The Issue Is Not the Ability to Serve, But Rather a Moral One!

Military's Gay Ban Lifted --- Internet News Headline ----- President Obama signs into law the banning of the DADT policy that existed in the military for a number of years which prevented sodomites and lesbians from serving openly in the military --- news release December 22, 2010

Few if any would dispute the fact that those who are sodomite or lesbian in their sexual practices can pull a trigger on a rifle, dig a fox hole, drive a Humvee, maneuver a tank, fly a bomber, run a military computer, or steer a battleship as well as any heterosexual person. And in some cases they may do these and other tasks even better than a heterosexual counterpart. And such individuals can, in most instances, get along quite well with their heterosexual comrades. But these are not and likely have never really been the issues.

The issue is a moral one. God's special revelation made available to the human race reveals the sexual boundaries which have been set up by the Creator of this vast universe. There are sexual moral issues that are defined and God spells out clearly what is acceptable conduct in sexual experience and expression and what is not. Of the various sexual violations of God's moral code there is one that stands separate from the others. Sodomy is not regarded as just a sinful violation (missing the mark; or lawlessness), but as an abomination!

It is difficult, if not impossible, for the human mind to grasp the significance of God's choice in using such a word for a specific sexual transgression. Perhaps we can start by picturing this offense as not just a sin, but sin intensified many, many times over. That it is a horrible and most destestable stench in the nostrils of a holy God! Those who are natives in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania know that if you drive by the rotting carcass of a deer hit on the highway in 85 degree temperature in the summertime, the smell is most unpleasant. The Bible at times describes offenses on the part of humans rising before God as a stench that is most repulsive!

There is not one place in all the Scripture where sodomy and lesbianism are revealed and described in a positive light, or that such conduct is ever acceptable to God. The reason is really rather simple -- God's design for His creation involved male and female humans with the capacity to be sexually intimate. But the boundary which God established on this limited sexual intimacy to a male and female who were committed to each other within the covenant of marriage! The Bible records a number of sexual encounters taking place in the history of the human race with the only acceptable ones being those who were married. Anything outside of the marriage union was a moral offense. But as mentioned earlier, God placed sodomy in a separate category by labeling it as an abomination.

I am fully aware, due to the massive and successful brain-washing that has been under way in our culture for years that, first of all, to state what I have just stated places me in the category of being a homophobe and a hate-monger. Second, there are those who have attempted to "interpret" the Scriptures so that sodomy and lesbianism are quite acceptable so long as the "couple" involved are "monogamous" and "committed." The same Scriptures do warn of those who will twist and pervert the Scriptures to their own destruction. So, not just in the public at large, but within church circles we have the growing acceptance of sodomy and lesbianism as legitimate and morally correct lifestyles!

It was simply a matter of time until the issue of the military's approach to sodomy and lesbianism would be addressed and altered by the U. S. Congress and a president's signature. But remember this - God will be making His response to this as well as to other national expressions of defiance against Him Who makes our life and existence possible -- the One before Whom we will appear ultimately to be judged!

Mentioned at the beginning was the fact of God's special revelation being made available to the human race. That is where the problem really lies -- massive refusal to accept God's revelation. To obey and put it all into practice evokes a response that is akin to the ancient Romans in their Coliseum. When they looked to see the emperor's response to a fight between gladiators and one was down with the opponent holding a sword to his throat, the emperor would turn thumbs down which meant the defeated gladiator was to be killed for such a "poor fight!" The crowd would follow the emperor and give the thumbs down response as well. To God, the vast majority is giving a thumbs down on His moral code for human sexual behavior and that includes same-sex intimacy! By the way, which way is your thumb pointing these days -- the same as the U. S. Congress and the president, or is yours pointing up in response to God's moral code?

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! --- Isaiah 5:20

And He (Jesus) said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." --- Luke 16:15

Do Not Be Too Disturbed That Obama Wrote off Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day!

