The Merry Widow

What Concord Hath Christ With Belial?

2009-10-29T05:15:00.005-05:00

2 Corinthians
[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
[18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

And what are these doing? Are they not flying in the face of Scripture? But then, these are of the ungodly emergent church and the purpose-driven church...it should be no surprise then that they ally themselves with Belial, unrighteousness and idols!

Should Christians Fast During Ramadan With Muslims?
The answer to this question is unequivocally no!
1.When do Muslims reciprocate?
2.Under Islam, Jesus is supposed to come back and destroy the cross. How can any Christian show respect to a religion that says that?

Unfortunately some so called Christian leaders do not have the guts to face reality. Two of them are Pastor's Brian Mclaren, and Rick Warren. Pastor Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center gets it.

Should Christians Fast During Ramadan With Muslims?

Church leaders and observers weigh in on a current debate.
Compiled by Ruth Moon 10/26/2009

"I would say it's absolutely appropriate, particularly if one does it for spiritual reasons, combining it with prayer and strengthening your discipline and submission to God. If there are side benefits, like showing some solidarity with your Muslim friends, that's fine too. It's best not to be bragging about it. (But) it has to be a personal decision."Donald Wagner, co-founder, Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding

"The idea of Ramadan and the feast of Eid is Muslims are asking that they would encounter God more. What that means to them varies from place to place and person to person, I'm sure, and Islam has so many different manifestations, that varies dramatically across the globe. But still—that's something we can agree with, that we pray and get to know God more."Lynn Green, international chairman, Youth With a Mission

"In order to bridge the gap between the East and West Muslim and Christian cultures, rather than condemning and criticizing, here's something very easy that we could do as followers of Jesus that's consistent with the teachings of Christ and the scriptures. Not that we're supporting every viewpoint and doctrine, no—we're supporting them as neighbors in the spiritual journey. We're all on a spiritual journey."Mark Siljander, author, A Deadly Misunderstanding: A Congressman's Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide

"There's such fragmentation between the Christian community and the Muslim community that it makes sense to me that we participate in something that is both inherently Christian and, for Muslims, inherently Islamic, to build bridges of peace."Ben Ries, pastor, Sterling Drive Church of Christ, Bellingham, Wash.

"Muslims believe that fasting is an essential component during the month of Ramadan, essential to their obedience to God. So they assume anyone who is seeking to be serious about God will show that dedication by fasting as well. Muslims have a hard time understanding how Christians can be serious about wanting to follow God without also fasting during Ramadan. If Muslims see a Christian fasting, they tend to respond with a development of very positive rapport. They say, "Here's someone who is serious about obeying God as much as we are." It builds ties with Muslim friends and acquaintances."Mateen Elass, Christian from a Muslim family background and senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Edmond, Okla.

"If we are using traditional Christian disciplines just as a matter of solidarity then we are missing the point. The whole thing rides on motive. If one is doing it just to be a nice person and identify with a Muslim neighbor, then I don't think it's appropriate, because you're using a spiritual discipline not as a spiritual exercise but as a social connection. If one is saying, 'During Ramadan, I'm going to fast too because that's part of our history and I want to be drawn closer to Christ and be more like Christ,' then it's totally appropriate."Joel Hunter, senior pastor, Northland Church, and member, President's Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships

"It depends on the attitude and the biblical understanding of prayer and fasting. We are not praying and fasting in the name of Allah. Yes, we will pray and fast with Muslims, to a certain extent; but we will pray and fast in Jesus' name, and do it for their salvation."Ron Kernahan, cofounder, 30-Days Prayer Network

"Christians may fast alongside Muslim friends, either as a gesture of friendship or in order to open dialogue, but not as part of Ramadan itself. Christian fasting is fundamentally different from Muslim fasting. Christians must make clear that their view of God, God's approach to us, and therefore fasting as part of our relationship to God, are each different from Muslim views."Gerald McDermott, Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion, Roanoke College

"In Isaiah and the minor prophets, you fast and pray to really meet God, to humble yourself and cry out to God … Muslims fast during Ramadan for different purposes. They fast to fulfill the five duties. I'm not against fasting, but I think biblically the reasons for fasting are quite different than those for what Muslims do. The form of fasting during Ramadan is so filled with Islamic meaning that you can't separate the two. I think some Christians today think they're separating the form from the meaning—the form is good, fasting is good, and they're extracting the meaning from it. I don't think that's possible, because the form and the meaning are so closely connected.Warren Larson, director, Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies at Columbia International University

"It is not appropriate to fast alongside Muslims. I wouldn't make a point, if I were in a heavily Muslim state where everybody is fasting during the day, of fixing a hot dog and walking outside and eating it … but to observe Ramadan along with your Muslim neighbors and friends, letting them know that you're observing Ramadan as an act of some sort of religious or spiritual solidarity, is simply a fundamental compromise. They're observing Ramadan in the service of a false God and a false gospel, and we shouldn't be trying to express our solidarity with that."Douglas Wilson, senior pastor, Christ Church, Moscow, Idaho, and senior fellow of theology, New St. Andrews College

2Thes.2
[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
[2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[3] Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
[4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
[8] And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

THEREFORE; I will take the words from Jude seriously, and 3] Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
And I will also let it be known that there are wolves in the flock, and they seek to pervert the Truth of Christ into that which will profit them on the earth...but not in Eternity.

Flee from these false teachers!
Hat tip to AOW and Islam In Action!

I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream...Part Deux

2009-10-20T07:03:00.004-05:00

As an American AND as a Christian, I have a real problem with this proposal...looks to me like obama & crew are trying to sneak in another treaty regulation that would supercede the Constitution...just like the LOST treaty would.

The presidents and congress critters have, for the most part, been compliant or extremely naive(or bought off with political favors) to sell out America to her enemies and detractors.

This government of ours is NOT looking to defend and promote America, but rather, is seeking to place us under the rule of outsiders. This is not what the Founding Fathers had in mind, in fact, there was the point made that we were to keep ourselves out of foreign entanglements.!

Europe and Ameria were and are two separate entities...the culture, government, philosophy and place of 'citizens'/subjects are totally different. We have forgotten this...and we are being taken to the cleaners in the process. We are on the verge of losing everything that made America the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Throw in mohammadisms penchant for brutal domination of others who aren't of their particular tribe...and they are VERY tribal, as is Europe...Christians and Jews have tiny places, buddhists, atheists, polytheists on the other hand have NO security at all. And slavery is a given in mohammadin societies...and we are yoked together with a mohammadin country, to deny rights to non-mohammadins?

How unAmerican!

I am ashamed of my country.

OBAMA WATCH CENTRAL
U.S. sponsors plan to restrict free speech
Joins Egyptians in proposal to United Nations Human Rights Council

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Posted: October 19, 2009
9:25 pm Eastern

By Bob Unruh
© 2009 WorldNetDaily

A proposal sponsored by the Obama administration at the United Nations that purports to seek protection for "freedom of opinion and expression" actually is a call for a worldwide crackdown on freedom of speech and a mandate for nations to ensure "that relevant national legislation complies with … international human rights obligations" – a clear threat to the First Amendment, according to critics.

The resolution was submitted recently by the United States and Egypt. It was approved by the U.N. Human Rights Council as a first step in its process through the international organization.

