Constitution of the United States : Bill of Rights 1st 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.
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Prov. 21:23
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Prov.17:28
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Prov. 10:19
There are more than 60 references to the tongue in the Bible, and nearly that many to words. There is power in the tongue, and power in words. Most of us have heard the sayings, "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me". How about this one, Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18
Speech is a powerful thing. It makes people think, it helps people form ideas, expresses emotion, helps us communicate. Words can heal a sad heart, words can even heal a hurting or diseased body. Words can heal, but they can kill too. They can kill a spirit, they can harm a person's character, they can cause all kinds of hurt. Words can convict, and words can liberate- it all depends on how we use them.
Have I said things I regret? Oh yeah. I've said things- stupid and hurtful things, I've said things I'm ashamed of. Thankfully, I am learning- although slowly, to tame my tongue, but I have to admit that it gets the best of me still- proving nothing really, except that I am still foolish and sinful. I hope that someday I can have more control over what comes out of my mouth.
So, what am I leading up to this time. I've been quiet about this for some time, but ever since last summer, I have been quietly watching, listening and getting a little p'd off with what I am hearing. Not only what, but whom I am hearing from. Now, I know that most folks who read this are on the same side of the political fence as me, and in many, if not most ways, we are much the same thought on Biblical perspectives. Every now and then, I get people commenting who are in complete disagreement with my views. That's OK though. Oftentimes I wish there were more who were in disagreement, because that makes for interesting and different views. It seems to me though, that more and more people are showing total disrespect, bitterness, hate and nastiness in their words these days. Not only in the comment sections of most news and opinion columns, but from that bastion of "Free speech and of the press", those who deliver their views every day on cable and news columns. Not only from the press, but politicians themselves.
Used to be that politics was dirty- only it was during campaigns where the mud was slung towards opponents who were also campaigning. Now, it is the politicians who are slinging mud to those who put them in office. The press used to comment on dirty politics- now they revel and roll around in it themselves, adding to the muck. The people commenting only pile it on higher.
Now, it is from all sides. Not just a liberal thing, nor a republican thing, although those on the left love to point out how hateful, bigoted and narrow minded those on the right are. When a politician on the right shouts out the word "Lier", he is somehow hateful and racist. Sure, the guy could have held his tongue at least until the end of the speech, but in light of certain ways in which the present administration is working, there is much truth to the word which was shouted. Race and hate had nothing to do with it. Seems that the left can go 8 years calling the president all kinds of things from Nazi to lier, from murderer to racist- and everything is OK because it's their right to voice a redress. When it is the right who call out socialist, and voice anger over out of control spending and dubious practices, they are unpatriotic, fear spreading, racist hate mongers.
People on the left claim that "right wing" blog sites and radio hosts are full of hatred, bigoted and incite violence. People who comment on news are described as narrow minded, uneducated and backwards. Anyone who speaks from a Christian viewpoint is homophobic, xenophobic, racist, bigoted, hate filled taliban.
From all directions lately, these kinds of words have been directed at folks like me, who happen to be pro life, pro marriage, pro Christian values, pro Constitution, pro small government, pro free market, pro conservative, pro founding principals and pro individual rights. Every time I hear or see words from a politician or a member of the press, describing folks like me, I feel it directed at me, and at so many other good and loving folks who believe in the same ideas as I do.
Every time I have heard these: gun toting, Bible clinging, uneducated, backwoods, hick, inbred, racist, hatemonger, terrorist, extremest, teabagger, throwback, Christian taliban, homophobic, lier- I tend to take it personally. It makes me sad to see elected officials describing their constituents in such degrading terms as "teabaggers" because they know it will offend. To hear them call their constituents fear mongers and hate mongers because they are standing up for their rights under the 1st Amendment, and actually involving themselves in town hall meetings. Since when have town hall meetings only been open to those who agree with politicians anyway? How can there be a discussion about an important issue when the people have read a proposed bill, but the politician has not? How can there be a discussion when the only ones welcome to speak are those who agree?
When someone who is running for the President of the United States of America can give a speech to one segment of society, those who are among the wealthiest and elite, claim he is for the average American, for the poor, then insult a good portion of that very part of society, this saddens me. To be called bigoted, Bible clinging.. well, even he has the freedom to speak doesn't he.
What makes me sad though really, is that there are some very good people who look up to these name calling foolish people. They are so blinded by the smoothness, they are deaf to the fact that we are being insulted on a daily basis. I have said before that I have been insulted many times for my Bible believing views, and I am used to it. Does that mean I like it? No. I don't. Much of is is very offensive to me. It hurts- as words do. Does that mean I want them silenced? Nope. Not at all. They have every right to speak freely. From my thinking, they can keep it up, because it just re affirms how foolish and hateful they are. Maybe some day, more of us can speak in edifying and loving ways even when we disagree. Some day, our passions will not rule our mouths.
I am learning from the Ultimate Word- Jesus, that words count in so many ways- for good or bad, and I pray and try and help others to learn too. The Lord has given us the right and ability to all speech, and our forefathers realized that right when they wrote our Constitution, and I have no right to take that away from anyone. All I would ask, is that, you join me, and try and think about the power we do have, and use it for goodness.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Are We Ready to Man the Battle Stations?
Sometimes I don't know if my imagination is running away with me. Most times, I know that there are things going on which most people would say I'm crazy for believing in. Others, like me, know that times are coming, times foretold about, which are real and not just a figment of an overactive imagination.
My favorite books and movies are the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which I just finished watching this evening. Maybe this is the reason for my present mood- which is a mix of hope, sadness, faith and melancholy. Any time I read (or watch) I see so much of a parallel between our reality and the struggle for middle earth, which in the fantasy, the victory over evil was helped to be won by a small group of folk, among them future king, an elf, dwarf, regal men and 4 small hobbits. The thing which makes this victory so incredible is not just the mighty men who fought, but the small, seeming quiet and insignificant hobbits, which without them, middle earth would have been lost and been subject to the evil master Sauron. These little folk knew that they weren't built for battle, and had never imagined life outside of their comfortable "Shire". They never would have believed that they would be used in such mighty ways in which to destroy the evil which was ready to take over the world.
What I appreciate so much about this movie is not necessarily the fight of good vs. evil. More in the character of those who fought. These characters were not usually brothers in arms- example, dwarfs and elves were almost enemies, and men were not high on the list of either race. Hobbits were unknown to many men, and thought insignificant by most others. With the fellowship of the ring, these folk were brought together by a purpose much larger than themselves, and knowing that the future of middle earth depended on their purpose, they banded together to do what they didn't want to have to do.
Loyalty to one another was the biggest part, because without loyalty, they would not be able to fight alone in singular battles. Bravery- to go into the heat, not knowing the outcome, but going anyway, because to run away was unthinkable. Courage to fight for something, believing though that the odds were so great for failure, but doing it anyway. Love- to put their lives before their friends, because death is temporary, but love lasts forever.
In our life time, we are seeing so many things coming into the world, which eventually will change the world as none have ever imagined. Those of us who know the prophecies and trust in the One who wrote them know that good will win, that evil will be thwarted for ever. Those of us who trust in the prophecies of the Bible- and the Word of God, have a choice. We can sit back and let others do the jobs in which our Lord asks all of His to do, or we can go boldly forward to battle. What we do will not bring about prophecies any faster, nor will whatever we do slow down the time of the end. All we can do is do whatever our Lord calls us to do- the rest is all in His time.