President Obama will not be attending the traditional wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery due to going to Chicago for the weekend.... --- information from various news sources about the President's planned "get away" for Memorial Day weekend

A hornet's nest of a different kind has been stirred up when it was learned that President Obama will not be participating in the traditional wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery this year. He will be in his hometown of Chicago and it was reported that he will be participating in an event at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery instead.

Stop and think it through for a moment. While many are very upset about this, is it not just as well that he didn't take part in the Arlington observance?

1. Here is a man who has had absolutely no military experience whatsoever and doesn't know the first thing about how the military operates. And one has to wonder whether he could even begin to hold up under the discipline of basic military training!

2. Here is a man who was raised in a generation in which the military was much despised and lacking in respect. And there is no hard core evidence that he is any different in his basic attitude toward the military. It has to be agreed that for political expediency he will make remarks from time to time that are "favorable" toward the military -- but remember, first and foremost he is a professional politician and one of the best at that -- which is why for a number of people, each time he speaks you feel nausea setting in quickly!

3. For this man to lay a wreath on the grave of a member of the military is nothing less than a slap in the face of that person who served honorably under the flag of the United States of America!

4. Let him go through basic training (I am a bit prejudiced on this - I would suggest United States Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island S.C. - many years ago I went through it and managed to survive!) -- spend a few years in the enlisted ranks and then he might be taken a bit more seriously when he enters the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery!

Yes, he is presently the Commander in Chief - that is, the "big boss" of all branches of the military combined. That in itself has to be a bitter pill for career military people to swallow. Fortunately, the day will come when Obama will no longer be the Commander in Chief and preferably the person who then occupies the office of president will have had some personal military experience -- at least much more than a resume that has nothing on it other than community organizing experience and some shoddy political shenanigans Chicago style!

And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. --- Jesus speaking in Luke 16:15

President B. O? An Unprecedented Nightmare Beginning January 2009!

And the LORD spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, "Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.'......... Moreover Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD. --- 2 Kings 21:10-12, 16

It appears to be simply a matter of a few months and our republic will be under the domination of President B. O! Will McCain take the White House? Not likely -- there is something about B. O. that is unlike any person yet who has aspired to be president of the United States.

Think about it -- here's a guy who literally came from out of nowhere -- spent a limited time in the Illinois Legislature -- made it for the U. S. Senate on his first try and was selected (or was it a contrived set up?) as keynote speaker at the Democratic Convention last time around in electing a president with bulk of mass media all goo-goo eyed over this guy! It is inaccurate to call it "charisma" -- it is something more than that -- a kind of "anointing" but obviously not from Almighty God!

How could the election of B. O. to be president be a nightmare for the republic of the United States?

First, he's too young for such a position -- a person in his 40's cannot handle that kind of power and position responsibly. He will abuse this thing of issuing "executive orders" -- that is when a president becomes a dictator and by a stroke of the pen issues orders for things to be done -- the Congress is totally bypassed -- and we've already had too much of that in past administrations! Evidence is overwhelming that persons in their 40's elevated to positions of extensive power have abused that power due to lack of wisdom, common sense and failure to fulfill the responsibility in the fear of God!

The attempt might be made to cite John Kennedy as being in his 40's when elected president and that he was a "good" president. That is open to debate -- and what is definitely known is that Kennedy had raging hormones out of control and literally threw his marriage vows out the window more than a couple of times! God has spelled out what is required in those who govern and Kennedy flunked out on those clear requirements!

Second, B. O. will be regarded as the "Commander in Chief" of the military. It will not help the morale of the military branches of service in knowing a kid is in charge of all operations! Plus the fact that this kid has had no military experience whatsoever. It is easy to get reckless in using the power of the military -- and we've seen that happen in times past also!

Third, all indications are that he will be calling for more taxes under some kind of pretense or other. But then politicians in past decades have been notorious for increased taxes -- and once in a while try to convince us that they are our friends by giving a token "rebate" to help the economy! B. O. will not launch any kind of campaign to reduce the burden of our taxes -- it will still be spend, spend, spend, spend (add as many "spends" as you want!).

