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People And Their Guns
Did you know there’s coming a day when all guns will be a thing of the past? Just a faint, distant memory, if even that.
Just the thought of that is enough to throw some into a mild panic.
Now before you get mad, ranting and raving about my liberal viewpoint, please finish reading this post. It may not be what you’re thinking.
It’s been said, guns don’t kill, people kill. It’s also been said, guns can protect people from people who kill. The truth is, some people use guns to kill, people and/or animals, while others use guns to protect themselves against people and/or animals.
But what if everyone, everywhere, were forced to lay down their guns, EXCEPT those who ONLY use theirs for hunting game? And those who are allowed to keep theirs MUST PROMISE TO NEVER use the gun to hurt a human being?
Notice I said EVERYONE and EVERYWHERE.
No more killing people with guns. People who still want to kill would have to choose a different plan of attack. Like use a knife, for instance. At least a knife would be easier to defend against. And I’ve never heard of an automatic knife. Have you?
So why wouldn’t that work?
Some say that the money grabbing gun manufacturers wouldn’t stand for such a law. Others are quick to post pictures of Hitler, Stalin, and Obama demanding all guns be surrendered.
But what would be wrong with that?
The thing that’s wrong with that is, guns aren’t the problem at all! No, the problem is just plain, ordinary, run of the mill, PEOPLE.
People like you and I.
And because it’s a people problem, people can’t be trusted to do the right thing.
They can’t be trusted to always think straight, control their temper, or act in a way that would possibly diffuse a volatile situation. They can’t all be trusted to use their guns in a responsible manner.
They can’t be expected to ALWAYS make the best decision, or NEVER have an accident.Because people act like people. Always.
And too often guns are needed to protect people from people.
But what if it COULD be accomplished?
Just think; no more guns, legal or otherwise, being fired by people at people, regardless of whether the shooter or victim is good or bad. No more San Bernardino massacres, nor more Columbines, no more gun accidents within the homes of good people. No more armed robberies by bad people.
Remember, it’s a people issue.
But people, good and bad, don’t want to give up their guns. Now this may not sit too well, what I’m about to say, but I think people don’t want to give up their guns because they’re in love with them.
Blast those nasty Chinese anyway, for inventing such a terrible thing as gunpowder.
Oh, I forgot to mention; the Chinese are people.
Back to people. I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it; but can’t we be honest? People love their guns. It’s what people do. We love things that can sometimes be used for good and sometimes for bad.
May not be a gun; could be a car. And cars have been used to kill PEOPLE.
But back to people and their guns…
Am I advocating a complete, across the board surrender of ALL guns everywhere?
Yes. It would simplify things greatly, IF everyone could be trusted.
Am I proposing all weapons be destroyed and never manufactured again?
Yes. Again, IF each person could be trusted.
Do I think it will ever happen?
Yes! I know it will.
BUT NOT because people can be trusted.
People CAN’T be trusted.
But I know it will happen because I’m not the only one who’s sick and tired of all the killing; senseless or otherwise. And the One Who’s going to make certain all weapons ARE destroyed isn’t Obama, Clinton, or some Muslim terrorist regime. After all, they’re just people.
No, I’m referring to God Almighty; He’ll get it done. But not until this planet’s people are forever changed into His likeness, and can be trusted to act and respond as He would.
So you might as well begin easing up a bit with your affection for guns, or anything else that’s going to melt with fervent heat (including cars) as mentioned by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:11,12.
Because a greater problem than guns, or people using guns to kill, is upon us. The thing that gets us all in trouble. The reason Jesus came in the first place.
People loving things instead of loving, really loving and obeying, the living God.
But it’s going to happen, some day; and I can hardly wait!
“‘The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,’ says the Lord.” (Isaiah 65:25 ESV)
“It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills;and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say:
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.” (Micah 4:1-4 ESV)
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Can The NSA Stop End Time Prophecies?
I guess I’m just wondering out loud, as I do quite often these days.
I was watching the republican presidential debate the other night and some of their comments got me to mulling over a few ideas in my head.
Mainly, can the NSA stop end time prophecies from happening?
The NSA (National Security Agency) is pretty much responsible for monitoring all electronic communications, coded and cryptic messages, etc; anything and everything that could pose a threat to our national security.
I’d say they have their hands full.
