Remembering 9/11

As I have been watching the replays of the events on September 11, 2001, I am taken back the where I was at that moment.

I was working as a bookkeeper in an elementary school. The morning had been just a regular day until a woman came into the office and said a plane had hit the World Trade Center. My first thoughts were not of terrorism but of envisioning an airplane sticking half in and half out of a skyscraper.

I quickly turned on the FoxNews channel and began watching the footage. Within two minutes, I saw the second plane hit. The news anchor had thought momentarily that they were watching a replay of footage but then he also came to the same realization that a second plane had hit.

My thoughts went from how a plane could hit the towers to "Holy Cow! We are under attack!"

Everything changed that day for all of those who experienced it from a long distance to those who were there in the midst. I do not know where you were on that fateful day, but I will always remember where I was.

I think back now on those who have memories of other tragic events in history: Reagen getting shot, Kennedy being assassinated, Pearl Harbor, and numerous others. These events trigger memories and fears among all of us, yet our nation continues to roll on. Our resilience has lasted many generations, and with hope and faith, it shall last either thousands more or until Jesus returns.

I hope we will continue to remember those who died and those who are surviving. I hope we also are vigilant that our nation has yet to pass from this threat, and our military is still in harm's way. Let us remain resolute in our commitment to see this battle ended.

By God's grace we are still a nation that has a chance to spread hope, love, and peace throughout the world. Therefore, I pray for God's blessing upon us today.

The Heaven's Declare His Glory

(Hubble Gallery)

Who says that the Red, White, and Blue does not make the universe more beautiful? All I can say is that the heaven's declare His glory - our God and his beautiful paintings in space.

God is not political. The universe is covered with all sorts of beautiful colors. But when I saw this, I was in awe about the beauty of God's creation. Yes, He is the Creator and Designer of this beautiful universe that surrounds us.

Take time today to reflect upon God today and all that He means to you and your family. Take a moment out of today and just give thanks for something. You will be surprised at how much your spirit is lifted each time you give thanks for what you have. Reflect on the good things and you will find them.

May God's peace richly bless you today.

Omega Centauri (above)

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope snapped this panoramic view of a colorful assortment of 100,000 stars residing in the crowded core of a giant star cluster. This is one of the first images taken by the new Wide Field Camera 3 that was installed aboard Hubble in May 2009 during Servicing Mission 4, which can snap sharp images over a broad range of wavelengths. - NASA

Morality in Politics

I want to tell a story today:

A young man quickly moved up through the ranks in his career. He had great intelligence and wisdom that surpassed the elders who had controlled power for more years than the people were willing to admit. In fact, many of those who had power had corrupted the system to benefit their lifestyles for many years, and they felt very threatened by this young newcomer.

The newcomer made people feel good about themselves and gave them hope as they aspired to make lives better for themselves. This newcomer threatened the status quo of the popular leaders because he was just and did the right things.

A weekly meeting was started in order to find a way to trip up this young man. These corrupt leaders sought many ways to bring this young man down but they could not find anyone brave enough to bring charges against him.

The young man held strong to his faith even though he was hundreds of miles away from his country, having been snatched away by the domination of a powerful army. He only had what his parents had instilled in his life - faith, virtue, truth, and peace. He used these character traits to make a difference in the lives of those around him.

The young man's example had encouraged three friends to stand up for their rights even in the midst of a death sentenced gone wrong. They stood tall and came through the ordeal without the stench of the smoke that was being blown their way.

This young man was becoming a national hero but not to the people he now served. His people had been uprooted from their nation and now worked hard to make a new life in a new land while desperately trying to hold to traditions of old.

The angry elders, failing to find fault with this man, finally decided to do what any desperate sinner does when their guilt is highlighted by the right actions of others. They decided to change the laws in order to attack the young man's religion; a religion of peace and well-being, a religion that brought positive change to the lives of those who followed it, these evil-mongers decided to make it illegal to perform a certain faith practice - the practice of prayer.

This young man did not go into the center of the city to protest this travesty. Instead, he sought the encouragement of God from an upper room in his own home. The hate filled leaders had taken "big brother" tactics to new levels as they set people up to watch for this young man to pray. The spies came back with the report; the evil leaders now had all they needed to have this young man thrown in prison and executed.

Unfortunately, the reluctant head of state had signed into law a law that would condemn to death the one person he could trust to tell the truth. You see, the corrupted leaders had created so many mental viruses that their view of life had to condemn truth because truth led to an upheaval of all the power they had amassed from the lies they spread. They had spent great amounts of money to secure their power, and they would not let a young man ruin it by confirming that absolute truth existed.

For punishment, the young man was cast into the presence of Death. Beleaguered, the young man turned to his only source of hope. He knelt before death but prayed to life. Death was taken aback at the tenacious prayer being presented. Death had long awaited this opportunity to punish the faith of those who believed in the one true God. Death had wanted to crush the spirit of those who held to this "worthless" following, but only because Death wanted truth to be crushed so he could rule the helpless with his rules for life.

