Hillary Clinton Tells Us The End Justifies The Means...But a Lie is Still a Lie

"What does it matter?" This was the statement given by Secretary Hillary Clinton to an investigative committee of Congress and the American people. "Why does it matter that your government lied to you about Benghazi?" It is impossible, apart from what some may call a conspiracy theory, to understand why the press is not all over Mrs. Clinton's statement this morning. Regardless of what one may believe about Benghazi itself, Mrs. Clinton's statement should terrify the American public. The Obama administration told the American public the attack on our ambassador in Libya was the action of a spontaneous protest against an anti-muslim movie. The truth is, the attack was an organized terrorist attack. 

Mrs Clinton, just so you know, lying is wrong; it is wrong to cover up, mislead or share an untruth. It is even more wrong if one's lie is used to perpetuate another, previously told lie; lies beget lies. The Benghazi lie seems to have been told in order to cover the president's talking points concerning the United States' war on terror; talking points used to score political points during a tight election season. Mr Obama had, for some time, told the American public "Al Qaeda was on the run." "America was winning the war on terror." "The terrorist network was in shambles and just a shell of its former self." Of course, we now know all such statements are false. All one must do is turn on the news and hear a report on Algeria, Libya or Syria to understand the Al Qaeda terrorist network is alive and strong. Benghazi should have been a major talking point in the election of 2012. The attack should have raised questions concerning our progress in the war on terror. However, the government used all its power to cover up, mislead and lie so the story would not be "news" until after President Obama won reelection.

Our political leaders set precedents for the popular culture. Bill Clinton's cover up of his affair with Monica Lewinsky proved such; oral sex once was once considered "sexual relations." Now, we are told a lie doesn't matter once it has served its purposes. "What's done is done." In affect we are told the ends justify the means. We cannot sit by and let such perversion go unchallenged.

The question the church and nation must now address is whether we will hold our public officials accountable for what they say is true. God help us if we buy into Mrs Clinton's "ends justify the means" morality.

James

Today Is The 40th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The United States has been a killing field of the unborn for four full decades. How terrifying to occupy the womb in the United States this morning. The tragedy and holocaust continue day after day while the government and over half the country give an approving nod. God help us.

Mother Theresa once said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." She hit the proverbial nail on the head. Abortion is a selfish decision made by those who would discard a baby in order to have a more comfortable lifestyle. A child, even one still in the womb, is created by God and should be respected, protected, honored and loved. No people or nation can expect the blessing of God when it treats an unplanned pregnancy as a "punishment." How can a nation with so much prosperity be so cruel to the most vulnerable among us?

Pray for our leadership today. Pray for our president, congress and judiciary. Pray for an end to the holocaust of abortion. 

James

I Love Ice Cream, The Texas Rangers...And You!

I have always enjoyed baseball but in the last few years I have really come to "love" baseball. In particular, I "love" my Texas Rangers. I say "love" because I feel an intense enjoyment and "like" for the way they play the game. I also have a great fondness for them because "The Ballpark in Arlington" is only a short distance from where I live. My love for the Rangers is defined by my enjoyment of the game and the convenience of our relationship. Unfortunately, many significant relationships in life are often built on a foundation similar to the one upon which my love of the Rangers is built.

Many times "love" is poorly expressed by the English language. We say we "love" baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and chevrolet but the same word "love" is used when we speak of the relationship we have with our wife, children, mother and father. Other languages have multiple words for differing types of love one feels depending upon circumstance. Greek has three words for love indicating erotic passion, brotherly love and unconditional, sacrificial love. Perhaps our life and relationships would be easier if English had more than one word for love as well. I do love ice cream but it is not the same love I have for my wife or God! It would be nice to know if the love being expressed for us is on par with ice cream or of a much deeper variety!

