I have often said God has ways of bringing good out of things intended for evil.
There is a developing story out of South Carolina where a Christian school, which has fallen on financial difficulties, has been taken to task by atheists who have been mocking them publicly to the press and on social media because of their biblical beliefs.
In an interesting twist, the mockery of the school has gone viral, people are seeing the mockery on the Internet and are sending money to the school.
There is good news from Texas. The Texas State Legislature has passed a bill that will make next Christmas a little more merrier.
While the Texas legislature was acting responsibly on the matter of Christmas, they have also dropped the anti-Christian, anti-American CSCOPE curriculum from Texas public schools.
And a little more good news from a public kindergarten in California, who tried to censor a 5-year-old from performing a Christian song at the school talent show.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Americans Believe Religion And Morality Linked
There are two different Gallup polls out this week that show Americans believe religion and morality are linked.
These polls also show that a strong majority of Americans believe that the country's moral values are "getting worse" and that they believe religion in America is losing its influence, but they also believe the country would be better off if more Americans were religious.
So why are we, as a culture, running from God and His eternal Truth, embracing relative values and relative "truth" while 75% of us are telling Gallup that even though religion is losing influence, we think the culture would be better off if more people were religious?
We are also saying, in a separate poll this past week, that we believe America's moral values are "getting worse."
In spite of secular progressive influence in our government run schools that demands a so called "moral neutral zone" which is most often an indoctrination zone in the name of multiculturalism, people in large numbers are linking the two.
Here's a look at the Gallup poll results and some thoughts on what this means to the faith community.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Al-Jazeera Television Coming To America---What Does It Mean?
With much of the American news media in decline through loss of newspaper subscriptions, loss of effective reporting on the part of some news organizations, a left leaning bias on the part of most and the explosion of new media sources for people to hear and see the news, it could be said "these are the worst of times" for the NBC's and ABC's and CBS's and the "your town Times."
However, there's a new player in town and they think "these are the best of times" to enter the American news environment.
While most American news sources are trying to advance a secular progressive agenda without appearing to do so, dependant ultimately upon ratings, dealing with stock holders who want to see profit and suffering from a healthy public distrust, the new player will deal with none of this.
Introducing Al-Jazerra television, whose launch, many believe, will forever change American news media.
You will recall that former Vice-President Al Gore sold his failing far left channel, "Current TV", to Al Jazeera for about $500 million this past January.
Al Jazeera's owner is the royal family of Qatar, an oil and gas rich Muslim Middle East country.
At first the new owners said they would simply continue broadcasting on their new American channel as they do throughout their worldwide network, with about 60% new programming from the United States.
Now all that has changed.
The impact on American culture remains to be seen.
One thing is sure. This will be a game changer in American news media.
Here's why.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
The Memo: DOJ Mangers Must Affirm Homosexuality
No longer is it acceptable for those working in the US Department of Justice, who happen to believe in biblical values, to simply remain silent about their religious beliefs.
They are now being called upon to affirm the deviant behavior. A memo last week said, "Silence will be interpreted as disapproval of the behavior." Department of Justice managers are being called upon to verbally and emotionally affirm it.
And ... it only took the Seattle Times three days to come out---again. The Times editorial board is calling for the Boy Scouts to drop all restrictions on homosexuality, including their ban on openly gay men leading local troops.
Hundreds of thousands of Boy Scouts and their families are making decisions, not whether to remain in the Boy Scouts, but which organization they should join as the alternative.
The Southern Baptists and the Assemblies of God have spoken out publicly in opposition to the decision while the LDS Church has officially said they are okay with the decision.
They are now being called upon to affirm the deviant behavior. A memo last week said, "Silence will be interpreted as disapproval of the behavior." Department of Justice managers are being called upon to verbally and emotionally affirm it.
And ... it only took the Seattle Times three days to come out---again. The Times editorial board is calling for the Boy Scouts to drop all restrictions on homosexuality, including their ban on openly gay men leading local troops.
Hundreds of thousands of Boy Scouts and their families are making decisions, not whether to remain in the Boy Scouts, but which organization they should join as the alternative.
The Southern Baptists and the Assemblies of God have spoken out publicly in opposition to the decision while the LDS Church has officially said they are okay with the decision.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day: Remembering---And Forgetting
Today is Memorial Day.
It's a national holiday because what it commemorates is directly related to our liberty and the preservation of our freedoms.
