Mount Vesuvius

At noon on August 24, 79 A.D. the decadent pleasure of the Roman city, Pompeii, came to an end. As the peak of Mount Vesuvius erupted covering the city with fifteen feet of flowing lava and ash, lethal gas belched from the volcano’s innards killed those attempting to hide in cellars and stone buildings.

Wealthy Romans vacationing in the idyllic resort doubtless anticipated a winning evening at the prominent gambling establishments, or perhaps a visit to one or more of the numerous brothels in the city. Probably none would have anticipated that death was already knocking at life’s door. They were people who lived for the moment with little regard for the eternal consequences of their life styles.

Suddenly fear gripped the area as a monstrous noise muted everything else, and the only thought became self-preservation.

The events of Pompeii remind me of the admonition of Peter to his readers in 2 Peter chapter three, that the “Day of The Lord” will come upon the unprepared world at a time when they least expect it. It will come at a time when scoffers willfully ignore the historical facts of Scripture, and disdain the free gift of salvation. Then as the dreadful “Day of The Lord” unveils itself fear will drive men to hide in basements, but there shall no shelter be found from the fervent heat of God’s Divine judgement.

You and I, who believe the Scriptures to be the Word of God, ought be impressed by that Word toward a new sense of urgency in offering the only shelter which will stand against that dreadful day, the shelter which is Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son.

The decadence and unbelief of this age are demonstrated time and again by the willful disregard for Godly principles of living even among those who know His truth and profess to be His children. I find it difficult to believe that those of that era could surpass the degradation and unmitigated filthiness of contemporary citizens of this earth. Which belief leads me to anticipate His soon return, and stirs my heart to communicate His way of deliverance to as many as possible.

Have you shared the saving grace of Jesus Christ personally with someone recently? If not, don’t you think it is high time you are about the primary business to which He has called you?

http://mrponderings.blogspot.com

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Our Miss Brooks

I recently watched a movie with Richard Crenna and was reminded of his role as Walter Denton in the 1950's television comedy “Our Miss Brooks." Contemporary television and radio listeners would be surprised popularity of the program to the viewers and listeners of yesteryear

Such nostalgic thoughts bring to mind the more simple days of my childhood. I remember gathering tiny daisies as we children walked and played in the pasture on a springtime Sunday afternoon while searching for, and exultantly finding, flint arrowheads around the spring used by my grandparents for drinking water. Those treasures stirred our fertile imaginations to myriad scenarios which might have resulted in the objects being left behind by those almost mythical visitors of years long gone.

Today’s life, though complex in its components, retains an aura of simplicity when one decides to live his life in accordance with the purpose and plan of God for His life. I’m convinced that God still wants His followers to avoid the frenetic lifestyle adopted by the world, in order to enjoy the great blessings inherent in living during these exciting days. “Taking time to smell the roses” can be more than a cliche.

Over and over, I’m told by professing Believers that they simply do not have time to meet privately and purposefully with Holy God. Between working overtime, extra jobs, children’s activities, school responsibilities, family demands, and even church commitments; little remains for that One who left the glories of heaven, walked the dusty roads of that little Palestinian country, faced unspeakable torment on Calvary’s Tree, and paid the penalty for our sins.

In Psalms 46: 9-11 the psalmist reminds us that Holy God is in charge. It is He we’re told who, “.. makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.” Then God has the psalmist tell us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

All our energy and effort cannot affect change, except that which is ordained by Holy God. Why do we scurry around like frightened mice, going first this way and then that; rather than purposing to be still awhile with the one in whose hand our future lies? He wants us to rest in Him. He declares in verse 11, “The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Life is really quite simple. Spend enough time with God to know what His will is for one’s life. Then, by faith, act on His will. I’m convinced that much of what we do is NOT God’s will, and therefore we are often overwhelmed by the circumstances of life. “Be still and know that I am God” remains a necessity for the effective rest that God provides.

http://mrponderings.blogspot.com

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

ETERNAL SECURITY

Though I embrace the phrase “eternal security,” I have many problems with the interpretation of it. Many seem to believe they can make an emotional commitment to Jesus Christ, subsequently fall into sin, live in that sin without repentance, and rely upon the eternality of Christ’s finished work of redemption as assurance of their salvation. Such a position, I believe, is a prostitution of the phrase “eternal security.”

