Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 4

Part 4, From Yesterday’s Post

My brother, Gary joined the military in 1969. For some reason he did not get sent to Viet Nam. He did however get sent to the DMZ zone between the two Korea’s many times. Gary was there in 1976 when we received a letter from him. He told us that he couldn’t tell us what was going on and he was sleeping with his gun. Gary wanted us to please pray for him and our nation. We all had goose bumps after we received Gary’s letter.

Later on we found out that the “Tree/Hatchet Incident” had taken place on August 18th of 1976. Several American soldiers and South Koreans went into the Neutral Zone to trim a tree that was blocking the Americans view . The North Korean leader ordered, “mikunulchi ki cha”, to kill the American soldiers. Thirty North Koreans bludgeoned eleven of our soldiers to death with the end of their machetes. My brother knew two of the men. They were young and with families.

President Ford order a decree that was kept quiet. He sent a message to the North Koreans saying that if they didn’t hand over the men that committed this heinous crime we would be at war. America did not know how close to war we were. Like any other bully, North Korea saw the threat was real and handed over the men to our authority. Our President and military stood strong and prevailed over evil once again.

My brother’s son joined the military and became an 82nd Airborne. Dale joined in the late 80's. On December 20th, 1989 our Rangers from Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and the 82nd Airborne attacked Panama. My brother found out that his son was jumping into Panama as the invasion was taking place. Silence and stealth were necessary for victory.

Our military invaded to remove Manuel Noriega because the then President George Bush knew that the Panama Canal was soon reverting back into Panama’s hands and Noriega had strong ties to many of our enemies. It would have been very dangerous for us as a nation if Noriega had been in power after the transfer of ownership.

Part 5, Tomorrow

Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 3

Part 3, From Yesterday’s Post

On December 8th, 1941, President Theordore Roosevelt, gave the great “Infamy speech”. The last few paragraphs woke up a nation that began to prepare for war.

President Roosevelt’s speech ended with,

But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery wi ll never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces—with the un-bounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

Japanese General Isoroku Yamamoto was against the Attack on Pearl Harbor, but once it was inevitable, he planned the attack. Shortly after the attack of Pearl Harbor he said, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." His premonition became a reality. We awoke and we built. Our men went to war and our women built the machine’s that were needed for the war.

Near the end of the war in Iwo Jima Admiral Chester A Nimitz stated that, “Among the Americans serving on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Many said that Iwo Jima was the battlefield that closely resembled the Biblical vision of Hell. Iwo Jima was eight square miles of volcanic ash, pumice and sand. The Marines had the honor of taking Iwo Jima and take it they did.
Iwo Jima was the bloodiest battle in the war and in all of Marine history. They had more casualties than the Union Army at Gettysburg. The battle was responsible for over 1/4 of all the Medals of Honor awarded to Marines during World War II. The picture of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima is the most honored and reproduced photograph of all time. I have been at the Memorial in Virginia. You can’t help but stand in awe, silence and respect when standing in front of it.

Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal told a friend that, “ the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years." He also came out with this little ditty:

Storm'd at with shot and shell
Bravely they rode and well
Into the Jaws of Death
Into the Mouth of Hell

Part 4, Tomorrow

Honor Given Where Honor Is Due. - 2

Part 2 , From Yesterday’s Post

In August of 1781 during the Revolutionary War in Yorktown, Virginia, a major battle took place. Major Cornwallis of the British army knew that if he could take Yorktown, the war would end in their favor. General George Washington had different ideas though. Benjamin Franklin had been reaching out to the French for assistance throughout the whole war and they finally came through. With the French’s aid, General Washington was able to defeat the British and Major Cornwallis was forced to surrender on October 19, 1781. Cornwallis was right, the Yorktown battle did turn the tide of the war, but in America’s favor. The war went on for two more years and we prevailed.

