Is Big Brother Up to Something?

Unless you live under a rock, you have heard about the battle raging between the Catholic Church and the Obama Administration regarding health care coverage that stands in stark contrast to basic Catholic doctrine.  For more information check out my post:  http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2012/02/this-isnt-going-away-why-you-should.html

While the media hasn’t given this topic much attention lately, the conflicting views have not simmered over the weeks.  In fact, new actions taken by the State Department make some wonder if our government isn’t trying a new tactic to achieve its goals- coercion through hitting the Church’s finances.  

Recently the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement released a report naming the Vatican as having potential for money laundering.    While several countries (including the United States) were named, some speculate that the timing is fishy.  To view the report:  http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/184329.pdf

No one can say the Vatican has been innocent over the years. It wasn’t long ago that the “Vatileaks” scandal emerged.  Also, many have not forgotten in 2010 when $33 million of the Vatican’s funds were frozen in two different Italian banks while an investigation was underway for suspicion of money laundering.   

However, the Catholic Church has made great strides to increase its security in order to prevent such scandals and crimes from occurring and no new evidence has emerged to suggest the church’s financial holdings are in danger.  In fact, the Vatican is endeavoring to be named among the prestigious “White List” in the European Commission.  So why have they been placed on the “financial crimes” list now?

Is it coincident that the Catholic Church was named on this report or is it more nefarious?  Is the Obama Administration trying to strong arm the church into complying with its health care mandate?  

To shed light on this topic, let’s dig further.

Shortly after the Vatican was listed as a moderate threat for money laundering (there are three levels), JP Morgan announced it is closing the Vatican’s account. 

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! JP Morgan has a murky past with the banking bailout (yes that was under the Bush Administration, but the Federal Reserve isn’t under the limits/restrictions of our government and there are ties linking players of JP Morgan and the Fed).  Also worth noting, is at the beginning of this month Obama announced a new Mortgage Relief Bailout plan with JP Morgan as one of the recipients.  Add to this, JP Morgan is one of the few institutions (along with William Daley) Obama has publically praised so highly.  To top it off, last month JP Morgan is listed as one of Obama’s top financial supporters for his upcoming election.  Again, is this coincident or politics as usual?  

For me, what speaks volumes is a letter penned by Cardinal Timothy Dolan after meeting with White House Officials.  Here is a portion of that letter:

At a recent meeting between staff of the bishops’ conference and the White House staff, our staff members asked directly whether the broader concerns of religious freedom—that is, revisiting the straight-jacketing mandates, or broadening the maligned exemption—are all off the table. They were informed that they are.  So much for “working out the wrinkles.”  Instead, they advised the bishops’ conference that we should listen to the “enlightened” voices of accommodation, such as the recent, hardly surprising yet terribly unfortunate editorial in America.  The White House seems to think we bishops simply do not know or understand Catholic teaching and so, taking a cue from its own definition of religious freedom, now has nominated its own handpicked official Catholic teachers.

What I take from this letter is t the Obama Administration isn’t willing to discuss options, they are insisting the Catholic Church violate their conscious which is the underlying reason for the separation of church and state (again look at my previous post if you have questions).  To read more of the letter visit http://walkingwithpeter.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/the-tyrannical-future-revealed/ (also check out other posts related to this topic).

In support of the White House, everyone has called in favors or backed someone due to friendship at some point or another.  So is it wrong that the banking institution has formed bonds with our government, especially when we are all guilty of rubbing elbows?  (Side note:  Isn’t it ironic that this administration isn’t being held accountable for making deals with large corporations? Some of the actions taken over the past three years would have brought massive criticism had they been done under someone else’s watch).   

I’ve attached links to various articles related to this topic but there are plenty more out you can Google.  

I will let you draw your own conclusions about the nature of what is transpiring between the government and the Catholic Church.  But I want to leave you with a few questions on my mind:

Is religion being attacked?  Should every religion fear restrictions/regulations from our government?  Is our Media doing a good job informing us of the facts or are they rubbing elbows?  How can you be more aware and sensitive to what is transpiring in our nation? 

http://news.yahoo.com/cardinal-dolan-voices-dismay-handling-white-house-letter-222808766.html

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/jpmorgan-chase-closes-vatican-bank-account/

http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2012/03/21/top-obama-donors-are-wall-street-banking-big-whigs/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/is-the-obama-admin-really-attacking-the-catholic-church-by-placing-the-vatican-on-a-financial-crimes-list/

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/obama-%E2%80%98we-had-to-change-the-laws%E2%80%99-because-unethical-wall-st-execs-didn%E2%80%99t-actually-do-anything-illegal/

http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2012/03/obama-unveils-new-jp-morgan-wells-fargo.html

Epiphany: Have You Had One Lately?

