Gilgal

Judges 3:15-23 "When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. By him the children of Israel sent tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 16 Now Ehud made himself a dagger (it was double-edged and a cubit in length) and fastened it under his clothes on his right thigh. 17 So he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. (Now Eglon was a very fat man.) 18 And when he had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who had carried the tribute. 19 But he himself turned back from the stone images that were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." He said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him went out from him. 20 So Ehud came to him (now he was sitting upstairs in his cool private chamber). Then Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." So he arose from his seat. 21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. 22 Even the hilt went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the dagger out of his belly; and his entrails came out. 23 Then Ehud went out through the porch and shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them."

The book of judges is about the heroes that God raised up to protect Israel and lead them back to God. It is amazing to see how ordinary people embrace their calling to step up and stand against the evil in their culture. Ehud was one of those people.

For eighteen years king Eglon of the Moabites had kept Israel down. Now, Eglon was a big guy made chubby by oppressing God's people. When I say chubby I mean enormous. Eglon means "cow" and from verse 17 we know he was a "very fat man." Eglon may not be his real name but a name Israel gave him.

Ehud, we read, was left handed. Through history left handed people have been looked on with suspicion partly because they make up only 10% of the population. In fact the word "sinister" is from the Latin word for "left" and "dexterous" from "right." I've heard of people named Dexter but never "Sinister." Of course there is actor Gary Sinise (hmmm wonder if he is left handed). OK back to point, Ehud may not have had the best public image as a southpaw. It is just a guess but maybe this is why they sent him on the unenviable task of taking money to Eglon.

God would use Ehud though because He like to use unlikely people that aren't thought of much by the world. He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things doesn't He? In this case God will use Ehud's unique abilities as a left handed man.

One of my favorite missionaries is Gladys Aylward who went to China in the 1900s. She always wanted to be taller (she was barely 5' or 1.6m) and she wanted glamorous blonde hair (hers was black). Little did she know that her looks would be crucial to her being accepted in Chinese culture. She saved hundreds of children during Japan's invasion partly because of her ability to blend in. What she'd have changed about herself God used to save others.

Now, in verse 16, we read that Ehud made his own sword. It was about 1' 6" (.5m) long so he could hide it along his right thigh. It was sharpened on both sides so it could cut both ways. Ephesians 6 calls the Word of God the "Sword of the Spirit." The Bible "is sharper than any two edged sword able to pierce to the division of soul and spirit" (Heb 4). As he hammers out his own sword Ehud is a good example of how we need to get a good grip on the Bible. Paul told Timothy, Study to show yourself approved...rightly handling the Word of God." Do you have a handle on the Bible? The time Ehud spent at the smithing fire would pay off and your time pouring over the Bible will give you the familiarity and skill to wield the powerful Word of God in the time of trouble.

We read that Ehud presented the tribute to Eglon but did nothing with his dagger. What happened? Why didn't he pull his weapon? We don't know. It is possible that he got afraid. Maybe the opportunity didn't open. He went with the intention and plan to finish off this mad but couldn't muster the courage to use his sword. Did you ever feel that way? You wanted to share the sWord of God with someone but got scared? Maybe you didn't see an opening and kept your mouth closed. Later you regretted it.

We read that Ehud turned around at Gilgal when he saw the stone images. What is that about? Well these were the stones that Israel set up some years earlier with Joshua once Israel crossed over. The whole generation of men was circumcised that day so they said their reproach was rolled away. Gilgal means "rolled." Actually the word is an onomatopoeia like "boing" or "vroom" made to replicate the sound it makes. So a wheel goes gilgal-gilgal and means rolled.

Interesting to note that the word in Hebrew for Golgotha (Calvary) is Golgolet. It is related to the word Giglal. This may be because skulls roll. At any rate, it is our New Testament Gilgal. It is where our shame was rolled away. We aren't sanctified to God because of circumcision or any other thing we do but because of what He did on the cross at Golgolet. Our sin is rolled away just like the stone that covered the tomb.

It was here that Ehud mustered the courage to go back and follow through with his plan. He went to fat king Eglon with a "secret message." Intrigued the king dismissed all his servants to he alone could hear this "good news." With the traditional right handshake and embrace Ehud pulled the sword from his thigh and buried into the belly of Eglon. It went in all the way, blade handle and all. Ehud didn't even try to pull it out. The belly that had consumed so much also consumed the dagger. As Ehud turned to leave the wallowing king he could see the waste and crap pouring out onto the ground. It is a graphic picture that the Bible includes for us. The Old King James puts it poetically, "and the dirt came out."

Eglon is a picture of my enemy, the flesh with its appetites. How do I deal with this tyrant that wants to rule and steal from me? What do I do to put this part of me to death? The solution is to bury the sWord of God deep in my heart. As the dagger disappeared from Ehud's hand so we need to say "You Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You." When the Word goes into my life the junk comes out. All the fleshly garbage that I have consumed and taken into my life has to come out once the powerful sword of the Spirit comes in. But, here is the secret, let the whole thing go in, blade handle and all. Proverbs 30:5 says, "Every word of God is pure a shield to those who trust it." 2 Timothy 3 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable." Jesus said, "Man will not live by bread alone but by every Word of God." Don't tinker around with little bits of Bible. Take the whole thing in. Let it pierce the deepest parts of your soul.Be like Ehud and push it deep inside. Make sure it penetrates deep within and then let it go. Release it and trust the power of His Word. Let it do it's work in you. You'll see, the just will start to come out of your life.

Love

A friend sent me this snippet from Max Lucado. I thought it was encouarging, convicting and worth consideration. Thanks Adam.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23
                                                                         
I CHOOSE LOVE      by Max Lucado 
 
            It’s quiet. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
            In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
            For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary.  I’m free to choose.  And so I choose.
            I choose love…
            No occasion justifies hatred: no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
            I choose joy…
            I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker.  I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
            I choose peace…
            I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
            I choose patience…
            I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
            I choose kindness…
            I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
            I choose goodness…
            I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
            I choose faithfulness…
            Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
            I choose gentleness…
            Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
            I choose self-control…
            I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
           Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day.  If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.
 

Getting a hold on the tongue

A 73 year old Kenyan named Daniel Mburugu killed a leopard with his bare hands.

Daniel was in his potato garden with machete in hand when he heard a blood curdling roar and saw a leopard charging at him. He says he heard a voice telling him to drop the machete and stuff his hand into the mouth of the big cat and he did it Why? He says it was the voice of God and he obeyed it.

