Left vs. Right: Goats vs. Sheep

It's nearing election time ow so I'll focus on political discernment. When you go into the booth to vote, do it seriously and with knowledge. It's unfair to the Christian candidate in failing to understand why Christians take a particular position. Never in history has the political parties been as divergent as they are right now! We have the Republicans on “the right” and the Democrats on “the left”. What does “the left” and “the right” even mean? I hope you learn something here:

.
From the “Oxford Dictionary of Politics: left” we have the definition:
.
“In political terms, now indicative of the radical or progressive socialist spectrum, but originally literally a spatial term. In the French estates general of 1789, commoners sat on the left of the king, because the nobles were in the position of honour on his right.”
.
“What it is to be ‘left(-wing)’ varies so much over space or time that a definition is very difficult, but the following issue orientations would normally be involved: egalitarianism, support for the (organized) working class, support for nationalization of industry, hostility to marks of hierarchy, opposition to nationalistic foreign or defense policy.”
.
“...left-wing deviation meant encouraging revolution among the people without caring sufficiently about the leading role of the Party.”
.
Just as the origins of “the left” and “the right” political spectrum were created out of the evil French Revolution, God also recognizes “the right” and “the left”:
.
Matthew (KJV) 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

.
Jesus will someday separate mankind into two groups: the sheep (the right) and the goats (the left). The “sheep” are God's people and they will be rewarded while the “goats” represent the ungodly who will get no rewards. It would seem that this separation corresponds very well to the current definition of the contemporary political “right” and “left”. Society has defined evangelical Christianity as “the right” (Right-wing Christians) and the world as the left (New World Order). Not only does God divide us into two groups, but by our own life and beliefs, we are selecting our assigned groups. We are choosing God or denying God. As for me, I'm on God's team!
.
Joshua (NIV) 24:15 “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
.
Yes, you are choosing sides now! The world socialist government now forming will become the government of the “benevolent” end-of-time world leader who will become world dictator and will proclaim himself God. Doubt me? Read scripture and discern!
.
Looking again at what “the left” stands for “egalitarianism” was used in the definition:
.
The THEORETIC definition of “egalitarianism” is the promotion of equality for political, economic, social and civil rights for the all.” That sounds good and by modern standards most, but the extreme, believe in equal rights. It's guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and encouraged by God. However, the ACTUAL working definition as demonstrated by the left, is “The CONTROL of political, economic, social and civil rights so as to grant SPECIAL RIGHTS to SELECT GROUPS with the intent of arriving at EQUAL OUTCOMES.” (Note that the left is after “equal outcomes” not “equal opportunities”). The left is not egalitarian necessarily for benevolent reasons, but for power! You get and maintain power by generous giving. However, a true egalitarian gives from the heart and from self-sacrifice. Left-wing egalitarians have the opportunity to give from their own sacrifice, but prefer to give it from the coffers of others through government control. Control means loss of freedom and also prevents Christians from “giving generously from the heart”. Instead, they are coerced and such giving does not honor God.
.
Furthermore, whenever the left dictates “equal outcomes” forced discrimination results. Whenever one group is pitted against another instead of helping “social justice” it hinders it! Left-wingers espouse equal rights, but their policies foster hate and discrimination. An example of this is the racial hatred which exists after 150 years because the U.S. Government, during Reconstruction, created a military dictatorship which unfairly eliminated the rights of one group of citizens to give to another. The concept is noble, but the outcome was and still is horrendous! The government created an environment through tyranny which provided the mileau for racial hatred which we still see today.
.
Likewise, affirmative action gives “special rights” to some at the expense of others. Such policies are socialistic in nature and is actually “redistribution of the wealth”, a prime socialist initiative. Unfortunately, someone has to pay for these special rights. The person who pays is you … the qualified applicant who is overlooked because someone else who is less qualified gets the nod. In effect this is telling an entire race of people “You are inherently worth less, so we will give you a 'handicap'” just as poor players at golf or bowling gets one! Unfortunately when an applicant from this “protected group” does get ahead by their own initiative and hard work the stereotype is there that it was by “tokenism”. This is unfair to the minority even more so than lack of opportunity. They've worked for what they have, but don't get the credit for their work. Actually, others in the protected race call them “Uncle Tom” because they have accomplished things the white man's way and actually fit into mainstream society.
.
“Redistribution of wealth” by affirmative action is just another ploy for the left to maintain control by giving a pittance to the minorities who fall for the generosity (sic) of the government Santa Claus. Once the minority has served no further use to those in power they will be discarded just like trash swept from the socialist floors. My documentation for this is when the socialists of Germany discarded the S.A. In favor of the S.S. Once the S.A. Assisted in bringing the Nazi creeps into power they were destroyed. Prominent homosexuals were used in the same manner by the German Socialists, but were mass-murdered on the “Night of the Long Knives”. Likewise, Jews were beneficial and were leaders in bringing Soviet Socialism into power, but once power was achieved Jews were killed by the millions. Starvation was the weapon of choice.
.
“Redistribution of the wealth” is the embodiment of man's ability to hate. It seems so charitable for a political party to want to “help” those in need! Those with discernment have learned from history that “wealth” is a tool to propagate hate. While admitting that capitalism like any “ism” has been used at times to unfairly benefit the wealthy, the majority of capitalists not only seek to create jobs (prosperity), but are also generous philanthropists. The wealthy are the prime supporters of the vast number of charities and foundations run by them and are largely responsible for gifts to educational institutions. America would still be a backward nation without capitalism and God often uses a “crooked stick” for his own purposes:
.
Ecclesiastes (NIV) 7:13 “Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?”
.
While no “ism” is of God, God uses capitalism to our own benefit. Man is told to work and provide for himself and his family. At no time does God even suggest that mankind depend on others for help unless they are widows and orphans. Christians obey this command very generously and thanks to God's blessings (our capitalistic prosperity) we are not only willing, but able to help.
.
Returning to the concept that “redistribution” fosters hate, let me explain that. The Jews are God's chosen people.
.
Deuteronomy (NIV) 14:2 “for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.”
.
Psalm (NIV) 105:43 “He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy;”
.
Because of Abraham's faithfulness God made a deal with the people who were to become Jews. If they obeyed they would prosper. This is called the Abrahamic Covenant. It's still in effect until this day because God says it was an everlasting covenant. Thanks to God, Jews have prospered when they obeyed God. This is capitalism in action! Whenever Jews prosper there are always groups of people who are ready to destroy them.
.