Epiphany- a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.  

(Dictionary.com)

So I had an epiphany (I love that word- always have)!  

Anyway, back to my epiphany. I was doing a mundane chore around the house when it hit me and I laughed out loud. 

I LOVE MY LIFE!  I LOVE WHAT I DO AND WHO I AM- I HAVE PURPOSE AND PASSION!

While this doesn’t sound like much of an epiphany…for me, it is.  

You see, all my life I have struggled with wanting more, accomplishing more and doing more.  I had never been truly satisfied with anything; I’d always been striving for perfection, for something just out of reach. 

So this epiphany was like a weight lifted.  I’ll tell you how it happened:

I was doing my “chore” when words from my past hit like a ton of bricks.

“That life is fine for her, but I want something more.  I want God to use me for something more.  Seems like a waste of talent, like she is settling.”  

I had bought into the lie the world likes to feed:  money + status = success + happiness. 

I chased that dream tirelessly.  Two college degrees with countless hours working around the clock and I had little satisfaction (or money) to show.  

It’s funny how you can run after something for so long only to end up where you began.  Sort of like a dog chasing its tail.  

That is how I would describe the majority of my life- I was chasing my tail when right in front of me was the answer I was looking for and Satan knew it!  He used every trick in the book to make the life God intended for me look unappealing.  

God knew that.  He knew how stubborn, prideful and strong willed I was (am)- He created me.  He knew my hopes and dreams, He knew my fears and weaknesses and He knew some things I had to learn the hard way, so He allowed Satan to fool me…for a time! 

While I was chasing my tail, He was orchestrating my future.  He was teaching me lessons along the way and He was watching over me as I fumbled in the darkness instead of walking in His light. 

Fifteen years ago I never could have imagined my life where it is now.  If I had seen it, I wouldn’t have believed I was content let alone HAPPY.  But I am.  It took a while to get here, but I am finally home.

I pray you find your God given passion.  It may not be in the package you are looking for- but God knows what you need.  Simply take your eyes off the world and place them on Christ and be amazed at how He re-centers your internal compass towards the true north.  And remember, just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you are following the life God has planned for you.  I have been a Christian for over half my life but Satan deceived me into believing I WAS following God because I was doing GOOD things.  Please don’t be fooled into settling for less than God’s best.  You must take time to listen to Him over the noise of the world.

God bless you in your daily endeavors.  

“For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

SIDE NOTE:  March 27, 2012 see this Live One Night Event at a Theater near you!
 http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2012/03/monumental-in-search-of-americas.html

MONUMENTAL: In Search of America's National Treasure

March 27, 2012 watch this Live One Night Event in selected Theaters around the nation with others who are seeking the truth about America's history and how to change America's future.

Liberals and conservatives alike agree that our nation is heading down the wrong path (they just can't agree on which is the correct one for us to travel).  Join Kirk Cameron as he traces the steps of our past looking for hope for tomorrows generations. 

If you can't make this one night event, don't worry.  March 30th it opens in selected theaters as well. 

MONUMENTAL: In Search of America's National Treasure

National Defense Resources Preparedness Act

March 16, 2012, without fanfare, President Obama signed an Executive Order titled, “National Defense Resources Preparedness”.  

This isn’t a new order. In fact it goes back to the Truman administration (1950).  Over the years other presidents have issued similar orders (President Clinton 1994).  

So President Obama renewing and updating this order isn’t a big deal…or is it?

You can view the entire Executive Order here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/16/executive-order-national-defense-resources-preparedness

But this is what I got out of it:  In case of Emergencies and whatnot:  

1)       President has control over Civil Energy Supplies- oil and natural gas

2)      President has control over Civil Transportation- civil as in you and me

3)      President has the option to re-new the draft- and not just for military purposes (what other services would need to be drafted?)

At first glance one would think, ‘sure, in times of crisis or National Emergencies the President needs to be able to act without the hindrances and delays of our dysfunctional government systems.’

HOWEVER, look at this:

“The United States must have an industrial and technological base capable of meeting national defense requirements and capable of contributing to the technological superiority of its national defense equipment in PEACETIME and in times of national emergency” (emphasis mine).  

