Creeping, Crawling Sharia, What it Means for America - Pt. 1

The process of instituting Sharia, according to the Muslim Brotherhood:

Settlement: Islam and its Movement become a part of the homeland it lives in.

Establishment: "Islam turns into firmly rooted organizations on whose bases civilization, structure and testimony are built.

Stability:  Islam is stable in the land on which its people move.

Enablement:  Islam is enabled within the souls, minds and the lives of the people of the country in which it moves.

Rooting: Islam is resident and not a passing thing, or rooted 'entrenched' in the soil of the spot where it moves and not a strange plant to it.

The process includes building mosques and Islamic centers, building Islamic organizations, building Islamic schools, then the "overt Islamic Movement" and coordinating all Islamic "movements."

This article will be long, most likely in parts, but I would urge you to read it all so you can recognize the facts being what they are. Even as people believe they know all about it, are open to dialogue and tolerance, Islam is still a very misunderstood ideology.  Muslims on a whole want it to remain misunderstood because it keeps a focus on tolerance, dialogue and a feel good impression of the religious aspects while covering up the geopolitical part of Islam which is world domination.   The politically correct, politically duped would have me labeled as a hatemonger and islamophobe for talking about the truth of Islam, while they ignorantly are duped into still believing Islam is a religion of peace, and that all religions should be treated equal.

World Net Daily published a three part article by By Michael Carl, which was based on a biography called, "The Blood of Lambs: A Former Terrorist's Memoir of Death and Redemption" by Kamal Saleem.  You can read the whole series about his past as an Islamic terrorist, and his conversion to Christ here but let me give you a run down on his story.   It is because of men such as Kamal Saleem, Walid Shoebat and others, through their warnings, we can see just how fast Islam is infiltrating all parts of Western society and bringing with it, Sharia Law, which will ultimately bring down the Western world as we have known it.  I have written for over 5 years now about Islam, and I have been keeping track of events happening, but many people still don't seem to understand just what it would mean for Islam to become dominant in our country.   This first part of my series  is based on the three part series by Michael Carl, because it gives a starting view of the way Muslims spread their ideologies, and in my next parts, I will compare what he talks about with other experts and news stories to show just how far down the Sharia road America has traveled.


  Saleem was trained at a PLO assault camp starting at the age of seven, was indoctrinated in radical Islam and how to despise Christians and Jews by his parents.
As an adult, he served under Yasser Arafat and was eventually recruited by the Saudi royal family to infiltrate the United States with a campaign of radical Islam.  In an interview with WND, Saleem said he was at the top of the Islamic world when he was recruited to infiltrate the United States by the Saudi royal family.
"Many of the Saudi sheiks (princes)  are Wahhabis. What is the Wahhabi? American people need to understand that Wahhabi and Sufi, these are two kinds of flavors, just like we have '31 Flavors,' but these two flavors call for governing under Shariah law," he said. "Their belief is that the only way Islam can be anywhere is to rule, and not to be equal to any other governing system."

According to Saleem, this is what he was to infiltrate the US for and spread radical Islam and sharia. His first assignment was to begin working in America's jails.  "In the jail system is where the Nation of Islam is really very strong. This is where we thrived on the black African people. They were falling by the hundreds of thousands right there in jail....What happened is that in order to become Muslim you had to become a slave to the rules and regulations of Shariah law because it tells you how to eat, how to sleep, how to drink, how to go to the bathroom, how to get married. Everything is told to you and that's by political Islam itself," Saleem said.

He said he also was instructed to work the college campuses using the Muslim Brotherhood-established Muslim Student Association as a way to convert America's college students.  He admits using the mechanics of the U. S. system of freedom to proclaim a philosophy of Islam that seeks to destroy those very freedoms.  "In Islam liberty, pursuit of happiness and freedom of our thoughts are considered false gods," Saleem said.

Saleem's statements are in line with the assessment of British Sheikh Anjem Choudary, who told WND that real Muslims reject democracy.  "These are things that are anathema to Muslims, like democracy and freedom, which we completely reject. They have no foundation in the divine text," Choudary said.

Saleem's analysis is upheld by terrorism and Islam scholar Bill Warner who says that Muslims are to follow the way of the Prophet Muhammad, the Sunnah. Speaking about the way of the prophet, Warner says Muslims are to emulate Muhammad in every way. "It may be shocking to some people, but to those who are familiar with Muhammad, 'Yes, that is Sunna, the perfect example of Muhammad,'" Warner said. 

"Before anything starts, a person has to believe the ideology of hate, anger and deception. It's for a cause and that cause has a price. The price is either financial or of heaven," Saleem said . "That was to obtain paradise with Allah and adopting all of the promises every Muslim is promised if they die as a martyr. So therefore, I would set out wholeheartedly with the love for Allah, with is the love of Islam itself, to advance the Islamization of the world."

Saleem explained that the Muslim objectives are more geopolitical than spiritual."Our commission was to subdue the world and to bring the whole world under submission of Shariah law, which is the Islamic Constitution.... Over 64 percent of Shariah law is dedicated to bringing non-Muslims under subjugation to Islam."

"In Islam, everything is conditional. For example, in the Quran, there is not one place where Allah says 'I love my people,' not once. The word love is not mentioned in the Quran," Saleem said.

The Quran teaches that women can be beaten, and eventually either divorced or killed in an honor killing if she doesn't obey her husband.  "Women in our (Islamic) culture are nothing. They are equal to the goat or the rug. Her purpose is to be married to her husband to give him pleasure. When a husband marries a wife, he purchases her sexual organs."  Saleem explains.  "Therefore, her purpose is to give him pleasure and to give him children. This is the purpose of women."

Muhammad commanded that non-Muslims' property can be taken simply because they're not Muslims. The process was to continue until everyone acknowledges that Allah is god and that Muhammad is his prophet.  Saleem's explanation of how Muslims financially related to non-Muslims agrees with Anwar al-Awlaki's article in the Winter 2011 edition of al-Qaida's magazine "Inspire."

In his article "Dispossessing the Disbelievers," al-Awlaki said Muslims should steal from wealthy kafirs (unbelievers) to finance world-wide jihad.  Whenever Islam prevails, the property of non-Muslims belongs to the Muslims. If the kafir doesn't surrender it voluntarily, the head of the household should be killed.
"In Islam, you cannot inherit the enemy's property unless you kill the head of the household, the man. By killing the head of the household, the man, what happens is the whole thing is his legal right and that's called civilization slavery." Saleem says.

"The Muslim Brotherhood is here specifically to destroy the house of the United States of America and bring about the Islamic House and that's done by the Muslim's hand.... And it’s not the just the Muslims who came to the United States for this purpose, but also those they recruited in the United States as Americans and have turned them against this country." Saleem continued.

He adds, by now Islam even has reached the White House, to the Senate, to the House of Representatives, to lobbying, to the banking, to the security services, the sanctuaries of Christian churches and campuses of Christian colleges.  Center for the Study of Political Islam President Bill Warner agrees and says that higher education is the target of a well-financed influence campaign.