Fourth, he will zealously support the deceptive "constitutional right" to mutilate and murder unborn children! Further, B. O. will attempt to remove any and all barriers when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn -- he will be a major contributor to the ongoing U. S. version of Holocaust! He stonewalled the effort in Illinois to protect the lives of the unborn in the late stages of pregnancy!

Of course what B. O. and all governing powers as well as mainline church groups fail to realize is that God has yet to make His response to a nation which claims that all persons should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! Somehow we seem to have adopted the attitude that God isn't paying any attention to the fact that we have destroyed nearly 50 million unborn children since January of 1973!

Cited above is one king from out of the past who was heady with power and thought he could ignore the holy standards which Almighty God has spelled out for the sane, sensible, healthy, peaceful and ongoing survival of a culture. B. O. will prove to be no exception to this!

Do not mistake these comments to be an endorsement for John McCain. Neither major political party has anything significant to offer when it comes to addressing the most serious ethical, moral and spiritual problems which are pulling our nation along a path to sure and certain destruction!

A number of us will be looking for a third party candidate who exhibits qualities needed such as those found in an effective leader known as Joshua a long time ago. Is such a person out there some where who can lead us out of this spiritual chaos in which we presently find ourselves?

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." --- Joshua 1:5-8

Another Date for FDR's "Infamy" Slot!

As of March 19, 2008 an anniversary will be noted. The media will give attention to it and likely President George W. Bush will also mention it. The anniversary is year # 5 since we launched a pre-emptive strike and invaded a nation in the Middle East known as Iraq.

It is also likely that some statistics will be mentioned along the way in this observance. Such things as:

• number of U. S. military personnel who have lost their lives.
  
  
• how many have been wounded, and maybe, how many have been maimed for life as a result of the many roadside bombs used by the "enemy."
  
  
• how much this operation has cost us in terms of billions of dollars, or have we reached the trillion mark -- if we haven't, hang on because we are bound to get there -- wars don't come cheap anymore!
  

However, it is highly unlikely that the following will be mentioned to any significant degree:

• how many military families have been dissolved through divorce as a direct result of this Iraq thing.
  
  
• how many suicides among military personnel have taken place since we got involved in this debacle -- the rate has been increasing as compared to conflicts in the past.
  
  
• how much "profit" certain U. S. companies have made under the pretense of "rebuilding" Iraq -- one company with which Vice President Dick Cheney used to be connected is doing especially well, as are others!
  

But there is one statistic the president, vice president, members of Congress and the mass media will not mention at all -- not even a whisper! And you can hunt high and low within the ranks of church groups -- big name denominations and independents -- again, not even a squeek out of the vocal cords!

But you can see it here and this may be about the only place you will see it -- it is a very important number. You will have to travel a bit to see it -- and once you do, will you mention it to a few other people?

Travel on over to A Much Avoided Statistic on the 5th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq! There is a link at the bottom of that area which will bring you back to this place.

This will also help you to remember another reason for placing March 19, 2003 in FDR's slot for dates which will live in infamy!

Surely at the commandment of the LORD this came upon Judah, to remove them from His sight because of the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, and also because of the innocent blood that he had shed; for he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the LORD would not pardon. --- 2 Kings 24:3, 4

Good News! The Business of War Is Scheduled To Be Shut Down!

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

Peace – a subject so often discussed and the professed “goal” of many a gathering of powerful and very influential people in the world time after time. However, it is also a most elusive item as well. It seems that so often even as peace discussions take place, the parties involved make sure they have a finger on the trigger, just in case!

War continues to be a very big business operation -- note the hard reality of how it is in today's world:

• billions of dollars (or other monetary units) to maintain military services in terms of personnel and locations where they live and work.
  
