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Politics and Religion: Health Redistribution
December 17 2009
The “redistribution of wealth” is an act of government sanctioned theft, and the so-called motives and benefits of such confiscatory redistribution have been proven a fraud as our debt deepens, our economy worsens, and unemployment is the highest in over a quarter-century. But President Obama and the liberals in Congress aren’t content to stop there. Despite both historical and recent proofs that Marxist socialism doesn’t work, they want to expand their backward “confiscate and redistribute” mentality to our personal health. President Obama sold the majority of us “change,” promising to “remake” America. I think “malignant mutation” is a more accurate description.
The fruits of a person’s labor should be their own. Taxes should be only the minimum required to defend the nation and build and maintain our infrastructure. Confiscatory taxes excised to redistribute wealth, alleviate the personal cost of sin and irresponsibility, and fund destructive social re-engineering are wrong and damaging enough (both the goal and taxation). Even so, it is to some degree, a cost extracted from outside of one’s personhood. But just as redistribution of wealth requires the confiscation of wealth from some to give to others, the redistribution of health will work the same way. But it will violate the essence and personhood of the individual in a profoundly perverse way; one our founding fathers would be sickened by.
Government has neither the right nor the responsibility to insert itself between a person and their health practitioner, for any reason, to any degree! Government has no right to take health decisions out of the hands of an individual regardless of what they seek as a solution (whether a traditional pharmaceutical approach, chiropractic, herbal, alternative, spiritual, or a combination of some or all). There are options for individuals and various practitioners when they’re allowed the freedom to make the decisions. But when government dictates the decision for all, based ultimately on the government’s own arbitrary interests, to whom will a person appeal? Many would not have time enough to outlast the bureaucratic process!
The obvious economic questions and potential bioethical betrayals of a personally disinterested third-party bureaucrat dictating one’s level and timing of health care are staggering. It is an authority the government simply does not have constitutionally, much less morally. Government cannot give what it doesn’t first take, and the consequence of the government exercising a compelling economic interest in a person’s life or death via granted or withheld health care is tyranny. It is evil!
Congress would do well to remember, whether they openly acknowledge it or not, that they will most certainly be held accountable before God for the stewardship of their office and this nation. Romans 13 clearly defines civil rulers as ministers of God, and their role is clearly defined: to reward good, and punish evil. This “government redistribution of health” bill is rife with evil: from the usurpation of our God-given freedoms, the real threat of government-funded killing of pre-born babies, the violation of health care worker’s conscientious objections to forced abortion provision, to the passive if not overt euthanasia that will be the result of bureaucratic delay, mistakes, mismanagement, and even cold-hearted cost/benefit calculations on the value of a person and their health needs—at an additional cost of trillions over the long-term adding to our already overwhelming national debt. This alone is a damnable act of economic child abuse inflicted on our children and the coming generations. And all of this in the name of “health care,” a perversely deceptive—even tragic—misnomer only a liberal could conceive of with a straight face.
Our government needs a remedial course in basic civics: freedom, the Constitution, and the role of government to protect both and destroy neither! The role of Congress is creating fair and equitable rules of play under the Constitution to maintain fairness, honesty and integrity; not to be players on the field. The NFL would collapse immediately if their referees had a vested economic interest in the outcome of the game!
Shame on this government if they betray us by ultimately enacting “health redistribution” contrary to the will of the people, the Constitution, and Scripture itself! I say again stop it! Stop it now! Congress, get your hands off my freedoms; my faith, my family, my money, and my health! Government-run “health redistribution?” NO, NO, NO! A thousand times NO!!!
Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation, and the high offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more and join the prayer cause at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.
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Politics and Religion: Defenseless
October 20 2009
While the nation reels from our crushing national debt, the unceasing attempts to pass the environmentalist-wacko nirvana called “Cap and Trade” (which will result in skyrocketing energy costs and the largest tax hike in history), and the assault on the Constitution that is the proposed government takeover of our health care system, there is yet another “clear and present danger” to the United States. We are rendered increasingly defenseless by the naïve policies of President Obama.
It appears that Obama is not serious about defending the U.S., believing it can all be talked out based on his personal charm and popularity. He apparently feels little sense of obligation regarding our friends and allies. His cancellation of the long-range missile defense deployment to Eastern Europe doesn’t just endanger Europe, it leaves us virtually defenseless on our northeastern shores against the eventuality of ballistic nuclear missiles that Iran is undoubtedly trying to develop. The IAEA now says Iran has a nuclear capability and is far advanced in developing longer range missiles. So, illogically and counter-intuitively, Obama cancels the most effective, affordable means to counter this threat.
In a profound understatement, Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona says flatly that this was a “bad idea!” Frank Gaffney, the President and Founder of the Center for Security Policy, characterizes the “Obama doctrine” as one that “undermine(s) allies; embolden(s) enemies; diminish(es) our country.” Congressman Trent Franks said “The president has disgraced this nation by breaking his word to loyal and courageous allies…” More “change.” As Commander in Chief, yes he can!
Then there is Obama’s desire to do away with Clinton’s policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Actually, the law says gays and lesbians are not eligible for service, and are subject to an “undesirable discharge.” Where homosexual acts are committed, those persons are subject to a “dishonorable discharge.” It has long been a goal of the gay/lesbian agenda to infiltrate the military so as to perpetuate the illusion that the gay lifestyle is normal and moral, as well as to “change” the military itself. (There’s that word again.) Social re-engineering is a dangerous and stupid thing to undertake when it runs counter to God’s commandments, social order, and moral standards. But Obama wants it changed and he’s entertaining the idea of doing it by Executive Order, which his own advisors say would be unconstitutional. (You can’t just overturn the law of the land by Executive Order, though he would surely like to.)