Jews were dispersed throughout the world in different eras and were slaves to the conquerors starting with Assyria and Babylon. Rome was built on the backs of slavery, many from the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire (the middle east) which includes the conquered Jews. Jews were the slaves of the Roman citizens even at the time of Christ. Although the Jewish nation ceased to exist with the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and the people dispersed throughout the word, Jews have been a driving force in the economy wherever they go and due to God's teachings have certainly become the most prosperous in capitalism. (This furthers my argument that capitalism is a tool of God for the prosperity of His people).
.
The future “Fuhrer” wrote in his book “Mein Kampf” his socialistic beliefs and that the Jews were responsible for the collapse of the economy in the German Weimer Republic. He actually told the people of his hatred of the Jews before he ever ran for the office of chancellor! He promised a chicken in every pot and the people, including the majority of the Christians, fell for his socialist scheme.
.
Mark (NIV) 13:22 “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
.
But you say “Hitler wasn't into religion. He was just a dictator!” If you know your history you would understand that Hitler was an occultist who was endeavoring to set up a “Thousand Year Reign”. That was a goal of his regime! Hitler even used the occult to wage war on the English and as a means of ridding the nation of Christianity and the “Jewish Problem”. Hitler killed the Jews for three reasons: 1) Jews didn't fit with his vision of the God, Hitler, 2) They were sub-human parasites in his view (sounds the same as babies in utero) and 3) Jews were wealthy and he hated them for their prosperity! Here we have a prime example of socialistic class warfare as a motivator for hate.
.
Many of you in your ignorance and deception don't buy that the Nazis were socialists because of their nationalism. What were they then? They were founded by socialists and called themselves socialists but were coined “right wing” by those historians who falsely tag anyone who isn't a socialist as racist, another lie of the deceiver. The Nazis were exactly like their socialist kin, the Soviet Socialists. Whereas, the Soviets were globalists at their inception (as socialism is) Hitler's plan was for world wide domination (globalism). They were two peas in a pod! But, you say, the USSR didn't hate the Jews. If you knew your history you'd see that Soviet Socialism used hate as a weapon coupled with class warfare to achieve their economic aims. The Soviets killed more people than even Hitler!
.
There are others who claim that Soviet Socialism (Communism) is more extreme than socialism, Karl Marx said that the “Communist Manifesto” just as well be called the “Socialist Manifesto”. Socialism is a necessary intermediate step to communism. While socialism tolerates Judaism and Christianity their aim is to snuff them and replace “religion” with atheism. Socialism promotes any New Age type non-biblical religion or denomination because they in themselves are un-Christian.
.
Again, if we return to the definition of “the left” we will see that “support for the (organized) working class” is another characteristic. I won't dwell long on this issue, but the key word is “organized”. That means unions! I'm from a union family and worked as a manager in industry. I understand both sides. My Dad was a UAW member, but applied Christianity in his reason. He didn't choose to be a union member, but was forced by law in being a member in order to get work. That is a direct result of socialist doctrine supported by and protected by the Progressive, Roosevelt. There are many dedicated union workers, but union leadership is socialist and even favor revolution to get change!
.
Although the left claims to represent “the working man” they in fact call the non-union working-man “scabs”. The left pits worker against worker and supports only union workers, a very small percentage of the work force. The restrictions put on the U.S. to use union labor in industry and government has driven almost all of our manufacturing off shore, hurting the same people they claim to help! By calling workers “scabs” the left has divided what they call “the proletariat” into two classes and created another caste to oppose - the struggling worker. While union pay is disproportionate to their productivity, they have artificially kept the wages of non-union workers at poverty levels. In view of keeping the lower caste of workers appeased at election time the left will often result to an increase in the minimum wage. The deceived non-union workers, like fools, go back out and vote for the very ones who gave them a few table scraps to appease them.
.
The left espouses “ hostility to marks of hierarchy” while the same time they create a caste system within our society very similar to India's! They have divided America into the rich and poor, black vs. white, man vs. woman, union vs. scabs, and Christian vs. the world. Although there are many Christians in the labor movement, they have been deceived! One of the best known unions, the United Auto Workers, was created by Walter Reuther and his brother, both members of the Socialist Party of America and trained in the Soviet Union. They were strong propagators of socialism in America.
.
The unions say “united we stand and divided we fall” and at the same time are one of the most divisive organizations in America. They even have the audacity to use God's Word as their motto in bringing “humanism” to our shores. (If you ever want to see hate in action, try arguing capitalism and the American way to a union leader)! Whereas, union leadership breeds class warfare and hate, the Bible tells us to even love our enemy. I believe that the union is a tool in promoting socialist causes and history bears out that they're victims of the abusers as well. After Hitler used unions to obtain power, they had little position in the Reich Chancellery. Likewise with the Soviet Socialists. Government nationalization of industry actually hurts the unions and drives wages down, being government controlled. Government regulation stifles freedom and industry and a decline in prosperity results. The unions are victims of flawed Keynesian economic policies just as are everyone else!
.
“Redistribution of the wealth” is socialist legalism of theft! Not only is the income of individuals stolen by excessively high taxes to provide for those less industrious, but their “support for nationalization of industry” is grand theft! The hard work of capitalism and the investments of the wealthy, middle class and the poor is stolen and given to the government to do with as they like. History has shown that the primary recipients of the confiscated wealth are the socialist rulers and their nobility, the very system which was fought in the French Revolution when “the left” and “the right” were named! I'll remind you that the Bible says “Do not steal”. I believe that was one of God's strong suggestions (sic)!
.
In the definition of “the left” another aspect is “opposition to nationalistic foreign or defense policy”. The left wants the capitalist system to fail! Whoever is the enemy of capitalism is a friend of the left. By submission to those who oppose capitalism, the left wins. A crisis results which is to their advantage! If we fail they can step in and institute a pure socialist society.
.
Lastly, we look at the aspect from the definition “encouraging revolution”. The left will wage war, both through policy and arms to achieve their means! Their positions on “egalitarianism” and “opposition to war” is superficial. They will persecute and kill to achieve their means! Naturally, civil regimes seek to gain control first by policy through deceit and misrepresentation, but if we fail to fall in line, history shows that armed force is necessary. Egalitarianism and pacification are merely means of achieving their goals for power! The left are masters of deceit and their tool is propaganda. Right now the media in America is the stooges of the left in achieving Revolution. The naïve such as “The Occupiers” are dupes in the plan. The master manipulator for the left in our nation is George Soros. If you don't know who this man is, you are in fact uninformed and that must be corrected!
.
The Bible describes what that society looks like and what it'll do to you as a Christian. Are you ready to take it's mark … the mark of man? The mark of socialism?
.
Revelation (NIV) 13:15 “The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. 16 It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.
.