As the leopard sunk it's teeth into Daniel's arm he fought. As he kept pulling he could see the animal struggling to breathe. Finally he ripped the tongue out and the leopard was dead on the ground at his feet. It was a miracle. Sounds like Daniel is a Christian and God gave him the grace and strength to live another day. Reminds me of Samson when he was confronted by a lion and he tore it apart by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In spite of all that, the Kenya Wildlife service said, "He was lucky." Different perspectives I guess.

But wouldn't you love that kind of "luck" in your life. The ability to do the right thing in the right moment and get life saving results?

Guess what. You can. God's word is always available to you. We can hear His voice everyday and walk in the power of His Spirit.

The Hero Janitor

Pervaiz Masih was a janitor at a girl's school in Islamabad's International Islamic University. Last month a suicide bomber tried to blow up hundreds of young women in their school cafeteria, but Masih intercepted him and forced the detonation to happen out of range. By doing so he saved he stopped a Muslim man from killing Muslim women in a Muslim University. The irony here is that Masih is not Muslim. He is a Christian.

CNN reports the story telling how on October 20th Masih was sweeping up near the cafeteria where close to 400 girls were gathered. He saw a man dressed as a woman rapidly approaching the doorway. He confronted the man and told him he could not go in. They began arguing until the frustrated bomber detonated just outside the doorway, killing them both but leaving most of the blast in the parking lot. The rector of the University, Professor Fateh Muhamamd Malik said, "Pervaiz Masih rose above the barriers of caste, creed and sectarian terrorism. Despite being a Christian, he sacrificed his life to save the Muslim girls." Government Minister Shabaz Bhatti said, "As a Christian he stood in front of the Taliban to protect the university."

But being a Christian, Masih was part of the lower class in Pakistan. Believers are often mistreated, paid poorly or left to live in slums. Masih made just $60 a month and lived with seven other family members in a single room. His family had to borrow money for his coffin and fell behind in rent after his passing. He leaves his 3 year old girl behind with his grieving mother Siddique.

The college is giving Masih's family a million rupees ($12,000) for his bravery and offering to give his little girls a scholarship when she gets old enough, a nice gesture but Masih's mom is taking it hard. "My hero is dead" she says. He is buried next to a garbage strewn muddy road in the poorer Christian cemetery seemingly unhailed. But now word is getting out that Masih was a a great man.

He is great because he was a witness and example of the love of Jesus. What is more amazing is that he did it to save people who are in darkness to the religion of hatred and violence; Islam. Orthodox Islam leaves no room for freedom. It doesn't matter who they are, Hindus, Christians or even less zealous Muslims, this cult of darkness has sown the seeds of murder into and entire culture. Most Muslims are victims of it, but many are the perpetrators of hatred. I cannot imagine a better way to reach with the love Jesus than my the kind of sacrifice that Masih has made. He is a hero and an example to me.

Imagine yourself as one of those students in the cafe, unaware of a seemingly ignorant peasant sweeping outside. Then he gets in a scuffle with a man outside. Why? You look through the windows when BOOM the blast shatters everything. You are alive and in the chaos you realize that the man was saving your life. You never thought much of him and he didn't know you. What would make him give his life for you?

This is what Jesus did for us, but in a bigger and more amazing way. Going to the cross for millions of lost bystanders like us, Jesus gladly took the blast from sin so that we could be forgiven. We are saved, washed clean and born again by His Spirit. Now Jesus gives us His life and His love so that we can be a witness to others. Masih is a witness of how great our God's grace is. "No man has greater love than to lay down his life for a friend."

Miserly: a follow up

They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Sometimes all your attention goes toward what is going wrong and not what is right. My last post (The Miser) could give the idea that there isn't much going on at SSCF in the way of people serving. Nothing could be further from the truth.

It was funny that after seeing little activity in the AM service my wife said she glimpsed one of our older guys getting so into the worship on Sunday night that he was dancing. He sort of caught himself and stopped, but if it were up to me, I'd like everyone to do a little dancing before the Lord like David.

In line with that, I think about the incredible servants we have serving Jesus at the church and it blows my mind. Truly, there are some families that work for God on Sundays. When God said "six days you shall work" they took Him seriously by taking Saturday off and punching in on heaven's time clock on Sunday morning. They come to both services so they can serve in the kid's ministry. They make the drive twice on Sundays so they can give a ride to someone who need it. They wake up earlier so the coffee can be ready for others. They lug equipment up around so the music sounds good. They take ownership of their ministry because God has given them a vision to do it excellently.

I am so grateful for those who serve the Lord without credit, without pay, without the need for recognition. They are the wealthiest in heaven.

The Mathemagician

The Miser

Pro 23:6-8 Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you. The morsel you have eaten, you will vomit up, And waste your pleasant words.

The Lord really spoke to me from these verses over the past few days. The proverb is pretty simple, that a stingy person, even if they act generous, really gives grudgingly. Be careful when you accept favors from miserly people because they will hold it against you.

I recall living with a family in Bible college who showed me generosity but did it grudgingly. I paid a small rent and worked with the man as a tile setter. They had kids and we ate family style. At every meal I felt like I was eating them out of house and home. I was made to feel guilty for my own appetite and eyed like I was taking food out of the mouths of their children. It created an awkward situation and it was not a good feeling, sort of sickening. It was a little like the Proverb here says, "The morsel you have eaten you will vomit up."

This is not only a warning about accepting favors from a miser. This is a lesson about true generosity. True generosity is on the inside. It is of the heart. It's not just a handout, it is a "heart-out."

This is where I am convicted. That's right, this isn't a lesson about others who are "misers" but me...and you if this speaks to you.

It started on Sunday. I had read this last week and after my teaching on Sunday it dawned on me that I always sort of inject demands on the people when I speak. There is a coloring of correction or requirement that I place on the audience when I teach. I don't always do it all the time and you might not notice it, but it bothers me when I notice it in my heart.

The message was on the simplicity and wonder of the gospel, how easy it is, how light Jesus' burden is. Then it struck me (or I felt anyway) that I somehow turned the generous gospel into something that required work from the folks.

Now these are my own feelings. If you sat in service you may disagree. It may have seemed wonderful and uplifting. How I could think that way? Well I tell you those personal thoughts to illustrate a point; I want to be more generous. I feel like the miser sometimes, giving out the bread of the word of God but demanding action on the part of my listeners. It is hard for me to absolutely expect nothing from people. Sunday was a good example.

I want so much to see people come out of their shell and embrace the love of God. When I led the worship this Sunday I looked out on some people who have come to church for a long time. They sat and stared up at the screens, lips locked, inexpressive, unresponsive, indifferent to the worship of God. A good part of the congregation will not sing.

