...I find it encouraging that history has been made this month. On November 4th, I was certainly disappointed to see that the candidate I supported for President was defeated. I was concerned by the things that the Democrat candidate was hoping to accomplish during his time in the White House. I was angry that our mostly Conservative Supreme Court did not stand on the Constitution and order Barack Obama to present an indisputable copy of his birth certificate to put the rumours to rest once and for all, in one way or another.
But looking back over the past month, I have found reason to be happy with the recent election results. I am excited to see the first man of African-American descent elected to such a prominent position -- to see a black man rise to a height that no black man has ever risen to before. I am anxious to see just what he can do for his party, for his country, and by extension, for the world. In a position of stature, he will shape and define policy, motivate and encourage the populace, even hand pick the future leaders of country.
Yes, I am greatly encouraged, motivated, and excited to see the great things that Michael Steele will accomplish as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. What? You thought -- really? You must be new here.
No, I am still terrified of the damage Barack Obama can cause this country -- and the world -- from within the Oval Office. But I now have a renewed hope that, under the skilled leadership of Chairman Steele, the GOP can and will do what it takes to retake Congress and the White House and, eventually, the damage caused by Obama can be healed.
Shame on you for even thinking anything different.
Your comments?
Joe
Saturday, January 31, 2009
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Friday, January 30, 2009
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Monday, January 26, 2009
Book Review: Dead Heat by Joel C. Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg has outdone himself with Dead Heat
, the final episode in his political thriller series. If you aren't up to speed yet with the rest of this series, you might want to catch up with my reviews of the first four books in the series:I found each of the five episodes very difficult to put down, but Dead Heat was virtually impossible to get away from. I found myself up late into the night, not wanting to set the story aside, until I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer.
When the United States finds itself targeted by an unknown enemy, all hell literally breaks loose in this incredbile conclusion to the story that began with the nearly prophetic The Last Jihad. I can't think of much to say without spoiling the entire story, and this story is really one that deserves to be read by everyone. Whether you're a fan of Christian fiction, theology, thrillers, suspense, or political drama, Dead Heat (and all of it's predecessors) will certainly please you.
If you really want to know more about this story -- if you really need more reason to read it -- then drop me an email and let me know, and I'll be happy to share more details of the story with you. Of course, you'll only be cheating yourself.
This is absolutely the best novel I have read this year (sure, the years is still young, but I bet that statement will still be true six months from now). Do yourself a favor and order a copy today
.Your comments?
Joe
Lost Potential
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
15 The king of Egypt had a talk with the two Hebrew midwives; one was named Shiphrah and the other Puah. 16 He said, “When you deliver the Hebrew women, look at the sex of the baby. If it’s a boy, kill him; if it’s a girl, let her live.” 17 But the midwives had far too much respect for God and didn’t do what the king of Egypt ordered; they let the boy babies live. 18 The king of Egypt called in the midwives. “Why didn’t you obey my orders? You’ve let those babies live!” 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “The Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; they’re vigorous. Before the midwife can get there, they’ve already had the baby.” 20 God was pleased with the midwives. The people continued to increase in number—a very strong people. 21 And because the midwives honored God, God gave them families of their own. EXODUS 1:15-21 [MSG]
OBSERVATION
We will never know the potential the world has lost through abortion.
APPLICATION
The king of Egypt ordered the murder of every male child born to the Israelites. He ordered the midwives who were to actually aid in the delivery of the children to abort all males.
But the midwives feared God. They recognized the fact that it would be wrong to murder these babies, and they defied the king's orders, telling him that the Hebrew women instead were delivering before the midwives could arrive and intervene.
God was pleased with the midwives. He rewarded them by giving them families of their own, something extremely out of the norm for midwives.
Moses was born at this time, and his birth was a closely guarded secret. He was set adrift on the Nile and discovered by one of the king's wives. Moses was taken in as if he were the king's own son, and in life became one of the greatest men of God to live.
What if the midwives had complied? What if they had obeyed the king's orders, aborting every male birth at the time of delivery? What if Moses had been killed at birth? Where would Israel -- the world, really -- be without all if the things God accomplished through Moses?
It is no wonder why God was pleased with the midwives. By refusing the abortion order, they delivered a man of great potential to the world.