It demands that all nations condemn and criminalize "any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence."

Steven Groves of the Heritage Foundation told WND the issue is not about free speech at all but about installing international precedents to stifle any criticism of Islam.

Find out how Obama is planning to throttle free speech for America's talk show hosts. Get Brad O'Leary's 'Shut Up, America!' for $4.95 today only, save $21!

WND has reported on "anti-defamation" plans at the U.N., including when a proposal was made that would have made such speech restrictions mandatory on member states.

Groves has written for the Heritage Foundation on the issue, citing the demands from members of the Organization of Islamic Conference that national legislatures pass laws to ensure protection against "defamation of religions."

"Such a ban … could not withstand legal scrutiny in the United States," he wrote. "The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects free speech and expression, even when speech is offensive or insulting. Moreover, a religious 'speech code' would disrupt the assimilation of religious minorities that has occurred throughout U.S. history and could breed resentment rather than understanding among America's religious communities."

He also cited the need for the U.S. to oppose strongly any such move, "given the penchant of some federal judges – including justices on the U.S. Supreme Court – to rely on the decisions and opinions of international courts and organizations."

Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice as well as the European Centre for Law and Justice, which has been involved in fighting "defamation of religion" plans at the U.N., said the "free speech" resolution itself "incites discrimination."

"The proclamation of the Gospel in Muslim countries has been called incitement of religious discrimination," he told WND. "The U.S. backing of this is a mistake. The Universal Declaration of Human rights protects free speech.

"I am very concerned the U.S. is co-authoring something like this," he said.

Sekulow cited the wording in several parts of the proposal, which was reported widely by other media at the time of its adoption by the U.N.'s Human Rights Council in stories that cited almost exclusively the "free speech" concept.

But Sekulow noted the proposal also raises "concern that incidents of racial and religious intolerance, discrimination and related violence, as well as of negative stereotyping of religions and racial groups continue to rise around the world, and condemns, in this context, any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, and urges states to take effective measures, consistent with their international human rights obligations, to address and combat such incidents."

Likewise, in paragraph 6, the U.N. writing stresses "that condemning and addressing, in accordance with international human rights obligations, including those regarding equal protection of the law, any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is an important safeguard to ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, particularly minorities."

The U.N. General Assembly has approved a "defamation of religious" resolution in each of the three sessions from 2005 to 2007. The text always has been similar, and it always has had major support from Islamic nations with opposition from Western democracies, including the U.S.

Groves' evaluation noted that even "offensive speech and expression" is protected by the U.S. Constitution except in narrow areas such as obscenity and libel.

"Blasphemy, sacrilegious statements, and any other speech or expression that insults or denigrates organized religion is, for better or worse, protected by the First Amendment," he wrote.

Online critics of the administration were alarmed that it now is the United States pursuing a plan that would protect "freedom of opinion and expression" by cracking down on statements critical of issues, groups or religions.

In a column published on Europe News, Robert Spencer of JihadWatch wrote that while reducing "advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred" sounds like a good idea, there is plenty wrong with it.

"First of all, there's that little matter of the First Amendment, which preserves Americans' right to free speech and freedom of the press, which are obviously mutually inclusive. Any law that infringed on speech at all – far less in such vague and sweeping terms – would be unconstitutional," he wrote.

"'Incitement' and 'hatred' are in the eye of the beholder – or more precisely, in the eye of those who make such determinations," he continued. "The powerful can decide to silence the powerless by classifying their views as 'hate speech.' The Founding Fathers knew that the freedom of speech was an essential safeguard against tyranny: the ability to dissent, freely and publicly and without fear of imprisonment or other reprisal, is a cornerstone of any genuine republic. If some ideas cannot be heard and are proscribed from above, the ones in control are tyrants, however benevolent they may be."

The resolution cites the "right to freedom of opinion and expression" as "one of the essential foundations of a democratic society."

It also expresses deep concern over "violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression."

But it also cites the responsibility of states to "encourage free, responsible and mutually respectful dialogue."

The resolution then "calls upon all states … to take all necessary measures to put an end to violations of these rights and to create the conditions to prevent such violations, including by ensuring that relevant national legislation complies with their international human rights obligations and is effectively implemented."

It also demands that nations "promote a pluralistic approach to information and multiple points of view by encouraging a diversity of ownership of media and of sources of information."

Egyptian spokesman Hisham Badr told the assembly, according to a U.N. report, that freedom of expression sometimes has been "misused to proliferate negative racial and religious stereotyping and incitement to racial and religious hatred."

He said "every state must condemn and resolve to combat them in according with the obligation stipulated in human rights law," the U.N. said.

Speaking for the United States on behalf of the plan, Chargé ad interim Douglas M. Griffiths said the effort was intended to build on the commitment from President Obama in a Cairo speech that the U.S. was ready to "help bridg[e] the unhelpful divide regarding freedom of opinion and expression," according to the U.N.

Zamir Akram of Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference noted the "duties and responsibilities" of nations to fight hate speech. He cited the need to protect not only individuals but religious and belief systems from "negative stereotyping."

"Now no less distinguished a personage than the president of the United States has given his imprimatur to this tyranny; the implications are grave," Spencer continued. "The resolution also condemns 'negative stereotyping of religions and racial groups,' which is of course an oblique reference to accurate reporting about the jihad doctrine and Islamic supremacism – for that, not actual negative stereotyping or hateful language, is always the focus of whining by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and allied groups. They never say anything when people like Osama bin Laden and Khaled Sheikh Mohammed issue detailed Quranic expositions justifying violence and hatred; but when people like Geert Wilders and others report about such expositions, that's 'negative stereotyping.'"

Eugene Volokh, who teaches free speech law, criminal law, tort law, religious freedom law and other subjects at UCLA, and also founded the Volokh Conspiracy weblog, said that the First Amendment protecting speech in the United States isn't so secure all of a sudden.

"If the U.S. backs a resolution that urges the suppression of some speech, presumably we are taking the view that all countries – including the U.S. – should adhere to this resolution," he said.

"If we are constitutionally barred from adhering to it by our domestic constitution, then we're implicitly criticizing that constitution, and committing ourselves to do what we can to change it,' he said.

The administration, he opined, would "presumably be committed to filing amicus briefs supporting changes in First Amendment law to allow such punishment, and in principle perhaps the appointment of justices who would endorse such changes (or even the proposal of express constitutional amendments that would work such changes).

"I'm worried that it might be a step backward for our own constitutional rights, because of what seems to be the U.S. endorsement of the suppression of 'any advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence' and possibly of 'negative stereotyping of religions and racial groups,'" Volokh said.

"Advocacy of mere hostility – for instance advocacy that people should hate and be hostile to radical strains of Islam (and its adherents), or to Scientology, or to Catholicism, or to fundamentalist Christianity, or for that matter to religion generally – is clearly constitutionally protected here in the U.S.; but the resolution seems to call for its prohibition," he said.

"Beyond that, I'm worried that the executive branch's endorsement of speech-restrictive 'international human rights' norms will affect how the courts interpret the First Amendment, so that over time, 'an international norm against hate speech ... [would] supply a basis for prohibiting [hate speech], the First Amendment notwithstanding,'" he said.

