Their Own Private Apocalypse

imho »

Tue May 20, 2008 8:35 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

If all the people felt the way the junta feels, I might agree with smbga. But the people are suffering and dying, and the junta literally holds their lives in their hands. We cannot just let them perish. These are living, breathing, valuable, precious human beings. We must persist until the help they need gets to them. To simply throw up our hands and walk away makes us no better than the junta.

Calif. Court Says 'Yes' to Gay 'Marriage'

imho »

Thu May 15, 2008 10:36 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

Well, I can't say I'm surprised by this ruling. While I believe that the best way to live the lives we are given is by God's Word, I understand that not everyone shares that opinion. It really is only a matter of time until marriage worldwide is defined as a partnership between individuals who "love" each other, regardless of gender, and possibly even number and species.

In the meantime and beyond, we must pray for all, for all are precious to God. We must live exemplary lives, so that we shine like stars in the universe and hopefully attract people to Christ. We must not be hateful or spiteful when rulings like these are handed down. They are simply reminders and opportunities to get on our knees, thank God for His mercy and pray, pray, pray.

God bless.

The Civil Union Chickens Have Come Home to Roost

imho »

Mon May 12, 2008 11:31 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 2

Allowing the states to individually define marriage is asinine. That leaders and lawmakers ever thought it was a clever idea astounds me. No wonder America is in such a mess, if our great "thinkers" cannot think beyond a millisecond in time. OF COURSE state-by-state marriage laws would cause nightmares of red tape! How could they not have seen that? It shows how well the prince of this world has been working to literally blind people.

In reponse to jar1961 - I agree that we get the government we deserve, and I also agree that more strong Christians need to stand up. The problem is that many so-called Christians don't know what they believe! They don't study the Word, and they are being fed heresy and lies by their leaders. It is so incredibly discouraging to see so many splinter groups of Christianity fighting against one another. Jesus prayed for our unity, but we cannot be unified until we remove the lies.

May God protect the heart of precious Isabella, and may His will be done in her life.

Abstinence at Harvard

imho »

Tue Apr 29, 2008 12:35 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

charmlle, you said, "I pray to God that something like this happens on my campus, at the University of Houston." Start your own group! I'm sure you would find a LOT of like-minded people who are just hoping and praying for such a group! Start at the True Love Revolution website, and take it from there. You can do it!

Oprah's 'Church' Video Draws Over 5 Million to YouTube

imho »

Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:31 am Agree: 19   Disagree: 1

John 1:12 - "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God..."

We are all created by God, but until we receive Jesus as our Saviour, we cannot call ourselves children of God.

Oprah's 'Church' Video Draws Over 5 Million to YouTube

imho »

Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:42 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

Oprah's "teachings" are no surprise. She has been getting all gooey over New Age philosophies for years. Now she is showing her full hand, but there have been warning signs all along. I think it's really sad that an intelligent woman such has herself has been duped by the world in such a way, but we all have our blind spots. We need to pray for her, that the God of heaven and earth will open her eyes and reveal the true Jesus to her.

Christian TV Host 'Comes Out,' Gets Support from Churchgoers

imho »

Wed Apr 23, 2008 10:34 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

Looks like this fellow thinks he can have two masters...

Football Coach's Prayer with Students Ruled Unconstitutional

imho »

Mon Apr 21, 2008 9:29 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

Wow. I'm so glad I live in a country where I can choose to send my children to an affordable Christian school. Just today the school nurse prayed with my daughter, who felt quite unwell, asking Jesus for His help. It would be really sad not to have that, as prayer is such an important part of our family life.

When I was growing up, I remember the football teams having prayer time - it was just a given that the coach would pray briefly before the game. The players didn't need to be told that they could think about something else if they weren't keen to pray - they just did. Praying teammates prayed silently, non-praying teammates thought of the upcoming game. No big deal. Things have certainly changed and become much more hostile for the followers of Jesus when the coach isn't even allowed to bow his head! It would be funny if it weren't so sadly true.

P.S. My daughter recovered, finished the school day and is just fine. Thank you God for looking after her!

Obama Suggests Jesus Christ Not the Only Way to Heaven

imho »

Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:10 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 1

Addition to previous post:

I cannot respect the critical thinking abilities of a person who claims to have put themselves into a faith wholeheartedly, but then turns around and says it's not for everyone. God is pretty clear that Christ came for everyone, and WHOEVER BELIEVES shall receive eternal life with Him. There's no getting around that.

God also tells us very clearly we are not saved by works, but by faith - in Jesus. Works are from faith - we love God and want to serve Him. We serve Him not because we think we can get something from Him, but because of who He is and a desire to show our love. Those that think they will be saved by their own works, done in their own time and out of their own desires will not see heaven.

Obama wants to be my president, but he is not displaying very clear thinking. That worries me. Either he believes Jesus is who He says He is, or he should ditch the faith. Anything less is either ignorance (which I won't tolerate in a president), hypocrisy, or arrogance (which is very dangerous for people in power, particularly).