Then there is the lingering, vacillating indecision about what to do in Afghanistan. Obama incessantly repeated false accusations against President Bush during his presidential campaign as having taken his eye off the ball in Afghanistan—the crux of the war on terror, in Obama’s view—to focus on Iraq. Now, after Bush sent the surge and turned the tide in Iraq, Obama seems poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Afghanistan. The White House has assured us there will be no withdrawal and that is good as far as it goes. But what kind of Commander in Chief ignores history’s repeated lessons about military action without victory in mind? Is Afghanistan to become Obama’s Vietnam?
More dangerous from a spiritual perspective, as well as the geo-political one, is that Obama—who says we’re not a Christian nation, but could be called a Muslim nation— seems to be subtly turning his back on Israel. He spent months saying he wouldn’t recognize any new Israeli settlements, only to have to soften his tone when Netanyahu refused to play lap-dog. Pretty stunning hypocrisy for a man who wants to dictate to Israel where its own citizens can live, while saying we shouldn’t inject ourselves into Iran’s internal affairs in the face of an election stolen by the crazed leader of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has incessantly promised that Israel will soon be wiped from the face of the earth.
While pretending we are not a Christian nation and overtly ignoring the National Day of Prayer, Obama thinks Islam is worthy of celebration. Here’s what he said (in part) at his recent Ramadan celebration in the White House: “Tonight’s iftar is a ritual that is also being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states. Islam, as we know, is part of America. And like the broader American citizenry, the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity — with families that stretch back generations and more recent immigrants; with Muslims of countless races and ethnicities, and with roots in every corner of the world.
“Indeed, the contribution of Muslims to the United States are too long to catalog because Muslims are so interwoven into the fabric of our communities and our country. American Muslims are successful in business and entertainment; in the arts and athletics; in science and in medicine. Above all, they are successful parents, good neighbors and active citizens.”
(Where so, it is only because of the God-given freedoms we all enjoy here as opposed to the backward, Middle Eastern “Sharia” states. You will know them by their fruits.)
Obama continued: “So on this occasion, we celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan, and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture — in ways both large and small.”
Only if you buy into the falsified, revisionist history of this nation that tries to exclude God, Jesus, and the Bible from our founding and history. I know of not one Muslim that was here at the landing of the pilgrims and the writing of the Mayflower Compact, which stated that they had “undertaken (the journey) for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith…,” which was and is the core purpose for the existence of America.
If Israel’s history is an example for our education, and it is, we do well to learn from it. God formed and has blessed this nation for over 200 years. However, for our nation’s leaders to continue to turn their back on God—His commandments (including blessing Israel) and the restoration of moral sanity in our nation—would be the highest act of treason, and could render us profoundly defenseless as happened more than once in ancient Israel.
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Government vs. the American Citizen
September 10 2009
These are again times that try men’s souls. It is time to confront the apparent reality that the liberal-socialist-Marxist cabal running our government is committed to destroying the America we all know and love. This final rush gained speed with TARP, progressed to “cap and trade,” and they’re trying to finish us off with a government takeover of our health care system. Understand there is not a health care crisis; it is an insurance problem for which there are answers without destroying the best health care system in the world!
Many now realize they bought the real “bridge to nowhere:” Obama, Reid, and Pelosi’s agenda. Obama, as Hustler-in-Chief, sold the majority of us “change.” As the joke goes, we’ll be lucky to have any left. The real change they’re attempting is from our autonomy as free citizens working in a free enterprise economic system, minding our own business and making our own way, into serfs working for the government, at the will and dictate of our government, in businesses “owned and operated” by the government, for the benefit of the government, it’s ruling class, and their co-dependent wards.
How long will it take for the ignorant and gullible among us to realize that when the oil companies, auto companies, insurance companies, and “the rich” who own small businesses (for whom most Americans work) are being consistently and aggressively demonized by the ruling class that something is dangerously wrong! That’s not what America was meant to be! Who is serving who? Who works for whom?
Obama’s change is bankrupting the country–morally and economically. It’s change that will force tax payer-funded abortion down our throats (in this “stealth FOCA” Bill), and will mandate euthanasia through rationing for our elderly and infirm. All in the name of “Health Care” – a misnomer only a liberal could conceive with a straight face. This would make for extraordinary comedy if it weren’t so dangerous and grievous. But as one columnist has asked, “Who’s going to tell Michael J. Fox he needs to die”? The bioethical questions and the dangers of bureaucratic mandate are staggering!
Crazy, you say? Harsh words, you say? No. Just the truth; generally regarded in modern America these days as “hate speech,” but truth just the same.
Senator Jim DeMint has called this “Health Care” Bill “Fannie Med.” How true! If you like the efficiency, the responsibility, the wonder of the wise and cost-effective management we don’t see in Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, the VA, the Postal Service, your average Department of Motor Vehicles, and the economy-destroying mortgage debacles of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – combined with the mercy and compassion of the IRS – you’ll just love “Fannie Med!”
Mathew Staver and his legal staff at Liberty Counsel have reviewed, revised and adapted a list of summarizations of the specific provisions of House Bill 3200 and noted their locations in the actual Bill. They used work originally prepared by Peter Fleckenstein (and posted on line at FreeRepublic.com). The entirety of Liberty’s review is at http://www.lc.org/media/9980/attachments/healthcare_overview_obama_072909.pdf
Here’s my message to President Obama and our government: Get your hands off my freedoms, my money, my health, and my family! Government-run “health care”? NO, NO, NO! A thousand times NO!!!
Take these sentiments in person to your Congressmen’s “Town Hall Meetings” and let them be known in no uncertain terms! Let them hear continually the same resounding NO in their DC offices. The number to the Capitol Hill switchboard is (202) 224-3121.
America is at stake! Your family’s health is at risk! It is your Christian duty to pray and stand against the threat!
Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation, and the high offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more and join the prayer cause at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.
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Politics and Religion: A Fruit Inspection
June 10 2009
It is important to understand that we live in a time when even professing Christians are confused and many of them buy the lie that “truth is hate speech.” Nothing could be further from the truth (no pun intended). Scripture says “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” We are to expose the deeds of darkness, “make a righteous judgment,” and to judge the “fruit” (though not the person). Unfortunately, most people can’t distinguish the difference, and thus default to secular tolerance.
Truly knowing the God Who IS Truth implies knowing His Truth, His “opinion” on every kind of Truth that exists, for the God Who IS Truth KNOWS all truth, and we do well to seek His truth in every aspect and on every issue lest we be deceived by anti-Christ in these last days. I’m increasingly convinced that the “mark of the beast” happens between the ears before it is accepted on the forehead or the hand. A big start in that direction is the subtle belief that government is god (the essence of liberalism).
The idea that there is no absolute truth, that everything is relative, and the highest virtue is to be tolerant of “others’ truths” is an intentional lie from the pit of hell. It is a “gross darkness covering the peoples.”
There is absolute truth about every issue. Judging the “fruit” of a person’s actions is not the same as passing judgment on the person. This is also true of our political leaders and their political agendas. Indeed it is required stewardship. Pastors from the era of our founding fathers would excoriate such ignorance and passive irresponsibility as we have in the church and nation today.
So let’s inspect the “fruit” of President Obama and his performance so far. And again, these comments regarding President Obama have to do with his policies that the Bible clearly condemns and which the Constitution prohibits, not with the person. He and his family are loved by God and it is His earnest desire (and my earnest prayer) to save them. It is God’s job to judge the character of the man and his heart; what I address are the fruits of his policies and the resulting damage being done to our nation.
Most mature Christians who believe the Bible and its principles will have little difficulty discerning that his pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, anti-church positions and other anti-Christian, anti-Biblical, and anti-constitutional policies of Obama’s are wrong and should opposed. Yet, astonishingly, massive numbers of not-so-mature Christians who knew these truths still voted for him. If ever there was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Obama qualifies. And six months into his administration, his “coat” is beginning to shed.
Not only did he support infanticide as an Illinois state Senator, he supports abortion on demand, and is now working to make it illegal for doctors to refuse to perform an abortion because of their Christian beliefs and/or personal conscience.
His “stimulus bill” prohibits funds from going to any school or university that allows their facilities to be used by Christian organizations although such activities have been upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court – an intentional slap at Christianity. His “stimulus bill” is itself a massive Socialist/Marxist coup d’état against the free enterprise/capitalist economy through which the poorest among us live a veritable “lifestyle of the rich and famous” compared to most other countries.
His firing of private business leaders (talk about audacity), the refusal to take back “stimulus money” from businesses who have thought better of it, and the recent bankruptcy of General Motors is disastrous, but more importantly, an assault on the constitutional limits of the federal government. Especially since Obama structured it via destroying most of the private investment in GM–including those of the elderly and the average worker’s retirement plan–and giving it away to the UAW. Shameful! The shutting down of dealerships that contributed to Republicans (only one “democrat” dealership is being closed) is frightening if not illegal, and certainly revealing about his ACORN mentality and “Chicago gangster” approach. “You give-ah allegiance to me, we take-ah care of you; you don’t, we take-ah you out at the knees.” The “trickle-down” economic damage will be broad and long-lasting as GM is not an island.
Beyond his long-term destruction of our economy, the interest on the debt he has incurred (more than all the annual debt incurred in the history of our nation combined) is nothing less than child abuse and theft against our children and grand-children. It would be bad enough if this entire “stimulus bill” had any positive effect, but it hasn’t. Its money borrowed only to be burned.
Then there is his half-hearted pseudo-support of Israel. Talk about speaking with a forked tongue. He’s telling Israel how to run their business to such an extent he’s now “ordering” them to build no new settlements – not even for population growth. This is on top of his genuflecting before a Saudi King, and now we have his recent statements that Iran has a right to nuclear power.
What Socialist/Marxist re-make of America would be complete without an overtly activist judge on the Supreme Court? Judge Sonia Sotomeyer certainly fits the bill with her admission that the Appellate Court is “where policy is made.” Pardon this tidbit of truth, but according to the constitution (I know what a drag that outdated and mostly ignored document is to “progressives” like Obama) the Congress is where policy is supposed to be made, not in the imagination of one who believes that by virtue of her “Latina” experiences, she would make a better judge than a white male. If the reverse had been stated by a white male, liberals would have been apoplectic, and the offender would have been rightfully disqualified. But such a comment gets a pass by virtue of the fact that she is a “Latina.” The brazen hypocrisy of liberals is mind boggling, but alas, it is increasingly the norm in our nation of dumbed-down sheep.
Then there are the more subtle things that are happening that don’t really make much news, but which have profound implications. One example is Obama’s Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s appointment of Kevin Jennings, founder of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GSLEN), to be Assistant Deputy Secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. GSLEN promotes affirmation of homosexuality in schools starting at the Kindergarten level. According to the Family Research Council, “Jennings wrote the foreword for a book, “Queering Elementary Education” which among other things praises teaching masturbation to a 7-year-old girl.” And, “in a speech in a New York church in 2000, he declared, “We have to quit being afraid of the religious right….I’m trying not to say, “(F—) ‘em!” which is what I want to say, because I don’t care what they think! Drop dead!” Thank you, President Obama and all you Obama-voting “Christians” for this assault on our children.
Yes, this is just a small sampling of the fruit of what so many mistakenly believe is our “messiah;” the “one.” Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, many will insist that Obama is a Christian sent by God to save America. Scripture suggests otherwise. Titus 1:16 says “They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.” (Emphasis mine.)
