Only One Type of Inaugural Prayer Is Appropriate and Urgently Needed Now!

Prayers at the Inauguration and related activities has stirred up intense controversy for weeks in part due to the persons chosen to participate and in part due to the possible content of those prayers when they are uttered.

Names such as Rick Warren and Gene Robinson have come to the forefront since the announcement was made that President-Elect Obama had chosen them to offer prayers during inauguration events. With the announcement came reactions of a varied kind, much of which was controversial.

Warren is considered an "evangelical" and the nature of his prayer and whether it would be prayed "in the Name of Jesus Christ" was part of the issue. Warren came under fire for his support of marriage being limited to male and female which was an issue in the November election in California -- same-sex supporters fired salvo after salvo on this issue.

Then came the choice of Bishop Gene Robinson to do a prayer during the Sunday outing at the Lincoln Memorial. Bishop Robinson of the Episcopal Church is a practicing homosexual and has had a "partner" for some time. Robinson was on record as saying that he did not want his public prayer on this occasion to be particularly "Christian" and that he would not be making references to the Bible.

But really, what these persons pray and say is not really important. It will likely involve some appeal for some kind of blessing in times to come. With all the tossing around of phrases such as "God bless you." and "God bless the United States of America." it is a distinct possibility that the favor of some divine something will be sought.

What is needed is a prayer which was prayed in the distant past and which goes straight to the heart of the issue as to our republic's greatest problems and how to correct them. It was originally prayed by the prophet Daniel a long time ago and doesn't need a bit of revision to fit our situation -- here it is as recorded in Daniel 9:3-19:

Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day; to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You. O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him. And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such never has been done as what has been done to Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name, as it is this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly! O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all who are around us. Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord's sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name."

As you probably realize, such a prayer would never be prayed on the occasion of an Inauguration nor will it be prayed in other places or other occasions in our republic.

The reasons are simple -- first, many would say it has no relevance to our time and place -- just forget it and treat it as though it doesn't even exist!

Second, the vast majority have no desire to pray unless we get into some crisis out of which we cannot extricate ourselves -- then maybe we'll call out for some assistance.

Third, that may be one of those passages in the Bible that really never happened to begin with and certainly doesn't have anything to do with us in the 21st Century.

Fourth, what have we done that is so wrong anyway? We're all pretty good people and God is a good God (if He should happen to exist) -- besides, we have to respect one another's views as to what is right and wrong -- we can't use an all inclusive term which implies that we are all sinners and we are all guilty!

So we will pray our prayers asking for blessings, special favors and whatever and then wonder later on down the road when God really begins to make His response to our entrenched ungodly ways as to why such calamities (read "judgments") are hitting our country!

And here and there among a very small minority the thought might arise, "Maybe that Daniel fellow really knew something significant after all!"

"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

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

Can Ricky Really Invoke the Blessing of God Upon the B.O. Administration on January 20, 2009?

When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. --- Isaiah 1:15-20

"Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you.” --- Jeremiah 7:16

Controversy has swirled around the forthcoming inauguration of President-Elect B. Hussein Obama on January 20, 2009 for a number of reasons.

One, it will not be a cheap party with millions of dollars needed to pay all expenses at a time when the U. S. economy is in what could be accurately described as a “grave yard spiral.”. His new Cadillac limousine from bailed out General Motors has underscored how extravagant the trappings of the U. S. presidency have become. What is wrong with continuing to use the 2006 model which can’t have all that many miles on it? By the way, that new Cadillac is about as attractive as a warthog with a bunch of festering sores covering its body!

Second, since Mr. Obama announced that Rick Warren, pastor of the Saddleback mega-church, will give the invocation, many shots have been fired from just about every quarter. Part of it is due to the fact that Warren attempts to be identified as “evangelical.” The same-sex crowd is also upset with Ricky because of the Proposition 8 war in California’s November election and his stated position on such at the time.

He did acquire an even higher level of fame when he hosted a political forum at Saddleback and asked Barack Obama and John McCain questions which were supposed to deal with faith related issues of some kind or other. Time Magazine later had his picture on the cover of one of its issues noting that he was the “most powerful pastor” in the United States. That of course is open to question, especially when such an assessment comes from those who are a part of today’s mainstream media.

It will be interesting to see what will be contained within that petition as God is urged to bless the new administration as those who are a part of it take on their constitutionally sworn responsibilities. Further, just how will this petition be concluded – Franklin Graham was one who really took hits when he concluded the invocation at an earlier inauguration by mentioning Jesus Christ.

It is really quite stupid to entertain the idea that Jesus Christ should not be mentioned on such an occasion since He is the One Who created this mighty universe, He is the One Who sacrificed His life to redeem every single human being (including presidents and kings) from sin, He is the One Who is scheduled to return to this world and take absolute control of it, He is the One before Whom every single one of us (including presidents and kings) will stand to be judged and He is the One Who will determine our eternal destiny, which will either be Heaven or a devil’s Hell!

It is futile to pray for the blessing of God to be upon an administration which is as pro-death as the one about to govern beginning January 20, 2009. Since the incoming leadership sanctions the deaths of thousands of unborn children every week, there is no way God will grant blessings and favor. The reason is simple – He identifies those unborn victims before their conception in the womb and has a purpose for them -- when you intentionally short-circuit the purposes of Almighty God you cannot expect special blessings and favor from Him until some drastic changes are made.

Stop and think for a moment – suppose a violent criminal is about to kill a small child, but before he does so, he pauses for a moment and prays that God will bless him in the act he is about to do – does the Almighty smile and say, “That’s fine my son – go ahead – you have my blessing!” How about connecting the incoming administration with a “doctor” who before destroying an unborn child says, “God, please bless me in the act I am about to perform.” – will the blessing of God be granted, and since the administration is on record as supporting this abomination along with wanting to remove any restrictions that would hinder such actions in the future, will God also bless the administration abundantly? What say you?

Ricky certainly has a big challenge as he stands on a platform in Washington DC on January 20, 2009 during the noon hour!

And now, a word of caution -- try to avoid falling into the trap as many within church circles have been doing these days, adopting the attitude that writings of the Old Testament prophets have absolutely nothing to do with what is going on in the United States or throughout the world at the present time. Read carefully the statements from the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah at the beginning and the closing of these comments. We may not like it, but they are actually more up to date than today’s newspaper! It is simply a matter of time until that is confirmed!

Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity. No one calls for justice, nor does any plead for truth. they trust in empty words and speak lies; they conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. They hatch vipers' eggs and weave the spider's web; he who eats of their eggs dies, and from that which is crushed a viper breaks out. Their webs will not become garments, nor will they cover themselves with their works; their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they have not known, and there is no justice in their ways; they have made themselves crooked paths; whoever takes that way shall not know peace. --- Isaiah 59:1-8

"Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble. --- Jeremiah 11:14

How About One Half of An Abortion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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