Death had spend centuries developing religions to counter this one belief in the one true God. His followers amounted in the millions yet they mattered not to him. He wanted total control. He wanted to hurt the very One who had given him life. Distorting the truth was just the beginning. He had already drawn up plans for a new religion that would mar the truth and combine religious views of this faith with others. He was poised now to release his vengeance, and it started with this young man caught in the middle of the fight between good and evil.

Now was the moment for Death to strike and cut the throat of one who embodied this faith. Death prepared to leap upon his his intended victim, but something happened that was unseen by this prevaricator of hate. Light stepped between him and this young man. Truth prevailed, and the young man was set free.

Now this is a true story. It is my version of the story of Daniel and his brush with death at the hands of leaders who wanted him dead for his faith.

Daniel's story still rings true today. Men and women seek desperately to eradicate Christianity from our founding history. They seek to disparage truth by claiming absolute truth does not exist. They teach it to our children in school. They make laws about it in our courts. They have attacked the reading of the Bible. They fight hatefully to end prayer. They embrace counter cultures and faiths that counter Christianity.

What is their desire? Simply to hurt God. Daniel's story is now our story. Look at how the politicians of our day use faith for gain instead of being men and women like Daniel who used faith to guide and guarder his life. Who could argue against this:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

I like how Eugene Peterson puts this:

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)

Hope you enjoyed the story, but I hope you do not let the story end here. Our nation was founded on principles of faith that saw the equality of all men and women while providing for the rights granted by God. Know the truth and the truth will keep us free!

Weighing in on the Principal Who Prayed

All right, here is the deal. You may have heard that a principal asked a friend and faculty member to bless a meal during a booster club meeting. The man prayed to ask for God to bless a meal. Let me say it differently, a man asked for God to allow a meal to benefit all those who were present.

Who in the world brought this to the light of the ACLU? Is the ACLU attending every public event just waiting for someone to pray? Is the ACLU the new "big brother"?

Who told? Was it a person who had a really bad experience when someone prayed for their meal as a child? Did God not bless their food?

How are anyone's rights trampled when a prayer for food is given? I am sorry, and this may be insensitive, but atheists make up a very small minority...I can't even get the words out I'm so frustrated with this lawsuit.

I understand that some people may feel uncomfortable when a prayer is offered up at a public function. But as a Christian minister, I think the discomfort comes more from guilt than belief. Notice that how I prefaced that thought. As a minister, I honestly believe people are angry about prayer because it constantly reminds them that they have given God the boot or given up on God - the very God of this world who has never given up on them.

God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:9 (MSG)

People have been so misguided about our nation that they believe that democracy means minority views rule. The problem is that our nation is a constitutional republic, not a democracy. Our nation is a nation of rules and laws that respect the views of the minority while advancing the will of the majority.

Our nation's laws govern the will of the majority by protecting individual rights so that no individual or group has absolute power. So minority views cannot usurp those of the majority, and majority cannot trample the rights of the minority. This lawsuit, however, is doing just that. It is lifting the views of a very small minority above the individual rights held by the majority of our nation.

If someone is praying, atheists need to learn to respect those praying because they have just as much right to invoking their faith as atheist have in running from it.

The Bill of Rights says this:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...

An established religion is one that is set by law. Christianity is a faith system not a church. It is not the official faith of the United States because the founders dealt with varying forms of the Christian faith.

Yet, notice that this is the first line in the Bill of Rights! The word that is overlooked here is "respecting". Respecting means to show deferential regard for or esteem for. By denying the rights of Christians, by demonizing their faith, by sending them to jail, by putting fines upon them, and by (in the case of these gentleman) taking away their benefits, government has moved away from upholding this right and moving towards "respecting" the establishment of atheism as the faith of this nation.

I could not stay silent on this any longer. It is time for Christian bashing to stop. Christian have their problems, but it is this faith that led to the removal of slavery (the Christian faith of William Wilberforce led his fight to end slavery which spilled over to the United States), to the great works of the civil rights movement (MLK was a pastor), and which led to establish a positive worldview, led to protect the the rights of individuals, led to numerous scientific discoveries, developed literacy among the common man, led to produce the college system, led in exploration, and much, much more.

I could go on but I do not want to lose sight of the issue. These men are being railroaded because of their faith. It's time for this to stop.

Here is the view from the defendants' lawyer:

Vandalism at Scott's Office

Whoever vandalized Rep Scott's office needs a lot of jail time, counseling, and a scrub brush. In fact, that person should become an unpaid janitor in those offices for 5 years.

I disagree with Mr Scott, like many people, but never to the point of stupid and insensitive actions. People are very angry, but spray painting peoples places of business or threatening violence will never get your voice heard!

