I set down in my office to do my normal Saturday evening sermon go over and prayer time. Suddenly alerts began popping up on my phone. Two police officers shot and killed execution style in New York. The disgust boiled over immediately. Words left me. My heart sunk for these officers families and for us as a nation.
What I am writing tonight has been on my heart for some time. I have withheld for concern that I might be misunderstood. But tonight it was clear, it is time many of us who know better speak up and stand up loud and clear.
The Al Sharpton's of this world are out to destroy lives while building their own bank accounts and narcissistic egos. They do not care about race. They do not care about innocent lives who have to pay the price for their gain. They are disgusting human beings. And it is time we let them know there day has come and gone.
The current climate in America is more than dangerous. Our President capitulates to a ruthless dictator. Our Attorney General (chief law enforcement officer) plays the race card over and over. We have Elected officials in all levels of Government challenging law enforcement as if they are all to blame for the actions of thugs and criminals.
The Christian world does not escape blame. Lately the rhetoric flows from many evangelical circles that somehow this is all our fault. The inequalities of people are more than unfortunate. But the Gospel of Jesus Christ doe not in any shape or form dictate that we Christians should or can correct this. It does speak loud and clear for every Christian to live as Christ. We should live right with all men regardless of race or ethnicity. Coddling criminals and thinking we can somehow apologize for the actions of others is useless. We can live right. And that is where our focus needs to be. We need to love all. And yet we must strongly condemn lawlessness regardless of race.
Every church I have Pastored has been multiracial including my ministry now. Our people are actually sharing a building with two other churches, both multiracial, while we relocate. We have had zero issues. Why, we live right and love all people. It is not complicated. It does not require a summit or initiative.
The inciting of the race issue in this country is one of the greatest manipulations America has ever seen. And more than tragic is the price our law enforcement officers are paying. The ones who wake up everyday and go out and deal with the ugliest of ugly are being sacrificed for someones social engineering experiment. That is beyond disgusting. I have had enough. Have you?
We do not have to stand by and allow this garbage. I call on every American citizen to do something NOW! Stand with your law enforcement community. Respect them. Stand up to the discord sowers. Call them what they are. They are cowards seeking monetary gain. They do not care for the blacks, yellows, browns, or whites. They care only for themselves. Just like the bully on the playground, it only takes a few and they will turn, run, and hide!
Will you stand! Enough is enough! Pray for all law enforcement officials. Thank them! Get behind them! Stand with them!
It is time for action - NOW!
Blogging for the purpose of Spiritual Growth and Edification
Showing posts with label America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label America. Show all posts
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Monday, December 9, 2013
Have we lost our minds?
The title of this post is not hyperbole. After thinking for more than a few days on what the best title should be, it remained the only one that fit! So what am I speaking of? The crazy messed up education system in our country. It is far worse than any of us may be willing to admit. Here are two examples of people and their educational paths that led me to the title.
Case #1
A graduate of a medical school recently shared the following: "After paying for my undergrad and now my MD, I begin my career with $340,000 in student loan debt." In case you missed that, reread! I have never owned a house worth that much! I cannot imagine being in debt on one thing nor several things that amounted to $340,000.
This person is actually working in a hospital today. The learning received was great and the skill being applied to help those in need was the best. Problem, the Government is cutting the amounts that insurance will pay for services. No longer is there a thought that this MD will ever earn more than $350,000 per year. Today, this MD is earning around $180,000. Nice salary indeed. But not so nice when one considers just the loan repayment for the education that provided the knowledge to earn the wage. And while you are sitting there thinking, dwell some on the fact that amount will NOT be forgiven. This amount is on this MD's credit report. No home loan. No car loan. Either pay rent or live with parents! That's it. Drive a used car. Pray you marry someone who will earn far more than you and is willing to pay down that HUGE loan. And money to raise children?
Case #2
A teacher I spoke with recently shared frustration over having to live at home with parents. As the discussion continued, revealed was the simple fact that in order to graduate in 4 years with a degree that allowed employment in a school system, this person had run up a school loan debt of $93,000. Starting salary at the school where job was offered payed started out under $38,000. It does not take long to do the math and discover that this income to student loan debt ratio is similar to the MD. And teacher pay raises are few and far between. I discount the arguments that snarly people people make about teachers only working 9 months. Putting up with undisciplined brats that parents have failed to raise, add demanding parents who do not want you to discipline their children, and you see clearly that the pay is no where near enough - for any amount of months worked.
But a teacher who works hard, cares for your children, and seeks to give your child the basics of education to be productive in society will struggle to buy a home, pay for a car, and have the money also to raise their own children. Why? $93,000 in student loan debt will eliminate most options of obtaining credit until this amount is greatly reduced.
Results Summary
Our educational system is broken from a financial stand point to a devastating level. It is totally impossible to maintain the American economy on this type of debt, learning, and pay scale. A teacher is equally strapped just as is a MD. I keep referring back to the television show The Walton's. Three generations living under one roof seemed so old school. It was a way of life for a farmer or lumber mill owner. But for a Medical Doctor and Educator, the education was sold as a way to break out and achieve more.
Today, the educational system is being sold identically. Get your under grad and don't stop. Continue on for a Masters. And then dig deep and press through to that doctorate. But if one has to do so while piling up loans the size mentioned above, one wonders how that educational system has missed the reality of simple cost and benefit? Do educators no longer think about cost recovery? Our Government has facilitated this problem with the out of control student loan programs. The whole thing is about to change the core of our society and economy. I did not even mention the PhD student who knows that the starting salary for teaching college courses will be limited to the $50,000 range.
So I was reading an article the other day concerning highest paid jobs that are struggling to find applicants. I discovered that the trade of welding is being lost in America. One can start out making $135,000 with no college degree required. The cost to learn welding does not require student loans. And a welder will begin their career in the black able to buy a home, a car, raise their children, and even take a vacation. And this was just one of the many manual labor jobs available with high pay. Problem, no one wants to do these jobs. The very industries that are the backbone of America are no longer viewed as worthy of our time. We are told to get a degree and make something of our ourselves. But our system prevents this from an economic standpoint. It not just crippled, it is broken. And what kind of a person goes so far into debt to get educated and yet will spend the rest of their working lives trying to pay it off?
Come to think of it - maybe we have lost our minds!
P.S. I did not write this to discourage anyone from striving to obtain an education. I am currently working on my PhD. But no degree, regardless of level, can be substituted for common sense and sound financial decision making. We as parents and grandparents need to slow down and make sure we are leading our children with the right goals while also laying the proper foundation of expectations. A degree at the cost of high debt is NOT smart. Maybe we need to take longer to earn them. Maybe we need to go another route. We need to guide our children to make wise decisions. We need to understand that a degree does not make you a better person nor does it guarantee you anything. We need to step back and re-think our ideology. Reality is showing us a serious problem with our current thoughts. We need to re-engage our minds if we still have one!
Case #1
A graduate of a medical school recently shared the following: "After paying for my undergrad and now my MD, I begin my career with $340,000 in student loan debt." In case you missed that, reread! I have never owned a house worth that much! I cannot imagine being in debt on one thing nor several things that amounted to $340,000.
This person is actually working in a hospital today. The learning received was great and the skill being applied to help those in need was the best. Problem, the Government is cutting the amounts that insurance will pay for services. No longer is there a thought that this MD will ever earn more than $350,000 per year. Today, this MD is earning around $180,000. Nice salary indeed. But not so nice when one considers just the loan repayment for the education that provided the knowledge to earn the wage. And while you are sitting there thinking, dwell some on the fact that amount will NOT be forgiven. This amount is on this MD's credit report. No home loan. No car loan. Either pay rent or live with parents! That's it. Drive a used car. Pray you marry someone who will earn far more than you and is willing to pay down that HUGE loan. And money to raise children?
Case #2
A teacher I spoke with recently shared frustration over having to live at home with parents. As the discussion continued, revealed was the simple fact that in order to graduate in 4 years with a degree that allowed employment in a school system, this person had run up a school loan debt of $93,000. Starting salary at the school where job was offered payed started out under $38,000. It does not take long to do the math and discover that this income to student loan debt ratio is similar to the MD. And teacher pay raises are few and far between. I discount the arguments that snarly people people make about teachers only working 9 months. Putting up with undisciplined brats that parents have failed to raise, add demanding parents who do not want you to discipline their children, and you see clearly that the pay is no where near enough - for any amount of months worked.
But a teacher who works hard, cares for your children, and seeks to give your child the basics of education to be productive in society will struggle to buy a home, pay for a car, and have the money also to raise their own children. Why? $93,000 in student loan debt will eliminate most options of obtaining credit until this amount is greatly reduced.
Results Summary
Our educational system is broken from a financial stand point to a devastating level. It is totally impossible to maintain the American economy on this type of debt, learning, and pay scale. A teacher is equally strapped just as is a MD. I keep referring back to the television show The Walton's. Three generations living under one roof seemed so old school. It was a way of life for a farmer or lumber mill owner. But for a Medical Doctor and Educator, the education was sold as a way to break out and achieve more.
Today, the educational system is being sold identically. Get your under grad and don't stop. Continue on for a Masters. And then dig deep and press through to that doctorate. But if one has to do so while piling up loans the size mentioned above, one wonders how that educational system has missed the reality of simple cost and benefit? Do educators no longer think about cost recovery? Our Government has facilitated this problem with the out of control student loan programs. The whole thing is about to change the core of our society and economy. I did not even mention the PhD student who knows that the starting salary for teaching college courses will be limited to the $50,000 range.
