Alright, I recently gave Obama a pass on the deferential bow to the Japanese Prime Minister. However, this greeting, or non-greeting, with the Russians is worth showing because it demonstrates that Obama's supposedly superior way of engaging with our international "allies" is not only a pathetic attempt at some sort of "kum-ba-yah, let's all get along" policy but demonstrates that other world powers don't respect weakness. Keep in mind, this is took place in July. In September, Obama decided not to pursue the building of a missie defense system in eastern Europe which was intended to protect our troops stationed there in addition to our European allies.
Apparently, the Russians were upset that the accompanying satellite technology could be used to spy on them. This was most likely the reason for the proverbial cold shoulder. Obama's public excuse was that Iran is pursuing shorter-range missiles rather than longer-range so the threat is not as great to Europe as originally believed. The real reason is probably closer to Obama wanting to be liked by everyone. Quick tip for you Mr. President...appeasement is not a wise foreign policy. (See Bill Clinton and North Korea if you need one example of many.)
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Good Teaching Last Night
On equating the people's response to Jesus feeding the 5000+ to the Prosperity Gospel. John 6:14 - "After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, 'Surely this is the Prophet (see Deuteronomy 18:15) who is to come into the world'. Fast forward to the end of the chapter and many of his disciples are leaving Him (not the 12) seemingly in part because the miracles have subsided temporarily and His teaching is either too hard or making them uncomfortable.
At the core of every version of the prosperity gospel is this: "It leaves people unchanged in their old appetites and then provides Jesus to meet them". Are your existing appetites the same now as they were before you came to Jesus and He is just useful now? Better business, better marriage, better house, better kids, better everything I wanted before? Then you don't know Him. He didn't come to serve your unregenerate appetites. He came to give you NEW appetites. That is the meaning of being born again. Prosperity Gospel thinking is the kind of acclimation Jesus walks away from. Jesus did not come to give bread...He came to BE bread. He does not want to give you sources of life...He wants to BE your source of life.
This fits in really well with the book we are discussing in care group - "The Myth of a Christian Religion" by Gregory Boyd. Each chapter covers some issue with which the Christian "church" has stumbled over in its search for a source of life - judgment, individualism, idolatry, religion, nationalism, etc. These can all seem good and right to our own version of Jesus but have little or nothing to do with the true Kingdom of God. Likewise, the people of Jesus' day were right in calling him Prophet and King but they just didn't know exactly what kind of prophet He truly was and what kingdom He truly ruled over. Here are some passages from the last few chapters of that book that I have found to be thought provoking:
"Judgment is the foundational sin in the Bible because it prevents us from obeying the foundational command in the Bible, which is to love others the way God loves us."
"In fact, real love, as defined by Jesus, is about expressing the unsurpassable worth of another by being willing to sacrifice everything for them."
"While the holiness of Jesus ascribed unsurpassable worth to people, the "holiness" of the Pharisees detracted worth from people as they ascribed worth to themselves."
"If Life can only be received from God for free, then all the other ways religious people try to find God's Life are worthless."
"Welcome to McChurch, where you get served up a Gospel tailor-made to suit your personal tastes and needs and that never confronts you or causes you any discomfort."
Lord...may I see you and know you for who you truly are and may that be enough for me.
At the core of every version of the prosperity gospel is this: "It leaves people unchanged in their old appetites and then provides Jesus to meet them". Are your existing appetites the same now as they were before you came to Jesus and He is just useful now? Better business, better marriage, better house, better kids, better everything I wanted before? Then you don't know Him. He didn't come to serve your unregenerate appetites. He came to give you NEW appetites. That is the meaning of being born again. Prosperity Gospel thinking is the kind of acclimation Jesus walks away from. Jesus did not come to give bread...He came to BE bread. He does not want to give you sources of life...He wants to BE your source of life.
This fits in really well with the book we are discussing in care group - "The Myth of a Christian Religion" by Gregory Boyd. Each chapter covers some issue with which the Christian "church" has stumbled over in its search for a source of life - judgment, individualism, idolatry, religion, nationalism, etc. These can all seem good and right to our own version of Jesus but have little or nothing to do with the true Kingdom of God. Likewise, the people of Jesus' day were right in calling him Prophet and King but they just didn't know exactly what kind of prophet He truly was and what kingdom He truly ruled over. Here are some passages from the last few chapters of that book that I have found to be thought provoking:
"Judgment is the foundational sin in the Bible because it prevents us from obeying the foundational command in the Bible, which is to love others the way God loves us."