It broke my heart. "Are you even born again?" I thought. "How do you come to the house of God with the people of God but refuse to sing songs to God?" One woman sat with arms folded and a scowl on her face almost as if to say "I dare you to try to get me to worship God."

So when the message wrapped up, I came to the application portion. It could have been as simple as "enjoy Jesus" or "cast your cares on Him because He cares for you." But wanting some action on the part of the hearers I brought it home by calling people to deal with legalism. I don't want to beat people up with demands or requirements but there is a deep seated fear that if I don't they won't do anything.

Preaching the true undiluted gospel of grace takes God's grace because when you tell people they don't have to do anything...they usually don't. Religion is built on guilting people into service. They'll work hard if they have to, to make it into heaven. You don't even need the Holy Spirit to be successful. The Mormons and JW's are incredibly successful but without the Spirit.

I don't want to do that. I don't want to build a religion built on works. I want to see a genuine revival where people are bringing others to Christ, people are serving without being asked, ministries aren't being cooked up and carried by the staff but the people are "volunteering freely" ("Your people will volunteer freely in the day of your power" Ps 110:3) and there is a hunger to worship the true and living God.

I want all that from the people so when I feed the bread of God's word I do it with a grudge sometimes. I am sorry.

Miserly people are miserable people. A miser lives in misery. Why? Even when they give they are taking on the inside.

We need to be careful not to hold a grudge against those we give to, be it money, advise, or love in general. Selfish love isn't really love at all. It can be tiring to teach your kids or give counsel or show leadership to coworkers and get little response. You feel like they are not returning the investment of your time and concern. Have you ever tried to help somene only to be ignored? It hurts. The next time you help it is with caution. Then it is with strings attached. Finally you give advice, lend a hand, loan some money, serve in church or just show love, but it's all with a grudge. "They won't listen to me." "They'll never pay me back." "I'll never see them again after this."

I tell you, these thoughts are the challenge of my life. Am I a miser? Do I give and not expect in return?

Jesus said not to invite people over to dinner who could pay you back but give to those who couldn't give anything in return. That's the way to give, with no strings attached. Jesus talked alot about generosity from the heart.

The original Hebrew word for "miser" is "evil eye." The Jews thought of the evil eye as grudge holding. That has grown into a superstition that the evil eye is a curse put on someone but originally it had to do with looking on someone with envy or malice. Jesus used this analogy when he said, "If your eye is evil you will be filled with darkness" (Matt 6, Luke 11). In His parable in Matthew 20 the landowner asked, "Is your eye evil because I am good?" In other words "Are you envious because I am generous?" In Matthew 7 Jesus said that all sorts of evil flow from a persons heart and defile. These included "adultery, fornication, murder, theft, wickedness and an evil eye."

Grudge giving is not what we want to receive and it is not what we want to give. If you are like me pray for the freedom to pour out blessings on others expecting nothing in return. Here is my prayer.

God, teach me to be generous like you are, giving because it is a joy to give and not so I can make demands. Show me what real grace can do. Prove to me that your grace will turn sitters into servers and watchers into worshipers. I don't want to build upon correction and demands. I turn away from trying to build up your people by guilt, but I need your help. I am afraid the whole thing will far apart if I don't get them working. I need the faith to trust that you are working. I need genuine love that extends with no strings attached. I pray with David, "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by your generous Spirit." You are generous. You give and you forgive. I want to be like You.

The Gaza Stripe

Here is a funny article about a Gaza strip zoo that is painting stripes on donkeys to pass them for zebras. They were pretty clever about it and did a good job with the paint (hair dye really) as far as the pictures tell, but I was soon struck with a sense that the author was jabbing Israel. The tragic sadness of a striped donkey became a springboard to say (use whiny voice), "Israel is sooo mean. They have mean and bad restrictions that make it soooo hard. That is soooo mean to children...whine whine."

I see this kind of bias all the time but this one was pretty pathetic. "I should blog about this" I thought. After all, both the subject and the author's credibility were pretty funny. Plus I could highlight the bias against Israel we see so often in the world. Then I read the comments and Mike Perry's nailed it as well as anyone could. I posted it below (before its removed). He will probably never know, but thanks anyway Mike. BTW you have to read the article to understand the comment.

Mike Perry wrote: Actually, there is a combined Egyptian/Israeli restrictions on the flow of goods into Gaza. Look on any map. Gaza shares borders with both countries and the Egyptians are far more restrictive than the Israelis. It really amazing how ignorant the media (in this case the LA Times) is about basic geography. Ignorant or willingly anti-Semitic. Otherwise, why blame Israel for this but not Egypt?

A more credible newspaper would ask if this might be just a money-saving scam by the zoo owner. (My own experience living there suggests it was.) That would make this story roughly similar to an earlier one in which an Israeli shut-off of power led to news photographs showing Palestinian officials meeting by candlelight. A more-honest-than-most photographer caught both the officials and cameraman as thick curtains were closed to block out the bright Middle-eastern sun, so they could stage that fake candlelight meeting. Fake candlelight, fake zebras, same thing. Anyone who's lived in the Middle East knows Arabs have a serious problem with honesty. Anyone, that is, but reporters like this Lindsay Barnett.

There's also little reason to feel sorry for the adult residents of Gaza. For some sixty years they have had a choice between giving up their hate, settling down, and taking good paying jobs in Tel Avi or continuing to fall prey to the anti-Semitic xenophobia of their own corrupt politicians. They chose the latter and the result is that they and their children wallow in misery.

As Golda Meir put it, "Peace will come to the Middle East when the Arabs love their children more than they hate us."

Old enough to be her great great great grandfather

A Somalian Man who is 112 years just got married for the sixth time...she is 17. Ahmed Muhamed Dore said, "Today God helped me realize my dream." He has 18 children from his other marriages (marriages which we presume he outlived). His oldest son is 80.

Now that would be a scene:

Dad: "Son, this is my new wife. She is young enough to be your great grand daughter."

Son: "Does she have a sister?"

Dore is proud to say that it was his smooth talking that sealed the deal, "I didn't force her but used my experience to convince her of my love and then we agreed to marry." He said that he waited for his teenage bride to grow up before proposing and that he wants to have more kids with her. We hope he survives the honeymoon.

Who was that masked idiot?

Finally. I have found something funny to blog about. I was getting tired of all my own political tirades and even tweeted if there were ideas for something more lighthearted. Well here it is.