Will I ever be asked to go forward in the front of battle? I have no idea really. I know sometimes I feel like I'm tired of living a quiet life- seeming insignificant, never really moving away from my comfort zone. I have yet to really have need to show or act courageously. Loyal and showing love? I sure hope so- but that's something that I won't know the full impact on anything until my part is done.I hope I can know my role- if I hear and obey my Lord's battle plans for me. I don't want to go into the heat of the battle, the front lines- but if it is required, I pray that I can go with hope and courage, the strength of Jesus going before me. Much like the Lady Eowen, I want to go if asked- if only my Lord would ask me, because I don't want to live out my life in comfortable obscurity, which is expected of most people these days. I don't want to go into battle- but I don't want to sit back and give up either. The Bible talks about everyone who is in the Body of Christ. I may only be a toe- small, usually ignored or insignificant, but if there's a pain in the toe- the whole body is effected. I want to be where the Lord asks me to be. Am I ready to listen to Him? Are you?
Will we be living quiet Christian lives, going about without shining light in our evil world? Will we sit by as lies and corruption take over? To let cruelty go on without raising our voices? Or will we follow the Lord's plan for each of us- most likely taking us where we don't really want to go, but knowing that if we choose to "stay in the Shire", people who don't know of coming dangers will die because of our inaction?
People think I'm crazy because I see the Bible in every news story of every day. People think I'm jugemental, mean, and bigoted because I trust in the Whole Word of the Lord. Because I know Jesus is the only way- the Life the Truth and the Only Way. I'm used to that. Will I be able to stand- much like Stephen, before the persecutors who kill me? Will I be able to stand and show Christ while in chains like Paul? The thought of those things make me afraid- but the outcome, I know that is where what hope I have lies. I pray I can live for Christ- with loyalty, be in chains for Him with bravery and courage, show His love when I am in death for His sake. What about you my brothers and sisters?
Frodo asks Sam, "What are we fighting for Sam?" "We're fighting for what's good in the world Mr. Frodo.
Jesus tells us this world will pass- but we need to fight for what's good in the next. The only good- Jesus, whom so many still do not know or believe. We need to fight for them. I don't want to be quiet anymore.
My favorite books and movies are the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which I just finished watching this evening. Maybe this is the reason for my present mood- which is a mix of hope, sadness, faith and melancholy. Any time I read (or watch) I see so much of a parallel between our reality and the struggle for middle earth, which in the fantasy, the victory over evil was helped to be won by a small group of folk, among them future king, an elf, dwarf, regal men and 4 small hobbits. The thing which makes this victory so incredible is not just the mighty men who fought, but the small, seeming quiet and insignificant hobbits, which without them, middle earth would have been lost and been subject to the evil master Sauron. These little folk knew that they weren't built for battle, and had never imagined life outside of their comfortable "Shire". They never would have believed that they would be used in such mighty ways in which to destroy the evil which was ready to take over the world.
What I appreciate so much about this movie is not necessarily the fight of good vs. evil. More in the character of those who fought. These characters were not usually brothers in arms- example, dwarfs and elves were almost enemies, and men were not high on the list of either race. Hobbits were unknown to many men, and thought insignificant by most others. With the fellowship of the ring, these folk were brought together by a purpose much larger than themselves, and knowing that the future of middle earth depended on their purpose, they banded together to do what they didn't want to have to do.
Loyalty to one another was the biggest part, because without loyalty, they would not be able to fight alone in singular battles. Bravery- to go into the heat, not knowing the outcome, but going anyway, because to run away was unthinkable. Courage to fight for something, believing though that the odds were so great for failure, but doing it anyway. Love- to put their lives before their friends, because death is temporary, but love lasts forever.
In our life time, we are seeing so many things coming into the world, which eventually will change the world as none have ever imagined. Those of us who know the prophecies and trust in the One who wrote them know that good will win, that evil will be thwarted for ever. Those of us who trust in the prophecies of the Bible- and the Word of God, have a choice. We can sit back and let others do the jobs in which our Lord asks all of His to do, or we can go boldly forward to battle. What we do will not bring about prophecies any faster, nor will whatever we do slow down the time of the end. All we can do is do whatever our Lord calls us to do- the rest is all in His time.
Will I ever be asked to go forward in the front of battle? I have no idea really. I know sometimes I feel like I'm tired of living a quiet life- seeming insignificant, never really moving away from my comfort zone. I have yet to really have need to show or act courageously. Loyal and showing love? I sure hope so- but that's something that I won't know the full impact on anything until my part is done.I hope I can know my role- if I hear and obey my Lord's battle plans for me. I don't want to go into the heat of the battle, the front lines- but if it is required, I pray that I can go with hope and courage, the strength of Jesus going before me. Much like the Lady Eowen, I want to go if asked- if only my Lord would ask me, because I don't want to live out my life in comfortable obscurity, which is expected of most people these days. I don't want to go into battle- but I don't want to sit back and give up either. The Bible talks about everyone who is in the Body of Christ. I may only be a toe- small, usually ignored or insignificant, but if there's a pain in the toe- the whole body is effected. I want to be where the Lord asks me to be. Am I ready to listen to Him? Are you?
Will we be living quiet Christian lives, going about without shining light in our evil world? Will we sit by as lies and corruption take over? To let cruelty go on without raising our voices? Or will we follow the Lord's plan for each of us- most likely taking us where we don't really want to go, but knowing that if we choose to "stay in the Shire", people who don't know of coming dangers will die because of our inaction?
People think I'm crazy because I see the Bible in every news story of every day. People think I'm jugemental, mean, and bigoted because I trust in the Whole Word of the Lord. Because I know Jesus is the only way- the Life the Truth and the Only Way. I'm used to that. Will I be able to stand- much like Stephen, before the persecutors who kill me? Will I be able to stand and show Christ while in chains like Paul? The thought of those things make me afraid- but the outcome, I know that is where what hope I have lies. I pray I can live for Christ- with loyalty, be in chains for Him with bravery and courage, show His love when I am in death for His sake. What about you my brothers and sisters?
Frodo asks Sam, "What are we fighting for Sam?" "We're fighting for what's good in the world Mr. Frodo.
Jesus tells us this world will pass- but we need to fight for what's good in the next. The only good- Jesus, whom so many still do not know or believe. We need to fight for them. I don't want to be quiet anymore.
Friday, December 18, 2009
And The Beat Goes On- towards a one world government
I've been pretty quiet lately about all the global warming scam news. I've gone from being livid at the so called elites dictating what we are all going to do in stamping out global warming and listening to drippy commercials with little kids telling me we're all going to die (or is that fry?) if we don't stop being greedy capitalist pigs. I've also had some pretty good laughs at the green guru, algore getting caught in more and more lies every time he gasses up the private jet and opens his mouth at some gala. It really makes the Bible verses from 1 Corinthians come alive! You know, "For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate", and "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom". 1:19 and 1:25 a
I had to finally say something though- as this is such a major setting up of Biblical prophecy- almost as big as Israel becoming a nation again. What is happening now over in Copenhagen, will have severe consequences for all Western nations (read- those who are the more rich and more free countries) wherein our hard earned money will be taken and given to the poor undeveloped countries- where you and I will be told how much and what kinds of cars, light bulbs, homes, energy and properties we may use and buy, all the while paying massive cap and trade taxes so the rest of the world can be "paid back" for our polluting the rest of the world- the greedy buggers we've been. While I know that America's role will decrease- is decreasing, in the world, according to the Bible, I am sick and so tired of being blamed for something that is non existent, and having our liberal traitors who happen to work in their cushy Washington offices at our expense, flying off in multiple jets to other countries to trash America!
Hilarity Clinton just pledged that the US would contribute to a 100 BILLION dollar fund (per year mind you!) which will go toward cutting so called green house gasses and giving financial aid to underdeveloped countries. Now, remember- the greenhouse gasses they're talking about is carbon dioxide. You know, the gas that human beings breath out, plants breath in to produce oxygen for human beings to breath in? We will be essentially taxed for breathing. Do you breath? What about drive a car? You'll be taxed on both. Or, maybe you live in the city and you ride a bike instead of driving. Stupid as it sounds, you are detrimental to the environment, because if you exert yourself while biking, you're breathing in and out more, thereby contributing more greenhouse gasses than say, some slob who sits on his couch all day.