It is a special day to remember and honor those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.
This day was once known as "Decoration Day," in fact as a kid growing up, my dad continued to call it that--at least some of the time. So did my grandparents.
Decoration Day originated after the Civil War to commemorate both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that war.
By the 20th century this day had been extended to include all Americans who had died in military service to their country.
The preferred name of the day gradually changed to "Memorial Day," which became the official name in 1967.
In 1968, Congress established that "Memorial Day" would no longer be on May 30 each year, but on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day is a time to remember.
Unfortunately there are those who are using it to revise and undermine what this day is really about. I'll get to that in a moment. I also want to tell you about an incident at the University of Washington a few days ago.
It's a national holiday because what it commemorates is directly related to our liberty and the preservation of our freedoms.
It is a special day to remember and honor those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.
This day was once known as "Decoration Day," in fact as a kid growing up, my dad continued to call it that--at least some of the time. So did my grandparents.
Decoration Day originated after the Civil War to commemorate both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that war.
By the 20th century this day had been extended to include all Americans who had died in military service to their country.
The preferred name of the day gradually changed to "Memorial Day," which became the official name in 1967.
In 1968, Congress established that "Memorial Day" would no longer be on May 30 each year, but on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day is a time to remember.
Unfortunately there are those who are using it to revise and undermine what this day is really about. I'll get to that in a moment. I also want to tell you about an incident at the University of Washington a few days ago.
Friday, May 24, 2013
A Personal Response To Our Culture Of Corruption
The curtain is continuing to be drawn back on the corruption in our culture.
These are some of today's headlines.
* Boy Scouts Approve Plan To Accept Openly Gay Boys
* A/G Holder OK'd Seizure Of Fox Reporter's Email
* Beheading Suspect Linked With Islamic Hate Preacher
* Military Suffers Wave Of 'Gay' Sex Assaults
* Issa To Bring IRS Official Back Before Committee
How should people of faith respond to all this, particularly the sustained attack by the IRS on conservative and faith based organizations?
The quick response is often, "As a biblical Christian, I believe Jesus is soon to return and I will spend eternity in heaven---therefore I do not want to become encumbered with the things or issues of this world."
While it is biblically true that Christ will return, it is equally true that while we live here, we are to be "salt" and "light" in a very dark world.
But we ask, "What Can I do in the face of so much evil?"
And some conclude, "I'll remove myself from it all---insulate myself from the corruption ---I'll be separate."
The Bible clearly teaches us to be separate from the world, but the teaching is to be "in" the world, but not "of " the world.
We are not to remove ourselves, even as we see the foundations crumbling and the faith community under attack.
Some thoughts on a proper response.
These are some of today's headlines.
* Boy Scouts Approve Plan To Accept Openly Gay Boys
* A/G Holder OK'd Seizure Of Fox Reporter's Email
* Beheading Suspect Linked With Islamic Hate Preacher
* Military Suffers Wave Of 'Gay' Sex Assaults
* Issa To Bring IRS Official Back Before Committee
How should people of faith respond to all this, particularly the sustained attack by the IRS on conservative and faith based organizations?
The quick response is often, "As a biblical Christian, I believe Jesus is soon to return and I will spend eternity in heaven---therefore I do not want to become encumbered with the things or issues of this world."
While it is biblically true that Christ will return, it is equally true that while we live here, we are to be "salt" and "light" in a very dark world.
But we ask, "What Can I do in the face of so much evil?"
And some conclude, "I'll remove myself from it all---insulate myself from the corruption ---I'll be separate."
The Bible clearly teaches us to be separate from the world, but the teaching is to be "in" the world, but not "of " the world.
We are not to remove ourselves, even as we see the foundations crumbling and the faith community under attack.
Some thoughts on a proper response.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Government Corruption: How Deeply Has It Metastasized?
New on the IRS scandal.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa said embattled IRS official Lois Lerner waived her Fifth Amendment rights and will be hauled back to appear before his panel again.
Samuel Adams said, "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men."
"The artifices of false and designing men (and women) are attempting to cheat us out of our liberties and the freedom of our civil constitution."
John Adams said, "The nature of the encroachment upon American constitution is such, as to grow every day more and more encroaching. Like a cancer; it eats faster and faster every hour."
Samuel Adams also said, "How strangely will the tools of a tyrant pervert the plain meaning of words."