A couple of young men in Iowa decided to break into break into an apartment. Get this, they wore false beards and had their masks drawn on by Sharpie...that is a "permanent ink" Sharpie marker. When police, responding to a call, pulled over a 1994 Buick and saw Matt McNelly and Joey Miller whose faces were covered in scrawl they knew they had nabbed their idiots.

The cops refer to them "Dumb and Dumber" calling their facial scribbles the "worst disguise ever." Sure enough, alcohol was a key factor in the dumb duo's adventure even adding a drunk driving charge to one of them. Their break-in failed (too drunk?) leading to lesser charges and release on bail. Lawyers for the two declined to comment. What is there to say?

Harry Knox

Isaiah said (5:20), "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." Here is an article about Harry Knox, Obama's advisor on faith based partnerships. He professes to be a Christian but is a homosexual activist who says the New Testament is wrong about gay issues. Knox says Romans 1 is not true because Paul was an "educated rich heterosexual man" who could never understand his gay love. He lobbies hard for homosexual marriage and even said that Obama having the overly generous Rick Warren at the inauguration "tainted" the event. Why?

This man sees everything through the eyes of his own sexuality? The world, the Bible, society and human existence is measured under one standard; sex.

Nothing else matters in the universe but a "right" to broadcast sexuality. In this mental construct, all else must bow to sexuality. "Comply! Yield! Affirm my sexual preference!" It used to be "tolerance" but now it is affirmation. "You must give in, you must change, you must agree, you must redefine your faith, you must capitulate for this one thing; my sexual expression." Whether it is your opinion, the definition of marriage or the teachings of every religion for thousands of years, the new trump card has arrived; "me." Sometimes I don't even think it is about sex. I think it's pure undiluted gross selfism.

If I talked about my sex life half as much as these activists I'd be labeled a nut. Who cares what I do with my wife? But if I went around asking if I could tell them the details of my private life people would (and should) shun me. It is just inappropriate. If every subject somehow came back to my sexual desires you'd call it a mental disorder.

Person: "What a beautiful day it is today." Me: "Yes reminds me of my sex life. Can I tell you?"

Person: "Wow, gas is getting expensive." Me: "Speaking of gas, have I told you about my high octane sex life?"

Person: "This is good manicotti." Me: "Not as good as the sex I had last night."

Don't you see how inappropriate it is? (By the way, that is all pure hyperbole.) To force all things to the measure of one's sexuality is wrong, no matter who does it. We are sick of hearing about it.

Sadly, the debate is framed that anyone who disagrees is labeled some egregious name like bigot, homophobe or, in the case of Obama detractors, a racist. It's not OK to disagree anymore. It isn't even OK to be offended. Even when you take offense it is offensive to them. Now crimes of thought and opinion are being created. No matter, Obama is pushing this one area very strongly. Watch for it.

Obummer, We made a mistake.

Just a few days after his big promise to end "don't ask don't tell" Obama squeezes in more pro-homo legislation in a military bill. With the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and other Gay groups in tow, President O reached 11 years into the past to bring up Matthew Shepard's plight. Then GLAAD spokesperson Jarrett Barrios said, "This is a landmark step in eliminating the kind of hate motivated violence that has taken the lives of so many in our community." Hey, no offense Jarrett, but why are you guys bringing up poor Matthew Shepard if there are "so many" that are suffering from "hate motivated violence." Where are the new martyrs? I think your whole 'victim' role has been overplayed.

Alright, I am gonna get some hateful posts for that. Maybe we should pass a law against hateful comment posters. Christians are suffering all over the world everyday being killed or at least mistreated (in our own country) for adherence to our moral code. Sheesh, in our country the courts mandate that the homosexual lifestyle is taught but Christianity is outlawed in school. If you disagree you could be arrested and sent to jail. Who is the victim here? Enough with the "were suffering" bit.

But seriously, what does an military appropriations bill have to do with homosexual rights or "hate crimes." Here we are spending money to blow the crap out of some Afghani but, hey at least we feel no animosity for gays. Is it just me, or are these guys out of control? They're always into everybody's business. They seem to be fixated on sexuality. No matter what the context, they can force it in. Like my brother in law who, a couple of years ago called my wife on her birthday. He said, "I have two surprises for your birthday. Happy birthday and I am gay."

Now I couldn't care much less about what he does but the mere idea that he believed his sexuality was important enough to be offered as a gift for his sister on her birthday shows the shallowness of this movement. It is so thoroughly drenched in gross selfism that it cannot see anything other than its own sexuality.

Narcissus, the mythological character, was so engrossed in his own beauty that after having sex with all the men and women in is town (including his sister) he fell in love with a reflection of himself in a pool. Trapped there in his own vanity he died.

OK Obama, we get the point. You lied about being a Christian. We can see that you are a radical agenda driven ideologue hoping to undermine everything that the Christian faith and the USA stands for. Now that you have fully (I pray there is no more) shown your cards please fail to implement your version of the USSA upon us. We are neither ready nor willing to accept a homosexual, population control, universal health care, socialist politburo.

*vent closed.

A Proper Rendering

The nine most terrifying words in the English language, according to the late Ronald Reagan, are, "I'm from he government and I'm here to help." Reagan had a few zingers when it came to government. He also said, "Government is not the solution to our problem, it is the problem." What does the Bible say?

While scripture validates the place of government in the world, the general tenor on the power of the state is that we should be wary of it.

Government is God ordained. He established law and order in the form of government when He told Noah that violence must be met with violence in order to keep the peace on the earth (Gen 9 -"Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed"). Romans 13 is another place where we read about the God given authority in the power of governing authorities to "execute" justice. Even Jesus confirmed that the state had a valid place when He said, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's." But Jesus added that it had a limit by continuing, "and render unto God the things which are God's." God is not into big government. In fact when Israel wanted a king, both Moses and Samuel offered grave warnings about the heaviness of taxation and the loss of personal rights. This is evident in the case of King Ahab condemning Naboth to seize his vineyard. The Bible knows well and warns that power corrupts and tends to crush people in its gears. It is good for us to look at our own government and its expansion so we can make a proper rendering.

With this in mind I have viewed a few stories in the news with interest. In the past few days there are more and more moves to increase the size and scope of government. Our fear is that those who hold positions of authority see no limit as to how much they can take from individuals, nationally or even globally in the not too distant future.

In our own country the takeover of General Motors and subsequent firing of its CEO (Rick Wagoner) raised many eyebrows. But the trend continued with the stimulus bill. Those who have received a cash infusion are now being told to cut top executive pay by 50%-90% (incl Citigroup, Bank of America, GM and AIG). Some will argue that they're overpaid but the issue here is not of opinion but the position of the Government to dictate salaries. The fact that Obama has a "Pay Czar" proves that State authority has flooded its banks.