A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. Proverbs 11:17 (NIV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Proverbs 25:15 (NIV)

Look at these verses again.

• A kind man benefits himself. Kindness garners respect.
• Gentle answers turn away wrath. The Life Application Concise New Testament Commentary says that people who can control their tongues will be able to control themselves in every other way. Don't stir up anger.
  
• We must be firm but patience because patience persuades. Think about the reality of the gentle tongue - it pierces the very soul of man.

I think about Sen McCaskill yesterday as she faced her constituents. She asked why everyone was being so rude. I have to ask the same question, because at least she was there trying to listen and understand the frustration (even if she was trying to convince herself and others that this health care plan is needed).

Listen, I have heard great things about Mr. Scott - mostly that he does try to get things done. Disagreement must show patience, gentleness in words, and kindness if we are to persuade him and others that this is the wrong direction for America.

Come on folks. It is okay to be angry and frustrated. Just don't sleep on that anger, because anger festers and grows. The only poem I memorized in high school was a poem I did not even have to know:

Hate is creative.
It creates more hate.

Think about it.

If you want to make yourself heard:

• Find out the truths in the bill
• Make your argument with alternatives
• Email and call your representatives and Senators
• Write letters (with gentle words and answers)
• Join this Facebook Group that supports a better alternative: EMPOWERING PATIENTS FIRST ACT (sorry shameless plug for legislation co-sponsored by Rep. John Flemming)

There are hundreds of ways to make our voices heard. Again, don't go to sleep angry - email your thoughts right away so you can clear your mind about it. Let's change the world!

Great News on the Unemployment Front

The news that unemployment went down, came as a surprise to experts though signs of the recovery seem to have been emerging over the past couple of months.

I am glad that some people are beginning to find employment and get back to normalizing their lives. I am yet still critical as to how this turn should be understood.

Case in point, how much of the stimulus money has actually been spent? I keep hearing from various sources that the money has yet to be distributed other than what some of the states have received. This morning they report that only 15% of that money has actually been disbursed.

So if, most of the money has not been spent as of yet, was the stimulus really necessary, and should we keep it on the books?

My biggest fear is that we will take the good news, assume that everything is going good again, and we end up pushing off the problem instead of fixing it. The problem, as I keep posting, is the incredible growth of our national debt which, if not dealt with, will keep our bubble economy poised for more and larger bursts.

Our culture seems to become blind in the good times. If we ignore the national debt and keep the deficit at all time highs, we can be assured that our problems will get worse with each economic hiccup. We have to deal with the debt now, not later!

My only hope is that even though I am still very opposed to the stimulus, that we can quickly move past it in order to begin dealing with the debt we owe.

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)

The more we borrow, the less we lead as a nation. The more we borrow, the less influence we have as a nation. The more we borrow, the less seriously rogue nations will take us. The more we borrow, the sooner we could go broke and subservient to those who guaranteed our debts.

We can drill here, drill now and get jobs here, jobs now, but until we start paying off the debt, our backs will be against the wall. Tell our Congress that debt is bad in all cases and start reigning in their spending!

As a nation that once held to its Judeo-Christian heritage, we should honor God by returning to the principles laid down by God which keep us from facing the problems we face now. Today's principle is to stop being borrowers so we can become givers. How do you see it?

It's About Wisdom and Knowledge - Stupid

I think the most difficult thing to reconcile about the current positions of our federal government, is how little wisdom or understanding that they seem to have about anything. They are so sure of themselves that they do not even take time to read complicated and transforming legislation. They would rather pass the legislation and then weed through it later.

President Obama comes with an idea or a vision on what he would like to see for America. But how much time has he actually spent trying to understand the policies he is espousing? In my humble opinion, not much.

Why else would he leave the Congress to come up with the specifics for his ideas on health care reform? He doesn't have any. He absolutely does not have any idea about what he is trying to accomplish, he just wants to accomplish something. That is dangerous, and it is irresponsible!

I want someone who holds the position of president to speak with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. In other words, why not study something first, come up with a plan, then try tackling it? But no, our government officials sing their Party's party tunes and hold their holy huddles and expect us to rally behind them.

How much would it harm them for us to expect them to actually spend time learning something?

For example, why did President Obama need to stick his nose in a local matter? And when he did, why does he say the police acted "stupidly" and then not explain his reasoning for it? Is he that daft that he thinks whatever he says is fine? Doesn't he realize that his words hold water because of the position he holds?

Wisdom and knowledge define responsibility, and our federal government is acting completely without any understanding of what living life is about. They have become so drunk on power that they care less about reality and more about their own press.

This health care plan being vetted by the Democrats shows how little wisdom our elected officials have.

I am beginning to respect people like Newt Gingrich more. He is not a perfect man or a super hero. He is, however, taking time to understand the issues that are plaguing our nation. We need more people like him who will take time to understand and seek solutions not Party rhetoric.

