Send Them Away

"'When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. 34 The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." Lev 19:33-34 (NIV)

I read this verse this morning in my daily reading. It jumped out at me because the version I was reading used the word "exploit" instead of mistreat. Either way you read it, God 's concern seems to trump the concern of those who see illegal immigrants just as criminals who broke the law.

I am going to weigh-in my opinion on this subject using these verses.

All too often I have heard the mantra "get rid of the aliens!" People have tried arresting them, beating them, and going after employers who employee them. Yet they keep coming. They keep finding jobs. They keep multiplying.

We scream for border security and fences. I have done so. This morning, however, these verses from God's Word made me step back and think about how we treat those coming here just to take care of their families back in their native countries.

I understand that not all who come are law abiding people. But I have seen the eyes and heard the tears of those who come because their children have little or nothing to eat, and they did not have any other hope.

My fear is that in protecting the sovereignty of our nation that we may be pointing the finger the wrong way. I am not saying we are wrong for asking people to follow our laws and enter our country in a legal manner.

• Maybe we haven't explained the peril of coming to our nation in an illegal manner
  
• Maybe we haven't made it very clear how many employers exploit the labor of illegal immigrants for their own personal gain
  
• Maybe we have not made it clear how sweat shops are more than happy to enslave foreign nationals just to gain an edge on the competition (competition is not always a great thing)
  
• Maybe we haven't warned them well enough about the diseases they may carry from their own nation that we here are not able to fight off thus endangering our own

What would happen if we changed our laws in how people enter into our country for work visas? How do we better go about quarantining immigrants in order to make sure they are healthy? How do we take profiteering out of hands of immigrant smugglers?

Maybe I am not that far off from the way people think. But I do know that demonizing people for attempting to take care of their families regardless of the consequences may not be the way God would have us act towards them.

I guess what I am trying to say is that they are people. They are looking for hope. They are looking to us. Even though our country's moral character has declined, people still see hope in our way of life.

Would it hurt to show more compassion and to love them?

Crowds followed Jesus one day. He saw how desperate they were and had compassion on them. He knew He could not send them away without feeding them. So He had them sit down and fed them until they were full and all that remained were leftovers. Yes, this is a miraculous story in that He fed the with so little. However, I like looking at it this way - He showed us how to give without running out.

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!...He gives them prosperity in the land (Psalm 41)

I can't cure all our social ills, but I know we need to check our motives. How can we better serve our neighbors to the south? God says we can't out give Him. Are we ready to test Him?

Obama Thinks America Invented What?

My thoughts on the President's speech plus a few from a Fox fact check:

Is the federal government the only capable governing body for helping our citizenry? What happened to the states? Are we fueling a desire for more socialistic tendencies? If the public was not taxed so much by the federal government, maybe the states could use the tax revenue to work for their own people.

Of course now we see why the income tax is a bad tax - when jobs go down, income tax collection goes down, which means less revenue for the federal government. Of course, they do not seem to notice, so they continue to spend us into debt.

Balanced budgets mean cutting back when you do not have the funds. By the way, we may have a several billion dollar deficit but we also have an $11 Trillion Debt (I guess saying we have a Billion dollar deficit sounds nicer - but it's also underhanded).

So the United States and not Mr. Benz in Germany invented the automobile. Shows how bad our government run schools have become. Kind of like Mr. "The Sky Is Falling" Gore inventing the internet?

Why do presidents insist on conjuring up 10 year plans? the last time I checked, the President Obama was elected for only one term that consists of 4 years. If he is elected for a second term, then he will serve a total of 8 years.

Do we really import more oil now than ever before? Or has it actually dropped in the last few years?

Didn't President Clinton also push for banking de-regulation? And isn't Mr. Rubin, who spearheaded, the legislation for Pres. Clinton now also working for President Obama?

Why does President Obama continue to insist on the creation of 3.5 million jobs? Is he psychic or does he know something that we don't?

For more look here: FoxFactCheck

The 50 Day Prayer and Fasting Challenge

The fifty day challenge was born of a desire to see our nation return to its roots – trust in God to bring us security and to prosper our people:

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Our land needs a healing from the sin it carries everyday: injustice, death, hatred, greed, lust, and more. Everyday, as we try to engage in life, we wade through the musty smell of the sin which we have perpetrated on our land including polluting our resources, denying help to those in need, and becoming overly judgmental.

However we ended up in this situation does not matter, what matters is returning to humility and to prayer and to seeking the face of God while turning away from these sins that sicken the heart of God and that damage our relationship with Him.

In the midst of this economic downturn, I fear how readily our nation has turned towards our government for help and how readily our government rejects turning to God. There was a time in our nation when our leaders would call the nation to prayer and fasting, but the day has past.

We have made an uncomfortable bed in our pride and greed. We as a nation must return to God and seek Him and find out His desire for us.

We really need to turn to God now:

• To restore our passion for His creation as we seek new ways of becoming environmentally conscious without sacrificing the health of our citizens
• To renew our desire to help the poor and restore the exploited
• To let the heart of God capture our hearts as we seek to rid ourselves of sinful desires that have slowly eroded our ability to govern ourselves
• To begin acting with wisdom remembering that God does not give us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)
  

What we need are fifty days of fasting and praying. Each day will represent each state. In fact, we should have each state hold a fast so that each day is covered. For example, people in Georgia cover day one, Alabama covers day two, Florida day three and so on until all fifty states have participated in the fast and have prayed.