The question is: is all this unholy and wrong fruit born out of the ignorance of an inexperienced rookie, or, to borrow a phrase, the work of intelligent design?
Mark Williamson is the Founder and President of Foundation Restoration Ministries and Federal Intercessors, educational and intercessory ministries dedicated to the restoration of Biblical truth, righteousness and justice in the nation, and the high offices of the Federal government. The views expressed in this column are his personal opinions and observations. Learn more and join the prayer cause at www.federalintercessors.net. You may contact him directly at mark.williamson@federalintercessors.net, or at 713-722-4301.
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Politics & Religion: Texas Senate Testimony
April 12 2009
While most of my focus regards the federal government, God’s design for civil government obviously applies to state and local governments. On March 9, I traveled to Austin to attend a meeting of the Committee of the Whole of the Texas State Senate, and to participate in the public testimony phase. This was somewhat historic in that a Committee of the Whole meeting had not taken place since the early 90s.
The issue was Voter ID, Senate Bill SB362, authored by Senator Troy Fraser of Horseshoe Bay. The essence of the bill would require voters in Texas to provide a photo ID when voting in Texas – a pretty simple, sensible, and increasingly necessary requirement. Voters who could not provide a photo ID at the time of voting would be allowed to vote with a provisional ballot pending verification of their identity. Under this bill, everyone who is legally qualified gets to vote, and the security of the election process is increased. Who could argue with that?!
But of course, there were arguments. Unfortunately, some were petty and frankly insulting to one’s intelligence. One man who followed me in the public testimony phase actually told the Senate that if they passed this bill, they would be guilty of committing a hate crime. Wow!
After spending all day and night in the Senate gallery listening to the non-stop session, I finally got to testify at about 8:30 the next morning, Wednesday March 10. All public testimony was limited to three minutes, so I tried to make the best of the short time I had. What follows is my statement before the Senate:
QUOTE:
I’m honored to be here, and to testify on behalf of the Voter ID Bill. I’m a minister, and approach this perhaps differently than most. I feel it is imperative to pass this legislation, as weak as it is, and as limited as it is. It’s time to secure the vote.
The Biblical command to “do everything decently and in order” is not just a rule for churches, it is a life principle! And it is particularly applicable to civil government and its processes. Romans 13 says that civil rulers – and that includes you Senators – are the ministers of God to reward good, and punish evil. You are stewards before God, with a great weight of responsibility that you will answer for. Do not take it lightly; do not reduce it to cheap political advantage.
God is a God of standards and boundaries; from Mt. Sinai to the borders of nations, the boundaries of one man – one woman marriage, and even salvation (Jesus Christ alone!).
Let there be one standard, universally applied. Is a photo ID really such an unbearable burden when one can’t effectively function in our modern society without it? This is not even a serious question.
The Bible also states that whoever resists the ordinances of God will bring judgment on themselves, and that goes for both citizen and ruler. God hates unjust weights and measures – it is the lack of integrity. That means He is for a single, universally applied standard equal for – and protective of – EVERYONE, not just your (partisan) constituents.
Set a standard! Secure the vote!
Mexico is in danger of imploding and our borders are porous. ACORN is increasingly seeking to do their mischief in Texas. They would see the failure of this bill as a green light, and we all know it. The last line of defense is to secure the vote! If we can send men and women to fight and die in Iraq to secure their vote, I don’t think a photo ID is too much to ask to secure ours.
If I, for whatever reason, were unable to produce my driver’s license at the polling booth, I would gladly sacrifice my vote to be confident that the electoral process was sound and secure, no matter the outcome. 1 vote per 1 legal citizen. My right to vote doesn’t mean as much if there’s no integrity in the system. Again, I urge you, secure the vote!
Thank you very much. God bless you all, and God bless Texas.
UNQUOTE
After I finished Senator Fraser came up to me. He thanked me and congratulated me for my remarks, and in thanking him, I told him that he deserved a medal for his performance the previous day as he was absolutely under the gun for some four to five hours straight. He fielded every possible question from multiple Senators, often repetitive questions asked in different ways as though he were under prosecution at trial. No one can say that every facet of this issue didn’t get a through examination!
Senators Dan Patrick and Joan Huffman were also very gracious and congratulatory to me as I left the floor. I also want to mention Senator Tommy Williams from the Woodlands, who did an outstanding job on the floor during the proceedings.
While I was there to support the bill as a citizen, the greater goal was to exhort the Senate as a whole to “raise their game.” God’s stewardship standards are not to be trifled with. They – and we – will all answer one day for the stewardship responsibilities that God has given each of us. From our personal lives to marital relations, parental responsibilities, our employment, our work for the church and the Kingdom – even how we exercise the stewardship of our vote.
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Politics & Religion: The Goodness of God
January 01 2009
In these troubled economic times, increasing unrest in the Middle East, political ineptitude at every turn domestically and internationally, and seemingly impending natural disasters (from the fraud of “man-made” global warming to what is now ridiculously predicted to be the approaching ice age, to the 900 or so earthquakes in Yellowstone within one week of December 26, purportedly signaling the eventual cataclysmic eruption of the massive volcano underneath), Christians can and need to rest in the goodness of God.
I really don’t know how the unsaved will make it. Already there are many reports of suicides of people who have lost everything financially. Millions are investing their hope and expectations in the new Obama administration, and those expectations are likely to do as badly as the average investment in Bernie Madoff’s multi-billion dollar ponzi scheme. Is there any real difference between Madoff’s massive fraud and the trillions in debt being incurred to “save” the economy? It is amazing to me what grown people will believe anymore.