Maybe I am just ranting today. But someone has to start getting angry enough to see this fiasco for what it is becoming. Someone needs to stand up and start leading or we are in for dire consequences. I am not trying to be an alarmist, just a realist.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.Prov 4:7 (NIV)

Power is so tempting that it changes people. Our elected government officials have gained so much yet it has cost them in all the wrong areas of life. So many spend more time dabbling in areas that are unbecoming of a person granted authority by others: improper relationships, greed, pride, hatred, lies, and theft just to name a few.

America is not the greatest country in the world nor does it have the best governing philosophy. It is, by God's grace, the one nation where people are allowed to freely make choices about their lifestyles. It is the one place on earth where the government does not control us and our thought processes (though this is quickly changing). I believe this is by design.

We have a choice to follow God in this lifetime or follow our own worthless paths. America allows this freedom, but the Democrats and those like them want to destroy this basic right, some with intention and some without realizing what forces they are following.

Atheist, evolutionist, and secular humanist views are slowly destroying compassion, truth, and absolutes. Their goal is to create a society of perfection and letting the weak be cast aside and destroyed. For them, only the strong deserve a right to survive and to prosper. For them, natural selection is a better way of life. For them, the cost of keeping the weak around is too much.

Why? When they have to act with compassion, they have to act in a manner that is much like God created them to act. Yet they are so emphatically opposed to following or acknowledging God, they would rather destroy any healthy response towards people that would include grace and mercy because those attributes carry the very fiber of God's image within each of us.

Do we need a health care plan that will help others? Yes, but not at the expense of compassion and mercy. That is what will happen if the Democrats get their way. And the atheist, evolutionist, and the secular humanists will have the beginnings of their lifeless existence. They will continue to push God out of their picture until they get the anarchy they desire.

Wisdom and understanding are what we should seek. But who will take up that mantle and run with it?

Gay Marriage and the National Stage

I have tried not to get into the deep when it comes to speaking about homosexuality and the agenda some have in forcing everyone to believe it is okay.

There is now legislation that, if passed in current form, would make it a felony for me to even say that homosexuality is a sin and ministers who preach it from the pulpit could face felony charges for saying it is a sin.

Now, we have a Miss USA contestant who was placed in the spotlight because she answered truthfully and honestly about her view on gay marriage.

Here is my view on the whole subject - homosexuality is not a national issue and should never be protected with a "anti-hate law". Such laws only create more hate and anger. Each state should have the right to either recognize homosexual partnerships (or marriage) or not. It is a state issue!

Yes, I believe homosexuality is a sinful practice. I also believe that looking at pornography, divorce, sex outside of marriage, and cheating on one's spouse are also sinful practices. Why homosexuality has become the "chief" sinful practice attacked by some Christians is beyond me.

The Bible tells us that all sexual immorality is a sin, and those who participate in those acts are on the verge of missing heaven completely. I say "on the verge" because I believe in a loving God who wants to forgive sin and restore relationship with all.

But to demonize a woman for her religious views or to make laws because a very, very, small minority want to silence the religious speech of others is beyond what our founding fathers ever imagined for our nation. It is also beyond anything that God would stand for.

Let the state's decide whether or not they will recognize gay marriage, and let God judge that state. Let's not bring more judgment upon our nation for trying to moralize immoral acts with legislation that tries to silence the majority.

Remember, we are not a democracy - we are a republic - a nation ruled by laws.

Here is a letter on the Hate Crimes Bill:

The enactment of so-called "hate crimes" legislation is a long stated objective of the homosexual agenda.

What "hate crimes" legislation does is lay the legal foundation and framework for investigating, prosecuting and persecuting pastors, business owners, and anyone else whose actions reflect their faith.

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to mark-up the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 this Wednesday, April 22. They need to hear from you.

It was in a similar hearing last Congress that Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL) admitted that under the legislation pastors could be arrested for hate crimes.

The act would establish a new FEDERAL offense for so-called "hate crimes" and add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected classes. It will mandate a separate federal criminal prosecution for state offenses.

Adding "sexual orientation" to thought crimes legislation gives one set of crime victims a higher level of protection than it gives to people like you and me.

ALL people deserve to be protected from crime, not just certain groups.

Sign our Petition TODAY to say equal protection under the law means equal protection for ALL. Please join the over 22,000 people who have already signed this petition. If you have already signed, please forward to ten of your friends and ask them to sign.

Fight Hate Crimes!

A Nation Falls Without Leadership

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)

As much as I would like to see a political party embrace only Christian views, I think that would be a disaster. Let me explain before you decide to stop reading.

• An all Christian party should reflect an all Christian society. We do not live in such a society.

• An all Christian party would push people away from the church and would seem antagonistic. One of the main problems that young people have with Christianity, according to the book unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity... and Why It Matters, is that Christians are too political. I tend to agree.