Before the Revolutionary War, we didn’t have a military. Each state saw to its own needs and never saw the need for a national military. When the need arose, the Congress appointed General George Washington to form a national army to stave off the British. At first it looked impossible. Men would leave when they felt like it. They would go home at planting or harvest time and didn't think anything was wrong with that. They didn't understand commitment to a military.

Slowly, but surely General Washington earned the respect and loyalty of his men. He took a group of rag tag men and eventually turned them into an army that could stand up to the British and win freedom for our people. The Revolutionary War was the birth place of our military that we have today. As The United States grew, she saw the need to have a military so that we could defend ourselves against attack.

Over the years, we've had our ups and downs in the strength of our Army, but December 7th, 1941, would change the face of our military for ever. The Japanese took umbrage against us and attacked Pearl Harbor. We'd become fat, lazy and unprepared. Japan thought that we would be an easy conquest. Little did Japan know.

Part 3, Tomorrow

Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 1

"Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

What a rich heritage we have as a nation. The Star Spangled Banner says it all, especially the last line, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”. We ARE the land of the free and the home of the brave. I started thinking about how we have stayed safe since the inception of our nation.

A young lawyer, named Frances Scott Key lived during the War of 1812. He agreed to broker a peace treaty between the Americans and the British. The British ships were anchored in Baltimore Harbor and Mr. Key was taken aboard the H.M.S. Surprise. The British wouldn’t listen to Mr. Key's terms of peace until after they bombarded Fr. McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland through the night.

Before the battle began, Major George Armistead, whom later became a renowned General in the Civil War, asked for a gigantic flag to be made so that the British couldn’t help but see it from their vessels. By the time it was finished it measured 30 by 42 feet. It must have been an amazing sight.

The stage was set. Many British vessels surrounded Ft. McHenry. Major Amistead and his men bravely waited for the attack to begin. The British carried 220 pound bombshells. The Americans sunk 22 British vessels before the attack, so that the British couldn’t get as close as they wold like. At 1 am on September 14th, 1814 the bombardment began.

Mr. Key watched from the inside of the H.M.S. Surprise. Probably all he could see were the lights from the exploding bombs. The shelling continued until the dawn hours, then suddenly there was silence. Smoke filled the air. Mr. Key didn’t know if the flag was still flying high or not. When he looked out again, the smoke had cleared and the flag was still standing, battered, yet proudly swaying in the wind for all to see. Mr. Key began to write.

Our military had withstood an unbelievable onslaught. The British stopped the attack. They didn’t think Ft. McHenry was worth any more effort. The tide turned because our military withstood all that had happened that night and started the beginning of the end of the War of 1812.

Part 2 Tomorrow

Treasures Still Hidden in the Upper Room - 3

Part 3, From Yesterday’s Post

Moses and David are a just few examples of men with a servants heart. They show us that a heart of service always wants others to exceed above self. Two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John Zebedee had to learn this lesson. In the upper room they were arguing about who was the best and could they both be seated by Jesus in heaven. Jesus gently rebuked them and told them that only the Father knows who will be where in heaven. Also, the cost of what they were asking for would be very high and he encouraged them to put others above themselves.

Many desire the call of leadership. There’s nothing wrong with that desire, but there is a high price tag for the privilege. Pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Apostle and Prophet are synonymous with servant, a lifestyle of death to self and putting others before yourself. The higher the call, the greater the servant hood. My husband showed me an article called “Guide for Elder Wannabe’s” on the internet. It’s interesting and worth reading. Here are a few excerpts from the article. 1) “Find the janitor in your church and offer to help him with his responsibilities....Do the work he’d rather not do. 2)Ask yourself. Are you really sure you want to become an elder....? If the answer is yes you likely shouldn’t. Sounds unbelievable but true. Not to say you can’t, but spend time serving in your church instead of trying to “confirm” a call by asking every person you respect what.... they think God’s will is for you. Let the people of God lift you up at the right time. If you are truly called to ministry, it will happen in due time as God ordains......:”

Over the years I’ve come to see three major stumbling blocks that can keep us from our full potential. 1) Self focus: I’ve got to much to do, someone else can do it. 2) Self importance: I’ve got a calling. I’m not meant to do it. 3) Self indulgence: I have to focus on what’s important and not burn myself out. We have to be careful not to fall into one of the “self” traps, but how? The remedy is simple. We are to pick up the hidden treasure. We are to follow Jesus’ example. We are to serve.