So here are the warning bells going off in my head:

1)       Is the White House expecting something bad to happen?  My answer- YES.  Things in the Middle East are heating up.  Iran and Israel are at a breaking point and America is too dependent on oil from that region of the world.  If the Strait of Hormuz is cut off, the world will be in disarray since 40% of the world’s oil supply comes through that little water way.  So yes, our government is preparing. But why isn’t it telling us it is preparing?  We are not stupid, we see what is occurring.

2)      Is the media down playing this Executive Order?  My answer- yes and no.  First you have to have your head in the sand to not realize something is going on with our oil prices and in the Middle East.  Second, some media coverage has been done on this topic.  Not surprisingly the left and right cannot agree on what this Executive Order means.  Reading the Huffington Post (left leaning) you will read the facts and hear why it is important for the President to gear up for potential war, after all, other presidents have acted in similar manner.  Read articles from the right and you will see our President as taking over powers in unprecedented amounts.  

3)      Why does this Order specifically say in times of PEACE the President would need these powers, what’s wrong with his normal powers and how we normally operate?  We live in a Republic (for those who do not know the difference between a Republic and a Democracy please see my post:  http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2011/12/styles-of-government-democracy-vs.html as I am talking about styles of government and not political parties) with elected officials.  We have three branches of government so no one branch has too much power (checks and balances).  If we give these powers over to one person, are we not moving towards a dictatorship or some other nefarious form of government? 

Here is another excerpt that bothers me:  “control the general distribution of any material (including applicable services) in the civilian market.”

Any material or services in the civilian market….hmmm… I can certainly understand why many on the right worry what this latest Executive Order means for our society.  Liberties are eroding in the name of equality and national safety faster than we can comprehend.  

When are we going to realize the government tends to cause more problems than it solves?  I’m not saying our President shouldn’t defend us, that’s a huge part of his job.  However, why not practice some transparency and make sure this proclamation is brought to the citizens’ attention.  Shouldn’t we pat our President on the back for protecting us, why the down play of such an important piece of law?  Is it because he is humble or is something else going on?  I’ll let you decide.

Questions:  What does this mean for you and me?  Have you even heard of this Executive Order?  Why isn’t our media being less bias (on both sides) and why isn’t this story a headliner, instead of buried beneath rubbish such as the latest entertainment scandal?  

For a few slightly biased articles check these out or Google for yourself:

http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/03/the_executive_order_controversy.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/edwin-black/obama-national-defense-resources-preparedness_b_1359715.html

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/ndrp.asp

Curiosity Killed This Cat: Kony 2012

I’ve heard it said that curiosity killed the cat, but in this case, it killed my desire to back Kony 2012.

When I first heard about it, it seemed like a good cause, but I wanted to look into it before I blindly followed the masses.

 

Here is what I found that makes me think there is more going on than what is being portrayed.

1)       Kony hasn’t been seen in Uganda since 2006- that is 6 years without this vile man!  So why the push for justice now?  Why make this video and seek action against a man who is MIA? 

2)      There are reports the LRA has approximately 100 followers active in Uganda- why not look to our own borders instead of going around the world to track down a small band of people- evil people, but not so large the Ugandan Government can’t handle them.

3)      Felix Kulayigye, from the Uganda Defense Ministry, says, “All this hoopla about Kony and his murderous activities is good in a sense that it helps inform those who didn’t know the monster that Kony is. But of course it is too late.”

4)      Ugandan journalist, Rosebell Kagumire, says, “This paints a picture of Uganda six or seven years ago, that is totally not how it is today. It’s highly irresponsible”.

5)      Fred Opolot, a spokesman for the Ugandan Government, says, “It is totally misleading to suggest that the war is still in Uganda….I suspect that if that’s the impression they are making, they are doing it only to garner increasing financial resources for their own agenda.” I think Fred is on to something.  We should be asking, is this a political scheme and if so by who?

6)      Last October the Obama administration sent 100 U.S. soldiers to Uganda to help train their army in fighting the LRA- to date there has been no reports made public that Kony has been seen.  Wouldn’t our government want to prove to the American people that sending troops over there was needed?  So if we have no reports, why is our government over there?  Is this a political move by Obama’s group to make him look good?  “See, Obama cares about Uganda when no one else does”

7)      The non-profit group, Invisible Children Inc, based out of California, has been criticized greatly over making this video.  Partially because approximately only 30% of charity donated actually goes to help those in Uganda.  It should also be noted that a goal of this organization is to be represented at 100 U.S. campaign events this year and they want people to lobby congress- again I ask WHY?