The real factor for the success of a political party should be seen in the embracing of moral values that stem from the Judeo-Christian faith. That stance is a lot different and can be more inclusive.

Does this mean that Christians should not be involved in politics and hold our nation to a standard of living that reflects our values? Absolutely not.

The surest way of gaining wise guidance or leadership for our nation is for informed Christians to actively participate in voting or even as candidates. We have too often turned politics over to dishonest and disrespectful men and women because we fear that politics is for those who are corruptible. This is such a farce.

Charles Finney said it this way:

"...the time has come that Christians must vote for honest men, and take consistent ground in politics, or the Lord will curse them." — Revival Lectures

That's a very bold statement. Finney was a huge supporter of ending slavery and extending rights to the enslaved black Americans. He once said, "It is a great national sin. It is a sin of the Church."

There have been too many people who wash their hands of sinful practices in government all because they prayed about it instead of making their voices heard or they take the shameful neutral ground because they believe everything in politics doesn't have a moral ground for argument.

This is why our nation is floundering and threatened by world economic domination. Christians haven't called for righteous men and women to stand in the gap and hold our nation to standards of moral fortitude. Here's another statement from Finney:

"They (the voters) must be honest men themselves, and instead of voting for a man because he belongs to their party, Bank or Anti-Bank, Jackson, or Anti-Jackson, they must find out whether he is honest and upright, and fit to be trusted. They must let the world see that the Church will uphold no man in office, who is known to be a knave, or an adulterer, or a Sabbath-breaker, or a gambler, or a drunkard." — Revival Lectures

What would happen to politics in America if we held our leaders to this standard? I am including Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and whomever else. Those in all parties can be held to these standards and should be held to them. If they violate them - they lose their position!

This is not hatred nor bigotry nor anything else that demeans people, and it is not a "test of faith". We in the church can hold our leaders up to certain standards. This is why unfaithful pastors are removed from their positions. This is why pastors who cheat on their taxes or are unfaithful in stewardship are put to shame. We have standards in the church and holding our governmental leaders to such standards is not wrong nor should it be discouraged.

Notice what Finney said about the voter - "they must be honest". We ourselves should be held to the same standards and abide by those rules. Our national future will depend upon changing our view of politics and understanding what government is for.

"...the time has come when they must act differently, or God will curse the nation, and withdraw his spirit. As on the subject of slavery and temperance, so on this subject, the Church must act right or the country will be ruined. God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the Church will take right ground. Politics are a part of religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as a part of their duty to God. It seems sometimes as if the foundations of the nation were becoming rotten, and Christians seem to act as if they thought God did not see what they do in politics. But I tell you, he does see it, and he will bless or curse this nation, according to the course they take." — Revival Lectures

The foundations of our country have rotted. Now it is time to call in those who are honest and upright and who will start shoring up our foundations once again. We, as a nation, must return to the true original intent of the founding fathers, and we, as Christians, must return to God and His ways.

The Church must take the right ground.

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?

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

Max Lucado's Prayer For Our Nation

Is There Hope?

I am not a prophet, but I can say that we are in the midst of a growing nightmare.

Why doesn't the President turn to God? Why not ask for a day of prayer? Why think that we can fix the problems all by our selves?

God left Israel to fend for themselves in the Old Testament after they had abandoned God. In fact, He said:

Thus says the Lord to this people: "Thus they have loved to wander; They have not restrained their feet. Therefore the Lord does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, And punish their sins." Then the Lord said to me, "Do not pray for this people, for their good. "When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence." Jer 14:10-12 (NKJV)

God loves us too much to leave us completely but when we want to do things on our own, God loves us too much to restrict our free will.

Though I am not a prophet, I understand that real peace and hope come to nations who recognize God as their God. When we spend time trying to eliminate God from our national picture we are telling God, "Thanks but no thanks!" How dare we become so arrogant? What has happened to our humility?

We need God! We cannot continue this great experiment without Him.

There is hope. There can be peace. There is a revival in having faith.

Here's proof:

When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice 31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them. Deut 4:30-31 (NKJV)

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6 (NKJV)

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"Heb 13:5-6 (NKJV)

The key is seen in the verse from Hebrews - "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have."

Selfish ambitions brought us to this crisis. Humility and cake-eating will get us out. When we become content instead of going into debt trying make ourselves look good, we can then discover the faithfulness of God. We fear because we have uncertainty. God brings certainty.

For those who say God doesn't belong in our government, you are missing the point. Our government cannot survive without Him. He is our strength. He is our correction. He is our hope. He is our peace.

Paul said in Philippians, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." We will make it through this just fine.

We do have to get ready for problems. However, if we work together, we will make it through. keep your heads up, because if God is for us, who can be against us?

The Deal, Boss, The Deal

So Democrats are coming out and screaming about the deal they had on the table until John McCain (who didn't speak the first 40 minutes during the round table) railroaded the debate.