"In fact, real love, as defined by Jesus, is about expressing the unsurpassable worth of another by being willing to sacrifice everything for them."
"While the holiness of Jesus ascribed unsurpassable worth to people, the "holiness" of the Pharisees detracted worth from people as they ascribed worth to themselves."
"If Life can only be received from God for free, then all the other ways religious people try to find God's Life are worthless."
"Welcome to McChurch, where you get served up a Gospel tailor-made to suit your personal tastes and needs and that never confronts you or causes you any discomfort."
Lord...may I see you and know you for who you truly are and may that be enough for me.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday Randomness
So Oprah is making news about ending her show after next year. She said that the decision required a lot of thought and prayer. My question is...who is she praying to?
I think the far-right guys need to shut up over Obama bowing to the Japanese Prime Minister or Emperor or whatever he is. Being deferential and respectful on a global stage does not weaken America. Move on to something more substantial. You have enough to pick from.
This week the White House Office of Management and Budget announced that for fiscal year 2009, which just ended October 1st, the US government wasted $98 billion on "improper payments." That's their euphemism for money flushed down the toilet due to fraud, misdirected reimbursements, duplicate payments or money that was simply lost. That is 36% MORE than 2008. Remember, this is a president, who during the campaign, promised the US taxpayer greater transparency and accountability on every dollar spent. That is your money...gone. No answers, no apologies...and now they want a much bigger slice of the health care industry and carbon emission regulation and the automotive industry and the banking industry and on and on and on. It may simply be too late to get the horse back in the barn.
Global warming continues to be toward the top of Obama's agenda as he is mentioning it in the same breath with national security when he goes overseas. I read the following from the Gartman Letter and will retype it here as it echoes my thoughts on the matter:
On the arch-conservative but illogical nature of the global warm-ers: We have never hidden our antipathy toward those who believe in global warming, for we find their thesis illogical at worst, poorly based on ill-advised facts, and anti-progress. As we said last week, and as we have said for years, however, we do indeed believe in global climate change. The climate always changes. The world is malleable and its climate has always changed...radically...and it will continue to change into the future. Man's "imposition" on that change is minimal at best, made all but insignificant when compared to the effects of the sun, gravity, ocean drifts, tectonic plate shifts, et al.
However, what really bothers us are the egregious economic consequences of the demands being made by the likes of Al Gore and other global warming alarmists. The damage they shall wreak upon the US...and the global economy...is shocking, and none of it is good. According to the American Enterprise Institute, as reported in Newsweek magazine this week in George Will's column, the Waxman-Markey "global warming" legislation, the goal
is just slightly more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse-gas emissions in 2050. The last time this nation had that small an amount was 1910, when there were only 92 million Americans, 328 million fewer than the 420 million projected for 2050. To meet the 83% reduction target in a nation of 420 million, per capita carbon-dioxide emissions would have to be no more than 2.4 tons per person, which is one quarter the per capital emissions of 1910, a level probably last when the population was 45 million - in 1875.
Forcing the US to accept such nonsense is the very worst of the Luddite-like, anti-business posture of the Left. It is reactionary to the highest degree imaginable, and it is what we call the illogical arch-conservatism of the eco-Left that must be stopped before the very real damage can and will be done to the US and the global economy. What do these people smoke? And how often?
I think the far-right guys need to shut up over Obama bowing to the Japanese Prime Minister or Emperor or whatever he is. Being deferential and respectful on a global stage does not weaken America. Move on to something more substantial. You have enough to pick from.
This week the White House Office of Management and Budget announced that for fiscal year 2009, which just ended October 1st, the US government wasted $98 billion on "improper payments." That's their euphemism for money flushed down the toilet due to fraud, misdirected reimbursements, duplicate payments or money that was simply lost. That is 36% MORE than 2008. Remember, this is a president, who during the campaign, promised the US taxpayer greater transparency and accountability on every dollar spent. That is your money...gone. No answers, no apologies...and now they want a much bigger slice of the health care industry and carbon emission regulation and the automotive industry and the banking industry and on and on and on. It may simply be too late to get the horse back in the barn.