See how stupid this all is? What about those curly light bulbs? Got them yet? You know, the ones which contain enough mercury to require a hazmat team to come clean up if one happens to break in your house? You know that regular old fashioned wasteful American invented and American made incandescent bulbs will be banned in 2 years? This is just the beginning.
Now, for the second part of this whole hoax. The greenies, "scientists", professors and environmental think tanks, elitist government officials and guys like algore stand to rake in billions once these ridiculous laws go into effect. Oh, but they will have to cut back too! After all, they care about the environment so much! WRONG! Algore spends more in home energy in one month than the whole state of Tennessee does in a year. The guy flies all around the world, owns SUV's and leaves massive carbon prints all over the world. He's not the only one who's a hypocrite. Remember Sheryl Crowe? Miss 1 square of toilet paper? Sure, she drives to her concerts in a bio fuel bus- but she has a convoy (er, entourage) of 20 SUV's driving with her to evey concert. Look at the environmental waste of those attending the Copenhagen summit! Everyone comes in their own jets- so many that Denmark can't handle them all! They are having to divert planes to places such as Germany, and then those folks have to drive (in limousines!) to Copenhagen. There were not enough limos in the country, they had to import dozens just for this event.
These people go around making plans for the rest of us, while jet setting and globe trotting telling each other how much they care- and justify it by telling us how much energy we will be allowed to consume, and patting themselves on the back by "buying" carbon offsets. Oh, and I think I've mentioned it before- algore owns major stock in the offset racket.
Think about it. If there were no global warming (or now that it's so darned cold- it's now called climate change) the think tanks and scientists would be out of jobs, or there would be no reason to receive government grants to study anything. Algore would have to give back his Nobel prize and oscar, and admit that his inconvenient movie was a scam from the get go. He'd have to fade back into obscurity in his palatial home in Tennessee. There would be .... drum role please, no reason to dictate to the rest of the world on what they can or can't do. There would be no reason for world governments to come together to plan on world government.
All these people are totally aware that they propagate a lie. They all know there is no such thing as man made global /climate change, that it's a natural occurrence for the earth's temperatures to fluctuate depending on the sun, natural events such as volcanic activity and such.
Here's a couple of snippets from some of the world's "experts", then I'll make my close.
Isn’t the only hope for the planet that the industrialized civilizations collapse? Isn’t it our responsibility to bring that about?” – Maurice Strong, founder of the UN Environment Programme
No matter if the science of global warming is all phony… climate change provides the greatest opportunity to bring about justice and equality in the world.” – Christine Stewart, former Canadian Minister of the Environment
Quote by Louis Proyect, Columbia University: “The answer to global warming is in the abolition of private property and production for human need. A socialist world would place an enormous priority on alternative energy sources. This is what ecologically-minded socialists have been exploring for quite some time now.”
Quote by Michael Oppenheimer, major environmentalist: “The only hope for the world is to make sure there is not another United States. We can’t let other countries have the same number of cars, the amount of industrialization, we have in the US. We have to stop these Third World countries right where they are.”
Quote by Paul Ehrlich, professor, Stanford University: “Giving society cheap, abundant energy would be the equivalent of giving an idiot child a machine gun.”
Quote by Ted Turner, billionaire, founder of CNN and major UN donor: “A total population of 250-300 million people, a 95% decline from present levels, would be ideal.”
Quote by Timoth Wirth, U.S./UN functionary, former elected Democrat: “We’ve got to ride the global-warming issue. Even if the theory of global warming is wrong, we will be doing the right thing in terms of economic policy and environmental policy.”
Quote by Richard Benedik, former U.S./UN bureaucrat: “A global climate treaty must be implemented even if there is no scientific evidence to back the greenhouse effect.”
Quote by David Frame, climate modeler, Oxford University: “Rather than seeing models as describing literal truth, we ought to see them as convenient fictions which try to provide something useful.”
Isn't that something. These are the same kinds of people who believe that Biblical Christians are dangerous because we believe in the Second coming of Christ. They call us flat earthers and deniers. Funny, some people who were Biblically ignorant in the middle ages may have thought the earth was flat- but it took a knowledge of the Bible to prove that it was not!
These folks would call me an idiot and naive because I know there will be a one world government, run by the Antichrist because the Bible foretold it. They would pooh pooh such an idea of creation, and the radical thought that man can not change the world. To these folks, the idea of man causing the earth to melt is completely rational, but the fact that Jesus Christ will create a new heaven and new earth is a fairy tale. These folks who believe not on the idea of a fallen world through sin, but an uneducated world where folks can learn to become a perfect Utopian "garden of Eden" by a small group of enlightened elites who know what's best for the masses. These people who do not believe in God Almighty, but god the man, who has the power to change the climate- for worse as in the case of greedy capitalists, or for better as in the case of compassionate socialist dictators.
I will never believe in the global warming/change hoax. The Bible is clear in the fact that God is the Creator, and that He would not create a planet which was not sustainable for the whole people population. To suggest that man can make or break "mother earth" is a pompous, arrogant and ridiculous claim. The Bible is clear in the fact that in the end times, which is rapidly approaching, there will be a one world government. At the beginning of the Antichrist's rise to power, this man will seen benevolent and kind hearted, only wanting the very best for mankind. In a few short years however, he will show himself, to be the evil, satanic beast he really is. When Christ comes back and finally puts Satan in his place, then the old earth and old heavens will pass away. That, my friends, is the true story of the end- not the sky is falling kind of chicken little message which is global warming.
Global warming needs no savior. We as people do- and I've found Him -Jesus. I pray you will find Him too- before He comes and your chance is gone.
I had to finally say something though- as this is such a major setting up of Biblical prophecy- almost as big as Israel becoming a nation again. What is happening now over in Copenhagen, will have severe consequences for all Western nations (read- those who are the more rich and more free countries) wherein our hard earned money will be taken and given to the poor undeveloped countries- where you and I will be told how much and what kinds of cars, light bulbs, homes, energy and properties we may use and buy, all the while paying massive cap and trade taxes so the rest of the world can be "paid back" for our polluting the rest of the world- the greedy buggers we've been. While I know that America's role will decrease- is decreasing, in the world, according to the Bible, I am sick and so tired of being blamed for something that is non existent, and having our liberal traitors who happen to work in their cushy Washington offices at our expense, flying off in multiple jets to other countries to trash America!
Hilarity Clinton just pledged that the US would contribute to a 100 BILLION dollar fund (per year mind you!) which will go toward cutting so called green house gasses and giving financial aid to underdeveloped countries. Now, remember- the greenhouse gasses they're talking about is carbon dioxide. You know, the gas that human beings breath out, plants breath in to produce oxygen for human beings to breath in? We will be essentially taxed for breathing. Do you breath? What about drive a car? You'll be taxed on both. Or, maybe you live in the city and you ride a bike instead of driving. Stupid as it sounds, you are detrimental to the environment, because if you exert yourself while biking, you're breathing in and out more, thereby contributing more greenhouse gasses than say, some slob who sits on his couch all day.
See how stupid this all is? What about those curly light bulbs? Got them yet? You know, the ones which contain enough mercury to require a hazmat team to come clean up if one happens to break in your house? You know that regular old fashioned wasteful American invented and American made incandescent bulbs will be banned in 2 years? This is just the beginning.