Yesterday Lois Lerner, who heads up the Exempt Division of the IRS, which is the center of the IRS scandal, was called before the House Oversight Hearing committee.
She said, "I have not done anything wrong. I have not broken any laws. I have not violated any IRS rules or regulations."
She continued, "I know that some people will assume that I have done something wrong, I have not."
She then refused to be questioned, and took the Fifth Amendment.
I think most every American, Democrat and Republican, know that the evidence has taken us well beyond the assumption of wrong doing.
As the hearings continue, parsing words seems to become more and more the tool of choice.
We don't know how deeply Ms. Lerner is involved in the scandal, yet, it is inconceivable that all this was going on in her division and she knew nothing about it.
What we do know, however, is that Lois Lerner has a past history of harassing religious groups.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Christianity And The Perceived Safety Of Silence
Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday, which reminds us of how and when the church of Jesus Christ began.
The historic account tells us a strong wind rushed down upon those who were waiting in the upper room and tongues of fire appeared over the heads of those who had become followers of Jesus.
It is important to recognize that while they were obediently waiting as Jesus had instructed them to do, they were also safely tucked away from the general public. The timidity that had caused Peter to lie to a little girl about his relationship with Jesus persisted among these followers. They were, after all, human. And they were not all that popular in the present culture.
They had followed a man who had claimed to be King, representing an eternal Kingdom, yet had been executed by the Romans, with consent from the religious leaders, for blasphemy, among other things.
A plan that had seemingly gone very wrong. Oh, they knew he had risen, but how could they possibly tell that story with any credibility?
As the wind blew and the fire manifested itself, something happened. Everything changed in ways that committee meetings, planning sessions and personal evangelization classes could not have accomplished in a generation.
The fear of public ridicule, peer rejection and even personal danger was gone. Silence was not even a thought, much less an option.
They moved into the streets and did things they had never done before. They communicated the Truth in languages and in ways they had never learned. The public was amazed. Stunned. Thousands believed the Truth about Jesus. The church was born.
They spoke to the culture in ways the culture understood. They defined sin and explained forgiveness and restoration. They spoke of a new life in Jesus Christ and of eternal hope.
They told their story of God's love, that was demonstrated by God's power.
Today there are more than 2 billion people alive in the world who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Both the book of Acts and other historical documents tell us the early Christians "turned the world upside down."
Until they stepped out of the upper room, trusted God to enable them to do what they themselves could not do, and began to speak the Truth to the culture, they were sitting in the perceived safety of silence.
Let me tell you an eyewitness story, told to me personally, about a young Christian girl who loved the Lord and her country, but was ultimately caught in the perception that there is safety in silence.
The historic account tells us a strong wind rushed down upon those who were waiting in the upper room and tongues of fire appeared over the heads of those who had become followers of Jesus.
It is important to recognize that while they were obediently waiting as Jesus had instructed them to do, they were also safely tucked away from the general public. The timidity that had caused Peter to lie to a little girl about his relationship with Jesus persisted among these followers. They were, after all, human. And they were not all that popular in the present culture.
They had followed a man who had claimed to be King, representing an eternal Kingdom, yet had been executed by the Romans, with consent from the religious leaders, for blasphemy, among other things.
A plan that had seemingly gone very wrong. Oh, they knew he had risen, but how could they possibly tell that story with any credibility?
As the wind blew and the fire manifested itself, something happened. Everything changed in ways that committee meetings, planning sessions and personal evangelization classes could not have accomplished in a generation.
The fear of public ridicule, peer rejection and even personal danger was gone. Silence was not even a thought, much less an option.
They moved into the streets and did things they had never done before. They communicated the Truth in languages and in ways they had never learned. The public was amazed. Stunned. Thousands believed the Truth about Jesus. The church was born.
They spoke to the culture in ways the culture understood. They defined sin and explained forgiveness and restoration. They spoke of a new life in Jesus Christ and of eternal hope.
They told their story of God's love, that was demonstrated by God's power.
Today there are more than 2 billion people alive in the world who claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Both the book of Acts and other historical documents tell us the early Christians "turned the world upside down."
Until they stepped out of the upper room, trusted God to enable them to do what they themselves could not do, and began to speak the Truth to the culture, they were sitting in the perceived safety of silence.