As I watched the news yesterday, the Democrats did not have a deal until after McCain announced he was on the way to Washington D.C.

THEY DID NOT HAVE DEAL! They are playing politics just like everyone else. Do not listen to the rhetoric. They are blaming Mr. McCain now because they can't come up with any real plan.

My Question

My question about this plan or bailout or investment or whatever they are calling it today, how long before the same bad behaviors cause us to have to bailout the banking system again?

I heard Republicans say that people need to be able to borrow to send their kids to school. They need to borrow in order to pay employees.

1. If you borrow to send your kids to school you are already teaching them how to lose in life! You are teaching them that borrowing is the best solution - but teaching them how to create debt is exactly why we are in this situation. Kids need to be taught how to make money and how to use that to create more opportunity.
2. If you are borrowing just to pay your payroll - you do not have a business. You are failing!

The reason people are having trouble paying for a home is because the home is too much to afford. The reason car makers are having such a hard time is that there are a lot of good used cars that are being bought and sold. The reason gas is so expensive is because we do not know how to conserve (we all believe it is there just for me and nobody else deserves it as much I do).

Maybe not everyone, but it is getting close.

Are you having a hard time paying your bills - drop something. Drop your landline phone service. Drop your internet service. Drop your cell phone company. Drop your cable or satellite service. Make the cuts necessary to keep going.

Some gurus say they refuse to live below themselves (Kiyosaki and Trump). Fine. Good for them - you are not them. That does not mean you cannot rebuild and grow again to what you are used to having. Right now you have to do the right thing instead of trying to look right.

Proverbs 24:3,4 says:

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. (NLT)

I am listening to all these people who say "so and so will get paid if such and such can get money through a loan". Let me say it more clearly. If you have to take out a loan to do something - you cannot afford it! If you cannot pay cash for something and whip out that credit card - you are creating more problems!

This is probably too logical. I understand it is also a simplistic answer but that is all we are getting from those with the microphones.

People keep saying that the government should have acted sooner. Let me ask this - when did we need government to step in? What happened to personal responsibility?

That verse says a house becomes strong through good sense. Our government has proven that it doesn't act with good sense a lot of the time - it wasn't created to do so. We are to act with good sense. If you gamble with your money and you lose, you lose. That is why it is called a gamble.

A house is built with wisdom. True wisdom comes from understanding the will of God. The more we lose contact with God, the further away from true wisdom we are found.

Let's stop gambling and start acting with good sense. Only then will our nation grow stronger.

The Economy Tanks, Now What

Okay, so the economy hasn't completely tanked. There are a lot of good things still happening. Maybe we will get back onto topic because of it.

There are some things that need urgent attention. One for example is the Red Cross needs donations. They are dealing with thousands of people needing support on the Gulf coast in Texas and still in Louisiana.

Why would I say give when people are unsure about tomorrow? None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. We are guaranteed right now. Right now is a great time to pass along help to those in need.

The Bible says:

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:38 (NKJV)

It also says:

Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you.Prov 3:28 (NKJV)

Giving is a command of God. It is the one sure way of testing our resolve. We will either become greedy in times like these or we will be gracious in how God blesses us. True character is shown in tough times.

The Red Cross is not the only way to give. Another place I like to support is Operation Compassion.

But why give?

Only through giving do we take the time to reflect on what we have and how we can make a difference even with little.

Through reflection we can also get a better handle on our own budget.

Every budget should consist of giving, saving, and spending. Giving reminds you that you have an important role to play in this life. There are greater tragedies than our own.

Saving is a way to protect yourself in times like now. Dave Ramsey suggests having a $1000 in savings for emergencies. Then pay off all consumer debt. Another thing to do is have 3 to 6 months in budget savings. See Dave's Baby Steps here.

Spending comes regardless of what we do. You have to decide how important things are to you. Where can you cut back? Don't worry about not supporting the economy. Worry about supporting you or your family by the financial decisions you are making right now.

The federal government

The federal government will have to take care of its own mess. We have all those smart people we elected and they are pretty confused about how overspending effects the economy. Maybe one day they will realize that our country is in debt and needs to get out of it.

Besides, Congress has more important issues to deal with - Check it out: Congress Celebrates Boooze

For now, get yourself in step and take care of yourself.

The Saddleback Forum

Now that the forum is over, Senator Obama's supporters are coming out in force to decry the whole thing saying the Senator McCain had a chance to hear the questions. This being blatantly untrue underscores the fact that Senator Obama did get a heads up on one question. Oh well, you can't please everyone.

One of the questions they were asked dealt with evil.

In my Bible reading today, I caught a glimpse of the roots of evil in Psalm 36.

"Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God to restrain them. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are." Psalm 36:1-2 (NLT)

Why is God important to our nation and its structure? Why should we still embrace our Judeo-Christian heritage? Why should we allow God in schools?