So I was reading an article the other day concerning highest paid jobs that are struggling to find applicants. I discovered that the trade of welding is being lost in America. One can start out making $135,000 with no college degree required. The cost to learn welding does not require student loans. And a welder will begin their career in the black able to buy a home, a car, raise their children, and even take a vacation. And this was just one of the many manual labor jobs available with high pay. Problem, no one wants to do these jobs. The very industries that are the backbone of America are no longer viewed as worthy of our time. We are told to get a degree and make something of our ourselves. But our system prevents this from an economic standpoint. It not just crippled, it is broken. And what kind of a person goes so far into debt to get educated and yet will spend the rest of their working lives trying to pay it off?
Come to think of it - maybe we have lost our minds!
P.S. I did not write this to discourage anyone from striving to obtain an education. I am currently working on my PhD. But no degree, regardless of level, can be substituted for common sense and sound financial decision making. We as parents and grandparents need to slow down and make sure we are leading our children with the right goals while also laying the proper foundation of expectations. A degree at the cost of high debt is NOT smart. Maybe we need to take longer to earn them. Maybe we need to go another route. We need to guide our children to make wise decisions. We need to understand that a degree does not make you a better person nor does it guarantee you anything. We need to step back and re-think our ideology. Reality is showing us a serious problem with our current thoughts. We need to re-engage our minds if we still have one!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Don't Get Picked Off!
In honor of the World Series I thought I would use the baseball analogy as a title to show the real crisis facing America in the coming months with Healthcare. Join me on a journey that highlights how many Americans are getting picked off by the politics with Healthcare and are actually going to be out as a result.
Delay it!
The law has already been incrementally implemented. Insurance companies have already trashed the old and created the new, with higher premiums. Delaying the penalty does not fix the problem!
Stop the Government from being in the Insurance Business!
Wait - they already do with medicare. Yet with the ACA they are not. Insurance companies are the ones that people are to buy insurance from. Problem, no one can afford it nor can they get access to it. So what happens when the Insurance companies are not getting their premiums from over 65% of the people come January 1? How long can they operate paying claims with such a great loss of premiums. My simple math says it will exceed a shortfall of over $350 Billion in the first quarter of 2014. Where will the money come from to pay claims?
We can just go back!
Go back to what? Politicians need to come clean and tell the truth that the old system is gone. They might also want to admit that they have NO idea what to do with the real problem come March 2014 - no money in the system to pay claims!
Throw them all out of office!
OK, but who has a solution? This is a total change of the America you and I have known and there is NO going back. Any solution will require Government intervention and controls for some time. It is remember, 1/3 of our total economy. It is not going to be a simple solution!
So what do we do?
That is a great question! I am afraid that no one knows! And that my friends is the real issue! Our politicians and leaders have let us down. They walked away from or pushed this mess on us. Both parties have sold us out. They push their spin and continue raising money knowing that NO solutions are on the horizon. They just want to get re-elected.
Do you trust them?
The polls say neither party is getting a pass. Just wait until the above scenarios happen, and they will. Who will you trust to fix the solution and what form of Government will it take to straighten out the mess?
One thing I do know. I am seeing more clearly how anti-Christ will rise to power and the messes that will pave the way for his rise. Desperation is growing daily. Problem is, few are looking to God. Funny how the one person who can help us is the one not being relied upon!
Remember, DON"T GET PICKED OFF! The pitcher in this ballgame is more sneaky than the Red Socks pitcher using a foreign substance the other night in the World Series!
Delay it!
The law has already been incrementally implemented. Insurance companies have already trashed the old and created the new, with higher premiums. Delaying the penalty does not fix the problem!
Stop the Government from being in the Insurance Business!
Wait - they already do with medicare. Yet with the ACA they are not. Insurance companies are the ones that people are to buy insurance from. Problem, no one can afford it nor can they get access to it. So what happens when the Insurance companies are not getting their premiums from over 65% of the people come January 1? How long can they operate paying claims with such a great loss of premiums. My simple math says it will exceed a shortfall of over $350 Billion in the first quarter of 2014. Where will the money come from to pay claims?
We can just go back!
Go back to what? Politicians need to come clean and tell the truth that the old system is gone. They might also want to admit that they have NO idea what to do with the real problem come March 2014 - no money in the system to pay claims!
Throw them all out of office!
OK, but who has a solution? This is a total change of the America you and I have known and there is NO going back. Any solution will require Government intervention and controls for some time. It is remember, 1/3 of our total economy. It is not going to be a simple solution!
So what do we do?
That is a great question! I am afraid that no one knows! And that my friends is the real issue! Our politicians and leaders have let us down. They walked away from or pushed this mess on us. Both parties have sold us out. They push their spin and continue raising money knowing that NO solutions are on the horizon. They just want to get re-elected.
Do you trust them?
The polls say neither party is getting a pass. Just wait until the above scenarios happen, and they will. Who will you trust to fix the solution and what form of Government will it take to straighten out the mess?
One thing I do know. I am seeing more clearly how anti-Christ will rise to power and the messes that will pave the way for his rise. Desperation is growing daily. Problem is, few are looking to God. Funny how the one person who can help us is the one not being relied upon!
Remember, DON"T GET PICKED OFF! The pitcher in this ballgame is more sneaky than the Red Socks pitcher using a foreign substance the other night in the World Series!
Monday, September 30, 2013
The Fear Factor!
When life changes at 2013 speed it is easy for fear to grip us in numerous ways. If you take a step back from your busy life and list the many things that are specific to your life, the things that are changing with which you have no control, it can be frightening to see the fear factor. Fear is found in every life. And of late, fear is the leading emotion used by many to base decisions and reactions.
How can we live a life without fear?
The month of September found us studying this subject with our children's ministry and their parents. Each week highlighted a moment in time from the Bible where God's people overcame the damaging emotion of fear and allowed God to bring about victory in their lives. Such moments were seen with events unfolding that NO human being could ever do. Things like the walls of Jericho falling flat. The bravery of Joseph. Moses being brave when the atmosphere was not conducive to such.
The situations may change but the same God who has worked for hundreds of years is the same God who works today!
Jehovah God is full of power and might. He is all knowing. He is caring, kind and loving. No matter our situations, He is God, and He will bring His children through whatever struggle is before them. God is God and will always be!
In a recent sermon I made the statement "stop worrying, I have read the end of the book and we WIN!" It is a statement that I have said hundreds of times in my ministry. But this time it seemed to hit home more. That got me to realizing something. I began to see the depth of fear in the lives of many. Is our constant siege producing such fear that we miss the foundational truth needed to press on in difficult times?
Living as a winner requires more than words. But in the words "...we WIN" are found a truth that sits as a foundation for our lives, if we allow it. The foundation is that God through Jesus paid for our victory. In Him, we can overcome the reach of fear. In Him we WIN!
Take some time to look at the following verses:
Isa 41:10; Isa 41: 13; Isa 43:1; John 12:15; II Tim 1:7
These are but a few of the many exhortations Biblically given to guide us through the fear factor in our lives.
Though often people prey on our fears to manipulate and control us, God says we are to fear Him alone, and thus allow Him to defeat all other areas of fear in our lives. Ironically, the one fear we are to have and do not, is the only weapon to defeat the grip of Satan and his use of fear in weighing us down.
Fear nothing but God Himself, and watch fear depart. Fear God alone, and watch Him bring your life the victory that He has paid for!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
DOMA Gone - What does it mean?
Today the Supreme Court of America in a 5-4 decision struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. And the Supreme Court decided the defense of Prop 8 had NO standing in California. As the homosexual community celebrates, Christians must wake up and realize that America has indeed changed.
Religious Liberty is officially under attack!
Here are some questions that highlight this new day and the dangers therein:
1. If churches deny marriage ceremonies to homosexual couples - what will the Government do?
2. If a Pastor refuses to marry a homosexual couple - what will the Government do?
3. If a church continues to preach and teach the Bible and what it says about homosexuality - what will the Government do?
And if that is not enough:
4. If the Government says churches cannot discriminate against homosexuality - what will the churches do?
5. If the Government says a Pastor must marry heterosexuals and homosexuals - will Pastors still participate in the marriage ceremonies?
6. If the Government says the Bible cannot be taught where it deals with homosexuality - what will churches, Pastors, and people of faith do?
These questions are no longer hypothetical. These questions today became real for Christians in America.
And by the way, it is not the fault of the Supreme Court of our President. It is we Christians who have sat idle in our clubs excusing ourselves from witnessing for way too many years! And when we did teach, we did so in such a weak manner that few learned much of anything!
We will now see what all of this means. When will we wake up?
It is time we realize that our only path now in America is the path that Daniel lived within 2 evil forms of Government. In both, he rose to power and even more importantly, he was respected. Our conduct, words, actions, and ministry will now be under a microscope.
All is not lost! God is still on the throne and we have NO excuses in realizing that Christianity must be busy about reaching people. We must leave our club mentality at the altar and get out in the communities serving and sharing. We must care and love!
We must be Christians!
Religious Liberty is officially under attack!
Here are some questions that highlight this new day and the dangers therein:
1. If churches deny marriage ceremonies to homosexual couples - what will the Government do?
2. If a Pastor refuses to marry a homosexual couple - what will the Government do?
3. If a church continues to preach and teach the Bible and what it says about homosexuality - what will the Government do?
And if that is not enough:
4. If the Government says churches cannot discriminate against homosexuality - what will the churches do?
5. If the Government says a Pastor must marry heterosexuals and homosexuals - will Pastors still participate in the marriage ceremonies?
6. If the Government says the Bible cannot be taught where it deals with homosexuality - what will churches, Pastors, and people of faith do?
These questions are no longer hypothetical. These questions today became real for Christians in America.
