"In order for people with less power to feel as if they have some control over their own lives, they need assistance from their government"
That is a statement on read in an article on Helium.
I see many problems with this idea.
1. If one seeks only the 'feeling' of being in control of one's life, than one is willing decieving onesself.
2. If one only wants 'some control' one does not want true liberty.
3. If the government has to give one 'some control' over one's life, one really has no control, it is only imaginary.
4. If the government is really controlling how much control one has over one's life then one is oppressed and if this one is a true American one would oppose such government 'help'.
The idea that government control of individuals helps the freedom that Americans have ever craved is ludicrious! How can government intervention in the lives of individual citizens be construed as helping liberty? I believe that it has been accomplished in many subtle ways. The public school system (see the link I posted) has gone far to numb American minds. The welfare system has dulled Americans sense of responsibility and initiative to provide for onesself. Slow and steady government intervention has acclimated Americans to accepting such interference as normal and even beneficial. Globalization, the idea that we, as Americans, are part of a 'global community' has eroded our patriotic and nationalist ideals.
If you read the link I posted before about the Prussian schooling method being used here in the US you will know my thoughts on the PSS (public school system). I understand that there may be individuals that have managed to keep themselves largely untainted from the system, but those are the minority. And I am allowed to say that since I was educated by 'the system'.
The ease of getting public assistance makes it palatable to many. I have used it myself. *blushes* I did not stop to think that it was other people's money that I was taking. It was the fruits of other's labor that I was enjoying. There was a time in America when people spurned 'charity' even when their families were in dire straights! Think of the poor family in "To Kill a Mockingbird" (I have gone blank on their name). The family was 'dirt poor' and would not take help no matter how bad things were. Now don't get me wrong. I think that people should accept help if they really need it, but what happened to pride? Not selfish pride, but pride in accomplishment. Pride in taking care of one's own. How does it help one's self-image to be given a handout? How does it help one to grow and strive as an individual for success to be told that they cannot succeed without the government's help? Of course, our idea of 'poor' has changed quite a bit. I think it was Ronald Reagan who said, "My parents didn't know they were poor until the government told them they were.".
The federal government has been slowly regulating us into the mentality that the government knows what is best for individuals and has fostered a distrust of our fellow Americans to do what is right. The government constantly tells us that the business owners (who have a vested interest in the individual's properity) are only out for themselves and that the government (which has a vested interest in our dependency) does have the individuals best interests at heart (does the government even have one?). Are we seriously asked to believe that the government officials, who are so far removed from 'main street' as to have no idea of the needs and wishes of their constituency, have THE PEOPLE'S best interests in mind?
We do have a global economy. That does not mean however that we are 'citizens of the world'. I am an American. I am also a Texan, by the grace of God! ;) The primary purpose of our government is NATIONAL security. It should not be the focus of our elected leadership to try to force us into this global government. I do not want the UN telling me how to run my business, my home, or how to raise my children. The interests of our nation ought to be first with our government. We should not be forced, by taxation, to give aid to other countries. Let them work and figure out how to best serve their people. Our country should not be trying to police the world. I do not want a world leader as POTUS. I want a President that cares for us, his fellow Americans. I mean really cares, not just gives lip service. I want a President that is not blinded by his or her own political agenda and who has not been bought off by lobbyists.
I suppose I just want the government to stay out of my personal life, out of my wallet, and out of the business of the rest of the world.
Let us be Americans. You know the ones who struggled and worked and did without many comforts simply for the satisfaction of having lived well (and by well I do not mean simply financially). Let us strive and work, without the government telling us how. Let us once again be the America that brought multitudes to her shores with the hope of a better, free life.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Spiritual Musings
I read a blog this morning that has got me thinking.
I wonder, have I compromised what I believe or have I just relaxed my legalistic expectations?
When I first was saved I believed a woman should only wear skirts, long ones. Now I wear pants except at church. Of course that has more to do with the fact that I have gained a bit of weight and none of the skirts in my closet fit me anymore and I refuse to buy clothes for the size I am right now. And part of it is that I realized that there are times when pants are more modest than a skirt. Like on a swing or hiking. So on that I don't think I've really compromised but just come to a different way of looking at it. And of course the fact that I saw a picture of Rebekah (Pearl) Anast in pants makes me confident that it cannot be a sin. :P
Now there is one area that I do believe I have compromised, or just gotten lazy, and that is TV and movies. We didn't have a tv for the first five years we were married and then my aunt gave us a little 13" tv/vcr combo. At first we just watched the news and educational videos from the library. Then somewhere we got a bigger tv and a vcr. Hubby and I watched a show or two during the week and got movies for the kids to watch occasionally.