  
• staggering outlays for hardware in its many forms of existence ranging all the way from mass destruction weaponry, planes, ships, submarines, and tanks to the small arms used by individuals in combat scenarios.
  
  
• a tad more than a $1.98 is needed by companies in their R & D departments as more sophisticated weaponry and means of delivery proceed from the drawing board to actual deployment in times of conflict.
  
  
• companies also pull down astronomical profits in selling war making equipment to other smaller nations and this is done not only by those within the boundaries of the United States but by a number of other larger nations outside the USA boundaries as well!
  
  
• and there are those companies which have good “connections” in Washington DC which are now in places such as Iraq making gigantic sums of money in “reconstruction” work, whatever that is supposed to mean. Already millions of dollars are unaccounted for in Iraq. It doesn’t take many brain cells to see why there is a crowd that delights in war and wants more of it – the “fix it” guys who have personal and company bank accounts that are bulging at the seams!
  

BUT, one of these days the profitable war bubble is going to burst – all businesses related to production of materials for war will be shut down!

All military services will be disbanded – no more men or women wearing military uniforms and doing duty somewhere in the world.

Read closely how it is told by one prophet:

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. --- Isaiah 2:2-4

Quite a dramatic change, is it not, when implements of war are made into implements which help to promote peace and prosperity?

Remember that this wonderful event will not take place upon the initiative of the leaders of world governments. These characters will continue to mistrust each other and those of the more powerful nations will attempt to dictate to the smaller and weaker nations how to conduct their affairs, including, “We have nuclear weapons, but don’t you produce any!”

Jesus Christ, the foremost Authority on human behavior, declared how the latter stages of human history will play out:

"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." --- Matthew 24:6-8

The Scriptures explicitly state that a military coalition will foolishly try to oppose Jesus upon the occasion of His return to take complete control of planet earth:

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great." And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. --- Revelation 19:11-21

Once Jesus eliminates all the ungodly (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) and takes charge, then peace will be the order of the day all over the world. Wars and all implements for waging war will no longer exist.

Finally it will come to pass as many Christians have prayed through the centuries of human history, “…Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven…”

And the LORD shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be; "the LORD is one," and His name one. --- Zechariah 14:9

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. --- Habakkuk 2:14

Even so, come, Lord Jesus. --- Revelation 22:20b

And Here's Nancy P. -- AGAIN!

As each day passes it becomes more obvious that Nancy Pelosi and her cohorts are going to save us from ourselves whether we like it or not, and that we harbor absolutely no desire for such actions on her part!

And she is certainly taking advantage of her new position and power as Speaker of the House of Reps in Washington DC as never before in the few weeks since assuming that office along with making a host of braggadocio statements which have continued unabated to this day!

Off again on a high profile junket [def: to go on a junket or excursion. especially one paid for out of public funds] to the Middle East and "conversations" with Syrian President Bashar. This debacle does not sit well with the Bush Administration. But Nancy P. is on a mission not only to save us, but to save the whole world! And you know who is paying the tab for all these shenanigans, do you not? Why this gal will spend the last copper cent you have in your pocket and never blink an eyeball in the process!

While she, as have others who preceded her on such ventures, will consider herself an expert now on Middle East issues because she has been there and talked to people, she will not face up to at least two main facts:

• First, the reality of what Islam is about -- it is NOT a compromising religion nor is it tolerant of other religions, including Christianity. Because it is not in control and is not dominant here in the United States, a twisted picture has been painted of Islam -- but due to compromising here in the United States and a "tolerance" expressed by those who claim to be Muslim, it has become corrupted as has many segments of Christianity which also has its problems with compromise and toleration of what God has clearly denounced and condemned!
  