If you like this idea, email your friends and leave your comments. Maybe we could start this by March and even get government officials and others to sign on. Thanks!

More information is being compiled and should be released tomorrow!

Why Do We Continue to Insult God as a Nation?

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)

Does God still punish whole nations for the sins of many? Does God consider the United States of America as part of His people?

Founded upon Christian principles, we are largely a nation that began with hopes of honoring God who establishes of governments and plans their uses. Immigrants originally came to this nation in hopes of using it as a land base for the spread of the gospel throughout the known world.

People still come to this nation, primarily in the hopes of making a life for themselves in a free enterprise system. Unfortunately that system was subverted yesterday with the signing of the socialist agenda. Now, the Congress is reconsidering the Fairness doctrine in order to silence the voices of any opposition or logical conversation - and the internet (which includes blogging) has been mentioned. So socialist reform comes and communist standards emerge.

Though once a land of promise and hope, recent years have allowed our country to become a moral mockery of what it once stood for. The Republican Congress undersigned $5 Trillion dollars in debt spending in eight years. The new Democratically controlled government has signed on to spend at least $1 Trillion dollars in debt spending in less than one week, with more being planned as time evolves!

President Obama has signed an executive order to help fund abortions in foreign nations, such as Mexico whose government is morally corrupt and falling apart at the seams. Abortions are a sty in our eye and should be a state by state issue - proving again that our federal government has a lust for the power the states are supposed to have.

Gay rights should also be a state by state issue and yet people want to use the federal government for their own personal bully pulpits.

Pornography is as prevalent in 8 PM television as sand on the beach. Groups such as the ACLU support child pornography, yet throw a tantrum when Christians try to celebrate their faith in public.

The federal government just signed the stimulus plan with wording that will be used to attempt to remove religion from all public arenas. Get rid of religion and the minds of the people are easily swayed - and liberals know this. Watch the movie Expelled if you do not believe me or listen to the crazed ravings of Dr. Stephen Hawkings.

Greed runs Wall Street. Pride and lust rule Hollywood. Deceit and more greed pour from our nation's capitol. Heresy drips from the mouths of our educational system.

And we all try to act as if there is nothing wrong. "Don't touch my sin and you can do anything you wish while governing my future." We have lost sight of the powerful desire to spread our faith as our fore fathers had once hoped. We pretend that our sins do not matter, but don't they?

Yes, they do. "Our sins matter because they insult God and create a barrier to relationship with Him" (Jerry Pence). God used to hold Israel guilty for sins ignored by the people:

'If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord's commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter, they are guilty. Lev 4:13 (NIV)

Ignorance is not a way out of sin. Many people have for years been trying to warn our nation of its sinful practices and yet we refused to listen, hoping that having a remnant of faithful Christians would stave off the anger of God.

This is why we need to humble ourselves and pray and seek the face of God. We must turn from our wicked ways and return to a relationship with God that governs our lifestyle choices. We will never be able to legislate morality or ethical living - it must come from our individual faith lifestyles.

We need a revival in our land but it will not come as long as we keep graying the waters around sin. Sin is destructive and deadly. It destroys families and people. It keeps others from ever reaching the the heights of God's plan for their life because it ruins the relationship that God wants to establish in all our lives.

Take President Clinton for example. He led a morally corrupt life in the White House. Some say he was a great president and did a lot of good, but how much did he miss accomplishing because sin ruled his life? How much more could God have used him if he had a stronger character and refused the sinful practices in which he engaged?

Sin attacks our character as a nation and opens the door to corrupt governing. Socialism is a corrupt form of governing that lacks integrity and accountability. But we will see this as the Democrats rally in their frenzy without considering the consequences of their actions.

There is hope in turning from our sinful ways. We did not need the stimulus as written because:

The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.Prov 10:3-4 (NIV)

Those who trust in the Lord will be saved. If we become diligent, we will become wealthy (especially if we pay off our personal debts and put away money for a rainy day and live without letting money control our lives). But mainly, learning to trust God and doing good will ensure:

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.Psalms 37:3-4 (NIV)

What are your heart's desires? How prepared are you to trust in God to help lead us out of our mess? Tell Congress you expected something better from them and hope that they will act with wisdom in the future.

What we need are fifty days of fasting and praying. Each day will represent each state. In fact we should have each state hold a fast so that each day is covered. For example, people in Georgia cover day one, Alabama covers day two, Florida day three and so on until all fifty states have participated in the fast and have prayed.

If you like this idea, email your friends and leave your comments. Maybe we could start this by March and even get government officials and others to sign on. Thanks!

The Power of IF

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)

IF is a big word for only two letters. If tells us that a certain condition or conditions will precede a given action or reaction. If introduces us to uncertain possibilities that may exist. If also reminds us that reservations or even restrictions may exist.

Hear God tells Israel one of the most powerful "ifs" in the Bible. It is a story of possibilities that exist for those who are obedient enough to want change. If His people would only:

1. Be humble (accept responsibility)
2. Pray (know to whom they belong)
3. Seek His face (get His attention while not drawing attention to themselves)
4. Turn from their evil ways (admit when they are wrong and are willing to change)

I want to tackle the need for our nation to return to roots of prayer and fasting today, because the "if" here is the best way of refocusing our attention from our economic and world problems and of restoring our focus towards God's saving graces.

