Deu 28:43-48
(43) The alien in your midst shall go above you, higher and higher; and you shall come down, lower and lower.
(44) He shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to him. He shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.
(45) And all these curses shall come on you and shall pursue you and overtake you, until you are destroyed; for you did not heed the voice of Jehovah your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.
(46) And they shall be on you for a sign and for a wonder, and on your seed forever,
(47) because you did not serve Jehovah your God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things,
(48) and you shall serve your enemies whom Jehovah shall send on you, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in lack of all things. And He shall put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Reclaiming the Night
I'm reading a book about end-time warfare that was loaned to me by Stan Tyra. I'm not remembering the name of the book, but the author is Mark Pierce. Mr. Pierce talks about reordering your day and in particular, reclaiming the night. He talks about the many instances in the bible where the watches are mentioned. The Jews had three watches in the old testament, and then the Romans came along with four. The ones that Jesus spoke of were the kind used during His time - the Roman watches: evening (6-9), midnight (9-12), cockcrow (12-3), and morning or daybreak (3-6). The one that most people think of is the one in which Peter denied Jesus - at cockcrow.
In Joshua 10, Joshua and his men watched all night and battled all day to win it all. In 1 Samuel 30 (I believe) David watched all night and battled all day to win it all at Ziklag. Jesus Himself watched and prayed all night and battled all the following day to win back what we lost - on the cross. The precept is there.
The point was to study what was revealed at these times, and to listen intently if God gives you occassion to be awake at any of these times. Naturally, most people are awake at evening watch, but we American Idol right on through it. This is a prime time, designed by God (remember, the day begins in the evening) to wind down, empty self, refill with Him, and begin your day correctly. WEIRD CONCEPT.
The author also mentioned reclaiming the night. A certain world-religion has call to prayer many times a day - but NONE at night. What an opportunity! Other cults do their encantations, spells, and various rituals during the night hours. If we are on watch and praying (for only one hour?) then we can tap into much of the plan of God for our lives that we have missed, simply because we never knew the importance of watching and praying. Be alert and don't miss an opportunity to sit, watch, and pray.
In Joshua 10, Joshua and his men watched all night and battled all day to win it all. In 1 Samuel 30 (I believe) David watched all night and battled all day to win it all at Ziklag. Jesus Himself watched and prayed all night and battled all the following day to win back what we lost - on the cross. The precept is there.
The point was to study what was revealed at these times, and to listen intently if God gives you occassion to be awake at any of these times. Naturally, most people are awake at evening watch, but we American Idol right on through it. This is a prime time, designed by God (remember, the day begins in the evening) to wind down, empty self, refill with Him, and begin your day correctly. WEIRD CONCEPT.
The author also mentioned reclaiming the night. A certain world-religion has call to prayer many times a day - but NONE at night. What an opportunity! Other cults do their encantations, spells, and various rituals during the night hours. If we are on watch and praying (for only one hour?) then we can tap into much of the plan of God for our lives that we have missed, simply because we never knew the importance of watching and praying. Be alert and don't miss an opportunity to sit, watch, and pray.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Not so deep, yet, meaningful thought of the day....
You know, I had a thought while rushing to get a few things done this morning.... Anyone here ever find yourself trying to make room for everything (ie: especially quiet time with Him)? Doesn't it seem like a backwards view at times? I mean, trying to find time for HIM? It's almost an insult, right? Shouldn't we be trying to find time to fit in EVERYTHING ELSE? ie: work, school, family, fun, etc.... around our critical time with Him.......
Hmmmmmmmmmm. How ridiculous we can be as humans in the flesh by making everything seem so important when at the end of the day neglecting that which matters most.
** Posted from e-mail by Jesse Hopkins **
Hating Order - Loving the Stupid
Today in the news, Sony is removing a video game that might accidentally offend someone. A man in Britain is being made to tear down his barbed wire fence because it might injure thieves. An 18 year old Indian girl is flogged to death because she was suspected of inappropriate behavior. There is a national manhunt for a Texas immigrant who executed his two daughters in what is being called an 'honor killing', and relatives are asking the authorities to treat it differently because of this 'culture'. We are diluted to the point where there is nothing recognizable as order in the world anymore. The commercial where the company boasts that they 'do the right thing' is very attractive, but it's science fiction in scope.
This nation has never been an accurate thermometer of the state the world is in, but it does represent the valve on the world's boiler, and we're about to go. It is easy to see why the book of Revelation says the events will occur quickly. Once the ball starts rolling, it wont stop until it hits the bottom of the hill. Here's the famine we are heading for:
This sounds snide and I guess it is. I'm sick of the news. I'm sick of stupid, deceived leaders and the vocal few that seem to have the ears of the media and the courts. I'm sick of bowing down to mammon - and that being the 'norm'. I'm sick of political correctness - there is nothing correct about politics. We are in desperate need of a 'wise king'. Until He arrives, we have nothing to do but FOCUS. It's a distracting world out there.
This nation has never been an accurate thermometer of the state the world is in, but it does represent the valve on the world's boiler, and we're about to go. It is easy to see why the book of Revelation says the events will occur quickly. Once the ball starts rolling, it wont stop until it hits the bottom of the hill. Here's the famine we are heading for:
- The Word of God - Not allowed as a guide or reputable resource for planning anything beyond how to spend your Sunday. If you intend to reference its contents at work, school, or court house, you risk stiff penalty, imprisonment, defamation and ridicule.
- Logic - there is nothing logical about worshiping the planet. When we outlaw nuclear energy, oil drilling, coal mining, and tree cutting, we will be back to burning cow chips. Oh wait... cow flatulence contributes to global warming as well (no joke.. I didn't make that up) so no more cows. We'll just bundle up and eat rice cakes, if we aren't burning them.
- Love - 'the love of many will wax cold'
This sounds snide and I guess it is. I'm sick of the news. I'm sick of stupid, deceived leaders and the vocal few that seem to have the ears of the media and the courts. I'm sick of bowing down to mammon - and that being the 'norm'. I'm sick of political correctness - there is nothing correct about politics. We are in desperate need of a 'wise king'. Until He arrives, we have nothing to do but FOCUS. It's a distracting world out there.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Make a Change
Sometimes life is a real downer. I strongly suspect that many of my downer moments aren't externally instigated, but rather it is my perspective that needs to change. I have learned that repentance is really a vital part of the Christian walk, and it does not necessarily imply wrong-doing. Repentance is a 'change of direction'. If one way isn't working, then try the other way.