18 This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666. “

.
A hallmark of socialism is that they want the individual identity to be lost to the community. You become a number ...just a part of what's good for the village! You will lose your identity as a person and become a number. Skeptical? That can't happen? Jews wore the star of David under the National Socialists so they could be controlled. As a Christian you'll get a number. If you don't get the number you'll be deprived and starved to death … a tactic of both the National and Soviet Socialists!
.
I fear for my loved ones who fall for the lies of the deceiver. There is one way to combat what's coming because you can't stop it. You can only avoid participation in it. That method is fighting ...put on the full armor of God. If you absorb yourself in God's word and get discernment you, the elect, will not be fooled! Unfortunately, the path is narrow and most will fall for the devil's lies.

Rated "PG"

Parental Guidance Required

.
Entertainment has it's rating system. “G” is for a “general” audience where anyone can attend, “R” is for “restricted” as we all know and “PG” is for “parental guidance”. Although there is little difference in content between “PG” and “R” maybe the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (MPAA) has an idea which should be used in all aspects of raising our children! All children must have “Parental Guidance”. Life is all “PG”.
.
Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
.
This verse is wisdom. Most parents pay no heed to what it says, but if they did the world would be a much better place and children would grow into believing, conscientious, mature adults.
.
First off we need to look at to whom this verse is assigning responsibility: PARENTS! It's a parents job to rear the child, not the teacher's nor the television. God expects parents to be parents. As a parent we have certain responsibilities. The father is the spiritual leader of the family and the wife is his help-mate (feminists want to confuse you on this issue). It takes two to bring children up and it must be done in unity and harmony. A favorite tactic of a disobedient child is to divide the parents and conquer, and it works! Children don't even have to plan this tactic. They are born with rebellion in their hearts. It's parents' jobs to know the Bible, accept their role and apply God's Word.
.
Next, we need to look at to whom the verse refers: CHILDREN. Although there are many adult “children” out there, that's because parents never applied Psalm 22:6. “Adult children” actually means children of legal age, but I'm referring to those who are immature adults. They aren't where they should be in spiritual and psychological development. This verse refers to “minor children”, those still impressionable. If we wait until a child is already developed, then we've waited too long! All your offspring are children. However, “minor children” are those being under “legal age”. Legal age has varied over the years, by nationality and even by state. However, woman are often of legal age at 18 and men at 21 years old. (Yes, you are often a minor although you're fighting our wars for us).
.
I've often heard people say “I'm not going to take my children to church. I'm going to let them wait until they're adults so they can decide for themselves.” If you think that way, you just decided for them! Do good parents use that reasoning toward other issues? No! We would never ever keep a child out of school until they're adults so they can decide their educational goals for themselves. Some adults who think in this manner are just plain ignorant and have “bad thinking”. It's just not rational thinking!
.
A family in the news right now are letting their own kids decide their own chosen gender. Guess what? They won't have a boy who chooses to be a boy or even a boy who chooses to be a girl. They'll end up with a confused child who's parents abused them by not directing them toward their biological identity. The resultant child will be a spiritual and psychological mess and it will be the fault of the parents.
.
As a parent you are to direct proper gender roles for your children. Boys are to be treated as masculine and girls as feminine. If you have a boy who likes to play with dolls or wear nail polish, your job is to redirect them to proper roles. They may not just “grow out of it”. The Bible is very clear that men shall be men and women shall be women. (Yes, God could have helped Chasity Bono. You can change her appearance, but she'll always be a confused woman).
.
Genesis (ESV) 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
.
God created discreet sexes. There are no in-betweens or multiple choice selections. You are what you are and so to speak “called anything else, a rose is till a rose” (a paraphrase of Gertrude Stein's “"Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose." ). God also assigned familial responsibilities. Again, feminists don't like that and seem to think that God was confused or in the wrong, but that's what God intended!
.
1 Peter (NIV) 3:1 “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.“
.
There are three issues of significance to the family in these verses:
.
Husbands are the head of the family and wives submit. This only works if the Word of God is used because Satan, left unconstrained, will confound this relationship.
.
Wives do have a say with the husbands. Wives are to monitor the life of the husband and encourage him (“win over”) if he deviates from God's Word.
.
Women should be pure and reverent. That's where their beauty lies. Although the Bible tells us that women should dress as women and men as men, a wife is told that their beauty is inward, not in their “holiday decorations” hanging all over her body!)
.
This verse is specific, but must be applied in general:
.
Deuteronomy (ESV) 22:5 “A woman shall not wear a man's garment, nor shall a man put on a woman's cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.”
.
In short ...bring up your boys to be men and your girls to be women. Guide them in the appropriate behavior and dress which God and society (God first, because society allows anything when they turn from God) has set for for their gender. Never let them do transgender activities even as babies!
.
The next part of Psalms 22:6 says “ on the way they should go”. What is that guide?
.
2 Timothy (KJV) 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
.
It's scripture, the Word which God gave to the prophets and apostles. It teaches us doctrine (how to think), reproof (what to teach), correction (how to live) and righteousness (our pattern for all the previous ...Jesus). We're to use scripture to teach our children what to believe and how to live. Opinion has no place in the matter because we don't need opinion ...God directs us! A parent should teach a child from scripture. Using a worldly standard is wicked!
.
The last part of Psalms 22:6 is “ when they are old they will not turn from it”. Children may rebel for awhile even if you have done what's right. However, if you do bring them up in the way of the Lord, they are more likely to remain in the way of the Lord. The odds are improved! You don't wait until they're old, even pre-teen nor teen. The time is as an infant! If you wait you may be too late! There are just too many other worldly influences ...yes, even Sesame Street!
.
Furthermore, when they're old they will know God's will. The odds are increased that if they rebel, as they mature (if they do) they will know their roots. They'll know what God wants and will listen to the Spirit. There's no “promise” that a prodigal son will return, but God does tell you that if you teach scripture to a child they'll keep it in their their heart. That sure increases the odds that the rebels will submit and I like that! (Watch out kids)!
.
And again “Yes, Virginia, there is an instruction manual for your kids!” It's the Bible … Scripture. God tells you how to set the example and how to teach! Wait a minute! Did I say “set the example”. That's where we as parents fall short. Even a “mild” (sic) sin is equal to a “blatant” (sic) sin in a child's eyes (and God's). As a parent, you must be “above reproach” in your own actions, just as the overseer of the church was to be in the following:
.
1 Timothy (NIV) 3:2 “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”
.
The first step in “ Start children off on the way they should go” is going that way yourself! You are to be beyond reproach (blameless), faithful (devoted to your wife), temperate (sober-minded), self-controlled (responsible actions and behaviors), respectable (moral conduct), hospitable (loving) and a teacher (advise and correction). There's your “Parental Guide” for your children. Now just go do it!

Too Proud to Listen

On Arrogance
.
I remember the start of my career which was also the start of my education and my family. I hit the world with a three-barrel shotgun. I was a novice in all three. I knew I was unprepared for what was coming! However, I wasn't alone. Godly mentors were there.
.
First off, who are “Godly mentors”? They were Christians who had been Christians for years and lived the life. They had made many of the same mistakes which I was headed toward. The advise of mentors are wise and can be trusted. Christian mentors use the Bible as their guide. They seek God's will in all matters. Mentors want you to be successful in life and not to follow in their footsteps. You don't have to make your own mistakes if you listen to others!
.
Dad was my main mentor. Dad sought guidance every day from God's Word and taught us how to apply it to our own lives. Dad struggled to be successful, making unwise decisions early in his career and growing up in bad economic times. However, Dad wanted something better for us! He didn't want us to follow him (with his faults), but to follow the lead from the Bible. He wanted better for us than what he was. Dad was a trucker at GMC. It was a routine job, paying little and with few challenges, but he not only supported seven children, but helped scores of others with their start in life. Dad was a worthy mentor because he wasn't prideful, he wanted his children to excel over him and he was the Christian example. He was charitable! I was blessed. Many parents today encourage their children to be just as unwise as they had been!
.
I listened to my mentors. They advised me wisely. No one in my family had ever went to college. Dad didn't, but he had better goals for me! Dad gets the credit for making it happen. He insisted that God would provide a way for me to attend college and due to his efforts with GMC managers, this poor country boy received a “cooperative program” with General Motors where I was able to work my way through college and graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I graduated without owing a dime thanks to Dad's teaching of frugality, responsibility and Christian values. In short, I wasn't too proud to listen to sound advice! I wasn't a know-it-all. I wasn't arrogant! I knew my own worth and that worth was that I was a novice, but was ready to listen and learn. The “Secret to My Success” (a movie) was my ability to listen to those Christians who were wiser and got their belief system from the Bible.
.
Many of the young are just down right arrogant. Some have little background in anything, but being entertained, and have an opinion on everything. They've got all the answers, know all the issues and will argue until they're blue that their opinion has the same merit as an elder studied in the issues. That's arrogance! They have an opinion, but it's based on what they've been told, not on what is reality.
.
While Dad directed my efforts in enjoying history, science and how our government works, others were listening to the Beatles, enjoying all types of toys and living for fun. I may have strong opinions, but they're based on years of independent study. I am not what I am because I was programmed. I was taught to think for myself. I had no problem listening to other's “advice”, and I contrast this to others “opinions”. I never ever indoctrinated my children to believe certain beliefs. I did encourage them to learn, to compare it with God's Word and to question what they're taught. Now, for the most part their beliefs are much like mine because their beliefs were formed on God's Word and a history of learning the issues.
.
This is written to make two points. Younger folks should listen to those older, wiser and with a background in learning; and that the young must respect those elders and be less arrogant (prideful, know-it-all, etc.)
.
Leviticus (NIV) 19:32 “'Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.'”
.
Point #1: Have respect for your elders. Listen to their advise and cherish it. Listening doesn't mean acceptance, but valuing their wisdom and evaluating what they have to say. If the elder has led a Christian life, is highly knowledgeable and knows the Bible, you should be meek enough to accept what they say. True experience and study has so much more value than listening to strangers on television or others who are uninformed themselves. Remember, even your teachers at school as a rule, want to “remold” you in their own beliefs. Christians want you to listen because they love you.
.
Leviticus (NIV) 26:19 “I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. “
.
Point #2: Everybody, including the young, should put their pride aside. It's okay to be wrong as long as you are willing to make change. Chances are that your mentors are wiser than you because of education, life's experiences and understanding the Bible. Get over it! You don't know it all! You need to listen!
.
If you put aside your pride and have respect for God and your elders and are a Christian, you will prosper. You'll be a success in life! If you look at those who refuse to listen and to change (and do God's will) they are the least prosperous. After awhile, I believe in their place, I would examine my own arrogance. Do I have a true representation of my worth? This look may change your life and your prosperity!
.
Although my mentor taught me to think I still have my own beliefs. Thanks to Dad, I'm much more skeptical than him and have many differences in belief.  I believe he would be proud that I questioned things even more than he did!