8)      Invisible Children Inc has the support of Anonymous- need I say more?  (If so, please do some research on this nefarious group.)

9)      April 20 (AKA Hitler’s Birthday, AKA weed day) will be the debut of the new Kony 2012 poster.  It has the face of Kony followed by Osama and then Hitler.  The person who designed this poster (Shepard Fairey) also designed the HOPE poster for Obama’s 2008 campaign and has ties to making posters for the Occupy Wall Street movement. Is this coincidence or is there more here- I’ve also read that Fairey is in the video but I have not verified that.

10)   FOLLOW THE MONEY- I’ve said it time and again:  Follow the money and it won’t be long before it can be traced back to SOROS!!!  American Thinker (blog) links Soros to Uganda’s Oil Industry.  Soros stands to make billions in Uganda.  In 2008, Revenue Watch Institute (who gets support from Soros) hosted a group of individuals from various East African Countries to help establish Uganda’s National Oil and Gas Policy.  To make the water even murkier, last week a bill sponsored by Democrats, proposed by John Larson (D-CT), and endorsed by Obama barely failed to pass the senate (not sure if there is still a chance it will be passed).  The Nat Gas bill would have given subsidies to companies who either used Natural Gas vehicles or built Natural Gas Distribution Facilities.  I wonder, does Uganda have an abundance of Natural Gas?  Also of note in the Transportation Bill, Westport Innovations, Global Leader in Natural Gas, would stand to benefit if it is passed.  Guess who is one of its top investors …that’s right- GEORGE SOROS!

There’s something not right with this Kony 2012 phenomenon.  I’m not sure exactly what it is about.  It could political, it could be for natural resources, or it could be for numerous other reasons…but one thing seems very clear to me- IT IS NOT ABOUT HELPLING THE UGANDAN PEOPLE CAPTURE KONY.

Please do your own research and don’t follow me or the masses.  I have listed a few of the resources I found related to this- there is more out there (some sites more credible than others).  

Please, please, think for yourselves and never follow a band wagon unless you know what that wagon is carrying.  

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/uganda/9131469/Joseph-Kony-2012-growing-outrage-in-Uganda-over-film.html 

http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news23081.html 

 http://www.theblaze.com/stories/is-there-more-to-the-invisible-children-story-in-uganda-than-meets-the-eye/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepard_Fairey 

http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/millions-mobilise-to-net-a-warlord-20120308-1unbe.html 

The History of Tools

Renewed hope!  

I have it.

Do you?

As I look through history I can see periods of time where God’s light seemed to have all but gone out.  Yet time and again, it has come back glowing brighter than before.

The past is here to warn us, to guide us, to teach us and to give us hope.

Throughout history man could have thought, “Well this is the end.  Revelations has come.  Might as well sit back and wait for the messiah because I can’t stop it.  It’s God’s will for the end to come.”  

I think this is one of Satan’s most crafty tricks.  He uses the Bible against us.  He wields the scriptures by distorting their truths for those who are not guarding against it.  Adam and Eve are the first examples of this type of trickery.  The armor of God and studying God’s word help to prevent this type of manipulation.  Unfortunately, many Christians today only get fed on Sunday mornings from their local preacher or worse, they only get fed at Christmas and Easter!  

This is not enough.  Knowing the bare minimum of scripture only leads to deception.  Satan uses our knowledge, and lack thereof, for his ominous purposes.  

ARE YOU GUARDING AGAINST THIS?
ARE YOU BEING A TOOL FOR GOD’S PURPOSES OR SATANS?

There is no in between.  

"He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.” Luke 11:23 NIV

While Satan is manipulating a good portion of God’s people.  God’s will is still being carried out!

Numerous Christians are proclaiming God’s messages.

History has shown that man does not know the day or hour of Christ’s return- which only verifies the scripture:  “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32 NIV

Therefore, we cannot grow indifferent in our wait.  We cannot sit back and be immobile.  Life must go on until the end. So why not make it a better world?  A brighter world for tomorrow’s generation?  

Yes, I can see the signs of the end as described throughout the Bible.  But this is not the first time in history man has seen signs of the end.  

We do not know when the end will come…we only know that God promises it will happen. 