I imagine that a lot of people who have lost their jobs are spending more time in prayer than they did before they lost their jobs. I imagine many people who are concerned about the direction our nation is taking and are spending time on their knees attempting to intervene on behalf of our national leaders.

Prayer admits our finite abilities and acknowledges God's infinite abilities and power. Yet beyond praying for our own needs, how can we as a nation focus our prayers in unity?

Today, many people will be focused on the moment President Obama signs this massive "stimulus" bill (their word not mine). I wonder how we are praying for him right now? Are we asking for wisdom and understanding on his behalf? Are we asking for his good health and ability to lead during these difficult times?

Or are we hoping a rock falls from outer-space and disrupts the whole thing? Are we praying against everything he, as president, does?

I use a little levity but with needed care. We are going to see this package signed. Our job as a nation is to pray for how God will use it and us. We need to focus our prayers on God's will and desire for our nation.

For those who believe our founding father's did not believe the Christian faith should not be part of our governing processes: this is the text of President John Adams' March 23, 1798 national Fasting and Prayer proclamation; as printed in the The Phenix/Windham Herald, April 12, 1798.

AS the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and blessing of Almighty God; and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him,but a duty whose natural influence is favorable to the promotion of that morality and piety, without which social happiness cannot exist, nor the blessings of a free government be enjoyed; and as this duty, at all times incumbent, is so especially in seasons of difficulty and of danger, when existing or threatening calamities, the just judgments of God against prevalent iniquity are a loud call to repentance and reformation; and as the United States of America are at present placed in a hazardous and afflictive situation, by the unfriendly disposition, conduct and demands of a foreign power, evinced by repeated refusals to receive our messengers of reconciliation and peace, by depredations on our commerce, and the infliction of injuries on very many of our fellow citizens, while engaged in their lawful business on the seas: —Under these considerations it has appeared to me that the duty of imploring the mercy and benediction of Heaven on our country, demands at this time a special attention from its inhabitants.

I HAVE therefore thought it fit to recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next be observed throughout the United States, as a day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer; That the citizens of these states, abstaining on that day from their customary worldly occupations, offer their devout addresses to the Father of Mercies, agreeably to those forms or methods which they have severally adopted as the most suitable and becoming: That all religious congregations do, with the deepest humility, acknowledge before GOD the manifold sins and transgressions with which we are justly chargeable as individuals and as a nation; beseeching him, at the same time, of his infinite Grace, through the Redeemer of the world, freely to remit all our offences, and to incline us, by his holy spirit, to that sincere repentance and reformation which may afford us reason to hope for his inestimable favor and heavenly benediction; That it be made the subject of particular and earnest supplication, that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it; that our civil and religious privileges may be preserved inviolate, and perpetuated to the latest generations; that our public councils and magistrates may be especially enlightened and directed at this critical period; that the American people may be united in those bonds of amity and mutual confidence, and inspired with that vigor and fortitude by which they have in times past been so highly distinguished, and by which they have obtained such invaluable advantages: That the health of the inhabitants of our land may be preserved, and their agriculture, commerce, fisheries, arts and manufactures be blessed and prospered: That the principles of genuine piety and sound morality may influence the minds and govern the lives of every description of our citizens; and that the blessings of peace, freedom, and pure religion, may be speedily extended to all the nations of the earth.

And finally I recommend, that on the said day; the duties of humiliation and prayer be accompanied by fervent Thanksgiving to the bestower of every good gift, not only for having hitherto protected and preserved the people of these United States in the independent enjoyment of their religious and civil freedom, but also for having prospered them in a wonderful progress of population, and for conferring on them many and great favours conducive to the happiness and prosperity of a nation.

Given under my hand and seal of the United States of America, at Philadelphia, this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the said States the twenty-second.

JOHN ADAMS

This is just one of many proclamations by presidents and governors and others that ask the people to pray and fast: Wallbuilders

Here is what the Bible says about praying and fasting:

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.Isaiah 58:6-12 (NIV)

I know this is a lot of reading today, so let me leave you with this:

• Prayer and fasting is God's design to help break the chains of injustice
• Prayer and fasting returns our hearts to those who are struggling (some are worse off then we are)
• Prayer and fasting is the best way to restore families and friendships and quell the wrath of enemies
• Prayer and fasting are an act of obedience that touches the heart of God
• Prayer and fasting satisfies the big "IF" and unleashes God's blessing and care

Stimulus or not, God is still the best answer to our nation's problems. I am saddened that we have strayed so far away from Christ to declare days of prayer and fasting and am saddened that President's have become so "politically correct" that even they cannot call on God and make the same proclamations that our Founding Father's had no problem issuing.

Our nation needs a a healing. Would you be willing to join a national day of prayer and fasting?

Mixed Priorities Lead to Miserable Results

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."2 Chron 7:14 (NIV)

I once heard humility described as putting God first, others second, and yourself last. There is a lot of truth to this. Most problems people have in life stem from mixed priorities. For those struggling with priority, they usually are putting more emphasis on one priority over the others. They tend to spend more time honoring God and missing opportunities to respect others and neglecting themselves. Or they acknowledge God, passionately pursue serving others and "humble" themselves with "me" time.