But why the question?
Scripture teaches that in the end time evil men (and women) will grow worse and worse (2 Timothy 3:13).
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12-13 ESV)
Deception breeds deception. Evil begets evil. Bad people do bad things, and evil folks do even worse.
And so it will be in the end time, which I believe is right at our doorstep.
Good will be persecuted by evil to such a degree evil will believe it has won. “Deceiving and being deceived” spells it out pretty clear.
Mark it down, we haven’t seen anything yet!
Mild tremors of persecution are beginning to rumble throughout the earth, though in some nations the persecution of the righteous is in full force.
The evil one has a taste in his mouth for the blood of the righteous and won’t stop until he’s had his fill, or until he’s forced to.
Deceiving and being deceived. He actually thinks he’s going to win!
I don’t know how persecution of the righteous will come to the United States, but I believe it is coming.
And no, being told to remove a nativity scene, take down the Ten Commandments, or not being allowed to mention God at a High School graduation ceremony is NOT persecution.
Nor is it when a certain coffee shop doesn’t use the word “Christmas” on their cups.
But real, hard felt persecution is coming to those who won’t compromise their righteous walk with God.
And I don’t believe the NSA can stop it.
No matter how many phones are tapped, or how closely they monitor the millions of emails sent each and every day; the end time prophecies are going to happen.
They can fly thousands of drones over our cities, each equipped with the latest spy cameras and ultra sensitive microphones, yet nothing will alter the end time persecution of the righteous.
I’m not saying it’s going to be ISIS, or any other particular terrorist group. But mark my word, it will be a group of people who are deceiving and being deceived.
It COULD even be our own government!
Isn’t that something to look forward to?
Can I offer you a little bit of advice?
Don’t worry about it. Plan on doing the right thing, regardless. Determine to walk with God whether you are in the fiery furnace or the lion’s den. Make up your mind whether the government loves you or not, you’re going to walk with God.
Even if your presidential candidate isn’t elected, make it your aim to please God in all you do.
Paul said his “light affliction” (that’s what he called it) did something more than just make life hard. What light affliction was he referring to?
Nothing more than beatings, shipwrecks, nakedness, a stoning or four; you know, light afflictions.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV)
Persecution and hard times aren’t what anyone really wants to think about.
Ever.
But you’d better think about it, and prepare for it.
Prepare by walking with the Lord Jesus NOW; no matter how many people think you’re nuts.
Yes, the NSA will do their best to keep this nation as safe and secure as they possibly can. But that WON’T keep persecution away from those who have decided that, come hell or high water, they ARE the righteous ones in Christ and they’re going to live as such.
Go for it!
And I’ll see you on the other side!
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Campaign Rhetoric – Something’s Missing
Attention all presidential candidates: please read this important word. Non-politicians: you may also read this.It finally dawned on me, while watching the republican presidential candidates debate on how to deal with ISIS and make our nation safe, that something huge was missing.
Something we see every day on our currency, yet those who are running for office seem reluctant to mention.
Our national motto, “In God We Trust“.
It’s true, faith cannot and should not be legislated. But it is also true those wanting to lead our nation, who really believe in God and trust Him as they are quick to point out to the “religious right”, shouldn’t be reluctant to at least make mention of our national motto.
Why is their faith so glaringly absent from their ISIS strategy?
Oh, but faith is such a personal thing. It shouldn’t be talked about on national television. Really?
Leaders lead. Wimps and people pleasers kowtow to the demands of the masses.We do not need a puppet leader who’s tied to the opinion polls of popularity. We need someone who says what they really believe, regardless of how it’s perceived by the voters.
What happened to the George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s? How about Truman? And FDR, praying for the D-Day troops on national radio?
Check this out, in case you missed hearing it back in 1944:
Franklin Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer
June 6, 1944“My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.
“And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.
“Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.
“They will need Thy blessings.
“They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest-until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken with the violences of war.
“For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.
“Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.
“And for us at home — fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas — whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them–help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.
“Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.
“Give us strength, too — strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.
“And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.
“And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.
“With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.
“Thy will be done, Almighty God.
“Amen.”
Wow! In God we trust! Why don’t we hear our national motto in today’s rhetoric among the presidential candidates?