  In light of the books which are considered sacred and authoritative to their respective faiths, Islam and Christianity envision a world in which each is the exclusive faith -- they are totally incompatible with each other. Anyone who is not a Muslim is considered an unbeliever or an infidel, and likewise with Christianity -- one who has not received Jesus Christ is regarded as a sinner and under condemnation. The contrast in approaching unbelief is as different as day and night -- the approach of Christianity is a message of love and an appeal to turn from sin and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord -- no gun to the head nor knife to the throat! If the message is rejected, so be it -- no retaliation is carried out if the message is refused. But in Islam deadly force can be used against infidels if they refuse to become Muslims in their faith and renounce all other religious practices, including Christianity! It is well known that in those nations where Islam is in total control such as Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Christianity is not permitted to be practiced openly. U.S. politicians have yet to wake up to this reality!
  
  
• Second, Nancy P. and the rest of the crowd in DC (and politicians in our state capitols as well) fail to realize that the blessing of God has been withdrawn from this nation in terms of the prestige and respect it used to hold throughout the entire world! We literally are on our own now -- no longer can we say that we have the blessing of God upon us in our world involvements, including our military actions! There will be those who will object vehemently to this suggestion, but think for a moment -- when was the last time the United States had a decisive military victory where the terms were unconditional surrender and those who were the enemy signed the documents without one single word of "negotiation?" There is also the evidence that since the politicians have handcuffed military commanders and have tried to dictate how the military is to do its "job" things have unraveled considerably as opposed to how military commanders operated in WW II and started to in Korea until Truman "fired" General MacArthur, and you remember how the Korean "police action" turned out, do you not?
  
  We are witnessing in a number of ways the truth of what happened to another nation at another time long, long ago -- here is how it is stated:
  

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. Look, the princes of Israel: each one has used his power to shed blood in you. In you they have made light of father and mother; in your midst they have oppressed the stranger; in you they have mistreated the fatherless and the widow. You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. In you are men who slander to cause bloodshed; in you are those who eat on the mountains; in your midst they commit lewdness. In you men uncover their fathers' nakedness; in you they violate women who are set apart during their impurity. One commits abomination with his neighbor's wife; another lewdly defiles his daughter-in-law; and another in you violates his sister, his father's daughter. In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase; you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten Me," says the Lord GOD. "Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst. Can your heart endure, or can your hands remain strong, in the days when I shall deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and will do it. I will scatter you among the nations, disperse you throughout the countries, and remove your filthiness completely from you. You shall defile yourself in the sight of the nations; then you shall know that I am the LORD."' --- Ezekiel 22:1-16

Be assured that Nancy P. and all the others will keep right on doing what they have been doing -- basically, "...it's my way (for me and my party) and whatever it takes financially (more taxes) and more spending (we will spend our way to prosperity) and more debt (we'll ignore that) and obscene campaigning (millions upon millions of dollars) to be reelected and then hope U. S. citizens believe our propaganda about what great things we have done for the country!"

As noted at my web site previously -- there is good news in this colossal political mess -- a day is coming when ALL politicians will be out of a job -- in a sense, tossed out on their ear! Yes even Nancy P., Hillary C., Barack O., George B., Dick C., John M., Mitt R., -- well, you get the picture, do you not? Read about it at
Good News! A Day Coming in Which All Politicians Will Be Removed from Office! Just think, it'll be a great time -- I can hardly wait -- it's sort of like a 6 year-old waiting for Christmas on December 24th with excitement building like a giant snowball rolling down a slope!

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. I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, ' 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'" --- Psalm 2:1-9

Like It or Not, He's Alive and Will Return Again to Planet Earth!

He Is Risen!

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. --- Philippians 2:5-11

It has been one of the most bitterly contested and opposed events in human history -- the literal bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, the One Who was brutally crucified and Whose body was placed in the tomb of a wealthy man from Jerusalem. Three days later He came back from the dead and appeared numerous times to quite a few people over a period of 40 days. As a chosen few assembled with Him on that last day He gave a few instructions and then visibly ascended up in the air as He returned to His heavenly Father.

A bit of a shock set in as a couple of angels appeared and reassured those followers of Jesus that the moment would come when He would return to earth, "in like manner" as they had seen Him go from them.

