Good News: Marriage, Family Prevail at the Polls

By Focus on the Family Reporters:

'When we unite around timeless values like marriage, we can win.'

Marriage and family were the big winners Tuesday, as three states voted to protect marriage in their constitutions and Arkansas voted to provide children with both an adopted mom and dad.

Florida, Arizona and California became the 28th, 29th and 30th states to amend their constitutions to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman.

Despite tens of millions of dollars spent by gay activists to defeat the marriage initiatives, pro-family leaders in the three states led heroic campaigns to protect marriage from activist judges and lawmakers.

"We are pleased Focus on the Family could be a part of the successful campaigns in Arizona, California and Florida," said Jenny Tyree, marriage analyst for Focus on the Family Action. "We give our heartfelt congratulations to the hundreds of coalition members and volunteers who ensured the real winners are future generations of children."

In California, Proposition 8 reverses the state's Supreme Court decision in May that legalized same-sex "marriage." "We know God has gone before us," said Ron Prentice, executive director of the California Family Council. "Tens of thousands of people were praying and fasting to give victory to California and protect marriage."

Arizona voters, who narrowly rejected a marriage-protection amendment two years ago, supported Proposition 102 on Tuesday. "When we unite around timeless values like marriage, we can win," said Cathi Herrod, president of The Center for Arizona Policy. "I hope this is a new beginning of pulling together on issues we care most about."

Florida's Amendment 2 received the 60 percent support it needed to pass -- and a few extra percentage points. "This is a victory for children and for the future of Florida," said Mathew Staver, founder and chairman of the Liberty Counsel. "Amendment 2 will prevent activist judges from redefining marriage by the stroke of a pen." John Stemberger, president of the Florida Family Policy Council, said he can't take credit for the victory. "There are a couple of hundred people who did the work," he said. "I just pointed the way. I felt the Lord called me to do this, and I was fortunate to have state leaders support me."

In Arkansas, voters overwhelmingly approved Initiative 1, which requires couples to be married before they can become foster parents or adopt. Jerry Cox is president of the Family Council in Arkansas and headed the effort to pass the measure. “We worked with about 1,000 churches and a volunteer force of about 2,700 dedicated people,” he said. “And they are the ones that won this election.”

Thank God for those who were faithful to stand in the gap on this vital principle.

Is He or Isn’t He A Citizen of the United States?

There is a report that Philip Berg filed a lawsuit in Philadelphia in August for Obama to produce his original birth certificate and he still hasn't replied.

A birth certificate has been provided by Obama, it states that he was born in Hawaii and his father was listed as an Afro-American born in Kenya. This has caused some to question the authenticity of the produced Obama document. Forth-five years ago the term used for Obama’s race was Negroes or perhaps Blacks, not Afro-American. This is a more recent adaptation of description of his race. It is possible that the USA could be on the verge of electing a non-citizen to the office of president. There are a lot of people now that are starting to speculate and be curious about Obama’s birth certificate.

Barrack announced that his grandmother was deathly ill. He said he wanted to go see her in Hawaii because he had made a big mistake regarding his mother - when she passed prior to his arrival at her bedside. But Obama kept campaigning, he took three days to get over there. Yet if she was so ill and he was so concerned, why this time-lapse? There are those who believe the sick grandmother was a cover-up for Hussain to make a deal with the Demarcate governor, to “seal” the original birth certificate. It is possible that Obama was born in Kenya and is not a US citizen. We don’t know that, but if the sealing of the original birth certificate is true, it is just one more of the many lies that Obama has put out to the public.

Hussain Obama has lied about using only federal funds for his presidential campaign; voted 42 time to raise taxes on those earning more that 42 K a year; voted to kill live babies that survived botched abortions; I’m not a socialist - yet he advocated spreading the wealth; I’m a Christian - yet sat for 20 years under Jeremiah Wright a radical white hating pastor who believes in Liberation Theology - i.e. Afro-centralization Marxism; he claims no contact with Acorn - yet documented to be untrue; Obama’s relationship with terrorist William Ayers who said to the New York Times in September 2001, "I don't regret setting bombs...I feel we didn't do enough." What a wonderful saviour is this make believe-messiah!

