My Life Fail/Christ's Victory

To the messenger of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Revelation 3. 14-17 NIV

 

As a Christian I am totally convicted in my own heart every time I read these verses. "What can I do to be a stronger, brighter light for Jesus?" Satan works on me, enticing me to sit on my couch when I should be doing anything else - volunteering, working for a local church, even cleaning my house --- anything is better than wasting my day. Yet, I still do it, even though I know it's the wrong way to behave. Even as I read other brothers and sisters in Christ posts and tweets and I am not motivated to get as excited as they are, I worry that I am lukewarm. So I think it through, and I see that just because I don't have their conviction, or I don't possess the answer, it doesn't mean I'm not "hot" for the Lord.  

 

We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God. I Corinthians 8. 1-3 NIV

 

So I get all introspective and ask myself, "Is there a bigger hypocrite than I am?" The answer is a resounding "WHO CARES?" God doesn't measure me to anyone else, so why do I? I just have to grow every day - more like Christ today than yesterday. Having knowledge is not having wisdom --- We all know folks that are know-it-alls and love and sincerity are not in them. I pray every day that I do not become one of those --- I try every day to be more like Jesus. Some days are better than others.

 

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6.7-10 NIV

 

So, we don't just do good for any type of merit badge or spiritual bank account, but because we have The Holy Spirit inside and are compelled to what is right. Pastors across the country have said on many occasions that God doesn't expect you to clean up before you turn your life over to Him, turn your life over and He will aid you in the clean up process.

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4.8 NIV

Debate Depression

How sad our country has become --- we listen to people on radio and TV acting like children, then other people come on the TV and radio afterwards and tell you what you heard - like you couldn't hear them in the first place. I'm not for either candidate. I believe this GIF tells everything -

I am re-reading the biography by Henry Ketcham titled, The Life of Abraham Lincoln and Ketcham shows that the political machine even back then was sketchy and corrupt. Abraham Lincoln was such a new and fresh figure in Washington D.C. in 1861 that his life was jeopardy on a daily basis. He had bodyguards due to daily threats.

These two people on the big stage running for the position of President of the United States are a mockery of our political system. Hillary is like the Barry Bonds of politics. She has never been caught with the steroid needle sticking out of her derriere, but the preponderance of evidence against her is so overwhelming, and the trail of corruption is just exhaustingly obvious. And yet, the liberal media is doing everything in their power to make Donald Trump out to be the Antichrist, and completely fool John Q. Public.

The Donald was originally a breath of fresh air in the political landscape but then he spoke, and continues to speak without the use of advisors or any human. Again, I reiterate ... How sad for America.

Bwah Wah Wah, Bah Wah Bwah Bwah

Talk - there is a lot of it these days. Many, many words are being said about many, many things. Thanks to six hundred channels on cable or satellite TV, and news on half of those channels, as well as social media being so prevalent and accessible (obviously, I'm even a writer on the internet) that any and all opinions can be put out there. Andrew Shepherd, a fictional President in the movie The American President starring Michael Douglas gave a speech at the end of the movie that is truth. The meat of the speech is as poignant to our reality today as it was in the movie 20 + years ago. The President said,

“…America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours…”

Talk - Words - Sharing ideas - The art of communication is NOT just talking, it also requires listening. I want to hear what you have to say. I want to hear what men and women who are protesting for equality have to say. I absolutely loved my wife's aunt and cousins visiting from West Virginia, coming clear to California to spend time with family. Not only did we have great big fun with them, but we talked about events in the news and shared ideas and opinions and no one got their feelings hurt, no one cussed the other, and nobody got punched, stabbed or shot.

I share my opinions with my neighbors, and they respond, and nothing bad happens. Even my wife and I differ on certain subjects. She and I have come to terms on important family stuff, and discuss world events in order to learn about viewpoints other than our own. Why then are there those in my country who are trying to force others to abandon their rights and follow a path they don't have to follow?

Now, to be contradictory, if you are on a bad side of the argument, where you find yourself in error, just be able to admit it. In others words listen to those who are talking, and don't over talk them, or shout your point, or stop communicating all together. Also, don't tell me what this person or that person said or meant, because I played gossip as a kid, and the message always got screwed up. I distain those who tell me I can't understand the situation because of my gender, my skin color, or my address. If I don't understand, I will ask, and I know who I will and won't ask for clarification. I will not ask the exaggerator, or the one who's personal agenda is whittled in to the subject. I won't listen to those who are pathological liars, or those who only talk about themselves.