Politics is Warfare ...Spiritual Warfare

Choosing Sides in the Spiritual War
.

Ephesians (KJV) 6:12”For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

.

As you can see Christians are at War! The war is not with those with a physical body, but with the spiritual world. We are in a battle with Daemons. They are spiritual beings (devils) who have a deep-seated hatred for God and who seek to undermine God's authority. Although they recognize Jesus as the son of God, they are fallen angels who are allied with Satan in their celestial rebellion. They have a degree of power over man.

.

James (KJV) 2:19 “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

.

As you can see here, Daemons have a greater belief in God than most people do! Those you see in rebellion and confusion have little concept of the power of God and are on the losing side for which they fight the revolution. Mankind “just doesn't get it! There is a spiritual war and unless they submit to the eventual winner of the Revolution, they are eternally lost! The winner will be and is Jesus Christ. Satan will be defeated and destroyed forever!

.

Revelation (KJV)16:13 “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth (5738) (5625) unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. “

.

What's happening in current events? Nothing unusual. The Daemons are out there deceiving, even the elect (Christians), working good works and even miracles. Daemons are even allied with the kings of the earth, what we know today as Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ayatollahs, Pope's and even still a few kings. Yes, our political leaders are instruments of devils. They likely are not knowing of such, but are tools of deception because of their unbelief and lack of discernment.

.

Daemon Lie #1: America was founded on the principle of the separation of church and state. On the contrary, you will find in the U.S. Constitution and many of the writings of the Founding Fathers that the United States was founded by those seeking the wisdom of God and divine truth.

.

Daemon Lie #2: Our founding fathers were not Christians. The Constitution was written by those in opposition to God and were tools of evil. The founding fathers were imperfect Christians and the Daemons sought to destroy a document which provides justice. Group prayer and profound belief in God allowed our founders to develop a great, but imperfect plan for America's prosperity. Capitalism is the ingredient to our freedom and prosperity.

.

Daemon Lie #3: We must not elect candidates who have a personal belief in Christ because they don't believe in science and will promote their own denomination. Wrong. Christian men and women make exceptional leaders, seeking guidance from God. If America is righteous on “social issues” then America will prosper. That's the covenant God made with Abraham. The flip-side of that is if we don't obey God on “social issues” then we will NOT prosper. We'll have depression. (This also applies to your personal prosperity).

.

Daemon Lie #4: Christians can and must separate their belief from their vote. Wrong again. God says to seek his will in ALL things. Those who put aside their religious beliefs to vote for an evil party or candidate are in rebellion to God's Word. They know better than God! Many Christians “rationalize” their own stupid, no evil, beliefs because something or someone with evil ideas has influenced them, often at an early gullible age. (I know for a fact that a teacher of politics in my own children's school tried to indoctrinate them with socialistic [Marxist] political beliefs).

.

Daemon Lie #5: The end-of-time government will just happen one day. Our current politicians have nothing to do with the apocalypse. This is the greatest lie! Our current political system is building the framework for the anti-Christ. Evil will prevail until Christ's return! What is that system? Biblical scripture actually describes a socialist 3-1/2 year reign followed by another reign of terror describing world communism. It's called a New World Order by most. What party/politicians propagate a New World Order? The same ones who speak of social justice, "rights" to do wrong and political slavery through loss of freedom. These early pawns of the Daemon are called anti-Christs. (I submit that our current government is led by an anti-Christ who is setting up a government in preparation for THE anti-Christ, and they realize not what they do). Allegiance will be toward the government and away from God. On which will you rely?

.

1 Samuel (ESV) 30:13 “And David said to him, "To whom do you belong? “

.

When you vote you're choosing sides! You don't know that, but we do know from scripture that Daemons' power is by deception and even those belonging to Christ will be deceived. It's fairly easy now to tell on which side you should be. How do your evangelical Christian brothers vote? How do your known Christian leaders support. Who will your righteous pastor vote for. We're told from scripture:

.

Matthew (KJV) 12:30 “He that is not with me is against me...”

.

If you don't choose side's wisely you'll be on the losing side and you'll be there because you're foolish! You will accept lies as truth! Let's look at a contemporary issue: Homosexuality doesn't harm anyone.

.

What does scripture say about that? Homosexuality is an abomination to God. By accepting those who support it, you are in rebellion to God. Likewise, by your “tolerance” for the behavior, you as a Christian are damning the homosexual to Hell. There are three people effected: You, your brother and God! Furthermore, look at AIDs.  Homosexual behavior is the greatest spread of the AIDS virus, killing the homosexual and the innocent alike! Aberrant behavior is self-destructive and without concern for others. It's selfish!

.

Homosexual marriage destroys families. One man/one woman was God's plan and anything less cheats children of a normal family. As with Rome before us, the acceptance of lasciviousness will be our ruin. With the decay of God's law (morals) goes the decay of us all!

.

There are some things which you can do to fight this war:

.

Firstly, you must recognize that this is a fight for your soul and the souls of your brothers.

.

Secondly, you can examine all issues and compare it to God's Word.

.

Thirdly, you can read history and see that “there is nothing new under the sun”. Man has tried all types of evil before and we don't learn by our mistakes. For instance, I know what socialism will do to us because I've read about it before! Nazis and Communists are “socialists”. They are Godless, cruel and destructive. What did both have in common? They looked like utopia at first! Many were deceived, even the elect.

.

Fourthly, before you vote, check the platform of the National Party. Would you have been a Nazi if you knew that they stood for death? Will you be a Democrat if they are for abortion (death)?

.

Fifthly, is the leader a born-again Christian? If not, does he or she at least stand up for Godly beliefs?

.

Sixthly. If you aren't an educated voter, stay home. It's unfair to steal a vote from someone who has studied the issues. (Studying the issues is reading what the candidate says about issues, not what the spin doctors say they said). Look at the voting record. Look at where they attend church if thy do. What does their church stand for? Look at who the other supporters are. It seems a contradiction to me that Christians will vote for a party or candidate who is supported by every communist and socialist organization in existence, by extremists of all stripes, by special interest groups who propose ungodly social changes, and by decadent entertainers and other evil-doers. Ask yourself, can this man or woman be a born-again Christian? Many Christians hated George Bush although he was a born-again Christian. We need to support those who are on our side in this spiritual war. He had a slump, but Christians have slumps. We need to be patient. We should expect that if most other evangelical Christians vote a certain way, you should consider “maybe they're right”.

.

Seventhly, Pray for guidance from God. He would never lead you to vote for the enemy in this spiritual war. You must be open to his guidance and not just vote a certain way because your family did. Prayer changes things, not deceptive politicians who promise who knows what kind of change”.

.

Eighthly, Do not put trust in the government. Your trust must be in the Lord and that he will deal with the politicians and programs. God will never deceive you nor leave or forsake you. He'll steer you right if your humble.

.

Ninethly, choose to war with those of like faith. If you're going to war with entertainers, leftist groups, instigators of revolution, and Progressive media, you're on the wrong side. My team goes with God. I shall too! (Yes, I'm vehemently anti-Democrat because I believe they're allied with Daemons. I also am against those in the Republican Party who are at odds with God's law. Right now, the Republican Party best represents the positions of Christianity. In the event the GOP goes astray, I will be as against them as I am currently against the undemocratic Democrat Party, Until that time I'll go with my born-again Christian team).

On Discernment and Wisdom

The Righteous in Support of Evil
.

Mankind has always chosen evil over good. Only through repentance, faith, grace and study are we able to escape that. What, you say? “Study?” “That's not part of salvation!” No, it's not. It's part of wisdom and we must have wisdom to discern.

.

James (KJV) 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

.

We get wisdom by asking God. It's through knowing God's Word and praying about all life's events. Wisdom is applying knowledge according to God's Word:

.

Proverbs (KJV) 8:10 ”Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.”

.

We must open ourselves to God's teaching. If a philosophy, idea or proposition is in opposition to God's Word, it's foolish, and the believer is unwise.

.

1 Timothy (KJV) 1:7”Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”

.