Our tv/movie watching has increased until now we watch at least one movie a week, usually more and for a time watched tv nearly every day. We only usually watch the news now. Hubby might watch golf on Sunday afternoon or maybe a show on the science or history channel.
There was a time of about a year when I was severely depressed and I used movies and tv to babysit the kids so that I could retreat into my den of self-loathing and self-pity. I have come out of that...although it is still a temptation at times.
So on tv and movies I suppose I have compromised.
The one that makes me the most uncomfortable is witnessing and passing out tracts. I used to pass out tracts all the time. I got out of the habit when we were going to another church and my motivation for stopping is quite sad. I didn't want anyone to get saved from a tract that had that church's stamp on it because I didn't want them to come to that church. Isn't that awful?! To have so little faith in God is really terrible. I felt smothered and disenchanted at that church. I was scared to death of the pastor. My attitude was not always what it ought to have been and I knew that even then, but I still didn't want anyone else to be subjected to him...I better stop that line of thought.
Anyway, I know on that one I definitely have 'backslidden'. And now I want to pass out tracts but feel like my kids are such a poor testimony in public that it would be bad to do so. And why are my kids such a poor testimony? Well, because for about three years I just stopped being a mommy. I was very depressed, suicidal even, and I had lost all confidence in my ability to properly mother my children. I know that it was, for me, a complete lack of faith. Anyway, now I have a mess, a horrid mess. The three year old throws fits quite a bit and the five and seven year olds are just plain mean sometimes. And they lie and steal. The nine year old has an almost constant bad attitude...I could go on but that would be depressing.
I feel quite hopeless some of the time. In Mike Pearl's audio on "Starting Over" (I think that's the one anyway) he says that if one cannot manage both discipline and relationship that one should compromise on the discipline. Better to have sloppy, maybe even slothful, children than to have rebellious, angry ones. But I do not want either! And what makes it even harder is that I know that the REAL problem is my own attitude. Before I fell flat on my face things were good. My children were not perfect but I was content with them and I was cheerful and joyful all the time...well except maybe at church, but that's another story.
So here I am now mostly discontented and having a bad attitude and knowing all the while that I don't have to be that way. Now it really isn't all that bad. My kids really are great kids. They can do work and usually do very well. It is only when I start getting unrealistic expectations and not taking care to make sure that we are having fun that there is friction. And I have a really wonderful husband that puts up with my attitude with great forbearance and thinks I am doing a fine job as a mom.
I think I have really gotten off topic here...and I don't know how to get back...LOL
I really must go anyway the kids are needing me and I have work to do to.
I wonder, have I compromised what I believe or have I just relaxed my legalistic expectations?
When I first was saved I believed a woman should only wear skirts, long ones. Now I wear pants except at church. Of course that has more to do with the fact that I have gained a bit of weight and none of the skirts in my closet fit me anymore and I refuse to buy clothes for the size I am right now. And part of it is that I realized that there are times when pants are more modest than a skirt. Like on a swing or hiking. So on that I don't think I've really compromised but just come to a different way of looking at it. And of course the fact that I saw a picture of Rebekah (Pearl) Anast in pants makes me confident that it cannot be a sin. :P
Now there is one area that I do believe I have compromised, or just gotten lazy, and that is TV and movies. We didn't have a tv for the first five years we were married and then my aunt gave us a little 13" tv/vcr combo. At first we just watched the news and educational videos from the library. Then somewhere we got a bigger tv and a vcr. Hubby and I watched a show or two during the week and got movies for the kids to watch occasionally.
Our tv/movie watching has increased until now we watch at least one movie a week, usually more and for a time watched tv nearly every day. We only usually watch the news now. Hubby might watch golf on Sunday afternoon or maybe a show on the science or history channel.
There was a time of about a year when I was severely depressed and I used movies and tv to babysit the kids so that I could retreat into my den of self-loathing and self-pity. I have come out of that...although it is still a temptation at times.