The Apostle Paul defined love, at least in part, when he wrote 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter of the Bible, often called the "Love Chapter" demonstrates for us what deep, abiding, unconditional love, looks like. This is the type of love we should have for God and people; a love which far surpasses one's fondness for a baseball team or bowl of ice cream. This type of love is expressed by the giving of our life to the object of our affection. This is a love which seeks the good of others and lives sacrificially for them. This is the love we have for our God when we give our life to Him; when we die to self and live in and for Him. This is the love which provides a foundation for all healthy relationships in life.

Make sure you are not attempting to build relationships with God or the people in your life on the same kind of love you have for ice cream! Sometimes our "love" is conditional and based upon what we get rather than what we have the opportunity to give. If you find this to be true of some relationship in your life you can always confess your sin and seek God for a better kind of love and life! 

James

Hurting Children Should Not Be a Prop For a Political Crusade

Let me begin this morning by saying this is not an issue of political affiliation. Democrat or Republican I would feel the same about this issue. 

This morning, President Obama used children as a prop in his campaign for comprehensive gun control. Exploiting the fears of seven year olds in one's argument for gun legislation is a new low for the office of the presidency. Is there no shame in the White House of the United States in 2013?

We are called to pray for our leaders and it is obvious our current president needs prayer as no other president ever has. We seemingly have a man bereft of a moral compass occupying the Oval Office. Regardless of what you think about gun laws there can be no excuse for the use of children and their attempts to understand the evils of Sandy Hook in one's campaign to change long held beliefs about gun ownership. Where is the public outcry from BOTH parties at the heinous use of innocence this morning?

It is time for the people of the United States to wake up and demand more from its leadership, Democrat and Republican alike. Christians in particular should make their voice heard in the public square and do so without compromise or apology for their cherished beliefs. Hurting, confused and brokenhearted children should be comforted, protected and nurtured not used as political props for a political crusade. If our nation refuses to demand more from its leadership we lack the moral fortitude with which to lead ourselves. Democracy in the United States will live or die on the morality of her people.

James

What it Really Means to "LiveStrong"

This seemed an appropriate video to share in light of my earlier post concerning Lance Armstrong. "Team Hoyt" is a picture of those who truly "Live Strong!"

James

Is Lance Armstrong Sorry He Cheated?

News accounts tell us Lance Armstrong will soon confess he doped his way to seven "Tour De France" championships. Armstrong has (for years) denied these charges both in and out of the courthouse. He has chosen Oprah Winfrey as his confessor and vehicle through whom he will seek forgiveness from the public and athletic officials. You see, Armstrong has been banned from competition for life and wants to run marathons, triathlons  and perhaps even ride another bike race someday. Armstrong has also built an empire called "Live Strong" which he seeks to protect through his moment of contrition aired on Oprah's OWN network. Naturally, this begs several questions such as "Why now" and "Is his contrition genuine?"

Confession is, as they say, good for the soul. When made in relation to God, confession brings forgiveness, salvation and a new way of life. However, Scripture is clear, only confession born from genuine contrition leads to salvation and second chances. The Apostle Paul said genuine confession is the product of Godly sorrow and results in genuine repentance. Repentance of course being a complete life change; a brand new direction for ourselves. Godly sorrow is the kind of sorrow produced in us when we realize we have hurt the heart of God and are sorry for doing so. On the other hand, Paul indicates there is a kind of sorrow called "worldly sorrow" which is simply grief over having been caught doing something wrong. This kind of sorrow does not lead to forgiveness, salvation or a new way of life. So, is Armstrong's contrition genuine or is he simply sorry for getting caught?

Most often it seems our "stars" and "athletes" are simply sorry they got caught or sorry the world doesn't approve of some activity they enjoy doing. Their worldly sorrow may lead to absolution from an adoring public but it does not lead to any real and lasting change in their life. If the country forgives Armstrong and he is allowed to compete again is there any reason to think he won't cheat again to gain a competitive advantage over his competitors? If his contrition is the result of Godly sorrow the answer would be yes but I suspect his contrition is motivated by worldly sorrow and desire to compete again. After all, it took a lifetime ban from competition to bring him to confess any wrongdoing. I hope I am wrong and even feel a twinge of guilt for assuming his confession tainted. Love does "believe all things" and we are called to love Lance Armstrong. My motivation for the question is simply to benefit both he and those who might learn from his failure. If you want real change in your life it requires more than a clean slate from your friends, family or an adoring public. Real change and a second chance in life are only produced by genuine confession of sin before God and the Godly sorrow which motivates it. Real change happens when we receive a new heart from Christ.

