Is TRUTH perished from your life?

Without proper support any structure will fail when a load is placed upon it greater than it can handle. This support is TRUTH.

In the late 1800's William James, 'the father of modern psychology' wrote of the notion that 'Truth was relative to time, place, and purpose." This philosophy makes provision for what once was truth to be changed according to circumstances, and situations.

Alcoholism is being considered a disease instead of a conscience choice. Pedophilia is being studied to see if a disturbance in the brain causes this desire, if so, then that will become a disease instead of a sin. Abortion has been a news worthy item for years as a choice.

What a world we would live in if we had an excuse for everything we did. All the sins were relative to time, place, and purpose. It is ok to steal food because I was wanting to feed my family. The good outways the bad syndrome. Very dangerous attitude. Do we truly rely on God anymore for our DAILY BREAD? Go to my blog about FAITH and check it out.

Read Deuteronomy 4:7-9 (the entire chapter is worthy of reading) God says in part ".....what nation that hath statutes and judgements so righteous as all this law....". He goes on and tells the people to teach them to their sons and their sons' sons. Truth does not change. And TRUTH must be protected by memory, and passing it along.

Years later in Jeremiah 7:28 we see that the nation does not obey the voice of God; nor receiveth correction; is cut off from their mouth (stopped passing it down); AND 'truth is perished'. Scary. Read chapter 8:7-12 (sound like AMerica?) Check out the next few chapters to see how God handled this.

Oh, Larry, this is the Old Testament and this is the history of Israel. Yep, you are correct. BUT, is there not a lesson to be learned for today? Is obeying God now different from obeying God then? I think not. He is longsuffering, but his judgements are still true.

Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the truth." And in Hebrews 13:8 we read, "Jesus Christ, the SAME yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Verse 9 tells us that 'it is a good thing that the heart be ESTABLISHED'.

Is your heart established today?

Things may look good today, and promising for tomorrow, but if you don't have established truth in your life it could all disappear. These two snow people I made a few years ago are gone. After I created them they were happy for a season. But they were subject and bound by the laws of 'thawing and melting'.
Today I am going to search my heart and be sure I am on the path that will help me NOT to melt when trouble comes. I want the truth in my heart.
"I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me."
Psalm 119:19

"Thy Word is very pure; therefore thy servant loveth it." Ps. 119:140

"FOREVER, O Lord, thy Word is settled in heaven." Ps. 119:89

Have a great day! and please feel free to post a comment.

Adam and Jesus

It's nice to know for certain about things. And one thing we can be thankful to God for is He makes it clear about sin. And He makes it clear about what to do about it. This video (12 minutes long) covers the dramatic events leading up to the immediate punishment for sin.
After seeing on the news all the debates about capitol punishment, water boarding, putting your hands on children in a punishing way, it got me thinking about the original sin. God was swift, some would say harsh, but one thing for certain, he was clear. There was no wondering if God hated sin or not.

Disobedience was the outward action. Was 'listening' to someone question God's Word the real sin? Was the 'willingness' to go against God's Word the real sin? We mostly judge sin and crime by the outward action, but God often warns of the inside.

'From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh'. Matt. 12:34

To lust on a woman is adultery. Matt.5:28

God looks inside. Like a seed, once it gets growing it is hard to stop. Once we see sin the way God sees it, we will definitely have a different attitude about what we look at, or what we think. Now maybe with these things in mind we can understand a little more about why God hates sin so much. By time is gets to the 'action', it has already caused internal damage.

This too is why it is such an insult for someone to think they can get to heaven by being good. I Corinthians 15:22

Faith that will or can?

There is often an area in our faith called doubt. Sometimes it shows up at the beginning, sometimes at the end, often in the middle, but is does show up. It is always between the 'can he do it' and 'will he do it'. An acronym I use for doubt is 'Defeat Over the Unknown By Thinking'. This is not a blind faith, but often we ask 'how is he going to do that, when the doctors say there's no hope?', or 'why would he do this for me?', or what do I need to do to help?, or 'when will he do this?' These are seeds of doubt festering in our mind.

We control only two parts of the prayer cycle.
*Making time for prayer. *And our measure of faith.

'Hath God said?' (Genesis 3:1) has reigned in the hearts of men since that time in the garden. This is why when Jesus talks about prayer he tells us to believe. He really sums it up in Matthew 21:22 where he says, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, BELIEVING, ye shall receive."
Hmmm, I ask you and myself, 'Hath God said?'

Jesus also tells us in Mark 11:24, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, BELIEVE that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." WOW, even my desires! Listen, this is awesome, and let me add that if you have the faith to believe God for answers, then your desires will be his desires. So, no winning lottery numbers, sorry.