Now, for the second part of this whole hoax. The greenies, "scientists", professors and environmental think tanks, elitist government officials and guys like algore stand to rake in billions once these ridiculous laws go into effect. Oh, but they will have to cut back too! After all, they care about the environment so much! WRONG! Algore spends more in home energy in one month than the whole state of Tennessee does in a year. The guy flies all around the world, owns SUV's and leaves massive carbon prints all over the world. He's not the only one who's a hypocrite. Remember Sheryl Crowe? Miss 1 square of toilet paper? Sure, she drives to her concerts in a bio fuel bus- but she has a convoy (er, entourage) of 20 SUV's driving with her to evey concert. Look at the environmental waste of those attending the Copenhagen summit! Everyone comes in their own jets- so many that Denmark can't handle them all! They are having to divert planes to places such as Germany, and then those folks have to drive (in limousines!) to Copenhagen. There were not enough limos in the country, they had to import dozens just for this event.
These people go around making plans for the rest of us, while jet setting and globe trotting telling each other how much they care- and justify it by telling us how much energy we will be allowed to consume, and patting themselves on the back by "buying" carbon offsets. Oh, and I think I've mentioned it before- algore owns major stock in the offset racket.
Think about it. If there were no global warming (or now that it's so darned cold- it's now called climate change) the think tanks and scientists would be out of jobs, or there would be no reason to receive government grants to study anything. Algore would have to give back his Nobel prize and oscar, and admit that his inconvenient movie was a scam from the get go. He'd have to fade back into obscurity in his palatial home in Tennessee. There would be .... drum role please, no reason to dictate to the rest of the world on what they can or can't do. There would be no reason for world governments to come together to plan on world government.
All these people are totally aware that they propagate a lie. They all know there is no such thing as man made global /climate change, that it's a natural occurrence for the earth's temperatures to fluctuate depending on the sun, natural events such as volcanic activity and such.
Here's a couple of snippets from some of the world's "experts", then I'll make my close.
Isn’t the only hope for the planet that the industrialized civilizations collapse? Isn’t it our responsibility to bring that about?” – Maurice Strong, founder of the UN Environment Programme
No matter if the science of global warming is all phony… climate change provides the greatest opportunity to bring about justice and equality in the world.” – Christine Stewart, former Canadian Minister of the Environment
Quote by Louis Proyect, Columbia University: “The answer to global warming is in the abolition of private property and production for human need. A socialist world would place an enormous priority on alternative energy sources. This is what ecologically-minded socialists have been exploring for quite some time now.”
Quote by Michael Oppenheimer, major environmentalist: “The only hope for the world is to make sure there is not another United States. We can’t let other countries have the same number of cars, the amount of industrialization, we have in the US. We have to stop these Third World countries right where they are.”
Quote by Paul Ehrlich, professor, Stanford University: “Giving society cheap, abundant energy would be the equivalent of giving an idiot child a machine gun.”
Quote by Ted Turner, billionaire, founder of CNN and major UN donor: “A total population of 250-300 million people, a 95% decline from present levels, would be ideal.”
Quote by Timoth Wirth, U.S./UN functionary, former elected Democrat: “We’ve got to ride the global-warming issue. Even if the theory of global warming is wrong, we will be doing the right thing in terms of economic policy and environmental policy.”
Quote by Richard Benedik, former U.S./UN bureaucrat: “A global climate treaty must be implemented even if there is no scientific evidence to back the greenhouse effect.”
Quote by David Frame, climate modeler, Oxford University: “Rather than seeing models as describing literal truth, we ought to see them as convenient fictions which try to provide something useful.”
Isn't that something. These are the same kinds of people who believe that Biblical Christians are dangerous because we believe in the Second coming of Christ. They call us flat earthers and deniers. Funny, some people who were Biblically ignorant in the middle ages may have thought the earth was flat- but it took a knowledge of the Bible to prove that it was not!
These folks would call me an idiot and naive because I know there will be a one world government, run by the Antichrist because the Bible foretold it. They would pooh pooh such an idea of creation, and the radical thought that man can not change the world. To these folks, the idea of man causing the earth to melt is completely rational, but the fact that Jesus Christ will create a new heaven and new earth is a fairy tale. These folks who believe not on the idea of a fallen world through sin, but an uneducated world where folks can learn to become a perfect Utopian "garden of Eden" by a small group of enlightened elites who know what's best for the masses. These people who do not believe in God Almighty, but god the man, who has the power to change the climate- for worse as in the case of greedy capitalists, or for better as in the case of compassionate socialist dictators.
I will never believe in the global warming/change hoax. The Bible is clear in the fact that God is the Creator, and that He would not create a planet which was not sustainable for the whole people population. To suggest that man can make or break "mother earth" is a pompous, arrogant and ridiculous claim. The Bible is clear in the fact that in the end times, which is rapidly approaching, there will be a one world government. At the beginning of the Antichrist's rise to power, this man will seen benevolent and kind hearted, only wanting the very best for mankind. In a few short years however, he will show himself, to be the evil, satanic beast he really is. When Christ comes back and finally puts Satan in his place, then the old earth and old heavens will pass away. That, my friends, is the true story of the end- not the sky is falling kind of chicken little message which is global warming.
Global warming needs no savior. We as people do- and I've found Him -Jesus. I pray you will find Him too- before He comes and your chance is gone.
Monday, November 23, 2009
God Does Judge
I was reading a commentary by WorldNet Daily's Joseph Farah earlier tonight, and it was a well written form of something that has been on my mind for quite a long time. You can read his column here. His article basically said that Government does not give rights (they are, as our Founding Fathers recognized, given by God) and that government can not, and should not condone sin. The fact that the homosexual lobby has been so successful in the past decade to not only push for tolerance, but for acceptance under threat of prosecution (through hate crimes legislation), is like a plumb line of how far America, and many other countries have drifted so far into immorality. Now, before I get called out as a homophobe or intolerant bigot, or whatever else, it's not only homosexuality which is such a rampant and public acceptance of sin in our society. It's all sexual sin- whether adultery, homosexuality, pornography, pedophilia, and the high numbers of kids having sex. All these things are rampant in our society, and it shows how far we have gone from God.
I find that for the homosexual issues, is that when Lawrence Vs Texas was big news, about allowing homosexuality to be legal in that state, the main question was what right does anyone have to go into a private bedroom and dictate what 2 consenting adults can do?
I can admit that's a fair question, and the answer is clearly- no one has that right. However- and that's a BIG however, when that practice steps out of the bounds of personal property and openly flaunts it in the public forum, and when it is forced by threats of law, that's when it no longer is private and only between 2 people.
Private sin- that is, the behavior between one person and God, is just that- between them and God. When the State, or Country government allows, promotes and affirms such as a special right, which is to be accepted - that makes it a national sin, no longer between one person and God but the whole society and God. When homosexuals have their "gay pride" parades, they openly flaunt and outrageously shove something the majority of society believe is abhorrent and sinful behavior. When homosexual groups go after churches and individuals because we oppose same sex marriage, it is no longer private. When these same groups trample the Constitutional will of the people of states, it is no longer private. It is now between the states and God.
It was interesting that while I was reading the commentary, the other big entertainment story of the day was Adam Lambert's performance at the American Music Awards. I don't watch TV much at all, but once in a while I still like to watch who is doing well in shows such as American Idol. I like music and appreciate talented regular folks and like to see those unknowns find a big break in shows such as Idol. For those of you who don't know who he is, Lambert was last year's runner up- a very talented guy, whom many thought would win.
Anyway, Lambert is gay. His performance at the AMC Awards was to put it mildly, a sort porn performance. Many of the comments were negative of his "show", and rightly so. This kind of act has no place on public TV, especially when teens and preteens across the country are watching. Some of the comments were not surprising (in our present society) positive, and those accused the negatives as being mean or bigoted. Most of those, and Lambert himself brought up the point that he's not the first to have a sexually provocative performance. One only has to see Madonna, Britney Spears and even lately Miley "Hanna Montana" Cyrus ( another Hollywood worldly and confused Christian) to see such sexually charged acts. They are right. There have been many- from the Madonna/Spears kiss, Madonna strutting around in pointy bras, Cyrus doing a pole dance and the famous "wardrobe malfunction" of Janet Jackson- not to mention Michael Jackson's seeming affliction which made him constantly grab his lower regions every other dance move.