Spencer reported in 2008 the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic States, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, warned, "We sent a clear message to the West regarding the red lines that should not be crossed" regarding free speech about Islam and terrorism.

"The official West and its public opinion are all now well-aware of the sensitivities of these issues. They have also started to look seriously into the question of freedom of expression from the perspective of its inherent responsibility, which should not be overlooked," Ihsanoglu continued, according to Spencer's report.

On Volokh's Web forum, one participant said, "Just another example of how the Chicago Mafia that is now running this country is going to destroy it, in advocacy of their beloved New World Order, in which the USA is secondary to 'international groups,' and indeed is held equal with, let us say, the Congo, or perhaps Belize, or Luxemburg, etc."

Added another, "Future liberal academics and judges will cite resolutions like this to claim the existence of a 'compelling interest' in banning 'hate speech' that overrides free speech rights. … In practice, hate speech laws are used in most of the world to silence dissent, not protect vulnerable minorities."

The 57 member nations of the Organization of the Islamic Conference have lobbied for the "anti-defamation" plan, which is based on the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam, since 1999. The Cairo declaration states "that all rights are subject to Shariah law, and makes Shariah law the only source of reference for human rights."

The U.S. State Department also has found the proposal unpalatable.

"This resolution is incomplete inasmuch as it fails to address the situation of all religions," said a statement from Leonard Leo. "We believe that such inclusive language would have furthered the objective of promoting religious freedom. We also believe that any resolution on this topic must include mention of the need to change educational systems that promote hatred of other religions, as well as the problem of state-sponsored media that negatively targets any one religion."

Oath Keepers; Remembering The Constitution

2009-10-19T05:41:00.005-05:00

Also at this newspaper. It's good to see that there are those who respect the Constitution and treat it like the foundational document of the American Republic...not like toilet paper, only useful to garner votes.
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OBAMA WATCH CENTRAL
Soldiers pledge to refuse disarmament demands
Campaign urges members of military to 'steel resolve' to 'do the right thing'

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Posted: March 17, 2009

By Bob Unruh
© 2009 WorldNetDaily

An invitation to soldiers and peace officers across the United States to pledge to refuse illegal orders – including "state of emergency" orders that could include disarming or detaining American citizens – has struck a chord, collecting more than 100,000 website visitors in a little over a week and hundreds of e-mails daily.

Spokesman Stewart Rhodes of Oath Keepers told WND his organization's goal is to remind military members their oath of allegiance is to the U.S. Constitution, not a particular president.

He said the organization deliberately does not collect the names of those who subscribe to Oath Keepers' beliefs because of their status mostly as active duty soldiers.

He told WND he is scheduled to talk about the issue on G. Gordon Liddy's radio program tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, and he's begun working with "Gathering of Eagles" on several projects, including a Pro Troop Events gathering scheduled in Washington in June.

Rhodes said his goal is to "teach them more about what they swore to defend so they will be better able to see when an order violates the Constitution and the rights of the people, and is thus unlawful."

That review must be done immediately, so they have an opportunity to decide what is right and wrong and then to "steel their resolve to take a stand and do the right thing, whatever the cost," the organization says.

The U.S., Rhodes noted to WND, was launched as a natural law republic, meaning the founders recognized all rights come from God, not the government.

The founders, many of whom ended up active militarily in the revolution, rebelled "against the principle" that a king or parliament could rule them.

"That's where we are. We want to make sure men in the military understand in advance what the line is they won't cross," Rhodes said.

One testimonial posted by an active duty Army soldier, who was kept anonymous, said that message already has gotten through.

"I want you guys to know I'm with you 100 percent and so are a lot of my fellow soldiers. These kinds of discussions go on between us often, and we all know that we did not swear an oath to any politician (of either party)," he wrote.

"And just for the record not me or anyone else in my platoon would ever follow an order to disarm the American people," he wrote.

The organization describes itself as a non-partisan group of members of the military as well as peace officers "who will fulfill our oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, so help us God."

Among the orders the soldiers are pledging NOT to obey:

1-We will NOT obey any order to disarm the American people. … Any such order today would also be an act of war against the American people, and thus an act of treason. We will not make war on our own people, and we will not commit treason by obeying any such treasonous order.

2-We will NOT obey any order to conduct warrantless searches of the American people, their homes, vehicles, papers, or effects – such as warrantless house-to house searches for weapons or persons. … We expect that warrantless searches of homes and vehicles, under some pretext, will be the means used to attempt to disarm the people.

3-We will NOT obey any order to detain American citizens as "unlawful enemy combatants" or to subject them to trial by military tribunal. … Any attempt to apply the laws of war to American civilians, under any pretext, such as against domestic "militia" groups the government brands "domestic terrorists," is an act of war and an act of treason.

4-We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a "state of emergency" on a state, or to enter with force into a state, without the express consent and invitation of that state's legislature and governor. … It is the militia of a state and of the several states that the Constitution contemplates being used in any context, during any emergency within a state, not the standing army.

5-We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty and declares the national government to be in violation of the compact by which that state entered the Union.

6-We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps. … Such tactics … by the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto, and by the Imperial Japanese in Nanking, turn[ed] entire cities into death camps. Any such order to disarm and confine the people of an American city will be an act of war and thus an act of treason.

7-We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext. … Such a vile order to forcibly intern Americans without charges or trial would be an act of war against the American people, and thus an act of treason, regardless of the pretext used.

8-We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to "keep the peace" or to "maintain control" during any emergency, or under any other pretext. We will consider such use of foreign troops against our people to be an invasion and an act of war.

9-We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies, under any emergency pretext whatsoever.

10-We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.
"We will not make war against our own people. We will not commit treason. We will defend the Republic," the organization's website states. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually affirm our oath and pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Rhodes said the organization has not even had time to complete its website, but the word is spreading so quickly through its blog that thousands of people are investigating the site each day.

Plans had been to wait on the campaign until a website was established, but recent events accelerated the effort, he said.

One such situation was a training exercise planned by the National Guard in Iowa on which WND reported.

Rhodes said the effort is not a response to President Obama or his policies.

He said the accumulation of power in the executive branch in recent years has been alarming. The fears crystallized when Obama took office and suddenly had access to the accumulated power.

That, he said, is a "powderkeg."

"We do feel in our hearts that this effort has the potential to change history for the better and to forestall or even prevent this nation from ever experiencing the horrors that plagued so many other nations in the 20th Century," the website says.

"We are convinced that it is not too late, that there can be a turning of the tide – if we (and that means you too!) can reach enough of our brothers in arms and remind them of their oath, teach them more about what it is they swore to defend, and steel their resolves to stand firm if/when their oath is tested. We feel honor bound to do all we possibly can to achieve that mission."

WND already has reported on several members of the U.S. military who have raised concerns about the implications of Obama's possible ineligibility to be commander-in-chief.

One officer who signed onto a case filed by attorney Orly Taitz, the California activist with the Defend Our Freedoms Foundation, immediately was ordered by his commanders not to speak to the media.

The officer's identity was withheld to prevent further actions against him.

Taitz said she's working with more than 100 members of the military in her case.

WND has reported on dozens of legal challenges to Obama's status as a "natural born citizen." The Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, states, "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President."