Some believe judgment is coming to America, as well as the rest of the world. And while some things are going to be judged, I believe the judgments of God are redemptive in nature, at least for those who are willing to repent. I believe God is going to judge the church first before He judges America, for America is in the shape its in because the church has allowed it. But I also believe God is going to do some of His most awesome work on the earth in the days ahead, probably continuing from now until the Lord returns.
Speaking of which, some are looking for the “rapture” at any moment. I find the “beam me up, Jesus” mentality to be less than productive. I’m all for the return of the Lord at the earliest opportunity, and scripture suggests we are to look forward to the appearing of the Lord, but seeing so many Christians hunkering down and doing nothing using the “imminent return of the Lord” as an excuse is unbecoming of a true believer.
Psalm 2 kind of sums it all up this way:
Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” (The very definition – and danger – of liberalism, by the way). He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the LORD with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!
When thoroughly analyzed and accurately discerned, God’s goodness toward us is both stunning and overwhelming. Deserving of hell for our rebellion against him, He has made a way to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself, and all we have to do is to believe in Him and what He did, and that is amazing. It is all or nothing though. With genuine faith in, and a life lived for Jesus, we are ushered into eternal life. Without Jesus, eternal damnation is a self-chosen destiny.
Psalm 34:8 and 9 says “O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the LORD, you His saints; for to those who fear Him there is no want.
In the days ahead, we must rest in the Lord our refuge, and trust His goodness and love toward us. Live for Him. Do not withdraw from people and the troubles of the world around us, but “live out loud” more than ever. The world is awash in lie. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). That is an exclusive statement. No one else – nothing else – is the way, the truth, or the life. This is the “be all” and “end all” of life. It is the summation of all that is, and certainly all that matters.
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Politics and Religion: On the Election…
November 11 2008
First, congratulations to Barack Obama for winning the Presidency of the United States in a historic election. I was whole-heartedly against this man’s agenda for many, many Biblical and ideological reasons. His stands on abortion, homosexuality, and “spreading the wealth around” are clear violations of three of the Ten Commandments. The “fairness doctrine” is a dangerous threat to free speech, and thus a violation of the Second Amendment. His stand on hate crimes, ENDA, and the “Freedom of Choice” act violate both Bible and Constitution. The list goes on.
But I believe that God can get hold of this man in a profound way. That just might be God’s intention. What if Obama radically surrendered himself to Jesus, and began to live and speak and govern as a man experiencing genuine spiritual awakening and Biblical revelation? I for one will pray for this man from the heart in obedience to the command to “pray first for those in authority.” I will strongly oppose many of his stated policy goals, but I will not act toward Obama as most on the left act toward George Bush with their seething hatred.
The truly sad news is that the Church as a whole once again failed to act in unity according to Biblical standards. To those who continually need reminding, it is “NOT the economy, Stupid.” It never has been. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (material, economic) will be added unto you.”
Aside from the current financial crisis being essentially a socialist coup d’état (certainly in the bail-out response, if not in origin), should it not be considered that the crisis is a direct result of this nation’s lack of morality and integrity in the realms of government and business; all of it driven by greed and lust for power? But I digress.
We have elected a President and increased the power of a party whose basic “change” agenda has to do with restricting free speech and religious liberty, and disregarding the sanctity of life, family, and marriage. Need I remind you that Hate Crimes and ENDA has already passed the House – only to be vetoed by Bush. Now, there’s not much stopping these assaults on churches, families, and children.
There are some 67 million Catholics and 60 million professing evangelicals in America, a total of 127 million. That’s roughly 8 million more than the total number of votes cast for both candidates combined. And yet we still can’t get our collective act together on issues as basic as life, with South Dakota’s abortion ban and Colorado’s fetal personhood initiatives going down in defeat.
But let us count our blessings as we look at and celebrate the incredibly positive news that God has granted in this contrary political environment.
McCain’s showing was pretty good despite his not being a true conservative, and being outspent 4 to 1. This is mostly due to Sarah Palin being on the ticket. If she weren’t, he loses really big because most conservatives simply sit this one out.
Forget what you’ve heard from some McCain campaign operatives via the media about Palin being the cause of the defeat. Not even close. These accusations are coming from Giuliani retreads that went to work for McCain, and have a higher allegiance to their pro-choice, rid-the-Republican-party-of-social-conservatism agenda. They wanted to see her political future destroyed even if it cost them the election.
The gay-marriage bans in Florida, Arizona, and yes, even California, all won. For liberal California to constitutionally ban gay marriage is another miracle! Arkansas, to their great credit, passed a measure barring the adoption of children by same-sex couples.
In the U.S. House, there have only been about 18 or 19 seats lost by Republicans instead of the 35 to 40 predicted. 20 or less was considered by some to qualify as another miracle. Many of those losses were “RINOS,” including Christopher Shays of Connecticut, to whom I say good riddance. Michele Bachmann was reelected in an important race in Minnesota. In one tragic mistake, Marilyn Musgrave of Colorado was defeated, primarily by the money of gay activist multi-millionaire Tim Gill. That just reconfirms the sad truth of the culture war: militant gays seek to take out Christians and remove Christian values.
I hope we’ll see new Republican leadership in the House. It is much needed and long overdue, but that remains to be seen. Roy Blunt won’t run for Whip again, but Boehner will run again for minority leader. Hopefully, he will have a truly conservative opponent. I think Mike Pence would be great Minority Leader.
As of this writing Republicans have lost only 6 seats in the Senate, which so far would prevent a filibuster-proof majority of 60 democrats. Three other races are still undecided, but hopefully the balance of power remains as it is now, as the filibuster will be an important tool to rein in the liberal agenda.
As Christians we must pray for Obama and his position in this office. If we pray, God can get a hold of him in an awesome way. As we pray, we must also be salt and light, and oppose the un-Biblical and un-Constitutional measures that the Obama-Reid-Pelosi triumvirate will look to impose upon the nation.