And by the way, it is not the fault of the Supreme Court of our President. It is we Christians who have sat idle in our clubs excusing ourselves from witnessing for way too many years! And when we did teach, we did so in such a weak manner that few learned much of anything!
We will now see what all of this means. When will we wake up?
It is time we realize that our only path now in America is the path that Daniel lived within 2 evil forms of Government. In both, he rose to power and even more importantly, he was respected. Our conduct, words, actions, and ministry will now be under a microscope.
All is not lost! God is still on the throne and we have NO excuses in realizing that Christianity must be busy about reaching people. We must leave our club mentality at the altar and get out in the communities serving and sharing. We must care and love!
We must be Christians!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Why the Trifecta of Scandals Should Matter to Christians
In a world of conflicting views about how faith and politics should interact we discover a defining moment in the current trifecta of scandals. Benghazi, AP News Subpoenas, and the IRS targeting of individuals should be a wake up call to Christians in America. For those who have had enough of the political involvement among evangelicals, you might want to revisit that thought.
First Benghanzi
How can any Christian condone the ease of which the Administration is brushing off the fact that 4 Americans died? Where is the outcry? Have we heard the reports of how these men were killed? It was horrible! When an Ambassador is murdered along with other Government officials and we do not feel or see the outrage, we are in worse shape than many think as a country. I find the Gosnell trial and little response on the horrendous acts of murder and the cover up of Benghanzi highlighting how pathetic our understanding is for the preciousness of life. The endit movement to put an end to child sex slavery is important. But we must remember it is equally important! We must not forget that all life is valued and precious. When the Government of our country so easily brushes the value of life away and when the President of the United States has the audacity to actually say to Planned Parenthood "God Bless You" - the evil we feared would come has actually already arrived!
Second AP/Fox News Scandel
A free press is vital to a free society. A country that threatens and intimidates the press is a country where freedom is fleeing. Christians should be the first to take note of such a dangerous course. Yes we have had freedom for years. Yes we have often abused such freedom. But we cannot afford to allow such freedom to come to an end! It is one thing to get beat - it is another to not put up a fight! A move to control information is a move that will find itself seeking to control what is preached in churches across America. Pastors are you ready for this climate? Will you stand strong and preach the Word of God even if it means audits, harassment, and even jail time?
IRS Target of Specific People and Groups
This one gets to the core of the threat to the American way of life. Did you read the title of this section carefully? It was not only the Tea Party that got targeted. Specific people were targeted. I am told that more evangelical pastors have been audited under this administration than ever before. When the IRS goes after specific people, America is no longer free! This scandal ties in with the AP/Fox News scandal. When the Government is allowed to target specific people due to their message and beliefs, while fast tracking and look away from others who are in agreement with the Governments position, you and I are seeing a day that has never ever been before in America.
And all is not over. The fourth scandal will hit in October when we all discover that the overhaul of the healthcare system is a disaster unlike any we have ever seen.
Do Christians care? When will we engage? These scandals matter! They matter more than you and I can even imagine!
First Benghanzi
How can any Christian condone the ease of which the Administration is brushing off the fact that 4 Americans died? Where is the outcry? Have we heard the reports of how these men were killed? It was horrible! When an Ambassador is murdered along with other Government officials and we do not feel or see the outrage, we are in worse shape than many think as a country. I find the Gosnell trial and little response on the horrendous acts of murder and the cover up of Benghanzi highlighting how pathetic our understanding is for the preciousness of life. The endit movement to put an end to child sex slavery is important. But we must remember it is equally important! We must not forget that all life is valued and precious. When the Government of our country so easily brushes the value of life away and when the President of the United States has the audacity to actually say to Planned Parenthood "God Bless You" - the evil we feared would come has actually already arrived!
Second AP/Fox News Scandel
A free press is vital to a free society. A country that threatens and intimidates the press is a country where freedom is fleeing. Christians should be the first to take note of such a dangerous course. Yes we have had freedom for years. Yes we have often abused such freedom. But we cannot afford to allow such freedom to come to an end! It is one thing to get beat - it is another to not put up a fight! A move to control information is a move that will find itself seeking to control what is preached in churches across America. Pastors are you ready for this climate? Will you stand strong and preach the Word of God even if it means audits, harassment, and even jail time?
IRS Target of Specific People and Groups
This one gets to the core of the threat to the American way of life. Did you read the title of this section carefully? It was not only the Tea Party that got targeted. Specific people were targeted. I am told that more evangelical pastors have been audited under this administration than ever before. When the IRS goes after specific people, America is no longer free! This scandal ties in with the AP/Fox News scandal. When the Government is allowed to target specific people due to their message and beliefs, while fast tracking and look away from others who are in agreement with the Governments position, you and I are seeing a day that has never ever been before in America.
And all is not over. The fourth scandal will hit in October when we all discover that the overhaul of the healthcare system is a disaster unlike any we have ever seen.
Do Christians care? When will we engage? These scandals matter! They matter more than you and I can even imagine!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Mass Publicity and the Truth - Big Difference
In 1980's being a rock Star meant you figuratively owned the world. Stars were idolized based on a bands popularity. Flowing from their singing or screaming was also a sense of fashion and appearance. Athletes picked up on the whole star thing and they had a guy named Micheal Jordan who led the charge in creating the star mentality for sports figures that surpassed anything up till then. We forget that all along there have been stars - real stars! Some reading this will remember Roger Staubach. Others will go way back to a few coaches like Tom Landry or Vince Lombardi. Stars have been around in all facets of life. We all admire somebody for some reason.
We are drawn to these figures today as we were once drawn to cartoons. Batman, Superman, Spider Man, and even the Hulk were characters that we would emulate as youngsters. My life was confined to basically three stars: Roger Staubach, Nolan Ryan and The FBI! Leading a comeback, striking out the side, and cuffing and stuffing. I picked those three for a reason. Each of them stood and still stand for something of value. Yes each were good at what they did. But there was a character quality about each that drove me to respect and admire them. So strong was this quality that I would pretend as I young boy that was in certain situations and my reactions to such were just like these three. Granted, these were the days when the only video game was a white ball going back and forth across the screen.
Fast forward to 2013 and something interesting is taking place. Mass publicity for years has highlighted the rock stars, the athletes, and the movie stars. Since the 90's these have been the "heroes" of many. Social media and reality TV have escalated their popularity. These figures developed a growing influence of our culture as they spoke out in favor or opposition of their desired interest. Much of the crazy ideas of today stem from a group that makes millions off of publicity. Truth be known, their talents and brain power are limited. But there is a change in the air. This change seems to be gaining steam as we see the truth that publicity often hid in the past, being exposed by mere over exposure. I actually love the irony.
I can sense as I scan Facebook and Twitter this new air blowing. First responders are growing in admiration and appreciation. Our men and women in uniform are admired and cheered for. Those who buckle it up and get it done day in and day out are miraculously becoming heroes. They should have been all along. People see the difference between those who promote and those who actually care and do. The millions made and flaunted by punk type people who would have a difficult time qualifying for any other type of work is about to reach a point of push back. The inside realities of these narcissist cannot compete with people who put their lives on the line daily because they value more than money and fame. Today's growing heroes are people who value life and freedom. They value it enough to do something about it. Politicians cannot escape this new air that is blowing. The truth is slowly but surely being seen. And the reality is gripping every age group. Blowhards will always be there sucking our money and ideas. But heroes are real people who do amazing real things.
The remaining ingredient for this new air to become mature is simple. When we all step back and realize that money and fame are nothing and that life and family are everything, we will rediscover one of the most precious missing values over the past 20 years. The ugly world we live in today, that will be even more ugly tomorrow, requires this simple value of life and reality. For when money and fame cannot be found, values show us what has been important all along. They remind us that we are here for a reason - to reach people with the gospel. They motivate us to action when lives are threatened. Values when present, drive us in positive directions that grow and build. Values give life and create freedom for life.
I read today an article about Tim Tebow. Much is being said in reference to his love for ministry and sharing Jesus. Often Christians have chided those who have ridiculed his treatment in the NFL. But this article highlighted the real issues that Tebow must deal with in regard to skill and knowledge. Now that he has been released, his promotion is limited. And it is now that we will see if Tebow can stand up and do what must be done to maintain his NFL career or not. The reality of all of this slams into our faces - though Tebow accomplished some great things in college and has been faithful in ministry, is he the person who can learn and grow to become a real NFL QB? Or is Tebow like the many before him who through publicity and promotion have hid the truth about his skills/weaknesses only to become a media frenzy with limited accomplishment. Only time will tell.
And guess what? Each of us are in the same spot today. Only time will tell what is the real truth about our values and character. Publicity fades. Promotion lacks real perspective. Self promotion is seldom accurate and often purposefully done to prevent the truth from being shown.
Time reveals the truth in each of us.
And that is a BIG DIFFERENCE!
We are drawn to these figures today as we were once drawn to cartoons. Batman, Superman, Spider Man, and even the Hulk were characters that we would emulate as youngsters. My life was confined to basically three stars: Roger Staubach, Nolan Ryan and The FBI! Leading a comeback, striking out the side, and cuffing and stuffing. I picked those three for a reason. Each of them stood and still stand for something of value. Yes each were good at what they did. But there was a character quality about each that drove me to respect and admire them. So strong was this quality that I would pretend as I young boy that was in certain situations and my reactions to such were just like these three. Granted, these were the days when the only video game was a white ball going back and forth across the screen.
Fast forward to 2013 and something interesting is taking place. Mass publicity for years has highlighted the rock stars, the athletes, and the movie stars. Since the 90's these have been the "heroes" of many. Social media and reality TV have escalated their popularity. These figures developed a growing influence of our culture as they spoke out in favor or opposition of their desired interest. Much of the crazy ideas of today stem from a group that makes millions off of publicity. Truth be known, their talents and brain power are limited. But there is a change in the air. This change seems to be gaining steam as we see the truth that publicity often hid in the past, being exposed by mere over exposure. I actually love the irony.