Health care is another area this power tide is washing up. New Yorkers were up in arms when they were told flu vaccines were mandatory. Now to push the takeover of the health industry some are saying the Gov can mandate that you buy health insurance. Is it good to have insurance? Yes, but do they have the right to force me to buy it anymore than they can force me to eat broccoli? No, it violates even the most basic principles of freedom described in the constitution.

So whether its the kids in school working for the census bureau or punishing news organizations for not reporting the way they like, this administration is feeding and getting bigger. Barney Frank said it clearly, "We are trying to increase on every front the role of government." Some have called it a gangster government or Chicago style politics (Chicago is soliciting help from citizens to snitch on neighbors who might not pay all their taxes. They'll get rewarded for it too.)

On top of all that, this morning I read that I have to become a vegetarian to save the planet. Hilarious! It's getting to be too much. It can be maddening so I am going to quit reading the news and go out and get a burger.

Ken Lee...tulibu dibu douchoo

Every once in a while you have to watch "Ken Lee" to brighten your day. It will make you smile (or at least smirk).

Messy Business

Proverbs 14:4 says, "Where there are no oxen the trough is clean but much increase comes by the strength of an ox."

In an agrarian culture, animal husbandry was tough but profitable. Oxen were like tractors in the old days. With them you could plow more, move more and do more. They do a lot but they doo a lot too. The mess they make needs cleaning. Without them, the work in the barn is light but the produce of the field is sparse.

We have a similar saying, "If you want to make an omelette you have to crack some eggs." The Russians have a proverb, "When you chop wood, the chips fly." The idea to all these is the same, that when you begin to achieve something you have to break the status quo. There is going to be a small price to pay. Whether its wood chips, eggs or oxen, progress and increased revenue comes with some hassles. Are you willing to clean up some dung if it means a pay increase? Sometimes that is what it takes.

I wonder what God has put in your heart to do or to be. What vision has He placed in you? Reaching that may not be as clean as you imagined. It might come with a few twists and turns in the road. It might mean some risk. It could mean some mess.

Never avoid the dirty work in fulfilling your calling in life. What has God called you to do? Do it, even if it means picking up stuff nobody else wants to. Be willing to move some manure if it means plowing another acre or two. The Bible says, "He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly but he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully." Doing that little extra goes a long way so shovel the dung till the job gets done!

Eh Bra, You Muslim?

I found an interesting article about Somali hard-line Muslims caning women who wear bras. Bras, according to sharia law, provide "deceptive firmness" and are therefore un-islamic. Young masked men are now forcing women at gunpoint to shake their breasts to see if they are wearing bras. If they are they are immediately caned and forced to remove their bra.Link

I am so grateful that Jesus gave the honor and dignity due to women who are created in the image of God. No other person in history has done as much to elevate women to their rightful and equal state in society.

Proverbs 15:8

"The prayer of the upright is His delight."

Have you ever considered what brings God joy? What makes Him happy or brings a smile to His face (using human language)? Well here is one way; when we pray. We can forget how God loves to simply spend time with us while we commune with Him.

There are different kind of prayer. There is intercession, supplication, confession, petition, praise, tongues, adoration, meditation and I am sure other ways to pray. Paul told the Ephesians to pray with "all kinds of prayer." I would say that all of these are pleasing to God or as the verse says "His delight." Delight means to bring pleasure, to gain approval or to be acceptable. David used this word when he said, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord."

There is a condition though. The first part of Proverbs 15:8 says, "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord."

Delighting the Lord in prayer comes by way of contrast. It is not just any prayer that is acceptable or delightful to the Lord. It is the prayer of the upright. This word, upright, means straight or honest, as opposed to "wicked" which means crooked or guilty. Even if the gift is more costly, the way a sacrifice is compared to a prayer, if the heart is not right it won't impress God. God wants fellowship with you more than service or sacrifice.

God is delighted when we simply talk to Him. The amount I spend or the intensity I have or even the time involved doesn't matter as much as the condition of my heart.

What an incredible thing, that we can effect God in such a way; being His delight.

Take a few minutes right now to bring delight to God's heart by presenting your heart. Tell Him you are thankful for how good He has been to you. Begin to praise Him for things in your life even if they are mundane or even trials. Pray. By doing so you bring God pleasure. One day you will hear those sweet words from His mouth, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord."

Give me this mountain!

Sometimes I linger in the hair color section pondering how those tiny beard combs and coloring kits work. Just kidding. I enjoy getting older, and it helps that my wife loves my silver hair. I am not even 40 yet but the idea of age is creeping up. It is weird at this age. In your late 30's the seniors call you a "pup" and the kids think you're ancient. Hopefully there is some perspective from the middle.

People are trying hard to stay young, aren't they? Surgeries, hair coloring, wrinkle creams, and other "cures" are out there to preserve some youthful ideal. Nothing is more pitiful than a bad comb-over or botox gone wrong. You could get caught up in the whole thing, if you didn't have the Bible to set you straight. Caleb was a man in the Bible who didn't let age slow him down. Joshua chapter 14 relays the story of how Caleb claimed a promise made to him 45 years earlier.

Joshua 14:7-12 -I was 40 years old when Moses sent me to spy out the land. I brought back word to him as it was in my heart, but my brothers who went with me made the heart of the people melt. But I wholly followed the Lord my God, so Moses swore on that day, saying, 'Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children's forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.' Now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, these 45 years, and here I am, 85 years old, and just as strong today as on the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, so it is now; strength to wage war. Therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day.

Age happens, just give it time.

But getting older doesn't mean getting weaker or becoming less useful. That is what the world says. I used to work with this old crusty Czech guy. As we worked he would say, "Whats the difference between wine and women?" Then he'd grin and say, "Wine gets better with age." His poor wife. But that is the sad way our culture looks at aging. Little respect is given to the years and experience of seniors but the Bible paints a different picture.

Caleb is testimony that when we walk with the Lord we are preserved and retain our strength. How do you think of age? Are you still happy when your birthday comes around or do you roll your eyes and say "Oh my, another year?" Not only does Caleb show strength in age but the value in getting older.