Let me tell you an eyewitness story, told to me personally, about a young Christian girl who loved the Lord and her country, but was ultimately caught in the perception that there is safety in silence.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The Kids Are Not All Right
Cecile B. DeMille, a founder of the Hollywood film industry is quoted in the book, "DeMille: The Man and his Pictures" (p. 160), "Its a sobering thought that the decisions we make at our desks in Hollywood may intimately affect the lives of men and women and children through out the world."
Peter Guber, chairman and CEO of Mandalay Films---one of Hollywood's most successful independent film companies with more than 50 Academy Awards nominations and over $3 billion in earnings from films, also understands the power of Hollywood decisions. Among Guber's many films are two that stand in stark contrast, yet he used the same principle in making the films. Both were successful at the box office.
"Soul Surfer" is a Christian themed film starring Carrie Underwood. Perhaps you have seen the movie.
The other, "The Kids Are All Right," is a gay themed film about two "married" lesbians, played by Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, who deal with family issues ranging from artificial insemination to inter-family issues and conflicts.
Peter Guber tells "Psychology Today" how he makes his films that change people's minds and hearts.
IRS Scandal Update: Monday afternoon, ABC News released a chilling report that details what journalists have faced trying to get some answers from the Cincinnati IRS office.
ABC says an "armed uniform police officer with the Federal Protective Service escorted"reporters through the building. ABC says if the intent wasn't to "scare off" employees who might talk, "it was the effect."
Breitbart is reporting that employees at the IRS building have been threatened with their jobs if they are caught talking to the media.
Tea Party Patriots are planning a protest at IRS facilities across the nation today at 12 Noon. s this blog went to publication I was unable to find a list of scheduled events. I may have more information on my live radio program this morning at 9 AM PDT.
Peter Guber, chairman and CEO of Mandalay Films---one of Hollywood's most successful independent film companies with more than 50 Academy Awards nominations and over $3 billion in earnings from films, also understands the power of Hollywood decisions. Among Guber's many films are two that stand in stark contrast, yet he used the same principle in making the films. Both were successful at the box office.
"Soul Surfer" is a Christian themed film starring Carrie Underwood. Perhaps you have seen the movie.
The other, "The Kids Are All Right," is a gay themed film about two "married" lesbians, played by Annette Bening and Julianne Moore, who deal with family issues ranging from artificial insemination to inter-family issues and conflicts.
Peter Guber tells "Psychology Today" how he makes his films that change people's minds and hearts.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Secular Progressives "Progress" Not Progressing On TV
The morning after the November 6, 2012 election, Sharon Waxman wrote on a Hollywood industry website The Wrap, "Hollywood should be euphoric today."
She said, "The entertainment industry woke up to election results that reflect a country a lot more like the fictional place they've been depicting on screens large and small for decades."
"The election," she said, "delivered the most stunning rebuke to supposedly conservative values, and by consequence the most vibrant affirmation of the liberal values for which Hollywood is often stereotyped in more than a decade."
It was generally believed in the industry that if they could get enough "entertainment" in the homes and big screens of the theater that confirmed their agenda, and more importantly Barack Obama's progressive social agenda, he would be re-elected.
She wrote, "We've had gay, married parents on "Modern Family" to lead the way to the election results in Maine, Washington and Maryland. We've had gay teenagers in love on "Glee."
It was indeed a gleeful moment for those who are working to "remake America."
But sometimes things are not as they seem. Yes Obama was re-elected. And yes, Washington and other states redefined marriage, but at some point, Hollywood and the entertainment industry must deal with the realities of viewership--- those pesky little people scattered across the plains and valleys of the country, the ones who own guns and cling to their Bibles and hold "supposedly conservative values."
A lot of those folks don't hold the same "values" as the people in Westwood and Hollywood, and they don't watch TV shows just because they are on the air.
And the folks don't always believe what the media tells them to believe.
Unfortunately we cannot say entertainment doesn't influence the culture. It does.
But here's what has happened between that euphoric morning in November and now.
She said, "The entertainment industry woke up to election results that reflect a country a lot more like the fictional place they've been depicting on screens large and small for decades."
"The election," she said, "delivered the most stunning rebuke to supposedly conservative values, and by consequence the most vibrant affirmation of the liberal values for which Hollywood is often stereotyped in more than a decade."
It was generally believed in the industry that if they could get enough "entertainment" in the homes and big screens of the theater that confirmed their agenda, and more importantly Barack Obama's progressive social agenda, he would be re-elected.
She wrote, "We've had gay, married parents on "Modern Family" to lead the way to the election results in Maine, Washington and Maryland. We've had gay teenagers in love on "Glee."