So instead of letting Satan use these facts for his goals (to keep us inactive and unfruitful), let God use it to spur us into action- to spread His message of SALVATION!  Let us get involved in our communities, get involved in our politics and reclaim this nation as a nation founded on GOD and lead by GOD!

Questions:  What actions can you take to help change the world in a positive manner?  In what ways can you see Satan distorting the scriptures for his purposes?  Are you guarding against being a tool of the enemy? 

Guest Post-check me out

Hi everyone!

Today I am guest posting on a great blog, Dan Black on Leadership.  Please pop over and check out my post on what Qualities God says a leader of His should possess. 
http://danblackonleadership.info/2012/03/what-qualities-does-god-say-a-leader-should-possess/

If you have never visited Dan's blog before I encourage you to spend some time checking it out.  He is a great blogger with a heart to serve God.

Thanks for taking the time to pop over and read my post.  Thanks also for all your support- I really appreciate each of you.

If you are new to my site:  WELCOME, I look forward to getting to know you!

God bless you all with a great day!

Is Life RAINING on you or are you REIGNING in Life?

God has laid a few people on my heart.  They are great witnesses, doing mighty things in His name.  And like all people, they get tired, grow weary, have doubts and wrestle with the enemy in many forms and fashions. 

Last night, as I listened to an amazing message at church, God told me to write this.  He told me His people needed to hear this message-not just the few on my heart.  So here it is- Gods word for YOU (either personally or for you to share with someone who needs a breakthrough)!

God is the same God today as he was in the Bible.  He still wants to use His people in mighty ways to proclaim His glory, majesty, power and love.  However, many of us today put limits on God.  Not intentionally, but we do.  We seem to think the parting of the Red Sea was a onetime occurrence and not realize the only thing limiting Gods impressive works is us.  

Genesis Chapter 38 tells the birth of Tamar’s twins.   As the first babyvstarted to come out, the midwife puts a string on the baby so everyone will know who the first born is, but that baby had other ideas.  You see that baby wasn’t ready to come out.  It felt safe and secure in mommy’s belly- the world was scary and uncomfortable, so that baby withdrew back to his comfort zone.  The Brother however was ready to break out and start living!  He didn’t care that he was going into the unknown; all he knew was that life as he knew it was over and he had to move on.  And so Perez was born- “As he pulled back his hand, his brother was born. So she said, "Is this how you burst into the world!" He was named Perez [Bursting Into].” GWT

Let’s relate this to today.  Are you a Christian who is bound by their comfort zones?  Are you scared to break out into the unknown?  Are you hesitant to follow God into unchartered territory?  Does being uncomfortable make you nervous?  

If so, you are being the second baby and you are forfeiting your birthright.  I’m not saying you are losing your salvation, what I am saying is that you are not living in the fullness of life God has intended for you.  

God has ordained your steps.  He is the maker of the universe!  He is the great I AM!  There is nothing you will face that He isn’t already aware of, nothing He is not capable to breaking through, nothing He is scared of or can’t accomplish.  

“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.” Psalms 139:16 NLT

Now let’s read a few more scriptures about breaking through or bursting out.

"I will surely gather all of you, O Jacob; I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel. I will bring them together like sheep in a pen, like a flock in its pasture; the place will throng with people.  One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate and go out. Their king will pass through before them, the LORD at their head." Micah 2:12-13 NIV

Did you catch that?  God is the one who is breaking open the way and going before.  All we have to do is trust him and follow.  We can’t say we “Lord use me” and not be willing to move.  We can’t say, “Lord send me” and not expect some discomfort.  We can’t desire to grow spiritually yet resist his prompts to move into the unknown, where life is uncertain and a bit uncomfortable.  

So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. "The LORD did it!" David exclaimed. "He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!" So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means "the Lord who bursts through"). NLT

Here we see David giving God the credit.  God broke through the enemy lines- the victory belonged to God and David knew that.  David simply followed through with God’s plan.  

The same God who burst through numerous obstacles in the Bible is still able to do that today. 

But that requires willing servants not bound by fear, traditions, insecurities, possessions, wealth, status, offenses, pride and any other thing or ideology we place above God- intentionally or not.  

Ask yourself:  Are you willing to break through and feel some discomfort, knowing God is going before you and doing the hard work?  Or are you going to let someone else be the forerunner in the Kingdom of God?