So on tv and movies I suppose I have compromised.
The one that makes me the most uncomfortable is witnessing and passing out tracts. I used to pass out tracts all the time. I got out of the habit when we were going to another church and my motivation for stopping is quite sad. I didn't want anyone to get saved from a tract that had that church's stamp on it because I didn't want them to come to that church. Isn't that awful?! To have so little faith in God is really terrible. I felt smothered and disenchanted at that church. I was scared to death of the pastor. My attitude was not always what it ought to have been and I knew that even then, but I still didn't want anyone else to be subjected to him...I better stop that line of thought.
Anyway, I know on that one I definitely have 'backslidden'. And now I want to pass out tracts but feel like my kids are such a poor testimony in public that it would be bad to do so. And why are my kids such a poor testimony? Well, because for about three years I just stopped being a mommy. I was very depressed, suicidal even, and I had lost all confidence in my ability to properly mother my children. I know that it was, for me, a complete lack of faith. Anyway, now I have a mess, a horrid mess. The three year old throws fits quite a bit and the five and seven year olds are just plain mean sometimes. And they lie and steal. The nine year old has an almost constant bad attitude...I could go on but that would be depressing.
I feel quite hopeless some of the time. In Mike Pearl's audio on "Starting Over" (I think that's the one anyway) he says that if one cannot manage both discipline and relationship that one should compromise on the discipline. Better to have sloppy, maybe even slothful, children than to have rebellious, angry ones. But I do not want either! And what makes it even harder is that I know that the REAL problem is my own attitude. Before I fell flat on my face things were good. My children were not perfect but I was content with them and I was cheerful and joyful all the time...well except maybe at church, but that's another story.
So here I am now mostly discontented and having a bad attitude and knowing all the while that I don't have to be that way. Now it really isn't all that bad. My kids really are great kids. They can do work and usually do very well. It is only when I start getting unrealistic expectations and not taking care to make sure that we are having fun that there is friction. And I have a really wonderful husband that puts up with my attitude with great forbearance and thinks I am doing a fine job as a mom.
I think I have really gotten off topic here...and I don't know how to get back...LOL
I really must go anyway the kids are needing me and I have work to do to.
Monday, February 9, 2009
What You Can Expect From Your Teen
Teaching teens responsibility
It is SO ridiculous!!
For the preteen (11-14) you can expect them to clean their own room and make their bed (with help from mom and dad) and to take phone messages. Wow they sure do expect a lot! NOT! My three year old can make his bed with some help!! And he can clean his room!
Wait...It gets better!!
For your older teen (15-17) you can expect the above PLUS they can do A daily household chore and HELP with weekly chores and put gas in the car's gas tank and they can clean their room by themselves.
No wonder people don't want a lot of kids! If I had to be their slave until they were 15 I wouldn't want ANY!! My nine year old is expected to do all of the stuff on that list now! (well except filling the gas tank)
What horridly low expectations! No wonder teens resent their parents! And no wonder we have adults, at least their bodies look like an adult's, who act like children! No wonder those same 'kiduldts' expect the government to provide everything for them!
It is deplorable!! It would be funny if that particular page wasn't the first one to come up when you Google 'teen expectations'. It would be funny if these children people are raising weren't going to be in charge when I am old. It isn't funny though, it is disgusting that so little is expected or required of our youth! Why keep them children so long, at least in the sense of actual responsibility. Teens are expected to be very technologically savvy and to be 'mature' when it comes to dating and sex, but for the real life stuff they are supposed to be blissfully ignorant. It is so backward!
Okay, rant over. :D
(if you follow both my and my daughter's blog you'll notice she also blogged on this article also. Here's a linky to her blog on it.)
It is SO ridiculous!!
For the preteen (11-14) you can expect them to clean their own room and make their bed (with help from mom and dad) and to take phone messages. Wow they sure do expect a lot! NOT! My three year old can make his bed with some help!! And he can clean his room!
Wait...It gets better!!
For your older teen (15-17) you can expect the above PLUS they can do A daily household chore and HELP with weekly chores and put gas in the car's gas tank and they can clean their room by themselves.
