed down that are paving the way to a disaster which we cannot begin to imagine due to the magnitude of it all!

In effectively drawing a boundary line around all government functions and our public school systems we as a nation have given God an obscene gesture and told Him those properties and all that goes on within those confines by all persons involved are strictly off limits -- He dare not set foot in those forbidden areas!

With such a development, anyone with a touch of common sense, the ability to do some serious thinking and possessing a spiritual sensitivity to God's special revelation will quickly recognize that a culture which has its beginning rooted in that special revelation given by our Creator will ultimately experience calamities beyond human ability to understand when the majority of its citizens and leaders (political and church) choose to deliberately defy Him!

Deuteronomy 28 is one of the clearest points of reference on the issue as to whether obedience to God is simply an option or an absolute must if blessing, future security and survival are to be experienced.

In light of recent financial chaos among other things which this nation has been experiencing and the feeble efforts to try to "stabilize" financial activity, perhaps a look at one small portion of what God promised by way of calamity due to disobedience -- seems that "aliens" will become involved:

The alien who is among you shall rise higher and higher above you, and you shall come down lower and lower. He shall lend to you, but you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you. --- Deuteronomy 28:43-45

There are any number in the interesting group of theologians, seminary & college professors, pastors and teachers who would insist that Deuteronomy 28 has absolutely nothing to do with the United States -- but then again, if you take some of that bunch seriously, the Bible doesn't have much to do with any of us one way or another -- we live in a time of "buffet religion" -- pick and choose what suits your fancy in religious matters, or for that matter, if you don't want to relate to any religion, that's OK too!

So, if you are not afraid to do so -- take a slow walk through Deuteronomy 28 -- maybe repeat a couple of times and consider whether at any given time when a nation has had access to God's special revelation ever since its beginning over 231 years ago, that such a nation is responsible (leaders & citizens) to be obedient to Him in all manner of behavior and relationships!

Further, one might consider God's personal statement in regard to His claim to bring down a nation for massive disobedience or to establish such a nation on condition of its obedience to Him.

And to what extent are all those "wannabe" president people really addressing this, the most critical issue our republic has ever faced in its entire history? And can anyone say our republic is now healthier, ethically, morally and spiritually stronger than in those days before God was confronted with "No Trespassing" signs as applied to His presence on government property and in public schools? We all know the answer to that one, do we not?

"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

Three Prominent Buildings in Washington DC Are in Urgent Need of Repainting!

My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause.." ...my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. --- Proverbs 1:10, 11, 15, 16

Yes, indeedy – certain buildings in Washington DC are in urgent need of repainting! You may ask why this should be since everything looks pretty good from news photos and/or personal observations about the city, etc.

The three prominent buildings which need to be repainted are the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court Building which stands not too far from the Capitol.

What color? There is only one appropriate color – blood red! Now, hold on for a moment – think it through and see if that color isn't a more accurate reflection of what the city is about as it hosts the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches of the federal government in a republic known as the United States of America.

White symbolizes purity, but by what stretch of the most carnal imagination could one conclude that Washington DC is a display of that very holy and noble trait? No, let's make it a color that tells us what kind of city it really is, not what it pretends or professes to be!

The blood of millions of murdered unborn innocent children must be laid at the doorsteps of these buildings and rest upon the heads of those persons who occupy those buildings!

January 22, 1973 will go down as a date much more infamous than December 7, 1941 – the Japanese sneak attack took a few thousand lives – what the Supreme Court did in January of 1973, with ongoing support by many in the Legislative Branch and indifference by others in that same branch of government, and no serious or prolonged objection from the Executive Branch, the toll is moving up toward 50 million victims! That’s an ocean of innocent blood since 1973!

So that everyone may know – people who see news video and published photos of those buildings – tourists who view them on site – let the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court Building be repainted bloody red in color. That will more accurately reflect and witness to what we have become before the entire world – a nation which has devised its own special tailor-made version of “Holocaust.”

But perhaps before the paint is mixed and the cans opened, God will step in and do some things by way of action that will quickly remind all of us that we really didn’t get away with it after all. Furthermore, in our stupidity of throwing around that term, “constitutional rights,” we will discover too late that our warped interpretation of claiming it is a “constitutional right” to shed innocent blood does not supersede the moral laws of Almighty God Who had a special plan in mind for each one of those millions of victims!

W A S H I N G T O N
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Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Now, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Yes, show her all her abominations! Then say, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: The city sheds blood in her own midst, that her time may come; and she makes idols within herself to defile herself. You have become guilty by the blood which you have shed, and have defiled yourself with the idols which you have made. You have caused your days to draw near, and have come to the end of your years; therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations, and a mockery to all countries. Those near and those far from you will mock you as infamous and full of tumult.'"
--- Ezekiel 22:1-5

Are the U. S. "gods" Finally Coming Under Fire?

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." --- Exodus 12:12

The new year of 2008 isn't starting off with a host of pleasant and nice things for the United States. Lots of calamities of one kind or another are erupting!

After going through a rash of destructive wild fires, California is now being hammered again with a massive storm which has resulted in mass power outages, a big bunch of snow in high elevations, and threatened mud slides in those areas burned off by the fires earlier.

There are other weather related problems which have or are taking place in other parts of the country and causing more than just a tad of havoc!

And then there is the bad news of higher unemployment and the loss taking place in the stock market -- the U. S. dollar is taking a hammering in more ways than one throughout the world!

International relations are not the best as we continue to struggle with the Iraq and the Afghanistan debacles. The assassination of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan has not helped the U. S. as it continues to "wage war" against terrorism as President Bush attempts to define it!

The United States used to be a nation highly respected throughout the world decades ago, but such is no longer the case. We are a country more often than not mocked, ridiculed, and intensely despised by many people in other nations. And when some high ranking official from the U. S. government goes on a "mission" to some other country for the purpose of improving relations or resolving some conflict his or her efforts often prove to be fruitless due to not having any significant measure of respect -- for instance, just how effective has Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, been in solving the problems anywhere she has gone during her foreign junkets? It's been talk, talk, talk with a news report of some kind saying that the discussions have been "productive." But in actuality, there has been no significant "production!"

A possible explanation for all this? Could it be that the false "deities" which we have fashioned for ourselves, especially during the last half of the 20th Century, are coming under fire by Almighty God? He has judged nations in the past and in the process has singled out their various idols as a target of His wrath! Ancient Egypt is a classic example, but not the only one!

Part of the tragedy in such an experience is that usually the leadership, political and religious, as well as the citizens refuse to face the reality of this. The response they often make is in the form of a question -- "Why is God doing these things to us?" Note the pattern which was set many centuries ago -- the only difference is that we have more technology with which to do more evil at a faster pace than did those people of ancient time!

"And it shall be, when you show this people all these words, and they say to you, 'Why has the LORD pronounced all this great disaster against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?' then you shall say to them, 'Because your fathers have forsaken Me,' says the LORD; 'they have walked after other gods and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one walks according to the imagination of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me.'" --- Jeremiah 16:10-12

Think about this as we move through 2008 and each time some kind of calamity takes place in some form or other in our republic, ask this -- "Is God using this to try to wake us up and bring us to repentance, as individuals and as a nation?"

By the way, some of the more prominent U. S. "deities" are mentioned along the way in Driving The Final Nails! A link at the bottom of that area will bring you back to this place. A warning in advance -- the experience could upset you quite a bit!

The LORD will be awesome to them, for He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; people shall worship Him, each one from his place, indeed all the shores of the nations. --- Zephaniah 2:11