If ISIS is going to be defeated, if our nation is going to lead the world into true and lasting freedom; if we are going to fulfill our nation’s calling as a city on a hill, then we must return our focus to what we declare in our nation’s motto – “In God We Trust”.
It’s not our money motto, or our religious motto. It isn’t a republican or democratic motto.
It’s our National Motto.
Whenever God has been humbly and sincerely entreated by leaders throughout world history, God has intervened on behalf of their nation.
My advice to the candidates is this: if you genuinely have faith in God, then don’t use it like a special token to get the ear of voters.
Rather use it to get the ear of the Almighty, and allow Him to do what only He can do in turning our nation around.
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He MAKES his enemies be at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7
Declare it to the heavens, and those on earth will take note!
Declare it as a campaign strategy, and you’re on your own.
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A Controversial Message
It’s that time again. Time to get out my spiritual Kitchen Aid, plug it in, throw in a few ideas and stir things up.
After all, it’s the nature of the gospel of Christ.
The basic, undiluted message of Jesus is controversial. There’s no better way to describe it.
Controversial – relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument; likely to produce controversy.
Yep, that describes the gospel perfectly.
How else would you describe it? I mean, would YOU use words like these?
Peace, Serenity, Calm, Love, Life, Grace, Abundance, Beauty, Family of God, or Heavenly?
Would YOU use those words, or would THESE words paint a truer picture of the gospel message?
Death, Hatred, Ugliness, Depravity, Loneliness, Brokenness, Violence, or Hell?
Remember Jesus’ words, “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39 NLT)
Do those words sound anything less than controversial?
Jesus didn’t come to bring mankind the best thing since sliced bread.
He didn’t come to give us another option for our retirement plan, you know, kind of like a spiritual IRA.
God the Father didn’t demand such a violent death from His only Son just so you and I could sing “Joy to the World” or “Silent Night”.
No!
The reason for the gospel was our utter deprivation, completely at odds with the Holy God, Creator of the heavens and earth. We were DEAD in our sins.
Jesus didn’t come to earth because we were so welcoming. Sure, as long as our belly was full of fish and bread we loved the Lord! But when it looked as though our lives were to be threatened by the people in charge, “Crucify Him” is what came screaming from our lips!
We didn’t need a president or even a governor. We couldn’t have made it if we were simply sent a nanny; someone to feed us, help us not feel lonely, and remind us to brush our teeth.
No! We needed a Savior! Someone Who would come into our mean, nasty, ugly world and make it possible, supernaturally possible, to be changed into a brand new person!
Not cleaned up, dusted off, or remodeled.
Brand new!
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)
That’s why it took a controversial message to shake us, awaken us to the possibilities of something FAR GREATER than anything imaginable up to that point.
Paul said, “For I’m not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation…” Romans 1:16.
“I’m not ashamed… to say I belong to Jesus. The old guy died, NEEDED to die and never be resurrected because he was vile, wicked, EVIL without God.”
“I’m not ashamed… to live according to the Word of God, even though IT IS NOT THE POPULAR THING TO DO!”
“I’m not ashamed… to embrace controversial messages that go against the grain of a world system that feels it has an axe to grind with God.”
“I’m not ashamed… though persecution is part of taking a stand for the One Who died and rose again so I could have life.”
“I’m not ashamed…to say Merry Christmas, even if Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th. It’s an opportunity to point people to the controversial message; the gospel.”
The gospel is the power of God, resulting in salvation and all the other nice things we like to think about.
But FIRST, the gospel must be embraced. In other words, we must believe and receive the controversial message.
There’s no other way to do it. For Jesus said, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”
Controversial? Yes! Worth the price?
You bet!
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Why Can’t We Be Nice?
Although I’m not the most eloquent of writers, and my readership is far less than your average rock star author, I have still had my share of experiences with nasty people. How about you?
Why can’t we be nice?
I mean it.
Why not?
I’ve seen various posts on Facebook, and while they may have been a bit controversial, there was nothing vulgar or demeaning. But some people seem inclined to meanness whenever they express their opinion.
Why?
I get the fact that those who are an encyclopedia of knowledge want others to become aware of their vast amounts of facts and figures. I can be that way, at times.
Whether the topic is pet grooming, picking a president, packing a weapon, or preaching a sermonette, there’s always someone who is the self appointed expert. The expert enjoys taking advantage of the obvious mental and spiritual deficiencies of the other commentators.