No wonder people don't want a lot of kids! If I had to be their slave until they were 15 I wouldn't want ANY!! My nine year old is expected to do all of the stuff on that list now! (well except filling the gas tank)
What horridly low expectations! No wonder teens resent their parents! And no wonder we have adults, at least their bodies look like an adult's, who act like children! No wonder those same 'kiduldts' expect the government to provide everything for them!
It is deplorable!! It would be funny if that particular page wasn't the first one to come up when you Google 'teen expectations'. It would be funny if these children people are raising weren't going to be in charge when I am old. It isn't funny though, it is disgusting that so little is expected or required of our youth! Why keep them children so long, at least in the sense of actual responsibility. Teens are expected to be very technologically savvy and to be 'mature' when it comes to dating and sex, but for the real life stuff they are supposed to be blissfully ignorant. It is so backward!
Okay, rant over. :D
(if you follow both my and my daughter's blog you'll notice she also blogged on this article also. Here's a linky to her blog on it.)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Christians Use Prophecy To Excuse Laziness
Christians Use Prophecy To Excuse Laziness
By Chuck BaldwinFebruary 3, 2009
This column is archived at
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090203.html
In response to my two previous columns regarding the current development of a devilish New World Order, many professing Christians wrote me with comments to the effect that we should not be concerned about whatever global tyranny may be developing, because "it's all a part of God's plan," or"Jesus is coming soon," and similar statements. I, too, believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ to earth. But, then again, so did Christians from every generation over the last two millennia. In fact, the Apostle Paul was looking for the return of Christ while he lived (Philippians 3:20). But does anticipation of Christ's Second Coming excuse personal neglect, indifference, and downright laziness? Of course not.
Had pastors and Christians of colonial America believed and acted as most Christians believe and act today, this country would still be a Crown colony and we would never have known the freedoms and liberties that our forebears bequeathed to us. Christians of that era, however, believed that it was their duty and obligation to fight for right and do everything within their power to resist tyranny. They also believed that God would honor and bless their efforts, which He certainly did!
It is extremely difficult for me to reconcile the apathy and slave-like mentality that seems to permeate modern Christendom (in America) with both our own heritage and the very Word of God. For example, the Apostle Paul is very clear when he writes that a Christian must never "do evil, that good may come" (Romans 3:8). Yet, that is exactly what many, if not most,Christians are doing today.
When confronted with an obvious evil (a burgeoning tyrannical New WorldOrder, not to mention a number of lesser evils), modern Christians will shrug and glibly say, "It's God's will; we must not oppose it," or words tothat effect. This attitude says, "I will tolerate or even condone evil inorder to hasten Christ's return."
In the first place, no one knows when Christ will return, no matter how many books or tapes they have produced to say they do. In Acts chapter 1, Jesus was asked by His disciples if He would, at that time, set up His kingdom.The first words out of His mouth were, "It is not for you to know." Oh, we can speculate, surmise, and make educated guesses, but that's the best wecan do. It's time we were honest enough to admit it: only God knows whenChrist will return. In fact, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36).
In the meantime, millions of Christians across America are trying to play God. They talk as if they know when Christ will come. It's actually worse than that. They have the attitude that they have no personal responsibility to defend freedom and resist despotism. They seem to look at God as some kind of glorified fireman, who is obligated to rush in at the last minute to rescue them from a burning fire--a fire that they helped ignite, or at least, refused to put out themselves when they had the opportunity to do so.It's the old, "God would not let that happen in America" syndrome.
How arrogant can we be? Ask believers from despotic regimes around the world what they think about God letting tribulation come, and they will quickly tell you, "We are already in tribulation." Are Christians in the United States really that arrogant as to believe that God loves them more than He loves believers in other countries? If not, can we not see that if believers around the world have suffered (and still suffer) the heavy hand of tyranny and oppression, it is certainly possible for tyranny and oppression to come to our land? The fact is, the only reason that Christians in America have not (for the most part) suffered tyranny and oppression is because of the hard work and sacrifice of our forefathers. We are simply enjoying the fruit of their labor.
In the second place, how do we know what God would do, if we only had the backbone to do our duty? How do we know that God would not give America "a new birth of freedom" for our children and grandchildren, if we only had the courage and fortitude to oppose the evil being thrust upon us by these would-be tyrants? America is only the "land of the free," because it was the"home of the brave." Take away the latter and we lose the former. And that is exactly what is currently happening.