It is my hope that God will use Obama’s election to heal real and/or perceived wounds in the nation – the black community in particular. It is also my hope that “the one” who has been called a “messiah” will denounce such nonsense and truly surrender to Jesus, and say so – passionately and publicly – before a fawning world-wide audience. What a testimony!
Now that really would be “change we need!”
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Thoughts for Election 2008
September 06 2008
This September/October issue of Houston Christian Magazine will be the last before the election in November so I wanted to summarize some truths, and share some personal insights and opinions regarding some of the candidates.
First of all, I want to highly recommend Pete Olson for the 22nd Congressional District seat. I’ve had several conversations with Olson, and one fairly lengthy one. When I asked him why he was running, he said it was for his kids, that he was very aware of the world and nation they were going to live in if we didn’t do something now to change course. Olson is a former military man. He has lived through tragedy in his life, wrestled with God in the process, and I believe he came out a better man for it. He earnestly wants to help change the direction of the country – and in the right direction.
Then there is the intriguing paradox of Rick Noriega, democratic candidate for U.S. Senator. I recently met with Rick and his wife, Houston City Councilwoman Melissa Noriega. I really like these two people. I had a great discussion with them, and plan more but circumstances haven’t allowed that yet. It seems they’re genuine and sincere in their faith and their care for people.
The problem is, of course, that as liberals, they believe that government is responsible for doing things it’s not constitutionally or Biblically authorized to do. Rick made the statement that he feels that too many have got theirs, and they’re leaving it up to everyone else to get theirs, and he’s running to right that wrong. Of course, generically speaking, liberals don’t understand that some things are wrong just because they’re wrong. Government has never produced any wealth. It only consumes or re-distributes it, and Biblically speaking, regardless of the very best motives and intentions, Robin Hood is still a thief.
Of course, they are also pro-choice and pro-homosexual rights. I never cease to be dismayed when professing Christians somehow feel that they can rewrite God’s Biblical standards, which one has to do to say abortion and homosexual lifestyles are in any way acceptable.
From a strategic standpoint, it is also important to remember that sending a democrat to the Senate from Texas strengthens the Harry Reid/Nancy Pelosi disaster currently running our Congress. Texas needs John Cornyn in the Senate, and the entire nation needs him on the extremely important Senate Judiciary Committee. Cornyn is himself a Christian, and has the added advantage of better understanding the Constitutional roles and limitations of our civil government.
McCain is the obvious choice for President. Obama would be detrimental to America. He is a radical, ultra-liberal Marxist, a fearless leader of the homosexual agenda, and supports not only abortion at every opportunity, but de facto infanticide. He is denying it, and lying about the undeniable public record of his vocal opposition to two bills in the Illinois State Legislature protecting the life of a baby born after a botched abortion. This goes beyond what even pro-abortion radicals like Boxer, Kennedy, Kerry, and Clinton are willing to accept.
The Civil Forum on the Presidency from Saddleback Church in California was extremely revealing, providing all one really needs to know to make a quality, Kingdom of God-honoring vote. To summarize:
Obama on the top issues:
Life: he said to make either a theological or scientific decision is above his pay grade.
Judges: would not nominate conservative, Constitution-supporting judges, only liberal, activist judges.
Evil (and the war on terror): must be “confronted” and with “humility,” presumably because America is itself evil on some level, something his wife Michelle would likely be hard-pressed to argue with, and his former Pastor, Jeremiah Wright, would heartily agree with.
Homosexual (counterfeit) marriage: for it.
Freedom of religion and association when religious organizations accept federal funding: he’s against it (in other words, in Obama’s world, churches that accept federal funds should have to hire anyone – including non-believers, gays, lesbians, transgendered persons, etc.
Taxes: would raise taxes and spending by hundreds of billions – if not trillions – of dollars, even as the country is going bankrupt.
Energy: against drilling. He’s said that higher prices are a good thing, and doesn’t seem to mind sending $700 billion a year going to the Middle East.
McCain on the top issues:
Life: begins at conception and the baby is deserving of human rights and protections at that point.
Judges: would not nominate liberal, activist judges who work to change the meaning of the Constitution; but would nominate judges who would uphold the Constitution.
Evil (and the war on terror): defeat it.
Homosexual (counterfeit) marriage: believes marriage is between one man and one woman.
Freedom of religion and association when religious organizations accept federal funding: he’s for it (in other words, McCain adamantly supports churches as completely within their rights to hire only believers of like faith and conduct regardless of whether they accept federal funds).
Taxes: no new taxes; cut spending that is out of control.
Energy: drill here, drill now; it’s a matter of national security.
Obama is simply not up to the job; his ideas are contrary to reality, and he is neither experienced nor sufficiently qualified on any level to be Commander in Chief. Laying aside Biden’s liberal record, the VP pick simply illustrates how upside down the ticket is.
Obama claims Jesus as his Savior (and He may be; that is between Obama and Jesus) but has no hesitation in contradicting or misapplying seemingly everything Jesus said including, among many examples, the truth-claim that Jesus made saying He is the only way to the Father (the only way to Heaven), and that “the least of these” doesn’t apply to innocent babies in the womb.
Can you imagine God the Father or Jesus the Son going through the anguish of the crucifixion if there was another way for you and me to be saved?!?!? Didn’t Jesus pray for such a thing? Yet, it was not possible. I think it’s pretty stunning – and very revealing of a person’s character – to effectively call one’s “Lord and Savior” a liar.
As a default, I recommend you vote Republican at every turn, in every state or national race. Republicans are often frustratingly imperfect. I often say that God-less conservatism is only slightly better than anti-Christ liberalism, but it is still marginally better as regards human civil government. Besides, there are still many conservative Republicans still standing for Christian values in the arena of civil government, and they deserve our support.