Global warming continues to be toward the top of Obama's agenda as he is mentioning it in the same breath with national security when he goes overseas. I read the following from the Gartman Letter and will retype it here as it echoes my thoughts on the matter:
On the arch-conservative but illogical nature of the global warm-ers: We have never hidden our antipathy toward those who believe in global warming, for we find their thesis illogical at worst, poorly based on ill-advised facts, and anti-progress. As we said last week, and as we have said for years, however, we do indeed believe in global climate change. The climate always changes. The world is malleable and its climate has always changed...radically...and it will continue to change into the future. Man's "imposition" on that change is minimal at best, made all but insignificant when compared to the effects of the sun, gravity, ocean drifts, tectonic plate shifts, et al.
However, what really bothers us are the egregious economic consequences of the demands being made by the likes of Al Gore and other global warming alarmists. The damage they shall wreak upon the US...and the global economy...is shocking, and none of it is good. According to the American Enterprise Institute, as reported in Newsweek magazine this week in George Will's column, the Waxman-Markey "global warming" legislation, the goal
is just slightly more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse-gas emissions in 2050. The last time this nation had that small an amount was 1910, when there were only 92 million Americans, 328 million fewer than the 420 million projected for 2050. To meet the 83% reduction target in a nation of 420 million, per capita carbon-dioxide emissions would have to be no more than 2.4 tons per person, which is one quarter the per capital emissions of 1910, a level probably last when the population was 45 million - in 1875.
Forcing the US to accept such nonsense is the very worst of the Luddite-like, anti-business posture of the Left. It is reactionary to the highest degree imaginable, and it is what we call the illogical arch-conservatism of the eco-Left that must be stopped before the very real damage can and will be done to the US and the global economy. What do these people smoke? And how often?
Mark Driscoll on Religions
I felt led to post these videos here...partially for me to have them in one place and partially so others may see and use them. When I witness to someone it is always good to first know their belief system, their worldview, what kind of prism they use to understand everything around them. I think these videos will help give me a solid starting point no matter who I am speaking with.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
In case you are scoring at home...
I don't have the time nor the energy to keep up with every detail of the ongoing health care debate and the legislation that just passed the House by a measly 5 votes. But every once in awhile I read something that is succinct and is a good talking point if you find yourself in a discussion with someone who actually thinks this is a good idea for America.
Today's fact of the day on the recently passed health care bill, H.R. 3962 is don't have insurance? Pay a fine or go directly to jail. Under the House legislation "Americans who do not maintain acceptable health insurance coverage and who choose not to pay the bill's new individual mandate tax (generally 2.5% of income), are subject to numerous civil and criminal penalties, including criminal fines of up to $250,000 and imprisonment of up to five years." This is according to the non-partisan Congressional Joint Tax Committee, which also defines the penalties as a "tax." This applies to all American citizens, thus further breaking the President's promise of "[u]nder my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase." Additionally businesses could be fined up to 8 percent of their payroll if they fail to comply with the government mandate. There are also further penalties, or taxes, for underpayment or for "taking a frivolous position" on the government mandate.
Today's fact of the day on the recently passed health care bill, H.R. 3962 is don't have insurance? Pay a fine or go directly to jail. Under the House legislation "Americans who do not maintain acceptable health insurance coverage and who choose not to pay the bill's new individual mandate tax (generally 2.5% of income), are subject to numerous civil and criminal penalties, including criminal fines of up to $250,000 and imprisonment of up to five years." This is according to the non-partisan Congressional Joint Tax Committee, which also defines the penalties as a "tax." This applies to all American citizens, thus further breaking the President's promise of "[u]nder my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase." Additionally businesses could be fined up to 8 percent of their payroll if they fail to comply with the government mandate. There are also further penalties, or taxes, for underpayment or for "taking a frivolous position" on the government mandate.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Right Side of History
When people warned of Obama's desire to FUNDAMENTALLY change America, this is a key example of what they are talking about. His primary goal is not to fix this country's problems but rather to overhaul the principles that made this nation great. I believe he has two main purposes in doing so:
1) To impose on the American people his idea of fairness, which was most likely instilled/fostered during his 20 years in Reverend Wright's social liberal theology "church".