Might we as a society consider the lost potential today every time a baby is aborted? Oh what we could be missing! Exodus 1:15-21
PRAYER
Father, it is a travesty to allow the waste of human life, the waste of lost potential, that results every time an innocent, unborn baby is aborted. So many great things that could have been accomplished by these poor children may never be realized. So many poor, innocent ones with never a chance at life. It is not my place to know or understand how You use this for Your purpose, Lord, but I trust that You do.
Your comments?
Joe
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Strength Under Adversity
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
63 Jesus kept silent. Then the Chief Priest said, “I command you by the authority of the living God to say if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 Jesus was curt: “You yourself said it. And that’s not all. Soon you’ll see it for yourself: The Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Mighty One, Arriving on the clouds of heaven.” MATTHEW 26:63-64 [MSG]
OBSERVATION
Under terrible conditions, the Savior never faltered.
APPLICATION
Jesus, when faced down by Caiaphas and his cronies, stood firm. Of course He stood firm, He's the Creator of the universe. When asked to condemn Himself by saying He is the Son of God, He chose instead to say, "You said it, I didn't."
Denied three times by Peter, betrayed by Judas Iscariot, and about to be condemned to death, Christ was a shining example of how we, too, should stand up for our faith.
Our world has become one in which it's easy to say what we believe, but becoming increasingly hard to live it without being subjected to ridicule and, in some cases, faced with some type of disciplinary action for speaking openly of our faith.
If I were to be pressed in a life and death position to affirm my faith, could I be so bold as my Savior was before Caiaphas? I want to believe that, with God's strength, I could.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for sending Your Son to do what no one else could ever have done.
Your comments?
Joe
Ever The Statesman
Mark my words: twenty years from now this man will be remembered as one of America's better Presidents.
Direct video link.
Your comments?
Joe
Direct video link.
Your comments?
Joe
Saturday, January 24, 2009
So Help Me God
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
16 “You’re hopeless! What arrogant stupidity! You say, ‘If someone makes a promise with his fingers crossed, that’s nothing; but if he swears with his hand on the Bible, that’s serious.’ 17 What ignorance! Does the leather on the Bible carry more weight than the skin on your hands? 18 And what about this piece of trivia: ‘If you shake hands on a promise, that’s nothing; but if you raise your hand that God is your witness, that’s serious’? 19 What ridiculous hairsplitting! What difference does it make whether you shake hands or raise hands? 20 A promise is a promise. What difference does it make if you make your promise inside or outside a house of worship? A promise is a promise. God is present, watching and holding you to account regardless.
MATTHEW 23:16-22 [MSG]
OBSERVATION
The official swearing in of a President is nothing more than a display for the masses. For God, just saying "I promise" is commitment enough.
APPLICATION
This past week, Barack Obama took the oath of office. Twice. It was botched the first time -- both by Obama and Chief Justice Roberts -- and it was determined by someone that the oath should be repeated, just for the sake of being legal and binding.
Interesting, isn't it? That Obama (or one or more of his Advisors, possibly), felt it prudent for Obama to repeat his promise to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, because the words didn't come out smoothly and perfectly in some pre-defined order the first time.
It is even rumored that when Obama took his oath the second time, there was no Bible used. In fact, pictures of Obama being re-sworn show him with his right hand raised while his left hand -- instead of resting on a Bible -- hangs limp to his side. Some would have us think that this is a travesty -- that swearing, but not doing it on the Bible, makes it meaningless.
Jesus Himself said that raising our hand, or placing it on a Bible, do nothing to make a promise more binding than the mere word of the promise. A promise is a promise, whether your hand is placed on the leather surface of the Bible, or an open passage in the Bible, or hanging limply at your side, or stuffed in a pocket, or holding a corn dog. A promise is a promise, whether you raise your right hand, twiddle your thumbs, or pick your nose with it. The fact that Barack Obama swore to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States is all that is needed for God to hold him to account for living up to that promise. Because no matter what Obama does over the next four years, he will one day have to answer to God for it.
If that's good enough for God, it's good enough for me, so help me God.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that Mister Obama will live up to the promise he made during his oath of office. While he has made many promises I hope he breaks, some are so critical that breaking them could mean disaster for our country. I trust You, Lord, to hold the man accountable for his actions.
Your comments?