What we need are more Christians who know the Bible and who know the Constitution to be more involved as voters and office seekers. The current Dobson/Engle/Farah mentality of not voting is wrong. Biblical stewardship requires that a steward faithfully exercise his stewardship even with imperfect choices. So vote! Vote righteously! Vote as a Christian Ambassador and not just for your own selfish interests. To do any less is idolatry, and dishonors the Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.
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Two Sides of Governmental Overreach
July 13 2008
The FLDS Polygamy Sect
Congratulations to the Texas Supreme Court for upholding an Appeals Court decision that CPS over reached in its decision to take over 450 children from their parents based on a single phone call later determined to likely be a hoax.
CPS should be ashamed of its behavior. I understand and appreciate the very real motives of individuals to protect children from abuse, but this was a definite episode of “government gone wild.” It is obvious that CPS could and should have simply investigated the few cases of potential wrong-doing without the melodrama, hype, and abusive governmental power ripping young children from their families.
Let me mention here that I am opposed to the lifestyle of the FLDS sect in El Dorado. But I also find it interesting that so many people are up in arms over this “Old Testament” polygamist practice when barely taking notice anymore of our educational system training youngsters how to apply condoms to bananas so they can indulge in sexual relations like rabbits. I automatically pause and seriously reevaluate anytime I find myself on the same side as the ACLU on any issue, but on this one, they were right (which in turn shows just how egregiously wrong CPS was).
CPS so over reached in their accusations against the FLDS sect, that if their standards were applied to themselves (CPS) for the trauma they inflicted on those children, criminal charges might actually be in order. Family is sacred, and the state must have compelling proof of serious misconduct before it interferes in any way. It is sad and surprising that Christians are so easily resigned to rampant abortions and out-of-wedlock births with absent fathers, but accept relatively stable, law-abiding families being persecuted to the point of having their children taken from them with no proof of wrongdoing.
Just to clarify, I’m NOT talking about under-aged girls being married, which the state has a legitimate interest in preventing (like the use of drugs in “religious” rituals). But this was suspected in very few cases, maybe a dozen or so. Many of these children were 5 to 9 years old, many were boys, and no one believes girls of this age were being “married.”
If this action by CPS had been allowed to stand, it could have been another precedent in the ongoing efforts by some in eventually making it easier for the state to take our children away when main-stream Christianity becomes the “weird religion” that children should be protected from – which is slowly but surely happening now. Think I’m kidding?
Even now, in addition to Massachusetts’s forced homosexual indoctrination of school children (no parental exemption allowed), it has been proposed in Massachusetts to make spanking illegal. (Currently, it is illegal in 15 nations, including Israel, to spank your child even in the privacy of your own home, and the UN, true to form, is all over this.) What will happen to Christian families that fail to comply?
The do-gooder in Massachusetts driving this horribly miss-led effort is a deceived “Christian” named Susan Lawrence who apparently believes the Holy Spirit was only joking when He inspired the writing of Proverbs 22:15; “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him” and Proverbs 23:14, 15; “Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. You shall strike him with the rod and rescue his soul from Sheol.” This proposal in Massachusetts effectively outlaws these scriptures, and will undoubtedly punish those families who follow them!
Let’s see: God’s wisdom vs. Susan Lawrence, Massachusetts, and the UN’s secular-humanist policies. Hmmm…not that close a call in my book. Perhaps CPS should busy themselves with parents who don’t spank their children, who teach their children no morals, no values, no integrity; who uphold no standards whatsoever, and allow anything to go.
Islamic Indoctrination comes to Friendswood Junior High
On the other hand, the government’s extreme non-protection of youngsters comes through a school in Friendswood that brought Islamic indoctrination into the classroom, even though liberals are apoplectic at the thought of Judeo-Christian prayer or education in school. (This year, Katy Taylor dropped their prayer at graduation in favor of a poem. I was unimpressed.) Parents were not given advance notice of this bizarre event, and that is astonishing considering the culprit. It’s an organization called CAIR; the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
CAIR is actually an Islamic terrorist front organization. M.A. Khalili is one of the CAIR representatives claiming that CAIR has no such affiliations. He’s either ignorant or lying through his teeth.
One of CAIR’s founding Board Members of the Texas branch was convicted in 2006 of having financial ties to high-ranking terrorists. Other former staffers have also been convicted. CAIR is known and recognized by even “moderate” Muslims as being an extremist organization with overt ties to terrorist organizations ranging from Hamas to Al Qaida. Furthermore, it represents only about 5,000 Muslims compared to the 6 to 8 million Muslims who live in the U.S. (You can find out a lot more about CAIR at HYPERLINK “http://www.anti-cair-net.org” www.anti-cair-net.org, an exhaustive collection of detailed information and news reports about CAIR, its terrorist ties, criminal convictions of personnel, pictures and quotes of leaders, and on-going investigations.)
The truth is that Islam is both a religion and a political ideology. The ideology is world domination, and that ideology is our enemy. Omar Ahmad, Co-Founder of CAIR nationally, said “… Islam isn’t in America to be equal to any other faiths, but to become dominant. The Koran, the Muslim book of scripture, should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth.” Who needs a Constitution when we can just implement Sharia?
Ibrahim Hooper, a CAIR Spokesman, said “I wouldn’t want to create the impression that I wouldn’t like the government of the United States to be Islamic sometime in the future…But I’m not going to do anything violent to promote that. I’m going to do it through education.” (Emphasis mine.)
Regarding Khalili’s denials, in the mindset and theology of a Muslim, lying is an honorable thing to do if it furthers Islam, which was clearly the intent of this attempted indoctrination, which is the only accurate description when the students were told in this assembly that “Allah is God for all human beings.” I’m sure that was quiet a disconcerting idea to Christian students, and especially their parents, although the anti-Christian ACLU hasn’t taken much interest so far. I guess it’s the old “enemy of my enemy is my friend” mentality.