Lance Armstrong lied to the public for a very long time. He cheated to gain a competitive advantage against those who were racing without the aid of drugs. He has lived a very selfish, self-centered life. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." We should forgive and give Lance a second chance. Let us just pray Godly sorrow and genuine repentance will lead him to take full advantage of the grace extended him both from above and below.

James

Baby's Smile Saves His Life

This story broke my heart but gave me incredible joy to read. I pray God's blessing on this couple and hope their story encourages someone to make a right choice today.

James

Mother Refuses To Abort Child After Seeing Him Smile

A Little Inspiration For Those New Year Resolutions

I found this pretty inspirational and thought I would share it here. In Christ there is endless potential as we embark upon 2013 and all the "good works He has prepared in advance for us to do." God knew you would make it to 2013 and there is a reason He got you here! Glorify God and enjoy Him!

James

The Defense of Liberty: Personal Responsibility

The difference between life in a democracy and under despotism is found in whether one has ability to voice ideas to his or her government. Those living in a democracy have this privilege while those under a despotism do not. It appears the United States is rapidly moving away from democracy and toward despotism. We must soon choose a new path or suffer the consequences for our failure to do so.

Our country was founded upon the idea all men are created equal and given certain inalienable rights by God. These rights include liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe we have been created by God and blessed with the right to pursue the destiny of our choosing. There has never been a nation on earth with the kind of guarantee one receives as birthright in the United States.

We do not have the right to food, housing, health care, birth control, abortion or even education. We have the right to pursue each of these but no inherent right to possess them. Our founders were men of industry, hard workers and self reliant; never in their wildest dreams would our forefathers have imagined a day when the government would take upon itself the responsibility to provide citizens the basic necessities for life. A person like Barrack Obama, Nancy Pelosi or John Boehner would have been laughed out of the first Continental Congress. In fact, with precious few exceptions, all of our current politicians would have been laughed out of that first congress.

Personal responsibility is biblical. God tells us in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." We have a responsibility to provide for our own needs and pursuit of happiness. The more we depend upon government for these things the more power government has over our life. The more power government has the less ability we have to interject ourselves into our government. The less we are able to interject ourselves the less democracy we enjoy and the more despotism we endure.

Christians have a responsibility to be politically involved. We must defend liberty and the God given rights we enjoy as part of our birthright as human beings. The defense of such begins when we take responsibility to put food on our own table.

James

What You Were Made To Do!

Today is Sunday and I hope you find a place to worship the King of Kings. God is real and deserves worship, praise, love and adoration from every mouth He created. Don't sell yourself short! Make today about your created purpose! Glorify God and enjoy Him!

James

Is Your Jesus Real or Plastic?

God is real. Think about those words. What does it mean to actually believe? God...is...real. Jesus is the Son of God. Think about these words. Jesus...is...the...Son...of...God. What is the impact of a living, real faith? If God exists and Jesus is the Son of God then Christianity is true and your faith should have impact; real, genuine, obvious impact in your life.

James

Louie Giglio: Why Bow Out So Easily?

Louie Giglio is a pastor in Atlanta, Georgia. I first becomes acquainted with Louie while a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Louie started a Bible study for students called "Choice" which met at a church near campus on Monday nights. The Bible study was very popular among students and I found myself in the audience on a few occasions. Louie always brought a good word encouraging students to deeper faith in God. I haven't kept up with Louie over the years and was somewhat surprised to hear of an invitation recently extended him by the Obama administration to be a part of the upcoming inauguration. Giglio was asked to give the benediction at the end of this month's festivities. The invitation was soon challenged by social liberals because of Louie's views on homosexuality. Gigilio holds to the traditional Christian view that any sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and woman is sin. How shocking. Pressure began to mount and Giglio removed his name from the inaugural program.