American men of Western European decent do not speak for me. Fundamentalist Christian leaders don't speak for me. I have my own mind (for the present) and can see things - usually multi-sided, even intentionally muddled things can be pondered and understood by this college educated, unemployed student working on a new career in his mid fifties. Lately I have been watching the news with the attitude of Charlie Brown, Linus Van Pelt, Peppermint Patty, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Every time an adult speaks, all that is audible is "Bwah Wah Wah, Bah Wah Bwah Bwah."

Therefore, I have serious issues with a Presidential candidate that doesn't seem to care about right and wrong, who's fat is always in the fire, and will say anything to exonerate themselves. I also find it a puzzler that a non-politician with fresh perspective vying for the leader of our Country shows arrogance, bigotry, and a total lack of diplomacy every time the mouth is open.

And this whole falderal over our posture during the National anthem is so tired and ridiculous. Seriously, those who are freaking out about it are laying down, lounging, or sitting on their couches while the station airs it before every sporting event. That is so hypocritical I truly feel like screaming when any news media outlet is more concerned over who's up or down more than the why. And when 'credible' media like Mr. Limbaugh as an example misquote and twist the facts for ratings points and actual servicemen and women are saying quite clearly that they understand it's not about them or their service, but for the inequality in a Country founded and built on "All men (and women) are created equal..."

Let's stop banging the drum for gun control and make the screening process better. Our government should pour those millions in raises they give themselves into mental health care - not as an easy out for the privileged who commit crimes, but to receive help BEFORE they get that far. This country has become so inconsistent. Freedom of religion has been changed to freedom from religion. It is laughable that Kurt Warner and Tim Tebow are vilified and ridiculed because of their overt and proud professions of faith in God and Christian lifestyles, while the Kardashians, Miley, and numerous others become role models because of their decadence, hedonism, and lack of morals.

Crime is a serious problem in America. Criminals 'rights' are heralded over victims now in many cases. We also have a problem with a minority of Peace Officers who feel they are above the laws and peoples they are sworn to protect. The system needs to be prepared to deal with those individuals and not lump every badge together as evil. Citizens of any race or ethnicity are welcome into this stew that is the United States of America. I call it a stew because it isn't a melting pot, it is a stew with its own unique flavors to both blend with and enhance the other flavors that have all come together for a meal.

The sign on the Statue of Liberty reads "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore, send these homeless, these tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door" Emma Lazarus The New Colossus. The book of James, one of the letters in the Bible's New Testament tells us "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" Js 1.27 NIV. There was a time ( I read about it in books) when politicians were altruistic and more concerned with this country than with their jobs, their money, or their power.

Their was a time when those who preached God's Word didn't build monuments to themselves, they didn't preach giving and take millions in salary and estates. Again, not all politicians are greedy, selfish, lying, cheats. Not all Pastors are power mongers with greed and other sinful appetites as glaring stumbling blocks for their ministry. Its hard to understand these folks when they speak, because all that comes out is "Bwah Wah Wah, Bah Wah Bwah Bwah." I love Jesus and praise Him for rescuing me from hell, and I love this country, the best country in the world. I know the church has problems, and so does our political system. I can be one who creates change.

When You Don't Want to Say What Your Heart Needs to Say

These times are critical. Men and women who claim to be bearers of the word of God have become filthy rich and are terrible examples of Christ. Others claim to have leadership qualities for all men and women,  yet they act like bullies and bigots, unscrupulous liars, and other non-Christ-like characteristics. As a follower of Christ, I am in a dilemma as are most fundamental Christian Americans.

You have no candidate, you have no party, and you (okay, I - when I say 'you' I truly mean me or I, whichever is grammatically better) feel awash in a sea of inconsistency and rationalization.

If you vote for Hillary, because we know she is for social change, social justice, and socialism, we have to ignore her pro choice and laundry list of crimes she has been accused of, and her turning her back on so many women objectified and used by her own husband. She is a bully and one of the economic elite in this country. She seems to have no conscience about the deaths of Americans at a U.S. Embassy, because she is too busy denying rather than taking responsibility.

If you vote for Donald, because he is pro life, and he is being sponsored by the right-wing, conservative party commonly linked to fundamental Christianity, you vote for a bully, an openly vocal bigoted racist, a morally objectionable man who treats women, all women as objects and not as equals, and anyone who isn't from Caucasia as an interloper.

If we break it down by issue, the gun lobby loves Trump, and Clinton will be a big problem. If we are pro life, Hillary has said abortion is no problem if she's President. The Donald is dishonest in business, but will say whatever is on his mind, openly mocking people with special needs or lifestyles not in the mainstream. Health insurance has been a headache in America for a while - and which candidate is in the insurance lobby's pocket will continue to kill Americans financially.