Paul, in First Corinthians 6: 9ff clearly demonstrates that one’s conduct is a reflection of his relationship to Holy God when he declares, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Time and again, I find people whose present conduct is diametrically opposite that which Scripture says should be reflected by the child of God, yet they believe their conduct is inconsequential as it relates to their relationship to God because they believe in “eternal security.”

Now, please do not begin to associate me with Pelagianism which asserts that one can lose his salvation, and that such salvation is dependent upon human works. I certainly do not believe Scripture teaches such. I believe Scripture teaches that one’s salvation is wholly dependent upon the finished work Jesus Christ, and that man’s corrupt nature can never affect such merit as to be acceptable to God until by God’s own grace, he has been born again into the family of God. It is a work wholly of God, independent of any merit of man.

Having said that, however, I wish to further develop the theme that one’s conduct necessarily reflects God’s holiness. The writer of Hebrews states in 12:14, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” There can be no doubt that those who see God will live holy lives, if one accepts the veracity of God’s Word.

So, the question comes, “What about our failures?” The clear fact is you and I will fail. We will sin, and some of our sin will be extremely socially and governmentally repugnant. Does that mean one is not saved? Not necessarily.

The example of David is, I believe, instructive for us. David committed an abominable sin. Not only did he commit adultery, he murdered to cover it up. Yet, David is called “a man after God’s own heart.” How can this be consistent with the thesis I’ve presented?

David’s sin wreaked great pain upon him and his family, but the faithful servant of God, Nathan, confronted David with his sin, and he was broken over it. He repented and accepted God’s chastisement as well as, His forgiveness, after which God demonstrated that forgiveness by elevating Solomon, David’s son by Bathsheba, to the throne.

The missing element in contemporary church life is genuine repentance. 1 John 1:9 is written to Believers who have stumbled along the way, and like David, desire restoration. However, the preponderance of people today seems to believe that one can simply continue on without such a sense of remorse which leads to repentance as long as he believes in eternal security. The hard cold fact is that “eternal security” does not mean that one can make a commitment to Christ, then live an unholy life and be justified before Holy God.

If there is no remorse over one’s sin when confronted with the evidence of that sin, and no conviction by God’s Holy Spirit that one is out of God’s will for his life, then he probably is not genuinely converted. He is probably one of that group who when the disciples inquired as to why they no longer walked with them, Christ replied that they were no longer with them because they were really never a part of them.

Do you have loved ones or friends, who have turned aside from the path of righteousness and seem oblivious to the demands of God on their lives? If so, it is incumbent upon you to begin to treat them as lost people that they might be saved before it is too late. Pray for their salvation, confront them with their error, and don’t attempt to cover over their condition lest you encourage them in that error.

Time and again people tell me that they fear such direct confrontation will drive their loved ones farther away. I remember Vance Havner saying, “How far are you going to drive a lost man? Hell number two? Hell number three?”

Listen, dear friends, Believers must not place the imprimatur of approval upon the aberrant lifestyles of contemporary society. Drunkenness, cohabitation, drug abuse, pornography, sexual deviancy, homosexuality, idleness, and promiscuity are leading to broken homes, multiple marriages, slothfulness, and financial irresponsibility. All of which are contrary to the holy life God requires.

One’s belief in “eternal security” is not enough. One must be converted by a supernatural work of God which affects such a change that he attempts to live a life which honors God and reflects His handiwork.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Keeping God's Appointments

Recently I read Anita Onarecker Wood's thought provoking book, "Divine Appointment, Our Journey to the Bridge;" in which she gives an overview of her life with her late husband which culminated with a grand event on a bridge in Texas.

That book reminded me of a message I have preached entitled, "Your Story," in which I attempt to help people see that God is at work behind the scenes to bring about scenarios where He will receive glory and people will see His handiwork in the lives of His people.

Last Night, as I was traveling along a four-lane divided highway, I passed an automobile alongside the road with a flat tire. Another vehicle was stopped and I continued on at the speed limit for about a quarter of a mile until I felt an overwhelming urge in my spirit to go back. I discovered, upon my return, that the situation was in hand and all I could offer was encouragement and some light. Nothing dramatic happened. I don't know why God wanted me to turn around and go back, and I may never know until I reach His side in Glory. However, I do know I was strengthened by my act of obedience to His tug upon my heart.