It was indeed a gleeful moment for those who are working to "remake America."
But sometimes things are not as they seem. Yes Obama was re-elected. And yes, Washington and other states redefined marriage, but at some point, Hollywood and the entertainment industry must deal with the realities of viewership--- those pesky little people scattered across the plains and valleys of the country, the ones who own guns and cling to their Bibles and hold "supposedly conservative values."
A lot of those folks don't hold the same "values" as the people in Westwood and Hollywood, and they don't watch TV shows just because they are on the air.
And the folks don't always believe what the media tells them to believe.
Unfortunately we cannot say entertainment doesn't influence the culture. It does.
But here's what has happened between that euphoric morning in November and now.
Friday, May 17, 2013
White House: "Have Faith In Government"
Update From Congress
* The IRS agent in charge during targeting of Tea Party and other conservative organizations now runs the Obamacare enforcement office.
IRS Official in Charge During Tea Party Targeting Now Runs Health Care Office - ABC News
* A pro-life organization was denied tax exempt status because of its opposition to Planned Parenthood---approval conditioned on commitment to not protest Planned Parenthood.
IRS Rejected Group on Behalf of Planned Parenthood
* GOP has introduced a bill to block IRS from implementing or enforcing any part of Obamacare.
GOP Files Bills Limiting IRS Oversight of ObamaCare
Under siege from scandals on 3 fronts---the IRS, Benghazi and the State Department and the Department of Justice inappropriately, perhaps illegally, wiretapping the press, President Obama has been criticized for acting timidly in the face of these massive failures.
Even those who have been unwavering in their support of the president are expressing concern and criticism.
However, even in a career crises where this president would say or do most anything to keep his job, he seems unable to separate himself from his number one core belief: Government is the answer to human needs and therefore must be grown and expanded at any cost. And patriotism somehow equates to having faith in government---and yes, I do enjoy the power.
Theodore Roosevelt certainly did not agree with him. Do you?
What is a healthy view of government?
What is the Christian view of government?
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Can Good Come From Evil?
As our nation continues to reel from developing scandals in the IRS, the State Department and the Justice Department's wire tapping the press, we wonder where it all will lead.
We may also ask ourselves, "Can any good come from this?"
It can.
There was good that came from Watergate.
I know of at least two good things that have come from abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell's murder trial.
And there is a sense of clarity that is developing in our country as we continue to learn more about the current scandals.
Some thoughts on how good comes from evil.
We may also ask ourselves, "Can any good come from this?"
It can.
There was good that came from Watergate.
I know of at least two good things that have come from abortionist Dr. Kermit Gosnell's murder trial.
And there is a sense of clarity that is developing in our country as we continue to learn more about the current scandals.
Some thoughts on how good comes from evil.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Watergate Revisited?
George Will reminds us that forty years ago this week---May 17, 1973, the Senate Watergate hearings began exploring the nature of Richard Nixon's administration.
The result?
"He has, acting personally and through subordinates and agents, endeavored to...cause, in violation of the constitutional rights of citizens, income tax audits or other income tax investigations to be initiated or conducted in a discriminatory manner."
---Article II, Section 1, Articles of Impeachment Against Richard M. Nixon, adopted by the House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974.
A young lawyer named Hillary Clinton worked tirelessly on this case.
Now, the nature of Barack Obama's administration is being clarified as revelations about the IRS targeting conservative groups merge with reports regarding Benghazi, reveal that lies upon lies and misleading statements were made to the American public and even to the family members of those murdered in the terrorist attack.
And then, as they say in Yakima, when it rains it pours.
We now hear the administration has wire tapped the Associated Press not only in New York, Washington DC and Hartford, but also the main AP number in the House of Representatives press gallery.
The press, who have been beyond supportive of the Obama administration--- nearly complicit, now are feeling betrayed---jilted.
What the press evidently believed to be a long term relationship, seems to be more of a one night stand. Or at least, an "evolving" relationship, with speed bumps.
We have also learned that ProPublica, a far left, George Sorros connected organization, was sent copies by the IRS of applications and information submitted to the IRS by conservative groups.
The result?
"He has, acting personally and through subordinates and agents, endeavored to...cause, in violation of the constitutional rights of citizens, income tax audits or other income tax investigations to be initiated or conducted in a discriminatory manner."