A vastly grotesque problem in our country is the media. William Randolph Hearst would be so proud today if he was here to watch CNN verbally boil Trump in oil, while Fox news calls Clinton the personification of Satan in drag. At our house one TV is my in-laws, and it is always on ABC or CNN news, or Jeopardy, or the Angels broadcast. That is a lot of news every day to stomach, so I don't. I abhor the Fox news as well, being so agenda driven. Forty plus years ago you reported about a political faux pas, like it was original sin itself, and now 'making' news is more important then 'reporting' it.

While you rant and rail against the current and failed system, Mr. Bernie Sanders has a message that is quite intelligent - Get Involved to evoke the Change. You get involved in your community, your city, or state politics. I like that.

I Remember When a Tank was The Symbol of a Strong Force

Capitalism breeds competition. Participation trophies are for pansies and are socialistic in it's pure form. If winning isn't everything, why do we keep score?  Nice guys finish last. Show me a good loser and I'll show you an idiot. Competition gives me energy, it keeps me focused. A good loser is just a loser.

For all my years I've heard these quotes and more like them that raise the competitive juices to the boiling point, and attempt to instill a stronger self worth. Coaches, employers, and teachers alike tried to pump me up with motivational jargon. In the last few years however, a new phenomenon has been born especially at the professional sports level. "Tanking" or losing on purpose has become fashionable. Years back the Indianapolis Colts won the 'Suck for Luck' campaign. The Philadelphia 76ers have been so bad for so long and have accumulated top draft choices for so long they should be a super power.

I've been a participant, a coach, and a fan of many sports teams for many years. I admit freely I have seen one NBA game in the last two seasons - game four of the Finals between the Warriors and the Cavaliers - but the losing of the Lakers is disturbing. The radio talk show circuit claims that the crappy roster and lack of a good coach are purposeful. Such a storied franchise put to the punch line of a bad joke, it's so disheartening. From a consumer point of view,  why are people paying for such and inferior product? Like creating a cleaner to compete with 409 or Simple Green and just filling bottles with water.

I have been skeptical of the Spanos family down in San Diego for a few years as well. They have a very good quarterback, hired a top notch coach, and yet let all other impact players go to other teams via trade or free agency. I believe the Chargers owners intentionally sabotaged their roster to lose, so fans would quit them, and they could move to L.A. free and clear.

Last, my Rockies ownership that collects money for tickets and for memorabilia, and yet they refuse to build a winner. They trade talent for nothing or in their words prospects, they claim poor, and yet they pocket millions. The owners refuse to build pitching. they give away great players, and have no conscience about getting rich.

I long for the days when every team goes out on the field of play and does their best, every minute of every game.

I Love The United States of America

Back in the days of Solomon, the Lord came into the Temple and the author of Chronicles said that after Solomon prayed, fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifices and offerings and it was obvious to everyone that the Glory of the Lord had come to earth. 2 Chronicles records that the people fell on their faces and declared 'God is good, His love endures forever. 2 Chron. 7.1-3 NIV'

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Romans 10.14 NIV"

Today's church in general would argue "How can we keep them coming if our preaching is convicting or calling the people out?" Our great nation that was founded on a slogan of 'In God we trust' has leapt so far away from God we can not pray without offending, we can not praise God without offending, and we can not share the Gospel without offending. And when we offend, government swoops in to make laws and legislate American thought.

In the middle of my study I stopped to think how America has changed since I was just out of High School. Cable TV was brand new, and that influenced music (thank you MTV), fashion, news, sports, and salesmanship. TV evangelists were able to preach all over the world thanks to Cable TV. Sports grew to a ginormous proportion on Cable. A station was created for sports alone, not just the 13 minutes on the evening news.

The internet, cell phones for common folk, and a sugar substitute that tastes more like sugar and not a broken AAA battery came next, creating convenience and an instant knowledge if you could maneuver the dial-up modem. In the last 30 years our Supreme Court has lost its focus and purpose, our legislature has become a haven of corruption and skullduggery, and the Presidency, once the most coveted and powerful job on the planet, is no more than the figurehead of a political machine of lobbies and self interest, instead of being what President Lincoln saw the post Civil War country could be, "that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Fictional President Andrew Shepard said it best - "America isn't easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours." Rather than a government that rules and regulates us out of what we are supposed to be in order that a few are appeased, the broken system needs fixed.

In this day of persecution of the psychological, where the mind of those who have no faith is pressuring the faithful with logic and sarcastic arguments, those prayer warriors should be so diligent, asking God for guidance and courage. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. Philippians 4.8,9 NIV"