I heard of people who literally try to divide their days up by percentages in hopes of trying to equally divvy their time. I have tried scheduling my time. The biggest problem that I have with schedules is forgetting to add in time for interruptions. I took a class that told me that the average person spends four minutes trying to re-focus after interruptions. That is most of my day!

Leading our country out of this mess is going to mean a lot of interruptions! If ever our leaders needed to understand humility and how it affects their character and ability to accomplish tasks, then now is the time.

Just imagine trying to balance your own budget without any priorities? If you don't care anything for church or for God, then you would never set aside giving as a priority. If you enjoyed eating out a lot, then you would probably spend a lot of your wealth on over-priced meals while neglecting to fund your retirement. If you like your entertainment and media, then you would neglect setting aside an emergency fund that would help when those "unexpected occasions" arose.

Like Dave Ramsey says, "Who would ever imagine that kids would grow out of their clothes, Christmas comes at the same time every year, that a car will eventually need tires, or that your roof will one day leak."

Our national spending habits reflect this same attitude. We are going to need a Guinness Book sized humble pie in order to swallow this. Spending more money is not going to make the cause of the problem go away - it only deals with the symptoms.

The following is a chart of debt from the Treasury Department since 1979 ($826 Billion) until last year ($10 Trillion).

Date Dollar Amount

09/30/2008 -- $10,024,724,896,912.49

09/30/2000 -- $5,674,178,209,886.86

09/30/1979 -- * $826,519,000,000.00

* Rounded to the nearest millions

In 30 years, we have gone from under a trillion dollars to over $10 trillion! Imagine this - in just five years after World War II, which invested billions of dollars in war spending, our debt was only $250 Billion. A very bad habit of debt spending started after we fully instituted the INCOME TAX! Look at the numbers. (Another argument for the FairTax, but I digress)

If God is trying to tell this country anything, it is how irresponsible we have become with public debt. We dishonor ourselves and we dishonor God, who many credited for allowing them to come to such a great land of opportunity.

For wisdom to once again come into the halls of our nation's capitol, we will need to humble ourselves. But how do we do this?

Humble Ourselves Before God

We need to understand that humility is not about self-deprecation. Humility if learning how to put Christ in the proper place in our hearts.

Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:9-10 (NIV)

In our pride, we are refusing to turn to God, and this act of foolishness is keeping us down when God wants to lift our nation up (Here are further references: Deuteronomy 30:1-6; Ezekiel 33:11).

God takes no pleasure in the death of sinners. God would much rather us live. But we have to decide as a nation who we will serve, and that starts in every individual household. We cannot and should not legislate religion.

However, we each need to learn how to spend quality time alone with God in prayer in order to give recognition to who He is. This time spent will flow into our lives and eventually impact our communities. We have spent 60 years getting into more debt and more problems, it may take more time and a lot of dedication to see recovery, but do we have any choice?

We need to learn how to respond to God. I am so afraid that we are so numb from our moral decline as a nation that we can longer feel the prick of God in our hearts. Humility re-establishes our ability to hear from God. Corporate revival only happens when individuals respond appropriately to God.

But to what end?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4 (NIV)

Humility will change how we view others and ourselves. With God as the number one priority in a person's life, they are prepared to share His love and communicate kindness yet not neglect correction and teaching for others.

Character is revealed in our humility. We are more likely to to compromise and give in to the moral low roads because they are easily travelled and more convenient. Unfortunately, those roads only lead to short term pleasure or short term solutions. For those in leadership, moral and ethical short cuts run the risk of losing respect of those who follow them, endanger desired outcomes, and spill into the lives of those influenced by them (including staff and family).

Humility prioritizes one's life and opens the door for balanced living. It is this balance that we need in order to help see the restoration of America. Balanced living is the answer for those seeking to see justice and compassion. It will also help us to have compassion for the mistakes of leader's and yet still hold them accountable (making room for change and forgiveness).

One final point, never congratulate yourself for your humility - because it will no longer be! A little humble pie will go a great distance toward the way we think about debt spending. Debt spending is unhealthy and wrong.

"If my people will...humble themselves" How serious are you about seeing true change in our nation? How much would you like to see us reverse our economic downturn? Enough to be humble? What would you like to see from the attitude of our country? Leave a comment.

Little is Much When God is in It

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

I mentioned in yesterday's post that when people try to take religion out of a society, they take away its spirit or hope. Our society was born upon the Christian faith (whether practicing or not) of men determined to see individuals rule themselves.

It was a belief that stemmed from seeing good willed men and women work together for the common good throughout history. The good they pursued was founded in belief, a belief that was to spread faith, hope, and love.

Over the centuries many in power have tired to take this faith hostage in order to satisfy their demented power lusts, but for some reason the faith never changed and those lustful pleasures never outlasted the persons. I hate what people attribute to Christianity. Those who used Christianity in harmful and hateful ways are not, in my opinion, Christian in truth or in heart.

Jesus tells us that the truth shall set us free, not overcome our desires and passions with evil intentions. He came to deliver from bondage not to set up a new system of rules and regulations. He came to show us that we through the work of His Spirit are capable of rising above the law; the law that does nothing but show us error and not how to correct that error.