As an aside:

People here are comparing hell with some kind of sadistic, eternal torture chamber. I hope it isn't. While I have never done an in-depth study of the concept of Hell, here's what I think of it at the moment: When I hear fire and brimstone, weeping and gnashing of teeth, I think of shame and regret. Shame can be a burning feeling which can be quite intense, and regret brings weeping and gnashing of teeth. Eternal separation from the glory of God (especially once that glory is verified) could certainly induce those emotions, and it is unlikely that one would ever truly get over them. The idea of Satan running around jabbing people with pitchforks is ludicrous and a construct of the human imagination - another ploy by Satan to get us to dismiss the idea of hell, if you ask me. Just something to think about. What are some of your concepts of Hell?

Obama Suggests Jesus Christ Not the Only Way to Heaven

imho »

Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:44 pm Agree: 9   Disagree: 3

Finally, he has run his true colors up the flag pole. I always had the feeling he was a coy, two-faced sort of person, and now I know why. He was playing the religion card to try to get some of the Christian vote, but he has really blown it by not taking a real stand for Jesus.

It sounds to me like he is ashamed of Jesus when he says He is not REALLY the only way to God. That doesn't bode well at all for Obama.

Unfortunately, many people will be warmed and enchanted by Obama's remarkable "tolerance" and "understanding", and may even flock to seeker-sensitive, watered-down, feel-good churches. Leading people astray doesn't bode well for Obama, either.

That said, there are a lot of "Christians" who think the way Obama does, so it makes me wonder how much of the Christian vote he has really lost. He never had my vote to begin with, so that's a moot point.

'In God We Trust' to Return to Face of $1 Coin

imho »

Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:50 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

A tongue-in-cheek aside to Bluegrasskid: I understand your point about $1 coin being cheaper than the dollar bill, but living in a country that uses one (and two) dollar coins, I have to say that it sure is more cumbersome! I miss being able to pull out a dollar bill or two. It's a nuisance digging through lots of change to find a dollar. One's wallet gets really heavy with those pesky coins, and they add up quickly when paying cash for items! And look out if you drop your wallet! You can lose a very large sum of money in coins in a few seconds! Putting the coins in your pockets poses a whole other host of problems - weight, noise and general falling about into couch cushions, etc. Long live the dollar bill! ;)

'In God We Trust' to Return to Face of $1 Coin

imho »

Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:31 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

I like the motto, "In God We Trust". But then, I would, as I'm meant to live by that principle as a Christian.

In reading some of the comments here about church-state separation, I have become a bit confused. Hampstead Pete, you seem so certain that this country was most definitely not founded on Christian principles, and that in fact the founders were far from Christian. But, there is so much evidence to the contrary, even if there were a few leaders whose theology was a bit unsound, to say the least.

This all brings to mind the occasion I had to give evidence in court - I was required to swear on a Bible that I would tell the truth. If church and state are to be so clearly separated, and if our laws, which come out of the courts, are to be completely secular, then why on earth would we swear on a Bible in those very courts?

Whether one likes it or not, it seems that religion - specifically, Christianity - and state DO mix. It is a foundational part of our culture that would be very difficult to "un-weave". I truly believe that America so prospered in her early years because of her dependence upon and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ. She was committed to Him in prayer, and the majority of her citizens lived in obedience to Him. It is now swaying the other way, and we are seeing her crumble. It is not a coincidence. It is a sign that God is removing or has removed His presence. We are so cocksure we can do it on our own, we've shoved Him away like an annoyed toddler trying to put on his shoes "all by MYSELF!" Now we are seeing the fruits of doing things in our own strength.

Maybe we should take our own motto to heart.

Barbara Walters Criticizes White House Biblical Christmas Card

imho »

Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:16 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 1

"Don't you think it's a little interesting,” continued Walters in her questioning, “that the president of all the people is sending out a religious Christmas card?"

Yes, very interesting. And great! If my family can send out religious-themed cards at Christmas as a testimony of our love for God, they why can't the President? As Christians, we are called to honor the Lord. If we are going to submit to political pressure to tone things down because someone might be offended, then we are making the world our idol and have violated the first commandment. Good on the Bushes for putting their faith out there with their cards. I may not agree completely with all their politics, but as a fellow Christian I certainly stand by this statement of their faith.

“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.”

Amen.

Swedish Church Backs Gay Weddings

imho »

Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:54 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Why am I not surprised about Sweden doing this?

Gavulav, I think you are on the right track. It seems that unrepentant homosexuals ARE trying to establish their own places of worship. They are going for the ready-made facilities, rites, rituals and congregations by working from within. Pretty clever. And why bother writing their own manual when they can simply interpret the Bible however they please?

JC - good one!

Church Bodies Condemn Travel Rule on HIV-Infected Tourists

imho »

Wed Dec 12, 2007 4:11 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Ooh. Tough one. On the one hand, HIV is a deadly disease which, while not "highly infectious" is certainly readily transmissible in certain situations. (ahem) There are many stories of HIV-infected people deliberately infecting others to increase the number of people they can have relations with.