---Article II, Section 1, Articles of Impeachment Against Richard M. Nixon, adopted by the House Judiciary Committee, July 29, 1974.
A young lawyer named Hillary Clinton worked tirelessly on this case.
Now, the nature of Barack Obama's administration is being clarified as revelations about the IRS targeting conservative groups merge with reports regarding Benghazi, reveal that lies upon lies and misleading statements were made to the American public and even to the family members of those murdered in the terrorist attack.
And then, as they say in Yakima, when it rains it pours.
We now hear the administration has wire tapped the Associated Press not only in New York, Washington DC and Hartford, but also the main AP number in the House of Representatives press gallery.
The press, who have been beyond supportive of the Obama administration--- nearly complicit, now are feeling betrayed---jilted.
What the press evidently believed to be a long term relationship, seems to be more of a one night stand. Or at least, an "evolving" relationship, with speed bumps.
We have also learned that ProPublica, a far left, George Sorros connected organization, was sent copies by the IRS of applications and information submitted to the IRS by conservative groups.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Unfit To Rule--27 Reasons
When in the course of human events, our Founders felt they could no longer tolerate the tyranny of King George III, they prayerfully and thoughtfully took action.
We know their action as The Declaration of Independence, which gives 27 reasons why they believed the King was unfit to rule their lives.
The Founders declared, "A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be a ruler of a free people."
And for these reasons, they mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor," took action and birthed the most exceptional, free, blessed, prosperous and generous nation in the history of the world.
Their actions were based on 27 Grievances and a profound commitment and deeply held belief in the eternal principles of Scripture. And an undying belief that rights and freedoms were given by God, our Creator, not government.
A quick look at their grievances is sobering to freedom loving people.
We know their action as The Declaration of Independence, which gives 27 reasons why they believed the King was unfit to rule their lives.
The Founders declared, "A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be a ruler of a free people."
And for these reasons, they mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor," took action and birthed the most exceptional, free, blessed, prosperous and generous nation in the history of the world.
Their actions were based on 27 Grievances and a profound commitment and deeply held belief in the eternal principles of Scripture. And an undying belief that rights and freedoms were given by God, our Creator, not government.
A quick look at their grievances is sobering to freedom loving people.
Monday, May 13, 2013
IRS Inquisition On Conservatives Worse Than Originally Thought
Thirty minutes after I had published my Blog to thousands of subscribers, and 6 minutes before I went on the radio live Friday morning, I noticed a brief "developing story" email from Associated Press regarding the IRS and their public apology for targeting organizations that used the words "tea party" and "patriot."
I mentioned it on the air Friday, but had few details at that time.
It is indeed a developing story, and it developed significantly over the weekend.
Now the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that it is much worse than originally thought.
We are now learning that the IRS not only targeted groups using the word "tea party," "patriot" and "9/12 Project," but they have also been flagging groups using a number of other words, including those groups who advocate and lobby to "make America a better place to live."
And it is not as originally reported that only some low level employees were aware and responsible for the IRS actions.
I mentioned it on the air Friday, but had few details at that time.
It is indeed a developing story, and it developed significantly over the weekend.
Now the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that it is much worse than originally thought.
We are now learning that the IRS not only targeted groups using the word "tea party," "patriot" and "9/12 Project," but they have also been flagging groups using a number of other words, including those groups who advocate and lobby to "make America a better place to live."
And it is not as originally reported that only some low level employees were aware and responsible for the IRS actions.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Goodness in America---and God Bless the Mothers
Charles Ramsey, the Cleveland man whose courage led him to help save Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight from nearly 10 years of captivity, doesn't think his actions were "heroic."
Perhaps not, but his motives are certainly worth mentioning.
And Sunday is Mother's Day.
A little bit on its origin and a bit more on how mothers influence our lives for good.
Perhaps not, but his motives are certainly worth mentioning.
And Sunday is Mother's Day.
A little bit on its origin and a bit more on how mothers influence our lives for good.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Students Reacting To Secular Progressive Education Agenda
I've got good news.
A group of Christian high school students have had enough and have created a video that is beginning to get some traction nationally.
In the video they are asking:
"Why can't I pray in school?"
"Why am I called names because I believe in marriage the way God designed it?"
"Why can't Tim Tebow praise God after making a touchdown without causing a national uproar?"
And other similar questions.
A new poll shows 61% of college age students want government to stay out of their lives.