Can we trust a man with such a track record as this?

Christ The Righteous Judge

The Apostle Paul opens the door on the Judgement Seat of Christ in 2 Cor 5:10 when he writes, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” ESV. This judgement is not designed to determine heaven of hell for the believer, but the value level of the believer’s deeds done. It is important to keep this mind. The believer is saved, redeemed and secure for heaven.

Listen to Paul’s insight regarding the Judgement Seat event. “Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, ( what day? When we appear at the Judgement Seat) and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” As he continues “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Tim 4:8 NKJV.

Every believer will be judged and receive a crown of righteousness based on deeds done. In the second and third chapters of Revelation, a clear and precise message is given to the angel/pastor of the church being addressed by the Christ the Righteous Judge.

The Apostle Paul under the divine leadership of the Holy Spirit puts forth the following; For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day (the Judgement Seat) will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 1 Cor 3:9-14 NKJV. Listen to the words of Jesus to the church at Thyatira, “I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Rev 2:23 NKJV.

The “builder” who uses gold, silver and precious stones, is the one who lives to obey God’s word and commands putting to death every worldly/fleshly desire. The “builder who uses wood, hay and straw is one who lives only to satisfy his own desires rather than God’s Will. The church, who is the church? a group of “called out ones” the church. – the Greek word is ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah); The church is made-up of individuals who have called out a Christian community of members on earth.

Jesus, the Righteous Judge, gives us insight into the church’s future events; 18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' Revelation 2:18-29 (NKJV)

There is a celebration day ahead for the “called out ones” for each one's work will become clear; for the Day (the Judgement Seat) will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. Listen to Paul “Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, ( what day? When we appear at the Judgement Seat) and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

The Apostle James declares, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the CROWN OF LIFE which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NKJV). Peter also shares his insight, “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the CROWN OF GLORY that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV). The scriptures teach that there are THREE crowns issued by heaven’s court to believers. The Apostles Paul, Peter and James list three awards the Crown of Righteousness, Life, and Glory.

Barack Obama & Racist Pastor Jeremiah Wright:

The American Family Association of Pennsylvania provides the information from their ‘08 voter guide.

Barack Hussain Obama OPPOSES THE FOLLOWING ISSUES - Federal protection of traditional marriage; State marriage protection amendments; Allowing parents to exercise school choice; 2nd Amendment guarantees private firearms ownership; Protecting infants born alive after botched abortions; Prohibiting partial-birth abortion; Making 2001 federal pro-family tax cuts permanent; Securing the borders to stem the tide of illegal immigration; Lifting the ban on off-shore frilling for oil and gas: John McCain SUPPORTS ALL THE ABOVE ISSUES: Obama SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING ISSUES- Federal funding of pro-abortion groups; Government licensed adoptions of children by homosexual; Forcing religious groups to hire homosexuals; Constitutional right to abortion (Roe v. Wade). McCain OPPOSES ALL THE ABOVE ISSUES.

Barack Obama should be disqualified by followers of Christ on one issue. Abortion. There are approximately 5.4 million births that occur every year and of that 1.4 million end in abortion. That is, one in four babies are aborted annually. Since the ‘73 Supreme Court decision approximately 47.6 million babies have been aborted. This is America’s holocaust. This is an abomination that has not escaped the eye of the “JUST JUDGE” Jesus Christ. My continuing question is “How Christians can vote for a candidate that supports the killing of innocent lives for the sake of convince?”

Obama’s mantra has centered on his ability to bring the nation together in unity - however, if he follows the lead of his mentor Jeremiah Wright who is an out and out racist - his promise seems to be a pipe-dream only.

Jeremiah Wright has ranted, “[The United States] government lied about their belief that all men were created equal. The truth is they believed that all white men were created equal. The truth is they did not even believe that white women were created equal, in creation nor civilization. The government had to pass an amendment to the Constitution to get white women the vote. Then the government had to pass an equal rights amendment to get equal protection under the law for women. The government still thinks a woman has no rights over her own body, and between Uncle Clarence who sexually harassed Anita Hill, and a closeted Klan court, that is a throwback to the 19th century, handpicked by Daddy Bush, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, between Clarence and that stacked court, they are about to undo Roe vs. Wade, just like they are about to un-do affirmative action. The government lied in its founding documents and the government is still lying today. Governments lie.”