Some of the lawsuits question whether he was actually born in Hawaii, as he insists. If he was born out of the country, Obama's American mother, the suits contend, was too young at the time of his birth to confer American citizenship to her son under the law at the time.

Other challenges have focused on Obama's citizenship through his father, a Kenyan subject to the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom at the time of his birth, thus making him a dual citizen. The cases contend the framers of the Constitution excluded dual citizens from qualifying as natural born.

WELL, EXCUSE ME!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-13T04:58:00.002-05:00

Added commentary is mine

Bill forces citizens to list guns on taxes?
Firearms tracking act gives authorities access to your 'mental health records'
Posted: October 12, 2009
10:30 pm Eastern

By Chelsea Schilling
© 2009 WorldNetDaily

A firearms tracking bill has many bloggers up in arms over a federal requirement that would purportedly force gun owners to list their firearms on federal income tax returns.

But while the bill implements sweeping gun-control measures – including one that would prohibit citizens from owning a gun without a license – the income tax provision doesn't exist.
Praise be to GOD for SMALL favors!
The Blair Holt Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act, or H.R. 45, was introduced Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Il., on Jan. 6. While the bill does not include stipulations about reporting guns on tax forms, it does contain numerous gun-control proposals that are drawing fierce criticism from gun-rights advocates.

If enacted, the bill would forbid any person from owning any handgun or semiautomatic firearm that accepts a detachable ammunition feeding device, not including antiques, without obtaining a license.
Wonder how much THAT would cost, how many classes and psych evaluations would be required(and paid for)?
Under the legislation, a person who is seeking a firearm license must submit to the attorney general an application including the following information:

1) current passport-sized photo

2) name, address, date and birthplace

3) any other name the applicant has used

4) a clear thumbprint

5) a statement that the individual is not a person prohibited by federal or state law from obtaining a firearm

6) certification that the applicant will keep the firearm safely stored and out of the possession of minors
What they consider safely stored and what I consider safely stored would most certainly clash! But then, I spanked my 2 when they were little...
7) certificate showing applicant has passed a written firearms examination on the safe storage of firearms, safe handling of firearms, use of firearms in the home and risks associated with use, legal responsibilities of forearms owners and "any other subjects, as the Attorney General determines to be appropriate"
How many bloody hoops can you jump through in 1 go?
8) authorization to release "to the Attorney General or an authorized representative of the Attorney General any mental health records pertaining to the applicant"
I would probably be disqualified, since I have endogenous depression...even though I'm NOT suicidal.
9) the date on which the application was submitted

10) applicant signature

The bill makes it illegal for "any person to sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer a qualifying firearm [any handgun or semiautomatic firearm that accepts detachable ammunition feeding device, not including antiques] to, or for, any person who is not a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, or to receive a qualifying firearm from a person who is not a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector" without verifying that the transferee has a valid license. However, this requirement does not apply to "infrequent transfer of a firearm by gift, bequest, interstate succession or other means by an individual to a parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild of the individual, or to any loan of a firearm for any lawful purpose for not more than 30 days between persons who are personally known to each other."
mutter...mutter...mutter...how very generous of them...:spit:
Licensed dealers would be required submit to the attorney general or appropriate state authorities the following information within 14 days of a transfer of a qualifying firearm: 1) manufacturer, 2) model name or number 3) serial number 4) date of transfer 5) number of the transferee's valid firearm license 6) name and address of person who transferred the firearm.
And will we have to be TATTOOED with the above information?
Within nine months of the bill's passage, the attorney general would be required to establish and maintain a federal system to track sales, including all of the identifying information submitted during a transfer of ownership.
Time for the birth of a new bureaucracy.
Under H.B. 45, it would be illegal to fail to report lost or stolen firearms or to fail to report change of address within 60 days of the change.
Wonder about any snowbirds who are down here for the winter? If they are robbed while they are out of town for 3-4 months?
To ensure compliance with the act, the attorney general would be authorized, during regular business hours, to "enter any place in which firearms or firearm products are manufactured, stored or held, for distribution in commerce, and inspect those areas where the products are so manufactured, stored, or held."
Busybodies...
The act does not apply to governmental authorities.
Heck no! Can't let us interfere with the governmental abuse of powers...

"This bill validates the concerns of sportsmen and gun owners about what … Congress and administration portend for Second Amendment rights," Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice-president/general counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, told ESPN Outdoors.

Keane continued, "The U.S. Supreme Court definitively said in District of Columbia vs. Heller (2008) that the Second Amendment provides individual civil rights to law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms. (They don't have to be in a militia to own and keep guns.) This bill, however, would treat those citizens who exercise their civil liberties like criminals."

National Rifle Association spokeswoman Rachel Parsons told ESPN the bill focuses primarily on guns as instruments as crime instead of penalizing the people who commit criminal acts. She said, under the bill, law-abiding citizens might become violators of the law.
Too right, punish the tool, not the tool user, or misuser!
"Several provisions in this bill would make compliance nearly impossible," she said. "For instance, the bill spells out that if a firearms license holder fails to notify the Attorney General of an address change within 60 days, that person would be subject to a 5 year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000."

She also condemned the licensing requirements in the bill.

"Any kind of bill that would require photographing and fingerprinting for simple possession of a firearm is fundamentally different in opinion from that which the NRA holds," she said. "Any law should target the criminal element, but this law would simply further burden law-abiding people."
I do not need anymore "help", thank you!
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security and does not have a single co-sponsor, leading many to believe passage is highly unlikely.
Praise be to GOD for that!
Keane said the legislation is far too far-reaching and repressive to become law.

"If this bill passes, Democrats would likely lose (control of) their chamber in upcoming mid-term elections (2010)," he said. "The leadership in the House knows that."
Politics and politicians!
In April, a group of more than 450 gun-rights advocates sent a letter signed by more than 3,000 people to lawmakers in condemnation of H.R. 45.

"We are tired of our rights being denigrated and destroyed," it said. "[A]ny politician who votes for this bill or any bill of this type will be noted, and voted against when they come up for re-election."

The letter noted that more than 200,000 existing gun laws "do nothing to stop or curtail criminals." It states that history and statistics both prove that such bills are destructive to the citizenry.

"If this bills' purpose is to truly 'protect the public against the unreasonable risk of injury and death' then the Congress should realize that the only threats to the public are from a criminal element that this bill … will not address, and from the government itself."
BINGO! We need to fear our government...it is attempting to scarf up everything that makes us Americans. And make us into Amerikans...I AM NOT A SLAVE!
"With guns, we are 'citizens,'" the letter concludes. "Without them, we are 'subjects.'"
I am a subject of GOD Almighty, not human beings!

My dear sister in the LORD, Z...

2009-10-12T09:43:00.003-05:00

...has joined that sisterhood of widows. Her beloved and cherished, Mr. Z, went Home to be with The LORD, Saturday morning.

I had the opportunity to get to know him a little, both on the telephone and in e-mails. He had such a refreshing sense of humor, an artists eye with a camera and straight forward common sense. I nicknamed him, "the big lug", and always told Z to give him a hug for me...and he had to give her another hug from me too.

I'm going to miss him, but I'm not the only one. All who talked to Z on the phone, I'm sure, got him instead of her on occasion...a happy surprise!