Without a fear of God there is not anything to restrain us. Without a fear of God there is not anything to restrain evil! Think about suicide bombers. Their acts of terror are unrestrained because the fear of God is not within them, just the fear of human reprisal.

Life with God is the only power man has over sin. When we compare that to how the so-called educational leaders seem to shun anything that has to do with God, we can easily see the lack of fear that keeps them blinded. Their actions are so stemmed with the hatred of anything nominally religious that they cannot see the disastrous affects of removing God from our society (not that we can).

Again I repeat myself about the importance of this issue of God in America. As a nation, we cannot afford to become religion free. It is what drives our consciousness. It is what gives us vitality and life.

Unfortunately, too many people have started believing that the Constitution is a living work that matures and changes with time. How untrue that is. The real truth is revealed in the motives of those who wish to misinterpret this time honored document.

Psalm 36 says further that such people (wicked ones) "lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their course of action is never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil."

People who are driven to rid America of religion are blinded to their own actions. The lack of fear of God reduces their arguments to "I am right therefore there can no longer be any argument." They are willing to use the court system to destroy what the majority holds to be true. they are so adamant about their beliefs that they refuse to see the Divine role of God in the defining of evil.

We have lost the thought that our nation is not a democracy but a republic. We work in light of majorities while listening with respect to minorities. If we cannot reclaim that thought process, we will see our nation torn apart by those who do are blind to evil.

Evil wants only one thing, to eradicate the good. Hopefully our candidates will take that as a very serious question and stand up for our freedom of religion and God's role in politics.

The FairTax is a Christian Act

Read this passage and then see what I have to say about it.

A great protest was mounted by the people, including the wives, against their fellow Jews. Some said, "We have big families, and we need food just to survive." Others said, "We're having to mortgage our fields and vineyards and homes to get enough grain to keep from starving." And others said, "We're having to borrow money to pay the royal tax on our fields and vineyards. Look: We're the same flesh and blood as our brothers here; our children are just as good as theirs. Yet here we are having to sell our children off as slaves—some of our daughters have already been sold—and we can't do anything about it because our fields and vineyards are owned by somebody else." I got really angry when I heard their protest and complaints. After thinking it over, I called the nobles and officials on the carpet. I said, "Each one of you is gouging his brother." Then I called a big meeting to deal with them. I told them, "We did everything we could to buy back our Jewish brothers who had to sell themselves as slaves to foreigners. And now you're selling these same brothers back into debt slavery! Does that mean that we have to buy them back again?" They said nothing. What could they say? "What you're doing is wrong. Is there no fear of God left in you? Don't you care what the nations around here, our enemies, think of you? "I and my brothers and the people working for me have also loaned them money. But this gouging them with interest has to stop. Give them back their foreclosed fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes right now. And forgive your claims on their money, grain, new wine, and olive oil." They said, "We'll give it all back. We won't make any more demands on them. We'll do everything you say." Then I called the priests together and made them promise to keep their word. Then I emptied my pockets, turning them inside out, and said, "So may God empty the pockets and house of everyone who doesn't keep this promise—turned inside out and emptied." Everyone gave a wholehearted "Yes, we'll do it!" and praised God. And the people did what they promised.Nehemiah 5:1-13 (MSG)

There are three points from this passage form Nehemiah that I believe we each can understand.

• Taxes are a burden to the poor - look at the impact of the lives of the Israelites. They had a hard time affording food, they were putting their kids to work, and they had to borrow just to pay their taxes. The FairTax offers a prebate to all citizens. The prebate will be given at the beginning of the month which will be automatic assistance to those in need. It is guaranteed grocery money. Plus, with the FairTax, everyone keeps their entire paycheck (excluding any state and local taxes or company benefits), which means they will have their entire paycheck to spend the money as they see fit.
  

• Leaders have to be angry enough to stand up and demand a change - Right now our leaders in Congress are being told it is okay to say they are for the FairTax because senior leaders will not let the FairTax come to a vote. Being angry must lead them to action.
  

• We need to stand firm and keep our leaders motivated - The less they hear from us about the FairTax the less important they will believe this issue is to us.

As a Christian, it is my civic duty to help care for the poor. As a Christian, I believe a good start is seeing reform in our tax code. I only wish our current candidates for President would hear me. At least my Representative is the author of H.R. 25.

Take a look at each of the platforms of the two major parties (or even the smaller parties). They all want reform but the reform will come in increased spending, tax raises, or tax cuts.

In addition to passing the FairTax, we must work together to get Congress to pass a law demanding fiscal responsibility through a balanced budget.

This is extremely important because our government's failure to stop spending is sending our country on the way towards financial ruin. It has been projected for years. We are depended on foreign countries to sustain our economy through loans. What happens when they say enough is enough and call those loans?

