Dr. Tiller murdered!

President Obama made this statement about Dr. George Tiller’s murder:

“However profound our differences as Americans over difficult issues such as abortion, they cannot be resolved by heinous acts of violence.”

I completely agree. Sunday’s event of Dr. Tiller’s murder is truly tragic. If you disagree with someone, murder is not the answer to that debate. If that was the case than everyone would be killed. Peaceful protests, passionate debate and respect for an individual’s life are critical elements when dealing with those that disagree with your convictions, standards and preferences.

Dr. George Tiller was passing out church bulletins yesterday when Scott Roeder entered the Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. He would shoot and kill Dr. Tiller then wave the gun at a least two persons before fleeing the screen. Later, he would be arrested.

As I have said before, this is tragic. I did not agree with what Dr. Tiller did, but I would never want someone to be killed. Dr. Tiller was one of the last three doctors in America that would perform late-term abortions and because of that he was a target for a lot of threats and criticism. You can disagree with an individual without being violent. But today we have witnessed the “heinous acts of violence” by an individual.

May justice be brought to be pass.

GED at 91

Beulah Wills has done it. She has demonstrated to the world that no matter your age, learning and accomplishment is very much a possibility. About a year ago, 91 year- old Beulah Wills decided to get her GED. She had dropped out of school to work in order to help her family through the Great Depression.

Today, we have young people that’s dropping out of school, because they don’t like it. And sadly enough, those young people don’t go on to earn their GEDs. Beulah Wills is a role model to us all in that learning never stops – it’s a life long process.

WVVA reports:

Poor eyesight and hearing made it difficult for Beulah but she just worked that much harder.

Math was a challenge she enjoyed.

The phrase, “worked that much harder”, is very astounding. So many times we hear people get fussy, because they have to work harder to accomplish something. Here is a woman that had a determinate mind and passionate heart to achieve something that meant the world to her.

Read what her daughter, Wilson, said:

“It’s wonderful to have a mother that is 91 years old and wants to do something like this and just kept with it until she did finish it because it’s been a lifelong dream of hers ever since she quit school.”

Congratulations to Ms. Beulah Wills. May many follow your example today and know the joy of such an accomplishment.

“Laodicean”

Scripps National Spelling Bee has a new champion and her name is Kavya Shivashankar. She is 13 and from the state of Kansas. The word that she spelled to win is what I find the most interesting. “Laodicean”, is a word that is rare to hear and a word that is hard to spell. I commend this young person for winning the competition, but also for spelling such a tough word.

That word is one that evokes to Christians a very strong warning. The Bible records, “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; …” (Rev. 3:14) So we read that there is a place called Laodicea and there is a church there that receives a direct letter from God. With that, God lays out His knowledge of the church there and what He wants, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” (Rev. 3:15) God wants His “church of the Laodiceans” to pick a degree – either on fire for Him or just plain cold.

The tone gets even stronger in the next verse, “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:16) God is very blunt to the church – “You’re lukewarm and it makes me SICK! And sick to the point of vomiting!”

“Laodicean”, is not such a word in a competition of spelling, but a word that ought to awaken the Christian’s heart and walk. It is a word that ought cause Christians to examine their hearts and evaluate their relationship with God. That word means more than any definition that could be assigned to it. It is a word of warning and wooing.

The ultimate question than to the Christian is – What’s it going to be: Hot or Cold? Because Lukewarm is not option.

Married for 81 years

In today’s world finding couples that have been married 50 years is very rare. One of the reasons for that is because couples break their marriage vows. They have a fight and then they are ready to throw in the towel. They say that they have fallen out of love and then they proceed to divorce court. They cite so many reasons for not staying together so instead of fighting for their marriage, they simply seek to end it.

Its always refreshing to read about a couple’s long marriage. That is what Hannah Fletcher writes about in The Times [London]:

“Frank and Anita Milford, aged 101 and 100 respectively, celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary yesterday. The couple married in 1928 after meeting at a YMCA dance in Plymouth, where they still live. In eight months’ time, they will beat the record of 81 years and 260 days for the longest British marriage.”

After 81 years together, they have some tried and true advise for married couples:

“They say that they still have daily squabbles. “Not big rows, just the odd cross word,” Mrs Milford said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s healthy.”

However, as well as a little argument, “a little romance” is also essential. “It’s our golden rule,” Mrs Milford said. “Couples these days don’t last long because they often don’t take enough time for each other. There isn’t enough respect — love is about give and take. Our advice to young couples would be to make time for a little romance every day.””