The hidden treasure is priceless beyond compare. Through the scripture Jesus has reached out and washed our feet. By example he’s given us direction and even given us a blessing if we obey. The blessing is also in John 13 “....Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” Go likewise and be blessed.

From Your Comments.......

I have been getting different view points on weather I should post my articles all at once on Monday or in smaller segments on successive days. I generally only post one article a week. I would like to hear from you and find out which you would like best. I appreciate your comments. A Hearing Ear

Treasures Still Hidden in the Upper Room - 2

Part 2 From Yesterday’s Post

The more we allow Jesus into our heart’s the more of his character dwells within us. If you look in all four gospels you will see that Jesus serving others recurs over and over again. When he worked a miracle, he served. When he healed someone, he served. When he taught, he served. Jesus set a pattern. He’s teaching us, by example, that by putting other’s above himself he’s serving and worshiping God.

I began studying men with a servants heart in the Old Testament and they had three things in common. A heart of worship, death to self and a heart of service. They had failings, like the rest of us, but they were able to be used because of the three stated characteristics. Let’s take a look at a couple of these men.

The first person is Moses. Moses started out by killing a man and running for his life. (Exodus: 2-11-16). He even argued with God face to face and lived. (Ex. 3:4-17) God continued to talk to Moses through out the years and because of Moses servants heart, God entrusted him with the ten commandments. Moses was one of the biggest servants that I can think of in the Old Testament. He gave his life and served a rebellious people for over forty years. He acted as judge, councilor, guide, protector and teacher. He gave up his life for the Israelites.

The second person is David. David was known as a man after God’s own heart, (I Samuel 13:14) and a man of contradictions: David was a servant yet demanding. Humble yet arrogant. Generous yet selfish. Protector yet murderer. How could David, with all of his flaws, be used by God? Simple, David had a heart of worship, a heart of repentance and a heart of service. David knew that worship and service were key before God. David would do something wrong. God would convict him. David would repent, and wait for God’s forgiveness and answer. David worshiped God regardless of what he had done. David was willing to walk through the consequences of his actions, pick himself up and serve God once again.

Part 3, Tomorrow

Treasures Still Hidden in the Upper Room - 1

Treasures Still Hidden in the Upper Room

When I think about Jesus, the twelve disciples and the upper room I think of the last supper. Then I started searching the passage in John 13: 4-17 and realized that there was so much more for us to learn from it.

John’s version of scripture is the only place where it refers to Jesus washing his disciple’s feet. It states, “...so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” In order to grasp the complete impact of what Jesus did, we need to put some historical context in place. In Jesus’ culture and time, many homes would welcome a visitor by washing their feet. The person who did it was usually the lowest servant or slave in the household. Jews felt themselves above washing anyone’s feet, including Jewish slaves It was considered so humiliating a task that Gentile slaves were forced to do it. If this were the case, then why would Jesus, not only a Jew but the Son of God, wash the disciples feet?

Jesus was teaching his disciples, through example, that a servant’s heart was a massive foundation stone in all that he taught. Let’s go back to John 13. Jesus gets into a debate with Peter concerning washing his feet and it states, “....’No’, Peter said, “ you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.....” Why was Jesus so adamant about this? Let’s continue, “...When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his cloths and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

Jesus humbled himself before man so that we could see that we need to humble our selves before God. How do we bring this about? I believe it begins with the heart of worship. Worship is to honor our God. True worship brings in the presence of God and makes us realize it’s all about him and not about us. Which leads us to the next step, repentance. When we enter God’s presence, it produces a hunger for more of him. We need to get rid of anything that will hinder us , so we need to ask God to change the places within our heart’s that are blackened by sin.