In fact the Bible, clarifies nine principles of living which, only through the Holy Spirit, enables us to do the right things, do things right, creates a positive atmosphere, and builds a lasting legacy of accomplishment: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - against such their is no law! No one will ban you from possessing such character defining acts.

There is a Christian gospel song that says, "little is much when God is in it." When we as a nation lose faith, we have very little to fall back on because we do not have any morality to support our national history or our nation's law structure. This is why we need to turn to God in this tumultuous time. As Isaiah says, "the government shall be upon His shoulders."

Atheism does not offer any structure or hope. Islam offers a new strict law system. Hinduism offers peace when we stop caring for those "beneath us" (the caste system). Buddhism offers honor in death but dishonor offers little, if any, reconciliation. I could go on but to what point.

Only Christ offers love, hope, and peace. This doesn't mean we will have a perfect life. It doesn't mean all problems will be solved. It doesn't mean some will not try to take advantage of others. It does mean:

1. He will enable us to do the right things - His Spirit will teach us the right goals. Right now, our nation needs goals that will give us direction, not a new socialist agenda that will forever change and harm our community.
2. He will enable us to do things right - Too many people do things with the wrong motives, even though they may be doing the right things. God empowers us with His Spirit to do the right things with the right motivations. This is what I fear is the most underlying problem with our current legislative differences. People really are trying to do the right things, but they have the wrong motives. God helps point us to the correct attitude needed to govern ourselves.
3. He will enable us to create a more positive atmosphere - Failure produces character, as they say, but with God nothing is a failed attempt. True success for our economy will not reside in how much money or status we recover, but it will prove whether or not the character of our nation still stands for something. The Democrats, as good as they may believe their intentions to be, are challenging the very threads of our national character. Republicans, on the other hand, allowed our national character to be suppressed by not listening to the people. Listening to God through prayer and fasting will help us make the best and most necessary corrections in our character - not overhauling the whole system.
4. He will enable us to build lasting quality in the legacy we leave behind - The great American experiment has lasted through many tests and trials. It has overcome many tenuous and ardent complexities such as Apollo 13, Vietnam, the oil crisis, and 9/11. The risk we take if we leave our roots, will lead us to stop building a legacy that will endure for future generations and will lead us to begin creating one that will burn up and tear us apart. Socialist agendas are like buildings made of wood, rubble, and hay - they do not last (just look at the communist break down of Russia).

Yes, our government needs to act. I am praying for them to act with prudence and wisdom. True wisdom, however, only comes from humility and seeking the face of God. What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comment section (no hateful or unkind thoughts will be posted).

When My People

"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (NIV)

What happened to governing that appealed to the hope people have? By this I am talking about the times when Presidents or governors or other officials called on people to fast and pray. Look at history.

As a Christian, prayer and fasting help refocus my attention on what really matters.

Our President has spread doom and gloom instead of appealing to the hope that people have, he is saying trust the government. No wonder people have little hope and senselessly kill themselves and those around them. There is not any attempt in refocusing the hearts of people towards the real things that matter - life and love and peace.

We need hope, and faith has been one of the strongest bonds we have had as a nation. To bad so many are trying to rid us of religion, it erodes our hope.

God made it clear to Israel how they should respond to national depressions:

• Remember to whom you belong
• Remember humility (putting God and others before your own needs, but not neglecting yourself!)
• Pray and seek God (pay attention to God's desire for the nation)
• Turn from wicked ways or get rid of sin (our nation needs a very good cleaning)
  

After Israel did this simple act of love towards God, then God said He would:

• Hear from heaven (God will take us seriously)
• Forgive sin
• Heal the land (God doesn't hold back from those He loves)
  

I am going to spend the next few days describing the best possible recovery plan. What do you think about the hope that comes through faith?

Random Political Thoughts on My Mind

Today I want to throw out a few things that caught my attention lately.

Bipartisan

I want to discuss the word bipartisan. On Dictionary.com you find the word defined as "representing, characterized by, or including members from two parties". Breaking down into easier terms, bipartisan is a consensus of at least two groups.

I am really concerned with the government educated politicians in Washington who believe that only three Republican Senators represents a consensus. I wonder how proud their teachers are?

White House Dirt Digger

Yes, you read it right. The White House has appointed a young woman whose only job is to dig up dirt on anyone who opposes PREBO's (or POTUS - depending on who you listen to) policies. That's her background - dirt digging.

So if you oppose President Obama, you are probably on the watch list. I wonder if I made the list with my little ole blog here? Not likely.

Census Results

I read on Neal Boortz's "nuze" yesterday that the census originates in the U. S. Constitution in Article I. Article I deals with the legislative branch. How did the Executive branch take power over this? Is this constitutional or legal?

I looked it up and yes, you see in the first few paragraphs of Article I how the legislative branch (meaning Congress) was honored with this task.

Could it be that the Executive Branch "executes" the laws created by Congress? I would love to understand this more.

Las Vegas

I have never been there and do not have plans on going there. Their mayor is demanding an apology from President Obama for calling out executives who travel there on public money in order to hold conventions.

I am torn here. I think the execs need to do what ever necessary to begin to become prosperous again. That's the only way they will be able to pay us back. I am completely against nationalizing our economy. We should not be having this conversation right now.