It’s taken me a little time, but I think I’ve learned how to recognize the experts on social media. I don’t even need to see their credentials. I can tell by the words they use.
A sample? Sure.
Experts use words like:
“Don’t you know?” “Why are you such a moron?” “Where’d you get your bible degree?” “You obviously haven’t read the book…”
And my favorite words used by experts:
“That’s stupid!” “You’re an idiot!” “I’ve never heard anything so stupid.”
I read something, somewhere, at some time, that went something like this: “Why do those who know so little, know it so loud?”
Why can’t we be nice?
The greatest, wisest man who ever walked this earth still had people clamoring to be around Him; to listen to Him teach.
If He had been as smart as some of today’s SMEs (Subject Matter Experts), NO ONE would have wanted to be anywhere near Him.
But even though He knew it all (really, He did), there was something different about Him.
He never acted like it!
The ONLY time He called someone a fool, or a snake-faced hypocrite was when He addressed those who thought they knew it all!
I’ve witnessed some of God’s “sanctified wonder boys and wonder girls” berating a non believer for not acting like a believer.
Incredible!
Why can’t we be nice?
Hey, although my posts haven’t reached the masses, at least I’ve reached an expert or two. So, with that in mind, I’ll keep on writing. I’ll keep trying to make a difference in my world.
A difference in the way people think, respond to the Word of God, and to each other.
And you know what? There’s absolutely no reason why we can’t be nice.
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Our Golden Calf
Aaron made a golden calf. Everyone was happy, as they danced the dance of worship and celebration, lauding the golden calf as their deliverer. The one who delivered them out of Egypt.Everyone except God, Moses, and Joshua.
America has made, or has at least tolerated, self absorbed, egotistical politicians whom we like to laud as our savior and provider. We dance to their tunes, and raise our voices in praise to our favorite “golden calf”; the one we believe will save us from the dreaded democrats or the repulsive republicans.
We mimic their values, tout their talking points, and dare anyone to tell us we’re wrong. We will fight for our right to worship our golden calf, because that’s the american way.
And all the while God is on the mountain watching.
Watching and grieving.
Watching, grieving, and telling His people two things.
Come out from among them and be separate. Don’t fall into the dance of idol worship.
Pray for those caught up in the hype, the razzle-dazzle, the dance.
As Moses asked the people, “Who is on the Lord’s side?“, so the Lord is asking you and I.
The Levites responded to Moses call.
Will we respond to God’s?
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God, Guns, and Faith
I understand our nation’s history, her Minutemen, Paul Reveres, etc., but I’m having a hard time reconciling some of the remarks made by my Christian brethren with what Jesus Himself said.“Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52 ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ’An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil…” (Matthew 5:38-39 ESV)
“…Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8 ESV)
“By your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19 NKJV)
When I mention the need to trust God, rather than be so “up in arms” fanatical, you’d think I was the antichrist.
There’s basically one thing you’re going to leave this world with. Everything you have with God is directly tied to that one thing.
Faith.It’s the one thing God requires.
And I would hope that ANYONE who puts their finger on a trigger is a God fearing, God honoring person with a DEEP faith in God. You should, as well.
Since when did God start demanding of His kids that we talk mean and hateful, strutting our stuff around on Facebook like we’re the saintly version of John Wayne? Or, maybe Chuck Norris and Clint Eastwood?
Somehow I find it very difficult to picture Jesus walking down the streets of Jerusalem with a Colt 45 strapped to His side.
You say He didn’t carry a weapon because He came to give His life a ransom for many? True!
But when asked by Herod why He wasn’t defending Himself, He DIDN’T say, “Listen punk, don’t you realize I’ve got a whole cache of weapons back home in the upper room? My boys are just waiting for My word.”
No.
Instead He said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” (John 19:11 NLT)
Earlier, when Herod began his questioning of Jesus, Jesus responded, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36 NLT)
His particular wording I find interesting. We, in many ways, have become so patriotic we have lost focus of God’s kingdom and its principles.
We’ve traded our trust and walk with God for our election process, and our constitutional rights.
Folks, I am NOT discounting our rights! I’m saying that first and foremost we, those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus, must be KINGDOM OF GOD oriented and inclined, or we will not fulfill God’s will for our lives, and this country will forever fall short of its destiny.