Part 2, Tomorrow

The Beauty of God’s Glory!

Yesterday, I was driving to my daughter’s house. She lives about 1 ½ hour’s drive from where I live. The weather was in the upper 60's and it was beautiful. It was a perfect Spring day.

For the past four or five years, we in the South, have had drought. Spring would come and the rain would disappear. Spring usually lasts about a week or two, then we go into intense Summer. This year has been different. The weather is still in the mid 60's to lower 70's. We’ve had quite a bit of rain. The grass is growing without the benefit of sprinklers. We are actually having a Spring season.

As I was driving I started to take in deep breaths of the sweet, clean air. The humidity was non existent and the sky was blue with puffy, white clouds slowly passing by. Everything looked brand new. The fresh green grass reminded me of Ireland and the Little People with their pots of gold hiding on the other side of a rainbow.

Peace, contentment and joy surrounded me like a gentle embrace. I was going to my daughter’s to do what every woman loves to do. We were going shopping and then have dinner together.

As I was driving home after a great day, I started thinking about the beauty God placed before me just so that I could enjoy it. I’d like to believe that God loves me so much that he created yesterday just for me, so that I could enjoy him in his creation. I am grateful that I took the time to reflect on God’s glory. I’m even thankful that he created shopping centers that my daughter and I could have a special time together.

On the way home, the sky was studded with bright, shining stars that kept me company. Isn’t God awesome. He created the twinkling little lights in the night sky so that I could be reminded of God’s beauty morning, noon and night. The night drive home was like icing on a cake. The whole day was delicious. Try some, it's awesome and also very low in calorie content. Which is a good thing because once you taste it you can't get enough.

The Now and The Not Yet - Part 3

Part 3 From Yesterday’s Post

I truly believe that the Lord has already begun to move in our nation. The rumblings are low, but are increasing every day. I believe it will effect the financial system, not only the US but the entire world. It will effect the political system. The Lord is about to shake its foundations, and anything not rooted solidly in him, will come tumbling down. It will effect our judicial system. The Lord will remove those that have mocked him and have used their authority to hurt the helpless. It will effect the educational system. The Lord will re-institute truth and remove the mockery and lies. It will effect our entertainment industries because people will no longer tolerate what is being put out and the Lord will grant salvation and mercy to those that will hear inside the industry. It will effect our media. The Lord is already in the process of knocking down the towers of Babel in the news and paper industries. People will want the truth, and not told what they are to believe anymore.

Repentance is the key in asking God to move on our behalf. I believe that he will do so, but it will be costly. It will cost us everything. When the Lord moves, we must not have pre-conceived ideas on how it will look. The Lord is going to move in a completely different way and we must seek his face constantly and trust the Lord when he tells us to move even if it doesn’t make sense. We must not question, we must obey.

There will be a mighty move of God. Now, we have to decide if we want in on it. Will we willingly give up our comfort zones and all that we have to follow Jesus? Will we remember what Jesus asked of his disciples to follow him? He told them to leave everything and everyone behind. The twelve disciples did and remember how they were used in bringing about the Kingdom of God. It won’t be easy, but the cost is worth it.

The Now and The Not Yet - Part 2

Part 2 From Yesterday’s Post

People are starting to wake up to the mess that’s going on around them. They are starting to see that they are like frogs in a pot of water slowly being boiled to death. It’s getting uncomfortable and people are looking for a way out of the pot.

Once again, I must go back to the Bible for an answer. The book of Daniel seems so appropriate for our day and times. Through arrogance and falling away from following their Holy God the Israelites were captured and taken into captivity by the Babylonians. Daniel went with them. Hopefully most of you know the story of Daniel, if not I would encourage you to go to the Old Testament in your Bible and read Daniel. It’s awesome.