Everyone needs to be tested by their words. Is what you hear in harmony with what God teaches? “Belief” has to be based on something. What you're taught may be untruth. What you accept may be lies. Satan is the deceiver. Even the elect can be deceived.

.

I try to look at history for answers. All history has been a contest between right and wrong! Some ask why I'm so much against socialism. Tyranny in the name of goodness is still tyranny. All we have to do is look at history for the answers. Since fourth grade I have been an avid reader of history. I had read the biographies of all the presidents before I was out of fourth grade. Likewise, I had read biographies of hundreds of leaders, scientists and other shakers before I was out of high school. To learn more I was in the history club and was active in politics at sixteen years old and helped run a presidential campaign headquarters at eighteen.

.

By now I've read the forty-eight volume “History of the Nations”, hundreds of books on American History, “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire”, “Plato's Republic”, “The Federalist Papers”, “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich”, “Mein Kampf”, “The Communist Manifesto”, “The Blue Book”, tens of books on economics, hundreds of books on Marx, Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler, “The History of the Jews”, many histories about the rise of “isms” such as “Nicholas and Alexandria”, Bible Commentaries and the entire Bible cover to cover at least four times. I have read histories of the Baptists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Calvinists and on and on. I've read hundreds of books on psychology and philosophy. In short, my goal has been to learn and to find truth throughout my life. My beliefs are based on a vast wealth of learning, not because someone like Keith Obermann has “remolded” me. God molded my beliefs ...sometimes against my strong will!

.

In contrast most people who have an opinion is one formed in life based on a shallow understanding of the issues and even less understanding of God's Word. These folks have an opinion, but it's an opinion based on “nothing” and oftentimes by outright deception!

.

Jeremiah (KJV) 9:6 “Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.”

.

Satan is out there ready to deceive! Even Christians are subject to deception. In the Wiemar Republic millions, even the majority of the people, were deceived by the ideology of the Socialists. Germany became a dictatorship because people were deceived. They were victims of deception because they were without adequate knowledge, without strong biblical wisdom and because of their own unrighteous self-interests. We all say “It must never happen again!' However, if you're discerning you know that the end-of-time anti-Christ will have socialist policies the first 3-1/2 years and communist policies in the second 3-1/2 years, called the tribulation period.

.

The world will gradually accept this New Age government for its “goodness” just as they did National Socialism's “goodness”. “It's the economy, stupid!” We're more concerned with our own comfort and wealth than we are with living for Christ and the Christian Way. Rather than a dependence on Christ, Christians turn to the government. Socialism becomes their God! Christians will accept government sanctioned sin, persecution of Christians and Jews and even murder of millions of lives just so they perceive that their desires are being met by the government! Ignorance in action! Sin, ignorance and apathy is the source of the world's destruction.

.

Seek the guidance of God IN ALL THINGS. No issue is outside the knowledge and wisdom of God. Put away the lies of the world because Satan is the ruler of the world. Change all your beliefs, not just the ones you like. Strive to be more like Christ!

Happy Birthday to My Girl

Happy Day
.

A special day for my girl -

an annivesary of her birth.
I've seen her years unfurl -
she's for me my worth!
.

God gave parents their young -

birth given to mother in pain.
Children are those among -
a parent's lifetime gain.
.

A special wife she's been -

she's always there to aid.
She's my special dear friend -
my love will never fade!
.

She's the best friend you know -

Her friendship is your gain.
Her presence sets all aglow -
for none has she disdain!
.

She's a daughter of Jahweh.

She walks Christ's path.
She's a woman who obeys-
and escapes God's wrath.
.

Happy birthday to my wife -

the one who was divinely sent.
She's the love of my life -
to be we were meant!

One Day at a Time or ...

One Concession at a Time
.
Christians always speak of “One Day at a Time”. Cristy Lane's version of the song was the most popular. The first part of the chorus goes like this:
.
“One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time. “
.
You're a Christian now! You have made it and you can go on with your life. Satan has been put behind you, so you think.
.
Matthew (KJV) 6:23 “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
.
Scenario: Peter had just confessed Christ as the Son of God. Jesus then blessed Peter because what Peter had just said was from God in Heaven. Peter was just given the “keys of Heaven” by Jesus, then what happened?
.
Jesus described his persecution, death and resurrection! Peter said “this shall not be”. Peter was finding fault with God's conduct. How dare him to know better than God. As you can see from 6:23 above, Jesus said “Get thee behind me, Satan” or more correctly “get thee behind me, adversary” or “opponent”. Peter was a Christian and cannot be of “Satan” because his belief made him righteous. However, his salvation doesn't mean that he can't be wrong! Peter was dead wrong.
.
You see, when you become a Christian, you don't automatically become “all-knowing” and “all-wise”. You are are what's called a “babe in Christ”.
.
1 Corinthians (KJV) 3:1 “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.”
.
As an immature Christian you haven't grown in the Spirit. You haven't studied God's Word enough to have grown in your relationship to Christ. That takes time and work. You still have that “carnal” or worldly nature. Satan is the ruler of this world. Jesus rules a Christian, but he doesn't do that for the unsaved. You are just a newborn in your path with Christ, and with that you need to follow the advice of God with the aid of those who're mature Christians. You grow in your walk “one day at a time”! Satan will throw boulders in your path all the time. He threw one at Peter and Jesus was displeased!
.
I've seen many new Christians get saved. That's a good thing! However, they fail to take that “one day at a time” with Jesus and seek growth. They hang onto old lifestyles and old beliefs. They spout in defense of the world in their ignorance. Many new Christians do the same things and believe the same things they always believed. They're not unsaved, but are like Peter. They're confused about God's will. God wants a Christian to become a new man or woman and start questioning old beliefs.
.
Satan doesn't attack your life before you're born again. You're already his and he rewards you for it. Life can be quite fun and pleasurable. Satan starts his attack right after you're saved and he chips away at you “one concession at a time”. If you sin in one area, the next step is to increase the depth of your sin. Yes, Christians still sin. It's your job to obey and minimize that sin. You're to be Christlike!
.
The best example for me was my smoking when I was a young Christian. While “smoking Christians” are still Christians, Satan can use that to attack you and take you one concession closer to him. I thought many times “Well, I smoke and I may as well do this (deeper sin) too, since I've already failed!' Then I would turn around and do something more seriously wrong in God's eyes. Satan loves for us to fail! It diminishes Jesus in your life.
.
I had a friend who rationalized the music to which he was listening. He loved “Rock and Roll”. He went spastic when I told him that there can't be “Rock and Roll” in heaven. Why? “Rock and Roll” means “backseat sex”. Rock and Roll is of the world. It belongs to Satan. The unclean cannot be in Heaven because that's God's world and nothing foul can be there.
.
Get used to it! Your old beliefs are likely wrong. If you're wrong in your beliefs you're an opponent of God. Test everything by God's Word. You can become Satan's “one concession at a time” until Jesus has no part in your life. Live for Jesus. Listen to Him and obey. “Take up your cross” and grow with Him “One Day at a Time”.

Marijuana is the “Soma” of This “Brave New World”

.

I am astounded! An actual candidate for he office of President of the United States” is for the legalization of drugs! What's more, he's a medical doctor. I suspect that he's been out of practice way too long. Unlike Bill Clinton who “smoked, but didn't inhale”, I've never smoked marijuana and I've never used illicit drugs of any kind. However, I've lived with the consequences of drug usage most of my life. Drugs are a cancer to society and a destroyer of lives. Families are annihilated and jobs are estirpated!

Of special concern to me is the public's attitude about marijuana. Although Americans have now been educated as to the dangers of smoking cigarettes, marijuana is in vogue as the “suicide of choice”. Let's look into the statistics of each.

How many deaths from tobacco per year? “In the USA about 438,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses per year. Overall, cigarette smoking accounts for about 30% of cancer deaths. Of every 5 deaths in the USA, 1 is caused from smoking.” (According to the American Cancer Society). Cancer isn't cool, smoking isn't cool and breathing another's smoke isn't cool. If that many soldiers had been killed in the Middle East both Bush and Obama would have been hung by the neck until dead! Fortunately, Americans have finally listened to the facts; the wheeze of lung cancer, the dieing words of loved ones and the pungent odor of death hovering all around us. We have wised up!