"I spent eight years at a university as a professor. I'm here to tell you that not only can you rent a professor; you can buy a professor. Not only can you buy a professor, you can buy an entire  department....What has happened is that the Saudis, our best friends, have given large sums of money to set up centers to study Islam at universities," Warner explained.

"So, if you come into a university, give them $20 million to set up some chair for a Middle East Department, then you fund things and you build a building, money will buy influence....Here we have education departments, at like Georgetown or Harvard, the two biggest examples, which now function as mouthpieces for the Muslim Brotherhood. By that I mean the decrees they make or the papers they write, cannot be distinguished from an apologist for Islam," Warner asserted.

Saleem adds that there are dynamics at work that bring Muslims to coordinate with people that in the Muslim world they would persecute. He says homosexuals are an example.  "They've even aligned themselves with the gays. The gay movement is protecting the Muslims. They don't know that in Islam, the gay people are beheaded. That's their cure for homosexuality," Saleem continued. "But it's the doctrine. Befriend your enemy until you enslave them. Me and my enemy against my enemy,"

Saleem says one of the most insidious ways jihad and Shariah law is infiltrating the U. S. is through the courts. He cites the recent Florida case in which a judge ordered Shariah law be used to settle a mosque leadership dispute.

"What they're trying to do is fake cases for Islam and these cases are done purposefully. We take an imam, there are two of them. They were fighting against each other and the fight was over a mosque," Saleem explained.
 
"Both of them are demanding to be judged by Shariah so now the Supreme Court is learning how Shariah works. So, in turn, they have instilled and indwelt Islamic laws with our laws," Saleem said.

Saleem says at that point a judicial precedent has been established and other Muslims can officially ask for their cases be decided by Shariah law.

In a Pennsylvania case, a judge used Shariah law to settle a dispute over a will. As a result, the two brothers were awarded twice as much of the inheritance as the two sisters.

Saleem says that the effort to install Shariah law into the United States should be treated like "any other act of terrorism because they are terrorizing this country."
Saleem says what's happening should be prayed against.

"That's what we need to speak against and pray against because it is the essence of evil." Saleem declared.

While we wait on the next parts, please think about a couple of more facts.  Most Muslims in the West try and promote themselves as moderates.  While there are moderate Muslims, most of these would be, in Muslim and Sharia compliant countries, charged with apostasy or as being infidels, not true Muslims.  It's not that those in the Muslim countries are militant, but they do practice the true form of  militant Islam as written in the Koran and the Hadith.  Many of the so called moderate Muslims in the West are much like the modern secular Christians, in that they may call themselves Christian, but they do not follow the Scriptures or even understand the Bible for being the Word of God.  They have accepted a watered down, happy and touchy feely version of what Bible believing Christians follow. 

Keep in mind also, the difference between "fundamentalist Islam" and what some would refer me and any other Bible believing Christian to as a fundamentalist Christian.  While I believe in the Bible as inspired and the Word of God, I will never harm someone or persecute anyone who doesn't share my belief in Christ. I will, as I've stated time after time here, share the Good news of Christ, but I will never, nor could I ever, force anyone to accept Jesus.  One only needs to read of persecution around the Muslim world of those of non Muslim beliefs to know that this is not the case with fundamental Muslims.

We Are the World, We Are the Children, Lets All Hate Israel..

I have been not so outspoken lately about Israel, well, except for my commentary on Obama's incredibly ignorant and asinine speech telling the world that Israel needs to go back to the pre 1967 borders.

Well, I feel I must speak up again, in defense of Israel because so much has been going on for the past few years, but more so within the past few weeks- dear leader's speech included. 
I read a article tonight on The Blaze, which, usually would make my hair get in a knot, but strangely, all I feel is pity and sadness for the ignorant masses who have fallen lock and step with the same kind of hateful speech which paved the way to the death camps of the Third Reich.
Seems that some musicians are the latest to jump on the anti Israel bandwagon, and have recorded a song that accuses Israel of “crimes against humanity” and “illegal occupation,“ and demands ”freedom for Palestine.”  Now, I've never heard of any of these people, except for the band Coldplay, but even then, I don't think I've ever heard one of their songs.   Anyway, this group for some reason calls themselves OneWorld.  Would that be a world without Jews?  Just askin'.

I'm going to suggest you get a coffee, or whatever your pleasure, and get comfy because this is going to be one of my longer articles to explain history.  I do not want to make it a record breaker, but this is something that can not be broken down into a multi part series- so bear with me folks.
So many people have for a long time been lulled into a false history of the Middle East for decades, specifically that which pertains to Israel and "Palestine".   This song, these people who wrote and recorded it, all the flack for the past year about flotillas, and the steady rise in Anti Semitism is an indication of just how much people are blinded to the history of Israel.

I could show hundreds of Biblical verses which tell about the beginning of the nation of Israel thousands of years ago,  but for the first part of this, let's look at it in a purely secular way.
Where was Palestine, and who were the Palestinians?   Back during the Roman Empire days, AD 70 to be specific, the Roman persecution of the Jews was in full swing.  The Empire didn't appreciate much about this backwater, hickville place in the desert, and they cared less for the people who lived there- specifically the Jews, the new religious kids on the block- the Christians, or the Arab people.  They decided to call the region Palestine, which was meant as a slur to the Jewish people.  The region has never, since the Israeli kings had a self rule or their own government.  It has been in the hands of the Babylonians, Assyrians, Media/Persians, Greeks, Romans and since the fall of the Roman Empire, it fell under the rule of the Islamic and Christian Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire.  It was not until the Balfour Treaty, after the World war, that Israel became a nation again, drawn with property lines established by the Allies.

The area, still known by the Roman name, Palestine, was not much of a promised land for much of the past millennium.  In the early 19th century, Palestine was a backward, neglected province of the Ottoman Empire. Travelers to Palestine from the Western world left records of what they saw there, the empty land was, neglected, abandoned, desolate, and ruins.  Jerusalem wasn't much different.   Mark Twain describes the area in "The Innocents Abroad" in 1867: There is not a solitary village throughout its whole extent [valley of Jezreel] — not for 30 miles in either direction… One may ride ten miles hereabouts and not see ten human beings. … For the sort of solitude to make one dreary, come to Galilee … Nazareth is forlorn … Jericho lies a moldering ruin … Bethlehem and Bethany, in their poverty and humiliation… untenanted by any living creature… A desolate country whose soil is rich enough, but is given over wholly to weeds … a silent, mournful expanse … a desolation … We never saw a human being on the whole route … Hardly a tree or shrub anywhere. Even the olive tree and the cactus, those fast friends of a worthless soil had almost deserted the country … Of all the lands there are for dismal scenery Palestine must be the prince. The hills barren and dull, the valleys unsightly deserts [inhabited by] swarms of beggars with ghastly sores and malformations. Palestine sits in sackcloth and ashes … desolate and unlovely …"
Sir Winston Churchill described a Palestine without the Jews in the winter of 1920-1921., "Left to themselves, the Arabs of Palestine would not in a thousand years have taken effective steps towards the irrigation and electrification of Palestine. They would have been quite content to dwell—a handful of philosophic people—in wasted sun-drenched plains, letting the waters of the Jordan flow unbridled and unharnessed into the Dead Sea.”
In any historical description of the area of Palestine, you will never see the word "Palestinian".  There is no such thing as a Palestinian race or people.  There is no such thing as a Palestinian language or culture.  The fact of the matter is, these people whom the world and anti Israel sympathisers call Palestinians are in fact Arabs.