Z-We love you and are with you in spirit, even though miles separate us...but, the one Hope we have, is that he is waiting with our Lord Jesus Christ, for the rest of us to catch up with him! And my late was probably there to greet him!

2009-10-10T05:22:00.004-05:00

This fine American soldier was laid to rest yesterday. As I was driving past Trinity Presbyterian on my way to run some errands, traffic was held up for awhile. The Patriot Riders were there in force, the Satellite Beach police department, both attending and directing traffic, the Indian Harbor Beach fire department had a contingent, the parking lot of this rather large church was packed.

The Patriot Riders could attend the service because the only people on the bike path were holding their hands over their hearts or waving flags! Since I live next to Patrick AFB, there were Air Force personnel driving in...lots of retirees in the area showed up to pay their last respects.

(From the Orlando Sentinal)

A soldier from Central Florida was killed in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced late Saturday.

Sgt. Roberto D. Sanchez, 24, of Satellite Beach, died Oct. 1 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Sanchez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Ga.

My concern now is, is Afghanistan going to be obama and the dhimmicrats Vietnam? Are they going to so mishandle the military, are they going to want impossible goals accomplished with inadequate troops and equipment? Are they going to force out the good officers and sergeants? Is morale(already dropping) going to fall to the levels of the '60's? Are these fine young men and women going to be wasted by fools who know nothing?

LORD, may it not be so! Sgt. Sanchez and his brothers in arms deserve so much better! AS DO THEIR FAMILIES! AS DO AMERICANS!

Remembering 9-11, Remembering Lawrence Patrick Dickinson...

2009-09-10T17:53:00.006-05:00

Where was I on 9-11?

At my car repair shop...watching the second plane fly into the Twin Towers.

Where was Lawrence Patrick Dickinson?

In the WTC, at his brokerage job with Harvey Young Yurman, Inc. This 35 year old husband and father was going about his lawful occasions. Doing his job, providing for his family...just doing what responsible adults do, mature adults, law abiding adults...not hate-filled and fanatical terrorists. Just an average man.

He leaves behind a wife and son...a son that he has not had the joy of watching grow up, take his first steps, say, "Da-da", for the first time. A son that he hasn't held, celebrated birthdays with, seen have his first day at school.

And a wife that he hasn't celebrated the joys of married life with for the past 8 years. No anniversaries, birthdays, picnics, ball games, no making up after an argument, no laughter or tears shared...

Just an ordinary American, with a mortgage a wife and a son...I truly wish that he and all the others who were victims of unreasonable hatred, were here to LIVE among us...we are poorer for their loss, and the world is poorer for the fanaticism of that death cult, known as mohammadism.

Lest we forget...

May the G*D of all comfort be with; the victims, the families, friends, coworkers and this nation!

So, What Did I Do At The Town-Hall Meeting?

2009-09-03T16:19:00.003-05:00

Because the streets of Melbourne resembled THIS last night...I stayed home. A PT Cruiser is too low to the ground to go through that!

If the Tahoe had still been in decent condition, I would have gone...oh, well.

NURTZ!

Public Service Announcement

2009-08-28T13:58:00.003-05:00

Note to frequenters of this site:

The Merry Widow is having computer troubles and will be offline until those problems are resolved.

In the meantime, enjoy the PlayList on the right sidebar.

A Little Inspiration, OR What Was That I Was Complaining About, Again?

2009-08-26T19:20:00.004-05:00

I should be so positive, but then, I have noticed that those who suffer the most can have the best outlook on life. May I be such a light!

This video is a MUST SEE!

Born without arms or legs, with only half a foot and 3 toes, Nick Vujicic, has preached the gospel to 3 million people in the last 10 years(at the time of the video).

He surfs, skateboards and swims...and loves the Lord...this man is NOT broken, he's transcending.

In The Beginning...

2009-08-21T06:32:00.003-05:00

G*D (Genesis 1:1)
Can we even contemplate the profundity of this statement of First Cause, from the book of First Causes?

Can we think on the Infinite with our finite minds?

All that there was, was G*D. There was nothing else but Elohim, nothing. The Infinite was/is/will be self-sufficient and not needing anything.

BUT, HE chose to share all HE IS with the beloved...and we are the result. HE created angels to be "ministers and servants" of HIMSELF and those who will believe in HIM. (Psalm 104:4)

So, aside from the "WHY?" of HIS creation, we are left to ask...Where did HE put all of the created things? From sub-atomic particles to galaxy clusters?
Where is this universe located? Where could HE put it, since HE is ALL?

The logical place is; within HIMSELF. Simple answer, but think of it, a SEPARATE creation, time and space, inside of HIMSELF...and we have a pretty good idea of the size of the universe. Something like, 156 billion light-years wide.

THAT makes for a BIG G*D...like Infinite.

Now, what are the implications of this?

Well, for one thing, it makes The Fall extremely immediate to G*D. And as foreign and painful as cancer in the last stages. Or an abscess.
HE WHO IS LIFE, now contains death.
HE WHO IS INCORRUPTIBLE, contains rot.
HE WHO IS JUST, contains injustice and all the horror of mankind hating itself. AND of satan and the fallen angels evil.

Why HE didn't destroy this cancer is a sign of HIS Infinite Love and Mercy...but HE couldn't just let it run rampant either!

Consider this also, Hell(as well as Heaven) are contained within HIM too...even in an infinity in Heaven, we will NEVER reach the end of knowing HIM totally!

We are like the little fish in the water, HE extends HIS Fingertips into the water, just like we can at the beach, what do the fish perceive?

5 wiggling things, that's all! The fish cannot comprehend that those fingertips are part of a larger whole, just as the perception for many people that G*D the Father, G*D the Son and G*D the Holy Spirit are ONE BEING!

All we can "see" is 3 separate entities...but they are 3 Fingertips of ONE INFINITE BEING. Those Fingertips are attached to a HAND which is attached to an ARM, which is attached to a BODY...

Even in Heaven, how much of HIM will we be able to see and comprehend?

And we are afraid to depend on G*D, because HE may not be able to handle our "huge" problems?

The amazing part is, HE condescends to our weaknesses...WHY?

Because HE LOVES US!

An Infinite BEING, WHO contains all the temporal, physical and sin tainted universe(which causes HIM pain and sorrow), LOVES EVEN US!

Now, go fetch your brain out of the corner, where it is curled up in a catatonic state, sucking it's thumb...and arise...we are indeed, MORE THAN CONQUERORS, through the INFINITE Lord Jesus Christ!

Conservatives?

2009-08-10T10:27:00.003-05:00

Large, powerful and well behaved...hmmmm...that or Christians(the Berean kind.) LOL!
Elephants march through hotel lobby after it was built on their migration trail!

The Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia happens to have been built next to a mango grove that one family of elephants have always visited when the fruit ripens. When they returned one year and found the luxury accommodation in the way, they simply walked through the lobby to reach their beloved grove of trees.

The animals come in two-by-two. Hotel staff and visitors have gotten used to the elephants' impromptu strolls through the lobby. Now the family group, headed by matriarch Wonky Tusk, return every November and stay for four to six weeks to gorge on mangos - up to four times a day. Andy Hogg, 44, the lodge director, has lived in South Luangwa National Park since 1982. But in all his years of dealing with wild animals he has never seen such intimate interaction between humans and wild animals. "This is the only place in the world where elephants freely get so close to humans," says Andy. "The elephants start coming through base camp in late November each year to eat the ripe mangos from our trees."