Mat 4:16-20
(16) the people sitting in darkness saw a great Light; and to those sitting in the region and shadow of death, Light sprang up to them." Isa. 9:1, 2
(17) From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent! For the kingdom of Heaven has drawn near.
(18) And walking beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon being called Peter and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.
(19) And He says to them, Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
(20) And leaving the nets, they immediately followed Him.
So LIGHT comes to these who are sitting (walking) in the Shadow of Death. What chased the shadows away? "Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent!" Interesting! Just a change of direction can chase the shadows away? Sometimes. What about the first disciples? They were fishing - and there's certainly nothing wrong with fishing... but Christ comes along and says "Come after me" and they drop the nets and follow. That is repentance. The gospels proclaim the light that was ignited as a result of their actions.
Mat 4:16-20
(16) the people sitting in darkness saw a great Light; and to those sitting in the region and shadow of death, Light sprang up to them." Isa. 9:1, 2
(17) From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent! For the kingdom of Heaven has drawn near.
(18) And walking beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers, Simon being called Peter and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers.
(19) And He says to them, Come after Me, and I will make you fishers of men.
(20) And leaving the nets, they immediately followed Him.
So LIGHT comes to these who are sitting (walking) in the Shadow of Death. What chased the shadows away? "Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent!" Interesting! Just a change of direction can chase the shadows away? Sometimes. What about the first disciples? They were fishing - and there's certainly nothing wrong with fishing... but Christ comes along and says "Come after me" and they drop the nets and follow. That is repentance. The gospels proclaim the light that was ignited as a result of their actions.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Real Worship
Psa 134:1-3
(1) A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless Jehovah, all servants of Jehovah; who stand in the house of Jehovah at night.
(2) Lift up your hands in the holy place, and bless Jehovah.
(3) May Jehovah bless you out of Zion, He who made the heavens and earth.
This Psalm flattened me when my spirit was finally ready to hear it. Worship has been something lacking in my life for as long as I can remember. There is much time that I speak to God when I'm alone, but worship... not as much. The more I learn, the more I realize that worship breaks the barriers down that prevent us from approaching God as we should. Judah means 'praise'. Hosea 10:11 says "Judah shall plow". Praise plows up the hardened clods of our heart and allows the water of the Word to soak in. I desperately wish to be a man who worships God in spirit and in truth - at all times. Especially the quiet times when I'm alone, tending the fire of God at night when nobody else is around.
It's not easy. We all know that a small fire at night will certainly lure you to sleep.
That fire is ours to keep going, as the priest was instructed to never let it go out. It is our responsibility. If it has gone out for you, ask the Lord to rekindle it, that you might have another chance to keep it going even in the late hours.
(1) A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless Jehovah, all servants of Jehovah; who stand in the house of Jehovah at night.
(2) Lift up your hands in the holy place, and bless Jehovah.
(3) May Jehovah bless you out of Zion, He who made the heavens and earth.
This Psalm flattened me when my spirit was finally ready to hear it. Worship has been something lacking in my life for as long as I can remember. There is much time that I speak to God when I'm alone, but worship... not as much. The more I learn, the more I realize that worship breaks the barriers down that prevent us from approaching God as we should. Judah means 'praise'. Hosea 10:11 says "Judah shall plow". Praise plows up the hardened clods of our heart and allows the water of the Word to soak in. I desperately wish to be a man who worships God in spirit and in truth - at all times. Especially the quiet times when I'm alone, tending the fire of God at night when nobody else is around.
It's not easy. We all know that a small fire at night will certainly lure you to sleep.
That fire is ours to keep going, as the priest was instructed to never let it go out. It is our responsibility. If it has gone out for you, ask the Lord to rekindle it, that you might have another chance to keep it going even in the late hours.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Succa
We are now within the 7 days of Succot - or Tabernacles - in which the Jewish people (primarily) celebrate God's provision of shelter for them in the desert. Who, of all the peoples of the earth, should be more cognizant of shelter than the Jews? They are an embattled people. There is an excellent article on the side bar today (when Jerusalem is clicked) of the evangelical march in Jerusalem for the support of Israel and some of the current Israeli views of this support.
Most of us realize that the march in the desert was a real event, but it has much spiritual significance. We all have our 'dry' seasons where it seems like we're in a rut, spiritually, and we simply march around that same old mountain and the scenery never changes. Mature Christians might see it for what it is; either a time of testing, or just a period between the rains. It might even be that we've fallen into a rut, so introspection can reveal the cause of that. Have we become so involved in work or play that we have 'forgotten our first love'?
We experience walks in the dry places. But God still shelters us until we turn and seek Him again, or until the test is over, or until the rains come. Remember, as seekers of Christ, we are grafted into the spiritual tree of Israel, and we should always celebrate God's shelter over us. Identify with Succot, because God IS good!
The 8th day, the day after the feast is over, is the day where those who are really enjoying themselves find themselves still lingering around the party. It is then that God the Father says, hang around! Enjoy another day with me! The Millennial Reign is symbolic of the Feast of Succot, where the party for the lovers of God is 1000 years long. But when the party is over, and the 8th 'millennial' day begins, God will invite those who are truly in love with Him to 'hang around', and the New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven and we will indeed stay with Him - beyond the party.
Most of us realize that the march in the desert was a real event, but it has much spiritual significance. We all have our 'dry' seasons where it seems like we're in a rut, spiritually, and we simply march around that same old mountain and the scenery never changes. Mature Christians might see it for what it is; either a time of testing, or just a period between the rains. It might even be that we've fallen into a rut, so introspection can reveal the cause of that. Have we become so involved in work or play that we have 'forgotten our first love'?
We experience walks in the dry places. But God still shelters us until we turn and seek Him again, or until the test is over, or until the rains come. Remember, as seekers of Christ, we are grafted into the spiritual tree of Israel, and we should always celebrate God's shelter over us. Identify with Succot, because God IS good!