The Bible teaches us some things about getting older. We are called to respect the aged in Leviticus 19:32, "Rise up before the gray headed and honor the presence of an older man." Paul told Timothy not to rebuke an older man (1 Tim 5:1). The way youth treats elders is the barometer of our society. Isaiah pointed out the rottenness of his day by saying (3:5) "The child is insolent to the elder." But we have to be careful not to adopt this attitude toward ourselves if we are getting on in years. We hear people lament getting older. Maybe we've done it ourselves saying, "I'm getting so old" as if it is a bad thing. It isn't.

Oh, we may get tired more quickly or get out of bed slower, but getting older is, with the right attitude, getting better. The strength of youth can do many things better than age, but the experience of age will always testify better of God's faithfulness. Youth can look forward in faith but age looks back on God's faithfulness. It is always good to hear an older person talk about how good God has been through the years.

In a day and age that usefulness and youthfulness are thought of as the same thing, we need to remember what the Bible says. Psalm 92:14 says, "The Righteous will still bear fruit in old age and be fresh and flourishing." David prayed (Ps 71:18), "When I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me till I declare your strength to this generation." Paul the Apostle was older and facing death, but still charging forward for God when he asked Timothy to bring him the scrolls so he could study the Word of God in the twilight years.

Are you old? Start learning a language. Go on a mission trip. Volunteer at the youth center. Enroll in Bible College. Don't slow down. Let your years give you momentum and a growing passion for Jesus as you look back on His faithfulness to you. Be like Caleb, faithful in youth and strong in age. Call upon God for His promises made to you in years gone by. He is still good to His Word. Say to Him "Give me this mountain."

"Wash your hands" says the Dear Leader

Tonight Keren, the kids and I had some dinner over at some friends' house. Their little girl is 8 and when she came in from washing her hands for dinner her mother said, "Oh good you're listening to what I am teaching about washing you hand before dinner." "No mom" she said "President Obama tells us to wash our hands."

Apparently in a local school, as in many around the country, the praises of Obama are being sung. Never in the history of our country has the government had such a focused interest on children. From using kids to carry water for the US census bureau to preaching the specious claims of "climate change and global warming", this government is waaaay to interested in kids. Any stranger in the park this overly interested in children should be watched closely and maybe beaten severely. You just don't get that comfy with other people's kids...unless you are Obama.

Earlier this year Obama wanted all the attention of America's children for his school address. According to the event guides from the white house, teachers were to tell students to ask themselves during the speech; "what is the president asking me to do?" In some places kids are being propped up to push for Obamacare by singing for it on national TV. It is downright creepy to see kids singing to the president. I of course refer to the numerous reports and videos of children being led in song in honor of Obama.

In Farminton Utah kids watched anvideo entitled "I Pledge" where Hollywood stars tell how they should not have SUV's and to flush the toilet less (only after #2). Stars and starletttes vow servitude to the Prez as an example of what the little ones can do too. Demi Moore says she vows "To be a servant to our President." Music artist Anthony Kiedis swears "To be of service to Barack Obama."

In New Jersey the song "Jesus loves the little children" was re-written with Jesus' name replaced by Obama's. They sang, "He said red and yellow black and white/ all are equal in his sight/ Barack Hussein Obama." Second graders rewrote the famous "Battle Hymn of the Republic" to say "Mr President we honor you today/For all your great accomplishments, we do say hooray...and it goes on.

Are kids the new political guinea pigs? I feel sorry for parents who don't or can't homeschool. The kids in government schools are getting more of an indoctrination than an education. And it's even happening in the schools in our own backyard.

Validation

This past Sunday we were going through the requirements for Israel's king (Deut 17). The first thing God said is that he could not be a foreigner but had to be a brother. I applied this to the leaders that we choose for ourselves and how we ought to vote. We need to choose a brother or sister in the Lord or at least someone who holds closely to our Biblical values.

Then I mentioned the concerns I had with Obama. I was excruciatingly gentle but firm regarding the appointments he has made and the choices regarding moral issues. I mentioned his first act to fund overseas abortions, the repealing of "don't ask don't tell," the appointments of Van Jones, John Holdren and Kevin Jennings. Then I said, in no uncertain terms, that it is impossible to conclude that Obama is a brother in the Lord. He is not a Christian.

Already I have heard some blowback. Some will leave. I don't rejoice in that but I never forget a couple of Pastor Chuck Smith's comments on those who leave. He calls them "blessed subtractions" or says, "God is trimming the fat so He can do a greater work." One of my favorites is "Don't leave angry...just leave." The issue at hand is the straightness of God's truth against the crookedness of people's standards. Apparently some folks love Obama more than the Word of God.

Still, it breaks my heart for the children that are pulled away from fellowship and Bible teaching. I grieve for the grown ups who retract from being influenced by the Bible. Just today I got a call from a brother who, at his wifes request, went to a church with less Bible teaching. It isn't working out as well as they'd hoped. I think of another person who pulled their children out and went off all disgruntled. Wow, the more I think about it the more people I realize have left.

Why am I writing all this? It looks like I am documenting pastoral mistakes, what with all these people leaving. No. Pastors have a tough enough time examining their own messages and errors, feeling guilty and frustrated over their own shortcomings on top of fickle people's ways. No, I am not airing that. But with those questions looming, it is good to have some validation from others in the Lord.

For me this came in the form of a call yesterday from a brother who was just angry at the endless assault on Christians and morality. He was ticked off that anyone would dare come into a church and try to dictate what the pastor might say about the Bible or politics (he's seen people leave our church after hearing about hell and the exclusivity of Jesus). He went on and on about how this humanism is creeping into the church and how frustrated it makes him. I shared some verses about how Lot's righteous soul was vexed everyday and how the Bible says "be angry and don't sin." I assured him that his feelings are valid and that they are prompted by the Holy Spirit in him being grieved. It was good to hear from him.

But when you make a statement that is so divisive in today's culture you wonder if you've crossed the line. Then today I found a recent audio clip from Pastor John MacArthur who said what I said just ten times more clearly and powerfully. A little validation is always nice. Here is the youtube clip. Enjoy and have a blessed day.

Hanging Doors

Someone gave us a new bathroom door. With five kids (4 of them girls) you can bet that bathroom door gets its fair share of use. The kids had beat that thing to a pulp so a generous friend picked one up from a jobsite. Well I got to hanging the new one yesterday. I'm shaking my head right now cuz I don't know where to begin. That was tough. I had to leave it and finish today.

Getting the new holes for the knob was alright and mounting the hinges seemed to go smoothly. Then came the hanging. It seemed that everything that could go wrong did. Murphy's Law right? First the mounts were 1/8" off so I had to redo. Then they were a hair too low so I shaved the bottom off (planer was broken so I used a skil-saw). Still, something was wrong. Ahh, I could see the new door had a slight warp to it which mounted it at an angle. Next, it was a teeeny bit too wide after the fresh coats of paint my buddy put on it for me. Now I had to shave the length with the saw. Somehow I felt undaunted and wondered how my dad's personality was showing up in me.