Am I saying we can’t defend ourselves, either individually or as a nation?
No!
King David was allowed by God to have an army. In fact, the King was quite the soldier. He was the Audie Murphy of his day.
No one messed with David’s army and got away with it.
But here’s a point you must see. David, a man after God’s heart, was enticed by Satan to sin before the God David loved. What was the temptation?
It went something like this:
“Psst, David! Hey, you, Mr. King! Yeah, you. Haven’t you noticed the headlines lately?”
“What do you mean?”
“All the Syrians and Philistines have been chanting ‘death to Israel’, and they’ve recruited an awful lot of people for their armies. Doesn’t that scare you?”
“Well, come to think of it…”
“Yeah, you know you’re scared. So how many soldiers do YOU have, O King?”
“Well, I’m really not supposed to be thinking about that. God wants me…”
“Oh, knock off with the faith stuff. You know what it’s like to run short of people; people who know how to fight! C’mon, man, use your head! Get some data so you’ll know how many to draft. You mustn’t be caught unprepared!”
So, David grabbed one of his generals and told him to number the troops.
And God said, “Wrong move, mighty warrior.” (1 Chronicles 21)
It wasn’t wrong to have an army!
It’s not wrong to own a gun, or three!
It IS wrong to TRUST in them.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call.” (Psalm 20:7-9 ESV)
But if you simply MUST trust in chariots, then choose wisely whose chariots you’ll trust in.
“The chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them…” (Psalm 68:17 ESV)
If you haven’t figured out what I trying to say, maybe these passages will help:
“The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 33:16-19 ESV)
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.” (Proverbs 21:31 ESV)
Victory belongs to the Lord. Do all you can; saddle your horse, load your gun, whatever you feel you should do. But before you do, there’s one question every Jesus follower should ask first.
“Lord, what would You want me to do? How can I follow you in faith in the situation I’m facing?”
Because remember, whatever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)
So can we drop the God, Guns, and Guts bit, replacing it with, “God, Guns (if you want), and FAITH”?
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My Own Little World
Nestled within my very own watery cocoon, I am unaware of anything but my heartbeat. I hear voices from time to time, but their words are not discernible. My life is a sheltered life, as well it should be. I haven’t the knowledge, experience, or wherewithal to make it very far on my own.
Life is a mysterious thing, beginning within the dark confines of secrecy. One moment, there’s nothing. And then, life. I can’t tell you when that occurred; I wasn’t, now I am.
Me.
In my own little world.
A world within a world.
I feel so safe, so cared for, so very nurtured in this little world of mine.
It seems like I’m getting bigger every day. The desire to exercise comes automatically, and I find myself turning, kicking, and jabbing at nothing but the watery walls of my house.
I am so secure, hidden away in this wonderful place I call home.
Something inside assures me I will always be cared for, never abandoned, forever loved by someone I’ve known all my life, but haven’t yet met face to face.
There are times when I can hear a heartbeat other than my own. It has a stronger, slower rhythm to it; a reassuring sound that love is very near.
I’m not lonely in this little world. And though I’ve never seen the world outside this watery shell, I have a growing anticipation of greater things, new experiences. I know I was created for greater things. There’s a small but definite light deep within my being; a light that seems to constantly emit rays of hope. Hope of uncovering my purpose, my destiny, in this thing known as life.
At times my little world rumbles and bounces, but I need never worry. I am safe. I am loved.
I am.
Me.
In my own little world.
“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Psalm 139:13-16 NLT) -
Campaigning For President
Maybe I’m a little late throwing my hat into the ring, but here goes anyway.
I am campaigning to become the next president of the United States. Why? Well, for starters, I can make promises just like any other candidate, and I agree with what I believe much more than I do of others. In fact, I agree with what I believe 90% of the time.
You may wonder about my qualifications. Oh, they’re many, I assure you. But in case you aren’t assured, I’ll list them for you.
As most candidates have skeletons in the closet (I have to be careful using that word, as I get into trouble when I mention “closet”), I have my fair share. One thing that sets me apart from the other candidates, however, is I’ve already published my sins and mistakes of the past. They’re out floating around the internet somewhere (and can also be found on my website).