Joe
Obama Violates Your Civil Rights
One of the first acts of Barack Obama after taking his second oath of office (not for his second term, but because the first one was botched) was to violate your civil rights. One day after the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision that legalized abortion, Barack Obama signed an Executive Order that ended federal funding restrictions on abortion.
From the Miami Herald online :
Barack Obama signed a memorandum Friday that ends a prohibition on supplying federal family-planning funds and contraceptives to international aid groups that provide abortions, abortion referrals or abortion counseling.
In other words, as an American taxpayer, a portion of my income (withheld in the name of federal taxes) can now be used to help international aid groups promote and fund abortion, something I am strongly opposed to as a follower of Christ.
The report quotes Obama:
"I have directed my staff to reach out to those on all sides of this issue to achieve the goal of reducing unintended pregnancies," Obama said.
I can tell you how to reduce unintended pregnancies, and it won't cost you a penny -- don't engage in the act that results in pregnancy if you aren't prepared to deal with the potential consequences.
The report quotes Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia, the House Republican Whip , as saying:
"During his campaign, the president expressed a desire to keep abortions rare," and signing the order "stands in stark contrast to that goal."
By ending restrictions to fund abortion, Barack Obama has made abortion more widely available than at any time over the past eight years. The last President to allow federal funding for abortion was Bill Clinton. Both Bush Presidencies, as well as President Reagan, publicly valued life above all else and refused to fund abortion in this manner. By signing this order, Barack Obama has made the Democrats the party of death.
I call on all of my fellow Conservatives -- and even those who just don't like the thought of killing unborn babies -- to stand up for what is right and vote for life in 2012. That's a long time from now, and many, many lives will be lost between now and then because of this order. But just as Barack Obama has initiated the potential murder of tens (possibly hundreds) of thousands with the stroke of a pen, we can save thousands of future lives with the cast of a ballot.
I just wish we could file a class action lawsuit against Barack Obama for violating our civil rights. He has violated my right to freedom of expression and freedom of religion by mandating that I help to fund abortion through my federal taxes.
God have mercy on his soul!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Marriage Is Not For Everyone
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
11 But Jesus said, “Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life. It requires a certain aptitude and grace. Marriage isn’t for everyone.
MATTHEW 19:11 [MSG]
OBSERVATION
Marriage is not for everyone.
APPLICATION
The Pharisees gave Jesus the hardest time, constantly trying to trip Him up, to trick Him into saying something that would go against their law, or against what they perceived to be the word of God. But Jesus -- being all-knowing -- could not be fooled.
Even when asked about divorce, and challenged with the direction that Moses had given Israel about divorce, Jesus came back clean and strong, and told the Pharisees that He was holding them to the bond of marriage.
We so easily forget today that marriage is intended to be forever. It isn't something to be entered into lightly. It isn't something to be readily discarded when times get tough. Marriage is the permanent bond between a man and a woman, and just because man's law today allows divorce does not mean that divorce is okay with God.
Most importantly, as Jesus concluded in this discussion with the Pharisees, Marriage isn't for everyone. It is something that we must make sure we are cut out for before diving in. After all, we don't dive into the deep end of a swimming pool before learning to swim, so why would we dive into marriage before learning how to live in marriage?
PRAYER
Father, I thank You for the wonderful marriage that you have blessed me with. I thank You for giving me a wonderful woman to be my wife. Help me to model for my children, Lord, just what a successful, happy marriage looks like. Use me, Lord, to instill in them the values that Jesus tried to teach to the Pharisees about marriage.
Your comments?
Joe
Thursday, January 22, 2009
All It Takes Is Faith
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
14 At the bottom of the mountain, they were met by a crowd of waiting people. As they approached, a man came out of the crowd and fell to his knees begging, 15 “Master, have mercy on my son. He goes out of his mind and suffers terribly, falling into seizures. Frequently he is pitched into the fire, other times into the river. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could do nothing for him.” 17 Jesus said, “What a generation! No sense of God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” 18 He ordered the afflicting demon out—and it was out, gone. From that moment on the boy was well. 19 When the disciples had Jesus off to themselves, they asked, “Why couldn’t we throw it out?” 20 “Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
OBSERVATION
Faith is all it takes.