As cigarette smoking is now considered stupid and selfish by almost all Americans now, the legalized smoking of marijuana is being touted as the best solution to the problem. According to the latest reports (as heard on Foxnews) 50% of the American people are in favor of the legalization of marijuana. (If 85% of Americans believe in God, that means at least 42.5% of Christians think it's okay to get high!) The solution to marijuana use is this: If Americans have to have a crutch, tax it. Make a profit from the weaknesses of the people. However, there will never be enough tax revenue to repair the ills to society if widespread use of marijuana is accepted. As for me, I will never accept marijuana in my house or any other illicit drug. I hate what drugs do to people!

The lies of the devil:

• People “experiment” with marijuana.
• Marijuana is the only helpful drug for cancer and glaucoma.
• Marijuana isn't addicting and is only habit forming. Thus, is not a “drug”.
• My own personal drug use is my business. It's my choice and isn't hurting anyone else.
• Although some people who use marijuana go on to harder drugs, most people don't.
• Marijuana isn't dangerous to your health.
• Marijuana helps me make contact with God.
• We should tax the use of marijuana. People are going to use it anyway.
• The Bible doesn't say anything about marijuana use.

Much of my knowledge about drug use (which marijuana is) comes from the interaction of family members, friends, a well-known drug rehabilitation program as well as personal research on the subject and interviews with users. I have applied what my education in “Family Systems Therapy” teaches about dysfunctional families as well as my knowledge of the Bible, God's Word. Some of this is at odds with the medical community, but I've lived with it where many of the scientists have not.

The young don't “experiment” with marijuana. They aren't scientists. They're users headed for trouble! Many of these so-called scientists are elementary and middle school age. They are victims of irresponsible adults. The term “experiment” is a lie and intelligent people must avoid such newspeak.

Each lie (above) can be addressed. States such as California where marijuana is sold legally (Illegally according to Federal Law) Pot Shops are on about every corner many are side by side. It's obvious that most of the drug which is sold is for recreational use and so-called doctors are making millions by issuing false prescriptions. Furthermore, THC which is the main ingredient and the so-called “helpful” ingredient could be provided in legitimate drug stores and its use controlled. Likewise, the person who sells and buys the drug are criminals since it is against Federal Law to traffic in marijuana.

Experts say that marijuana is habit-forming, but not addicting. This is the greatest lie! If gambling and compulsive sex is addicting (according to them) why would a compulsive need for marijuana not be addicting since by definition that's what addiction means. If you regularly smoke marijuana you're a drug addict! Do you feel good about yourself, addict? Marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs due to lives it ruins, motivation it steals, families it disrupts and crime it breeds. If you buy marijuana you are supporting the scum of the earth criminals and you're an accessory to the crime. Furthermore, the next victim may be your child, nephew, niece or grade-school friend. Drug pushers don't care from where their money comes. You are an accomplice in ruining innocent lives if you favor marijuana legalization or use it!

Some claim what they do in the privacy of their home is protected by the 1^st Amendment. The proper way to determine that is through the court system. No rights such as that exist because all drug use effects others. Many pot heads are the same ones who want free health care. What a contradiction! Drug use is a multitude of times more destructive to your health, both physiologically and psychologically. Marijuana has eighteen times more tar than cigarettes. “Doctored” marijuana is full of chemical trash. You don't know what you're getting.

According to the “Partnership for a Drug Free America” short term marijuana effects your memory, learning ability, problem-solving activity, motivation, and muscle activity. More severe consequences are rapid heart-rate, anxiety, coughing and breathing problems. Like cigarettes marijuana is a carcinogen and even more so than cigarettes. The euphoria and blaise the smoker is seeking is dangerous in itself. Pot heads are on the highway with you and your family and the user is a killer ready to happen. Their response is much slower and they have a false sense of confidence, some even saying that they have telepathic abilities to change red lights to green!

The most destructive consequence of early marijuana use is a stunting of emotional growth. Many adults who have used marijuana since childhood have the emotional age of children. Rather than handling problems in a mature manner, they make the stress go away with the miracle of THC. Sluggish reaction time can cause safety dangers on the job. This is especially true on the farm and in industry.

Marijuana breeds crime! From where does the unmotivated get the funds to buy the drug? Quite often it's by theft. I've had neighborhood teens break into my own house to feed their marijuana desires. I've had family members steal money from me and visitor's belongings while they're in my home. Users are often pushers to get funds for their own habits. Often they buy marijuana and “dilute” it for profit by adding other ingredients, often PCP. You never know for sure what's being smoked and brain damage may result. The cost of crime becomes high and insurance costs go up.

Who's to pay the medical costs of all these self-indulgent losers. Many are a burden to us all because medical costs rise as well as insurance rates. Can you imagine the increased cost to society if marijuana is legalized? Using the argument that with alcohol prohibition failed is just stupid … has the current alcohol policy been successful? Any thinker knows the answer. It's been a dismal failure!

Some say that few people who use marijuana go on to harder drugs. That's just foolish thinking. Marijuana reduces inhibitions and the user, even casually, may have no knowledge of what else is consumed. Those using any drug seek a higher thrill. Some marijuana users have been to parties where all kinds of drugs are served on the dining table. Why? Pushers want you to get addicted. It's the love of money which feeds drug selling. Murdering crime bosses in inter-cities and foreign countries are being supported by the fun-loving American user. You become an accomplice to murder! Of course users don't think clearly so they never consider all this!

Marijuana is the “soma” of the “Brave New World”. Soma was the drug Aldous Huxley used in his book to demonstrate how people cope. Marijuana does the same. Here are some quotes from the book:

"All the advantages of Christianity and alcohol; none of their defects."

"..there is always soma, delicious soma, half a gramme for a half-holiday, a gramme for a week-end, two grammes for a trip to the gorgeous East, three for a dark eternity on the moon..."

"you do look glum! What you need is a gramme of soma."

Soma was an extract used in the Vedic religions to communicate with Hindu gods. Christianity doesn't require drug inducement to communicate with God. In fact Christianity requires a clear mind!

2 Timothy (ESV ) 4:5 “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

You have an obligation to God to come to Him with all your faculties intact. Praying while “high” would be the exception indeed because you're by definition being self-indulgent! You are too lethargic to even consider the true God, but open yourself to infiltration of evil spirits. Scripture warns of opening of the mind in meditation and marijuana removes the suit of armor which the Holy Spirit provides. In fact your body belongs to God and if you smoke dope you're in disrespect to your creator:

1 Corinthians (ESV) 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

You are to do what is “pure” and “commendable” in praising God. There is nothing pure nor commendable about being a pot head. While God still loves you He is surely disappointed in you. You seek temporal pleasure over eternal joy. You break the 1st commandment because you have a new God. Rather than being a servant to Christ you are a slave to “Mary Jane”! As you go through this life oblivious of your own existence, you're wasting the one earthly life you have and have little chance of repenting so you can at least live in eternity. Your soul is at stake and demons are fighting to have you! Focus on the following verse. Are you living according to God's plan for you?

Philippians (ESV) 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. “

Raising taxes by feeding on the addictions of the people is evil. How can you fight the evil which supports the people? Taxing condones. It's saying “Go ahead. It's all right!” In effect the government is taking money out of the user's pocket through taxes and paying for the increased costs to society. It's in effect a “stupid tax” and if you use marijuana you're just stupid! Chances are your smarts were stolen when you were too young to understand your destiny. You have been lied to! Satan deceives and you have inadvertently become a pawn in the hand of decadence.

Some users may rationalize their use by saying “The Bible doesn't mention marijuana!”. The Bible doesn't mention a lot of things, but they're still wrong. Behaviors associated with marijuana use are prevalent throughout the Bible starting with the 1^st Commandment! Furthermore, if you're a Christian, your body belongs to God and you are irreverent to contaminate it. God has strict rules on spiritual cleanliness which quite easily rules out the use of marijuana.