Another qualification I have is I’m a musician. Meaning, I know how to harmonize with other instruments, take a turn at leading, and soften down to allow others to strut their stuff. I’m also good at improvisation, or as others might call it, flying by the seat of my pants. Hey, a president has to be flexible.
Some would reason I don’t have enough education for the position. No, I’m not a lawyer or a doctor. I do not have an MBA degree or even a complete college education. But from what I’ve seen, an education doesn’t guarantee good decisions.
I kiss babies.
I love dogs, and our two grand cats.
I can make promises.
I worked for the Postal Service going on twenty years. I understand upper level management and their idiocies. I learned how to give subordinates ridiculously impossible goals, simply by the example of my superiors. Therefore, I am confident all of my campaign promises can be realized within four weeks of my inauguration (with the exception of my medical care plan).
All I need is a chance to prove myself.
If elected, I promise to:
1. Rid the world of evil. Here’s the part you’ll like, and hopefully, cause you to vote for me: YOU get to determine what is evil, and what isn’t. Well, you can HELP determine.
2. Ban all Soap Operas (exempting your favorite’s, of course), smokers standing too close to a shopping mall’s entrance, and people who post all their family drama on Facebook.
3. Visit every city within the United States with a population of at least 50,000 every year. I don’t play golf, so I figure I’ll have the time. I’ll hold town hall meetings and hand out free questions for people to ask me. I’d hate to embarrass anyone, you know.
4. Repeal Obamacare. My team is hard at work at this moment working on a better, more affordable plan, and I’ll roll it out by the end of my 3rd year as president. I promise.
5. Requisition a robot Press Secretary, so those in the press will receive a quick answer to every question they feel like asking. The robot will be fashioned after the iconic HAL9000, and of course, will be programmed to say as its default answer, “I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that.” It will save tons of time, and the Press Secretary will never have to get flustered or red-faced. Each member of the press will be able to write a question on their smart phone, send the question to the robot, and will receive an answer almost immediately. Great, huh?!
6. Increase the military by 300%. How, you ask? Is the answer important to you? All I can say, at this moment, is my team is working on it. One of our ideas is to enlist able-bodied men who are presently receiving welfare payments. Another is to sign up those who can’t afford health insurance. Of course, by the end of my third year, healthcare will be affordable for everyone. I promise.
7. Serve the United Nations notice that they’ll need to find a different nation to headquarter in. They’ve dumped on this nation far too long, and they’ve taken their last American Dollar from us. This promise will go into effect four weeks after my inauguration, so Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, you’d better start looking.
8. Change the pay rate for politicians. I will have them switch to a system similar to the military. Pay raises based upon time in service/grade, and the need/supply ration. I don’t mean they’ll receive a general or colonel’s pay. I’m talking about an enlisted man’s pay. I promise.
9. Eliminate once and for all the IRS. I like the idea of a flat 7% tax rate, paid to the state one resides in. The state, in turn, pays a certain percentage to the Federal Government – kind of like union dues.
If elected, I have a few more promises I think you’ll be interested in.
10. Everyone will be happy. No one sad or disappointed as long as I’m president.
11. Gas prices will be rolled back to 1970 prices; somewhere in the 30 cents per gallon range.
12. Stray dogs and cats will be gathered up and given good homes.
13. America will be great again.
14. The Cubs WILL win the World Series each year I’m president.
15. I will not use teleprompters.
16. I will choose a vice president who would make a great president.
17. I will raise the minimum wage of every entry level position by lowering the wages of politicians.
18. I will pray for this nation every day.
19. Our borders will be secured by utilizing drones and infrared cameras. Those crossing our borders illegally will be shot with a smart gun (OUCH, that SMARTS) which will inject them with a liberal dose of “No More Nonsense”. NMN is a new drug which repels would-be illegal aliens, making them either go back home or find the correct way to cross. Yes, it’s a miracle drug.
20. I promise to never tell a lie.
I understand there are some issues you may not agree with me on, but if you’ll reply to this post using your polite voice, I’ll see what I can do to become your candidate.
You know, as I’ve tried to demonstrate throughout my campaign, anyone can promise anything. Everyone has ideas, and some are even good! But there’s not a person who can be all things to all people. And, quite frankly, there’s really only One Person Who would be the best president for this great nation, and He’s not running.
Some wouldn’t vote for Him anyway. Separation of church and state, and all that jazz.