“The government lied about Pearl Harbor too. They knew the Japanese were going to attack. Governments lie. The government lied about the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. They wanted that resolution to get us in the Vietnam War. Governments lie. The government lied about Nelson Mandela and our CIA helped put him in prison and keep him there for 27 years. The South African government lied on Nelson Mandela. Governments lie."

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright a real nice guy that has influenced Obama for 20 years.

Encouragement

"Encourage one another." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Chuck Swindoll writes: "The ski slopes were in perfect condition. I struck out on my first attempt at skiing with a positive attitude, thinking, 'I'm going to be the first person who learns to ski without falling down.' You've heard of the Elephant Man? On skis, I'm the rhinoceros man. It's doubtful anyone ever came down a ski slope more ways, or landed in more positions, or did more creative things in the air before landing. Working with me that humiliating day was the world's most encouraging ski instructor (yes, I had an instructor!). Never once did she lose her cool, or laugh at me, or say 'You are absolutely impossible. I quit!' That dear, gracious lady helped me up more times than I can number. She repeated the same basics time and again - like she had never said them before. Even though I was colder than an explorer in the Antarctic, irritable, impatient, and under the snow more than I was on it, she kept offering words of reassurance. That day God gave me a never-to-be-forgotten illustration of the value of encouragement. Had it not been for her spirit and her words, believe me, I would have hung 'em up and been back in the condo, warming my feet by the fire in less than an hour. What is true for a novice on the snow once a year is all the more true for people we meet every day. Harassed by demands and deadlines; bruised by worry, adversity and failure; broken by disillusionment and defeated by sin, they live somewhere between dull discouragement and sheer panic. All of us need encouragement, and the beautiful part about encouragement is this: anybody can do it!"

The dictionary says, encouragement means to give support, confidence, or hope. Further it means to help or stimulate the development of urging onward. Anybody can do it! Paul saw the value of encouragement 1 Thess 3:1-2 ....(Paul) thought it good to... (send) Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith... NKJV Lets get into the business of showing support , hope and help to those who might be struggling with life's challenges. -

A Friend of Barry Barack Hussein Obama:

I am wondering why the main stream news media can attempt to destroy Sara Palin’s reputation with a front page exposure of her activity in firing of an inept state employee. The anonymous legislative panel which I do not know says she went beyond her authority. We don’t know their agenda. We don’t know them at all. But Sara Palin I do know, I hear and understand her desire to stomp out anything that is not productive.

Now with that said, where is the self-proclaimed unbiased, fair and truthful main steam news media when it comes to Obama. He has many dubious “friends” and not so “clean associates”. But where are the “fair and balanced” friends of Obama.

Let’s hear from these self-proclaimed “fair” guys like the New York Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, ABC, NBC. CBS, CNN, MSNBC and the like concerning the KNOWN friends of the “Senator”.

NUMBER ONE: Louis Farrakhan who is the leader of the Nation of Islam (a muslim), called Barack Hussein Obama the Messiah, when he spoke at the 2008 Saviour’s Day. Farrakhan said: "You are the instruments that God is gonna use to bring about universal change, and that is why Barack has captured the youth, and he has involved young people in a political process they didn’t care to think about. That’s a sign. When the Messiah speaks, the youth will hear … and the Messiah is absolutely speaking." In March 2000 the Philadelphia Inquirer quoted Farrakhan saying, "White people are potential humans ... they haven't evolved yet." At other times, he has referred to whites as "vicious beasts" and "the skunks of the planet." Additional noteworthy Farrakhan statements include the following: * "It is an act of mercy to white people that we end your world. … We must end your world and bring in a new world." * "We [blacks] are at war and we never stop fighting for justice. You must have force. … don't drop your gun and don't forget to squeeze." * "You [Jews] are wicked deceivers of the American people. You have sucked their blood. You are not real Jews (who everyone knows were black) You are the synagogue of Satan, and you have wrapped your tentacles around the US government, and you are deceiving and sending this nation to hell… . But if you choose to crucify me (subtle reference to the Deicide charge), know that Allah will crucify you."