The Arabs of the land were mostly nomads or Bedouins.  They had done nothing much to improve the land in any modern way, and it was the Jewish people who lived there, in the years before and after the world wars, which produced transformations by building power stations, industry and commerce and rebuilding cities.  Because of the ingenuity of the Jewish people, they were making living standards better not only for themselves, but also for the Arab people who lived and worked there. 
When the State of Israel came into being again after a thousand or so years, there was still much to improve in the land which in Biblical days had been described as a land flowing with milk and honey.  It was not long after, that the tiny new nation was being drawn into war over territory by the Egypt, the newly created Trans Jordan and Syria.  Israel, with barely a standing military managed to win these wars.  Interestingly, before these happened, there had never really been a call for a "Palestinian State".  Interesting.
During the Six Day War, Israel did capture land which included parts of Jerusalem and what is now called the West Bank.  But again, they did NOT capture this land from "Palestinians".  They captured it from Trans Jordan.

OK. Lets look at the land.  What purpose does the world demand Israel give up half it's country to Arabs?  It can't be due to size!
Syria has nearly 71,500 square miles. Jordan has nearly 35,700 square miles of land.  Iraq, nearly 169,000 and Iran nearly 637,000 square miles.  Saudi Arabia nearly 757,000 square miles!  These are only a handful of Arab lands surrounding Israel.  Israel, is 8,109 square miles.  The widest part of the country is not quite 30 miles across!

So it's not land.  It's not oil or other natural resources, as the massive square mileage of Arab lands has plenty.  Maybe, as so many people seem to believe, it's because the Arabs were forced from their homes during the early wars against Israel.  That could be part of it.  It's not pleasant to think of anyone having to be forced from their homes, but like it or not, this has happened throughout history- not just from Israel.  Should all people all over the planet be allowed this "right of return"?   If this were the case, most of North America would be emptied, much of South America as well.  And if we really want to knit pick, Israel would go back to it's right of return as well, the original lands based on the early Biblical description has it's eastern border on the Euphrates River!     No, it's not even really about the people displaced during the early years of Israel's rebirth. 

Is Israel a perfect nation? Not by a long shot- but show me a nation, or people who are!  My secular side, if I even have one, tells me that the world seems piled against Israel is just not right.  Something doesn't make sense here.

Then it must be religious right?!  After all, the Dome of the Rock is there, so Arabs should be able to have Jerusalem as their capital!!  Not so fast!
Again, yes, the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque are located where?  On the Temple Mount.  What Temple would that be?  The Jewish Temple, not the original one mind you, built by King Solomon over three thousand years ago, but the one rebuilt by Herod between 20 BC and AD 70.  Islam wasn't even a twinkle in the Muslim eye until after 500 AD.
 
The Jewish Temple is the most Holy Place of Judaism.  Jerusalem has been the capital city of Israel for over 4000 years.  Did you know that Jerusalem is not even mentioned in the Quran?  It's true.  It is not.  Mecca, the Holiest place of Islam is in Saudi Arabia, and is mentioned throughout the Quran, but not one mention of Jerusalem.  So, it can not be for religious reasons.... or can it?

I have posted on Israel, the end times and prophecies much on my blog ever since my earliest days at AOL.  I have, time and time again, told people to watch the happenings in and around the middle east, specifically Israel, because all of prophecy concerning the coming of Christ points to the rebirth of the Israeli Nation, political upheavals, the rise against God's chosen people of Israel through anti Semitism, and the world coming against Israel until she has no friends left.

It seems that things are falling rapidly into place.  Up until recently, the western world, specifically the United States has stood with Israel, supporting her new creation.   With the present administration, it has come to pass where America no longer seems to be wanting to remain a steadfast friend of Israel.  The past few decades has seen a steady decline in American/Israeli relations, but no more pronounced and troubling as recently with Barack Obama.  With the main stream news reporting so called atrocities, so called apartheid and so called Israeli occupation of a fictional race of people- the masses are quick to pile on the anti Israel bandwagon.

This is a religious thing.  It always has been.  God chose Abraham to be the father of the Jewish people.  Through the promise of his descendants through the line of Isaac, Israel has been the apple of God's eye for thousands of years.  It is through the earthly descendant of Abraham, Ishmael, who was described as a wild donkey of a man, quick with bow and arrow, who is the father of the Arab people.  The brother of the Promise have been enemies ever since.

Satan has always had his plans to destroy God's people.  After all, God's Holy Word comes to the world from the Jews, as does the Savior of the World.  Satan has tried through centuries, by leading the people of Israel, through disobedience to God, to be lead into captivity time and time again.  But God keeps on bringing His people home.  He has brought them home after the last major attempt to wipe them off the face of the earth by the gas ovens of World War 2.   He will try again, by the world coming against one of the tiniest nations on earth, but when everything seems the most hopeless for Israel, God will once again save His people, and show the world He is Lord of Lords.  Soon thereafter, Jesus comes to reclaim His creation.  Please read the Book.  It's all in there.  Ask Jesus, ask Him, "if You are real, please reveal yourself and Your Word to me, that I understand".   Trust in Him.  The rest of the Word is coming to life in front of our eyes, you can be assured, that Jesus is the Author, and His Word is True.



May G*d Bless and Keep Israel! Amen.

Where's Jesus and Why are You Still Here?

There has been a lot of press coverage and excitement by some from  as they await the final hours before the end of the world.  I don't mean this article to make fun of people who believe in Jesus' return or the rapture- I believe in the rapture, and I know from His Word that He is coming again soon!


The key phrase here however, is His Word.  What we have with a man named Harold Camping and his Family Radio followers is another cult who makes false prophecies and teaches false Christianity.  What we will have today and the next little while are some very disappointed and poor people who have been disillusioned by Camping's teachings, and more ridicule, mockery and disgust from non Christians because of the fact that yet another false teacher prophesied the time and day of Christ's rapturing His own.  (note here- I tried to set the link to Camping's page, but it's not available!)

Clearly the people who followed Camping have no knowledge of the Scriptures- the Word of Christ, especially when He tells us in Matthew 24:35, 36- Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away, But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven but my Father only.  And from Matthew 24:42, Watch therefore:for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

<sup>What part of these two, out of many scriptures do some people have a problem with?  Again, false prophets and teachers were also told to us by the Lord as a warning not to be swayed and deceived into following them.  Clearly, Camping, who has falsely predicted the Lord's return before (back in 1994) and he still has enough followers who believed his math calculations would be correct this time around.  They believe so much in a man, not the Lord Himself, that most of them sold off all their possessions before yesterday in order to spend what they believed to be the last day in fellowship, or with family "tearfully saying goodbye".  How sad.