It might be that our most important act is not one in which someone is dramatically saved, or delivered from some dread event. It might just be that the most important thing we can do at any given moment is simply obey the still small voice of Him who guides us, even when we don't see the purpose or necessity of doing so. Samuel told King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice, and I think the churches of our nation would be stronger if we would begin once more to listen carefully for that voice of direction which indicates our complete trust in Him who died for us.

The Apostle Paul had a grand plan to evangelize a particular geographical area, but he testified that God prohibited his going there. Sometimes we might substitute the very good for God's very best when we commit ourselves to a course of action which, while commendable, is not God's best for us at that time.

The great question then in one's mind should be, "What would You have me do, Lord?" Even waiting for His direction is often within His divine plan. So while we wait, we demonstrate trust in Him and His willingness to communicate His will to us. The Jewish vagabonds had wandered for forty years and then were to told to camp and wait across the swollen River Jordan from the land of promise. They were not told to build boats, bridges, or dams; but to wait.

I don't know why God acts in the ways He has chosen, but I trust Him to do that which is best for me and mine in every situation. When I remember that, I'm less inclined toward anger, frustration, fear, and aggravation. I'm more inclined toward peace, joy, and genuine happiness. Should He want me to turn around on a dark road and investigate a situation, I'll experience less than His best for me if I don't obey. My responsibility is to discern and do His will while leaving the results and consequences up to Him.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

A Treatise on Liberals' Desire to Regulate Hate Speech

A recent article states that a coalition of more than 30 organizations argue in a letter to the FCC that the Internet has made it harder for the public to separate the facts from bigotry masquerading as news. Therefore, they conclude the FCC should begin to regulate "hate" speech.

Several problems leap out at you as you consider this, not the least of which is who will determine just what "hate" speech is. These mostly left wing organizations decry the fact that information is readily available, and that elitists are now unable to carefully sanitize that information before it reaches the ears of the great unwashed.

After observing the media for about fifty-five years, I've come to believe that anyone who differs with an opinion of one holding an instrument of communication is generally considered a hateful person if he forcefully presents his dissenting argument.

Today we have hate laws which portend to protect those unable to protect themselves because of the inveterate hatred of their enemies. Such laws mete out a harsher punishment for those found guilty of inflicting pain upon individuals because of hatred for their class, culture, moral position, or sexual preference. Such laws are probably unconstitutional at the least and counter productive besides.

Now comes the thought police to ascertain if I'm acting with hatred toward a group when I say homosexuality is a sin in God's eyes according to my understanding of Scripture. Never mind that my purpose is not to demean, but rather to inform with the hope that one or more will repent of that position and turn to Christ for saving grace.

Religious and political speech are unconditionally protected by the Constitution of the United States of America. The Supreme Court has affirmed such in case after case over the course of the last two hundred thirty years, but come now those established liberal elitists who believe they can determine the thought process of those who write and speak to the masses.

Should you and I not unequivocally reject those who advocate such positions, we will one day find ourselves or our progeny without those freedoms we have cherished, espoused, and died for throughout the course of our country's history. It is no longer enough to sit idly by and whisper among ourselves at the park bench, or the barber shop. We must aggressively confront such error by speaking out, writing companies which underwrite such groups, and contacting our representatives. We ought do those things, even though it requires no little amount of effort on our part. It is both time consuming, and emotionally draining as one navigates the channels which insulate corporate decision makers and governmental representatives, but it is essential.

Rise up!! Leave the ballgames, the videos, and Facebook for a season in order to make your voice known, and do so repeatedly. They expect you and me to quickly lose our enthusiasm for such mundane activity, but we dare not!!

And please remember, this is always a spiritual battle. The prince of this world system does not want people free to share the hope of eternal life possible through Jesus Christ. He knows his time is rapidly drawing to a close, and he seems to be marshaling his forces in an attempt to prevent the light of the world from shining in the darkness of his domain.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

A New Start for a Troubled Marriage

Sunday, May 30 is a momentous moment in the life of Bay Springs Baptist Church. We will celebrate the re-marriage of a couple whose relationship become so estranged that it finally culminated in divorce.