But why travel to Las Vegas? Isn't New York big enough for conventions? Or are there not enough prostitutes and strippers for them?

The Trance of Socialism

If you listened too closely to President Obama's press conference, then you may have been in danger of hearing the faint yet hypnotic call of socialism coming from his words. I was blessed to have two children who needed to be put to bed at that time so I caught bits and pieces. I think this aided by immunizing me from some of the words.

Most of what I heard was, "Blah..blah...Government....Government...blah...blah....Government really good, individuals can't do things without it ....blah...blah....blah.... Government..... blah....blah...baseball....blah.... Government good, individualism dangerous....blah...blah....." and so on and so on.

I could not believe my ears. Here was the President of the United States and he was championing government intervention as if the American public did not have answers and were totally helpless peons.

I heard that we had to spend money now because this was the only hope for America. I heard how pitiful the situation was and how the dangers of not acting immediately (with a cool head) would plunge us into the dark ages - NEVER TO RECOVER!

Where is the hope? Where is the responsibility? What would have happened if we had a President who came out and told us the truth and poured on a little medicine - "Get your house straight and then we will talk business!"

The problem will never be solved by socialist ideals! Our problem comes from believing that debt living is the only way to live. Our problem comes from a government that would rather spend money unfettered and without consequence instead of balancing its own budget and putting away its own emergency fund and paying off its own debt.

Who do they put it on? Us! Rightly so, I should add. We continue to put the same irresponsible political figures back into office, and now they respond in an emergency, not with a plan to get us all out of debt and recover hope, but the only way they know how - throw money at it and see if it will leave us alone.

I am angry and upset. Maybe that is why this tirade is is emerging. Thank God for cooler heads like Next Gingrich. Listen, there is still hope but we have to continue to put pressure on the legislature (you know the group that is supposed to be in charge of spending) and demand a real recovery package!

Here is a new solution being sent out by American Solutions:

1. Payroll Tax Stimulus. With a temporary new tax credit to offset 50% of the payroll tax, every small business would have more money, and all Americans would take home more of what they earn.
   
   
2. Real Middle-Income Tax Relief. Reduce the marginal tax rate of 25% down to 15%, in effect establishing a flat-rate tax of 15% for close to 9 out of 10 American workers.
   
   
3. Reduce the Business Tax Rate. Match Ireland’s rate of 12.5% to keep more jobs in America.
   
   
4. Homeowner’s Assistance. Provide tax credit incentives to responsible home buyers so they can keep their homes.
   
   
5. Controlling Spending So We Can Move to a Balanced Budget. This begins with eliminating Congressional earmarks and wasteful pork-barrel spending.
   
   
6. No State Aid Without Protection From Fraud. Require state governments to adopt anti-fraud and anti-theft policies before giving them more money.
   
   
7. More American Energy Now. Explore for more American oil and gas and invest in affordable energy for the future, including clean coal, ethanol, nuclear power and renewable fuels.
   
   
8. Abolish Taxes on Capital Gains. Match China, Singapore and many other competitors. More investment in America means more jobs in America.
   
   
9. Protect Our Right to Vote in the Workplace. We must protect a worker’s right to decide by secret ballot whether to join a union.
   
   
10. Replace Sarbanes-Oxley. This failed law is crippling entrepreneurial startups. Replace it with affordable rules that help create jobs, not destroy them.
    
    
11. Abolish the Death Tax. Americans should work for their families, not for Washington.
    
    
12. Invest in Energy and Transportation Infrastructure. This includes a new, expanded electric power grid and a 21st century air traffic control system that will reduce delays in air travel and save passengers, employees and airlines billions of dollars per year.

Go to American Solutions and sign on to this plan: American Solutions

Socialist Healthcare Causes "Irreparable" Harm, Are We Next?

Here is an article form Nadeem Esmail in the WSJ Opinion section: 'Too Old' for Hip Surgery

The Supreme Court of Canada found that Canadians suffer physically and psychologically while waiting for treatment in the public health-care system, and that the government monopoly on essential health services imposes a risk of death and irreparable harm. The Supreme Court ruled that Quebec's prohibition on private health insurance violates citizen rights as guaranteed by that province's Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, says Esmail.

The Democrats want socialized health care why? So we can wait weeks or even months before we get seen for certain procedures? How would you like to be called too old for something?

My wife and I work hard to cover the costs we incur for medical expenses, and we pay our fair share from my past physical ailments. But we are not complaining. I am responsible for not caring for my body (though I am now taking great measures to reverse my mistakes).

The problem does exist that medical costs are high and that affordable insurance is very difficult to find. I suggested MediShare in my other blog for people looking for affordable health care assistance: Healthcare

The drawback with that plan is that is doesn't help with many pre-existent conditions. But this is still not a bad option for people needing assistance with medical needs. Even though it is not an insurance program, it does help in the long run through shared resources for care.

One the greatest things we can do for ourselves and our families is to start a health savings plan. Simply setting aside ten percent of your annual income is a great start for being prepared for medical problems. Will that cover everything? No. Will it go a long way towards covering emergencies? Yes.

Having a health savings account added to MediShare and you have more than enough to pay for any co-pay. Just think, someone earning $50,000 could have $5,000 set aside for help. Put it in a money market account or savings account and it grows. Regularly pay into it, and it grows more. Start young and by the time many health problems start emerging in most lives, you have a significant emergency plan available.