Remember, even if you don’t want to vote for me, vote for someone who really cares for this nation and its people; not just about getting elected to THE place of power.
Thanks.
P.S. I’m NOT really running. But it’s important that we don’t just listen to the promises and forget about the character of the one making the promises.
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Worship Wars and Hymnal Hostilities
Will you try and imagine with me what it must have been like, over there in Jerusalem when Jesus sat around with His disciples in the upper room?Picture the scene. The boys had everything in place for them to celebrate the Passover with Jesus, the Passover Lamb. Midway through the night Judas Iscariot puts on his jacket and leaves to collect his thirty pieces of silver.
The rest have the awesome experience of hearing the Lamb of God explain the Passover like never before. And after their time of partaking and reflection, they go with Jesus to Gethsemane.
But BEFORE they left the upper room, they did something that, in today’s church world, has been known to start a church worship war.
They sang a hymn.
“Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.” (Matthew 26:30 NLT)
Can you imagine what would have happened if it would have taken place in your church? Or how about the church down the road?
They sang a hymn; an ode of worship!
They sang with Jesus, and Jesus sang with them.
And they sang a hymn. Incredible!
You know, earlier that evening the disciples argued about the rank and file of the kingdom; who would be the chief of staff, etc. They also discussed, probably with an edge to their voices, with each other and Jesus, the impossibility of them ever betraying their Master.
But one thing they DIDN’T do, or at least it wasn’t recorded if they did. They didn’t fuss about the song service!
So why do modern “saints” feel such a need to wage worship wars and hold hostilities toward hymns?
Or maybe you LOVE HYMNS, but hate the new songs. And you’d have no problem in church if the worship leaders would quit all their tomfoolery, stop singing all the new songs that have only ten words but are sung for at least ten minutes, dig out the song books and sing such godly, anointed songs as “Victory In Jesus”.
Again, let your imagination travel back to the days of Jehoshaphat and the children of Judah. Remember the story?
There they were, minding their own business, following God’s commandments and everything, when a massive, multinational force came against them. Scared? You bet! But though they were frightened, they still had enough sense to do the right thing.
They called upon their God.
And He answered.
He told them they didn’t need to fight, but instead, to march out to see the victory God would bring them as they stood still and saw the salvation of the Lord.
Their response? Two things.
1. They worshipped the Lord by bowing their faces to the ground, and praised Him by shouting VERY LOUD.
“Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord . Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord , the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.” (2 Chronicles 20:18-19 NLT)
The account mentions nothing of whether they sang anything or not, but it does say they praised and worshipped.
2. They followed the advice of their LEADER, who said, in essence: “Today we’re going to praise God, not with a song from our songbooks (we left them back home), but with a new song. We’ll sing it over and over again, so if you don’t catch it on the first go around, you will by the time we finish. It goes like this, ‘Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!’”
“So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”
“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: ‘Praise the LORD, for His mercy endures forever.’” (2 Chronicles 20:20-21 NKJV)
Do you know what happened next? No, they didn’t fuss about having to sing a new song! They followed their leader and sang the song of the Lord.
And GOD dismantled the massive army that, just the day before, had threatened their very existence.
“Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.” (2 Chronicles 20:22-23 NKJV)
I really believe it’s time to quit having our worship wars and hymnal hostilities and focus on worshipping Jesus and fighting HIS battles; for the souls of men and women.
Worship is so powerful, and the devil knows it all too well. That’s why he likes to get us to focus on the mechanics of worship rather than the Master Himself.
As a pastor and a worship leader, I have found there are times when ONLY a certain hymn (an old one, at that) sung with faith and worship will break the bonds of the evil one and set the prisoners free.
Other times, it’s the spontaneous, Spirit inspired melody and words never thought of before that releases Heaven’s power.
And yes, many times the Lord just wants to hear us sing and praise, and allows us the joy of “picking the songs”.
But brethren, it’s definitely nothing to fight about.
Whether you prefer old hymns or new, easy to sing tunes, the questions should be “Am I worshipping God with all my heart? Is the song I’m singing a true expression of my heart? Would He prefer to hear something else?”
Jesus likes hymns (some of them, not all of them), and He likes choruses, or “new songs” (again, some but not all).
And since He should be the focus of our worship, how about we stop with the worship wars and hymnal hostilities?
Good. I thought you’d agree.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 