I can sense as I scan Facebook and Twitter this new air blowing. First responders are growing in admiration and appreciation. Our men and women in uniform are admired and cheered for. Those who buckle it up and get it done day in and day out are miraculously becoming heroes. They should have been all along. People see the difference between those who promote and those who actually care and do. The millions made and flaunted by punk type people who would have a difficult time qualifying for any other type of work is about to reach a point of push back. The inside realities of these narcissist cannot compete with people who put their lives on the line daily because they value more than money and fame. Today's growing heroes are people who value life and freedom. They value it enough to do something about it. Politicians cannot escape this new air that is blowing. The truth is slowly but surely being seen. And the reality is gripping every age group. Blowhards will always be there sucking our money and ideas. But heroes are real people who do amazing real things.
The remaining ingredient for this new air to become mature is simple. When we all step back and realize that money and fame are nothing and that life and family are everything, we will rediscover one of the most precious missing values over the past 20 years. The ugly world we live in today, that will be even more ugly tomorrow, requires this simple value of life and reality. For when money and fame cannot be found, values show us what has been important all along. They remind us that we are here for a reason - to reach people with the gospel. They motivate us to action when lives are threatened. Values when present, drive us in positive directions that grow and build. Values give life and create freedom for life.
I read today an article about Tim Tebow. Much is being said in reference to his love for ministry and sharing Jesus. Often Christians have chided those who have ridiculed his treatment in the NFL. But this article highlighted the real issues that Tebow must deal with in regard to skill and knowledge. Now that he has been released, his promotion is limited. And it is now that we will see if Tebow can stand up and do what must be done to maintain his NFL career or not. The reality of all of this slams into our faces - though Tebow accomplished some great things in college and has been faithful in ministry, is he the person who can learn and grow to become a real NFL QB? Or is Tebow like the many before him who through publicity and promotion have hid the truth about his skills/weaknesses only to become a media frenzy with limited accomplishment. Only time will tell.
And guess what? Each of us are in the same spot today. Only time will tell what is the real truth about our values and character. Publicity fades. Promotion lacks real perspective. Self promotion is seldom accurate and often purposefully done to prevent the truth from being shown.
Time reveals the truth in each of us.
And that is a BIG DIFFERENCE!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
When you are demonized....
Perception is everything these days. Facts seem to be meaningless. Perception has become the new fact. How do you handle a situation when someone controls the perception of your ideas and beliefs? How can you live in a manner that will overcome the specific action by others to demonize you because of your beliefs?
One of the best places to find such an example for us is in the Biblical book of Daniel. We all know about Daniel and the lions den. We know about the fiery furnace. But what in Daniel have we missed? He is a guy who lived as a difference maker in ungodly Governments. He lived and he rose to high levels of influence in these Government systems without compromising his faith in God and the practice thereof. Daniel had rulers call upon him to solve major issues. And this was done knowing who Daniel was and where Daniel stood. There are some timely lessons for us from the life of this man.
Purpose to be a Difference Maker
Daniel was not out to make points and show his righteousness off for all to see. He determined at a young age to impact people regardless. We love scoring points. We love to put something out to the masses that "hits the mark"! But do we realize that our points make little impact? And if no impact is made - why are we making the point. Andy Stanley in an interview recently about his invite to preach the pre inaugural message in DC, made the following statement:
Col 4:6
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(NKJ)
One of the best places to find such an example for us is in the Biblical book of Daniel. We all know about Daniel and the lions den. We know about the fiery furnace. But what in Daniel have we missed? He is a guy who lived as a difference maker in ungodly Governments. He lived and he rose to high levels of influence in these Government systems without compromising his faith in God and the practice thereof. Daniel had rulers call upon him to solve major issues. And this was done knowing who Daniel was and where Daniel stood. There are some timely lessons for us from the life of this man.
Purpose to be a Difference Maker
Daniel was not out to make points and show his righteousness off for all to see. He determined at a young age to impact people regardless. We love scoring points. We love to put something out to the masses that "hits the mark"! But do we realize that our points make little impact? And if no impact is made - why are we making the point. Andy Stanley in an interview recently about his invite to preach the pre inaugural message in DC, made the following statement:
"Make a difference. Don't be satisfied with
making a point." It's easy to make a point. If you have a computer, a
blog, a Twitter account, you can make a point. But you're not going to
make a difference with your points. We have been called to be difference makers."
This statement highlights exactly what I am speaking about in Daniels life. It would have been easy for Daniel to make points about all of the evil doings in the ungodly Governments he lived under. Equally, Daniel could have decided that he would go public and bash all leaders who did not agree with him and his beliefs. Daniel had truth on his side. But Daniel took a different path. He determined to be a difference maker.
Purpose to Edify even in Confrontation
To easy for many of us is the trap to forget that our words matter. The Bible says that we are to be slow to wrath and always edifying. We know this is not an easy thing to do. Yet when we edify and speak with with words of respect and value, we gain favor. We tear down walls and open doors for greater influence. All because of how we speak. To encourage is to to earn the opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with those we may disagree with. A harsh point made loses the opportunity for further discussion and speaks to a desire for no influence at all. The apostle Paul said:
Col 4:6
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(NKJ)
This type of speech is not easy when we are under attack. Our emotions rise quickly. Our warrior instinct swells to a point of battle readiness. And yet it is at this moment, we risk the most. When we are demonized we stand at a major crossroads. We must remember this:
It means nothing for me to win a debate. It means everything to earn the right to develop a relationship and become a difference maker in someones life.
For we are called to be Difference Makers!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
The tough road of a conservative is...
If you are a person who believes in conservative values; financial, moral, Biblical, etc., then you probably know how difficult it is to voice the beliefs you cherish without a push back these days. The road for a conservative today is looked upon like a dirt road surrounded by interstates - out of date and only used by those out of date themselves. This road is tough and it is not going to get smooth quickly.
The liberal bias in all branches of the media around the globe aid in the conservative struggle. Love, compassion, intellect, and practicality seem to be captured only by liberals in our daily lives. A simple mention of cutting spending, lowering taxes, abortion being murder, marriage between a man and women, no living together etc., will probably result in strange stares from people you work and attend school with. The conservative values are easy to live out in this environment but are becoming increasingly difficult to share. And we have only just begun!
How do you share the values you hold dear? How do you promote these values to people who's lives are wreaking the consequences of their absence? How do you share the values of your life with people intolerant of those very values?
It is no secret that our national media has long supported values and principles that are defined as liberal. Yet today, our media is now joined by a growing young adult population, rapidly growing ethnic population, and locked in under 60 age population that share in their disdain for conservative values. America has changed much! We conservatives know we have poorly reached out to these other groups. And when a reach did occur, we simply told history and our views. We missed the opportunity to tell the conservative narrative with ties into peoples lives. A truth and consequence if you will without the judgement present. And this is the trap!
For conservative values to spread our approach of sharing must change. Our current population is obtaining information quickly these days and from sources not norm to many aging conservatives. When we jump into conversations with our values we must be sure of the illustrations being used and the statistics being quoted. We must also understand the limits of usefulness to our stories and statistics. People are not impressed. There is a need for connection. People long for a connection to be made before they will embrace or give thought to anything we share. And connecting we have not done. Conservative values are polar opposite what the vast number of people today have grown up with. And as is so often the case, our methods of sharing are outdated and filled with little to draw people to contemplate and study.
Here are some simple things that will assist in sharing these values:
1. Do not judge or be judgmental.
2. Listen much before speaking - you may learn more than you thought possible.
3. Don't tell your story, connect with other peoples stories.
4. Live what you share - people will see the difference and want to know more.
5. Admit failures in the conservative journey. Not all has worked perfectly.
6. Know that many view you and your beliefs as hostile to their freedom of beliefs.
7. Kindness will get you further than preaching and arguing any day of the week.
These are just a few things that will help as you seek to share your values with others.
In our next post we will discuss how to overcome being demonized.
The liberal bias in all branches of the media around the globe aid in the conservative struggle. Love, compassion, intellect, and practicality seem to be captured only by liberals in our daily lives. A simple mention of cutting spending, lowering taxes, abortion being murder, marriage between a man and women, no living together etc., will probably result in strange stares from people you work and attend school with. The conservative values are easy to live out in this environment but are becoming increasingly difficult to share. And we have only just begun!
How do you share the values you hold dear? How do you promote these values to people who's lives are wreaking the consequences of their absence? How do you share the values of your life with people intolerant of those very values?
It is no secret that our national media has long supported values and principles that are defined as liberal. Yet today, our media is now joined by a growing young adult population, rapidly growing ethnic population, and locked in under 60 age population that share in their disdain for conservative values. America has changed much! We conservatives know we have poorly reached out to these other groups. And when a reach did occur, we simply told history and our views. We missed the opportunity to tell the conservative narrative with ties into peoples lives. A truth and consequence if you will without the judgement present. And this is the trap!
For conservative values to spread our approach of sharing must change. Our current population is obtaining information quickly these days and from sources not norm to many aging conservatives. When we jump into conversations with our values we must be sure of the illustrations being used and the statistics being quoted. We must also understand the limits of usefulness to our stories and statistics. People are not impressed. There is a need for connection. People long for a connection to be made before they will embrace or give thought to anything we share. And connecting we have not done. Conservative values are polar opposite what the vast number of people today have grown up with. And as is so often the case, our methods of sharing are outdated and filled with little to draw people to contemplate and study.