Mr. Frank Milford lays out advise for the husbands, “to win over your sweetheart you need a dose of old-fashioned chivalry and don’t let your standards slip.”

Congratulations to The Milfords. And congratulations to all the couples that have made it through the storms and the years. Keep persevering!

Same-Sex Marriage and Proposition 8

Proposition 8 will in the news today, as the Supreme Court of California makes their decision upon it being a “valid amendment to the California Constitution.” In November the people of California voted 52% to 48% in favor of defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. The sticky situation that the High Court of California also is facing is to answer the question: what about the 18,000 same-sex marriages that have been performed in the state from May 2008 to November 2008?

The Los Angles Times is reporting:

“But even before the court acts, gay rights activists — braced for defeat — are preparing to use the occasion to jump-start the next political campaign for gay marriage, which could come in 2010. They are planning news conferences, vigils and marches from South Los Angeles to the Oregon border. That’s because legal experts predict that the justices will uphold the proposition. “

With that statement in mind, opponents to Proposition 8 are already expecting defeat, but will not allow the defeat to deter them. They have determined to follow what Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had suggested back in November, that they should keep fighting until they have succeeded. That spokes volumes about their will to win and passion to see their state follow step with Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine.

This ought to be troubling for Christians, not because same-sex marriage advocates will continue to fight. But because far too often when victory is awarded to our convictions, we stop fighting and then our convictions are shown to the door. Now is high time for the church to not just speak up, but to stand strong so that we defend the sanctity of traditional marriage.

Whether Proposition 8 is upheld or overturned, one thing is for certainty: The fight for traditional marriage is far from over. The Church must stand strong, never wavering from her convictions that marriage is an institution ordained by God to be between a man and a woman. But she must be seeking the face of God with all her heart because victory will only be accomplished through Him!

Happy Memorial Day!

“I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and com­rades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, “of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion.” What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.
If other eyes grow dull and other hinds slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.
Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation’s gratitude—the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.
II. It is the purpose of the Commander-in-Chief to inaugurate this observ­ance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.
III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.
By Command of:
John A. Logan
Commander in Chief
May 5, 1868”

Today, we remember those that have given their lives for our country. At 3:00 p.m, there is a moment of remembrance – where we silence our lives to think about our countrymen‘s sacrifice, courage and service.

Because of their service, we enjoy the power of freedom. Enjoy your picnics and times with family and friends. But don’t forget the true meaning of today.

Happy Memorial Day!
_____________________________________________________
Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Christians and “American Idol”

Last night, the fans of “American Idol” were shocked as Kris Allen beat Adam Lambert to become the 2009 “American Idol” winner. As you have probably seen reruns, the reaction on Kris’ face, showed us that he himself was shocked as well. I will be brutally honest here and say that I have no opinion, because I am not an “American Idol” viewer. My opinion in this blog has to do with the interest of people in the Christian vote of “American Idol”.

I actually heard, read and saw people discuss the topic that the Christian vote will prevent Adam Lambert from winning the competition, because they are homophobes. But I have yet to find somewhere that says that he actually has said that. My problem is that this line of thinking that the Christians prevented him from winning due to what some call homophobia is absolutely foolish.

And here is why I think that:

Christians I am sure where not sitting at home thinking to themselves – here is a way that we can stick to the gay community. This is a competition that is based solely upon people voting in a short time frame. Kris and Adam performed and then the voting time frame began. When it was closed, it was closed. I heard that over 100 millions votes were cast, to that I say, “WOW”! I never heard that churches were having “American Idol Fellowships” where they gathered together for the purpose of sending vote after vote after vote for Kris over Adam. But some would have you think that.

There were some Christians that I guarantee you voted for Adam, because he was a great singer, entertainer and all around talented person. He was as one put it, “made for the stage”. Christians, here were not voting on someone’s policy or personality. They were voting like, all of America, on the individual’s talent, ability and performance.

Also, there were many Christians who I am sure were just like me – They just didn’t care. I never watched a minute of “American Idol” this year (I am more of a “Celebrity Apprentice” fan). So to say that the Christians are the ones to blame for Adam’s lose last night is like walking into a cell phone store to blame Christians for the reason that your cell phone broke.

Its foolish!

Friends

Today, we have MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. MySpace and Facebook connect friends and Twitter allows you to follow your friends in a real-time fashion. The whole concept of these social networking sites is to connect friends.