My point here is not to dredge up all this porn- it's to show that our society is sick, but we have ignored our heavenly Healer!
When the very Church ordains openly gay clergy, that is between the church and God. God's Word clearly condemns homosexuality, and it also says that God does judge nations for sinful behavior. Farah points out in his article, what happens to a nation which is unrepentant of national sin (which always begins as personal sin)- He leaves the people to their own, gives them over to their sinful and destructive ways. When a nation forgets or ignores the Lord, that nation will fall into worse and worse public behavior until it ultimately destroys itself.
It is the same thing with all sexual sin. That's why it doesn't matter when people such as Adam Lambert and his fans claim that others have done it- so let him be. It doesn't make it right- and it was never right no matter who does it. When we have preachers in the church who are adulterers, such as Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, our churches are sick. When our church is sick, it's no wonder that our society is sick. Robinson is openly gay, but the other issue is that he was married, and pursued his homosexual relationship when he was married- that is adultery. We have men like Ted Haggard who had sexual relations outside of marriage. We have no real difference in the church divorce rates to the unchurched. Our kids are learning sex at younger and younger ages. Pornography is rampant. Pornography also knows no difference between Christian men and non believers. Porn is ruining families, harming children and even fracturing church homes. Pedophilia and crimes against children are growing to a daily occurrence. Abortion is a huge issue as more kids are allowed to kill their babies without parental knowledge, and in some cases, minors are victims of rape, but the rape is allowed to continue due to "privacy rights". Our nation is sick.
These all start out as a personal sin. What starts in a person's own life, their own heart, grows without repentance, and spreads into and affects the rest of society. We are seeing serious signs of being under judgement from God. I shudder to think of what else will come as our nation's sin waxes worse as the Lord leaves us to our own. I pray He will help us, but I can't blame Him if He doesn't.
I find that for the homosexual issues, is that when Lawrence Vs Texas was big news, about allowing homosexuality to be legal in that state, the main question was what right does anyone have to go into a private bedroom and dictate what 2 consenting adults can do?
I can admit that's a fair question, and the answer is clearly- no one has that right. However- and that's a BIG however, when that practice steps out of the bounds of personal property and openly flaunts it in the public forum, and when it is forced by threats of law, that's when it no longer is private and only between 2 people.
Private sin- that is, the behavior between one person and God, is just that- between them and God. When the State, or Country government allows, promotes and affirms such as a special right, which is to be accepted - that makes it a national sin, no longer between one person and God but the whole society and God. When homosexuals have their "gay pride" parades, they openly flaunt and outrageously shove something the majority of society believe is abhorrent and sinful behavior. When homosexual groups go after churches and individuals because we oppose same sex marriage, it is no longer private. When these same groups trample the Constitutional will of the people of states, it is no longer private. It is now between the states and God.
It was interesting that while I was reading the commentary, the other big entertainment story of the day was Adam Lambert's performance at the American Music Awards. I don't watch TV much at all, but once in a while I still like to watch who is doing well in shows such as American Idol. I like music and appreciate talented regular folks and like to see those unknowns find a big break in shows such as Idol. For those of you who don't know who he is, Lambert was last year's runner up- a very talented guy, whom many thought would win.
Anyway, Lambert is gay. His performance at the AMC Awards was to put it mildly, a sort porn performance. Many of the comments were negative of his "show", and rightly so. This kind of act has no place on public TV, especially when teens and preteens across the country are watching. Some of the comments were not surprising (in our present society) positive, and those accused the negatives as being mean or bigoted. Most of those, and Lambert himself brought up the point that he's not the first to have a sexually provocative performance. One only has to see Madonna, Britney Spears and even lately Miley "Hanna Montana" Cyrus ( another Hollywood worldly and confused Christian) to see such sexually charged acts. They are right. There have been many- from the Madonna/Spears kiss, Madonna strutting around in pointy bras, Cyrus doing a pole dance and the famous "wardrobe malfunction" of Janet Jackson- not to mention Michael Jackson's seeming affliction which made him constantly grab his lower regions every other dance move.
My point here is not to dredge up all this porn- it's to show that our society is sick, but we have ignored our heavenly Healer!
When the very Church ordains openly gay clergy, that is between the church and God. God's Word clearly condemns homosexuality, and it also says that God does judge nations for sinful behavior. Farah points out in his article, what happens to a nation which is unrepentant of national sin (which always begins as personal sin)- He leaves the people to their own, gives them over to their sinful and destructive ways. When a nation forgets or ignores the Lord, that nation will fall into worse and worse public behavior until it ultimately destroys itself.
It is the same thing with all sexual sin. That's why it doesn't matter when people such as Adam Lambert and his fans claim that others have done it- so let him be. It doesn't make it right- and it was never right no matter who does it. When we have preachers in the church who are adulterers, such as Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, our churches are sick. When our church is sick, it's no wonder that our society is sick. Robinson is openly gay, but the other issue is that he was married, and pursued his homosexual relationship when he was married- that is adultery. We have men like Ted Haggard who had sexual relations outside of marriage. We have no real difference in the church divorce rates to the unchurched. Our kids are learning sex at younger and younger ages. Pornography is rampant. Pornography also knows no difference between Christian men and non believers. Porn is ruining families, harming children and even fracturing church homes. Pedophilia and crimes against children are growing to a daily occurrence. Abortion is a huge issue as more kids are allowed to kill their babies without parental knowledge, and in some cases, minors are victims of rape, but the rape is allowed to continue due to "privacy rights". Our nation is sick.
These all start out as a personal sin. What starts in a person's own life, their own heart, grows without repentance, and spreads into and affects the rest of society. We are seeing serious signs of being under judgement from God. I shudder to think of what else will come as our nation's sin waxes worse as the Lord leaves us to our own. I pray He will help us, but I can't blame Him if He doesn't.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Soft Talk in a Hard World
Joel Osteen, America's Prosperity Pastor has a new book called "It's Your Time: Activate Your Faith, Achieve Your Dreams, and Increase in God's Favor". You might be aware of his previous best seller, "Your Best Life Now". In that book he wrote about how God wants you to live the best life you can, full of prosperity and all good things for those faithful enough to promote positive thoughts and prayers. I never read the book. I won't be reading his latest one either. I do however have a set of tapes of Osteen, which my mother in law asked me to buy so she could hear him speak. She loves positive messages. I do too, when kept in proper perspective. I have to admit, Osteen is a great speaker, and he is up beat and leaves you feeling good. But, is that what God wants us to focus on?
The problem with Osteen and others is not that they are good at what they do, it is what they do with what they have been given. They have the knowlege of Christ in them, but they focus more on the world, and what we can achieve more than who Christ is, why He came and how He will come again. The problem is, that with all the feel good stuff, which is temporary, they leave out the "meat" or the nourishment which is designed to help us achieve that which will have eternal benifits. They fail to tell others about the Gospel of Christ.
With all the feel good messages, which is not all that bad, but these messages alone are sure to set immature Christians and others up for a disappointment, in their lives, but more importantly in their spirit as well. There are many people angry at God when things they pray for don't come their way. When these folks who buy the tapes, books and attend seminars and coffee cafe churches don't get what they believe is their best now, it's not necessarily the preacher who gets the criticism- it's with God that these folks focus on with doubt and disappointment.
Which brings me to the main point of Osteen's (and others' feel good) books. After millions of people purchased these books, believing that if they have enough faith in God, and that He wants us all to be happy and prosperous, when they "name and claim" what they want out of life, and when they see the prosperity that these preachers have, what happens when the economy collapses? What happens when these positive thinkers lose their job? Their homes and savings?