Living in the 5,000 square mile national park, the ten-strong elephant herd is led to the lodge each day by Wonky Tusk. The hotel was built directly in the path of the elephants' route to one of their favorite foods .... Mangos.

"The most interesting thing about these wild animals," explains Andy, "is that this is the only herd that comes through, and they come and go as they please."

Mfuwe Lodge consists of seven camps and the base camp where the elephants walk through. Employing 150 staff, the management of the lodge report that there have been no incidents involving the wild elephants to date. "The elephants get reasonably close to the staff, as you can see in the pictures of the elephants near the reception area," Andy explains. "But we do not allow the guests to get that close."

"Guests can stand in the lounge but only as long as there is a barrier between the elephants and the guests," he added.

"The elephants are not aggressive but you wouldn't want to tempt them. It is the elephant's choice to be here and they have been coming here for the last ten years. There are other wild mango trees around, but they prefer ours. The lodge was unwittingly built upon their path," Andy says, "so we had no idea they would do this. It wasn't a design error, we just didn't know. The lodge was built and the elephants started walking through afterward."

"We keep people at a safe distance, but allow them close enough to see what is going on. These are still wild and dangerous animals, so there must be enough time for people to get away."

The hotel is set in an idyllic national parkland. Naturally, the lodge becomes busier for both elephants and guests during November. "We find that we get more people visiting us during the elephant migration because of the unique experience of being so close to wild animals in an unusual environment," says Andy. "But as I said this is a totally natural phenomenon, as the elephants come here of their own accord. It is certainly a rare but magnificent sight."

This Is What Happened In Tampa...

2009-08-08T08:04:00.004-05:00

...at a Town all meeting with rep. kathy castor...the brown-shirts have landed!

But then,, unions have a definite leftista lean, at least at the top levels...and apparently at the lower levels too!

What a bunch of thugs!

There are other videos from the meeting in the sidebar...so, dissent is NO LONGER patriotic, huh?

Unfortunately...

2009-08-07T08:10:00.002-05:00

...my morning brainstorm has run into a stone wall.

You CANNOT have a recall election of federal level officials...according to this precedent;
"A recall campaign was waged against Church in 1967 by N. Idaho Republican Kootenai County Commissioner Ron Rankin. Rankin unsuccessfully sued Idaho's Secretary of State to accept recall petitions for then-U.S. Sen. Frank Church.
The Idaho district court ruled that the recall laws of Idaho do not apply to U.S. senators and they would violate the U.S. Constitution. The Idaho Attorney General at the time, Allan Shepard, agreed with the court's decision.
"It must be pointed out that a United States senator is not a state officer but a federal officer whose position is created by Article I, Section I of the United States Constitution," Shepard wrote in a June 17, 1967, opinion for the Secretary of State. "There seems to be no provision for canvassing the votes of a recall election of a United States senator." Most commentators at the time believed that the recall attempt strengthened Church politically by allowing him to play the role of political martyr. "

What I had in mind was using the various state laws on recall elections to put the fear of G*D(or at least the electorate) into the minds of all those representatives(who DO NOT represent, or want to hear from their constituents), the senators who are NOT being responsible and accountable "thinkers" and leaders of the Republic, and defenders of the Constitution...with a changed(or politically threatened) Congress, we might have been able to rein in "The Joker" in the White House...and maybe given "that one" a much needed lesson on humility.

That tool has been struck from our hands...

Seems that nobama's fascist policies are NOT confined to the US...

2009-08-06T06:59:00.004-05:00

But then, thuggish totalitarians are control freaks.

This kind of activity reeks of hitler's "brown-shirts" or maoist students in China and their, "Little Red Book", hysteria or lenin/stalin and their "neighborhood committees"...

Yup, our tax dollars at work...oppressing the wrong people...or just plain oppressing anybody.

As I've stated before, "that one" IS NOT MY PRESIDENT!

And he's not the president of ANY AMERICAN I know!

With what is going on in my life...

2009-08-05T18:36:00.002-05:00

...and my family's. We need this reminder that G*D has the hairs on our heads numbered, and HE knows that we are but dust...

...it's good to be loved!

Sorry about the lack of postings, or Bible studies.

2009-07-20T06:50:00.003-05:00

Aside from a lot of "personal stuff" going on, job hunting is one of the "stuff", my daughter has been hogging my computer and a personal makeover(tanks to my prayer partner and a former property manager). Reviewing of what G*D wants me to do, especially in my ministry.

I'm also soul weary, weary of watching my beloved country being dismembered in front of my eyes.
Weary of the rampant ignorance and foolishness.
Weary of politicians.
Weary of; mind, soul, spirit and body.
Weary of the rise of evil.

So, I have taken some time, I've been praying and interceding(as many know), I have cried out to G*D and I have wept my spirit dry.

I have spoken to AOW about her collaborating on putting my Bible studies into book form...just pre-preliminary. Might be some income for both of us.

I'm dealing with a breech of contract by a fellow Christian.

I am hopeful for my future, but sorrowful over my country's...I am running on dichotomy...you can't live there long.

And I pray somemore.

Back to basics, and devil take the hindmost.

And I pray, somemore.

I'll be perfectly honest...

2009-07-04T06:14:00.003-05:00

...I have no heart for this 4th of July. Each of the past few years have reduced my desire to celebrate.

It's hard to cheer when you are in mourning.
It's hard to celebrate when you look about and see such degeneration of the Founding Principles of this country.
It's hard to be joyful when the "president" and congress are disrespecting everything that made this country great.

I read Romans 1, and correlate the steps to Judgment listed there and the path that americans have chosen.

I read Deuteronomy 27:9-28:68 and tremble.

Today I will be in intercession and possibly fasting...It IS a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the Living G*D...

May G*D have mercy on HIS people.

Rick Warren To Partner With ISNA?

2009-06-24T08:24:00.000-05:00

I'll admit something up front: I've never much cared for Rick Warren. I can't explain why I had that reaction to him from start.

A lot of Christians hold him in high esteem and love his preaching and his writing. I can't say the same from my own perspective. Instead, I find his message hollow and filled with the social gospel.

Now comes this:

Rick Warren, author of the best-selling book The Purpose-Driven Life and one with some weight among Christians, appears to be promoting Christo-Islam, i.e., syncretism, another manifestation of delusional and self-delusional kumbaya.

From this source:

The Indiana-based Islamic Society of North America will be holding its annual convention -- the largest yearly gathering of Muslims on the continent -- in Washington, D.C. over the Fourth of July weekend.

And while convention leaders are holding out hope that President Barack Obama might make the convention his latest stop in his outreach to the Muslim world, the convention has landed another pretty big fish as a featured speaker.

Purpose-Driven pastor Rick Warren has agreed to appear at the convention and be part of its main session discussing the convention's theme -- "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Joining Warren for the session is ISNA President Ingrid Mattson and noted Muslim scholar Hamza Yusuf.

Warren's scheduled visit to the convention follows ISNA leader Sayyid Syeed's appearance last December at Warren's Saddleback Civil Forum on Public Health. Warren was unavailable this week to comment about the appearance.