My dad is the most diligent and persistent home repair guy ever. He will work and rework a project till he gets it right no matter how many experimental tries it takes. My dad will fix a toilet 100 times before he buys a new one and he'd never call a plumber. One of his favorite verses is "Diligence is a man's precious possession" (Pro 12:27) along with "The soul of the diligent shall be made fat" (Pro 13:4).

So, thinking of my dad and what kind of carpenter Jesus must have been, I shaved and chiseled on. If I kept trimming and shrinking this door it was going to look like a doll house door. Finally, it fit. I re-cut the hinge insets and hung-it. A little paint to touch up the dings and all the flaws are covered (mostly).

All Hail Broke Loose -Joshua 10

Joshua 10 lists a bunch of victories that Israel has over the cities of the land. What is interesting is the plea from the Gibeonites and Joshua's reaction. You remember these guys tricked Israel into swearing peace with them by wearing worn out clothes and showing them stale bread. It may have been a mistake for Israel but it sure was good for the city of Gibeon. Once Joshua swore an oath to them by the Lord they were under Israel's protection.

They needed that protection too because all their neighbors would turn on them, surrounding their city and attacking them. What a change for Gibeon, their enemy became their friend and their old friends became their enemy.

This is a picture of conversion for us. When we come to our Joshua (Y'shua is the name for Jesus) dressed with humility and with the bread of mourning we are received as servants. Blessed are the poor in spirit for yours is the kingdom of heaven. The metaphor breaks down in that they deceived to gain peace, but we come to the Lord open and honest. Still, the end result is that the war with God is ended and we have peace through Jesus.

Sadly the world turns on us and hates us for our shift in allegiance. The animosity we feel from our former friends is incredible and can be shocking just as it was for Gibeon. We are surrounded and besieged with hatred and marginalization (and in some places deadly persecution), but our response should be the same as those converts. Joshua 10:6 says, "The men of Gibeon sent to Joshua saying, 'Do not forsake your servants; come quickly, save us and help us.'"

What I find incredible is the power and thorough destruction God unleashes from heaven on behalf of those tricky Gibeonites. Once under covenant with God there is complete and total allegiance. Joshua 10 records the most miraculous intervention for war in Israel's history. We read that God cause huge hailstones to pelt the attackers and extended the the daylight for a full day. Who knows the physics of this, whether it was a polar reversal or some heavenly spectacle but God extended the day so that Joshua might beat back those attackers who came against Gibeon.

See how God honors people who at one time were His enemies but who come to him humbly asking for mercy? It is not a tepid response when we are attacked but God thunders from heaven crushing our opposition.

Rewards of Honoring God

I have seen a pattern in peoples lives that when they honor God they get blessed. No surprise, God spoke through Samuel and said, "Those who honor me I will honor" (1 Sa 2:30). It is an indefinable quality that I've observed where people simply stand on God's Word. They do what it says unquestioning, are faithful in service, giving, prayer and living. If the Bible says it, they do it, no questions asked. If thats what God wants, thats what they'll do. This attitude pays dividends. What has been amazing is how dramatically it plays out in a persons' life. A couple examples.

Josh was an alcoholic drug user who'd been arrested a bunch of times but. He came to Jesus and started taking God at His word. It wasn't long till his life was being blessed. He married a girl from the fellowship and now is an engineer in CA with a home and a couple of boys. Dave was homeless, and had been a pretty hard drug user by the time I met him. He gave God's Word priority in his life and was faithful in church. I watched him grow and thrive in church. Now he runs a company and lives in his own home with his beautiful wife and three kids.

One guy that I saw this character in is Dino. He has been blessed immensely too. Working as an assistant pastor I was reading in a classroom when William, another pastor, popped his head in and asked if I could be a witness for a wedding. Turns out Dino and his girlfriend had just started coming to church and wanted marriage counseling. When giving their contact info, William saw that they shared an address and asked if they were living together. "Yes" they said. Willy responded, "You don't need counseling. You need to get married."

Dino and Tanya went out and bought rings, returned within the hour, and asked Willy to marry them. I was asked to sign the certificate along with our church accountant Lori. For Dino, if getting married honored God, he do it. That was his attitude and something God regards highly.

So over the next couple years I got to know Dino quite well. We played racquetball together, worked together (I helped him set up his parking lot striping business), and even went skiing together a couple of times in Whistler (tho I snowboard). He is the guy that turned me on to "Super Food" the green stuff I drink in the morning.

Over these last 10 years Dino has been building his window washing business from storefronts and shops to high rise buildings. He has always been fair and generous with his employees and always puts God first being ethical in a tough business. From the day that I met him at that pop wedding till today he has honored God in his family, business and personal life. He even started playing worship at the home Bible study he started in his house. He is still faithfully serving over at my dad's church, Calvary Chapel of Honolulu at Komo Mai.

How has God blessed Dino? World Wide Window Cleaning now maintains hundreds of buildings in Honolulu and is the largest high rise window company in the state (and he has other businesses now too). Tonight Dino and his company is being featured on "Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe." He also appeared on the Larry King program as part of the promotion.

He and his family have been blessed beyond their dreams simply because they've honored God and do what pleases Him.

What a Day

Usually Mondays are the Pastor's day off. I needed one considering I had double duty yesterday, both leading the worship and teaching for both services in the morning and covering a few chapters in the evening. Man, I can tell you Sunday afternoons are tumultuous for me. I need to study for the PM but the eyelids get sooo heavy. Mondays are great.

Today i got up just before 8, drank my greenish vitamin super food concoction (with fiber) and sat down with coffee to my Bible. I resist the temptation to check the news first thing because that seems to set the tone of the day. Read in Joshua, Psalms, and Proverbs. Then I opened the laptop to check in on the world. You know whats happening out there? Same thing as before only worse. What a bummer.

Got a text from a buddy Antonio -"Want to train today?" We got in an hour of jujitsu at 10am.

Around 11:30 some bros from church and I went off to stand up paddling at Baby Makapuu beach. For 2.5 hours the four of us (Cliff, Bob, Brandon and I) worked the waves. What a beautiful day. The water was UNBELIEVABLE. I was exhausted after and had the guys over for lunch and the jaccuz.

Keren and I took the kids to a little shin-dig at a friends house at 6 followed by another jitsu practice at 7-9.