The 8th day, the day after the feast is over, is the day where those who are really enjoying themselves find themselves still lingering around the party. It is then that God the Father says, hang around! Enjoy another day with me! The Millennial Reign is symbolic of the Feast of Succot, where the party for the lovers of God is 1000 years long. But when the party is over, and the 8th 'millennial' day begins, God will invite those who are truly in love with Him to 'hang around', and the New Jerusalem will come down out of heaven and we will indeed stay with Him - beyond the party.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Fake High
Matthew chapter 4 describes the temptation of Jesus by Satan. In Matthew 4:8, it is written:
(Mat 4:8) Again the Devil takes Him to a very high mountain, and shows to Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
In the NKJV, it's referred to as an 'exceedingly high' mountain. Consider that during the time of the Roman Empire, the kingdoms of the world were spread out over half the world as we know it. It would have been a very high moutain indeed.
The devil was showing Jesus the kingdoms of the earth through one of two methods... the heavenly mountains that overlook the world, or a vision.
I was walking through the house yesterday and Entertainment Tonight was coming on after the news. Duff McKagan - one of the ex-musicians for Guns & Roses was on there and they were documenting his struggles with drugs and alcoholism. He has not recovered. He is a total mess and it's a sad thing to see. He left the band in the 90s with literally millions of dollars - enough to make anyone happy, right? It was a fake high.
Every now and then, I look around to see if the reason for my good mood is fake, or if it's real. More often than not, it's real, because God is making Himself known these days and there is much to be excited about. Beware of fake highs... they really aren't highs at all.
(Mat 4:8) Again the Devil takes Him to a very high mountain, and shows to Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
In the NKJV, it's referred to as an 'exceedingly high' mountain. Consider that during the time of the Roman Empire, the kingdoms of the world were spread out over half the world as we know it. It would have been a very high moutain indeed.
The devil was showing Jesus the kingdoms of the earth through one of two methods... the heavenly mountains that overlook the world, or a vision.
I was walking through the house yesterday and Entertainment Tonight was coming on after the news. Duff McKagan - one of the ex-musicians for Guns & Roses was on there and they were documenting his struggles with drugs and alcoholism. He has not recovered. He is a total mess and it's a sad thing to see. He left the band in the 90s with literally millions of dollars - enough to make anyone happy, right? It was a fake high.
Every now and then, I look around to see if the reason for my good mood is fake, or if it's real. More often than not, it's real, because God is making Himself known these days and there is much to be excited about. Beware of fake highs... they really aren't highs at all.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Trench Warfare
Today I resigned my post as praise band guitarist for our church. It took much prayer and deliberation. I realized that the enemy was using my music ministry to weaken my foundations. That cannot happen. The key is to realize the ploy of the enemy - and his intent for me was to spread me too thin. I'm tired... all the time. And as tired as I am, I'm becoming even less help to my family. This is where resentment begins.
There were times when Jesus would go about healing, casting out demons, and basically just DOING GOOD. But there always came a time as well when He would continue on with His mission. At some point, He healed the last person in line and said, "Enough, I must go." Every time this happened, you must know that there were people begging Him to stay. They had good excuses, too. They had needs. But He had to go. He was about His Father's business. He maintained FOCUS.
None of this is easy. His original desire, after all, is to walk amongst His people and BE THEIR GOD. But alas, that time is not yet. But it is soon coming. Meanwhile, do not let the enemy spread you too thin.
There were times when Jesus would go about healing, casting out demons, and basically just DOING GOOD. But there always came a time as well when He would continue on with His mission. At some point, He healed the last person in line and said, "Enough, I must go." Every time this happened, you must know that there were people begging Him to stay. They had good excuses, too. They had needs. But He had to go. He was about His Father's business. He maintained FOCUS.
None of this is easy. His original desire, after all, is to walk amongst His people and BE THEIR GOD. But alas, that time is not yet. But it is soon coming. Meanwhile, do not let the enemy spread you too thin.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Mystery of God
And the temple was filled with the smoke of the glory of God, and with His power. And no one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels should be completed. Rev 15:8
In heaven, when God is in the FULLNESS of His glory and power, not even the immortal heavenly beings can be in His presence. He is God. For those of us who ponder heaven, it's easy to think that eternity could get boring. After all, it IS a long time, and we'll be just hanging out on clouds and playing harps and stuff.
We just don't have a concept.
God is our Father. He is the Creator. Creating is what He does. He loves His children. Loving is what He does. There is nothing like His love. Have you ever had a massage from your spouse? Did it get old? Did you reach a point where you just wanted to say, "Please... stop!". Ummm... no.
The mystery of our Father will always - even after 1,000,000,000 years - be a mystery. There are things He can do that we cannot. That will not change. He is big!
I have cats. The closet is off-limits to them. The mystery of the closet never waxes old. After 8 years, the closet is still the object of their fascination and they'll sneak a peek every chance they get. After 8 years! It's a closet! There's nothing in there but... the unknown.
I look forward to an eternity trying to 'figure out' my Father. Is that not what kids do?
In heaven, when God is in the FULLNESS of His glory and power, not even the immortal heavenly beings can be in His presence. He is God. For those of us who ponder heaven, it's easy to think that eternity could get boring. After all, it IS a long time, and we'll be just hanging out on clouds and playing harps and stuff.
We just don't have a concept.
God is our Father. He is the Creator. Creating is what He does. He loves His children. Loving is what He does. There is nothing like His love. Have you ever had a massage from your spouse? Did it get old? Did you reach a point where you just wanted to say, "Please... stop!". Ummm... no.
The mystery of our Father will always - even after 1,000,000,000 years - be a mystery. There are things He can do that we cannot. That will not change. He is big!
I have cats. The closet is off-limits to them. The mystery of the closet never waxes old. After 8 years, the closet is still the object of their fascination and they'll sneak a peek every chance they get. After 8 years! It's a closet! There's nothing in there but... the unknown.
I look forward to an eternity trying to 'figure out' my Father. Is that not what kids do?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Birth Pains
We're seeing so much activity in the world today as pertaining to prophetic events. The stock market is a mess - everyone is talking about the 'world banking system'. Iran hates Israel and is about to have nuclear capabilities. The eastern powers are buying up all the gold. And amidst all of this, the Godliest nation in the world has become so ungodly that we are seeing increased turmoil within our own borders. It's all so unsettling, isn't it?