His involvement with ISNA follows the Muslim organization's attempt to build partnerships with people of other faiths, including the Union of Reform Judaism and the American Baptist Churches....

Please see Front Page Magazine's index of articles about the ISNA. What a web of Islamist connections!

Excerpt from this FPM article by Joe Kaufman:

Both the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) present themselves as mainstream Muslim organizations, yet in reality they are part of a radical Muslim movement which exists for the purpose of doing harm to America and Western interests abroad.

[...]

ISNA, said to be the largest Muslim organization in North America, has its roots in the extremist Muslim Brotherhood overseas, the same group responsible for the formation of Hamas and most other international terror entities.

[...]

Besides its connection to Hamas, ISNA is involved in the propagation of hate materials. ISNA and its sister organization, the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT), run an Islamic Book Service for the United States and Canada. The service consists of texts written by leaders of the Brotherhood and a version of the Quran, The Meaning of the Holy Qur’an, which has been banned by the Los Angeles school system for having numerous anti-Semitic commentaries....

What purpose is driving Rick Warren to partner with a group with terrorist ties? Is he ignorant of those ties? Is he planning to preach the Gospel to ISNA? Not likely.

Rick Warren has previously been criticized for buddying up with Islamists before. From this source, back in 2006:

In his Tuesday, November 28th column, the sixth in a blistering barrage, critical of Warren, Joe Farah had some less than cordial things to say about the Saddleback padre's Purpose Driven powwow with the leader of a terrorist nation:
"Let's be clear about what Rick Warren did and why he is being criticized.

It's not because he met with Syrian President Bashar Assad. In fact, I would encourage any Christian leader who can get in Assad's face to do so. He needs to be called to account for keeping Christians in Syria in a state of "dhimmi" status. He needs to be called to account for murdering Christian political leaders like Pierre Gemayel. He needs to be called to account for his continued repression of his own people as well as those of Lebanon. He needs to be called to account for his support for the terrorist organization Hezbollah. He needs to be called to account for allowing his country to play host to more terrorist organizations than any other country in the world.

So, I did not criticize him for meeting with Assad. I criticized him for playing footsie with the dictator, for giving him cover to continue his atrocities against believers and non-believers alike, for lying to the world about the state of the church in Syria and for not even mentioning Assad's bellicose threats to the very existence of the state of Israel."
But you see, what Warren was doing in Syria is what he's been doing all along here in America and around the world with the dialectic church - withholding inconvenient truths about sin and the call to repentance for the sake of Results and Relationships. Going soft on sinners is his specialty! That's how you "build bridges," exponentially grow churches and dialectically achieve "unity in diversity" - by putting absolutes aside and dialoguing differences away until everyone's conscience is seared and conviction vanishes in the ambiguity of religious relativism.

Somebody, tell Rick Warren, "When you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas."

As I was doing research for this posting, I stumbled across this interview of Rick Warren in the Atlantic. The title of the interview is "The Rick Warren Interview: No Compromise With Evil." In my view, Rick Warren isn't living up to the second part of that title with his upcoming speaking engagement at ISNA's upcoming convention.

Pray for Iran and the Christians there!

2009-06-21T05:25:00.004-05:00

In this AP story, Iranian Christians in the US, are praying for; their country, their people, their fellow Christians and the salvation of souls.

A congregation in Colorado reports that the oppression and misery of the regime in Iran is causing many Iranians to leave mohammadism for Christianity! G*D is working and moving there in miracles, healings and visions.

May HE be praised for HIS love and care for the Iranian people...may we join our prayers together, with the Iranian Christians, that a mighty move of the Holy Spirit sweeps that sad country for HIS Glory and the Great Harvest before us...and may HE send many workers into the field!

HE does not want even the least grain lost!

Flounder Florentine

2009-06-18T17:53:00.002-05:00

My daughter, TabU, has hit another one out of the ball park...only needs a little adjustment of the seasonings(every recipe needs personalization), but I included some ideas of what to do.

ENJOY!

Flounder Florentine

4 flounder fillets, 4-6 ozs. each
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
8 ozs. spinach fettuccine
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup grated swiss cheese
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
10 oz. pkg. chopped, frozen spinach

In a deep, 10" skillet, place folded flounder fillets, seasoned(I'd use season salt actually, and a little more than called for), add milk, cover and simmer for about 1 minute. Remove fish to a plate, pour milk into large measuring cup.

Cook fettuccine according to pkg. directions, drain and place in large casserole dish. Put frozen spinach on top, use a little salt and lemon juice.

In skillet melt butter and then add flour, whisking briskly, add milk and then stock, cook over medium heat until thickened, still whisking. Add cheeses and nutmeg.

Place fillets over spinach, pour sauce over all, top with more parmesan and swiss...bake in 350 for about 15 minutes, then under the broiler till cheese and sauce brown.

The casserole can be refrigerated after assembly, just cook an extra 15-20 minutes.

GUESSED?!?!?!?

2009-06-15T05:56:00.007-05:00

GUESSED?!?!?!?

What are we, as a nation? A set of TinkerToys? Praise be to G*D, that HIS children are not citizens of ANY finite, human made, or mortally flawed nation!

Instead, we are ambassadors, and I think it's about time that we remembered that fact. Because, frankly, this is NOT my president, nor administration or congress! I did not feel that way under carter or clinton, though they disgusted me, but this accumulation of human detrius has nothing whatsoever to do with ANYTHING I believe or hold dear.

My family has been here almost 400 years, and I do not recognize the place!

Heidi Swander, of Olive Tree Ministries, has written an article that was a reminder of a Christian's TRUE loyalties. I needed it!

A Word on Citizenship
by Heidi Swander
It's been many years since I've been able to sing The Star Spangled Banner without choking up. Given the opportunity to do it today, I doubt I could actually enunciate the words for weeping. America is sinking fast. Chuck Missler, in his new DVD, Twilight's Last Gleaming, says, "America is in moral freefall. We are victims of spiritual warfare."

Only too true. How did this happen? For that answer, I refer you to Jan's recent radio program with Brannon Howse (you simply must hear this broadcast!!!), where they discuss cultural and political Marxism and how it snuck into our country many years ago. It explains a lot. Brannon also points to a period in Israel's history when the sins of the nation became so abhorrent to God that He told the prophet Jeremiah, "Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you" (Jer. 7:16).

Has America become this abhorrent to Almighty God? We cannot know the mind of God, but Romans 1:18-32 shows a series of judgments that God will bring to a society that forsakes Him. John MacArthur expertly clarifies this passage in his sermon, When God Abandons a Nation. A glance at your favorite news source these days will confirm that our country is well down this path of destruction.

We are not only in moral decline, but headed toward political, financial, and social ruin. Our founding fathers, though saddened by this turn of events, would have gravely nodded their heads at what is taking place in America today. Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift from God? That they are not to be violated, but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever."

Jack Kelley, founder of Grace Through Faithrecently wrote an excellent article about this very thing. The title of the article stings a bit, but the truth in the text is beyond question. In it Jack says: "According to no less an authority than our President (and he's right) America is not a Christian nation. The only connection between God and America today is that a bunch of us who believe in Him happen to live here. . . . America is a secular gentile nation that will soon be no more comfortable a home for the church than pre-war Germany was for the Jews."