Letting a kinder, gentler terrorist front organization into our classrooms – especially without warning parents and letting them opt-out their children – borders on the criminal. Eighty years ago, who would have been so foolish as to have allowed an anti-Semitic Nazi front organization into our classrooms under the guise of cultural-sensitivity training? Principal Robin Lowe apparently thought something like that was acceptable, and even considered it important enough to proceed despite being told to not hold the event.
Principal Lowe (who reportedly told students her sister, niece, and nephew are Muslim) should have been fired. As of this writing, she’s apparently been reassigned, which is better than nothing. But now, the school Superintendant Trish Hanks is being criticized for her handling of the situation. I disagree! I’m frankly pleasantly surprised to see a professional educator with some common sense and backbone!
I trust that most of the Friendswood community is not like some of the people being quoted in the Houston Chronicle saying much of this was no big deal, and that what happened to Principal Lowe was just a “witch hunt.” Tom Burke is quoted as saying “…this community has been embarrassed.” If so, the fault of the embarrassment lies at the feet of miss-guided people like him (and Principal Lowe) attempting to appear wise and broad minded when in reality, they’re blinded by the foolishness of political correctness and multiculturalism. Hopefully, the people of Friendswood – and the rest of America – will soon prove to be a community and nation that ceases to invite America’s enemies into its children’s classrooms.
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Politics and Religion: Considerations for the 2008 Texas Primary
February 19 2008
As of this writing, it looks more and more like a McCain candidacy on the Republican side. Giuliani and Romney are both out, and Huckabee is a long shot for the nomination at best.
The Democratic side offers us Clinton or Obama. There’s only one way to describe that situation – if you like the way government runs now, just wait until we have socialized medicine crammed down our throats, especially if it’s Clinton and her “garnished wages” plan to pay for it. If you like more abortion, liberal judges that turn the Constitution upside down and inside out, more homosexual license and assault on the family, or retreat from the war on terror, then pick one, and work and vote for that person. If you like less free speech to challenge the overtaking of America by globalists and the anti-Christ religion of secular humanism, go Democratic.
I have not been a McCain supporter primarily because of Constitutional blunders like McCain-Kennedy (illegal alien amnesty), and McCain-Feingold (election reform that is a free-speech debacle) and other such positions. His votes against Bush’s tax cuts were clearly not conservative. He gave a great speech at the Family Research Council’s Values Voter Conference in Washington in September, but so did the rest of the candidates. I was not won over.
But on the plus side, he does have a pro-life record, is a fiscal conservative, voted last year to defund Planned Parenthood (which is critical), and voted against embryonic stem-cell research. You’ve probably heard much about his 82.3 rating from the American Conservative Union, and that shouldn’t be sneezed at. McCain’s one clear strength his is support of the war on terror. He gets it, and will no doubt execute it faithfully.
The Rush Limbaughs and Ann Coulters (and sadly, James Dobson) of the world that are currently saying they can never support McCain need to rethink. However bad they may think he is (not without some justification), the alternative (Clinton or Obama) would be a much greater disaster. To take one’s marbles and just stay home is irresponsible even – perhaps especially – when faced with nothing but less-than-perfect choices. Isn’t that what stewardship is? Making the best decision from out of the only possibilities one has?
Huckabee is not likely to get the nomination, though all along he has looked like a very viable if not the most likely VP candidate. No other candidate will win without the support of evangelical Christians and conservatives, and McCain is somewhat suspect to such a voter. I’m still conflicted regarding Huckabee – his record doesn’t entirely coincide with what he’s now saying – but if he has truly seen the light on immigration, border security, the FAIR tax and the dismantling of the IRS, how can one argue with any of that? Many conservatives are going to insist on a very conservative VP running mate before they support McCain, and Huckabee may not be enough for them, but should draw most evangelicals.
I will make mention of Ron Paul. I like a lot of what he stands for, but the disqualifying problem is he seems willfully ignorant of radical Islam and its threat to America. They want to kill us not because we are over there (often to protect and help Moslems) but because we exist. They hate us, and slaughtering “infidels” is how they assure themselves of heaven. Most people don’t realize that Islam is not just a religion, but a political ideology hell-bent on world domination. Any candidate in either party that doesn’t possess that understanding is not qualified and cannot be trusted with the office of the President of the United States. I heartily support Ron Paul to remain in his Congressional seat!
I’ve heard several prophecies that God will give us a righteous man in the office of the Presidency in this election – even though one prophecy clarified that it might not seem so at the beginning. That particular prophet said God was going to get hold of the man after he was in the Oval Office. These prophecies could apply to everyone in the race right now, (except for Hillary). It also might mean that God raises up another that we do not yet see. Deadlocked conventions (though very unlikely for the Republicans at this point) are possible. Accident, illness or even death can dramatically change the political landscape (remember Senator Paul Wellstone in 2002).
I knew by revelation in early 1998 that George W. Bush would be President, and prayed accordingly. This time around, I can only pray for that “hidden heart” that God will get hold of to be in the right place at the right time. I am quiet confident that despite the gross sins of this nation and its government, God is not finished with America yet. And while any President cannot be looked upon as a savior to this nation, the role is important, and I believe God intends to use it.
But beyond that, I believe revival is on the way to America and the world, with signs and wonders and healings that will astound the unbelieving. So be full of faith, be confident, pray, and be good stewards of your vote this March and in November. Vote righteously. Be an ambassador for the Kingdom of God on earth. Take your stand against government-sanctioned immorality and cultural destruction, and for morality and righteousness so that the foundations may be restored, and the breaches repaired – to the glory of God the Father and Jesus Christ.