In summary, if you are a user you should pray for deliverance from your enslavement because that's what you are; a vulnerable slave to a weed! If you believe in legalization your thought processes need serious examination. You may not care if your grandkids are pot heads, but I care about mine and your indulgent little snakes influence my kids and grandkids. If you naively support irrational habits because you never take the time to consider the truth, I can tell you where to find Truth … The Bible. I pray for the ones I love quite often and hope that someday they will respond to God and his love. I've had to learn to cope by turning my head, but I still have faith in them and pray.

I have never seen a daily user quit drugs on their own. I have seen even hard drug users quit “cold-turkey” by giving their lives to Jesus! My own bad habit of “smoking legal cigarettes” was quashed by my Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Users, call on God to eliminate your desire. For those who propagate legalization, pray for divine guidance.

Belief without Repentance

Simon the Sorcerer

.

Most Americans “believe” in God! We should be thrilled, shouldn't we? We should first ask, “Who is God?” God is an infinite “supreme being” who created the world, does good and loves humanity. Those who believe in “one God” are monotheistic: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Since you believe in God, then, you are a “child of God”. Wrong! Read this:

James (NIV) 2:19 “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

If you believe in God you are actually no better off than the demons (devils)! If your relationship is constrained to only a “belief in God” then you're doomed for eternal punishment. If belief stops there you'll spend eternity in Hell! As a Christian I love you too much to see you suffer. I want to see you in Heaven with me. God wants that for you too! John (KJV) 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Do you believe John 3:16? Do you believe that Jesus died to save you from eternal death because you can't save yourself? Do you admit that any “good” in you pales to the “evil” within you? Do you feel remorse for the sins you've committed? Have you even thought about how bad you've been, let alone being sorry for and repenting?

Let's look at an example of a “believer”:

Acts (KJV) 8:9”But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:

10To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”

Simon practiced witchcraft, the black arts. He was powerful because he had demonstrated an ability to make things happen using the powers of the dark. Those who had seen Simon's magic thought his power was from God (Unlike Jesus whose power was believed to have been from the demons ...how ironic that false truth is so easy to accept.) Simon heard Philip preach Jesus and salvation and seeing the miracles he believed and was baptized. Simon believed in Jesus! John (KJV) 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him (not directly to Simon), I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”Was belief in God and his manifestation as Jesus enough? No.

Simon saw the miracles of Jesus as a way to get rich. 1 Timothy (KJV) 6:10“ For the love of money is the root of all evil...” Simon believed in Jesus, Simon saw Christian miracles, Simon obeyed with baptism, but Simon didn't love Jesus. He saw his belief as a way to make more money. Here we see Simon believe in God, accept that Jesus was the son of God, get baptized, but his “heart was not right in the sight of God”. What had Simon failed to do? He had failed to repent!

Repent! What is it? It's when you feel regret for your actions and desire to change. Simon showed no regret for his sorcery and certainly didn' t change! His life after “belief” was just like his life before “belief”. He didn't change! Sure he believed. Sure he obeyed ritual. But after his belief he was still no better than the “religious” Pharisees who Jesus called “vipers” … we call “snakes”!

Now we must look at who is the “true God”. Is God the Allah of Islam. Is he the JHWH of Judaism? It's easy to rule out Allah. He is a false God. Islam is a false religion which denies that Jesus is God. Islam believes that to be idol worship. Hence, Allah is not the “true God”. (The Arabic word for “God” is “Allah”. If you are an Arab Christian and are a true believer, then these statements don't apply to you). Is the God of Judaism the “true God”? They deny Christ. Yes, YHWH is the true God. That's clear from the entire Bible. However, most Jews don't except that Christ has come. That's disbelief on the part of the Jews, but it doesn't diminish “JHWH” as the “One True God”. In fact 144,000 Jews will turn to Jesus in the Apocalypse! Jews still believe in the coming of the Messiah. They just don't believe he has already come!

Although the true God, JHWH , is worshiped by the Jews, they are by their own admission not accepting of Christ. Who is Christ? By His own words, Jesus IS God. Since Jews don't believe that God sacrificed Himself for us, they are in error and are as bad off as Simon. It's regrettable, but it's true. We must still love them and pray for them.

It's not “cool” to proselytize in this day and age. It's not politically correct to do so. However, we are called to be “fishers of men” and you can't catch “fish” (make converts) unless you use bait (truth). However, like Simon and like Judaism, you too are doomed unless you believe in and love Christ and REPENT of your sins. If you sincerely repent you will know by your works. What you once loved you will come to hate! If you don't hate sin, have you really repented? Are you really a Christian?

A Lesson in Righteousness

Cain and Abel

As we mature in our Christian thought, God leads us to see the “why” in what he does. Of course, like any new Christian years ago, I started my Bible reading by going start to finish, reading Genesis first. Chronologically, Genesis is first, but to draw an analogy, it's would be like reading the process for making nuclear fission before knowing the uses of nuclear power. Wouldn't it be great to know what the “point” of the Bible is before reading all about that point? What is the “point” of the entire Bible? From page one the “point” is Jesus Christ!

All of the “Old Testament” points toward Jesus, but you can't understand that until you read the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Because John starts with an explanation of Jesus at the creation, it needs to be read first. After reading the four gospels and the remainder of the “New Testament” then go back and read the “Old Testament”. With each passage ask “What's this got to do with Jesus?” You'll find that Jesus is the “nuclear power” which the entire Bible explains!

One of the early Bible stories is about Cain and Abel. Abel gave an animal offering to God and Cain gave a grain offering. God was displeased with the grain offering, but honored the animal offering.

Genesis (KJV) 4:3 “And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

4And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
6And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
7If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
8And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him”.

On the surface it would appear that God was unfair with Cain would it not? Assuming the animal and grain sacrifice had equal food value, then they both likely gave the same amount. As a young Christian I didn't understand why God was so displeased. Now I understand!

What's this got to do with Jesus?

Hebrews (KJV) 9:12”Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

The shedding of blood is a picture of the shedding of Christ''s blood when he died in our place. When Abel sacrificed that animal it's blood foretold of the day when Jesus would be the final sacrifice for all. Somehow God put it in Abel's heart (because he was righteous) to understand the efficacy of the shedding of blood. Throughout the “Old Testament” (OT) the shedding of blood was the acceptable, honorable and righteous method of sacrifice. In the “New Testament” (NT) we finally see that without the shedding of blood sins are not forgiven:

Hebrews (KJV) 9:22” And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

Whereas in the OT blood was the “picture” of Christ's blood, in the NT the actual shedding of Christ's own blood was the vicarious sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. What's the connection to Abel?

Hebrews (KJV) 11:4 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

Abel's heart was more righteous in his sacrifice. He understood what the “blood” meant and that blood was the only acceptable sacrifice. Apparently, Cain didn't have as close relationship to God as Abel did and didn't understand the importance of the “blood”. Whereas Abel was in communion with God and pious in his sacrifice, Cain was aloof from God and was flippant in his ritualistic sacrifice. To have an acceptable sacrifice Cain, if he had been in communion, would have paid Abel for one of his prized rams and sacrificed the “blood”. Little effort would be expended to make an acceptable sacrifice. His sacrfice just wasn't that meaningful for him.

This has two things to do with us. We must offer an “acceptable sacrifice”. What is an acceptable sacrifice?

Romans (KJV) 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

You don't have to kill and animal and sprinkle its blood. You give yourself! You dedicate your life to Christ who has already shed his blood, the necessary sacrifice. You accept his blood sacrifice which he made for you and you do it with a contrite and repentant heart. It's so important that you sacrifice yourself with a right heart because God can see through ritual and superficiality since he's omniscient, he knows your mind and heart.

Is God fair? Yes! He requires you to be righteous, to love and follow Him. If you cheat Him or disrespect Him you get what you deserve. Cain was cast out. Don't let yourself be cast out.