This couple first began to treat each other with indifference, then frustration, and on to antagonism. They really didn't dislike one another, they just felt better when there was a wall of distance between them.

However, something happened as they traveled life's journey. At some point one or both began to realize that God wanted them to investigate the possibility of starting over. The man came to realize that he had never given himself completely to Christ and was born again. The woman realized that she was not allowing Christ to be the boss of her life, and she committed her life to live for Him. Then God showed them that their divorce has been all about self. Couching their decisions in noble sounding declarations no longer seemed satisfactory.

God taught them that He views marriage as permanent, and they sought help to learn how to more effectively relate to one another as unto God Himself. They learned that one's primary purpose to so cultivate a heart that seeks after God, regardless of what one's partner does.

Now they are coming before God and His people and confessing their past individual and collective failure and dedicating their lives to God and one another.

I know several couples who need to begin again. It starts with each individual making a decision to turning his, or her, heart toward God, and making the commitment to God to so live as to reflect God in all their doings.

Each individual believes his/her situation is unique. It is not. Others have walked the same path and succeeded. There is no justification for failure in the marriage relationship. God loves marriage and hates divorce, so those who marry have the blessing of God upon their lives when they start.

I'm thankful to see what God has done in the life of both these fine people who are beginning again this weekend. Lord, I ask you to go before them and drive the hornet of opposition from their path even as you teach them the consummate joy of relying on you.

Believers and The New World Order

President Obama on Saturday offered a glimpse of a new national security doctrine that distances his administration from the policy of preemptive war, emphasizing global institutions and America's role in promoting democratic values. During the address the President seemed to subtly promote the concept of global unity reminiscent of George Herbert W. Bush's "New World Order."

Presidents have lately seemed intent on building a global order which would erase nationalism and create a Utopian Society where everyone is a citizen of the world. Such a concept is not new. Empires have sought to rule the world through conquest throughout recorded history. Nor is it an antiquated notion. Adherents of communism viewed it as a vehicle for world dominion.

Chinese Communist leaders have seemingly discarded communism for capitalism and seem intent on dominating the world through finances. Japan turned her aggressive militaristic nature to economic policy and made enormous gains until the house of cards fell before she could bring the feat off.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise when powerful leaders to look at the world as another challenge to conquer. It certainly is no surprise to Evangelical Christian Believers. Scripture describes the end times as a time when powerful men will ascend to positions of influence and power unmatched in human history. Genuine Believers understand that the energizing force behind such men is nothing less then the prince of this world system, the enemy of God and all those who call upon the name of the Lord.

We do not fear these men; because we, who are genuine Believers, serve the God of Glory under whose dominion the prince of this world system is allowed to operate for a season. We know that at the end of the season, God will ultimately and finally overthrow him and those who have faithfully followed Christ will reign with Him for all eternity, while the enemy and his followers will wallow in a godless, lightless, friendless, comfortless, and never ending hell.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Difference in First Ladies

First Lady Michelle Obama simply does not measure up in the class category when it comes to formal dress. This particular outfit looks cheap and demeaning. Of course, the attempt at provocative dress might be an attempt to distract eyes from the seething anger emanating from those eyes, and the set of her jaw.

Maybe she doesn't speak Spanish, because they are entertaining the President of Mexico and his wife on this occasion.







Laura Bush appears genteel and discrete in her gown at a WH Christmas party during the Bush years.

The extreme difference in poise and style is evident in the two photos.


Michelle Obama's seeming attempt at provocative appears to deteriorate to the edge of vulgarity. A few lessons in decorum would appear to be in order.

Turn up The Heat

When I was a child I enjoyed taking crayons and dropping them into a pot to see what colors I could devise. As I dreamed of creating an unique color, I learned that too much heat would boil away some of the properties of the crayons and leave my new creation brittle and unuseable. I also learned that too little heat would not allow the colors to flow together and blend. The great melting pot of America is struggling today with just how much heat to apply so that those coming to America can blend in such a way as to add to the whole without becoming an unuseable monstrosity.