The great savour Obama who says he is going to bring a change – friends we don’t need the kind of change he has aligned himself with.

Vote The Bible:

Today’s challenge centers on the upcoming presidential election. There are many accusation that are being fired back and forth between the candidates. It seems to me that the voter must cut through all the rhetoric and decide which candidate is best suited to lead our nation.

There is only one way to choose correctly. One must vote the Bible. What does that mean? Voting the Bible means, discerning which candidate’s values and character match the Bible’s values and character.

The linch-pin for me is the “right-to-life”. Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee... KJV. Isa 49:1 The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. NLT. Ps 139:13-16 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. NLT. It is abundantly clear from these verses of scripture that life begins at conception. Therefore, abortion is in open opposition to the Bible. Rick Warren asked Barack Obama “when does life begin...?” He replied after some verbal dancing around, “the answer to this question is above my pay scale..” John McCain responded without hesitation, “at conception...”

Then there is the question regarding “unnatural marriage”. The Democrat Party and Barack Obama are advocates of same-sex marriage. The Bible is very clear from the beginning of creation. God created Adam, a man. He then put Adam to sleep, and from his side, created Eve and called her “woman”. When God placed Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden there was no debate. Adam made no appeals to have “Steve” replace God’s provision for him. Gen 2:21-24 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. NKJV. This was God’s plan from the beginning. The Lord God has not altered His original pattern. Regardless of what homosexuals and lesbians think and promote It is not up for debate or a vote in state houses or the U.S. Congress.

Remember we’re “Voting the Bible”. Look at two of Obama’s associates. His pastor, Jeremiah Wright, has openly express his hate for America. The people of America have seen and heard Obama’s pastor spue out his venomous rhetoric. Mr. Wright’s infamous quote has reverberated across America, “...God dam America.”

Then there is Obama’s good friend Bill Ayers. He was a leader of the 1960s and 70s domestic terrorist group Weatherman. He participated in the bombings of New York City Police Headquarters in 1970, of the Capitol building in 1971, and the Pentagon in 1972. Currently he’s a professor of education at the University of Illinois.
Born in 1944, Bill Ayers, along with his wife Bernardine Dohrn, was a 1960s leader of the homegrown terrorist group Weatherman, a Communist-driven splinter faction of Students for a Democratic Society. Characterizing Weatherman as "an American Red Army," Ayers summed up the organization's ideology as follows: "Kill all the rich people. Break up their cars and apartments. Bring the revolution home, Kill your parents." The Weatherman Terrorists have declared their support of Obama. With friends and mentors like these one doesn’t need any enemies.

These are just a few known facts that have helped me to run with the values and character of the Bible. God is good. God is kind. God is love. God is merciful. God is peace. God is Holy. Blessed be the name of the LORD!

Ayers information came from Discoverthenetwork.org -

Governor Sarah Palin

Vice President Candidate:

After five weeks of the most severe scrutiny Sarah throws the “knock out punch” to rambling Joe Biden. The national news media like NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, CNN and news press have spent millions of dollars in a campaign to destroy this woman with lies, innuendo and political partisanship.

She was able to express and articulate her policies with forceful self-confidence. She wowed me and the four people of Fox News were impressed with her presentation. They expressed that she was well prepared. The focus group in St Louis gave her high points of advantage. They believed she did far better than the expectation. She projected and connected with many people as being “one of them.” She is a plain talker. She was informed and she was everything and more that many of the news media talking heads said she wasn’t. She seemed very relaxed and was well informed. She had a winsome manor.

Americans want to hear real common sense answers to the issues at hand. She did that well. The American people are already taxed to the max and government interference is both inept and way out of control. We need less not more.