There's another “picture” in the Cain and Abel story: It's a picture of the “Greatest Commandment”! You are to love God with all your heart and love our neighbor as you do yourself. Jesus said that. Cain not only didn't demonstrated love for God, but also murdered his brother … so much for keeping what is the greatest commandment. (The command hadn't been published yet, but it was still God's intent).

Now do you know why you need to understand the need for nuclear fuel before learning how to make it? This is analogous to knowing why you need Jesus before you read about his coming. Read John. Read about Jesus. Then when reading the OT always ask “What's this got to do with Jesus?”

The Denial of Hell

Hell can't be real! Or can it be?

Society laughs at the concept of Hell, people use it as a adjective of condemnation and many theologians even deny it's existence in the false perception that if we deny something long enough it becomes truth. I think of the “Seinfeld” episode when the “liar” George (Satan), tells Jerry “It's not a lie if YOU believe it!” That's the way it is with the concept of Hell.

I've heard others explain why they don't go to church. It usually goes something like this “I don't go to church because when I was a kid all they did was preach on Hell-fire and damnation”. Then there are others who say “A loving God couldn't possibly send a person to Hell!” These are all tricks and lies of Satan! The thought of eternal punishment was the catalyst a sinner such as I needed to find the love of Jesus. It's not a scare tactic ...it's Truth!

Malachi (KJV) 4:1 “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”

Truth tells is that someday that those who rebel against God shall be as the stubble of wheat who will burn to the ground at the end of the harvest. Those who are harvested (the righteous) will be put in the storehouse where they are saved. That part that was harvested was productive and was to be nourishment. That portion of the stalk of wheat is little in comparison to the whole. However, the stalk (stubble) which is not part of the harvest, is the majority of the plant, and that portion will be burned to the ground (just like the unrighteous). Hell is real, Hell is hot and Hell is for those who haven't claimed Jesus as their Savior. “Unfair you say! God couldn't possibly send me to Hell, I've been good?” This is the popular refrain of those who have not submitted to God and are too proud! They will burn with the rest of the chaff.

Jesus explained the parable of the tares (weeds) in Matthew Chapter 13:

Matthew (KJV) 13:36 “Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

You're a “tare” (weed) if you are wicked, a sinner in this world, called the field in the parable. You are the son of the Satan because the devil planted you. Jesus will send forth the angels to collect the tares (sinners) and they shall be burned in the fire (Hell). Hell is described as a fiery furnace and those in Hell will suffer profusely. There will be “wailing and gnashing of teeth.”

Our loving Savior, Jesus will be vengeful! It is Jesus who will send his angels to carry you to the fiery furnace. He doesn't care how “good” you've been for “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Most of us are idolater, fornicating, thieving, lying, jealous, disrespectful, blasphemous, murderous sinners. So you did a few “good” things! God isn't impressed. You are evil unless …

That “unless” is grace! You deserved to be burned as tares in Hell, but before the angels carry you to the furnace you can stop it. Instead of carrying you to be eternally destroyed the angels will rejoice!

Matthew (KJV) 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

Luke (KJV) 12:8 “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:”

If you turn your life to Christ (the Son of Man) will reward you based on your work of faith. If you confess him earnestly to be your Savior, Jesus will tell his angels to spare you. Rather than a fiery furnace they will carry you off to your new heavenly home!

Luke (KJV) 15:10 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

Rather than the angels carrying you to eternal death, they have joy in your salvation! You are saved if you repent and accept your undeserved gift from Jesus ...eternal life. It's there for the asking ...”ask and you shall receive”!

God to Seinfeld: “Remember, Jerry, if you don't believe it, doesn't change a thing! Hell exists whether you believe it or not!”

You decide: Was it Faith or faith?

The Big God Theory

I admit ... I don't have unequivocal proof that God created the universe. The preponderance of evidence indicates that universe was NOT created by fate, whatever that is. Both matter and energy had to originate someplace sometime. That leads me to believe that God created the universe! “The Big God Theory” is in fact a theory. You should not accept it as scientific proof. Likewise, “The Big Bang Theory” should not be accepted. Both are theories for a reason” both require faith! Whereas believers in God readily admit that, scientists never talk of “faith” in presenting their own theories.

Whereas science asks the question “Where did matter and energy originate?', Judeo-Christians honestly admit, God created it, but we don't know where God came from. He just IS and ALWAYS WAS. His name is “I AM THAT I AM” or for short “I AM”.

Exodus (KJV) 3:13”Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

The Bible is the written history of the world. It is not a book of fiction nor mythology. Where secular history has questioned biblical history, the Bible has remained accurate. Secular history has been wrong. Why? Because the Bible is not a book of lies and inaccuracies. It's a book of Truth!

Secular science says that matter and energy was spontaneously generated at some point in time. As matter began to accumulate the central mass became greater and greater. As the mass increased gravity became so strong that light could not escape. Eventually all the mass throughout the universe accumulated in one great ball. The ball generated so much energy that we had a “Big Bang”. All the mass in that big ball was hurled throughout the universe forming galaxies, suns, planets, asteroids, red giants, white dwarfs, and whatever else is out there. The physical laws of nature says that this very event could never have happened. Scientists admit that, still claim that it did and call that one act a “discontinuity?. I call it unscientific and a lie!

Let's look for a minute at “nothingness”. “Nothing” means to “have no existence”. The definition of nothing contradicts itself because “nothing” is “something” and it exists! Outside the known matter and energy of the universe is “nothing”. A theoretical spaceship could travel for eternity through that nothingness with a simple gentle initial propulsion. The abilty to travel through “nothing” means it is “something”. From where did “nothingness” come? Scientists can't explain that. God can! He created everything and as I have shown “nothing is something” so it does exists! The belief that God existed before and was and is eternal is called “faith”. Likewise the scientific theories of the same are “faith”. The former is faith with a claim, the latter has no claim ...it just happened.

What if everything did come from the “Big Bang” as they claim. It's circular reasoning because the matter and energy had to come from someplace. Scientists know this and some claim that the “Big Bang” was cyclical. That explanation is still open-ended and requires “faith”, but “faith” with absolutely no evidence. My faith has a source. God tells me from man's history book how it started:

Genesis KJV) 1:1”In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
10And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. “

Biblical history tells our origins! If you're a Christian and believe in God you only need to believe this (faith). If you claim to be a Christian and don't believe God', you may as well stop pretending and apostatize. God is either Truth or lie. He's not a mixture of both truth and fiction! If you're not a Christian, put aside your thoughts for awhile and read the entire Bible. Start with John, then read Matthew, Mark and Luke. Then come back and read Genesis. It should all then make sense. The Bible and God have what's called “internal consistency”. Although it was written from start to finish over a 2000 year time period, it never contradicts itself. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God is Truth and God is consistent.

Now read scientific theory over the past 2000 years. Scientists “knew” that the earth was flat, scientists “knew” that Sargon, the greatest Assyrian King, never existed, scientists “knew” that gold could be created from base metals, scientists “knew” that “Nebraska Man” was an early ape and developed a culture around him (this later was admitted to be wrong), science “knew” that “Lucy” was the ancestor of all mankind and even that has now been retracted. Scientific “evidence” is circumstantial, hypothetical and dynamic. Scientists readily admit that, but still claim to have “the truth”: silliness quantified and justified! Where God's word is unchanging science changes as we speak. What will be the new theory tomorrow?

Science and Christianity do agree on two things: 1) Someday the known earth will end and 2) you can't change that. In which theory will you believe? Will it be the fatalistic thought of scientists or the HOPE of God? You may go with the empty cup ...I'm going with the full one! I'm going with God.

Matthew (KJV) 26:39 “And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

The “full cup” is Jesus. It is his life, his existence. He gave it up according to God's will, that you may have this “hope” of which I speak called “eternal life”. You may chose death, but I like God's promise! The One who said that he created everything then tells us that you can live forever, but there is a condition: You must believe. You must believe it all and that unshakeable belief is called “faith”. This “thought” started with faith and ends with faith. That's your part. Salvation is through Jesus only for he is the “I AM” of Exodus!