Many are writing blog articles (Great One Here) bemoaning the pressure placed upon Giglio for his orthodox beliefs. There is united outrage among evangelicals as well as calls for an end to religious litmus tests for those who would venture into the public square. I also feel outrage over the intolerance and bigotry of the left and homosexual lobby in particular. But my bigger disappointment is with Giglio. Why withdraw your name Louie? Why not force the Obama administration to publicly remove you from the program thereby exposing their own prejudice? I just don't get it. Perhaps there were threats behind the scenes? Perhaps deals were made? Who knows the motivation but a quiet "bowing out" on the part of Giglio is very disappointing.

Christians must be prepared for opposition from the lost world. Jesus promised us, assured us, that we would be opposed and even hated for our faith in Him. The Gospel has never been popular with the world at large. Only recently, in America, have we bought into the idea we could be both orthodox and liked by the world living apart from Christ. 

I support you Louie. I love you man. But I really wish you have chosen a different path on this one. I trust you had good reasons but I hope the desire to be liked wasn't one of them.

James

American Freshman Study: A Generation of "Little gods"

Narcissism is the psychological state in which a person has an "inordinate fascination with oneself." According to a recent study by the American Freshman Study, the United States now has the most narcissistic generation of young people the world has ever seen. We have raised a generation of people who think they are little celebrities living in a world that revolves around them. Of course every generation and every person struggles with pride and selfishness. Christians call this self adulation sin and it was cause for the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. Man has always wanted to be his own god. The American study simply reveals the greater depths of depravity to which our current generation of young people have fallen. In summary, our young people have found new lows in which to live their life by thinking of themselves more highly than they should. 

Dr Keith Ablow, respected psychologist and Fox News contributor concludes from the American Freshman Study, "Watch for an epidemic of depression and suicidality, not to mention homicidality, as the real self-loathing and hatred of others that lies beneath all this narcissism rises to the surface." Sin has its price. If the church does not rise up to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of this generation with the Gospel of Christ, we are in for a bumpy ride ahead.

Everyone has a god whether it be the one, true and only God, Jehovah, or something as narcissistic as self. Upon their entry into the "Promised Land," Joshua challenged the Hebrew people to "choose this day whom you will serve!" We must raise the same challenge in our day. We must challenge our generation with the reality of a God who loves them but will not share His throne with them.

Will you recognize God exists and serve Him or will you choose to worship yourself while expecting (overtly or not) others to do the same? This must be our call to a generation  on the fast track to hell.

For those interested in reading about the American Freshman Study Click Here

James

Gun Violence: Can We Legislate Peace?

Can we change society simply by the passing of new laws to govern behavior? The question is often asked, "Can we legislate morality?" Of course the answer to this question is yes! We do legislate morality and actually must do so in order to maintain any sense of civil rest. However, can we change the true nature of our world through the legislative process? If President Obama and congress were to outlaw all guns would the new laws eliminate homicide or simply change the methodology chosen by criminals to do so? If we were to outlaw all liquor would we eliminate alcoholism or simply create new industries which would provide drink for those who demand it? If we outlaw premarital sex will we incur a lower rate of teen pregnancy? Any rational person sees the obvious answer to these rhetorical questions. In each instance changing the law would have some affect upon our culture but ultimately fail to attain the desired results. Morality can be legislated but good moral choices can never be coerced if someone is intent on making bad choices.

Behavior is only changed when a person receives a new heart and nature through relationship with Jesus Christ. Only those who have encountered the power of God can genuinely be free from the power of sin; a power which draws each of us into one poor moral choice after another. When will the church realize the opportunity before her? When will we see the futility of substituting legislative or political action for spiritual fervor? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only power by which individuals and our nation can be genuinely changed for good. 