Our country, if we do not work hard to pay back our debt, is on the verge of bankruptcy and we will have to sell out to foreign governments. We are better than this and need to make some very hard yet very necessary changes in order to stop this collapse.

Our current leaders keep smiling and going around believing their own hype that everything will be okay. But if we keep taxing our corporations at the current rate, we will no longer have United States corporations. Budweiser is the latest to seek to be bought out of country because the tax burden is too high. Who will be next?

We need our government officials to call together a panel of men and women who know how to make money and who know how to make hard decisions and let them come up with a plan that will help us get out of debt.

This panel must not have any ex-Congressmen or government officials. It should be put together by the President. Here are a few names to consider - Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Robert Kiyosaki, Donald Trump, and others in the real world who have been through the hard times and recovered.

Then we need to concentrate on Social Security and Medicare before they both suck us dry. I think we can conquer that tomorrow.

True Increase in Times of Trouble

To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song. God be merciful to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us. Selah2 That Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. 3 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 4 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah5 Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

Psalms 67:1-7 (NKJV)

If you ever wondered where real prosperity comes from, then read this Psalm again. When God takes His hand off of things, they die. Why? God is the life of the earth.

I may not be a prophet, but a prophet doesn't have to be consulted when you wee that times are tough. I know of only one surefire way of seeing our nation begin to rise back up, and it has nothing to do with the answers we keep giving for our problems.

As a nation, we need a national revival. We need the hope that comes from Jesus. We need to be honest with oursleves and the way we live life.

When God takes second place in our lives, we loose. Jesus told a fig tree to die one day. The next day it was shriveled and dead. That might not seem like a nice thing to do. I had questioned that move for a long time, but last night I finally understood it.

That fruitless tree looked like it was full of life, but it had nothing to offer. Many people walk through life acting like they have everthing to offer. They present a front but hide their true intentions.

Many of us want to give something and add something to life. We want to know we have what it takes in life but we are hiding things in our life that make us fruitless. Maybe it is some hurt or wound given to us by someone when we were younger.

That wound has to be dealt with. God is the one who validates our lives. He gives us passion and purpose. That fruitless persona needs to be killed oof and through Jesus we have the power to do so.

At the moment, God begins to graft us into the life-sustaining vine. He takes the dead and rotted and giveit life. He prunes it and makes us fruitful.

As a nation we have to deal with our sins. We have hurts we have to deal with instead of glossing over. Until we heal, we will not have answers and we will continue to watch God's hand move away because He wants us to understand how utterly helpless we truly are.

I hope you will consider these words and look inside yourself and honestly assess your worship of God. We all need to do so, "then the earth shall yield her increase."

The End of the World As We Know It

Could we be living in the last days as mentioned in the Bible?

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

Luke 21:25-28 (NKJV)

And there will be signs. I think this is the most interesting part of what Jesus says. What is the dominate world theme right now? Global Warming. The verses above say that there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars. Could global warming be another precursor to the return of Jesus?

I think about this as our June temperatures in Georgia are reaching the 90s for the week. Our average temperature is almost ten degrees cooler. Now I could act in fear like most everyone else. They want to put things right as if that was the way to appease the anger of God. They want to appease God's anger their own way as if being good would focus God's attention elsewhere.

By the way, I am not saying global warming (if it is even real) is a punishment from God. I am saying that answers to things do not lay within what we can do. There is a Higher power who can make things right, and yet people are more concerned about who is the most global conscious. They fall all over themselves trying to look good, and our government officials are playing the field real well during this pivotal election season.

Yet, no one is calling for prayer. No one is heading for the churches. We do not have any political leaders with enough guts to actually call our nation to prayer. Long gone are the days of Abraham Lincoln who instilled the national day of Thanksgiving to thank God for our blessed nation.

The funny thing about this presidential election is that neither of the candidates are Christians. If they are, they have a really funny way of living out their Christian lifestyle. What a better setup for the upheaval of the United States than putting a person without any fear of God into office.

I do not fear these things, however, because my hope is strengthening with every sign of the impending return of Christ.

And there are the wars and rumors of wars. Across the world we see fighting for some unknown reason. Mostly because someone's pride refuses to let them stop.

With all these problems facing mankind, instead of turning to a loving and just God, men and women are turning from Him and blaming Him for the problems. Many will attack this just because it is easier to hate and to be intolerant of faith, all in the name of tolerance.

I watch in this scorching heat for the coming of Jesus, because never has there been such an intensity towards His coming. Instead of failing, I am excited and growing enthusiastic about the future.

Does this mean I should stop doing and being active in life? No. Laziness is never rewarded. Does this mean that I should not take care of the environment? By no means. I am just as responsible as anyone else for caring for this planet which God put us on.

Verse 28 says to look up and lift up your heads. That means to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and do something. Clean up our lifestyles and start turning our attention towards God. He is coming. Are you going to be ready?