In the third place, Christians have a moral imperative to resist evil, even if their efforts are fruitless. We are not responsible for outcome, only effort. Believers throughout history acted on principle, leaving the results with God. (Read Hebrews chapter 11.) Some were delivered; some were not.That did not matter. What mattered was doing one's duty. We Christians are to give our bodies as "a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). It is God's prerogative to use our sacrifice as He sees fit. Therefore, there is no such thing as a "losing effort," when it comes to doing right. Doing right(resisting evil) is its own reward. The three Hebrew children were not commended because God delivered them from the burning fiery furnace; they were commended because they were willing to go into the burning fiery furnace. So must we be.
I believe the real reason why so many professing Christians are so apatheticand indifferent to what is happening has nothing to do with the teachings ofScripture, Bible doctrine, eschatology, or anything of the like. It has everything to do with old-fashioned laziness. Today's average Christian just flat does not want to be bothered. He has a comfortable house, an easychair, television, and a set of golf clubs in the closet. He takes two or three weeks' vacation every year, goes to church on Sunday (a church that does not intrude on his comfort zone, of course), pays taxes, and votes for his favorite "pro-life" Republican candidate every two years, and assumes that he is a "good" Christian and "patriotic" American. He is neither!
A real Christian patriot would never allow his country to be taken over by a gaggle of elitist goons bent on stealing his liberties--including his religious liberties--without doing everything in his power to prevent it. A real Christian patriot is active, alert, engaged, zealous, and committed to preserving liberty.
What if Jesus doesn't come for another 100 years? Another 200 years? What are we going to say to our grandchildren when they ask us what we were doing when our freedoms and liberties were being stolen? What will we say to our Christian forebears when we meet them in eternity? They sacrificed everything so that we could live in peace and freedom. What will we say to them? What will we say to God, who handed this land of liberty to us on a silver (albeit blood-soaked) platter?
Tell me again that "there is nothing we can do about it," or "it's God'swill," or "Jesus is coming soon." Better yet, tell it again to the sufferingChristians around the world; tell it again to our Christian forebears; tellit again to your children and grandchildren who are going to inherit a landof tyranny and oppression, all because you were too lazy to resist.
I know unbelievers who have more character and determination about preserving liberty than many who call themselves Christians. And I have aton more respect for them, too. Our Lord told us, "For unto whomsoever muchis given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). Yes, Christians inAmerica have been given the best of both worlds, and many do not evenappreciate it enough to see to it that their own children--their own fleshand blood--will live to enjoy the same blessings. They are pathetic!
So, the next time you hear some piety-draped Christian talking about how he won't engage the enemy and fight for liberty, because of prophecy, or some other spiritually-sounding platitude, just remember, it has nothing to dowith prophecy, or anything of the sort: it has everything to do with old-fashioned laziness. My feeling toward him is the same as that of Sam Adams (a fellow Christian) toward the Tories of old: "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest for freedom--go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" Amen!
*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made bycredit card, check, or Money Order.
Use this link:http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/donate.php(c) Chuck Baldwin
To subscribe, click on this link and follow the instructions:http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/subscribe.php
By Chuck BaldwinFebruary 3, 2009
This column is archived at
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090203.html
In response to my two previous columns regarding the current development of a devilish New World Order, many professing Christians wrote me with comments to the effect that we should not be concerned about whatever global tyranny may be developing, because "it's all a part of God's plan," or"Jesus is coming soon," and similar statements. I, too, believe in the imminent return of Jesus Christ to earth. But, then again, so did Christians from every generation over the last two millennia. In fact, the Apostle Paul was looking for the return of Christ while he lived (Philippians 3:20). But does anticipation of Christ's Second Coming excuse personal neglect, indifference, and downright laziness? Of course not.
Had pastors and Christians of colonial America believed and acted as most Christians believe and act today, this country would still be a Crown colony and we would never have known the freedoms and liberties that our forebears bequeathed to us. Christians of that era, however, believed that it was their duty and obligation to fight for right and do everything within their power to resist tyranny. They also believed that God would honor and bless their efforts, which He certainly did!
