Congratulations Mr. Obama

So, the voice of America has chosen Senator Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Congratulations.

The next four years should be very interesting. I think President-elect Obama has shown he is a capable politician. In fact, I told my dad four years ago after hearing him speak at the Democrat Convention of 2004, that he would be our next president (I hate it when I am this right). I believe he has the potential of becoming a good president. Yet, by electing Mr. Obama and putting a super majority in the House and Senate, we may have to look forward to the following:

• An economy slowing to a crawl due to higher taxes (higher taxes are to blame for the progression of the Great Depression). When Samuel told the Israelites about the dangers of a king, he said, "He'll tax your harvests and vintage to support his extensive bureaucracy." 1 Sam 8:15 (MSG) I am not calling Mr. Obama a king - just making you aware of the dangers of a growing federal government
  
• A new form of welfare with money being given out like candy to those who should be earning a living - we will be rewarding laziness (socialized redistribution of wealth here we come). Maybe we should do a better job showing them how to pull their own weight?

"Our orders—backed up by the Master, Jesus—are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it." 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 (MSG)

• A return of the fairness doctrine - this is very dangerous because the government will tell us what it wants us to hear not allow us to have the freedom to choose - ever read 1984?
  
• Secret ballots for union elections are as good as gone - goodbye privacy. I feel very sorry for those who will be in unions. They will be bullied forever more because of the Democrats lust for power (and they say absolute power doesn't corrupt? Just wait!)
• Say goodbye to school choice and vouchers and to the freedom to raise your children by placing them in a school that you choose. The democrats are ready to indoctrinate the masses (again read 1984). I also fear for homeschooling
  
• Oh, don't forget universal health care. Of all proposals this one has the masses of the United States blinded. Now the government will not only dictate what you hear but also whether or not you will get seen by a doctor. Just look to the messes in Canada and France and other socialized medical care
• Churches will get slammed with new lawsuits once the federal government starts fooling with the "hate laws".
  

Did I miss anything? Probably. Is all the news so dire? Not really - Jesus is coming soon.

Do I agree with the Democrats on anything? Sure. In fact, I think these three areas would benefit us all:

• I believe we need to work out some way in providing better health care answers for those in our country who cannot afford it. We are a wealthy and strong nation. There is not any reason we cannot do this - but we should do it without the interference of the federal government. Look at the AMA proposal.
• I believe we need a more fair and better tax system. A system that will abolish the 16th Amendment and the IRS - Look at the FairTax
• I believe in getting away from our dependency on foreign oil and turning to better fuel sources (especially renewable energy) - see the Pickens Plan
  

I think my greatest hope is to see that the republican party wakes up or we see the rise of a new political party. Above all, we need to return to God.

If anything, right now we should begin praying for our newly elected government. Praying for peace and strength and wisdom. Praying for humility and love and kindness. Praying for God's will to be done.

I am very excited that a black man has been elected in the United States. I just wished he was Republican (maybe Michael Steele would consider running). May God Bless America.

I Voted, Did You?

As you head out to vote, remember what's at stake. Pray, seek the facts, and vote. Have a great election day!

Christian Voter Values Part 5

Tomorrow, we as a nation elect a new president. We can either place a Democrat in control of the top office or a Republican.

A Democrat gives the Democratic party complete control of the federal government.

A Republican may give a check against such power.

As Christians, we have to decide as to whether or not we get involved. I was just listening to some commentary online. They said the Christian conservatives do not make a difference at the polls.

Is that true? Do Christians vote values or just stay home? I hate to say it, but I think they are right. Christians tend to get their feelings hurt, stop looking at the whole picture, and sit at home - "to teach them a lesson."

If we really wanted to make the difference we say we want to make, we should stand behind a political party that stands for values. I think we need a third party that will draw those who are disappointed in the current two party system into a party that will at least deal with problems and provide answers.

But the whole idea of Christians participating is to get your voice heard. Our nations has problems with addictions (pornography and gambling), with sexual immorality (homosexuality and sex out of marriage), family issues (abortion, divorce, the definition of marriage), with education (reality versus relativism, liberal teaching, intelligent design), with Christian hate (prayer out of schools, Bible out of schools and the workplace, demonizing Christian worldview), and more.

Our nation also has a lot of other problems like the economy (we need the FairTax, we need less government), with immigration (illegals and not having a better immigration policy with our neighboring countries), with terrorism (we have to deal with oil - The Pickens Plan), and with numerous other future events such as the retirement of Supreme Court Justices.

To sit back and not be involved is a slap in the face to the country and a slap in the face to Christian values. I know we do not exactly have much to choose from but if you can't bring yourself to vote for either of the main party candidates at least throw your vote towards an alternative such as the Constitution Party. There are more than two people running for president.