Thankfully, it seems kids are starting to push back on the indoctrination they are receiving in public education and in the media.
I have some thoughts on the educational model they are rejecting and more on what these kids are actually doing about it.
A group of Christian high school students have had enough and have created a video that is beginning to get some traction nationally.
In the video they are asking:
"Why can't I pray in school?"
"Why am I called names because I believe in marriage the way God designed it?"
"Why can't Tim Tebow praise God after making a touchdown without causing a national uproar?"
And other similar questions.
A new poll shows 61% of college age students want government to stay out of their lives.
Thankfully, it seems kids are starting to push back on the indoctrination they are receiving in public education and in the media.
I have some thoughts on the educational model they are rejecting and more on what these kids are actually doing about it.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Outrage, Conviction and Courage, in a Culture of Silence
Silence has always been the friend of tyranny.
Outrage is always the enemy of tyranny when people have the courage to speak and be heard.
Outrage does not exist apart from conviction. If we don't hold deep convictions, why bother?
In 1998, William Bennett, former Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President George H.W. Bush, wrote a book titled, "The Death of Outrage."
At the time, he was fed up with the antics of President Clinton and his womanizing in the oval office and elsewhere and his dishonesty in the impeachment hearings that followed. He was also upset at a complicit press that failed to tell the story correctly and honestly. And he was bothered that there was no outrage over the moral conduct of the President.
It is a well written, factual book. He gave me my personal copy which I noticed on the shelf in my office the other day.
While the story of Clinton, Lewinsky and a dozen other women has aged and all but disappeared, his point in writing the book has not. It is perhaps even more relevant now then when he wrote it.
After making his case he concluded, "One temptation, the very modern temptation, is not to care, or at least pretend not to care; to suspend judgement, avert our gaze, minimize what is happening, hope the scandals will soon pass, having wrought minimal damage. But that is something we ought not allow. It is a flight from reality."
Fifteen years later those who should be speaking out on the issues of our day are pretending not to care, or worse, hiding behind the notion that to speak to the moral cultural decay of our day would be a distraction to "reaching the lost"---identifying with non-Christians. And it would burn bridges.
We too are taking flight from reality.
Outrage is always the enemy of tyranny when people have the courage to speak and be heard.
Outrage does not exist apart from conviction. If we don't hold deep convictions, why bother?
In 1998, William Bennett, former Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan and Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President George H.W. Bush, wrote a book titled, "The Death of Outrage."
At the time, he was fed up with the antics of President Clinton and his womanizing in the oval office and elsewhere and his dishonesty in the impeachment hearings that followed. He was also upset at a complicit press that failed to tell the story correctly and honestly. And he was bothered that there was no outrage over the moral conduct of the President.
It is a well written, factual book. He gave me my personal copy which I noticed on the shelf in my office the other day.
While the story of Clinton, Lewinsky and a dozen other women has aged and all but disappeared, his point in writing the book has not. It is perhaps even more relevant now then when he wrote it.
After making his case he concluded, "One temptation, the very modern temptation, is not to care, or at least pretend not to care; to suspend judgement, avert our gaze, minimize what is happening, hope the scandals will soon pass, having wrought minimal damage. But that is something we ought not allow. It is a flight from reality."
Fifteen years later those who should be speaking out on the issues of our day are pretending not to care, or worse, hiding behind the notion that to speak to the moral cultural decay of our day would be a distraction to "reaching the lost"---identifying with non-Christians. And it would burn bridges.
We too are taking flight from reality.
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Suicide Soars Among Middle-Aged People. Why?
New statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show more people in the US now die from suicide than in motor vehicle accidents.
While suicide has typically been viewed as a problem of teenagers and the elderly, the surge in suicide rates has soared among men in their 50's and women age 60-64.
The suicide rate among men in their 50's has risen nearly 50%, while among women 60 to 64 nearly 60%.
Why the surge among this age group?
CDC offers some possibilities, but says it is a complex issue.
Rutgers University weighs in as well.
And I have some personal thoughts.
While suicide has typically been viewed as a problem of teenagers and the elderly, the surge in suicide rates has soared among men in their 50's and women age 60-64.
The suicide rate among men in their 50's has risen nearly 50%, while among women 60 to 64 nearly 60%.
Why the surge among this age group?
CDC offers some possibilities, but says it is a complex issue.
Rutgers University weighs in as well.
And I have some personal thoughts.