Daniel remained close and faithful to God in all that was going on around him. Daniel got on his knees and cried out 3 times a day begging for forgiveness and a repentant heart for his people. Daniel believed in God’s grace and mercy and also asked God to forgive and to restore his people, Israel. He knew that if they didn’t cry out, there wouldn’t be any restoration. God created Daniel to be in that specific time in history so that he could cry out to God with humility, faithfulness and hope that God will answer one day. God always listens to a humble heart.

Part 3 Tomorrow

The Now and The Not Yet - Part 1

Once again I was contemplating about our nation and the state it is presently in. I remembered something that I believe Jesus shared with me before the election took place. Again, it was like a dream being awake. I think it’s prevalent with what is going on now and I wanted to share it with you. Below is what I saw.

I saw the complete political area of Washington D.C. Surrounding the White House were 6 tornado’s. The tornado’s consisted of the Holy Spirit and fire. They were massive and each was in a strategic position. They created a circle around the DC area.

Also surrounding the White House were 6 underground, glass bunkers. People could see out, but you couldn’t see in. Bunker #1 was the media. Bunker #2 was the press. Bunker #3 was the judicial. Bunker number #4 was the legislative. Bunker #5 was the financial. The tornado outside of bunker 5 was split in two at the top and the other half was outside of Wall Street, NY. Bunker #6 was the educational system. Inside each bunker people were planning and they would look at the tornado outside of their specific bunker and scream blasphemies. They felt safe and felt no one could penetrate their domain.

The Lord spoke to his angels, “ I and I alone will bring about this move on this nation. It will be done in such a way that no man can deny my hand and destiny in it.” He then told the tornado’s to move. Each tornado blew the top off of the glass bunker doors they were assigned to and blew everyone and all of the strategies completely out and absorbed it within the tornado. The structure was left sound.

Inside of each structure a young, teenage boy came in a sat behind the desk. Each boy’s name was Josiah. Each boy looked towards heaven and asked the Lord what is it you want us to do to turn this mess around?

The White House stood in the middle of all that was going around it untouched. A massive cloud came and hoovered over the White House and the Holy Spirit in the form of a massive lightening bolt came and went straight through the heart of the Oval Office and stopped deeply embedded underneath the foundation stone of the building.

A gigantic canker work was eating away at the foundation of the White House and the lightening bolt went straight to it and destroyed it with it’s power. After the canker worm was destroyed, the Oval Office was used once more to bring about the glory of God.

I shared this with a friend of mine and she told me that the name Josiah means “cleansing fire”. I think the dream speaks for itself. The structures and organizations have veered from honoring God long ago. The media is lying to us. The press is lying to us. The Judicial is making the innocent the bad guys. The legislative only cares about staying in power. The financial system is on the brink of collapse. Finally the educational system is so humanistically based, God got kicked out a long time ago.

Part 2 tomorrow

Spring: A Time of Reflection And New Life

I’m sitting here thinking of all of the things that I need to do for the week end. My son is coming home from school and will be here for Easter. My mind is on my lists. I’m getting ready to go to the grocery store and get all of the things I need to make Easter dinner. I’m preparing my grocery list, when suddenly it hits me. Today is Good Friday.

I suddenly realized that I was letting this special morning go by without a thought for what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. I am now reflecting on the meaning of this day. Our glorious Lord gave us the most precious gift of all, his life. Our lives wouldn’t have meaning if the next three days didn’t take place two thousand years ago.

I am sitting here in awe. Jesus was condemned, beaten beyond recognition, then walked in humiliation up to Golgotha. Jesus was so beaten and torn apart that Simon of Cyrene had to help Jesus carry his cross the rest of the way to his Crucifixion. The screaming, weeping and silence must have been heart wrenching.