It is extremely difficult for me to reconcile the apathy and slave-like mentality that seems to permeate modern Christendom (in America) with both our own heritage and the very Word of God. For example, the Apostle Paul is very clear when he writes that a Christian must never "do evil, that good may come" (Romans 3:8). Yet, that is exactly what many, if not most,Christians are doing today.
When confronted with an obvious evil (a burgeoning tyrannical New WorldOrder, not to mention a number of lesser evils), modern Christians will shrug and glibly say, "It's God's will; we must not oppose it," or words tothat effect. This attitude says, "I will tolerate or even condone evil inorder to hasten Christ's return."
In the first place, no one knows when Christ will return, no matter how many books or tapes they have produced to say they do. In Acts chapter 1, Jesus was asked by His disciples if He would, at that time, set up His kingdom.The first words out of His mouth were, "It is not for you to know." Oh, we can speculate, surmise, and make educated guesses, but that's the best wecan do. It's time we were honest enough to admit it: only God knows whenChrist will return. In fact, Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36).
In the meantime, millions of Christians across America are trying to play God. They talk as if they know when Christ will come. It's actually worse than that. They have the attitude that they have no personal responsibility to defend freedom and resist despotism. They seem to look at God as some kind of glorified fireman, who is obligated to rush in at the last minute to rescue them from a burning fire--a fire that they helped ignite, or at least, refused to put out themselves when they had the opportunity to do so.It's the old, "God would not let that happen in America" syndrome.
How arrogant can we be? Ask believers from despotic regimes around the world what they think about God letting tribulation come, and they will quickly tell you, "We are already in tribulation." Are Christians in the United States really that arrogant as to believe that God loves them more than He loves believers in other countries? If not, can we not see that if believers around the world have suffered (and still suffer) the heavy hand of tyranny and oppression, it is certainly possible for tyranny and oppression to come to our land? The fact is, the only reason that Christians in America have not (for the most part) suffered tyranny and oppression is because of the hard work and sacrifice of our forefathers. We are simply enjoying the fruit of their labor.
In the second place, how do we know what God would do, if we only had the backbone to do our duty? How do we know that God would not give America "a new birth of freedom" for our children and grandchildren, if we only had the courage and fortitude to oppose the evil being thrust upon us by these would-be tyrants? America is only the "land of the free," because it was the"home of the brave." Take away the latter and we lose the former. And that is exactly what is currently happening.
In the third place, Christians have a moral imperative to resist evil, even if their efforts are fruitless. We are not responsible for outcome, only effort. Believers throughout history acted on principle, leaving the results with God. (Read Hebrews chapter 11.) Some were delivered; some were not.That did not matter. What mattered was doing one's duty. We Christians are to give our bodies as "a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). It is God's prerogative to use our sacrifice as He sees fit. Therefore, there is no such thing as a "losing effort," when it comes to doing right. Doing right(resisting evil) is its own reward. The three Hebrew children were not commended because God delivered them from the burning fiery furnace; they were commended because they were willing to go into the burning fiery furnace. So must we be.
I believe the real reason why so many professing Christians are so apatheticand indifferent to what is happening has nothing to do with the teachings ofScripture, Bible doctrine, eschatology, or anything of the like. It has everything to do with old-fashioned laziness. Today's average Christian just flat does not want to be bothered. He has a comfortable house, an easychair, television, and a set of golf clubs in the closet. He takes two or three weeks' vacation every year, goes to church on Sunday (a church that does not intrude on his comfort zone, of course), pays taxes, and votes for his favorite "pro-life" Republican candidate every two years, and assumes that he is a "good" Christian and "patriotic" American. He is neither!
A real Christian patriot would never allow his country to be taken over by a gaggle of elitist goons bent on stealing his liberties--including his religious liberties--without doing everything in his power to prevent it. A real Christian patriot is active, alert, engaged, zealous, and committed to preserving liberty.
What if Jesus doesn't come for another 100 years? Another 200 years? What are we going to say to our grandchildren when they ask us what we were doing when our freedoms and liberties were being stolen? What will we say to our Christian forebears when we meet them in eternity? They sacrificed everything so that we could live in peace and freedom. What will we say to them? What will we say to God, who handed this land of liberty to us on a silver (albeit blood-soaked) platter?