It needn't be sad if you read the Lord's Word.  I know with all my heart and mind that He is coming soon, as He gave us signs to look for which would point to His coming.  I also trust and believe Him when He says "sell everything and wait for me". OOPS!! Except Jesus never said that. Well, He did tell a rich man to sell all his possessions, but that was because the rich man had asked Jesus what he should do to follow Jesus. Jesus knew the man valued his money over everything, He knew the man's heart, so He told him to give everything away, knowing, as the man did, he would walk away.   There is no scriptural based reason why people ought to give or sell everything they have in order to wait for Christ to come.  What we are supposed to do is be about His business until He comes back, by telling others the Good News of His Salvation.

Yes, I know that Jesus is coming soon, and if you read the Word of Jesus then you know He is getting ready, without telling us the exact hour.   As in Mark 13:28-30 Jesus tells us to, Learn a parable of the fig tree when her branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

A quick and short lesson on this verse  is that when Jesus talks about the fig tree, He is talking about the rebirth of the Israeli nation.  Remember, in Jesus' day, Israel was no longer a nation, the Jews were scattered throughout the Roman Empire.  In 1948 Israel was once again, after thousands of years, a nation again.  The branches have been growing strong and putting forth leaves ever since 1967 when Israel defeated the nations which came against her.  The generational countdown has started, and from all the signs that Jesus tells us to watch for, we know His Word is True.

I pity those who have nothing and are still here after believing so hard He would come today- and I pray they will not lose all belief, but instead of trusting in false prophets, they will find their salvation in Jesus Christ and learn and study His Word.  For those who scoff and claim Jesus' return as a fairy tale, or some who do not believe because people have been waiting for 2000 years, I pray you will see the events around the world- and especially in and around Israel today and read the Bible, as it's all been written about. Read and watch. His return may not be today, but He will be coming soon, and I hope you will be ready!</sup>

Arab Spring, Israel's , Freedom's Winter

It's been a while since I've dissected a political speech. I will offer no apologies for being sarcastic in my opinions here, as this is the only way I can respond to such lies and appeasement. Keep in mind, the bits in red are quotes taken from Obama's speech.

"For six months, we have witnessed an extraordinary change take place in the Middle East and North Africa. Square by square; town by town; country by country; the people have risen up to demand their basic human rights. Two leaders have stepped aside. More may follow."

Yes, too bad though we didn't support the human rights of the people in Iran when they were marching peacefully against Iranian dictators. You didn't say or do a thing there Obama. Many of us are still wondering why.

"And though these countries may be a great distance from our shores, we know that our own future is bound to this region by the forces of economics and security; history and faith."

I don't see how we are bound to these regions though history and faith. They have always had a demonic hatred of Israel since God made the covenant with Issac instead of Ishmael, and hated America because of our previous friendship with Israel. As for their faith, how can America and the Middle East be any further apart when America is free to all of any faith, because of it's CHRISTIAN heritage, yet one gets burned to death or beheaded in the Middle East for not being Muslim?

"Sometimes, in the course of history, the actions of ordinary citizens spark movements for change because they speak to a longing for freedom that has built up for years. In America, think of the defiance of those patriots in Boston who refused to pay taxes to a King, or the dignity of Rosa Parks as she sat courageously in her seat. So it was in Tunisia, as that vendor’s act of desperation tapped into the frustration felt throughout the country. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets, then thousands. And in the face of batons and sometimes bullets, they refused to go home – day after day, week after week, until a dictator of more than two decades finally left power."
Yes Obama, we do think of the patriots in Boston, hence the rise of the Tea Party! You praise the patriots in Muslim countries for rising up, for demonstrating and demanding their rights- yet you ignore the majority of America who have peacefully gathered to petition what many of us see as an over reaching, out of control government! You seem to praise some, yet ignore others- again, where was your praise and support of the Iranian people?!

"In too many countries, power has been concentrated in the hands of the few. In too many countries, a citizen like that young vendor had nowhere to turn – no honest judiciary to hear his case; no independent media to give him voice; no credible political party to represent his views; no free and fair election where he could choose his leader."
And now, in America we are beginning to see that kind of power of a few who care nothing of our Constitution, who hires a group of elite, unelected "czars" who have never been subject to proper vetting yet are make legislation decisions which will effect the whole country. Making deals in the middle of the night and behind locked doors are not what America is all about.

"Nor can people reach their potential when you cannot start a business without paying a bribe."
Nor can people reach their potential when you can not start a business without paying for county, state and federal permits, be ordered to be unionized, force them to pay health insurance and tax them out of business!

"Satellite television and the Internet provide a window into the wider world – a world of astonishing progress in places like India, Indonesia and Brazil. Cell phones and social networks allow young people to connect and organize like never before."
Yes, maybe, except when regimes make it a crime to access such progress. Places such as China and Venezuela. Oops! I forgot, they are our friends!

"People everywhere would see their economies crippled by a cut off in energy supplies. "
Kind of like what you and your green buddies are trying to do to us, isn't it Obama? Yup, I remember when you promised our energy prices would "necessarily skyrocket". Thanks for that.

"Moreover, failure to speak to the broader aspirations of ordinary people will only feed the suspicion that has festered for years that the United States pursues our own interests at their expense. "
Gee, where did they ever get that idea Obama? Perhaps from the many leftist politicians, actors, musicians and elites who have benefited greatly from a capitalist economy, travel the world to trash America's greed and capitalist economy?

"..as Americans have been seared by hostage taking, violent rhetoric, and terrorist attacks that have killed thousands of our citizens – a failure to change our approach threatens a deepening spiral of division between the United States and Muslim communities. "
I have a deal Obama- tell your Muslim friends around the world to stop murdering my Christian brothers and sisters, stop putting fatwas out on people for their freedom to speak, stop raping nuns, stop beheading young school girls, stop mutilating baby girls, stop beating women, stop stoning women, stop honor killings, and stop bombing churches, stop building mosques on the sights they seem as conquered for Islam and start allowing churches and Synagogues to be built in Muslim countries, maybe I will be a little less "divisive".

"There must be no doubt that the United States of America welcomes change that advances self-determination and opportunity"

As long as that change is in countries we want. Not in places such as China, Venezuela, Iran, Cuba....

"we have a chance to pursue the world as it should be."
AH!!! We come to the crux of the humanistic/secular/Marxist dream- the world as it should be... the world as they think it should be. You forget your supposed Christian Bible Obama, where the Word tells us that this is a fallen world, and that God's Will will be done, Not yours, mine or anyone else's. Yes, we try and love and help others out of simple compassion, but we must realize that this world, when ruled by fallen men will never be a world as it should Have been, when God walked the garden in the cool of the evening.