APPLICATION
God has given us tools to do his work. We have the Bible, we have platforms (such as the web, work, school, clubs, sports organizations, etc.) that God has placed us in to allow us to share his Word.
Amazing, really, that the early disciples who walked and talked with Jesus were later accused by Him of having no sense of God, of not taking God seriously. He told them that they didn't have even the smallest amount of faith, or they would have been able to work the wonders of healing the man's son.
How am I with doing God's work? Do I have the faith to spread His Word? Do I use every encounter I have as an opportunity to share Christ? Or is my faith so small that I back down in fear of ridicule, persecution, or discipline?
PRAYER
Father, help me to be more faithful in sharing Your Word in my daily encounters. Whether I share it through my words or my actions, help me to be a beacon of Your love to those around me.
Your comments?
Joe
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thank You, Mr. President!
Mr. Bush:
I and my family would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your sincere leadership, your undying devotion to freedom, and your stalwart defense of our nation over the past eight years.
At a rare time of victimization of our nation's soil, you, sir, stood up to the enemy, never wavering. You, sir, stood up to the opposition within your own country, never hesitating. You, sir, stood up for what this great land was founded on, and let no one stand in your way of what you knew was right and just.
Mr. Bush, this country will sorely miss you, even if some of our fellow countrymen don't realize that yet.
Thank you, Mr. Bush, and God Bless You!
Your comments?
Joe
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Book Review: Circle of Seven by Clay Jacobson
Author Clay Jacobson continues to satisfy. In Circle of Seven, Jacobson introduced us to Mark Taylor, former Marine turned television reporter who struggles with how his faith in God fits into his career as a member of a very liberal profession -- the media.In Circle, Taylor investigates something that could come from the newspaper headlines any day -- the impact that opinion polls can have on determining the direction of our country (and the world), and how that impact can be effected by manipulating those toward a certain outcome. Jacobson's treatment of this topic is so convincing, so very possibly real, that you won't be able to read through this book without giving some very serious thought to the validity of the latest CNN/Gallup polls.
As Taylor discovers that the very head of his network owns or controls the majority of the polling companies in the country, he discovers just how a marriage between pollers and the media can steer public opinion on a pre-determined course. When further investigation reveals that this same network executive heads a very powerful, very secret organization with its finger on the pulse of the nation, Taylor finds his very way of life threatened.
Clay Jacobson delivers a very entertaining story, just as he did in Interview With The Devil. A media expert himself, Jacobson knows the inner workings of the big networks and how the power they wield can influence the very policy of our nation.
Circle of Seven is a very realistic portrayal of what might be.
Your comments?
Joe
The Platform of Change
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
17-20 "Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in Me. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you—and Me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
OBSERVATION
If we do the talking, God will supply the words.
APPLICATION
Today is a pivotal moment in history. For whatever reasons you might think, the world changed today. It changes every four years, thanks to the peaceful transition of power that our found fathers built into the United States Constitution.
But change is not always a good thing. With such a change of leadership as we have seen today, there can come some very uncomfortable change for some. With the talk of sharing the wealth, fully legalizing abortion, placing certain restrictions on some outlets of the media, creating protected or preferred classes for certain groups -- some of the change we might expect to see could prove very uncomfortable for some.
But we have been charged to stand up against the kind of change that could prove harmful. We have been charged with "preaching the kingdom news" when given a platform. Our Saviour has directed us to speak for Him, and promised to give us the right words.
We have also been charged by our forefathers to stand up to tyranny wherever it might rear it's ugly head. Just as the revolutionaries did over three centuries ago, we must stand up for the freedoms we have been guaranteed by our forefathers and our Heavenly Father.
We must speak up when we feel the message we have to deliver must be heard, whether that message be one from the Father or the fathers of our country. I for one am not convinced that change is always a good thing. In fact, in many cases, certain kinds of change can be exactly the worst thing we could hope for.
Today, our country changed. Today, the world changed. Today, I did not change. I am still a proud American veteran who will stand up and fight for what my country stands for. I am still a devoted follower of Christ who will preach the kingdom news from any platform, regardless of what kind of change might come my way.
PRAYER
Father, the fate of the world rests in Your mighty hands. I know that the second coming of Your Son has been scheduled since the beginning of time, and that there is nothing one man or a million men can do to change that. Change can only effect me in the earthly realm, for I know that my eternity lies with You.