Here are some passages you may want to check out.

Luke 11:1-13 Luke 18:1-8 Matthew 14:25-33

These are only three of many passages that cover asking, faith, and doubt. Look in the back of your Bible's concordance for those words and read the passages, not just the verse but the story around that verse.

Prayer is our only link with God to receive. Don't be afraid to expect things from God. He wants us to. If God had no intention or little intention of answering our prayers why would Satan make such an effort in causing us to doubt? Maybe he knows something we don't? Maybe.

Enjoy the video.

Bible Study-Step One

Studying is hard enough in itself but especially if you don't have the proper tools or even know what they are. I have prepared a little video to share the tools I use in my Bible study time.

There are five kinds of action here, and each builds itself on the previous: reading, studying, memorizing, using, and sharing. And they usually come in that order. We all know how to read, so this short series begins with studying. I hope you can begin seeing changes in your approach today.

"Commitment with accountability closes the gap between intention and results."--Sandra Gallagher

II Timothy 2:16 exhorts us to study.

Psalms 119:9 asks a question and gives a very, very clear answer.

Enjoy the video.

Cleveland Tea Party

This is how our Tea Party Started. It was a blessing since just last night we were fighting to get it in a community school.

Cleveland's Tea Party went well. My guess is between 1,500 and 2,000 people came out to show support. It is one thing to see these things on TV but quite another to participate. I want my readers to know this is more than just about taxes. We have lived in the 'complacent era' in America and things are beginning to quickly get out of hand.

How far are you willing allow things to go down hill?

Do you know what you can do? Most American's don't have a clue how to get things done in America. I think most think their voice doesn't matter. I didn't either until recently. And I am just starting out, so we can learn together.

Some things I have been doing to get involved.

I watch community newsgroups and websites to see what people are talking about and where certain things may be happening.

Most school boards announce their upcoming issues online. Find the website (call the school to get it) and save that site to your favorites drop down tab to easily find it again, and check it for upcoming issues. (Removal of pledge for example).

Know who your councilperson is, and senator especially. Your senator can be found at http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/index.html if you are in ohio. Our senators want to know what we want. Now, DO NOT say, 'yeah, sure they do'. That is the attitude that put us where we are today. Call them and see for yourself, but please don't expect them to meet you for coffee. But maybe your neighborhood councilperson will.

The next step is to go to a meeting and see what it is about. If you never been to one, just do it. Anything worth knowing about is worth stepping outside your comfort zone for. Yes, you will step out of your comfort zone, so be sure to have your comfy shoes on.

Read about the issues online using at least 3 sources.

This is a start. You will become more passionate about an issue once you learn about it. Then before you know it, you will be in your comfort zone again. A new one.

Don't get involved in too much or you will get burnt out and overwhelmed. My passion is about the pledge, and anything else I can get in the schools that have to do with America's beginnings. Including prayer and Bible reading if that should ever offer and open door somewhere. I am also passionate about reducing our tax base. That's enough for me. That's on the political side.

Here are a few photos that show the message of the tea party.

American Pledge of Allegiance

This was my stand at an Oberlin City School Council Meeting on April 14, 2009 about reinstating the American Pledge of Allegiance. I made sure I was the first to speak with a quick uplift of my hand when asked for comments.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and
to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
I learned this as a child in school at an early age. I don't know where
our children will learn this and be able to commit it to memory if not
here, in school.
With the act of burning our flag as a legal form of expression through
freedom of speech, it would be a good thing if our youth can at least
learn what it symbolizes before they go on to destroy it.
If the future of our nation (our children) are not taught to respect
what symbolizes freedom AND hope, how can we expect them to
grow up and embrace the HOPE that freedom has provided us?
It starts here. It starts TODAY. Thank you."

About three words in to my little speech most of the thirty (30) people that were at this meeting stood and placed their hands over their hearts and recited the pledge with me. I was so happy to see the support. My fellow Americans, there comes a time when we must say STOP with the raping of our symbols. Our flag is our uniform. It represents not only who we are but more importantly WHAT we are and what we stand for. To deny the pledge anywhere in America because it offends someone is like a McDonald's employee refusing to wear the uniform because it makes them itch.
You may ask; what can I do? Support America by attending meetings when things are in question about our country, or your beliefs.
You may ask; how can I know when something is in jeopardy? You can add to your 'favorites' the websites of your child's school committee meeting updates, get on an email list of events that let you know of events in your community.
Please take my poll about the Pledge. You are welcome to copy this post and pin it up at your place of business or anywhere you feel people need to be aware of our fundamental standards for America.
God Bless America.