"Our opposition to Iran’s intolerance – as well as its illicit nuclear program, and its sponsorship of terror – is well known"
How, all the people have heard from your administration is cricket chirps. Your silence, Obama was loud and clear when the people were being murdered on the streets of Tehran! As for our opposition to their nuclear power, then why are you leaving it up to them to have time to develop those weapons? The longer you sit and wait, all the while faintly saying, you can't do that, they are doing that! I know, you're leaving it up to Israel, when the nuke missiles start flying.

"So in the months ahead, America must use all our influence to encourage reform in the region"

Is that not what you and all the rest of the left had been screaming about all the past decade? Is that not the very idea that the left has been blaming Islamic terrorism on, that America is muscling reform on the middle east?!

"We look forward to working with all who embrace genuine and inclusive democracy...Because democracy depends not only on elections, but also strong and accountable institutions, and respect for the rights of minorities."
There won't be much chance with that then, as groups such as Muslim Brotherhood are anything but inclusive to anyone or anything other than sharia, and the advancement of Islam around the world. They will not, as they have never embraced inclusiveness of Christians and Jews, nor have they respected the rights of Christians or Jews or any other religion and they deny Israel's right to live!

"Such tolerance is particularly important when it comes to religion. In Tahrir Square, we heard Egyptians from all walks of life chant, “Muslims, Christians, we are one.."

At least they may have been chanting that when they weren't bombing the Coptic churches.

"Prosperity also requires tearing down walls that stand in the way of progress – the corruption of elites who steal from their people; the red tape that stops an idea from becoming a business; the patronage that distributes wealth based on tribe or sect. We will help governments meet international obligations, and invest efforts anti-corruption; by working with parliamentarians who are developing reforms, and activists who use technology to hold government accountable."
Gee, I thought the first sentence was about America until you said tribe or sect! You promote all of this for the rest of the world, yet deny Americans of the same chances? Obama, I see your anti American roots are showing again!! I would also like to know how you expect to help other countries with their reforms when we are broke?

"For decades, the conflict between Israelis and Arabs has cast a shadow over the region"
Yeah, nothing creates a shadow like continual rockets and suicide bombings.

"For Palestinians, it has meant suffering the humiliation of occupation, and never living in a nation of their own."

Perhaps if they realized there are no "palestinian" race, that they are Arabs, they would find they would be perfectly comfortable in settling in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Qatar, the EUA, or any of the vast middle eastern Arab countries. Humiliation of a non existing condition is no excuse for wanting the complete annihilation of another nation and people.

"My Administration has worked with the parties and the international community for over two years to end this conflict, yet expectations have gone unmet. Israeli settlement activity continues."

I notice constantly Obama, that when addressing blame, you always mention Israel first. Hmmm. Gee, imagine, Israeli citizens building in... Israel.

"For the Palestinians, efforts to de legitimize Israel will end in failure"
So why do you continue when it will be a failure? It will be, because "palestinians" and most of the other Arab nations surrounding Israel do not and will never recognize an Israeli State. Take a look at their maps, Obama, you will not find one map in the Middle East which shows Israel. They will never be satisfied until Israel no longer exists- but since Israel exists because God loves His people, I would be mighty careful of continual disrespect that you show them.

"The international community is tired of an endless process that never produces an outcome."

Do you intelligent elites ever wonder why that is? You mock those who believe that God is Almighty, yet Israel's rebirth and the continuity of Jews through thousands of years of upheaval, genocide and persecution is in itself a miracle of God.

"The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation."
Really? How is it that Israel is the occupier? Does anyone know history?

"Israel must be able to defend itself – by itself – against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism; to stop the infiltration of weapons; and to provide effective border security."

If I could believe you meant that Obama, I would thank you for it. But too long has this administration shown disrespect to Israel's leaders, and leftists in America and around the world continue to reprimand Israel for defending themselves. Too many on the left, here and around the world continue to call Israel an apartheid state just for building barriers to keep bombers out. This is not respecting Israel for defending themselves!

"But moving forward now on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation to resolve those two issues in a way that is just and fair, and that respects the rights and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians."
Demanding Israel give up crucial land, in which every foot is precious- is not providing a just, fair or respectful right to Israel. Again, those Arabs the world seems to like to call palestinians, a name given to the region as a slur by the Roman Empire, do not care about land- if it were, there are billions of square miles of Arab land surrounding the tiny plot of modern day Israel that they could choose from. Again- the goal of the Arabs is the destruction of the Israeli people.

"And I would not be standing here today unless past generations turned to the moral force of non-violence as a way to perfect our union – organizing, marching, and protesting peacefully together to make real those words that declared our nation: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal"
Yes, make this speech about you again somehow. It's interesting that your organizations Obama, ACORN, unions and others seem to love demonstrations, rallies, marching and protests, if it is for anything the left stands for, yet when others demonstrate, rally, march or protest, we're threatened with violence, have lies spewed about us, we are mocked and ignored by your administration, your media and your groups. And again, Obama- WHO created all men equal, and why do you continue to ignore our CREATOR whenever you give these speeches? Is it because you prefer people to believe government gives rights and freedoms? You repeat a lie enough, or ignore the truth enough, people will believe you....

"But the United States of America was founded on the belief that people should govern themselves. Now, we cannot hesitate to stand squarely on the side of those who are reaching for their rights, knowing that their success will bring about a world that is more peaceful, more stable, and more just."
It's interesting how progressives use something they don't believe when it suits their purpose! They always do it with Bible scriptures taken out of context, and now, using the founding of our nation, which they fight hard to keep out of schools!  You do not believe this, nor do any of the elite progressives in power. You do not want anyone to govern themselves, or you would not be so intrusive in our individual lives, families, homes and businesses. You believe in government giving rights, you believe in making the decisions on who will have the right to life through abortion and eugenics, who will have the right to liberty, by praising the rise of groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood yet denying the liberties of Christians living in such places as Egypt, Iran, Sudan, China, Venezuela, the EUA, North Korea, Pakistan, India, Ethiopia, the Ivory Coast, and Somalia among many other countries. You do not believe it when you deny the right of the pursuit of happiness without having to give up security to someone who makes no bones about hating your guts, happiness without having to have rockets shot at you as thanks for the land you gave.
Progressives believe in nothing except creating a world to fit their ideals, where they are in charge, hand out the rights as they deem fit, to those whom they want. A world scrubbed clean of Christ, and His Salvation- a elitist utopia where their will is done, and God's will ignored and showing favor to those who go against God.
Only thing is, while people like Obama mock folks for clinging to their Bibles, God will not be mocked. God's will WILL be done when He is ready, and no one will be able to stand in the Almighty's way. Jesus tells us, He reminds those of us who hope in Him, and warns those who deny Him, that He will be back, and that He will some day rule the world as it was meant to be, before men's sinful, selfish ways destroyed it. He shows us the signs of the time of His return, and I would suggest- earnestly suggest you read His Word, accept His free gift of salvation, trust in Him in these times. As this speech by Obama, the events in the Middle East point to, those of us who Hope in Jesus instead of man, know our redemption draws nigh.