Here are some simple things that will assist in sharing these values:
1. Do not judge or be judgmental.
2. Listen much before speaking - you may learn more than you thought possible.
3. Don't tell your story, connect with other peoples stories.
4. Live what you share - people will see the difference and want to know more.
5. Admit failures in the conservative journey. Not all has worked perfectly.
6. Know that many view you and your beliefs as hostile to their freedom of beliefs.
7. Kindness will get you further than preaching and arguing any day of the week.
These are just a few things that will help as you seek to share your values with others.
In our next post we will discuss how to overcome being demonized.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Root of the Obvious American Problem
It is not wise for one to offer something as a sure fire answer to everything. A know it all type person has little influence in the lives of others. Much of the discussion these days relating to the vast changes occurring before our eyes in America fits this know it all baseline. If not that, it most assuredly comes across as holier than thou to those listening and reading. Yet ignored due to the preceding is the answer to the problem that we see and know is growing. What is at the root of it?
I will offer two areas that I think will assist us in seeing the roots that are allowing all of this change to occur.
First, we lost the battle on the homosexual issues by not understanding the homosexual agenda. The agenda put forth was one of being recognized as a minority. Since the late 1970's this idea has been allowed to fully develop without any challenge from those who differ. More so, the silence from true minorities has been a booster shot to the homosexual movement. By embracing the minorities, and the minorities embracing the homosexual agenda, the agenda has actually captured an apparent victory.
To qualify as a minority, one must reproduce the same. Homosexuals do not reproduce. Homosexuals are NOT a minority. They never have been and never will be, unless we change the definition of "minority"! Had we simply begun the discussion, and continued it with this principle of fact, the influence of the agenda would have been severely held back. We chose to argue and condemn and were thus easy targets to be labeled as hateful. The influence of a behavior group would have been easily slowed had we kept the discussion here. We should have been assisting the minority groups in their struggle while protecting them from this usurping. We failed.
And yes, minority groups allowed this behavior agenda to steal the day and they have lost much as a result.
But something occurred inside many churches that equally allowed for the changing thoughts on sin and other things in America. American churches became soapbox churches. We have those who rally around the Bible and shout about people NOT living moral lives while we ignore the sin within. We loved the shouting and failed to reach people with Jesus Christ. We also have those that were/are determined to reach people and began to offer a more pragmatic form of teaching that led to little discipleship and an embracing of little moral truth. These soapbox type churches are now a majority in America. One may find it difficult to hear any clear teaching on the simple things of life, including human life, for fear of offending. And when one finds truth, often it is wrapped in self righteous indignation and not in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
The soapbox approach has developed due to one simple practice among us preachers.
Most American Pastors have abandoned Expository Preaching and most Bible Study groups are more focused on felt needs! We we fail to teach the Bible from cover to cover, verse by verse, and so we produce little in discipleship. And what little is done, is extremely weak. I have found it amazing to teach through Genesis and discover the depth of truth about understanding creation and life that is so easy to see and equally applicable today. I don't have to go off on a soapbox. The Bible speaks for itself with grace and in love to all who will receive. And Genesis actually covers homosexuality!
And don't forget, the Bible even tells us the itching ears and the leaving behind of sound doctrine will occur as we approach the return of Jesus Christ. We should not be so surprised that we are seeing it.
We should also be quick to repent of the fact that we actually aided in the progression of such.
I will offer two areas that I think will assist us in seeing the roots that are allowing all of this change to occur.
First, we lost the battle on the homosexual issues by not understanding the homosexual agenda. The agenda put forth was one of being recognized as a minority. Since the late 1970's this idea has been allowed to fully develop without any challenge from those who differ. More so, the silence from true minorities has been a booster shot to the homosexual movement. By embracing the minorities, and the minorities embracing the homosexual agenda, the agenda has actually captured an apparent victory.
To qualify as a minority, one must reproduce the same. Homosexuals do not reproduce. Homosexuals are NOT a minority. They never have been and never will be, unless we change the definition of "minority"! Had we simply begun the discussion, and continued it with this principle of fact, the influence of the agenda would have been severely held back. We chose to argue and condemn and were thus easy targets to be labeled as hateful. The influence of a behavior group would have been easily slowed had we kept the discussion here. We should have been assisting the minority groups in their struggle while protecting them from this usurping. We failed.
And yes, minority groups allowed this behavior agenda to steal the day and they have lost much as a result.
But something occurred inside many churches that equally allowed for the changing thoughts on sin and other things in America. American churches became soapbox churches. We have those who rally around the Bible and shout about people NOT living moral lives while we ignore the sin within. We loved the shouting and failed to reach people with Jesus Christ. We also have those that were/are determined to reach people and began to offer a more pragmatic form of teaching that led to little discipleship and an embracing of little moral truth. These soapbox type churches are now a majority in America. One may find it difficult to hear any clear teaching on the simple things of life, including human life, for fear of offending. And when one finds truth, often it is wrapped in self righteous indignation and not in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
The soapbox approach has developed due to one simple practice among us preachers.
Most American Pastors have abandoned Expository Preaching and most Bible Study groups are more focused on felt needs! We we fail to teach the Bible from cover to cover, verse by verse, and so we produce little in discipleship. And what little is done, is extremely weak. I have found it amazing to teach through Genesis and discover the depth of truth about understanding creation and life that is so easy to see and equally applicable today. I don't have to go off on a soapbox. The Bible speaks for itself with grace and in love to all who will receive. And Genesis actually covers homosexuality!
And don't forget, the Bible even tells us the itching ears and the leaving behind of sound doctrine will occur as we approach the return of Jesus Christ. We should not be so surprised that we are seeing it.
We should also be quick to repent of the fact that we actually aided in the progression of such.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
The Great American Christian Question
The history of America is without honest question. This nation was founded on Biblical principles. From those principles God blessed and America grew beyond anyone's dreams. The power of such growth resulted in an incredible world protector for liberty and religious freedom. That was then!
What about now!
Christians in America need to answer this question quickly. We must also pray and be determined to get the right answer. For the right answer is our path from now forward. We will find the right answer by looking at our past failures. Yes, our past failures highlight the answer needed today.
We begin by admitting that we as American Christians have failed to understand that our primary purpose was and is to lead people to Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, people are simply sinful people with NO hope for changing. We have fought hard the culture war. We have lost. We lost because we were not focused on leading people to the one true God who could and will save them through Jesus Christ. Our biggest failure as American Christians is found in that we did not reach the multitudes of people that God allowed to come to America. We had it all set up to reach world! We failed. Without a changed heart, people will not adopt an ideology that is Christian based. Our worldview will not make sense to them at all! We tried via many methods while avoiding the one and only method that works - leading people to Jesus! We begin to find our answer when we admit to this failure!
The absence of the power of the Holy Spirit evidenced in our lives is also a big failure! American Christians learned to play at church. We learned that real well. We developed many of our systems and programs in our churches by copying the world. The greatest one being Sunday School. We copied the American education system. We set up directors, had roll books, and some churches even use to ring the bell! We established programs, and I do mean many programs. We built our church schedules around the work culture of the 50's and 60's and we grew children's ministries/missions ministries for children right out of boy/girl scouts. The club mentality anchored our approach. For adults the same was true. In all of this, the programs became the focus in place of the power of the Holy Spirit living in and working through our lives. We taught for education sake. We learned many facts but we failed to experience the power God via the Holy Spirit in our lives. We were so focused on knowing about that we never realized we were not living in. Again, we failed.
This led to neglect of some key Biblical disciplines. In particular, fasting! There are those few types of churches that practice this and have for years. But many American Christians in our older age groups never were taught or led to develop fasting in their lives. Without fasting there can be no power of the Holy Spirit. Our lives were simply being lived through a mental ideology. An ideology that requires the power of the Holy Spirit.
So caught up in our programs and structure we embraced a salesman approach to sharing the gospel. We tweaked our services in some cases and in others demanded that we NOT change a thing. Time was always our focus and comfort and familiarity followed in our priorities. We began trying to attract people instead of sharing Jesus by living in Him. It worked for a while - maybe, maybe not. But soon we could not do enough to up what had already been done. People caught on to our sales pitch and began tuning us out. Again we failed.
People without Jesus began to see that those who professed to have him were not that much different. In fact, often times Christians were worse. We were mean, lacked compassion, ugly, holier than thou, and were more focused on we wanted and bragging about what we claimed to have, that people failed to see in us a compassion for them. We were anything but passionate for people. Love was not found for anyone, just for those we liked. And the slide continued. Only now, other religions and ideologies were being embraced. And we could go on and on...!
So what is the answer?
1. Know our purpose is to live obedient to the command of our Lord to lead people to Jesus!
2. Know that we must fucus on living in the power of the Holy Spirit daily! Without this power lives will not be changed.
3. Know that following Biblical disciplines must become a priority. Seek to learn these and apply them daily. The power of the Holy Spirit depends upon it.
4. Know that we love and thus show this love of people daily! People come in all shapes and backgrounds. We are to love them! Period!
We begin with these four! Until these four are evident, nothing else will matter! It is only through these four that Revival will come! And our greatest need right now is not political nor ideological.
What about now!
Christians in America need to answer this question quickly. We must also pray and be determined to get the right answer. For the right answer is our path from now forward. We will find the right answer by looking at our past failures. Yes, our past failures highlight the answer needed today.
We begin by admitting that we as American Christians have failed to understand that our primary purpose was and is to lead people to Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, people are simply sinful people with NO hope for changing. We have fought hard the culture war. We have lost. We lost because we were not focused on leading people to the one true God who could and will save them through Jesus Christ. Our biggest failure as American Christians is found in that we did not reach the multitudes of people that God allowed to come to America. We had it all set up to reach world! We failed. Without a changed heart, people will not adopt an ideology that is Christian based. Our worldview will not make sense to them at all! We tried via many methods while avoiding the one and only method that works - leading people to Jesus! We begin to find our answer when we admit to this failure!