The Pirates and the Devil

As I watch the story of the 4 pirates capturing a huge supply boat and taking the captain hostage, I had to wonder how this could be. They were better prepared. It reminded me of I Peter 5:8 " Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
The pirates were armed, and hunting for opportunity to complete their goal. The supply ship was floating along, unarmed, and obviously not ready to fight. God tells us to be serious minded, and alert to danger (sober and vigilant). The devil is subtle, wise, and very resourceful. We must be well read in God's Word, prayed up, and guarding ourselves with faith. As the devil will tempt, intice, and use peer pressure to accomplish his goals: tarnishing our testimony, and life.
Let this example of a small group of men controlling three (3) navy battle ships, confusing a government into indecisiveness, and ultimately getting their way, be a lesson for us to be sober and vigilant in our faith and walk. Don't let satan hold you hostage!

Jesus is the risen example!

Wow, talk about knowing your destiny in life, this sums it up. In John 18:37 Jesus before Pilate confirms his lot in life is to be crucified. Read the chapter for yourself, and the next few to get the full take on the unselfish sacrifice and resurrection that has been one of the most controversial stories in history for over 2,000 years. It is Easter Sunday coming up, and since Christ IS my living saviour, I want to take a look at how His life not only was a sacrifice for my sins but a practical example of staying the course to accomplishment. I have to admit I do not know my destiny in life, but I do believe we forge our own destiny with each decision we make daily. Here are a few lessons we can take with us from someone who was once in our shoes, or sandals. Jesus Christ was subject to all things as we are; his flesh got hungry, tired, tempted, his nails grew, his hair grew, he even sneezed (not sure if they said ‘God bless you’ back then), he slept, he got angry, he had goals, vision, purpose, and a support group.
Lesson 1. Our adversary is the flesh: I don’t feel like pushing myself each day toward my goals. Not because I don’t want to but mostly because I need to submit to being tired, anxious, double guessing what I am doing, and wanting to just do other things. *Readjusting goals for a day is ok. I need to tell myself this all the time. Yes, I am one of those people who would rather go home early from a party with friends just to get up early and greet the sun, read a book, and just get more done before noon than the average person. That in itself is not bad, BUT, this can also put unwarranted strains on relationships. Our friends want to see us too. One day off course will not normally change the outcome of ones life. BUT, constant submission to our flesh will not benefit us.
Lesson 2. Tell your friends what your dreams are. Not every single person you know is your friend, so be selective and sure for the most part that these people will support you, and encourage you. They may not and will not always understand certain goals for the dream but they are great for always asking, ‘how’s that dream coming along?’ Some people have ‘dream-catchers’ hanging from a window, or the rearview mirror of a vehicle, and that is a cool way to always have a reminder for yourself. But, staying on course sometimes comes from the subtle expression of a friend. And yes, sometimes not, but the benefits are greater when friends and family know what you are trying to accomplish. Like Jesus' disciples.
Lesson 3. Don’t fall to temptation and quit. After 40 days of being wore down in the wilderness, Jesus was offered all the things that would seemingly be a quick fix to his current situation. BUT, with each temptation his rebuttal began with the same words: ‘It is written’. Here the lesson is that we need to write down our goals, dreams, even our reasons for accomplishing whatever it is that we are trying to accomplish. Say our goals out loud (audio affirmation) so it is written in our minds. When we are tempted to quit, we need to go back to what is written and reaffirm what we are trying to accomplish and why. Don’t just have a weekly goal sheet that gets accomplished and then tossed, have a master copy of the big picture. Like a business plan. Don’t be afraid to write these things down.
‘Is it written’ somewhere for you?
Christ’s victory path certainly was an unselfish one.
Here’s what his life has taught me. Not everyone will support your vision. Not everyone will admit they know you when you act upon your belief. BUT, everyone will watch. Christopher Columbus, Wright brothers, Noah and his arc, Pollack the artist, Howard Hughes, the founding fathers of our country, and (put your name here). YOU are bigger than you may be allowing yourself to be. Find strength in Jesus. If you are a believer, He wants you to have a more abundant life!
Praise God for resurrection Sunday!