I love Rush Limbaugh’s observation: “Sarah Palin is a real story of accomplishment. She is a real fresh face, a fresh voice in this election. She is genuinely American. Her story can be vouched for by hundreds. Obama's story must be hidden. Obama's story must be rewritten. Obama has no one vouching for his story. She, Sarah Palin, she is the real citizen activist. She got involved in government at the local level, first at a PTA, 'cause the school was screwing up; then the city council; then as mayor, and she did it all on her own. She took on several well-heeled and well-known politicians to win the Republican primary and then the general election to become governor. She took on corruption in her own party. She is not only as far from the Washington cesspool as anybody can get, but she doesn't think like a Big-Government Washington politician. And this, my friends, is what distinguishes her so profoundly from Joe Biden and Barack Obama. She thinks like we do, you and I. She reacts like we do. She talks like we do. And by that I mean she brings a citizen's perspective to issues. Not the perspective of people who have been in government their entire lives or who have been around those who advocate government control of private property all their lives.

“This is precisely why Katie Couric, Charles Gibson, and most other anchors, so-called reporters, are repulsed by her. They are repulsed by her just as they are repulsed by you and your averageness. I hear 'em downplay her record as governor. Well, I understand she didn't get some massive spending bill passed through Congress, which the libs love. I understand she didn't promote the appointment of left-wing activist judges to the federal bench like Biden. I understand she wasn't wrong on every major foreign policy issue as Biden has been. And I understand that Sarah Palin did not block drilling for more oil offshore or anywhere else. No wonder they hate her. She is a one-woman wrecking crew of their agenda. I'll say this, though, in her 20 months as governor, she negotiated a deal for a new pipeline in Alaska involving Canada and the oil companies that will do more to provide and increase supply of natural gas to the people of this country than anything Barack Obama or Joe Biden have ever done or will ever do.

“In other words, in that one act alone she has done more than Obama or Biden have ever done for this country. So naturally it's ignored and downplayed. These debates have become setups. Just listen to how the liberal media talk about them in the lead-up. The tie goes to Obama last week, and why is that? Well, because they say so? I thought Obama was The Messiah based largely on his ability to have people eating out of his hand, his great persuasive skills, his great oratory skills; and yet, it's a tie? It's a tie and it goes to Obama? He was beaten soundly by that 72-year-old guy we were previously led to believe can't hold his own against Obama. Now it's the vice presidential debate.”

Choices

"Choose for yourselves." Joshua 24:15 NIV

Bob Gass shared this insight several weeks ago in his devotional. Our lives are like icebergs. Only 15 percent is visible; that's reputation. The rest, our character, is below the surface, hidden. Character is what we think but never share. It's what we do when no one's watching. It's how we react to everyday aggravations. It's how we handle failure - and success. The thing that has made us what we are is our choices. At the end of a successful career, Joshua challenges the people of Israel: "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." So the choice is yours! French writer François de la Rochefoucauld asserted, "Almost all our faults are more pardonable than the methods we think up to hide them." Ever notice that people with the weakest character tend to place blame on their circumstances? They talk a lot about poor upbringing, financial difficulties, the unkindness of others, or other circumstances that have made them victims. Your circumstances may be beyond your control, but your character is not. You can no more blame your character on your circumstances, than you can blame the mirror for your looks. Developing character is always your choice. Every time you make a character-based decision, you take another step forward in your spiritual growth. Take a moment and jot down times when you have faced temptation and adversity. Next to each, note your choice: escape, excuses, capitulation, avoidance, perseverance, or victory. What problem areas do you see? How will you learn to do better? If many of the things you list are due to circumstances beyond your control, then choose to take greater control of your life.

Battle over Marriage Sweeps the Nation

by Devon Williams, associate editor

Massachusetts ready to export gay 'marriage'; California guts amendment wording.

Massachusetts is a step closer to exporting gay "marriage" to the entire country. And California activists are doing all they can to stop a marriage-protection amendment.

The Massachusetts House voted 118–35 Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law that prohibits couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their unions are not legal in their home states. The Senate has already passed the pro-gay measure, and Gov. Deval Patrick has indicated he will sign the bill.

Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, said it's part of a national initiative by gay activists and their political allies to advance homosexual "marriage."

"With the protective barrier removed, out-of-state, same-sex couples who 'marry' here will sue to seek recognition in their home states … further eroding the people's right to define marriage," he said. This is "doing terrible harm to marriage laws across the country."

In California, gay activists are pulling out all the stops as the state prepares to vote on a marriage-protection amendment.

Originally, the ballot initiative's summary statement explained that the amendment simply defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Now, it also states that the amendment will "eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry."

Several groups, including the Alliance Defense Fund, filed an emergency lawsuit Tuesday to delete the negative and misleading additions from the ballot.

Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said the attempts by California and Massachusetts to impose same-sex "marriage" on the nation will result in legal chaos.

"Those 48 other states and their courts are forced to deal with fallout from exported same-sex 'marriages,' like divorce, alimony, child support, estates and other issues," he said. "They will be addressing issues they are not equipped to deal with, except in a traditional marriage context."

Sarah Palin

Written by Mike Johnson on Aug-29-08 3:11pm

Wow, politics is beginning to hit home a little today with the news of John McCain's running mate for Vice President. Sarah Palin, current governor of Alaska is his choice. Not only is she a woman, a Washington outsider and former runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant, she is also Assemblies of God - the group that I'm part of. She attended Wasilla A/G while living there (where she also became mayor), and currently attends Juneau Christian Center.

While being part of your church does not make you qualified to be President, it does make your heart skip a little. Pentecostals (the Assemblies of God is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world) have moved from the wrong side of the tracks in the first part of the last century, to being sought after (such as former Attorney General John Ashcroft and former Secretary of the Interior, James Watt). Then again, we can also claim Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and also Willie Nelson, who used to teach Sunday School in one of our churches.

Maybe "tolerate" is a better word here...

It's just a reminder that things don't always go the way that you want them to.

A recent poll by the Barna Group noted that Pentecostals make up a surprisingly large portion of Christians defined as evangelical or 'born again.' With this in mind, McCain made a good choice. Add in what some are calling a 'disconnect' among Hilary Clinton supporters, this may be an even better pick. On the flip side, Palin has been in office for two years. While she is an energy hawk, she will be accused of having a lack of experience - the same smear McCain will make of Barak Obama.

This is going to be interesting. She will be attacked on a variety of levels, including her faith. There may even be an attempt by liberals to marginalize the denomination that I've grown up in. I must admit - emotionally that will make me vote Republican.

Oh yes, I've never mentioned this before, but I'm a registered Independant. I'm from Oregon...what did you expect??

Spiritual Therapy

Philip Yancey was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1949. He is an American Christian author. Fourteen million of his books have been sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling evangelical Christian authors. Two of his books have won the ECPA's Christian Book of the Year Award: The Jesus I Never Knew in 1996 and What's So Amazing About Grace in 1998. He is published by Zondervan Publishing.

After high school he attended Columbia Bible College, where he met his wife, Janet. Yancey graduated magna cum laude from Columbia Bible College and earned his MA with highest honors from the graduate school of Wheaton College. His two graduate degrees in Communications and English were earned from Wheaton College Graduate School and the University of Chicago.

Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? —Psalm 88:14

I once wrote a book titled Disappointment With God. My publishers worried that it seemed heretical to introduce a book with such a title into Christian bookstores. In the process of writing it, however, I found that the Bible includes detailed accounts of people sorely disappointed with God. Job and Moses had it out with God, as did Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and many of the unnamed psalmists.

It seems strange for sacred writings to include scenes of spiritual failure, but this reflects an important principle. A marriage therapist will warn couples, “Your relationship may get worse before it gets better.” Misunderstandings must be exposed before true understanding can flourish. The psalmists do not rationalize anger or give abstract advice about pain; rather, they express emotions vividly and loudly, directing their feelings primarily at God. The anguished conclusion of Psalm 88 provides ample evidence (vv.13-18).