On the other hand, if this waiver could make life harder for HIV carriers in their home countries... It would be hard enough to have HIV without the discrimination and persecution that could some with it in some places...

But I keep going back to the fact that HIV is often a death sentence. I remember working in a cancer clinic with many full-blown AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (which was being studied in the clinic). They were so scared of passing it on to me. One poor fellow was having blood drawn, just looking so sad. My heart broke for him. I gave him a hug (I wasn't drawing the blood!), and he just broke down sobbing, such was his loneliness for human contact. But then he pushed me away, afraid that his own tears might somehow infect me. And when I took his tissue, he was SO nervous about it... Can you imagine living like that? I appreciated his concern for me, though. After all, he knew what he was talking about. He died not long after that. :( I am convinced that most people with HIV/AIDS are very concerned that they NOT infect anyone else, and it is those people that I would be campaigning for if I came down against the waiver.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of evil, bitter and/or selfish people out there who spoil it for all... I pray the right decision is made with the utmost sensitivity and care.

Holiday Dilemma: Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees

imho »

Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:57 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Here's a crazy idea - Why not go treeless this year? Is a tree REALLY necessary? Maybe donate the money that would have been spent on a tree to World Vision or something...

If you must have a tree lest you be disowned by the in-laws, buy a potted tree that can live for years outside. Does everything have to be disposed of or disposable?

If people are REALLY concerned about the environmental impact of Christmas trees, there are many options available other than cut vs. artificial.

This is silly. Reading this article makes me wonder what we worship at Christmas. Based on the importance in so many homes, it seems that the tree is the center of worship at Christmas. "O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree..." Hmm... Time for a rethink, methinks! Lets put our efforts into giving to the poor and needy, and bringing restoration to the world, instead of decoration to our homes.

Voluntary Self-Extinction

imho »

Wed Dec 12, 2007 3:33 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

In response to the article: I don't know... Seems that sterilization to save the planet is a radical idea, until one remembers that most sterilization procedures are reversible. I doubt that Toni had a complete hysterectomy, as that would have led to hormone treatments and premature aging. I'm sure these people mean what they say, but they do have that tiny little window open in case they change their minds. It's really no different to people who choose not to have kids because they don't want them, full stop. I think these people have just found a conveniently PC way to avoid having kids.

Here's the thing, though. Are they really thinking it through? Do they really intend to ease the burden on the earth by removing mankind altogether? Do they really want the elderly to be left without carers in such large numbers that they will be forced to live in huge groups and presumably appalling conditions? (BTW, I don't mean the carers to be their own children, but if everyone stops having children, eventually there will be no one to train up to be a carer! After all, not everyone wants to go into aged care as a career.) I guess they wouldn't mind because these are probably the same people who are campaigning for voluntary euthanasia. Logan? RUN!

JC, I get you. It's all just nuts, isn't it? I'm so convicted that I don't pray more for the world...

Christians Protest Removal of 'Christmas' in Holiday Advertising

imho »

Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:04 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

*sniffs the air* Hmm... Smells like ACLU to me.

Families of Beheaded Christian Schoolgirls Forgive Convicted Killers

imho »

Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:45 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

This is a really disturbing story. How awful would it be to find one of my children's heads in a plastic bag?! *shudders* My heart goes out to these parents and relatives. Outliving a child is a horrible thought, especially when that child has been horribly and senselessly murdered.

I have to disagree with WiccanTexan on this one - it would certainly not be easy to forgive someone "sawing off" my child's head. My initial, very un-Christian instinct would be to hate those people like nobody has ever hated before. It would only be by God's grace and the love of Jesus that I could forgive. That forgiveness would be out of obedience to God. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and I admire Noviana so very much that she can admit how hard it is, and yet choose to pray for these people. She understands that hell is eternal, and we should never wish that for anyone. May God bless her, give her peace, and answer her prayers - may the perpetrators of these crimes turn to the Lord Jesus and be saved.

Conservatives Urge Ban on 'Harry Potter' Over Witchcraft, Homosexuality

imho »

Sun Nov 04, 2007 12:05 am Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

I wasn't going to comment, here, but this article seems to be hanging around, so... Why not? :)

I noticed a tangent with Lot's daughters, and the comment was made that the sons from the incestuous unions were made patriarchs. Now, I'm not a scholar of the Torah, Bible or Quran, but my understanding of the term "patriarchs" in biblical context is that it refers to the fathers of the Israelites: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jacob's 12 sons, who became the heads of the 12 tribes of Judah, are also often referred to as patriarchs.

As for the boys born to Lot's daughters - weren't they Moab and Ammon? I don't think the Moabites and Ammonites got on overly well with the Israelites... But, we do see something of God's gorgeous, redemptive grace in this story! The book of Ruth is about Ruth, a Moabitess, who chose to stay with the Hebrews rather than go back to her own people. Her heart was for God, and her reward was to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ! It is no surprise things came about that way, as the entire Bible points to Jesus, His redemption of the lost, and inclusion of the Gentiles.