Your comments?
Joe
Video of the Day: Casting Crowns' Praise You In This Storm
Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.
Direct video link.
Direct video link.
Your comments?
Joe
My Inaugural Prayer
Father, today marks a pivotal moment in American history. In just a few short hours, a man will be sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States that is unlike any President before him. In many more ways than just race.This man rocketed to the top of the political ladder through the Chicago political machine, Lord, and has had regular dealings with people of questionable character. He himself, according to many, is a man of questionable character. In fact, Lord, he is a man of questionable citizenship.
My prayer, Father, as we embark upon the next four years (at least, and hopefully no more) of the Obama era, is that I am completely wrong about this person. I pray that he is not the socialist that he appears to be; that he does not have the impact he has stated he would have on abortion; that he does not receive the chance to Robin Hood his way into the history books through his share-the-wealth schemes; that he does not turn tail and run from Iraq into Afghanistan, leaving behind an unstable fledgling democracy to fail.
I pray, Lord, that he is not the scheming charlatan that he has appeared to be to those who have not been blinded by his charisma. I pray that the reasons he refuses to present his birth certificate for public scrutiny are not because it wouldn't pass muster. I pray that the birth of the Obama era might not coincide with the death of the United States Constitution.
Lord, I pray that I'm wrong about this man, and that America won't struggle for decades after he leaves office to repair the damage he could so easily cause.
God bless America is so much more than a meaningless phrase right now, Father. It is a fervent prayer.
God, please bless America!
AMEN
Your comments?
Joe
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Best Life Ever
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE13-14 "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
15-20 "Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.
OBSERVATION
There is no get out of jail free card.
APPLICATION
Mega-churches. Celebrity preachers. So-called faith healers. The airwaves are crowded with those who claim to know the way to get the most out of life now.
But Jesus said no, there are no surefire formulas to fame and fortune. Living right requires work and attention. The gift of salvation is ours for the receiving, but getting the most ouf of life from reading a book or giving to a church?
Read the Bible -- that's the only book we need to learn how to get the most -- God -- out of life. Then give prayerfully and faithfully as God would have you give. That's the only way to real life. That's how to have your best life now -- or ever.
PRAYER
Father, thank You for this reminder of what really matters in life. Thank You for showing the way -- for paving the way -- to life everlasting.
Your comments?
Joe
podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music
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miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music
Bush cuts sentences of Ramos, Compean
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Video of the Day: Jeremy Camp's Walk By Faith
At this pivotal moment in history, it is more important than ever that we walk by Faith in our God, and not allow the flaws of one man to distract us from what really matters in life.
Direct video link.
Direct video link.
Your comments?
Joe
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Pass the Salt
SOAP {Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer}:FOR TODAY'S FULL READING, CLICK THE TITLE LINK ABOVE | ABOUT SOAP
SCRIPTURE
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
OBSERVATION
We are salt of the earth, enhancing the world with the love of God.
APPLICATION
Am I a pepper? Do I like to spice things up a little bit -- maybe even pouring it on a little thick, so that everyone around me ends up sneezing in repulsion?
Am I salt, enhancing the flavor with a small sprinkle -- maybe even using a larger portion from time to time to preserve and protect?
Or do I just let life run its course, not adding any of my own flavor to the mix?
God has called me to be salt for Him, sprinkling His love and His Word on those I encounter, enhancing their experience a bit. Maybe pouring it on thicker when times are tough, showering others with His love and comfort, preserving and protecting.
Being bland would be easy, just living life and minding my own business. Spicing things up a bit is just a bit more challenging, as it would require involvement but is usually welcome by others who might be seeking their own thrills. Being salt for God -- that's a real challenge. Loving people, even if they don't want to be loved, now that's really taking a chance. Sharing God's love with others can be downright dangerous in some situations (at work, in the government, with strangers, etc.), and requires us to open ourselves up. But, oh, the rewards of seeing someone receive the ultimate preservation and enhancement -- Salvation through Jesus Christ -- and knowing that my salt might have helped them to make their decision of faith.
PRAYER
Father, I want to be salt for You. I want to be used to spread Your Word and Your love -- to enhance and preserve, as You would see fit. Use me, Lord.
Your comments?
Joe
Saturday, January 17, 2009
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