The absence of the power of the Holy Spirit evidenced in our lives is also a big failure! American Christians learned to play at church. We learned that real well. We developed many of our systems and programs in our churches by copying the world. The greatest one being Sunday School. We copied the American education system. We set up directors, had roll books, and some churches even use to ring the bell! We established programs, and I do mean many programs. We built our church schedules around the work culture of the 50's and 60's and we grew children's ministries/missions ministries for children right out of boy/girl scouts. The club mentality anchored our approach. For adults the same was true. In all of this, the programs became the focus in place of the power of the Holy Spirit living in and working through our lives. We taught for education sake. We learned many facts but we failed to experience the power God via the Holy Spirit in our lives. We were so focused on knowing about that we never realized we were not living in. Again, we failed.
This led to neglect of some key Biblical disciplines. In particular, fasting! There are those few types of churches that practice this and have for years. But many American Christians in our older age groups never were taught or led to develop fasting in their lives. Without fasting there can be no power of the Holy Spirit. Our lives were simply being lived through a mental ideology. An ideology that requires the power of the Holy Spirit.
So caught up in our programs and structure we embraced a salesman approach to sharing the gospel. We tweaked our services in some cases and in others demanded that we NOT change a thing. Time was always our focus and comfort and familiarity followed in our priorities. We began trying to attract people instead of sharing Jesus by living in Him. It worked for a while - maybe, maybe not. But soon we could not do enough to up what had already been done. People caught on to our sales pitch and began tuning us out. Again we failed.
People without Jesus began to see that those who professed to have him were not that much different. In fact, often times Christians were worse. We were mean, lacked compassion, ugly, holier than thou, and were more focused on we wanted and bragging about what we claimed to have, that people failed to see in us a compassion for them. We were anything but passionate for people. Love was not found for anyone, just for those we liked. And the slide continued. Only now, other religions and ideologies were being embraced. And we could go on and on...!
So what is the answer?
1. Know our purpose is to live obedient to the command of our Lord to lead people to Jesus!
2. Know that we must fucus on living in the power of the Holy Spirit daily! Without this power lives will not be changed.
3. Know that following Biblical disciplines must become a priority. Seek to learn these and apply them daily. The power of the Holy Spirit depends upon it.
4. Know that we love and thus show this love of people daily! People come in all shapes and backgrounds. We are to love them! Period!
We begin with these four! Until these four are evident, nothing else will matter! It is only through these four that Revival will come! And our greatest need right now is not political nor ideological.
Our greatest need is REVIVAL!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
The Importance of Hobby Lobby vs Obama Care
On Friday, Hobby Lobby decided to ignore the US Governments threat of fines for not following the mandate in Obama Care to provide free birth control in their medical insurance for employees:
“They’re not going to comply with the mandate,” said Kyle Duncan, general counsel of The Beckett Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing the company. “They’re not going to offer coverage for abortion-inducing drugs in the insurance plan.”
Opinions on both sides are all over the internet and in the news shows. There are even some Christians decrying the decision.
Is this stand important? If so, why?
Yes this decision is important!
1. Free birth control is NOT a medical insurance necessity. It is a choice made by a person. Lumping this mandate into the Obama Care package is an attempt to make something necessary that any normal thinking person knows is not.
2. Hobby Lobby is defending the rights of the unborn! While everyone else is so concerned about their own rights and choices, Hobby Lobby has drawn a line in the sand and decided to stand with the unborn when few else are doing so.
3. Hobby Lobby is NOT denying medical insurance to anyone. They are simply saying that if you desire to use birth control and chose to do so, then you pay for it. Why should any person or company be required to fund a choice made by another individual that DOES NOT fit under "medical" necessity. I understand if it is prescribed for health reasons unrelated to pregnancy and this could be and is covered now. But to fund birth control because people chose to participate in sex and do not want the consequences is absurd.
4. Hobby Lobby has a right as a company to chose the medical plan they desire to offer employees. Period! The Government does not have the right to tell us what we have to provide.
5. Hobby Lobby and any other corporation have the right to NOT fund murder! The US Government is doing all it can to ignore this and forcing it's beliefs of abortion NOT being murder on those of us who do believe it is! I understand that we are "funding" abortions with tax money. It sickens me. But that funding DOES NOT open the door for nor justify increase funding by individuals when their beliefs/conscious says NO! If people do not like the coverage Hobby Lobby offers, they can chose to work somewhere else.
6. The mandate forces corporations, free corporations, to act as religious neutral. The US Government has NO right to do so. Free corporations are in fact free. Free corporations have a right to decide how they will fund and what they will fund. When the government is allowed to remove this freedom, it has thus opened the door to tell people, businesses, non profits, schools, churches, etc. what they can and cannot do. This is NOT an American idea and clearly violates the US Constitution First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Every American today needs to read the above carefully. The Obama Care mandate clearly violates the First Amendment. Clearly. No law can be made that prohibits the free exercise thereof...!
7. Thank God for David Green and family! I pray their tribe increase. I pray that more Christians will awaken to the travesty that is upon us. We have been lulled to sleep for years hearing preachers telling us this day is coming. Well, this day has already come. We are now in over our heads into the attacks on Christianity by the US Government while the same Government guarantees religious liberty to thugs who have sought to kill Americans. Terrorists have more religious liberty today in America than American Christians have.
8. Republicans and Democrats are equally at fault! This is NOT a slam at just one party. This is the progressive movement that has entered into the thought lines of both parties. Politics will not produce a solution. Politics is the chosen method for implementing the problem!
Even one Hollywood Liberal Film Director acknowledges this fact. I do not agree with Oliver Stone on much, but the following comment highlights where we are, even to a liberal. I disagree with his blanket assessment of the Bush years! But for a known and proud liberal to accurately nail the events of the current administration and decry them is fact alone that points to the depth that we as a nation have fallen.
The US is codifying thousands and thousands of new, political laws that compel citizens to live according to the State's desires. America was established as a Republic by the people and for the people! We are NOT a state led nation.
Read the following statement from Oliver Stone:
I think under the disguise of sheep’s clothing President Obama has been a wolf. Because of the nightmare of the Bush presidency that preceded him, people forgave him a lot. He was a great hope for change. The color of his skin, the upbringing, the internationalism, the globalism, seemed all evident. And he is an intelligent man. He has taken all the Bush changes and basically put them into the establishment, he has codified them. That is what is sad. So we are going into the second administration that is living outside the law and does not respect the law and foundations of our system and he is a constitutional lawyer, you know. Without the law, it is the law of the jungle. Nuremburg (sic) existed for a reason and there was a reason to have trials, there is a reason for due process – ‘habeas corpus’ as they call it in the United States.
Yes, this issue is more than important!
What will we do about it?
What will you do?
“They’re not going to comply with the mandate,” said Kyle Duncan, general counsel of The Beckett Fund for Religious Liberty, which is representing the company. “They’re not going to offer coverage for abortion-inducing drugs in the insurance plan.”
Opinions on both sides are all over the internet and in the news shows. There are even some Christians decrying the decision.
Is this stand important? If so, why?
Yes this decision is important!
1. Free birth control is NOT a medical insurance necessity. It is a choice made by a person. Lumping this mandate into the Obama Care package is an attempt to make something necessary that any normal thinking person knows is not.
2. Hobby Lobby is defending the rights of the unborn! While everyone else is so concerned about their own rights and choices, Hobby Lobby has drawn a line in the sand and decided to stand with the unborn when few else are doing so.
3. Hobby Lobby is NOT denying medical insurance to anyone. They are simply saying that if you desire to use birth control and chose to do so, then you pay for it. Why should any person or company be required to fund a choice made by another individual that DOES NOT fit under "medical" necessity. I understand if it is prescribed for health reasons unrelated to pregnancy and this could be and is covered now. But to fund birth control because people chose to participate in sex and do not want the consequences is absurd.
4. Hobby Lobby has a right as a company to chose the medical plan they desire to offer employees. Period! The Government does not have the right to tell us what we have to provide.
5. Hobby Lobby and any other corporation have the right to NOT fund murder! The US Government is doing all it can to ignore this and forcing it's beliefs of abortion NOT being murder on those of us who do believe it is! I understand that we are "funding" abortions with tax money. It sickens me. But that funding DOES NOT open the door for nor justify increase funding by individuals when their beliefs/conscious says NO! If people do not like the coverage Hobby Lobby offers, they can chose to work somewhere else.
6. The mandate forces corporations, free corporations, to act as religious neutral. The US Government has NO right to do so. Free corporations are in fact free. Free corporations have a right to decide how they will fund and what they will fund. When the government is allowed to remove this freedom, it has thus opened the door to tell people, businesses, non profits, schools, churches, etc. what they can and cannot do. This is NOT an American idea and clearly violates the US Constitution First Amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Every American today needs to read the above carefully. The Obama Care mandate clearly violates the First Amendment. Clearly. No law can be made that prohibits the free exercise thereof...!
7. Thank God for David Green and family! I pray their tribe increase. I pray that more Christians will awaken to the travesty that is upon us. We have been lulled to sleep for years hearing preachers telling us this day is coming. Well, this day has already come. We are now in over our heads into the attacks on Christianity by the US Government while the same Government guarantees religious liberty to thugs who have sought to kill Americans. Terrorists have more religious liberty today in America than American Christians have.