For a few of us, this Sunday will be yet another time to celebrate the greatest victory ever won over the greatest enemies of the human race -- the enemies of sin, death, and Satan and his vicious forces of evil!

We celebrate because we know:

• On basis of repentance of our sins, He in mercy has forgiven us.
  
• We now experience His peace -- condemnation and guilt have been removed!
  
• We experience His presence with us on a 24/7 basis!
  
• We experience His power to overcome the world with its many pressures and tempations -- that is, the promise of His Holy Spirit to dwell in our lives.
  
• We experience His purpose on a day by day basis -- life is not a "fate" whatever will be will be kind of thing -- Jesus Christ has a customized plan for us!
  
• We experience His promises, which are many, including His intention to return to this earth and establish His Kingdom -- this is referred to as the "blessed hope and the glorious appearing" -- see Titus 2:11-15 -- the Gospel in a nutshell and the responsibility of every Christian as he or she lives in expectation of Jesus' return to earth.
  
  
  
  • He will put down all opposing forces -- an international military machine which will be obliterated faster than a mosquito hitting the windshield of an 18-wheeler rolling at 80 MPH on Interstate 80 in Clarion Co. PA (I mention that due to traveling that section of I-80 from Brookville to Clarion occasionally and have nearly been blown off the road as those guys flew by me!).
    
  • He will judge all nations -- that is why it is good news that one of these days all politicians will be out of a job -- Jesus Christ will be in charge of the affairs of this world!
    
  • Jerusalem will be the "world capitol" -- another reason for reading the prophets of the Old Testament to see promises about the future glory of Jerusalem -- e.g. Jerusalem will be called a city of truth, a city safely inhabited, where nations will assemble to be instructed in the ways of God, etc!
    
  • Peace will be universal -- the dismantling of all military weapons -- no need for a military anywhere nor all the implements of war -- totally eliminated!
    
  • Even the animals will be at peace with one another -- the lion will eat straw like the ox, the wolf lying down with the lamb in peaceful co-existence! This isn't fairy tale stuff, folks -- it's promised in the Book -- see for yourself!
    
  • Just lots and lots of good things to look forward to -- because Jesus loves us, died for our sins to make forgiveness possible, rose again from the dead, and He's coming back again to earth -- AND no one will delay His return by even 1/10 of a second!
    

Yes, we will be assailed and the hostility coming from the world and sometimes from within the ranks of those who profess to be "Christian" will increase as time moves ahead. Jesus guaranteed that His followers will be hated and persecuted -- you can review that in John 15 and into John 16!

BUT there is one thing those who hate and despise us can never do -- they can't put Him back into the grave as much as they would like to -- and they can deny He is alive (and strange as it may seem, some preachers and church leaders even entertain this streak of raw unbelief) but when "He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own..." let the fools ramble on -- they won't be dead more than 2 seconds until they realize He is none other than King of kings and Lord of lords and the One Who will ultimately judge every human being born into this world from the time of Adam and Eve!

So, if you know Him personally as Savior and Lord of your life, celebrate that mighty victory anew this Sunday -- and rejoice with fellow believers -- we are a distinct minority, but numbers aren't the real issue -- the real issue is to be right with God, seeking to fulfill His purpose for our remaining days on earth while He tarries in His glorious return!

If you don't know Him -- ask His forgiveness and repent of your sins, in whatever form that rebellion presently exists -- ask Him to come into your life as your personal Savior and Lord. In the right column in this BLOG near the top is an area devoted to becoming a Christian and statements from God's Word as to how that can happen in your life, if you have not yet made that very critical decision.

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. --- John 1:10-13

An Anniversary NOT to Celebrate!

* 3,196 U.S. military persons killed (does not include military killed in Afghanistan)

* 24,042 U.S. wounded (does not include military wounded in Afghanistan)

* Iraqi civilian deaths - more than 58,000 but could be thousands higher

* before "war" 1/2 million Iraqis living outside Iraq; now 2 million living outside the country

* U.S. money cost = $360 billion; Afghanistan debacle puts total to $500 billion and still climbing!