Monday, May 06, 2013
Holding Convictions in a Culture of Relativism
Our culture proclaims there are no absolutes---truth is different things to different people in different circumstances.
And those who do not conform to this "truth" are labeled rigid, hateful, uninformed, intolerant and bigoted.
When NBA player Jason Collins announced last week that he is now a homosexual after being in a number of heterosexual relationships, shocking his former fiancee, he was hailed as "courageous," "brave" and "strong."
President Obama told the White House press he had spoken with Collins and told him he was proud of what he had done.
The press echoed the President.
But while the secular progressives lectured Americans on tolerance, acceptance and such things, they were waging an all out war against Chris Boussard, a sports analyst on ESPN, the Disney/ABC owned sports network.
Why?
Because of Broussard's religious beliefs and deeply held convictions regarding biblical teaching on homosexual behavior.
Broussard was not caustic, hateful or bigoted in any way, yet a movement to get him fired has emerged over the last few days.
Here's what happened.
And those who do not conform to this "truth" are labeled rigid, hateful, uninformed, intolerant and bigoted.
When NBA player Jason Collins announced last week that he is now a homosexual after being in a number of heterosexual relationships, shocking his former fiancee, he was hailed as "courageous," "brave" and "strong."
President Obama told the White House press he had spoken with Collins and told him he was proud of what he had done.
The press echoed the President.
But while the secular progressives lectured Americans on tolerance, acceptance and such things, they were waging an all out war against Chris Boussard, a sports analyst on ESPN, the Disney/ABC owned sports network.
Why?
Because of Broussard's religious beliefs and deeply held convictions regarding biblical teaching on homosexual behavior.
Broussard was not caustic, hateful or bigoted in any way, yet a movement to get him fired has emerged over the last few days.
Here's what happened.
Friday, May 03, 2013
US Military Seeks Religious Freedom Council From Atheist Organization
What are they thinking?
The Pentagon is vetting its guidelines on religious tolerance with a group that has compared Christian's sharing their faith to "rape" and advocated that military personnel who "proselytize" should be court-martialed.
They have called sharing one's personal faith in Christ "horrible, horrendous, dehumanizing behavior."
Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation---an atheist organization, met privately with Pentagon officials on April 23.
The Obama administration is seeking their counsel on religious freedom in the military.
Here's what they discussed.
The Pentagon is vetting its guidelines on religious tolerance with a group that has compared Christian's sharing their faith to "rape" and advocated that military personnel who "proselytize" should be court-martialed.
They have called sharing one's personal faith in Christ "horrible, horrendous, dehumanizing behavior."
Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation---an atheist organization, met privately with Pentagon officials on April 23.
The Obama administration is seeking their counsel on religious freedom in the military.
Here's what they discussed.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
A Time To Pray
Today is the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer.
Tens of millions of Christians across this nation are joining together this morning at 12 Noon EDT--9 AM PDT to pray the following prayer in unison.
You may join me live and others in our radio audience at 9 AM PDT this morning by clicking here as we join others across the nation in simultaneously asking for God's forgiveness and healing of our land.
Tens of millions of Christians across this nation are joining together this morning at 12 Noon EDT--9 AM PDT to pray the following prayer in unison.
You may join me live and others in our radio audience at 9 AM PDT this morning by clicking here as we join others across the nation in simultaneously asking for God's forgiveness and healing of our land.
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Should Greg Laurie Be Allowed To Pray?
Tomorrow is the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer.
The events of recent days underscore our need for prayer and God's intervention on our behalf as a nation.
The Human Rights Campaign, the largest homosexual advocacy organization in the country is calling, no demanding, that Pastor Greg Laurie be removed from the prayer event.
The reason?
"His blatantly anti-LGBT message."
HRC says, "Pastor Laurie's message is out of step with what the majority of people of faith across the country believe."
They say, "In greater numbers than ever before, people of faith are feeling compelled to speak up and organize for equality---because of their faith."
The events of recent days underscore our need for prayer and God's intervention on our behalf as a nation.
The Human Rights Campaign, the largest homosexual advocacy organization in the country is calling, no demanding, that Pastor Greg Laurie be removed from the prayer event.
The reason?
"His blatantly anti-LGBT message."
HRC says, "Pastor Laurie's message is out of step with what the majority of people of faith across the country believe."
They say, "In greater numbers than ever before, people of faith are feeling compelled to speak up and organize for equality---because of their faith."
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