While some may blame God for not prospering them, or question Him for allowing their jobs and homes to be lost- many are left in a place where they shrug it off, go with the flow and try again- in their own efforts to pick up and start again. Then when Osteen writes another book- one which says "Gee, I'm sorry you lost your savings, but you can keep the faith a little while longer, and it will all come back tenfold or more- just like Job!"
If you only keep up the faith! You can still have happiness and prosperity now!!
Isn't that great! NOT. For those who question God in the "why's", it may drive them away from believing which will some day fall on these prosperity pastors when they come before Christ. It also makes it harder for those who are not big name, big budget mega church stars, those who are trying to show one soul at a time of the love of Christ through His salvation. People will be put off, with a "been there done that" type attitude and may never come to the true Grace of Christ.
For the rest- those who go with the flow until the next how to book comes out, they will continue in their worldly pursuits, while Osteen and others make a few more millions claiming things which God has never promised.
No where in the Bible will you find it that God's focus is on our happiness. No where will you find that He means for us to live our best now- focusing on worldly things such as enough money, a big house, nice cars and a vacation once or twice a year. Not that there is anything wrong with these things! It is where the pastors focus your thoughts- on stuff instead of salvation. Stuff is nice. I would love to have a nicer house without mouse holes, and I have to admit that air conditioning would be kind of nice in the hot Florida summers too- but my mind is not focused on these things anymore. My heart is in heaven, where Jesus has gone to prepare a room for me! I can be reassured that the room my Lord is preparing is nicer, and more incredible than any place I can imagine having here on earth! And I know there won't be any bugs or rodents there either!
Our family, and millions of others have gone through a lot these past few years. My family has gone through 3 major hurricanes, a wild fire and other things which over the past 5 years depleated much of what we were able to save. My husband has been out of work since January, and our savings is gone.
Where would I be if I had have listened to Osteen or others instead of listening to the Lord? For one, I would be in despair over what will happen to my family. I would be worried constantly over every bill and expense. I would be questioning God, instead of thanking Him. I would be looking to the government to save me, instead of my Lord sustaining me. I would have given up, you see, because if I had followed all these name it and claim it preachers- well, that would have convinced me that I lacked faith because the good stuff hasn't come, and in fact, things have gotten worse over the past few years.
I thank God that I haven't fallen into the traps of pastors who ought to be showing people the way, the truth and the life, but I feel bad for those who have. I feel bad that there are so many millions of people who have been taught nothing except for what they can have now- but missing out on what they can have for eternity. This life is short. Some would use it as an excuse to live it up. But eternity will be so much longer than this life. Wouldn't you rather focus on what you can have in the long run?
Christ taught that His own would be persecuted as He was. He taught us that our real home is with Him in heaven and with our Father. He commands His own to go into the world, but not be a part of it- telling others about His grace and salvation. It's a shame that so many pastors who have been blessed with the chance to change the world by telling the world about Jesus, His death on the cross for all, and His resurrection - victory over death, so we can be with Him always, have ignored Him!His wish for us isn't that we have everything we want on this earth! He wants us to be obedient to Him so He can give us everything we need, and bless us with unimaginable things in our next life!
One last thing. I've noticed that in the past few years of things going wrong, have brought me closer to Him- to come to depend on Him, not myself. It has helped me to realize that everything He wants for me, and is willing to bless me with is found only in His Word. By reading the Bible every day, I am able to learn to hear Him, gain strength from him to sustain me through these times. And when times continue to get harder, I will have learned through Him to continue to lean on Him until some day I will be with Him and not have to worry anymore.
No prosperity pastor has taught me that. Only Jesus has taught me that. I pray that others will learn from the source of life and liberty- instead of reading about Him! I pray too, that these pastors will learn the errors of their way, repent and start using what God has given them to finally tell the whole truth, and not just the feel good junk food which keeps their own prosperity rolling as people lose faith in the One who really knows what prosperity it- the One who gave His life, so we could have our best life with Him!
The problem with Osteen and others is not that they are good at what they do, it is what they do with what they have been given. They have the knowlege of Christ in them, but they focus more on the world, and what we can achieve more than who Christ is, why He came and how He will come again. The problem is, that with all the feel good stuff, which is temporary, they leave out the "meat" or the nourishment which is designed to help us achieve that which will have eternal benifits. They fail to tell others about the Gospel of Christ.
With all the feel good messages, which is not all that bad, but these messages alone are sure to set immature Christians and others up for a disappointment, in their lives, but more importantly in their spirit as well. There are many people angry at God when things they pray for don't come their way. When these folks who buy the tapes, books and attend seminars and coffee cafe churches don't get what they believe is their best now, it's not necessarily the preacher who gets the criticism- it's with God that these folks focus on with doubt and disappointment.
Which brings me to the main point of Osteen's (and others' feel good) books. After millions of people purchased these books, believing that if they have enough faith in God, and that He wants us all to be happy and prosperous, when they "name and claim" what they want out of life, and when they see the prosperity that these preachers have, what happens when the economy collapses? What happens when these positive thinkers lose their job? Their homes and savings?
While some may blame God for not prospering them, or question Him for allowing their jobs and homes to be lost- many are left in a place where they shrug it off, go with the flow and try again- in their own efforts to pick up and start again. Then when Osteen writes another book- one which says "Gee, I'm sorry you lost your savings, but you can keep the faith a little while longer, and it will all come back tenfold or more- just like Job!"
If you only keep up the faith! You can still have happiness and prosperity now!!
Isn't that great! NOT. For those who question God in the "why's", it may drive them away from believing which will some day fall on these prosperity pastors when they come before Christ. It also makes it harder for those who are not big name, big budget mega church stars, those who are trying to show one soul at a time of the love of Christ through His salvation. People will be put off, with a "been there done that" type attitude and may never come to the true Grace of Christ.
For the rest- those who go with the flow until the next how to book comes out, they will continue in their worldly pursuits, while Osteen and others make a few more millions claiming things which God has never promised.
No where in the Bible will you find it that God's focus is on our happiness. No where will you find that He means for us to live our best now- focusing on worldly things such as enough money, a big house, nice cars and a vacation once or twice a year. Not that there is anything wrong with these things! It is where the pastors focus your thoughts- on stuff instead of salvation. Stuff is nice. I would love to have a nicer house without mouse holes, and I have to admit that air conditioning would be kind of nice in the hot Florida summers too- but my mind is not focused on these things anymore. My heart is in heaven, where Jesus has gone to prepare a room for me! I can be reassured that the room my Lord is preparing is nicer, and more incredible than any place I can imagine having here on earth! And I know there won't be any bugs or rodents there either!
Our family, and millions of others have gone through a lot these past few years. My family has gone through 3 major hurricanes, a wild fire and other things which over the past 5 years depleated much of what we were able to save. My husband has been out of work since January, and our savings is gone.
Where would I be if I had have listened to Osteen or others instead of listening to the Lord? For one, I would be in despair over what will happen to my family. I would be worried constantly over every bill and expense. I would be questioning God, instead of thanking Him. I would be looking to the government to save me, instead of my Lord sustaining me. I would have given up, you see, because if I had followed all these name it and claim it preachers- well, that would have convinced me that I lacked faith because the good stuff hasn't come, and in fact, things have gotten worse over the past few years.
I thank God that I haven't fallen into the traps of pastors who ought to be showing people the way, the truth and the life, but I feel bad for those who have. I feel bad that there are so many millions of people who have been taught nothing except for what they can have now- but missing out on what they can have for eternity. This life is short. Some would use it as an excuse to live it up. But eternity will be so much longer than this life. Wouldn't you rather focus on what you can have in the long run?