8. Republicans and Democrats are equally at fault! This is NOT a slam at just one party. This is the progressive movement that has entered into the thought lines of both parties. Politics will not produce a solution. Politics is the chosen method for implementing the problem!
Even one Hollywood Liberal Film Director acknowledges this fact. I do not agree with Oliver Stone on much, but the following comment highlights where we are, even to a liberal. I disagree with his blanket assessment of the Bush years! But for a known and proud liberal to accurately nail the events of the current administration and decry them is fact alone that points to the depth that we as a nation have fallen.
The US is codifying thousands and thousands of new, political laws that compel citizens to live according to the State's desires. America was established as a Republic by the people and for the people! We are NOT a state led nation.
Read the following statement from Oliver Stone:
I think under the disguise of sheep’s clothing President Obama has been a wolf. Because of the nightmare of the Bush presidency that preceded him, people forgave him a lot. He was a great hope for change. The color of his skin, the upbringing, the internationalism, the globalism, seemed all evident. And he is an intelligent man. He has taken all the Bush changes and basically put them into the establishment, he has codified them. That is what is sad. So we are going into the second administration that is living outside the law and does not respect the law and foundations of our system and he is a constitutional lawyer, you know. Without the law, it is the law of the jungle. Nuremburg (sic) existed for a reason and there was a reason to have trials, there is a reason for due process – ‘habeas corpus’ as they call it in the United States.
Yes, this issue is more than important!
What will we do about it?
What will you do?
Remember this: Every nation that has ever fallen, has fallen from within!
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Silence Is Revealing
We are now just days away from experiencing one of the most damaging changes in America since her creation. On January 1, 2013 the US Government will begin to fine an American Corporation for not providing a murder pill to employees. Hobby Lobby ownership will lose their right to practice their held religious beliefs and be forced to pay a fine for such a practice.
Where is the outrage? Why the silence?
For years America has progressed to this point, to this day. We have silently allowed many regulations for years to be implemented without seeing the end goal of such. We have now arrived at the day of reckoning. America cares more about finances than she does about murdering children. American Christians are guilty of selling our souls for comfort and future ease of living over the rights of children. And now, the real truth is shining like black hole of despair that will do even more than murder!
America was established so that people could be free from Government intrusion into our religious lives. Today, a Muslim terrorist murderer has more freedom and rights than a Christian citizen. Read that line one more time please! Think about that statement! And while you are thinking, ask this question:
Why are we silent?
Have we really fallen this deep into apathy? Have we really reached a place where our apathy will allow the loss of one of our most cherished American freedoms while killing babies at the same time?
Janaury 1, 2013 is a day that proves just how much America has changed.
Is there any hope?
Yes Jesus is still Lord. The real question is when will we who claim to live with Him as Lord actually begin to live with Him as Lord.
When will the outrage come? Have we totally lost our passion? Are we so apathetic that we no longer even know how to stand up for our own rights?
The silence is revealing!
Where is the outrage? Why the silence?
For years America has progressed to this point, to this day. We have silently allowed many regulations for years to be implemented without seeing the end goal of such. We have now arrived at the day of reckoning. America cares more about finances than she does about murdering children. American Christians are guilty of selling our souls for comfort and future ease of living over the rights of children. And now, the real truth is shining like black hole of despair that will do even more than murder!
America was established so that people could be free from Government intrusion into our religious lives. Today, a Muslim terrorist murderer has more freedom and rights than a Christian citizen. Read that line one more time please! Think about that statement! And while you are thinking, ask this question:
Why are we silent?
Have we really fallen this deep into apathy? Have we really reached a place where our apathy will allow the loss of one of our most cherished American freedoms while killing babies at the same time?
Janaury 1, 2013 is a day that proves just how much America has changed.
Is there any hope?
Yes Jesus is still Lord. The real question is when will we who claim to live with Him as Lord actually begin to live with Him as Lord.
When will the outrage come? Have we totally lost our passion? Are we so apathetic that we no longer even know how to stand up for our own rights?
The silence is revealing!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Emotions and the effects thereof!
Mood swings are bad. Emotions left unchecked to reality are far worse! America is in an emotion overload and the effects should they continue, could be America altering for the bad! Emotions are a God given reality. They make us human. They allow us to feel and avoid the horrific state of being a mere robot. They have there place in our lives and they are needed. But emotions were never given to lead us!
Right now emotions are ruining more than America may be able to grasp. Emotions have become the political most favored path to accomplish irrational change. Get emotions freely running, unchecked by common sense, and you can get people to do and say without thinking and make changes so lacking in logic and rational, that you can change an entire nation before anyone realizes it.
And this is the path America is currently on!
Emotions change priorities. We feel and thus we act. We change without ever taking the time to ask questions and evaluate completely what we are changing. We just desire to do something because the feelings we experience push us for some activity. But activity does not help our emotions long term. We hope it will - but it does not.
The emotional issues facing America today are leading us as a nation to a point of total chaos. And because the emotions are leading, we do not see the dangerous ending point. I thought I would highlight just a few to bring us back to reality:
1. An American is being held in Mexico and the American Government is doing literally little to effect his release. He violated no laws and is a military hero. Where is the outrage?
2. Benghazi is still in coverup mode with added Tylenol for headaches due to concussion sustained without specifics on the cause of such. We had military and Government officials killed. Where is the outrage?
3. The same Government that now wants to change the 2ND Amendment is the same Government that intentionally ran guns into Mexico in one of the worst debacles of US Government programs. Many have died as a result. Where is the outrage?
4. Our Government has the time to create a new task force to look at changes to gun laws and ownership rights while putting little effort into the real danger to American life, the fiscal cliff. And there is NO path to avoiding this cliff in sight? Where is the outrage?
5. It is beyond horrible to kill! I cannot fathom the depth of grief that parents and family members are experiencing right now in Connecticut. We as a nation with one unified voice have declared evil that was committed as such! And now people are saying get the guns! We cannot allow children to live in danger of such evil. And yet, our nation murders millions of babies via abortion and few cry over the evil! Where is the outrage?
America - we have a problem! Our emotions are leading us to miss reality! And the effects of this continuing will be more than I can even think.
Right now emotions are ruining more than America may be able to grasp. Emotions have become the political most favored path to accomplish irrational change. Get emotions freely running, unchecked by common sense, and you can get people to do and say without thinking and make changes so lacking in logic and rational, that you can change an entire nation before anyone realizes it.
And this is the path America is currently on!
Emotions change priorities. We feel and thus we act. We change without ever taking the time to ask questions and evaluate completely what we are changing. We just desire to do something because the feelings we experience push us for some activity. But activity does not help our emotions long term. We hope it will - but it does not.
The emotional issues facing America today are leading us as a nation to a point of total chaos. And because the emotions are leading, we do not see the dangerous ending point. I thought I would highlight just a few to bring us back to reality:
1. An American is being held in Mexico and the American Government is doing literally little to effect his release. He violated no laws and is a military hero. Where is the outrage?
2. Benghazi is still in coverup mode with added Tylenol for headaches due to concussion sustained without specifics on the cause of such. We had military and Government officials killed. Where is the outrage?
3. The same Government that now wants to change the 2ND Amendment is the same Government that intentionally ran guns into Mexico in one of the worst debacles of US Government programs. Many have died as a result. Where is the outrage?
4. Our Government has the time to create a new task force to look at changes to gun laws and ownership rights while putting little effort into the real danger to American life, the fiscal cliff. And there is NO path to avoiding this cliff in sight? Where is the outrage?
5. It is beyond horrible to kill! I cannot fathom the depth of grief that parents and family members are experiencing right now in Connecticut. We as a nation with one unified voice have declared evil that was committed as such! And now people are saying get the guns! We cannot allow children to live in danger of such evil. And yet, our nation murders millions of babies via abortion and few cry over the evil! Where is the outrage?
America - we have a problem! Our emotions are leading us to miss reality! And the effects of this continuing will be more than I can even think.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Double Standards Multiplying
Life is getting more and more complicated. Calls ring out for inclusion. Pleas are made for love and mercy, acceptance and equal protection. Standards once thought to be grounded in cement are now shown to sit atop sinking sand. What is taking place in America and American Christianity?
The clear visual for us today is seen in the uprising over Chick Fil A. The owner of the company, a private company, speaks his mind about what he believes to be true, and mainstream media outlets go ballistic. People who practice the freedom of speech suddenly want to attack the owner of a successful business for doing the same. A boycott is called for of the chicken serving establishments. City officials are pressured to rule these establishments as unwanted in their cities.
So what has happened to free speech?
I think this is an honest question. America has been under attack for years from the homosexual community. No doubt that much has been gained by there attacks. But how can this community of people use the rail of free speech and equal protection while denying the same to people who speak opposite. Important in the thought process is understanding that Chick Fil A has never NOT served a homosexual. They have never been accused of showing bias on any level.
This double standard is the result of compromises made over the years to the homosexual community. It is a price that we will now have to pay and somehow work through. We allowed a small group to gain a foothold in our decision process. Chaos is now an everyday norm. And there is not found a visible end anywhere down the road. Honesty is passing from the Christian community. In some circles today, what was once called homosexual activity is now passed as only battles due to previous life events. When Christians accept the double standard, the path to deliverance and true freedom are lost. When we allow this double standard to exist, we join the attack on the Gospel of Jesus and His Word.
How do we move forward?
I serve in a community that has one of the highest homosexual populations in all of Tennessee. Homosexuals attend our services weekly. I do not soften the Word of God as to the sin of homosexuality nor do I compromise limits for their involvement. Yes I have been questioned on this. Yes I get an occasional letter or email. Once I even got a visit to the office. But never have I ever been called unloving or homophobic for my beliefs and how those beliefs are taught and lived out on a daily bases.