Except for some reason, there are a handful of Christians who seem at ease, if not a bit excited. What is up with that? Could it be that the bible really gives insight into all of this?
I went to Jamaica in '02 with a couple of buddies. One a Christian, one a non-Christian, but both great friends. I never see my non-Christian buddy, so our conversations were always a treat. He started talking about the hypocritical evangelicals and how they claim to 'be so good', yet have as many problems as the rest. I said, "You know, I'm one of those evangelicals." He said, "Nah you couldn't be. You're here having fun like everyone else." The conversation that ensued was enlightening to both of us, I'm sure. I told my buddy about the signs of the times and what the bible says concerning them. I also told him I fully expect my Father to return in my lifetime. What he said stuck with me. "Christians believe in the rapture because their lives are so miserable and they want to believe in an escape."
That's the world view of what many of us believe. Christ is our Blessed Hope. Hope for what? Christ was the 'Firstborn of the dead', our 'First fruits'. First Fruits of what? Christ was our 'guarantee', guarantee of what?
I think I proved to my buddy that a person doesn't have to be miserable in order to believe in Christ's return. I'll admit that at the time, my life was a mess, maritally, and that I was a married guy living single. A mess. But I did have joy in my heart. I still do, and God has blessed me immeasurably with my wife and daughters. I'm not an unhappy fellow! But... Yeshua will soon return and EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT WAS HAPPINESS WILL DISSOLVE INTO OBSCURITY. He is our happiness! He is our fullness! He is health! He is laughter! He is wisdom and righteousness and knowledge and LOVE and every fruit of the Spirit is one of HIS characteristics and... He is the one I wait for. Call me an escapist. If I have the winning lottery ticket behind door number one and 5 more years here, or Christ behind door number two right now... I choose door number two. I say this in love, not arrogance. To live is Christ, to die is gain.
Birth pains start early, give many false alarms, and then get more and more frequent. Pretty soon, the false alarms aren't so harmless. Pretty soon, they aren't false at all - the world is alarmed. "Behold, He comes." Mal 3:1
Except for some reason, there are a handful of Christians who seem at ease, if not a bit excited. What is up with that? Could it be that the bible really gives insight into all of this?
I went to Jamaica in '02 with a couple of buddies. One a Christian, one a non-Christian, but both great friends. I never see my non-Christian buddy, so our conversations were always a treat. He started talking about the hypocritical evangelicals and how they claim to 'be so good', yet have as many problems as the rest. I said, "You know, I'm one of those evangelicals." He said, "Nah you couldn't be. You're here having fun like everyone else." The conversation that ensued was enlightening to both of us, I'm sure. I told my buddy about the signs of the times and what the bible says concerning them. I also told him I fully expect my Father to return in my lifetime. What he said stuck with me. "Christians believe in the rapture because their lives are so miserable and they want to believe in an escape."
That's the world view of what many of us believe. Christ is our Blessed Hope. Hope for what? Christ was the 'Firstborn of the dead', our 'First fruits'. First Fruits of what? Christ was our 'guarantee', guarantee of what?
I think I proved to my buddy that a person doesn't have to be miserable in order to believe in Christ's return. I'll admit that at the time, my life was a mess, maritally, and that I was a married guy living single. A mess. But I did have joy in my heart. I still do, and God has blessed me immeasurably with my wife and daughters. I'm not an unhappy fellow! But... Yeshua will soon return and EVERYTHING YOU THOUGHT WAS HAPPINESS WILL DISSOLVE INTO OBSCURITY. He is our happiness! He is our fullness! He is health! He is laughter! He is wisdom and righteousness and knowledge and LOVE and every fruit of the Spirit is one of HIS characteristics and... He is the one I wait for. Call me an escapist. If I have the winning lottery ticket behind door number one and 5 more years here, or Christ behind door number two right now... I choose door number two. I say this in love, not arrogance. To live is Christ, to die is gain.
Birth pains start early, give many false alarms, and then get more and more frequent. Pretty soon, the false alarms aren't so harmless. Pretty soon, they aren't false at all - the world is alarmed. "Behold, He comes." Mal 3:1
Friday, October 10, 2008
A Great Nation?
I've heard America called great my entire life. In its own respects, it has truly been a mighty nation, and I really do love it. But great? When we look at the biblical definition of great, America doesn't really fit in. God told Abraham that He would form a great nation from him - and He did. Israel. Israel was not always great, but when it was, wow!
When Israel was great, nations quaked before them. They fought wars and lost NOBODY, not a single soldier! When they were great, the entire nation mourned when they lost 36 men because of disobedience. Compare America. We fought the Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korean, and Vietnamese Wars losing literally 100s of thousands of men. The difference is our walk.
We claim to be a Christian nation, but we do not truly let God lead. When God leads, we lose nobody. When we just give God props, there are casualties. Our lives can be lived in this manner. Do we just give God props? Or do we let Him lead? How victorious is our walk?
When Israel was great, nations quaked before them. They fought wars and lost NOBODY, not a single soldier! When they were great, the entire nation mourned when they lost 36 men because of disobedience. Compare America. We fought the Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korean, and Vietnamese Wars losing literally 100s of thousands of men. The difference is our walk.
We claim to be a Christian nation, but we do not truly let God lead. When God leads, we lose nobody. When we just give God props, there are casualties. Our lives can be lived in this manner. Do we just give God props? Or do we let Him lead? How victorious is our walk?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Reality of the Promise
It strikes me - I'm nearly 38 years old. If I had been an Israelite born 1 year after the Red Sea waters closed over Pharoah, I would STILL be walking around that mountain in the desert. Moses would be president - the only one I've ever known. And I'd still be hearing about 'how good it will be' to enter the promised land.
What would I think?
Would I really believe the promised land is a year away? Or would I write it off as fable - a wive's tail that gets a destitute people through the night? After all, I have not even seen a walled city before. The concept of paved streets is foreign, and a home with walls... well... riiiiight. One year away. Right.
Are we any different today? We are given the signs of the end. How do we treat them? Does it inspire us to rededicate (or dedicate the first time) or focus on Kingdom work? For most Christains, no. None of the above. But Malachi 3:1 says, "Behold, He comes, say Jehovah of Hosts." Three words from God. Behold, He comes. Get ready. Whatever that means for you... get ready.