The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual therapy in process. Doubt, paranoia, giddiness, delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, betrayal—you find it all in the psalms. From them I learn to bring to God whatever I feel about Him. I need not paper over my failures; far better to bring my weaknesses to Him, who alone has the power to heal. — Philip Yancey

An honest talk with God is the first step in finding peace of mind.

Barack Hussein Obama

Senator Barack Hussein Obama spoke at a gathering named “Call to Renewal Conference” on June 28, 2006. In his speech he revealed some unbelievable revelations. These revelations were disturbing to me as a Christian. The U.S. main stream news media has been relentless over the past 19 months in exalting him as the coming messiah. His campaign slogan has been one of hope and change. He has espoused the notion that he is answer to the ills of not only America but of the world also. The following is a sample of the speech made in 2006.

He raises the question “...whose Christianity would we teach in the schools? Would we go with James Dobson's, or Al Sharpton's? Which passages of Scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is ok and that eating shellfish is abomination? How about Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith? Or should we just stick to the Sermon on the Mount - a passage that is so radical that it's doubtful that our own Defense Department would survive its application? So before we get carried away, let's read our bibles. Folks haven't been reading their bibles.”

Obama continues, “...democracy demands that the religiously motivated translate their concerns into universal, rather than religion-specific, values. It requires that their proposals be subject to argument, and amenable to reason...”

Friends, Mr Obama calls himself a “Christian.” ”He continues, “Politics depends on our ability to persuade each other of common aims based on a common reality. It involves the compromise, the art of what's possible. At some fundamental level, religion does not allow for compromise. It's the art of the impossible. If God has spoken, then followers are expected to live up to God's edicts, regardless of the consequences. To base one's life on such uncompromising commitments may be sublime, but to base our policy making on such commitments would be a dangerous thing.”

This man’s faith is based on “secular humanism” which believes and teaches that “man is god” and has a better insight on matters than God. Listen to the Word of God and its truth that is our guide and code of conduct. These truths are not up for debate or compromise.

John 10:7-10 7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. NKJV

Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." NKJV

2 John 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

John 17:2-4 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. NKJV.

The Green Hornet

When I was a boy the radio was the extent of my entertainment. I would lie on the floor in front of the radio and listen to programs like Gang Busters, the Lux Radio Theater, Superman, the Long Ranger, the Shadow, Sam Spade, Captain Marvel, and the Green Hornet. These broadcasts were exciting and realistic because one’s imagination was kicked into high gear and placed you right in the center of the action.

The Green Hornet is a masked fictional crime fighter. Originally created by Fran Striker for an American old-time radio program in the 1930s and 40's, the character has appeared in other media as well, including film serials in the 1940s, a network television program in the 1960s, and multiple comic book series from the 1940s to the 1990s. The Green Hornet is Britt Reid, a newspaper publisher by day who by night goes out in his masked "Green Hornet" identity to fight crime as a vigilante, accompanied by his similarly masked Asian manservant Kato and driving a car, equipped with advanced technology, called "Black Beauty". The Green Hornet is often portrayed as a fair-to-above average hand-to-hand combatant and is often armed with a gun that sprays knock-out gas (an electric stun weapon called the "hornet's sting" was added to his arsenal in the TV series).

Originally, the show was to be called The Hornet, but the name was changed to The Green Hornet so that it could be more easily trademarked. The color was chosen because green hornets were reputed to be the angriest.

Several years ago the Holy Spirit directed me to several Bible verses that indicate that every believer has a God-sent hornet to drive out enemies of the cross and enemies of followers of God’s will and plan. In the NT the Sword of Spirit is our weapon of choice against darkness. The OT introduced the divine weapon known as “The Hornet”.

Deut 7:20-21 20 Moreover the Lord your God will send the hornet among them (enemies) until those who are left, who hide themselves from you, are destroyed. 21 You shall not be terrified of them; for the Lord your God, the great and awesome God, is among you. NKJV

Josh 24:11-13 11 Then you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho. And the men of Jericho fought against you —...12 I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you... but not with your sword or with your bow. 13 I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.' NKJV

Luke 11:13 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" NKJV

Luke 24:49 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." NKJV

John 14:26 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. NKJV

Acts 1:5 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." NKJV