Share the Gospel today!
James

Part Two: Woody Allen Interviews Billy Graham

This is the follow up to the video I put up yesterday afternoon...good stuff!

Woody Allen Interviewing Billy Graham (Part 1)

The video isn't the best quality but the content is pretty interesting. Woody Allen interviewing Billy Graham is worth the time to watch. (only about 6 minutes long)

Does God Have Ownership of You?

The new year is a great time to ask a question which must be answered by all of us. Have you committed your ways to God? Is your life really given to the one you call, perhaps nonchalantly at times, Lord? The word "Lord" means ownership and absolute control. Does God own you? Does He have absolute control of your life? The decision to allow God such a place is a matter of trust. Do you trust God enough to give Him everything?

There is an old hymn called "Trust and Obey" written in the late 19th century by John H. Sammis. Sammis wrote the hymn when told the story of a young man who gave his life to Jesus during an evangelistic meeting led by evangelist Dwight L Moody. The young man was no theologian, knew very little about the Christian faith but understood enough to say, "I'm not quite sure. But, I'm going to trust and obey." Oftentimes we must do the same! Many times we don't understand what God is doing or the circumstances of our life but we choose nonetheless to trust Him and obey. This is what it means to give God ownership of our life. Our trust, faith and obedience are not contingent upon our understanding of circumstance or perception of God's goodness at any given moment. At all times we are His! At all times we trust, follow and obey.

"Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!"

James

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Christmastide has ended and we are back to the grind of the post-holiday world. We are now in resolution mode! If you are like most folks, you have recently resolved to change at least a few things about your life in 2013. A survey taken a few years ago found 75% of people eventually break their resolutions and a third don't even make it to the end of January before doing so! How can we beat the odds and stick to our new plans? Here are a few helpful hints:

1. Is your resolution just a good idea or something which really needs to happen in your life?  -- Pray about the size of your list! Focus on the really important things and prioritize them. If your resolution isn't important to the overall quality of your life then don't put it on your list! Too often we overload ourselves with a list of resolutions that are too long and unimportant. Make a short list of the things you really feel need to happen and stick to the short list! 

2. Is your resolution a "God-thing" or a "Good-thing?" -- If your resolutions are God led your motivation and ability to keep them will be infinitely greater than if your list is something you come up with on your own...regardless of how good your list may be.

3. Pray Pray Pray! -- Pray everyday for God to help you make the changes He has led you to make. Prayer does change things, beginning with you! Ask God to keep you in repentance. Repentance being a change of direction which is the crux of what any resolution.

4. Ask friend to help you -- Accountability is a good thing especially when resolving to change something about ourself. This is why groups such as AA team individuals up with a "sponsor" when they join. Someone to cheer and hold us accountable is of great value when the inspiration to change has waned and the going gets tough. 

You can keep your resolutions in 2013! Pray, receive your plans from God and trust Him for the ability to be the person He wants you to be!

James

Epiphany Is Sunday!

Despite what many folks may have told you at work this week, Christmas is NOT over! We are in the midst of what the traditional Christian calendar calls, "Christmastide." This is the 12 day period between Christmas Day and Epiphany. What is Epiphany you may ask? The dictionary defines the word as, "an appearance or manifestation of a god or some other supernatural being." The more common usage of the word in our day is "sudden intuitive understanding or flash of insight." Taken together we really have the most perfect of all definitions, Epiphany is the flash of insight received by the Wise Men who traveled to see the appearance of the One True God in the person of Jesus Christ.

In the Christian church, Epiphany, is the day we commemorate the journey of the Wise Men to see the child Jesus. These men, and we are never told just how many wise men there really were, journeyed from afar to see the one Born King of the Jews. Our Christmas festivities end each year when we celebrate both their journey and our own to Jesus Christ.

Take some time this Sunday to think about your journey of faith to Christ and pray for someone who has yet to find The King!

James