"We are not a Christian nation"

President Obama at the G-20 meeting today speaking with Turkey leader said, "We don't consider ourselves a christian nation or a muslim nation, but a nation of citizens bound by a set of values." Well, that's news to me. (I see it coming though) In his book "The Audacity of Hope" (Constitution chapter) he speaks about the constitution as something behind the times, a guide, that "must be read in context of an ever-changing world." After reading the chapter twice I am led to believe that some of his notions are correct, but without some absolute to rely on the Constitution will always be left for mulitiple translations and changing if it hinders our progress as a nation. This is clearly the teachings of William James who brought the philosopy of "Truth was relative to time, place, and purpose". If this be true then there is no truth other than what is believed today. Our nation is in for some big changes, and I don't think they will all be good ones.
God doesn't have a backup plan in his purpose. What He says stands the test of time. Psalm 119:89. Thank God.

PORN? Sure, why not!

Well, I never understood the saying 'going to hell in a hand basket', or why it was even suggested. BUT, maybe it was because of stuff like this. http://wjz.com/local/movie.sex.education.2.974390.html
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/college/bal-te.md.porn03apr03,0,5333968.story
I am sure you have heard by now that a $10 million porn movie was supposed to be shown to college students followed by a presentation from planned parenthood. Hmmm, it doesn't surprise me that this would eventually make an attempt to our schools. The new 'sex education'. Yeah, free love, sex without love. That's what we need to teach. You may ask, 'haven't you ever seen porn or had sex without love? YES, too many times. I wish I had some of my life back. What next? Classes on how to properly inhale a bong for the ultimate buzz?
Look, if there is no absolute moral standard in our world then this is absolutely fine. But to me and probably millions of other Bible believers this kind of activity is garbage. I have most recently vowed to not have sex again until I get married. I have asked God to forgive me and help me with this.
At 46, healthy, 'good looking' :), active, and presently without a girlfriend, you may ask 'why?' Two reasons. One, because I believe it is unpleasing to my God to seek pleasure outside his blessing. Two, why should I expect anything less of myself than I do from my son whom at 14 will surely be undergoing the same temptations, urges, and consideration that I am sure I will be up against soon. I want to be able to be an encouraging voice by way of example.
I challenge YOU, if you are an unmarried, Bible believing, example wannabe, then make this pledge for a better relationship with Jesus.

Who monitors our books?

Today on Fox News, Alan Brinkley, a liberal author was exposed for authoring two history books which were ‘grossly inaccurate accounts of history’. Alan is the Professor of History at the Columbia University. The two books are “American History: A survey" and “The Unfinished Nation". Being a 'Professor' must give some privilege of unmonitored context in ones publishing.
This is one sure way to pollute the minds of our younger generation. I have authored a book about factual events, and I see how it could easily be distorted until someone challenges it. My question is with something as foundationally important as our history: who monitors what is going into our schools? This is where ‘freedom of speech’ is dangerous. 'Freedom of' without boundaries is the cause of confusion between right and wrong. Even morals and ethics become distorted.
If someone knows of a society or a council that I should know about please let my readers know.

Our Monopoly Society

When our economy ran out of cards from its ‘community chest’, it quickly began pulling from the ‘chance’ pile. Now, though we are running out of money and approaching the end of that chance pile as well, we still want to continue with all the players. So, in an unprecedented effort we are borrowing money and cards from another board. No additional players, just money and cards. This does two things. First, the game is continuing with the same problems. The most congested spots on the board are: Go to Jail, Collect Salary, Chance, Income Tax, and In Jail.
The second problem is the new players (future generation) who play the second board, have all its players but with less money and cards for allowing a good wholesome chance to grow. It’s only a matter of time until both these scenarios are pitched for the two diced game of ‘Trouble’. When this game is over it will unfortunately result in the most historic game of ‘Sorry’ ever recorded.
This is the simplest way I can explain our economic condition to a child. Maybe you can understand it better as well.

Bank of England under attack during G-20

Well, thousands of protestors and activists seem to be expressing some strong views against the banks today as they use police barricades to break out bank windows. Some banners I saw read, ‘One world, one country, one currency’, ‘Abolish Money’, ‘Banks are evil’, and ‘No war, no rich, no poor’. These are definitely socialistic attitudes for society. There will never be peace like what is sought after until Jesus Christ sets up His kingdom. But meanwhile, I have mixed emotions about being involved with the G-20. Why? This one reason, we stand to give up too much by cooperating with the suggestions and demands of these other nations. Gordon Brown was quoted, ‘We must stand united to do whatever necessary to solve our global problems.’ Well, we already know that most foreign countries want us to give up the dollar for a one world currency. Dangerous times are coming for America. (That’s one way to get ‘In God We Trust’ off the currency) So, what can you do? Look, these are times we MUST be involved with our congress representatives. If you think they can’t help then you are defeated already. I too will be writing my representative; at least he will know one person is concerned! I know I am not the only one, so find out who your rep is and send off that letter or email or phone call. God Bless America.