Who is Going to Save You?

Note- I am sorry, I am having problems getting my tools working tonight, so if there are many spelling mistakes, if the links aren't working properly or something, I will try and correct the problems when blogger is working right!


There's a couple of things I've noticed as I get older. Time goes faster the older you get and you think more about death than you did when you're young. I don't get depressed or freaked by the thought of death, so I don't see it as one of those taboo subjects no one wants to talk about. Not that I want to die right now, and I don't exactly relish the thought of how it's going to happen, I just don't worry about it because I know it will happen eventually.
Knowing that some day we all will take that last breath makes me ask- Who is going to save you? Whether or not you are a Christian believer, there is another life after this life. The question remains, is where we will spend the next eternal life. This article is about the difference between four of the biggest religious beliefs in the world today: Biblical Christianity, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses and Islam.

Some people would say I am totally intolerant and hateful because I say Mormonism, JW and Islam are all cults. How in the world can I make such a statement when there are so many good and sweet people who are members of these fine peaceful religions! Some people, including many Christians would also consider me to be extremely judgmental for saying such a thing about other religious people. For those, I say there is nothing intolerant about stating a true fact about a people, if done in a caring way. For those who seem to love to quote that Bible verse "thou shall not judge, lest you be judged", I say read the rest of the chapter where that verse is often taken out of context as a way to escape having to deal with doctinal truths.

Wow. I am harsh tonight. I don't mean to be provocative. I only want to show truths to people who may be confused about religious differences from religions, especially Mormons and JW's who call themselves Christian, but are actually antiChrist in their doctrine. I included Islam in this group which may confuse some because they are definitely not Christian, nor do they claim to be, but I do include them for a reason which I will get to in just a minute. Stating something about another religion is not intolerant or judgmental when it is meant as a warning to people, any more than telling someone they are going to fall off a cliff and crash if they continue running toward it. And as far as religious ideas go, when someone calls themselves a Christian, or states something about Jesus Christ which are completely wrong or blasphemous, we have every right to correct that person or organization. That is not being judgmental.

In todays society, Islam and Mormonism are becoming more and more mainstream, with so many people defending Islam because of Islamic terrorism. Mormonism is appearing in many places, from the popularity in politics and American issues because of Glenn Beck, and Mitt Romney, who is hoping for another shot at running for President in 2012 are Mormons. On my facebook page sidebar, there are constant advertisements for the Mormon church. Many of us have had visits from JW's, whether at our front doors or in grocerystore parking lots. I have a good friend, a sweet woman who has been a JW since birth, as her whole family are part of it. Each of these three groups have a huge world wide following which are growing alarmingly every year.

Why am I lumping these three religions together and calling them cults? One of the Merriam-Webster definitions of a cult is "a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also: its body of adherents." For Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness and Islam to either claim to be Christian or of the same God as the God of Christianity, yet have oppositional teaching to that of Biblical Christianity, that places them in the above catagory of a cult.

Let me explain. First, what do these three religions have in common with each other? For one thing, they each claim to be God's final revelation. They each claim, by their founders to have personally been visited or given this final revelation without witnesses, they each claim their own scriptures while being the final, true revelation, they still agree that the Bible (the King James Version) is also the Word of God. They all claim however that the Bible has been corrupted and that their version is the truth. They all claim that their religion is the only way to heaven (their version of it), that one must be a member in order to get to heaven, and each one depends on works to hopefully gain God's favor to get to heaven. Each of these religions came centuries after Christianity began, yet each claims that the Christian church is satanic, or full of error. Each of these recognize the name Jesus, but base their religion on a different Jesus than the Christ of Christianity. Each claim their founder as a prophet of God. Each of these groups while they may speak of the Christian Bible, their followers are not allowed to read anything religious outside of their own organization's literature or scripture. And lastly, each of these groups have either written rules or imply that if one of their members should say, convert to Christianity, they will be cut off from the their temple or meetings, shunned or disfellowshiped and disowned by their family and friends- or in the case of orthodox Islam, murdered for becoming an infidel.

Let's break these down further. Each believes their religion is God's final revelation. For Mormons, they claim Joseph Smith recieved gold plates from 2 beings believed to be God and Jesus- who told him that the Christian church was corrupted and satanic, and that these gold plates contained the true words of God. There were no witnesses when Smith supposedly met with these two bright and shining beings. JW's founder Charles Taze Russell recieved revelation from God that the Christian church was corrupted, and he started the new society of Witnesses. Although you won't hear any mention of Russell from any Witness today because of his er, checkered past, he founded the Watchtower organization- again on his own (mis)understanding of Bible Scripture without any witnesses. Muslims claim Mohummad was visited by an angel, Gabriel, and given the new and improved revelation of god's word. That Christians and Jews had it all wrong and corrupted the Word of God. Again, there were no witnesses of these angelic meetings. Interesting note however, Mohummad at least out of the three had questioned whether this angelic being was really of God or could it have been a jinn, demon.
Christianity is a contination of the Judeo belief of God the Creator, and the New Testament is comprised of letters and epistles of people who were either with Jesus during His earthly ministry or learned from actual witnesses of everything which happened during and immediately after His ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. There were plenty of witnesses to these events.

This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we all are witnesses. Acts 2:32
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Acts 10:39
But God raised him from the dead: And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people. Acts 13:30,31

Each group claim the Bible is corrupt, and only their version is the true final uncorruptable word. For each of the three claiming the Bible is corrupt, is a ridiculous claim in light of the fact that earliest manuscripts found have the same words of the more modern KJ version, the only differences or errors being grammatical. So in other words, all three men who claimed the Bible was corrupt, made this claim on the Bible or scriptures they had during their lifetime (500s for Mohummad, 1800s for Smith and T. Russell) yet after these guys died, the Dead Sea Scrolls came to light- proving the authenticity of our modern translation! It is interesting also to note, that each of these believe their scripture is the truth. All three of them are completely different from each other, yet each claim their version is true- so which one is? They can't all be. As well, in all three groups cases, their founders were admittedly either confused or did not understand Biblical doctrines such as the Trinity, or had dealings with multiple religious peoples such as Mohummad did, but only understood little of each different religion- enough to be confusing. Each man based an entirely new religion on their own ignorance of Biblical scripture and called theirs the true and new word.

Each of these men either claimed or are viewed by their followers as a prophet. The Bible discribes a false prophet as such in Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought and the deceit of their heart.