People talk of building bridges these days. We must remember that we cannot build anything of substance on sand. Sin will not uphold the truth of God's Word. Sin allowed and justified cannot a bridge of biblical ministry support. Teaching the truth in love will drive a wedge often between people. The bible says of itself that the Gospel is an offense. Rants are not needed. But neither should compromise be found in this discussion. Many have come out of the homosexual lifestyle because of the work of God in their lives. And this will continue to be the case if we keep the Word of God out front in this discussion. The "if" is the key.
How long will Chick Fil A hold out? Will they cave in to the pressure? I pray NOT! For more is at stake than one mans right to speak publicly about his beliefs. The whole foundation of allowing the Word of God to speak and direct on this subject is on the line. If we lose this fight, we lose the path of sharing the Gospel to the American community as a whole - we lose our own credibility. And that my friends will be disastrous.
Double standards multiplying are more serious than many think! And the homosexual community is NOT the only place that this is occurring.
The clear visual for us today is seen in the uprising over Chick Fil A. The owner of the company, a private company, speaks his mind about what he believes to be true, and mainstream media outlets go ballistic. People who practice the freedom of speech suddenly want to attack the owner of a successful business for doing the same. A boycott is called for of the chicken serving establishments. City officials are pressured to rule these establishments as unwanted in their cities.
So what has happened to free speech?
I think this is an honest question. America has been under attack for years from the homosexual community. No doubt that much has been gained by there attacks. But how can this community of people use the rail of free speech and equal protection while denying the same to people who speak opposite. Important in the thought process is understanding that Chick Fil A has never NOT served a homosexual. They have never been accused of showing bias on any level.
This double standard is the result of compromises made over the years to the homosexual community. It is a price that we will now have to pay and somehow work through. We allowed a small group to gain a foothold in our decision process. Chaos is now an everyday norm. And there is not found a visible end anywhere down the road. Honesty is passing from the Christian community. In some circles today, what was once called homosexual activity is now passed as only battles due to previous life events. When Christians accept the double standard, the path to deliverance and true freedom are lost. When we allow this double standard to exist, we join the attack on the Gospel of Jesus and His Word.
How do we move forward?
I serve in a community that has one of the highest homosexual populations in all of Tennessee. Homosexuals attend our services weekly. I do not soften the Word of God as to the sin of homosexuality nor do I compromise limits for their involvement. Yes I have been questioned on this. Yes I get an occasional letter or email. Once I even got a visit to the office. But never have I ever been called unloving or homophobic for my beliefs and how those beliefs are taught and lived out on a daily bases.
People talk of building bridges these days. We must remember that we cannot build anything of substance on sand. Sin will not uphold the truth of God's Word. Sin allowed and justified cannot a bridge of biblical ministry support. Teaching the truth in love will drive a wedge often between people. The bible says of itself that the Gospel is an offense. Rants are not needed. But neither should compromise be found in this discussion. Many have come out of the homosexual lifestyle because of the work of God in their lives. And this will continue to be the case if we keep the Word of God out front in this discussion. The "if" is the key.
How long will Chick Fil A hold out? Will they cave in to the pressure? I pray NOT! For more is at stake than one mans right to speak publicly about his beliefs. The whole foundation of allowing the Word of God to speak and direct on this subject is on the line. If we lose this fight, we lose the path of sharing the Gospel to the American community as a whole - we lose our own credibility. And that my friends will be disastrous.
Double standards multiplying are more serious than many think! And the homosexual community is NOT the only place that this is occurring.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
America, Religion, and Christianity
In every corner and facet of American life the battle is being waged for the freedom of Christians to live in, teach, celebrate, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The following article should not be a surprise to us. That people would want to keep the Word of God out of the schools, even as a historical piece of literature, highlights the animosity found in the American culture of today.
With the power and might our nation once possessed the thought of it's erosion was not even on the radar of many alive today. Christian influence was a given for many. We were free and we attended church etc., we prayed in public, and we even were not afraid to speak publicly about our faith. We missed something so clear and so huge that today it seems almost like the days of just 20 or so years back were hundreds of years ago.
American Christianity bought into the influence of Government and Politics more so than we did the living out of our faith in Christ and His transformation of our lives. Our energies were focused on things other than real discipleship and true one on one evangelism. We found comfort in arguing why our enlightened minds were accurate in our interpretation of Gods Word and our styles and forms of worship were more Biblical. In fact, we built clubs more so than we built churches.
Articles like the one that follows magnify this reality. We can no longer argue over statistics. The facts are screaming at us. And yet I am not sure that many of us are listening. It is still easier for us to argue our preferred points than it is to live out the Gospel and join God is His transforming plan. Weekly we live without even grasping that the majority of those alive in America have never seen a MIGHTY MOVE of GOD. We haven't even cried out for it.
I encourage you to read the article. This story is just one of many being lived out by Americans today. As you read ask yourself as I asked myself: "When will we realize that America has changed and it is we Christians who failed. Our enemy is NOT all powerful. We simply forgot the power of living a transformed life sold out to Jesus! We lost sight of the mission - reaching people!
It is NOT too late! Jesus is still on His throne and He is still changing lives!
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/15/taking-liberties-bible-school-or-history-class/
With the power and might our nation once possessed the thought of it's erosion was not even on the radar of many alive today. Christian influence was a given for many. We were free and we attended church etc., we prayed in public, and we even were not afraid to speak publicly about our faith. We missed something so clear and so huge that today it seems almost like the days of just 20 or so years back were hundreds of years ago.
American Christianity bought into the influence of Government and Politics more so than we did the living out of our faith in Christ and His transformation of our lives. Our energies were focused on things other than real discipleship and true one on one evangelism. We found comfort in arguing why our enlightened minds were accurate in our interpretation of Gods Word and our styles and forms of worship were more Biblical. In fact, we built clubs more so than we built churches.
Articles like the one that follows magnify this reality. We can no longer argue over statistics. The facts are screaming at us. And yet I am not sure that many of us are listening. It is still easier for us to argue our preferred points than it is to live out the Gospel and join God is His transforming plan. Weekly we live without even grasping that the majority of those alive in America have never seen a MIGHTY MOVE of GOD. We haven't even cried out for it.
I encourage you to read the article. This story is just one of many being lived out by Americans today. As you read ask yourself as I asked myself: "When will we realize that America has changed and it is we Christians who failed. Our enemy is NOT all powerful. We simply forgot the power of living a transformed life sold out to Jesus! We lost sight of the mission - reaching people!
It is NOT too late! Jesus is still on His throne and He is still changing lives!
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/15/taking-liberties-bible-school-or-history-class/
Friday, July 9, 2010
When Christians sell out to other religions
The following article, from Fox News, needs to be read by every Christian in America. We are being told that we must be inclusive. I wonder when we will realize that in so doing, we will give away our very freedoms that so many fought and died for? If the following scenario continues to go unchallenged and we continue to see Christians sell out to a lie of passive compromise we will see the end of more than we can realize in a very short time.
by Todd Starnes
by Todd Starnes
A North Carolina pastor was relieved of his duties as an honorary chaplain of the state house of representatives after he closed a prayer by invoking the name of Jesus.
“I got fired,” said Ron Baity, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. He had been invited to lead prayer for an entire week but his tenure was cut short when he refused to remove the name Jesus from his invocation.
Baity’s troubles began during the week of May 31. He said a House clerk asked to see his prayer. The invocation including prayers for our military, state lawmakers and a petition to God asking him to bless North Carolina.”
“When I handed it to the lady, I watched her eyes and they immediately went right to the bottom of the page and the word Jesus,” he told FOX News Radio. “She said ‘We would prefer that you not use the name Jesus. We have some people here that can be offended.’”
When Baity protested, she brought the matter to the attention of House Speaker Joe Hackney.
“I told her I was highly offended when she asked me not to pray in the name of Jesus because that does constitute my faith,” Baity said. “My faith requires that I pray in His name. The Bible is very clear.”
When the clerk returned, Baity said he was told that he would be allowed to deliver the day’s prayer – but after that – his services would no longer be needed.
Hackney, a Democrat, and House Republican Leader Paul Stam released a joint statement to FOX News Radio:
“It has been our practice in the North Carolina House of Representatives for many years to request, but not require, that our guest chaplains deliver a nonsectarian prayer. This is intended as a show of respect for all the religions practiced by the members of the House and the people we represent.”
“In this instance, we allowed Pastor Baity to deliver his prayer, without interference, even though it was sectarian in nature. Nonetheless, we will review our procedures and guidelines concerning guest chaplains, and we will make sure we abide by applicable constitutional procedures. The House will adjourn within the next few days, but the results of this review will be publicly available whenever it is complete.”
Baity said he’s not happy with the way he was treated.
“When the state tells you how to pray, that you cannot use the name of Jesus – that’s mandating a state religion,” he said. “They talk about not offending other people but at the same time, if they are telling me how to pray – that’s the very thing our forefathers left England for.”
The Christian Law Association helped Baity draft a letter asking for an apology and an opportunity to return to the state capitol and finish his tenure.
“The First Amendment promises all Americans the free exercise of their religion, which includes the right to pray as their faith requires, even when they are invited to open state legislative sessions with prayer,” attorney David Gibbs told WXII-TV. “We trust that the North Carolina House of Representatives will realize its mistake and will offer Pastor Baity another opportunity to pray without requiring him to use a prayer that is mandated by government.”
Baity said he is still stunned by what happened.
“You would expect this somewhere else – Cuba, Saudi Arabia,” he told FOX News Radio. “You would never anticipate this happening in the United States of America.”
In a word – the pastor said – the decision is “anti-Christian.”
Sunday, July 4, 2010
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