What about those with "less means"?

We can agree that as a nation with "means" we need to care for those who are poor. It is the compassion of Christ. We have Medicaid (for people needing assistance under the retirement age). Why not expand health care incentives for those in the workforce by providing vouchers or tax breaks for those who invest in some form of health insurance as the AMA plan suggests? How about having them pay an extra $10 a month for basic care insurance? How about putting money into helping store-front doctors and free-clinics to open and to operate?

I am not a master of health care information. I would just like to see us think wisely before ruining our future to socialized care that puts everyone on the back burner for real care. I want to see us avoid unnecessary deaths which socialized health care as proposed by the Democrats will cause. I want to see us avoid going into more debt because our government will mismanage our health care and run up health care costs in a slipshod fashion.

Of course all of this will be a mute point once the stimulus package passes carelessly through Congress - we'll be too broke and too bankrupt to pay for anything.

Democrats Ready To Embrace Anti-Christian Stimulus Clauses

As seen in two articles online (Article 1 - Article 2), I have found that the Democrats have buried in the bogus "stimulus" plan clauses that hamper and seek to remove Christian groups from having any access to public sites that receive federal funding.

I thought this was a "spending bill", not a bill to attack the Bill of Rights!

The Democrats in Congress are betting that we will not read this legislation and that the ground swell will be too little too late. They may be right.

I have been opposed to this and the previous bill from the beginning. All we are doing is stimulating debt instead of dealing with the problems and seizing the opportunity to enact governance that will benefit the future instead of just patching the present.

Senator Kerry responded to another today that we are in a recession now and 10 years from now doesn't really matter. His response was to a comment on how a Congressional oversight committee found that this stimulus package will cause another recession ten years from now.

Plug and patch. Real leaders do not plug and patch. The Democrats are passing this off on the future when their "reigns" in office will not be affected.

All of this is like flushing money down the toilet.

They are plugging up the holes with newspaper hoping the water will stop seeping through. There are bigger needs that need to be addressed and all they are concerned with is how posterity sees them.

The Do Anything Congress

This do anything approach will harm our nation in the long run.

• We are passing down debt to the future
• We are pushing off Social Security and Medicare reform - with the passage of this bill we will no longer have the means necessary to fix these problems because we will be spending all our money correcting this mistake
• We are sending education down the tubes because the root of this problem began when people stopped learning how to effectively manage money (instead we teach how to let money manage them - debt spending to their rescue)
• We are trying to save a broken tax system which even the highest of PHD's have a difficult time agreeing upon its interpretation
• We are pushing religion out of the picture because it holds people to account and many democrats hate accountability
• We are telling the uninsured that they don't matter because we continue to enact legislation that doesn't help them get good health care, only very marginal care
• We are still sending billions of dollars overseas to pay for oil because we are so in love with an unbelievable climate spiel that doesn't add up. Should we protect the environment? Yes - sensibly.

The love of money is the root of all evil. $1 Trillion dollars is more than enough to purchase Walmart, Microsoft, and numerous other mega-corporations. "Throw money and hope it gets to where its needed", says the President!

Oh yeah, and don't forget to continue to throw junk legislation in the stimulus bill that absolutely has nothing to do with spending or economic aid, and don't forget to rid the world of those evil accountability seeking Christians.

Do You Want To Act?

Here is what you can do: Call the Congressional phone lines and keep them tied up with your demands to stop this bill. We need good, honest legislation, not this deceptive piece of trash making it way through the Senate (see here: A Viable Alternative For Economic Stimulus). Act now and make a difference.

This site, Congress.org, will help you find a list of everyone who represents you on the federal and local levels.

Have fun, and have a great weekend!

The Sky is Falling, The Sky is Falling On President Obama

President Obama addressed the House Democrats yesterday, and said if we don't pass the stimulus plan by mid-February, America will go down in flames. "Hurry, hurry, rush, rush! We are going to be crushed."

I can't believe that a president who is supposed to portray confidence and hope is now portraying confusion and doom!

Are we not a great country that has won its own independence, crafted a rule of law by the people, overcome a Civil War, helped defeat tyranny in two World Wars, battled through a great depression, overcome the throws of communism, and is standing strong against terrorism?

What changed? Where is the leadership that stands up in such a time and rallies the people and provides vision?

A true leader should be doing at least three things:

1. Providing Purpose - We need to understand the desired outcome. We need to know what the stimulus plan will actually do and why it should be done this way
2. Providing Direction - What are the goals? How can we accomplish those goals? How can the people get involved (it's not all about the government)? We need to take responsibility and pay off debt and begin saving and learn how to work a second job if necessary. Answer the who, what, when, where, why, how! Besides, the people paying off debt, the government needs to LEAD THE WAY AND PAY OFF ITS OWN DEBT! Be an example and lead!
   
3. Providing Motivation - Motivation is the cause of action. Where is the confidence? If our government isn't confident - why would we be? I believe we could get behind a leader who is prepared to hold "bailout" hopefuls to the fire - Get it right or strike out! Also, a leader who is prepared to set limits to spending

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "War is waged only with vigor, decision, and unshaken will: one must not grope or hesitate."