Jesus is nailed to the cross. He dies, forgiving all of his accusers just before releasing his spirit. I can imagine the looks on all of the faces that believed Jesus could not die. Shock, unbelief, a feeling of betrayal, then ultimate fear. When Jesus breathed his last, the earth turned dark, the dead were raised and the curtain in the Temple was torn in two. Many people don’t realize that the curtain was two to four inches thick. No easy feat. I can imagine God being hurt and angry right then and there.

Jesus is taken to his tomb. Jesus was completely wrapped, placed inside of the tomb with a large boulder placed in front of the door. Roman guards were stationed outside. Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary mother of James came to the tomb three days later. The boulder was removed and the guards were gone. They ran inside of the tomb and it was empty. All three women started to cry: “Where have they taken our Lord?” They ran out of the tomb.

On the way home a man in white came up and talked with them. Mary Magdalene recognized the man and exclaimed that this is Jesus and he has risen from the dead. Jesus loves his children so much that he revealed himself before he went to see his Father. Jesus died so that we can go to the Father. Awe is overwhelming me as I write this.

We need to stop, breath and take time to reflect on what the next three days represent. God sent his son into a depraved world so that he could grow up specifically to die. Jesus felt everything we felt. He was God, but also man. Jesus went through all of that suffering and pain just for me. Just for you. Wow!

The next three days are monumental. We have a choice to make. We can treat it like any other day, or will we can stop and contemplate on what took place two thousand years ago. Take the time, be with Jesus. Let him surround you with his loving grace of forgiveness and let Jesus’ resurrection have meaning in your life. After all it is Good Friday.

Forgiveness: Does It Cancel Out Transgression? 2

(Part 2 from yesterday’s post)

Many in this nation are furious, and feel justified in being so. So, how do we solve an issue that has so many twists and turns that it’s hard to keep up with all that is going on? I believe it starts with us being willing to forgive the illegal aliens regardless of what takes place tomorrow. I also believe that we are to cry out for vindication, protection and justice with all of the illegality that is taking place.

We as a people have the right to cry out for justice and an enforcement of our legal rights. We have the right to protection from people that could come into this nation illegally with evil intent. I don’t think the majority of illegals are criminal . Most of them want to provide for their families, but there are many who come in that are criminal and have hurt our citizens without remorse.

Someone I’m close to used to work at Howard Industries. That person left before a major raid took place at Howard, which I’m very grateful for. The government rounded up over three hundred illegal aliens and there were quite a few that had criminal backgrounds. These people were working in our country without anyone knowing their background. That’s scary.

How do we bring a conclusion to the illegal alien issue. I think it will look a lot different than many might think. The biggest arsenal we have is forgiveness and prayer to our God. Our God believes in justice and that our laws must be obeyed. So, we need to cry out to him that we have a turn around in our government. People that will respect our laws and abide by them. We need to demand that they will uphold our laws and secure our borders, especially with the terrorist threats on the rise.

Forgiveness vs. transgression. I realized that I had to forgive in order to receive justice. It’s hard when we feel wronged and threatened within our own land. If we choose to do it God’s way, I’m certain we will see changes and results. Let us as a people be willing to forgive. Forgiveness releases us from bitterness and hatred. When we have forgiven our motives will be right.

There won’t be any easy solutions to this issue. Some are demanding all illegals be sent back to where they came from. Some are saying that if they’ve been here a certain amount of time, they should get to stay. Either way, our laws have been ignored and broken. Something needs to be done. Forgiveness releases the illegal aliens from our anger, but our laws still need to be upheld. I don’t think any man can find a reasonable solution. We need to get on our knee’s and seek God, then he will give us an answer. I believe he’s the only one that can.

Forgiveness: Does It Cancel Out Transgression? 1

For the past thirty years or more illegal aliens entering our borders has become a gigantic issue. I have to confess that for many years I have been angry about the situation. I have resented people coming into my country illegally and demanding that they be housed, clothed, fed, given medical treatment, given a driving license, given work under the radar screen at the taxpayers expense. They demand citizenship and then cry out that they will turn our country into a second Mexico.