Get informed and vote for values. I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.

Christian Voter Values Part 4

Christian Voter Values Part 3

Marriage and Family

When we talk about marriage and family many immediately think about three areas: abortion, the definition of marriage, and divorce.

Marriage should always be defined as a covenant between a man and a woman to live the rest of their lives together. Homosexuality should never cross into this realm. I understand that some people would even like to have civil unions between people, but to be honest, even that leans too much toward marriage.

Because our nation was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs, we should honor a commitment to hold on to values that have carried this nation for so many years. To deny our heritage will quickly destroy the moral fibers that hold our nation together.

Abortion is a sin. I had never thought about the lengths people go to to save a nest of baby turtle eggs as compared to the growing infant within the womb of a woman. Why is that? Why do people so eagerly dismiss the destruction of a human soul over the death of a sea turtle or other animal? Humans are not animals even if they choose to act like one.

As for divorce, I am deeply concerned about the rate of divorce among those in and out of the church. 50% of all marriages fail in the United States. Christians should be really ashamed of their lack of concern about this. Here is a really good book that helps in this area "Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships." Before I start a marriage seminar let me just say that we have created the wrong idea and image about marriage. Read the book it will help.

But those three areas are not the only areas we have to consider about marriage and family when dealing with public policy. What about abuse, drug addiction, sexual addictions and gambling. When Christians do not get involved in politics, they are inviting more and more damage to be done to marriage and family issues.

Just think what will happen if the Democratic party becomes fully entrenched in the Congress and the White House? They will not only pass legislation that would harm our moral integrity as a nation, but they will readily appoint judges who are activists and rule on thought and not on law. These activist judges will rule constantly against Christian beliefs.

Your voice will only be heard at the polls. Get informed and vote for values. I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.

Christian Voter Values Part 2

Education

I think one of the greatest dangers our educational system is facing comes from those who teach relativism.

Just so you understand what relativism is let me explain. According to the dictionary, relativism means any theory holding that criteria of judgment are relative, varying with individuals and their environments.

In other words, your truth is not the same as my truth. Your truth is good for you, and my truth is good for me.

You may think that sounds okay but that rules out absolute truth. They teach that absolute truth is not relevant nor acceptable. Of course their claim that absolute truth is not real is none other than absolute which totally destroys their argument but who wants to do that.

By teaching science through the eyes of relativism, people are no longer people with souls. They are animals evolving. By teaching history with relativism, facts are accepted but not required especially if the truth offends others. By teaching law with relativism, rules can be skirted and laws are not absolute especially if those laws are contrary to popular thought.

Relativism gives rise to evolution and denies the truths held by others (Christians) in intelligent design. Relativism gives rise to humanistic values (greater purpose is not found in God). When my high school went through its humanism in the classroom phase, I was told that I could not value God or the church or the Bible. Get real.

Humanism has been repackaged as relativism. This is why so many students are struggling with faith as they attend our government schools.

Relativism is not the only problem with education. Students are given the wrong message about sex - the acceptability of the homosexual practice or the acceptance of sex outside of marriage. I will deal with homosexuality in another post but will say this, I fully accept homosexuals. I love them and know they are very productive members of our society. However, I do not condone the act of homosexuality nor the ideals of that lifestyle.

As for sexual habits outside of marriage, let me tell you about the 1990s when a local high school began teaching the acceptance of condom use. A number of students started holding sex parties and syphilis cases rose dramatically. Like Henry Fonda said in "Mine, Yours, and Ours", you are not ready for sex until you are ready for marriage and kids and the entire responsibility that comes with it.

As Christians we should support various forms of education such as government schools, private schools, vouchers, and home schooling. In fact we should be asking for vouchers to be given to everyone equally - home schools included.

Another thing our education needs is a better commitment to families and students who strive for excellence by providing better incentives to achieving higher goals. Science and technology schools should be created with full tuition for students in high school who show an interest in these areas. Pay them a stipend for achievement if need be.

As Christians we should help support any programs or ministry that help lower income students. I know of a church in Atlanta that is trying to raise funds in order to create a business training program for students in high school. The kids will literally be given a business on the church property to run. What a fantastic idea.

I could go on and on, but I want to end with one thing. True wisdom comes from learning about the fear of God. There are a lot of intelligent people who walk around without any wisdom. The Bible needs to be put back into school.

If you are a Christian and you want to take part in the election, do so responsibly. Get the necessary information and vote.

I Vote Values - This is a great blueprint for your reading about the topics that need be addressed by our government.