I can't believe I am still typing. My limbs are about to fall off. I am overwhelmed by God's goodness to let me play like this. I have been blessed with an amazing wife and family, living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Makes me want to just praise the Lord...and then go to sleep.

Hasty Descisions

Joshua 9 tells the story of the Gibeonites who cleverly devised a plan, complete with the props of moldy bread and costumes, to trick Israel into a peace treaty. The People of Gibeon lived in the Promised Land and were doomed to destruction at the hand of Israel. But coming to the leaders of Israel with their clothes worn out, their wineskins torn and repaired, their bread dry and moldy and with award winning performances they acted as if they were from a distant land, far away. In verse 14 it says Israel's "leaders examined the bread but did not consult the Lord." That was how they sealed the deal. Joshua and the elders were so impressed, honored that their fame had spread so far, that they swore before God to not touch these people. A couple days later they found out that these people were right around the corner --neighbors.

How many times do we "examine the bread but don't consult the Lord" by making decisions too quickly? We look at circumstances and lean on our own understanding and then commit to a direction. Have we really given God space to speak or give us His peace for that decision. Some of the biggest headaches have come trough my hasty choices. Be careful about making choices. Consult the Lord.

Nobel Peace SurPrize

President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize today. Supporters and detractors alike were surprised and had interesting things to say. Many were saying it was too early or that he had not accomplished anything yet. Lech Walensa of Poland said "Too early, too soon. He has no contribution so far." Even sympathizers like Michael Moore said "Congratulations now earn it." Kofi Annan called it "surprising and imaginative." Matt Lauer said, "Not to be rude, but Obama hasn't done anything." These are staunchly Obama people too. The White House even asked if it was April 1st. Obama himself said "this is a call to action" -read, "this is premature at best and I'll work to justify it." The President, to his credit, is taking it in stride sending the $1.5M award to charity (but keep an eye on that money).

The critics are laughing, saying the Nobel Peace Prize has completley discredited itself. The award itself is becoming more and more drenched in political ideology with recipients like Al Gore (bypassing Irena Sendler), Jimmy Carter and Yasser Arafat. In fact three of the last six recipients were Bush detractors. Makes you wonder what level of accomplishment they are looking for in a person. It shouldn't come as a surprise though, when 5 Norwegian Socialist pick an American Socialist to win. It just makes me a little ashamed to be Norwegian. Wait, Nah thats impossible. As my grandma used to say, "It's hart to be humble ven yor Norveegen."

The Bully Pulpit

Comedian and actor Will Rogers once quipped that the sweetest 5 words in the English language are in the first amendment -"Congress shall make no law." I concur. The more government touches, the more it pollutes. For example, the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools (OSDFS)was created in 2002 by GW Bush as part of the No Child Left Behind act. This program was meant to prevent violence and drugs in school. Government programs are always well meaning (or sold as such) at first but quickly become the clumsy cumbersome vehicle that force an ideology down the public throat. Case in point; in May of 09 Kevin Jennings was appointed to be the czar of OSDFS.

Jennings is close to Obama even co-chairing his campaign fundraising in 2008. He also has an interesting history as a homosexual activist. He co founded GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) which has spent the last 20 years promoting perversion in school.

In 2000 GLSEN was busted in Massachusetts for what became known as "fistgate." Supported by the DOE in Mass, GLSEN bussed in teenagers (at taxpayers expense) for a conference on sexuality. On workshop (listed "for youth only") was led by three gay presenters who asked the kids if they knew what "fisting" was and then preceded to describe how to insert the hand into the anal cavity of their partner. When a 16 year old said it didn't sound appealing the teacher argued that it was "an experience of letting somebody into your body you want to be that close and intimate with." We know this because two brave and concerned parents secretly taped the session to expose what GLSEN was all about.

A couple yars later Jennings group GLSEN had another conference wherein they urged ways to set "the tone for nontraditional gender role play" for kids in preschool in a seminar called "Gender in the early childhood classroom."

Jennings would also write the foreward to a book called "Queering Elementary Education" which instructs educators on "Locating a Place for Gay and Lesbian Themes in Elementary Reading, Writing and Talking."

Hmmmm, the guy in the Obama team has a solid track record of promoting the teaching of homosexuality to 6 and 7 year olds. Man, and I got emails from so called Christians to vote for this guys and even took flak from people who attended our church when others spoke about how grieved they were by his policies. Unbelievable. I shouldn't be surprised though, Jennings was speaking in a NYC church days before fistgate when he said, "We need to ignore the bigots...Thats what our strategy has to be...F**k em!"

Jennings' comments to GLSEN were recently exposed when he said, "Kids are aggresively being recruited to be heterosexual in this country." Only in the looney world of the left can homosexuality be a virtue and heterosexuality be a vice. Who is really being bullied here? Obama supports this agenda and has consistently (albeit quietly) working to undermine traditional Biblical values in our country.

Stay Away from My Kids

The Obama administration has made unprecedented overtures to the young people in it's first year in office. Its getting a little sickening.

First it was the tapping of elementary school children to run the US census. Materials will be sent out to 56 million students so they can help get the 2010 census numbers. This data is collected every 10 years and used redraw political maps for local, city, state and federal elections. Hmmm, isn't this what ACORN was supposed to be heavily involved in before they were exposed? I don't especially like using kids to carry this water.

Then Obama had a nationwide address to school kids. Thankfully the protest over it created a tamed down "do good in school" speech without any political overtones. To be fair, it was a good speech, but imagine if there was no bright light of public scrutiny. Now were learning that school administrators who didn't carve out time for that are losing their jobs. Makes me glad we homeschool especially with these stories: Mandatory Gay Day for kids K-5 in CA, Gay High School in Wisconsin.

Now, here is the latest gesture toward kids. The EPA, under the leadership of Dr. Stephen Chu, is going cross country selling global warming to schoolchildren. Of course we don't call it "global

warming" anymore because its getting cooler and will continue to do so as we experience a season of low sun spots. So now its called "Climate Change" and we have to "fight it" or "confront

it" according to chairman Chu. Talk about a nebulous battle..."fight climate change?" Are you kidding? Nope. Read it five times in their press release (linked above). This is the new windmill children are being told to chase down, the mythical cult of manmade global warming.

Now this latest story about the National Endowment for the Arts being used as a mouthpiece to parrot the healthcare party line if individuals want extra funding from the Government. Most of these groups target and advertise to the younger generation.

It is enough to drive you mad. I never thought I'd quote Pink Floyd but, "Hey [Government] leave those kids alone."