To the normal person I would be justified in being angry, but as a child of God I am required to forgive. There are two issues that I had to look at before I could come to any conclusions. I couldn't keep pushing away the fact that Jesus tells us to forgive regardless if the other person doesn't deserve it or even if they don't ask for it. So, we have to come to grips with the fact that we have to forgive regardless of how we feel.

Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness from all that we've done to him and his father. Jesus also tells us that we will be forgiven as we forgive others. That’s not an easy pill to swallow. It’s a lot easier to forgive when it’s something we don’t feel strongly about, but let it be something that hits a nerve and then all bets are off. We have to choose. It's hard to change on our own. I had to cry out to Jesus and ask him to help me with my un-forgiveness.

Author, Chuck Colson, the founder of Prison Fellowship works closely with prison inmates, especially the ones on death row. Mr. Colson tells the men and women the truth of what they’ve done and what Jesus did for them. He tells them that if they accept the truth of who Jesus is, then Jesus can and will forgive everything they’ve done. Forgiveness sets them free from the degradation of the past. It also heals the wounds that have festered inside for so long. Is this the end of the issue. I don't think so. There is one more major factor that has to be dealt with and it leads to issue number two. Does forgiveness release us from the consequences of our actions?

The inmates don’t get a get out of jail free card when they acknowledge the truth and ask forgiveness. They still have to remain in prison, even if they are facing the death penalty. They are forgiven but they aren’t released from the consequences of their actions. Forgiveness allows them a clean slate before God, but not man’s laws. From the beginning of the Bible to its last pages, national laws were created and upheld. Laws were created to keep man from wrong doing.

So how does this pertain to the illegal alien issue? God told us that we are to obey our leaders and the laws of the land. Our laws uphold our freedoms and God given rights. Things have a tendency to get out of control when we remain angry or turn a blind eye to a situation. Case in point the illegal alien issue. It has remained under the nation’s radar screen until 9/ll/01 and the cauldron of resentment has been boiling faster ever since.



Part 2 - Tomorrow

Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick. Part 2

Part 2 of yesterday’s blog

We have tried door #1, #2 and #3, so what's left? Approximately three years ago I felt a strong urging from Jesus not to pay attention to the news in any form. I didn’t understand why at the time, but I do now. If I had kept up with all that has been going on in our nation for the last three years, I would be filled with hopelessness like everyone else. Remember, hope deferred make the heart sick. I truly believe that “hope deferred” means there are no other options available.

Are there any other options? Can there be a way out of all of this mess? Is our nation doomed to failure like other civilization's that have taken their focus off Jesus? Are we going to decay into the sands of time?

Low and behold, there is a door #4. We do have another option. People have to take the time to look for it. It’s not easy to see and you have to want to see it. That door is hope in Jesus. God is not sitting on his throne in heaven going, “Oh no, everything is falling apart. Can I handle this?” God is omniscient. He’s the past, present and future at the same time. Our only hope out of this unholy mess we are in, is in knowing that God planned this specific time in history. He planned for Senator Obama to win and to do all of the things he’s done so far.

Is there any hope of our nation bouncing back? Could there be another terrorist attack within our borders once more? Is there a possibility that our monetary system could be completely destroyed? Will we be become weak, powerless and defenseless as a world power? Are we to loose our identity as a melting pot, but still being one nation? The way things are headed now, most definitely, yes.

Thanks goodness I don’t believe in what I see, but in what Jesus tells me. I just don’t believe our nation is at the point of no return. I believe there is more for us as a nation to accomplish. I am praying for our President. I’m praying that God will turn him around and he will be used for God’s glory. I’m praying for the church so that her blinders will be removed and that she can see who she is clearly once again and start moving in the right direction. I’m praying for our political parties so that they can be of the people once more.