When I think of my beloved America, I grieve. But God has recently made poignant to me this truth: I am not a citizen of this country. I am an ambassador to this country and a citizen of another. So are you if you are a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ! Paul told the Philippians, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20). Can you, today, get your mind around that concept? If you can, it will make a world of difference in how you view the news, how you respond to the dangers of our world, and how you look to the future.

We are actually commanded to set our mind on things above (Col. 3:1-3; but also Matt. 6:33), not on things on the earth. Now would be a very good time to recognize and obey this command! Thinking of myself as an ambassador does three things for me.

First of all, it gives perspective to the freefall that America is in. I am still saddened, because I've lived here a long time and America has been a wonderful place to reside. But America isn't really home, so I find that I'm often looking at all that is going on with a kind of emotional/spiritual detachment.

Secondly, it reminds me that I have a job to do and that I may not have much longer to get it done! Our "special and temporary diplomatic assignment" (from Webster's definition of "ambassador") is to introduce as many people to the Lord Jesus Christ as possible (II Cor. 5:20).

Lastly, as I see all that is happening around me, I anticipate being recalled to my Home Country! There are many reasons for an ambassador to be recalled, not the least of which is the anticipation of a declaration of war. One day -- perhaps very soon -- war will be declared on this earth (Rev. 6:4ff), but before that takes place, the Lord's ambassadors will be recalled to Heaven!

So what do we do with all the horrible events that are swirling around us which seem to spell the demise of our beloved America? We pray (Eph. 6:18), we witness to others of the love of God in sending his Son (Matt. 28:18-20), we encourage one another (Heb. 10:24-25), and we look forward to going Home to the City God has prepared for us (Heb. 11:16; Rev. 21:2, and 21:9 -- 22:3). We have no idea how great it's going to be to be Home (I Cor. 2:9)! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

(Note from Jan: Thanks for allowing us into your home three times this week. We try to limit e-mails knowing all are busy; however, Heidi Swander, my assistant, had a relevant issue to share this week...the above article.)

You may pass on these items or have people sign up on our Web site. We update Current Headlines twice a day and you can access our radio programming from the last three years on Radio Archives. Also see the Web site for other options to catch the program, "Understanding the Times." Please report e-mail address changes.

And if obama/pelosi/reid/leftistas and crew WANT to go to Hell, that is their choice, not mine!

A fool says in his heart, "There is no G*D." We are surrounded by fools...

So, let us remember our responsibilities and calling...the war is close to starting(on the hot phase)and we are going to be recalled! Let us diligently seek the commendation from our Lord, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Master."
HALLELUJAH!

Oatmeal-Fruit Drop Cookies

2009-06-12T12:51:00.003-05:00

From Reader's Digest's, "Secrets Of Better Cooking". A virtual encyclopedia of tips, tricks, hints and techniques for newbies and experienced cooks alike.

Sift together, in a large bowl;
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Add;
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped candied cherries(we used mixed berries(cherries, blueberries and cranberries)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts,
stir together and make a well in the middle of the dry mixture and add;
1 cup melted butter or margarine
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk

Mix until thoroughly blended, drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets...about 1/4 inch apart.
Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
Cool on wire racks, store in airtight container.
Makes about 72 cookies.

WEATHER BLOGGING FUNK!

2009-06-08T07:24:00.002-05:00

We are getting into the summer rain pattern, and not only are my sinuses screaming, but my teeth hurt!

So, I am not in the mood to say anything...yet...if this continues I may get narsty!

Take Up Your Sword...

2009-05-31T12:07:00.006-05:00

This piece needs little from me, h/t AOW...Yes, I Dared!

TAKE UP YOUR SWORD AND FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
Dr. Paul L. Williams

SUNDAY MEDITATION:

TAKE UP YOUR SWORD AND FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

“For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.”

Matthew 13: 15-17.

Based on the passage above, St. Augustine argued that complacency (obsequium) in the face of evil is the greatest evil. It’s difficult to disagree with him. Since evil represents nothingness in traditional Christian theology, failure to do or say anything when faced with sin, injustice, or acts of inhumanity represents the most contemptible act of any believer.

Why then are Christian congregations not up in arms over the pronouncements of Barrack Hussein Obama and other elected officials that America is no longer a Christian nation; that Christians and Jews worship the same god as Muslims; that same sex marriage must be condoned; that gays are not perverts; that licentious conduct and speech must be tolerated; that speaking of sin represents a hate crime; and that the murder of millions of unborn babies is an essential element of American liberty?

The reason offered by namby-pamby mainline denominations, including purpose driven Baptists, is always the same. St. Paul, they maintain, instructs all believers to submit to worldly authority, even the authority of evil or unjust rulers (Romans 13: 1-5).

But scripture remains clear that Christians must reject authority and take decisive action in circumstances relating to matters of faith. Shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven, Peter and John where arrested for preaching the name of Jesus and taken before the religious rulers. They were commanded to stop preaching in the name of Jesus and to stop trying to convert people to him. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” Acts 4:19 & 20.

The decision was between obeying God or obeying man. Peter and John had received a clear and specific command from Jesus, “Go and preach the Gospel to all the world”. The religious leaders gave them a clear and specific command to not preach the gospel. The choice was clear, they had to obey God rather than man. So they continued to preach. The result was that they were persecuted, tossed into dungeons, and put to death.

This teaching is supported by the full weight of scriptural authority. Did Moses violate God’s principle of submission to authority when he killed the Egyptian taskmaster in defense of his fellow Hebrew? Did Elijah violate God’s principle of submission to authority when he openly challenged Ahab and Jezebel? Did David violate God’s principle of submission to authority when he refused to surrender to Saul’s troops? Did Daniel violate God’s principle of submission to authority when he disobeyed the king’s law to not pray audibly to God? Did the three Hebrew children violate God’s principle of submission to authority when they refused to bow to the image of the state? Did John the Baptist violate God’s principle of submission to authority when he publicly scolded King Herod for his infidelity? Did Simon Peter and the other Apostles violate God’s principle of submission to authority when they refused to stop preaching on the streets of Jerusalem? Did Paul violate God’s principle of submission to authority when he refused to obey those authorities who demanded that he abandon his missionary work? In fact, Paul spent almost as much time in jail as he did out of jail.

When those in authority attempt to require us to violate God’s commandments (yes, even the teachings concerning homosexuality), our only choice is to rebel and to stand firm for truth and righteousness. But we must not forget that refusing to obey the human authority and to adher to the Word of God does not come with a guarantee that we will not suffer for our stance and rebellion. Daniel was thrown to the lions and God saved him, but thousands of early Christians were not saved from the lions. They suffered martyrdom for insisting on preaching the name of Jesus.

We make a grave mistake when we think that obeying God rather than men should result in things being wonderful for us. Often this is not the case. By decrying evil, you more likely than not will be criticized, condemned, sued (even in Canada), or tossed in a paddy wagon for taking part in a public demonstration. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:20.

If you want to change the world and take part in the last crusade, please join me and my fellow crusaders at a gathering that will take place at Puritan Congregation Church in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on August 8 and 9. For more information, click on the “Bad Moon Rising” tab at the upper right of your screen.
http://thelastcrusade.org/2009/05/30/take-up-your-sword-and-fight-the-good-fight/