Tell me again that "there is nothing we can do about it," or "it's God'swill," or "Jesus is coming soon." Better yet, tell it again to the sufferingChristians around the world; tell it again to our Christian forebears; tellit again to your children and grandchildren who are going to inherit a landof tyranny and oppression, all because you were too lazy to resist.
I know unbelievers who have more character and determination about preserving liberty than many who call themselves Christians. And I have aton more respect for them, too. Our Lord told us, "For unto whomsoever muchis given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). Yes, Christians inAmerica have been given the best of both worlds, and many do not evenappreciate it enough to see to it that their own children--their own fleshand blood--will live to enjoy the same blessings. They are pathetic!
So, the next time you hear some piety-draped Christian talking about how he won't engage the enemy and fight for liberty, because of prophecy, or some other spiritually-sounding platitude, just remember, it has nothing to dowith prophecy, or anything of the sort: it has everything to do with old-fashioned laziness. My feeling toward him is the same as that of Sam Adams (a fellow Christian) toward the Tories of old: "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest for freedom--go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" Amen!
*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute these editorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made bycredit card, check, or Money Order.
Use this link:http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/donate.php(c) Chuck Baldwin
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The Generous Wife tip for today
Wednesday February 4, 2009Right off the bat, I need to apologize for the long tip. Normally I try to keep the tips brief, doable and practical. However, feedback from the last few tips sparked a desire to share some thoughts about life and love.
I recently shared about how I enjoyed a helicopter ride. What I didn't share is that for most of my life, I've had a difficulty with heights. I was abused as a child and that was a part of the fallout. A few of the ladies on the generous list know me from a recent romance cruise where I shared about this, about God's ability to heal and how heights were less and less of an issue for me. It was lovely to hear from these gals and be encouraged by them.
Wounds make us small and closed. They steal our lives. The good news is that salvation is more than fire insurance, it's about a relationship with God. He has the power and desire to heal and change lives. Please, please do not allow the wounds in your life to steal your life and your ability to be in full relationship with those you love. Your husbands want you to live life fully and share in the adventure of life with them. They are desperately hungry for that, just as we are.
I don't know what your journey of healing with look like, but I do know the One Who journeys with you. He can be trusted and He is able.Please don't be afraid to seek help (scroll down a bit for the personal help ideas). Yes, that will likely mean some hard choices and facing painful issues.
I'm of the opinion that this is very much a part of the process of healing and there is nothing wrong with doing a right thing even when you don't feel like doing it. Choose to agree with God and let Him work out the details. Please let Him teach you His perspectives. Listen to Him and do what He says. Allow Him to own your life and do His work in you. Stand against the enemy even when he promises you what you think you want. Your choices matter significantly.God heals. Your choices are a big deal. You do not have to live life small and scared. He offers you a way to live life fully.
(spoken by Jesus) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have lifee, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
The Generous Wife
I recently shared about how I enjoyed a helicopter ride. What I didn't share is that for most of my life, I've had a difficulty with heights. I was abused as a child and that was a part of the fallout. A few of the ladies on the generous list know me from a recent romance cruise where I shared about this, about God's ability to heal and how heights were less and less of an issue for me. It was lovely to hear from these gals and be encouraged by them.
Wounds make us small and closed. They steal our lives. The good news is that salvation is more than fire insurance, it's about a relationship with God. He has the power and desire to heal and change lives. Please, please do not allow the wounds in your life to steal your life and your ability to be in full relationship with those you love. Your husbands want you to live life fully and share in the adventure of life with them. They are desperately hungry for that, just as we are.
I don't know what your journey of healing with look like, but I do know the One Who journeys with you. He can be trusted and He is able.Please don't be afraid to seek help (scroll down a bit for the personal help ideas). Yes, that will likely mean some hard choices and facing painful issues.
I'm of the opinion that this is very much a part of the process of healing and there is nothing wrong with doing a right thing even when you don't feel like doing it. Choose to agree with God and let Him work out the details. Please let Him teach you His perspectives. Listen to Him and do what He says. Allow Him to own your life and do His work in you. Stand against the enemy even when he promises you what you think you want. Your choices matter significantly.God heals. Your choices are a big deal. You do not have to live life small and scared. He offers you a way to live life fully.
(spoken by Jesus) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have lifee, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
The Generous Wife
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