2) To aggregate and concentrate more power in Washington so he, and those on his side, can better implement purpose #1 while also being better able to control and dismiss those who oppose his agenda.
Notice that neither of those purposes have anything to do with making this country better. In fact, #2 all by itself will make certain that the forward progress of our nation will cease.
1) To impose on the American people his idea of fairness, which was most likely instilled/fostered during his 20 years in Reverend Wright's social liberal theology "church".
2) To aggregate and concentrate more power in Washington so he, and those on his side, can better implement purpose #1 while also being better able to control and dismiss those who oppose his agenda.
Notice that neither of those purposes have anything to do with making this country better. In fact, #2 all by itself will make certain that the forward progress of our nation will cease.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
One Heart at a Time
Planned Parenthood has been a part of Abby Johnson's life for the past eight years; that is until last month, when Abby resigned. Johnson said she realized she wanted to leave, after watching an ultrasound of an abortion procedure.
"I just thought I can't do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that's it," said Jonhson.
She handed in her resignation October 6. Johnson worked as the Bryan Planned Parenthood Director for two years.
According to Johnson, the non-profit was struggling under the weight of a tough economy, and changing it's business model from one that pushed prevention, to one that focused on abortion.
"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that," said Johnson.
Johnson said she was told to bring in more women who wanted abortions, something the Episcopalian church goer recently became convicted about.
"I feel so pure in heart (since leaving). I don't have this guilt, I don't have this burden on me anymore that's how I know this conversion was a spiritual conversion."
Johnson now supports the Coalition For Life, the pro-life group with a building down the street from Planned Parenthood. Coalition volunteers can regularly be seen praying on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood. Johnson has been meeting with the coalition's executive director, Shawn Carney, and has prayed with volunteers outside Planned Parenthood.
On Friday both Johnson and the Coalition For Life were issued temporary restraining orders filed by Planned Parenthood.
Rochelle Tafolla, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson issued the following statement: "We regret being forced to turn to the courts to protect the safety and confidentiality of our clients and staff, however, in this instance it is absolutely necessary."
The temporary restraining order contends that Planned Parenthood would be irreparably harmed by the disclosure of certain information, but does not bar Johnson or Coalition For Life volunteers from the premises.
As of Sunday evening, neither Johnson nor Carney had seen the complaint filed against them that prompted the restraining order.
A hearing about the order has been set for November 10.
"I just thought I can't do this anymore, and it was just like a flash that hit me and I thought that's it," said Jonhson.
She handed in her resignation October 6. Johnson worked as the Bryan Planned Parenthood Director for two years.
According to Johnson, the non-profit was struggling under the weight of a tough economy, and changing it's business model from one that pushed prevention, to one that focused on abortion.
"It seemed like maybe that's not what a lot of people were believing any more because that's not where the money was. The money wasn't in family planning, the money wasn't in prevention, the money was in abortion and so I had a problem with that," said Johnson.
Johnson said she was told to bring in more women who wanted abortions, something the Episcopalian church goer recently became convicted about.
"I feel so pure in heart (since leaving). I don't have this guilt, I don't have this burden on me anymore that's how I know this conversion was a spiritual conversion."
Johnson now supports the Coalition For Life, the pro-life group with a building down the street from Planned Parenthood. Coalition volunteers can regularly be seen praying on the sidewalk in front of Planned Parenthood. Johnson has been meeting with the coalition's executive director, Shawn Carney, and has prayed with volunteers outside Planned Parenthood.
On Friday both Johnson and the Coalition For Life were issued temporary restraining orders filed by Planned Parenthood.
Rochelle Tafolla, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson issued the following statement: "We regret being forced to turn to the courts to protect the safety and confidentiality of our clients and staff, however, in this instance it is absolutely necessary."
The temporary restraining order contends that Planned Parenthood would be irreparably harmed by the disclosure of certain information, but does not bar Johnson or Coalition For Life volunteers from the premises.
As of Sunday evening, neither Johnson nor Carney had seen the complaint filed against them that prompted the restraining order.
A hearing about the order has been set for November 10.
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