True leaders get people to go against their nature. People need to feel comfort, and a leader has to provide that comfort through sacrifice and hard work. Our leaders cannot afford to grope their way through this economic problem. They need a real plan and need to stop throwing out numbers.

So ask yourself, who is providing the purpose, direction, and motivation for our future? My help comes from the Lord, because there is only so much man can do. Take responsibility for your actions and together we each will make a difference amongst those around us.

Be a difference maker. Be a leader!

Senator Lindsey Graham on Stimulus

A Viable Alternative For Economic Stimulus

Why do anything for yourself? Why succeed? Why push yourself to make necessary changes in your life and better yourself? Your too old, who cares? Why?

The government will come to your rescue! At least that is the message being sent to everyone through this unbearable package.

Now, Senators have come together with a passable plan that could be implemented immediately called the Republican Rival Stimulus Plan.

What I like about it is and what I would like to see added:

1. That we get to keep what we earned (the government doesn't get control and then send it back to us at their leisure!).
2. They are slashing corporate taxes!
   
3. I would say that states should lose federal money if they do not use the money as designated!
   
4. I also like how the money spending ends immediately within three years! This means states will have to act immediately to put the money into the economy.
5. Oh yes, definitely balance the budget - that is a must!
6. I still would like to see them use the FairTax to force the federal government to balance the budget.
   
7. Also, use the Picken's Plan to get us off foreign oil supplies and into renewable energy.
   
8. Finally, I think we need to add tax incentives for individuals who are paying a bazillion dollars for family health care coverage.

Here is the alternative as reported by Reuters:

A group of Senate Republicans unveiled a $445 billion alternative economic stimulus plan on Tuesday, about half the cost of the $885 billion Democratic plan the U.S. Senate is considering.

Following are details of the proposal by John McCain of Arizona, John Thune of South Dakota, Richard Burr of North Carolina, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Mel Martinez of Florida.

Tax Provisions:

* For one year, cut in half to 3.1 percent the payroll tax for all U.S. employees. Cost: $165 billion.

* Lower the 10 percent income tax bracket to 5 percent and the 15 percent bracket to 10 percent for one year. Cost: $60 billion.

* Slash the corporate tax rate to 25 percent from 35 percent for a year. For small businesses filing as individuals, their tax bracket would also go down to 25 percent from 35 percent. Cost: $50 billion.

* Offer in 2009 to homebuyers a tax credit of $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. Cost: $20.4 billion.

Spending Provisions:

* Extend unemployment insurance benefits and food stamps through 2009 and eliminate taxes on unemployment benefits for the same time period. Cost: $48.15 billion.

* Use federal money to discourage mortgage servicers and lenders from executing home foreclosures. Cost: $11 billion.

* Grants to states to build and repair roads and bridges. $65 billion.

* Improve, repair and modernize Defense Department facilities. Order and/or repair equipment, vehicles, material and ammunition for combat troops. $17 billion.

* Grants to states to make investments in public transportation systems. $3 billion.

* Grants for airports to build new runways, install runway safety equipment and other infrastructure projects. Cost: $1.1 billion.

Other provisions:

* All spending programs would end three years after the legislation became law.

* To move toward reducing the budget deficit, after two consecutive quarters of more than 2 percent of inflation-adjusted gross domestic product growth, spending provisions from the stimulus package that has not been spent or obligated would be canceled. Additionally, there would be a 2 percent across-the-board spending reduction to help balance the budget by 2015.

* Establish commissions to review Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

(Reuters)

$445 Billion is still hard to swallow but not as hard as $900 Billion. At least these ideas have validity.

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

President Obama is proving that the campaign trail is not the same as the office. On the trail, he promised that none of his staff or cabinet would work in areas that they had lobbied. He now has at least two who have. He has also nominated at least two who thought that they were exempt from taxes while we had to pay. Then they come back and said, oops!

Do as I say, not as I do. Here is what I read in the Bible today:

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying:

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe,that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:1-12 (NKJV)

I find it eerie how much that sounds like some elected officials. I just wish that they would pay attention to the last sentence, "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

I do not see any humility among those who decide to pay their taxes only after they exalt themselves by accepting a very important position in our government. This goes to character (regardless of how smart they are). Their character has been exposed and the Senate happily accepted one of them into the fold. Now, all of the sudden they want to demonize Daschle (only to save face).

The only way to humble a politician is to send them home. In other words, stop electing them!

Another thought about the stimulus package:

There are some aspects to the stimulus package that would be very beneficial to our country. For example, our infrastructure needs to be repaired and updated. Another example deals with getting away from our oil dependency. So yes, there are some positive aspects to this package.

The unfortunate problem emerges from the pork spending that benefits a politicians' vote rather than our need for economic stimulus. Of course this goes back to the above verses. The true colors of the spend-sters in office are revealing their character. They adore being enamored and being called "Senator" or "Representative". They like the pats on the back and the best seats on committees. They could care less about the burdens placed on their fellow man because they make up differing rules for themselves. Do I say, not as I do rings true only for them.

I know the day of humility will come, and it saddens me that so many are caught up in these spotlights. At least their are still many in the Congress who maintain integrity. Those are the ones who will be remembered and honored.

Edited (Feb 5, 2009):
Here is a list of the "non-lobby" lobbyist on the White House staff that were appointed and approved by President Obama (12 and counting): Politico or Hot Air