What would I think?
Would I really believe the promised land is a year away? Or would I write it off as fable - a wive's tail that gets a destitute people through the night? After all, I have not even seen a walled city before. The concept of paved streets is foreign, and a home with walls... well... riiiiight. One year away. Right.
Are we any different today? We are given the signs of the end. How do we treat them? Does it inspire us to rededicate (or dedicate the first time) or focus on Kingdom work? For most Christains, no. None of the above. But Malachi 3:1 says, "Behold, He comes, say Jehovah of Hosts." Three words from God. Behold, He comes. Get ready. Whatever that means for you... get ready.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
My Inheritance
Ezekiel 46:16, 17 says "So says the Lord Jehovah: If the prince gives a gift to his sons of his inheritance, it shall be to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. But if he gives it as a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his until the year of liberty, then it shall return to the prince. His inheritance is only his sons'; it shall be theirs.
Romans 8:14 says "For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
I have been given the right to be a son of the Most High. I also have the right to continue to be a servant. I choose the former. I want my inheritance! Some claim to be a lowly servant, and walk daily with a servant's mentality. God said I'm His son! Why would I care to walk as a servant any longer? Service is a part of the son's life, too, but he is serving a kingdom that he has a vested interest in! It's my kingdom, too! This can help me walk victoriously. Our Father is so good!
Blessings!
Romans 8:14 says "For as many are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.
I have been given the right to be a son of the Most High. I also have the right to continue to be a servant. I choose the former. I want my inheritance! Some claim to be a lowly servant, and walk daily with a servant's mentality. God said I'm His son! Why would I care to walk as a servant any longer? Service is a part of the son's life, too, but he is serving a kingdom that he has a vested interest in! It's my kingdom, too! This can help me walk victoriously. Our Father is so good!
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
It's a New Year
Rosh Hashanah has come and gone. Many of us who thought Messiah might return were a bit disappointed, but we know that it's by His grace that we have another day. With each day someone, somewhere will accept Him.
God, your new year has begun. Help Your people to do Your will. Give us boldness. Forgive our nation of our grievous sins against you. Give us the audacity to turn away from the vocal few who control the status quo. God reveal yourself to your chosen people, Israel, so that they may know Messiah as we do. Yeshua is Messiah! God, grant your holy city Jerusalem peace, and may we as a nation not hinder Your plans for it - or try to divide it for the sake of a false peace. God bless Your people and bless those who seek You! We know the time draws near, Lord, so help us to finish strong. Blessed be YOUR name, God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
God, your new year has begun. Help Your people to do Your will. Give us boldness. Forgive our nation of our grievous sins against you. Give us the audacity to turn away from the vocal few who control the status quo. God reveal yourself to your chosen people, Israel, so that they may know Messiah as we do. Yeshua is Messiah! God, grant your holy city Jerusalem peace, and may we as a nation not hinder Your plans for it - or try to divide it for the sake of a false peace. God bless Your people and bless those who seek You! We know the time draws near, Lord, so help us to finish strong. Blessed be YOUR name, God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Loving your neighbor.
Are we to love everybody all the time, or is there a point at which we can stop loving someone?
You frequently hear the addage "Hate the sin; love the sinner", but does that really apply to every person and every situation?
For instance: ( http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,364983,00.html )
I just read this article about a grad student in NYC that was repeatedly raped, sodomized, forced oral sex, and tortured both physically and mentally for 19 hours. The attacker ordered her to gouge her own eyes out with either a knife or scissors, and when she refused, he tried to blind her twice by throwing bleach in her face. Breathing the bleach burned her lungs. He forced her to swallow massive amounts of pain pills washed down with several beers. The pills caused her liver to fail. He glued and duct-taped her lips closed. He slit her eye lids with a butcher knife. He poured boiling water on her twice. He ordered her again to gouge her eyes out with a knife he propped up in some clothing and she indicated she would but intended to stab herself in the neck to commit suicide quicker than how he would kill her. She missed the knife, and the enraged attacker beat her savagely until she blacked out. He then set the apartment on fire with her tied up to the frame of a futon and left. The fire was spreading quickly by the time she regained consciousness. She managed to break free from the futon and found help outside. She spent 2 ½ weeks in 3 different hospitals, and several months in physical therapy and outpatient burn treatments.
This event is too horrid to even describe, and yet this is just one of many events that take place during any given week around the world in the past, present, and future. It is natural for us to be outraged and desire vengence against the aggressor, and it is equally natural for us to be sympathetic and compassionate for the victim. But is the aggressor worthy of compassion?
I recall the demon possessed man of Gadarenes. Jesus loved him enough to cast the demons out and free him from that bondage. If this man in NYC isn’t possessed, it seems that he has certainly given himself completely over to evil.
Jesus instructs us (scripture from Matthew 5): "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"
Keep in mind, while it is undoubtedly a horrible and disturbing event, it is just a news article you read about some stranger hundreds of miles away. You are fortunately detached from the horrors and emotions and free to continue your life without ever thinking about it again instead of living with it daily. What if this victim had been an aquaintance? Or a friend? Or a family member?
Or you.
One of the first things that obviously comes to mind is Jesus' crucifixion at which He prayed to God the Father "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." He demonstrated loving those who persecuted Him. As Romans 5:8 says, God demonstrated His love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
While there is more to present, which will probably arise in discussion, let's consider these initial questions:
1) Is it possible, through the love of Christ, to love this man?
2) Is it required, through the love of Christ, to love this man?
3) If it is, how, through the love of Christ, do we love this man?
You frequently hear the addage "Hate the sin; love the sinner", but does that really apply to every person and every situation?