* projected costs of providing medical and disability benefits to vets of Iraq and Afghanistan "wars" at $350 billion to $750 billion! --- Source: Associated Press combined with government statistics - March 18, 2007

Four years ago today (March 19, 2003), upon the insistence of President George W. Bush, the United States launched a military invasion against Iraq. There were "reasons" given by the president as to why this was absolutely necessary.

As we continue to plod along and as a "surge" of a larger number of troops flow into Iraq, legitimate questions are being raised about this thing. Protests are increasing in number and the U.S. Congress is torn as to what to do next -- the prez wants more money and more manpower -- cries from members of Congress want to set deadlines and get the troops back home -- defenders of the "war" are saying we're getting there but just be patient, because a lot of good is being done, and the country will become stable.

On this last one -- yes, "good things" are being done -- some contractors with good connections are cashing in big on that one -- already scandals have surfaced because millions of dollars to do some "good things" cannot be accounted for! Do those contractors wear those big baggy pants that high school kids wear, since those pants have pockets all over the place and certainly can hold a lot of money??????

No, this is an anniversary some will not want to celebrate -- 3,200 families continue to grieve the loss of loved ones (the number of fatalities has now passed the 3,200 level since above figures were published) and thousands of other families carry a burden for loved ones who will be maimed and handicapped for the rest of their lives! That's just the beginning. We tend to forget military casualities in that place called Afghanistan -- military people continue to be killed and wounded there also!

One of the greatest tragedies of this quagmire is that the president and his administration do not (or intentionally refuse to) recognize the reality of what Islam really is. A simple proof is this -- if Christians and Muslims worship the same God, as the prez insists, then let him go into Saudi Arabia, or Iraq, or Iran and announce to the leaders that he wants to set up some churches for Christians in which they may worship, and let him insist that the Christians be guaranteed freedom to broadcast their message of salvation through Jesus Christ, and to distribute literature promoting Christianity. Further, that all this will be financed with money coming from the United States.

How far do you think he will get? And yet he talks about spreading "democracy" throughout the middle east -- a very warped view of "democracy" will work, IF all the citizens are Muslim and Islamic "law" is the law of the land -- but then, you really will not have any sense of "democracy" as the average American perceives it!

However, a far greater tragedy is the fact that the president and the members of his administration are blinded to the spiritual, moral and ethical bankrupted condition of this republic and express absolutely no concern about our inevitable rush toward national disaster due to such massive defiance and rebellion against the Creator of this universe. Instead, there are the repeated uses of the phrase, "God bless America!," and the deadly assumption that we still have the blessing of God, when in fact, we do not!

A letter, (Mr. President, We Need to Set Our Own House in Order First!), is sent to the president and/or the vice president about every 10 days or so with copies going to other elected officials, church leaders, etc. It is an effort to remind elected officials of the need to get this republic squared away in relationship with Almighty God. I also realize I am in a position similar to the prophet Ezekiel who was told by God to sound the warning and the call to repent -- at the same time God told this man in so many words, "You tell them -- they won't listen to you, because they won't listen to me. But you tell them anyway!" It's unlikely the letters will ever get to them -- but if they did and were actually read, they probably would be dismissed as the ravings of a lunatic. But at least with clear conscience I can stand before God and say that I tried to do what He put on my heart and fulfill the calling He has given me.

Celebration on today's "anniversary" anyone? Excuse me, but I'm going to pass on this one!

How Long Do You Have to Fight a War, Anyway?

It is with a measure of fear that I venture into this highly controversial arena and with the understanding that more likely than not my purpose will be misunderstood. In spite of that, here we go, taking the plunge into the pool of "politics & war" ------>

The 4th anniversary of our "war" in Iraq will take place on March 19, 2007. We also have a pot still simmering in a place called Afghanistan. Loss of military personnel in the Iraq mess is now approaching 3,200. And in that other place we still lose military people from time to time as well.