A simple look at what the prophets of God prophecied in the Bible, men such as Isaiah, Daniel, Micah, Jeremiah and others clearly were men who spoke the Authentic Word of God. none of these men were liars. Watchtower's first so called prophet, C.T. Russell was charged with purgery in a Court of Law for claiming to know how to read and translate Hebrew and Greek. He made predictions which dated when Jesus would come back and all JW's would inherit the new earth, and the first 144,000 Watchtower members would be the specially chosen ones to live in heaven. Since the dates set by Russell and some of his successors came and went more than a few times is enough by a Biblical plumbline to prove the founder and early leaders of the Watchtower Society as frauds. Perhaps that's why very rarely will one hear C.T. Russell's name mentioned among today's JW members. In fact, many young ones have never even heard of him! They follow a religion made up by this man, but have never heard of him?!Joseph Smith also is considered a prophet, along with every successor to the Mormon presidents ever since. Joseph Smith also made claims which were also proven to be frauds, mainly that the gold tablets were written ancient Egyptian hyroglyphics. Experts showed they were not. Smith also was known to dabble in the occult, which is strictly forbidden by God. Mohummad, as I said earlier, questioned his own sanity and wondered if he was visited by demons instead of an angel. He, being orphaned at an early age and raised by an uncle, travelled the middle eastern trade routes in his uncle's trade business, and learned many versions of mono and polytheism, that is, those who believe in 1 god and those who believe in many gods. He would have also been in contact with many Jews and Christians at that time who talked of the One True God. Somewhere along the line, he misunderstood the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and believed Christians worshiped God, Jesus and Mary, and considered them to be three separate gods. It wasn't until his "revelations" that he believed in allah, who, by the way, is not the same god as God, but an ancient Arab moon god. Mohummad married multiple wives, his youngest, he married when she was only 6 years old. He made war on those groups who did not convert to this new religion called Islam. His religion has caused 1400 years of bloodshed and/or oppression to women, children and those of other faiths.These three men are not prophets of God but instead the kind of men mentioned in the above verse of Jeremiah.

I don't want to drag on a long article (for once!) so let's look at just one more. Each of these groups preach a different Jesus than the Christ. Each claims to believe in Him, but none believe in the Christ of the Bible. JW's will try and twist scriptures and say that they know Jesus is the son of God. Their own "bible", the New World Translation adds translations, claiming original Greek or Hebrew, yet Greek and Hebrew scholars dispute these. For example, John 1:1 in the Bible says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The NWT adds an "a" before the word God, to say and the Word was a god. In truth, this means they either believe in more than one god- which is antiChristian, or their own explaination is that before Jesus came to earth, He was the archangel Michael. This is also antiChrist. Lastly, the Watchtower teaches their followers that their salvation depends on works, such as belonging to the Watchtower, reading only Watchtower publications and going door to door witnessing among other regulations.

Mormons teach that Jesus is actually Lucifer's brother. Lucifer as in Satan. They believe God was once a man, who is now one of many gods. They teach that those who belong to the Mormon Temple and observe all rights and laws, they too may become gods and have more "spirit children" and be in charge of their own planet some day. There are so many differences between the Mormon belief and the Christ of the Bible, it would be a whole new series to explain it all. Mormons also teach works based salvation, many of the same kinds that the Watchtower teaches, besides all of the man made rules of their faith.

Islam teaches that Jesus was one of the great prophets, with Mohummad being the last and greatest. They deny Christ's crucifixion, claiming allah would never have one of his prophets die in such a humiliating way. They believe that either someone else died in His place, or it never happened at all. They deny that God has a Son, that He is One and no partner is ascribed to Him. They believe that their 12th Imam will come in the end days and rule the world, and that Jesus will help. Again, there are so many differences, and Islam is totally antiChristian in it's teaching.

What it all comes down to is how people misunderstand or don't like what the Bible says. Each of these cults started with men who, without the Holy Spirit, didn't agree with certain parts of the Bible, or were totally ignorant of much of the central doctrine of the Christian faith. Everything depends on whether people agree that, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness (2Ti 3:16) or that Jesus is the Word and the Word is God as taught in John 1:1.

The Bible warns of false Christs, prophets and teachers. 1John 4:1 says, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Satan is discribed as an angel of light. Kind of gives a whole new spin on those bright beings Joseph Smith claimed he saw, and the angel Mohummad spoke to. After all, Satan has been trying to usurp God since time began, so it makes sense to have him telling people he is God to confuse them about the true God.

The Bible also warns about other gospels. 2Corinthians 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. Also, Galatiams 1:6,7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel :Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

The ultimate question we all must answer before we die, is who is going to save us? Who is going to save you? Will it be a society which based it's whole cult on a false prophet, proven liar and Biblically ignorant man? Or maybe you have visions of how cool it would be to be a god some day and rule your own universe... you could join the Mormon church for that fantasy, but the Temple will not save you. Many believe Islam is really a peaceful religion who has been hijacked by radicals who would pervert the true religion. These folks may want peace and a chance to raise their families without being labled as a terrorist- I can understand that, but Mohummad was a murderer, adulterer and had visions even he thought were of demons. Will he save you? Their god allah is fickle and does as he chooses. He never promises paradise to anyone, well except for those who die in jihad, but for everyone else, it's if allah wills it. So, you don't even know if you are saved or not.

Why not get to know Jesus? You don't have do go door to door, you don't have to fight a jihad. You only have to learn about Him through His Word, the Bible and trust in Him as your Lord and Savior. I've never disowned or broken relationships because family or friends have not believed in Christ, although I do pray for them because I love them! I have no doubts about what will happen when I die and where I'll be going- I hope you will make your choice now and have the same assurance.

What Will You Do When Persecution Comes?

We've all seen the stories and have been angry. You know, every Christmas and Easter time, the stories of banned nativities, Christ bashing "edgy" so called art shows, TV shows set out to disprove Christ. We see these same things year after year and get upset and angry, complain then get back to our everyday lives.
We've seen the stories about employees told to leave their Bibles and/or crosses at home, students told any Biblical based project is unacceptable. The list goes on and on and we get angry and talk about persecution and our rights being denied.
While it's unfortunate and even frustrating that our freedoms of worshiping in Christ's Name anywhere we choose is subject to fines and court trials- I have news. This is not persecution.
While most Christians in the West are having to be wary of threats of lawsuits, and called names for our beliefs- this is not even close to what Christians around the world are suffering.

My friend and brother in Christ David Jeffers wrote another excellent devotional this week which touched on this subject, and again, while I wasn't planning on writing anything about it myself, I have thought about what people think when they hear or use the word persecution.

While I haven't posted there regularly, I have another blog- Persecution Pages, which in detail shows the kinds of horrific, brutal ways in which Christians are truly persecuted world wide for their belief in Christ. What we experience in the West is sad, but laughable if one was to call it persecution.

Jesus warned His believers that persecution would come to His own. Some reason we in America have either forgotten this, or not thought it could be possible to happen in a Christian country. I do have news for you- America is not a Christian country anymore, and hasn't been for decades. While more people still claim Christianity as their religion, true Biblical Christianity has long been in decline. Even so, I don't recall reading anywhere in the Bible that those who follow Christ will be persecuted except for those in America.
Be warned- persecution will come here. The question is, what will you do when it does come?

Do you have any idea what true persecution is yet? People are being beaten, burned out of their homes, mutilated, thrown in prison or labor camps, re education camps, women and children are raped, tortured in unimaginable ways and then almost blessedly being put to death- all because they trust and love Christ Jesus.