Christ taught that His own would be persecuted as He was. He taught us that our real home is with Him in heaven and with our Father. He commands His own to go into the world, but not be a part of it- telling others about His grace and salvation. It's a shame that so many pastors who have been blessed with the chance to change the world by telling the world about Jesus, His death on the cross for all, and His resurrection - victory over death, so we can be with Him always, have ignored Him!His wish for us isn't that we have everything we want on this earth! He wants us to be obedient to Him so He can give us everything we need, and bless us with unimaginable things in our next life!
One last thing. I've noticed that in the past few years of things going wrong, have brought me closer to Him- to come to depend on Him, not myself. It has helped me to realize that everything He wants for me, and is willing to bless me with is found only in His Word. By reading the Bible every day, I am able to learn to hear Him, gain strength from him to sustain me through these times. And when times continue to get harder, I will have learned through Him to continue to lean on Him until some day I will be with Him and not have to worry anymore.
No prosperity pastor has taught me that. Only Jesus has taught me that. I pray that others will learn from the source of life and liberty- instead of reading about Him! I pray too, that these pastors will learn the errors of their way, repent and start using what God has given them to finally tell the whole truth, and not just the feel good junk food which keeps their own prosperity rolling as people lose faith in the One who really knows what prosperity it- the One who gave His life, so we could have our best life with Him!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Freedom leads to prosperity
I've found it interesting that while the world watches the party in Berlin on this 20th anniversary of the fall of not just the wall, but of communism, our own political leaders are doing everything they can to bring America under the old commie ideals. I thought I'd post some of Ronald Reagan's speech here for this anniversary. Due to it's length, I won't post the whole speech, but you can read the whole thing here.
While many worked hard and were passionate about bringing peace to the world, to those who lived under the iron fist, it brought so much to so many. That said, it is sad that peace has never been really achieved through human endeavors- there will some day be true and everlasting peace through Jesus Christ. So many people have given their lives to bring about something better for others, to follow the moral choice in which all can live in freedom from oppressive authorities- much like Jesus, who, maybe not in the world's view of freedom, offered Himself so all the world could be free, not just in this life, but for eternal life. I pray that you will take up Jesus on His offer, so that the excitement of those who were there 20 years ago, tearing a concrete wall, you can have that same excitement of an eternity of peace, fellowship and love of Christ!
Ronald Reagan:
Our gathering today is being broadcast throughout Western Europe and North America. I understand that it is being seen and heard as well in the East. To those listening throughout Eastern Europe, a special word: Although I cannot be with you, I address my remarks to you just as surely as to those standing here before me. For I join you, as I join your fellow countrymen in the West, in this firm, this unalterable belief: Es gibt nur ein Berlin. [There is only one Berlin.]
Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. From the Baltic, south, those barriers cut across Germany in a gash of barbed wire, concrete, dog runs, and guard towers. Farther south, there may be no visible, no obvious wall. But there remain armed guards and checkpoints all the same--still a restriction on the right to travel, still an instrument to impose upon ordinary men and women the will of a totalitarian state. Yet it is here in Berlin where the wall emerges most clearly; here, cutting across your city, where the news photo and the television screen have imprinted this brutal division of a continent upon the mind of the world. Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German, separated from his fellow men. Every man is a Berliner, forced to look upon a scar.
President von Weizsacker has said, "The German question is open as long as the Brandenburg Gate is closed." Today I say: As long as the gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. Yet I do not come here to lament. For I find in Berlin a message of hope, even in the shadow of this wall, a message of triumph.
In this season of spring in 1945, the people of Berlin emerged from their air-raid shelters to find devastation. Thousands of miles away, the people of the United States reached out to help. And in 1947 Secretary of State--as you've been told--George Marshall announced the creation of what would become known as the Marshall Plan. Speaking precisely 40 years ago this month, he said: "Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine, but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos."
In the Reichstag a few moments ago, I saw a display commemorating this 40th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. I was struck by the sign on a burnt-out, gutted structure that was being rebuilt. I understand that Berliners of my own generation can remember seeing signs like it dotted throughout the western sectors of the city. The sign read simply: "The Marshall Plan is helping here to strengthen the free world." A strong, free world in the West, that dream became real. Japan rose from ruin to become an economic giant. Italy, France, Belgium--virtually every nation in Western Europe saw political and economic rebirth; the European Community was founded.
In West Germany and here in Berlin, there took place an economic miracle, the Wirtschaftswunder. Adenauer, Erhard, Reuter, and other leaders understood the practical importance of liberty--that just as truth can flourish only when the journalist is given freedom of speech, so prosperity can come about only when the farmer and businessman enjoy economic freedom. The German leaders reduced tariffs, expanded free trade, lowered taxes. From 1950 to 1960 alone, the standard of living in West Germany and Berlin doubled.
Where four decades ago there was rubble, today in West Berlin there is the greatest industrial output of any city in Germany--busy office blocks, fine homes and apartments, proud avenues, and the spreading lawns of parkland. Where a city's culture seemed to have been destroyed, today there are two great universities, orchestras and an opera, countless theaters, and museums. Where there was want, today there's abundance--food, clothing, automobiles--the wonderful goods of the Ku'damm. From devastation, from utter ruin, you Berliners have, in freedom, rebuilt a city that once again ranks as one of the greatest on earth. The Soviets may have had other plans. But my friends, there were a few things the Soviets didn't count on--Berliner Herz, Berliner Humor, ja, und Berliner Schnauze. [Berliner heart, Berliner humor, yes, and a Berliner Schnauze.]
In the 1950s, Khrushchev predicted: "We will bury you." But in the West today, we see a free world that has achieved a level of prosperity and well-being unprecedented in all human history. In the Communist world, we see failure, technological backwardness, declining standards of health, even want of the most basic kind--too little food. Even today, the Soviet Union still cannot feed itself. After these four decades, then, there stands before the entire world one great and inescapable conclusion: Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the victor.
And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with greater freedom from state control.
Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.
General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
I applaud President Reagan's efforts, along with others who have promoted life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which is in our own founding documents.
However, I say again, that humans may try, only One can give life, liberty and the pursuit- and our founders knew... from Almighty God, our Creator. Won't you trust in Jesus so you may receive the Blessings of true Peace and security?
While many worked hard and were passionate about bringing peace to the world, to those who lived under the iron fist, it brought so much to so many. That said, it is sad that peace has never been really achieved through human endeavors- there will some day be true and everlasting peace through Jesus Christ. So many people have given their lives to bring about something better for others, to follow the moral choice in which all can live in freedom from oppressive authorities- much like Jesus, who, maybe not in the world's view of freedom, offered Himself so all the world could be free, not just in this life, but for eternal life. I pray that you will take up Jesus on His offer, so that the excitement of those who were there 20 years ago, tearing a concrete wall, you can have that same excitement of an eternity of peace, fellowship and love of Christ!
Ronald Reagan:
Our gathering today is being broadcast throughout Western Europe and North America. I understand that it is being seen and heard as well in the East. To those listening throughout Eastern Europe, a special word: Although I cannot be with you, I address my remarks to you just as surely as to those standing here before me. For I join you, as I join your fellow countrymen in the West, in this firm, this unalterable belief: Es gibt nur ein Berlin. [There is only one Berlin.]
Behind me stands a wall that encircles the free sectors of this city, part of a vast system of barriers that divides the entire continent of Europe. From the Baltic, south, those barriers cut across Germany in a gash of barbed wire, concrete, dog runs, and guard towers. Farther south, there may be no visible, no obvious wall. But there remain armed guards and checkpoints all the same--still a restriction on the right to travel, still an instrument to impose upon ordinary men and women the will of a totalitarian state. Yet it is here in Berlin where the wall emerges most clearly; here, cutting across your city, where the news photo and the television screen have imprinted this brutal division of a continent upon the mind of the world. Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German, separated from his fellow men. Every man is a Berliner, forced to look upon a scar.