For instance: ( http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,364983,00.html )
I just read this article about a grad student in NYC that was repeatedly raped, sodomized, forced oral sex, and tortured both physically and mentally for 19 hours. The attacker ordered her to gouge her own eyes out with either a knife or scissors, and when she refused, he tried to blind her twice by throwing bleach in her face. Breathing the bleach burned her lungs. He forced her to swallow massive amounts of pain pills washed down with several beers. The pills caused her liver to fail. He glued and duct-taped her lips closed. He slit her eye lids with a butcher knife. He poured boiling water on her twice. He ordered her again to gouge her eyes out with a knife he propped up in some clothing and she indicated she would but intended to stab herself in the neck to commit suicide quicker than how he would kill her. She missed the knife, and the enraged attacker beat her savagely until she blacked out. He then set the apartment on fire with her tied up to the frame of a futon and left. The fire was spreading quickly by the time she regained consciousness. She managed to break free from the futon and found help outside. She spent 2 ½ weeks in 3 different hospitals, and several months in physical therapy and outpatient burn treatments.
This event is too horrid to even describe, and yet this is just one of many events that take place during any given week around the world in the past, present, and future. It is natural for us to be outraged and desire vengence against the aggressor, and it is equally natural for us to be sympathetic and compassionate for the victim. But is the aggressor worthy of compassion?
I recall the demon possessed man of Gadarenes. Jesus loved him enough to cast the demons out and free him from that bondage. If this man in NYC isn’t possessed, it seems that he has certainly given himself completely over to evil.
Jesus instructs us (scripture from Matthew 5): "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"
Keep in mind, while it is undoubtedly a horrible and disturbing event, it is just a news article you read about some stranger hundreds of miles away. You are fortunately detached from the horrors and emotions and free to continue your life without ever thinking about it again instead of living with it daily. What if this victim had been an aquaintance? Or a friend? Or a family member?
Or you.
One of the first things that obviously comes to mind is Jesus' crucifixion at which He prayed to God the Father "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." He demonstrated loving those who persecuted Him. As Romans 5:8 says, God demonstrated His love for us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
While there is more to present, which will probably arise in discussion, let's consider these initial questions:
1) Is it possible, through the love of Christ, to love this man?
2) Is it required, through the love of Christ, to love this man?
3) If it is, how, through the love of Christ, do we love this man?
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Pay Back The Loan on Life…. With Interest….
Luke 12:47-48
47 And that slave who knew his master's will and didn't prepare himself or do it will be severely beaten. 48 But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.=We are no longer the slaves in verse 48 who didn't know any better. We're Spirit filled brothers who are held accountable for our actions each and every day. That pretty girl that walks by and shows you attention and you do a little more in your mind than merely admire her beauty, the slip of the tongue in an emotionally lit conversation or argument, that little white lie you told to "protect" your friend from the truth…… STOP IT - Didn't we just agree we're NO LONGER living as the slave in verse 48. Sure, we slip at times, however, we can all (likely) agree we've been entrusted with much and much is to be expected.
The question is……….. What have we done with what we've been given UNTO HIS WILL? Are we active warriors pounding out His will in delight or are we timid, worried young school girls lost in a grim dark alley, or, worse, seeking Him one day a week and the rest of the time fulfilling our vain desires? I don't know about you, but, the only thing getting me up out of bed (which is where I should be right now by the way) each day is a drive to seek and execute His will - always. At the end of the day, and for that matter, when our earthly lives expire, nothing else matters, NOTHING! If we've left out the will of God from our lives, we just as well default on the loan known as life on earth because we are useless without it. I look forward to the journey so we can one day pay back the loan on life - WITH INTEREST - to the King who signed on the dotted line with His only begotten son.
Let's challenge each other on this, brothers, and be strong in the Lord so He will continue to entrust us with more and expect more so we can shout with joy on the mountaintop at the top of our lungs praise and glory to His name in confidence we did everything He asked of us. Also, our desire will be so infectious others will catch the bug and the very same drive will grow in them! YES! So that all will know Him! LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND.
Amen.
47 And that slave who knew his master's will and didn't prepare himself or do it will be severely beaten. 48 But the one who did not know and did things deserving of blows will be beaten lightly. Much will be required of everyone who has been given much. And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.=We are no longer the slaves in verse 48 who didn't know any better. We're Spirit filled brothers who are held accountable for our actions each and every day. That pretty girl that walks by and shows you attention and you do a little more in your mind than merely admire her beauty, the slip of the tongue in an emotionally lit conversation or argument, that little white lie you told to "protect" your friend from the truth…… STOP IT - Didn't we just agree we're NO LONGER living as the slave in verse 48. Sure, we slip at times, however, we can all (likely) agree we've been entrusted with much and much is to be expected.
The question is……….. What have we done with what we've been given UNTO HIS WILL? Are we active warriors pounding out His will in delight or are we timid, worried young school girls lost in a grim dark alley, or, worse, seeking Him one day a week and the rest of the time fulfilling our vain desires? I don't know about you, but, the only thing getting me up out of bed (which is where I should be right now by the way) each day is a drive to seek and execute His will - always. At the end of the day, and for that matter, when our earthly lives expire, nothing else matters, NOTHING! If we've left out the will of God from our lives, we just as well default on the loan known as life on earth because we are useless without it. I look forward to the journey so we can one day pay back the loan on life - WITH INTEREST - to the King who signed on the dotted line with His only begotten son.
Let's challenge each other on this, brothers, and be strong in the Lord so He will continue to entrust us with more and expect more so we can shout with joy on the mountaintop at the top of our lungs praise and glory to His name in confidence we did everything He asked of us. Also, our desire will be so infectious others will catch the bug and the very same drive will grow in them! YES! So that all will know Him! LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND.
Amen.
We Don't Make No Pants
1 Peter 5:8-9
8 Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world.
=
Ahh, forgive me brothers for what I have to say but, MY OH MY, WHAT A RELIEF we are all in the same suffering camp together. If we weren't, we wouldn't be able to understand and relate in our daily challenges as brothers. We bond in the faith through the successes as well as the trials and tribulations……. Lean on me, when you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on……… Even more exciting is that He's given us everything we need to resist the devil, so, I ask that He fills us with the Holy Spirit so full we're overflowing and have NO ROOM for that pesky devil to enter our lives in any way today and the rest of the week. Oh yes, and the rest of the month, year, decade, century, life, generations to come, and forever more. Hey guys, look, the devil lost his pants and he's got to go elsewhere to find some because he now knows WE DON'T MAKE NO PANTS!
Amen.
8 Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world.