We whine because we're called names. I've done it. We complain because we can't pray out loud at a public place. What in the world will we do when real persecution comes?

As for me, I've been praying for a while that Jesus will give me what I need to endure anything, because suffering for Him will be a blessing. To be counted among some of those who have suffered much- I can't really grasp it, but I pray that I will show as much courage, boldness and witness as those who suffer every day around this globe do. I believe the Bible- and I take it literally. That means the not so pleasant parts are just as real and True as the happy parts. Persecution will come. How much, I don't know- because things also are pointing to the Lord's return soon as well.

I know this isn't one of my better articles, and there could be more said here. I am still not quite over my flu or whatever it is- but this is an important thing we all need to think about, and I thank David for bringing it to my thoughts this week. I have not really had the energy though to put it into better form.

One last thought- those who may want to have a relationship with Jesus, but don't want any of this persecution stuff. Please consider, this life is temporary, and soon to end. We never know when it's our time to go. To give your heart and life to Jesus now while you can may mean a time of pain and suffering in this life- but in eternity, where life really begins, so many blessings will be waiting for those who pick up their crosses and follow Him! Please- Read His Word, and put your trust in the Living Word, Jesus. He loves you more than you can ever know.

Too Bad to be Saved?

A while back in my life, I used to think I was too unlovable. I thought I'd done too many bad things, that Jesus could never accept me. I have gone through a lot of depression, and self loathing for much of my life- and it always seemed to get worse when I was close to accepting Jesus as my savior. This message is for those who believe as I did, that you are too bad to save.

You may believe that you have done too many bad things in your life- that Jesus could never offer you redemption. Maybe you've been a drug addict. Abused a spouse or child. Maybe you're addicted to pornography, killed someone, robbed someone. Or, maybe like me, you have always had a poor self image, and figured you're just not good enough. Let me start by showing what the Bible- the Word of Jesus tells us.

You'll probably recognise this one, as it's been displayed at more sporting events than any other quote: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3 :16

Do you see, God loved the whole world. That means He loves everyone who has ever existed on this planet from the very beginning. Imagine God Almighty, giving His only son-as a sacrifice, if He didn't care or love us. He wouldn't have, if he didn't.

Has there ever been anyone who is perfect? I used to think so. I remembered stories from when I was little, about people in the Bible. Those heroes whose names everyone knows. Moses and King David come to mind. These two men were known to have known God face to face, in Moses' case, and he also walked with the Lord. He trusted in God when God told him how to free the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. And when Moses died, it was God, Himself who buried Moses! David was known to be a man after God's own heart. He was chosen by the Lord, when he was still a young shepherd, to be the King of Israel! The Lord made a covenant with David, that his throne would be everlasting, and the Messiah would come from the house of David. David wrote and sang Psalms to the Lord.There was also a woman named Rahab back in the earliest days when the Israeli people were coming to their inheritance of the promised land by God. Rahab, who by saving the lives of two Israeli men, saved her own life and lives of her family. The Lord commanded that Joshua and the Israelites to conquer the city of Jericho in order to enter the land promised through Abraham and Isaac. When it was destroyed, Rahab and her family were spared. Rahab went on to have children, whose direct lineage led to King David, and centuries later, to Jesus through Mary and Joseph.
Two things are common between these three people. Yes, they all trusted in God and were used and blessed by Him. They did, because of His love for them and all mankind, incredible deeds. The other, in which we all have in common, is they and we are sinners. They did bad things. How bad, I mean, they couldn't have done all that much if God used them and loved them so much, right? I'll let you decide.
Moses murdered an Egyptian official. He then ran away to escape punishment. King David had one of his own men in his army killed. On purpose. Premeditated. Why did he do such a thing? David fell in love with the man's wife, Bathsheba and wanted her. He lusted after her until the plan for murder came into his thoughts. He had the man killed in battle, then took Bathsheba as a wife. He committed adultery.What about this woman, Rahab? She must have been a blessed and Godly woman to have saved the lives of two strangers! Nope. She was a prostitute. Imagine that! The Lord Jesus' earthly ancestors consisted of murderers and a prostitute among others.
These three people knew the Lord is God, and God knew them. He knew their deeds, good and bad, and He knew their hearts. He knew them in ways we can never know, how these, others, and you and I can be not only saved, but also be used by the Lord to do great and mighty things.
Just in case you're still not convinced, let's look at two more people. Peter and Paul, two men who were instrumental in spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the known world. Peter was one of Jesus' first disciples. He was the first to testify Jesus as the Son of the Living God, the Christ. Peter later went on to spread the Gospel message all through the Roman districts of Palestine. He healed the sick and even raised the dead! All of these happened after he denied Jesus. When Jesus was arrested, Peter lied three time about his knowing Jesus, to avoid being arrested as well. So, in essence, Peter was a liar and a coward. Paul who went on to be one of the most influential missionaries of the time, travelled throughout the Roman Empire and the near east to spread the Gospel to all races. Many people in far lands who never would have come to know Salvation through Christ learned the Gospel because of Paul. Did you know however, Paul whose name was originally Saul, had imprisoned and killed early Christian believers? He was legalistic, a hypocrite, murderer and a bully.
Again, the Lord knew these men's hearts and saw their actions. Yet He saw something in them, that they themselves didn't know existed. He had a purpose for these two, and for people of the Old Testament times, just as He has a purpose for you and I.

There's an old hymn which goes, Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me..And that thou bidd'st me come to thee... O Lamb of God, I come. I come.

You see, Jesus knows all of our deeds- those which may be hidden from other people, and those which are seen by many. Just as Moses, Rahab, David and others, Jesus knows our hearts and our sins. But He is bidding us to come! He loves us, is calling to us. He doesn't look at past sins with hatred for us, He looks at us lost sinners and longs to give us refuge and rest, love and comfort- and most of all, freedom from our sins. He created us. He knew us before we were born. He knows our outward and inward thoughts, but remember that scripture verse- For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.

Listen. I once had a wonderful woman who helped me through one of the most difficult and painful times in my life. She knew of my thinking that my sins were too bad, that Jesus could never love me. She gently showed me, that me thinking that way was making God too small, and Jesus' suffering on the cross insignificant.Can you understand that? I have to admit, my first reaction was to deny it, but as I thought about it more, it was clear, she was right.
If you, or someone you care about has come to believe that Jesus is the Savior, and that He is real and true, but have the same notions I did, please think about what He sacrificed.

Think about the bad things people have done throughout history. If God can forgive them, can He not forgive you? Yes He can and will!! He is willing to forgive the worst of the worst crimes if the person is willing to ask for forgiveness and put their trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
The enemy, the Devil (and Yes, he is very real) knows how simple it is for a sinner to be saved. He is accusing us continuously! He dredges up every last thing we've ever done and tries to convince us we are too bad to be saved. Please don't let that devil keep you from eternity with your Father in heaven who adores you! Come just as you are, and leave the burden of your sins at the foot of the cross. No sin is too big for Jesus, who forgave the very ones who nailed Him to that cross.