Now consider this: we really got involved in WW II with the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941. We were involved in wars on two fronts. The Normandy invasion took place in June of 1944, although we were carrying out bombing raids before that, and there had been fighting in Africa, Italy, and Sicily. But it was all wrapped up with defeat of Germany in May of 1945 and Japan in August of 1945. Terms were unconditional surrender -- no sitting at a table and negotiating for weeks! It was the last time the United States had such a decisive military victory in war.

Then came Korea -- the Chinese got involved, so MacArthur as much as said, "If you're getting into this, then we'll go after your hide too!" Truman fired him and we "negotiated" a settlement. And so North Korea is more than a kind of "thorn in the flesh" today.

Then there was something called Viet Nam --- I guess you know we didn't come out too well in that one either, did we?

And then a thing called Desert Storm under the first Bush (no pun intended) and a tent was set up in the desert and we talked and signed papers and that kind of stuff and a guy named Hussein remained in power.

In between all these events were skirmishes of one kind or another with the prevailing idea now that military commanders are mere puppets on strings pulled by politicians and their appointees. Be careful where you aim your weapon and fire in spite of the fact that you are getting shot at from all directions! Now we're supposed to fight "clean" or "sanitized" wars -- is there really such an animal?

George Patton, highly controversial general of WW II era, expressed the desire that he wanted just Field Marshall Rommel (brilliant German armored commander) and he to take a tank and do battle with each other -- whoever won, that would settle it -- no more fighting after that. Forget about getting thousands of troops involved!

Perhaps the war business would slow down considerably if somehow the rule would be that only the leaders of nations who feel they must engage in conflict would be the only ones permitted to do battle and include their families -- just immediate families, not far out relatives -- just dad, mom, and the kids, and let them fight it out instead of sending other dads' and moms' kids into deadly conflicts! Maybe we can petition that one to be on the ballot for the next election, huh????

Back in 2003 we were repeatedly told (like some guy beating on a drum 24 hours a day) that Saddam Hussein and Co. were a massive threat to world peace -- he was a brutal dictator and had ruthlessly killed a lot of people during his vicious reign in Iraq -- he just had to be eliminated. So we got him taken out of power, but we're still bogged down and we are still in what some agree to be "war!" The number of victims as best can be estimated under Hussein's "reign of terror" is somewhere in the range of 1 million.

But brutality and murder weren't limited to Hussein and his sons -- since we invaded Iraq 4 years ago the victims of brutality, mutilation and murder in this country now number well over 5.1 million! They are persons who never had the chance to be born -- they were mutilated and murdered while still in their mothers' wombs in the "land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Is it any wonder that the blessing of God Almighty has been withdrawn from this nation and now we are strictly on our own -- and real victory eludes us as does the proverbial "pot of gold" at the end of a rainbow? And this means that never again will we be in a position to demand "unconditional surrender!"

Furthermore, it is nothing short of hypocrisy of the first magnitude to expect God to bless this nation as we intentionally destroy on average about 100,000 of our own each month of the year!

Just something to think about and then sleep on as you lay your head on the pillow tonight.

BTW, just in case you are trying to figure out my "politics" by what I have just said -- forget it! I'm neither Democrat or Republican -- neither party has anything of significant value to offer the citizens of this republic at this point in time! Elected officials are too occupied with themselves and what grandstanding they can do to always be center-stage, while at the same time devising new ways to fatten the wallets in their pockets or the purses which hang from their shoulders! I am a non-affiliated registered voter in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and yes, I do vote -- frustrating as that experience is each time I enter the ballot booth. :-(

"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:....... the LORD will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken Me........ The LORD will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them; and you shall become troublesome to all the kingdoms of the earth."
--- Deuteronomy 28:15,20,25