My God is big, so big that I can’t even begin to guess at what he’s going to do until he does it. I believe our nation is about to have an ultimate experience with its creator that will change our history forever. All that I know is that I want in on it and that I will give all that I am and have to be part of what's going to take place.

Look! God's coming and his train is on the tracks preparing to pull into our station. It will be here shortly. From what I hear the ride is unbelievable. I want in on whatever God is intending to do so I am jumping on the train.

Wow! We get to see God move and change a nations direction. How often does that take place? Come with me! It will be the most exciting ride of your life. The Hope Express is pulling in and will be leaving shortly. All aboard!

Hope Deferred Makes the Heart Sick. Part 1

Before the last election everyone’s hope was high. People were saying that Senator Obama was going to take our nation into a new direction that will invigorate our country. Other people were saying that Senator McCain is the only man who can see us through the mess that we are in today. While others who believe in the church, and its ability to sway elections through prayer, would definitely bring us back into our comfortable lifestyles so that we can go on as before.

I honestly don’t see any of the three stated options taking place. A majority of the country believed that if Senator Obama won, he would either destroy or bring salvation to our nation. The proof is in the pudding. Our economy is tanking. Our military is being treated like a G.I. Joe toy that can be taken down and put on the shelf at will. Our President has already insulted two leaders of allied countries and has been making friendly gestures towards countries that have evil intent towards us. There is a rumor in the air that Gitmo residents will be brought back to the United States and given welfare. His ratings have dropped to lower than 50% in less than six months. That's unprecedented .

The Republicans aren’t doing any better. They’ve alienated their base. They would rather be in the hierarchy of D.C. than do what’s right for this nation and their constituents. They have rolled over and showed their weakness so that the other side won’t say nasty things about them. They have betrayed the people who have put them in office. I don’t see any difference between the Republicans and Democrats right now. They are fighting for higher taxes, allowing illegal aliens free reign and are definitely for more bureaucracy in our lives. They are allowing the judicial system to get out of control and to legislate from the bench. Both sides have their eye on controlling the church. That’s only a few of their misdemeanors. So now we go to door number three, the church.

Sadly, the church is not able to pull us out of our downward spiral either. A majority of the church is inward focus and doesn’t even know what’s going on around her most of the time. She has forgotten why she is called the church. People enjoy Christianity as long as they are allowed to sit in their pews and be obliviously comfortable. If you shake her comfort zone she will react. She will snarl at whatever is rocking her boat. When the rocking stops, she will settle back down into her blissful ignorance of what's going on around her.

Part 2 Tomorrow

Is Our Nation Beyond Repair? - Part 3

This is part 3 of yesterday’s post)

We are all to painfully aware that our nation is in trouble. We are infected with the diseases of materialism, pride, self focus, carnal pleasures and antipathy. As long as things don’t shake our little world we have remained in our cocoons blissfully unaware of what is going on around us.

Sadly, this is a description of God’s church, Jesus’ bride. Our nation is the barometer of how the church is responding to Jesus and living the lives that God calls us to live. A wake up call has been sounded. It’s been clamoring for several years now. God has been lavishly pouring out his intimate presence and now it’s time to realize that there is a price tag that goes along with this precious gift.

We are required to give our all in return. We must turn our eyes away from ourselves and seeking our own pleasure. Our nation is at stake. We need to get down on our knees and repent for living our own way for so long. We need to repent for not being the influence on this nation that we were meant to be. Mostly we need to repent for turning our backs on our loving God that created us.

We are now paying the price of our folly. The nation is at a point of being mortally wounded. At this point we deserve what we get. Thankfully God is bigger than us and is not shaking in his boots in fear and trepidation. He has a plan and it will come to pass. All that we have to do is decide if we want our nation back and do we want in on what God is doing.

I don’t believe the road will be easy. It will take every ounce of belief and trust in Jesus that we have. “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Scripture says it best. Now we just have to have the guts to do it.