The Bible talks about friends and friendships. Abraham is called the friend of God. Jesus calls His followers and all those that obey His commands, friends. We read about the deep and true friendship of Jonathan and David that will put all of today’s friendships to shame.

The writer of Proverbs provides us with a great verse on the subject of friendship in chapter 18 and verse 24. He writes, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” This verse is clear that to have friends, first of all, you have to be friendly. I have never meet someone that its rude and unfriendly to be bragging about all the friends that they have. But truth be told, they have none or they have very little.

A thought of caution is in order here too. One must choose those friends wisely. Its never wise to keep friendship with someone that will bring you down, create grief within your life and cause so many problems that it will drain the very life out of you. A great biblical example of that is in Second Samuel, where we are told that “Amnon had a friend” (2 Sam. 13:3). Amnon’s friend was Jonadab and he was a bad friend. He advised Amnon to come up with a plan to slept with Tamar. Tamar was a virgin and according to Scripture, that was the reason that Amnon was deeply in love with her. Upon, the advise of his friend Jonadab, Amnon faked a sickness so that he could be alone with Tamar. Once that was accomplished, events happened and Amnon raped Tamar. Tamar was completely devastated. As a result of heeding to ungodly advice given by an ungodly friend, Amnon, Tamar and many others were injured spiritually, physically and emotionally. Choosing friends is a very serious exercise.

There is good news though. You can choose the best friend in all the world, because He has chosen you! That best friend is Jesus. In John 15, we are told by Jesus that we are His friends, because “for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (John 15:15) The greatest evidence of the fact that Jesus is the best friend that you can ever have is found in His death. He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

I am grateful to have the best friend in all the world. I have the best example to follow. I wonder do you?

Bibles in School – Parents MAD!

FOXNews.com is reporting that parents in a Texas School Distinct are mad over the Gideons being allowed to give Bibles to their children at school. The Gideons had been passing out Bibles in the area for sometime, but never inside the school. They were doing it outside of the schools, so this was the administrators way of stopping them from “proselytizing outside the schools.”

The Gideons never created a problem within the schools as they were placing Bibles on the tables within the classrooms. The trouble starting with the parents saying that its wrong for religion to be pushed upon their children. They argue that they send their children to a public school to prevent them from having religion pushed up them.

So here is how I see it. Religion, for one, was never pushed upon any of the children there within the schools. If that had been the case, I am sure that some of the children would have been happy to tell that story or discuss it with any reporters. Therefore that tells me a lot about how the administrators, the children and the Gideons handled the whole situation.

Secondly, schools in America, believe it or not, at one point in time were places of just not academic education, but also spiritual education. Children learned the Bible! Now, it seems that every religion and thought process is welcomed into our schools, except the very one that actually is proven, accurate and complete.

Lastly, Christianity in general and the Gospel in particular is the only message that can truly satisfy science, math, language, history and the problem of evil. The Gospel tells of a merciful, creator God that loved sinful man so much that He sent Jesus Christ, His Son, to die for their sins so that sinful man would be made righteous and given the assurance that they would live forever with Him in Heaven.

Maybe that is why the parents were mad. The Gospel to those that are perishing is foolishness and offensive, but to those that know Jesus and His salvation – its life, peace, assurance and wisdom!

President Obama at Notre Dame

President Obama faced protest and applause as he visited the Notre Dame campus this weekend. That is not surprising since President Obama supports abortion and the Catholic Church is passionately opposed to it. So that is why all the interest and intrigue surrounding his visit and their actions

President Obama took some sections of his speech to address the issue of abortion, but frankly didn’t confront or deal with it. He simply just talked about talking about it. He called people to have “open hearts”, “open minds” and use “fair-minded words”. He also told us to be nice in our debate and not to be mean spirited to point of vilifying the opponent.

I found that section of his speech to be worthless. He basically told the pro-life community to stop calling it murder and we all know that its bad, but not that bad. This is an issue and topic that will not go away. We should have open hearts to those that have experienced abortion’s tragedy. Heaven today is populated by unborn babies that were murdered because that babies’ parent didn’t want them. That Mr. President doesn’t create within me an open heart, but a broken heart.

He never talked about abortion‘s specific events. He just told us how we should talk about it. I support a civil discourse about it, but I will never support this act. As a result, the church must step up to the plate and be pro-active to present alternatives. We must be civil, but not cowards. We must be compassionate, but not accepting to this act. We are called to be a people of life