President von Weizsacker has said, "The German question is open as long as the Brandenburg Gate is closed." Today I say: As long as the gate is closed, as long as this scar of a wall is permitted to stand, it is not the German question alone that remains open, but the question of freedom for all mankind. Yet I do not come here to lament. For I find in Berlin a message of hope, even in the shadow of this wall, a message of triumph.
In this season of spring in 1945, the people of Berlin emerged from their air-raid shelters to find devastation. Thousands of miles away, the people of the United States reached out to help. And in 1947 Secretary of State--as you've been told--George Marshall announced the creation of what would become known as the Marshall Plan. Speaking precisely 40 years ago this month, he said: "Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine, but against hunger, poverty, desperation, and chaos."
In the Reichstag a few moments ago, I saw a display commemorating this 40th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. I was struck by the sign on a burnt-out, gutted structure that was being rebuilt. I understand that Berliners of my own generation can remember seeing signs like it dotted throughout the western sectors of the city. The sign read simply: "The Marshall Plan is helping here to strengthen the free world." A strong, free world in the West, that dream became real. Japan rose from ruin to become an economic giant. Italy, France, Belgium--virtually every nation in Western Europe saw political and economic rebirth; the European Community was founded.
In West Germany and here in Berlin, there took place an economic miracle, the Wirtschaftswunder. Adenauer, Erhard, Reuter, and other leaders understood the practical importance of liberty--that just as truth can flourish only when the journalist is given freedom of speech, so prosperity can come about only when the farmer and businessman enjoy economic freedom. The German leaders reduced tariffs, expanded free trade, lowered taxes. From 1950 to 1960 alone, the standard of living in West Germany and Berlin doubled.
Where four decades ago there was rubble, today in West Berlin there is the greatest industrial output of any city in Germany--busy office blocks, fine homes and apartments, proud avenues, and the spreading lawns of parkland. Where a city's culture seemed to have been destroyed, today there are two great universities, orchestras and an opera, countless theaters, and museums. Where there was want, today there's abundance--food, clothing, automobiles--the wonderful goods of the Ku'damm. From devastation, from utter ruin, you Berliners have, in freedom, rebuilt a city that once again ranks as one of the greatest on earth. The Soviets may have had other plans. But my friends, there were a few things the Soviets didn't count on--Berliner Herz, Berliner Humor, ja, und Berliner Schnauze. [Berliner heart, Berliner humor, yes, and a Berliner Schnauze.]
In the 1950s, Khrushchev predicted: "We will bury you." But in the West today, we see a free world that has achieved a level of prosperity and well-being unprecedented in all human history. In the Communist world, we see failure, technological backwardness, declining standards of health, even want of the most basic kind--too little food. Even today, the Soviet Union still cannot feed itself. After these four decades, then, there stands before the entire world one great and inescapable conclusion: Freedom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the victor.
And now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with greater freedom from state control.
Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace.
General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!
I applaud President Reagan's efforts, along with others who have promoted life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which is in our own founding documents.
However, I say again, that humans may try, only One can give life, liberty and the pursuit- and our founders knew... from Almighty God, our Creator. Won't you trust in Jesus so you may receive the Blessings of true Peace and security?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A God Thing
I have written before about those times when you're reading the Bible, and you have one of those "slap me in the forehead" moments. I had another one.
My friend and brother in Christ, David Jeffers has been doing an incredible series on his blog over at Salt and Light (see it in the side bar here and go check it out) . He's been teaching on the importance of Biblical principles, the founding documents and voting on these foundations. Voting for those who hold our values as dear as we do- those who don't separate their Biblical principals and their political asperations.
I have been having a big anger issue for quite a while about those in Washington (NO! I don't say!) While there is nothing wrong with being angry about dishonest and corrupt politicians, and those who are railroading the people, I have found lately that I am no better than those I see who are so hateful towards Biblical conservatives such as myself. I read the comments on so many political sites and some of the language is enough to curl your hair, some of it violently angry. Although I haven't been quite that bad, I have gotten to the point where I call people names and such, but it makes me no better than those who do the same or worse.
After reading Davids articles and devotions this week, and seeing such hatred from people on all sides of the political spectrum, I realized my sin and asked the Lord to help me. To help me not sin in my anger, to help me keep things in perspective.
I know that He is in control, and that all things- good and bad, He is working for His purpose. I'm not saying that He is pulling stings on anyone, and especially not those in power, but those in our capital and around the world in working for their own power, glory and ideals are in fact playing into what the Lord has already told us about. Unless you are a Biblical Christian and know the signs the Bible tells us about, you wouldn't understand how close we are to the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He laid out all the signs for us to follow so we would be prepaired. If you've read any of my prophecies series you would see how many of these are comming to pass before our eyes.
This is what I meant when I asked to keep things in perspective. Now, am I allowed as a Christian to get angry when I see a group of "elites" running this country into the ground and hurting millions of people in the process? Yes. Am I allowed to speak out at what I see as corruption and power plays at the expense of not only our citizens but also those of the world who are effected? You betcha.
What I can not do however is stoop to their own level in my anger, and I must be like Christ when dealing with these things. I need to pray (which I do) for them, that they would know Jesus as their savior, and that we can find Biblical minded people to run for the next elections- whether we have a few days left before Jesus comes or years before He comes. I need to keep on praying for those in power, I need to keep praying that our country will come back to the foundations on which God blessed so richly in the beginning.
Now, for my slap me in the forehead verses which I read last night.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;
but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;
for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Amen and Amen! Maranatha!
My friend and brother in Christ, David Jeffers has been doing an incredible series on his blog over at Salt and Light (see it in the side bar here and go check it out) . He's been teaching on the importance of Biblical principles, the founding documents and voting on these foundations. Voting for those who hold our values as dear as we do- those who don't separate their Biblical principals and their political asperations.
I have been having a big anger issue for quite a while about those in Washington (NO! I don't say!) While there is nothing wrong with being angry about dishonest and corrupt politicians, and those who are railroading the people, I have found lately that I am no better than those I see who are so hateful towards Biblical conservatives such as myself. I read the comments on so many political sites and some of the language is enough to curl your hair, some of it violently angry. Although I haven't been quite that bad, I have gotten to the point where I call people names and such, but it makes me no better than those who do the same or worse.
After reading Davids articles and devotions this week, and seeing such hatred from people on all sides of the political spectrum, I realized my sin and asked the Lord to help me. To help me not sin in my anger, to help me keep things in perspective.
I know that He is in control, and that all things- good and bad, He is working for His purpose. I'm not saying that He is pulling stings on anyone, and especially not those in power, but those in our capital and around the world in working for their own power, glory and ideals are in fact playing into what the Lord has already told us about. Unless you are a Biblical Christian and know the signs the Bible tells us about, you wouldn't understand how close we are to the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He laid out all the signs for us to follow so we would be prepaired. If you've read any of my prophecies series you would see how many of these are comming to pass before our eyes.
This is what I meant when I asked to keep things in perspective. Now, am I allowed as a Christian to get angry when I see a group of "elites" running this country into the ground and hurting millions of people in the process? Yes. Am I allowed to speak out at what I see as corruption and power plays at the expense of not only our citizens but also those of the world who are effected? You betcha.
What I can not do however is stoop to their own level in my anger, and I must be like Christ when dealing with these things. I need to pray (which I do) for them, that they would know Jesus as their savior, and that we can find Biblical minded people to run for the next elections- whether we have a few days left before Jesus comes or years before He comes. I need to keep on praying for those in power, I need to keep praying that our country will come back to the foundations on which God blessed so richly in the beginning.
Now, for my slap me in the forehead verses which I read last night.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;
but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;
for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
Amen and Amen! Maranatha!
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