=
Ahh, forgive me brothers for what I have to say but, MY OH MY, WHAT A RELIEF we are all in the same suffering camp together. If we weren't, we wouldn't be able to understand and relate in our daily challenges as brothers. We bond in the faith through the successes as well as the trials and tribulations……. Lean on me, when you're not strong, I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on……… Even more exciting is that He's given us everything we need to resist the devil, so, I ask that He fills us with the Holy Spirit so full we're overflowing and have NO ROOM for that pesky devil to enter our lives in any way today and the rest of the week. Oh yes, and the rest of the month, year, decade, century, life, generations to come, and forever more. Hey guys, look, the devil lost his pants and he's got to go elsewhere to find some because he now knows WE DON'T MAKE NO PANTS!
Amen.
Back in the Saddle
It has been a couple of years - I'm glad the blog is still up. It is interesting - we are two years closer to the return of our Lord. Boy, can a person tell. The news is disgusting on most fronts. Only a Christian world-view can be truly optimistic, I think.
If you guys would publish one article a day - taken from a news source - that relates to the time in which we live. If you can, put a bible verse at the bottom which sums it all up. I look forward to some good conversation!
If you guys would publish one article a day - taken from a news source - that relates to the time in which we live. If you can, put a bible verse at the bottom which sums it all up. I look forward to some good conversation!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The war rages on
With each new day we see, read, or hear some new slap at Christianity. A lot of it in the name of "political correctness" and "tolerance". Here are two instances recently brought to my attention.
The first was an article from an ActionAlert from American Family Association which was emailed to me by a friend. In the article, it tells of a public official, Robert Smith, who was fired by Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich for making the following comment:
"Homosexual behavior, in my view, is deviant,” he said. “I’m a Roman Catholic.” Smith said he made these comments as part of a discussion on a proposed ban on same-sex marriage. “The comments I make in public outside of my [Metro board job] I’m entitled to make.” Moreover, Smith stated that his personal beliefs “have absolutely nothing to do with running trains and buses and have not affected my actions or decisions on this board."
Apparently, within hours of Smith expressing his personal views in the interview, a fellow board member, Jim Graham who is openly gay, complained via a prepared statement calling for Smith to disavow his remarks - which he didn't - and for Gov. Ehrlich to remove Smith from position - which he did.
So, basically the tolerance or 'freedom of speech' so highly desired by the world isn't to be applied to Christians.
There is an article at CBS entitled "Thought Police Go Too Far" regarding this same story: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/10/opinion/main1787969.shtml
Though the previous story may be considered somewhat insignificant, I don't think the next one could be at all.
I received a letter the other day from Answers In Genesis. Having purchased a great creation/evolution DVD series from them, I am now on their mailing list. Here is an excerpt of some news from that letter:
Did you know that many hospitals in Australia are now banning the placement of Bibles in patients' rooms?
Could that ever happen in America?
Are you aware that a well-known Oscar-nominated Hollywood actor recently stated that Bibles should have a disclaimer pasted inside, warning that it's fiction?
Could such stickers ever be placed inside Bibles in America?
Surely not in the land of the free - the nation that was founded on the Bible. But then again, who would have thought 50 years ago that:
* abortion would be legalized...and "gay" marriages would be conducted?
* prayer, Bible, and the teaching of creation would all but be banned from public schools and other government-run places?
* the name of Christ would be increasingly taken out of Christmas?
* there would be threats to take the name of God out of the Pledge of Allegiance, and that prayer would be banned at school graduations?
* the Ten Commandments and nativity scenes would be removed from public places? ... and the list goes on and on!
There's no doubt that Christians are becomming marginalized in America.
Friend, someone actually has begun placing disclaimers in the front of Bibles!
A Delta pilot from Atlanta (and a friend of AiG) found such a sticker in the front of a Gideon Bible placed in a drawer of his Salt Lake City hotel room.
On the next page, you'll see a photo of the actual sticker.
[This book contains religious stories regarding the origin of living things. The stories aare theories, not facts. They are unproven, unprovable and in some cases totally impossible. This material should be approached with an open mind, and a critical eye towards logic and believability.]
There's not telling how many of these stickers have been applied to other Bibles found in hotels (and other places)
As you can read, this anti-Bible sticker is related to the creation/evolution issue.
Now, where did this sticker's wording originate? Look at the sticker below. It was aplied to textbooks in Cobb County, Georgia, where the school board was concerned that science books were presenting evolution as fact to its students.
The board had voted to place stickers in the front of some public school biology textbooks to infom students that evolution should be studied critically.
(You probably remember the controversy that ensued when "civil rights" groups and some county residents objected, and the lawsuit they filed resulted in a judge ordering the stickers to be removed. On appeal, a federal court ruled in May of this year that the case has to be retried for various reasons.)
Here's the actual sticker as it was photographed from a school textbook:
[This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered. Approved by Cobb County Board of Education Thursday, March 28, 2002 ]
As you compare the two stickers, you'll quickly see that the sticker found in the hotel Bible was meant to mirror (mock) the thrust of the textbook sticker.
Such mockery just illustrates again that the creation/evolution controversy is really a foundational issue in the battle between secular humanism and Christianity.
At the rate things are going in America, I must admit: it wouldn't surprise me if some liberal judges would begin mandating that such stickers be placed in Bibles.
In this vein, The Da Vinci Code movie is permeating the culture with another blatant, anti-Christian propaganda message (though it's a work of fiction).
One of its stars, Ian McKellen, a well-known gay activist/fundraiser (he also played Gandalf in the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy), answered a question about the movie on NBC-TV's Today Show (May 17).
Here's the exchange:
NBC reporter Matt Lauer: "How would you have felt if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie? WOuld it have been okay with you?"
McKellen: "Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction. I mean, walking on water? It takes an act of faith and I have faith in this movie - not that it's true - not that it's factual - but that it's a jolly good story. ..." [emphasis added]
Not long after this explosive enterview, I read some Australian newspaper articles that reported on a number of hospitals that were basically banning Bibles from being placed in rooms.
Australia's national newspaper, The Australian (akin to USA Today), reported:
The banning of bibles in Queensland and Victorian hospitals was political correctness gone crazy, Health minister Tony Abbott says ...
Gideons International, which supplies bibles to hospitals and hotels worldwide, said it has been banned from leaving bibles at several Queensland hospitals to prevent giving offence to non-Christian patiens [May 24, 2006]
A Catholic news source in Australia reported:
Almost all of Melbourne's main hospitals have withdrawn Bibles ...