Remember, Revelation says God dislikes luke warm Christians.  You are either moving forward or you’re not moving. Your either bearing fruit or you’re not.  Remember also how upset Jesus was when He saw a tree that appeared to have life, but didn’t produce fruit.  Do you have an appearance of life?  Or are you living?

You can’t put limits on serving God.

It’s an oxymoron, this life God has called us to.  But it is true; we can’t find true satisfaction and joy in our walks with Christ if we are unwilling to walk in the breakthrough power of His Anointing.  

Pray for His breakthrough Anointing, let go of whatever is holding you back, take that step of faith and watch as God uses you in ways you never dreamed possible.  The road will be bumpy, but it will be worth it. 

Watch as He bursts through any obstacle Satan puts in your path, then join David in saying, “The Lord did it!”

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

I’ll ask again:  Is Life RAINING on you or are you REIGNING in Life? 

The Hope Light Brings

I recently posted a blog on the gangrene eating at our nation, http://tcavey.blogspot.com/2012/03/smell-of-indifference.html   

While that was a nasty and really gross topic, it had to be said.  The truth must be heard!  Ignoring problems will not make them go away.

But truth doesn’t always have to be bad.

In fact, I have a renewed hope springing inside that our country is not lost.  

Satan wants us to feel that it is lost, to give up, to not fight.  Satan wants us to be indifferent.  He also wants us to believe the lie that we can’t change the world.  

He is partially correct, we can’t change the world…but we can influence our part of the world.

God has placed you and me strategically where we are.  You and I are “little Christ” to those around us.  The term Christian means “Christ like”.  So we need to live like Christ to those around us and then watch the change HE can make in this world.

 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:14-16 NIV

He is the light inside of us. All we have to do is allow Him to shine!  He will do the work, if we are a willing vessel.

I said I have renewed hope.

That is because as I look around this world, I don’t see only the bad.  

I see God’s people shining their lights!  

I read blog after blog of Christians proclaiming God’s messages of hope, peace, restoration, love, forgiveness and power!

I hear testimony after testimony of what God is doing in countless lives around the globe!

I witness God working in my own life and the lives around me!

GOD IS NOT DEAD- HE IS ALIVE AND WORKING!

He is the Great I AM! 

Are you allowing Him to work in and through you? If not, why?

The Smell of Indifference

Gangrene.  

Working in the hospital I saw people infected with this potentially deadly condition.  But before I saw it, I often smelled it.  

The death of tissues does not look pretty and it certainly doesn’t smell like roses.  Ask anyone who has worked with, lived with or loved someone who has suffered from this odorous malady and they will tell you it is not appealing. 

I contend that indifference is a form of gangrene eating at our nation’s citizens.  It’s not hard to spot if you simply open your eyes to see or take a deep breath of the toxic air called tolerance that is polluting our society.  

Gangrene.  Nasty stuff.  

But here’s the thing…it doesn’t have to be deadly!

Curing gangrene takes aggressive treatment.  Depending on the extent of damage, treatment can involve debridement, antibiotics, vascular surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and possibly even amputation.  Death of the individual does not have to occur.  But it takes awareness of the situation.  One cannot ignore the problem or hope for the best.  

Trust me, I have seen people who have tried those methods and it hasn’t ended well.

So how does America treat the gangrene epidemic eating at her tissues?  

I purpose it will take a Variety of treatments…but it all begins with acknowledging the countless forms of indifference in our own lives.

Watching the news, does it bother you when you hear of violence and death or does it not affect you because you feel safe?

When you hear stories of people who are swindled out of money, what emotions do you feel…or don’t you feel?

As you watch reality TV and you see people acting one step above brute beasts, what do you think?

Passing a homeless person on the street, do you even see them?

If you see a car broke down on the side of the road, do you stop to help?

When you hear of wars, bombings, beheadings and riots do you think to yourself, ‘good thing that’s not happening here’?

All these are forms of indifference.

Indifference must end!

WE MUST START CARING ABOUT OUR NEIGHBORS!

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[There is no commandment greater than these.”Mark 12:30-31

Being aware is the first step to recovery.  

More aggressive treatment will be required.  Amputations may need to be made. Pain will be felt.  But without treatment, it is certain death will come.

Questions: 

Do you agree with my diagnosis of gangrene in our country? Give examples of why you agree or disagree.    

What treatments would you recommend to help our nation heal?    

What are some examples of how we can “love our neighbor”?

 

Israel and Iran

Israel and Iran