In Brisbane ... the Royal Brisbane and Women's and Princess Alexandra hospitals are among the first to stop the Gideon's testaments being left in patiens' bedside talbes. Staff said the Bibles were no longer in keeping with the "multicultural approach to chalpaincy."
Both news sources stated the Bibles could be a source of infection! One said:
It is also an infection-control measure ... some claimed the Bibles were removed because they were a source of infection. Hospital spokeswoman Tanya Logegeier said: "If someone has a cold or anything and uses the Bible, their germs could be passed on to the next person who reads it."
The first was an article from an ActionAlert from American Family Association which was emailed to me by a friend. In the article, it tells of a public official, Robert Smith, who was fired by Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich for making the following comment:
"Homosexual behavior, in my view, is deviant,” he said. “I’m a Roman Catholic.” Smith said he made these comments as part of a discussion on a proposed ban on same-sex marriage. “The comments I make in public outside of my [Metro board job] I’m entitled to make.” Moreover, Smith stated that his personal beliefs “have absolutely nothing to do with running trains and buses and have not affected my actions or decisions on this board."
Apparently, within hours of Smith expressing his personal views in the interview, a fellow board member, Jim Graham who is openly gay, complained via a prepared statement calling for Smith to disavow his remarks - which he didn't - and for Gov. Ehrlich to remove Smith from position - which he did.
So, basically the tolerance or 'freedom of speech' so highly desired by the world isn't to be applied to Christians.
There is an article at CBS entitled "Thought Police Go Too Far" regarding this same story: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/10/opinion/main1787969.shtml
Though the previous story may be considered somewhat insignificant, I don't think the next one could be at all.
I received a letter the other day from Answers In Genesis. Having purchased a great creation/evolution DVD series from them, I am now on their mailing list. Here is an excerpt of some news from that letter:
Did you know that many hospitals in Australia are now banning the placement of Bibles in patients' rooms?
Could that ever happen in America?
Are you aware that a well-known Oscar-nominated Hollywood actor recently stated that Bibles should have a disclaimer pasted inside, warning that it's fiction?
Could such stickers ever be placed inside Bibles in America?
Surely not in the land of the free - the nation that was founded on the Bible. But then again, who would have thought 50 years ago that:
* abortion would be legalized...and "gay" marriages would be conducted?
* prayer, Bible, and the teaching of creation would all but be banned from public schools and other government-run places?
* the name of Christ would be increasingly taken out of Christmas?
* there would be threats to take the name of God out of the Pledge of Allegiance, and that prayer would be banned at school graduations?
* the Ten Commandments and nativity scenes would be removed from public places? ... and the list goes on and on!
There's no doubt that Christians are becomming marginalized in America.
Friend, someone actually has begun placing disclaimers in the front of Bibles!
A Delta pilot from Atlanta (and a friend of AiG) found such a sticker in the front of a Gideon Bible placed in a drawer of his Salt Lake City hotel room.
On the next page, you'll see a photo of the actual sticker.
[This book contains religious stories regarding the origin of living things. The stories aare theories, not facts. They are unproven, unprovable and in some cases totally impossible. This material should be approached with an open mind, and a critical eye towards logic and believability.]
There's not telling how many of these stickers have been applied to other Bibles found in hotels (and other places)
As you can read, this anti-Bible sticker is related to the creation/evolution issue.
Now, where did this sticker's wording originate? Look at the sticker below. It was aplied to textbooks in Cobb County, Georgia, where the school board was concerned that science books were presenting evolution as fact to its students.
The board had voted to place stickers in the front of some public school biology textbooks to infom students that evolution should be studied critically.
(You probably remember the controversy that ensued when "civil rights" groups and some county residents objected, and the lawsuit they filed resulted in a judge ordering the stickers to be removed. On appeal, a federal court ruled in May of this year that the case has to be retried for various reasons.)
Here's the actual sticker as it was photographed from a school textbook:
[This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered. Approved by Cobb County Board of Education Thursday, March 28, 2002 ]
As you compare the two stickers, you'll quickly see that the sticker found in the hotel Bible was meant to mirror (mock) the thrust of the textbook sticker.
Such mockery just illustrates again that the creation/evolution controversy is really a foundational issue in the battle between secular humanism and Christianity.
At the rate things are going in America, I must admit: it wouldn't surprise me if some liberal judges would begin mandating that such stickers be placed in Bibles.
In this vein, The Da Vinci Code movie is permeating the culture with another blatant, anti-Christian propaganda message (though it's a work of fiction).
One of its stars, Ian McKellen, a well-known gay activist/fundraiser (he also played Gandalf in the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy), answered a question about the movie on NBC-TV's Today Show (May 17).
Here's the exchange:
NBC reporter Matt Lauer: "How would you have felt if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie? WOuld it have been okay with you?"
McKellen: "Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction. I mean, walking on water? It takes an act of faith and I have faith in this movie - not that it's true - not that it's factual - but that it's a jolly good story. ..." [emphasis added]
Not long after this explosive enterview, I read some Australian newspaper articles that reported on a number of hospitals that were basically banning Bibles from being placed in rooms.
Australia's national newspaper, The Australian (akin to USA Today), reported:
The banning of bibles in Queensland and Victorian hospitals was political correctness gone crazy, Health minister Tony Abbott says ...
Gideons International, which supplies bibles to hospitals and hotels worldwide, said it has been banned from leaving bibles at several Queensland hospitals to prevent giving offence to non-Christian patiens [May 24, 2006]
A Catholic news source in Australia reported:
Almost all of Melbourne's main hospitals have withdrawn Bibles ...
In Brisbane ... the Royal Brisbane and Women's and Princess Alexandra hospitals are among the first to stop the Gideon's testaments being left in patiens' bedside talbes. Staff said the Bibles were no longer in keeping with the "multicultural approach to chalpaincy."
Both news sources stated the Bibles could be a source of infection! One said:
It is also an infection-control measure ... some claimed the Bibles were removed because they were a source of infection. Hospital spokeswoman Tanya Logegeier said: "If someone has a cold or anything and uses the Bible, their germs could be passed on to the next person who reads it."
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