Yesterday four students were sent home from a school in the San Francisco Bay area for wearing shirts with an American flag on them. They were sent home because children of Mexican descent felt it was their day to express their heritage, and the four were disrespecting “Cinco De Mayo.”

Folks, this is serious business. We seem to have failed those from other nations who have immigrated by not teaching them that America is more than just a meal ticket. The American flag should be proudly flown in the midst of their celebrations. They should understand the policies and loyalties which have contributed to the wealth and freedom they seek here. Their fathers left Mexico seeking a better way of life, or chose to stay when annexation took place. Either way, they are American by choice.

I often wondered about the other large countries of the world why they could not develop, then I discovered that most are hamstrung by language barriers. India has several large states, each with its own language. Canada is wracked by language chaos, with French and English competing, and even China with its strong central government has struggled with the hundreds of unique dialects employed throughout the country.

American has grown because she is the great melting pot, with colors and languages blending their unique attributes into the whole to make a beautiful mosaic where all our lives are richer and more full. However, contemporary officialdom seems intent preventing that mosaic from growing. Policies and laws seemingly designed to prevent the assimilation of other cultures into ours are dividing us according to language, race, and heritage.

Yes, there is a distinct American culture which has been molded by that very melting pot, and those who come here to live should come with the purpose becoming a part of that culture. Poles, Italians, Chinese, Mexican, Navajo, French, African, and from around the globe they have come; making us the pre-imminent nation of the world. But these coming in this era are hyphenated Americans; not attempting to become part of the melting pot, they want to carve out a section of the country for their own where they can maintain the same culture, language, and customs of their native lands.

The most egregious perpetrator of this deadly policy is the public school system which seems to delight in teaching every cultural anomaly except that of the founders of the Country. Students can tell you about Black History Month and Hispanic culture even while they are unable to explain the Bill of Rights, or tell why our forefathers established this great government.

We has best awaken to the danger facing us here in the United States. Celebrate “Cinco de Mayo” but do it proudly under the banner of the Stars and Stripes. This is not Mexico. This is America. The heat needs be turned up a little on our melting pot in order for us to blend more evenly, so that we might continue to become a mosaic of freedom and opportunity for the nations of the world to aspire to.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

The Time is Right: Dissolve the State Conventions

On February 27, 2007 I published an article questioning the need for both State Conventions and Associations, alluding to possibility of state conventions as inefficient anachronisms.

Today I want to revisit that topic and examine the purpose of state conventions and associations.

Associations have traditionally been the guardian of doctrinal integrity. Associations, which are generally organized geographically, are near autonomous entities subject to the executive board which is comprised of representatives of the local member churches. They may have an executive whose purpose it is to implement the work authorized by the body.

Membership is expanded when a local church petitions to join the association, and after examination by those so authorized, the local assembly is accepted into the fellowship of the association, or has its petition rejected. Such rejection is ordinarily based on doctrinal weakness or heresy. Should the church be accepted, the customary practice is to place the church under watch care for a period of time in order to observe the faith and practice of that church.

Should such a church have its petition rejected, a committee is usually appointed to work with the church to ascertain if it desires to conform to the requirements of the association. Such work can continue until such time as the committee determines it is ready to once again petition the association or decides the church is not serious enough about becoming a member to change the doctrine and/or practice deemed unacceptable.

Associational churches can be disciplined by the association for matters of doctrine and/or practice by placing them on probation and/or withdrawing fellowship from them; a practice tantamount to expulsion.

Recently local associations seem to have evolved more into the establishing of programs. Such actions appear in some instances to be in competition with the local churches. The Birmingham Baptist Association provides opportunities for individuals to sign up for twenty-nine different programs and to give directly to the Association. That seems to violate the spirit of the Association as being an instrument of the local churches. Should the association become self-sufficient, that is not dependent upon the gifts of the local churches, it could become an entity apart and follow the course of such institutions as Baylor University, or Mercer University; which voted to divorce themselves from the local entities which owned them and stole the property, influence, and good will of Southern Baptists in their respective states.

I believe the preponderance of gifts should come through the local church, and not from disaffected church members looking for an avenue to advance pet causes in defiance of the local church leadership.

While state conventions have served Southern Baptists well, by providing a venue by which churches from disparate points of the state could work together on mission projects, training, and ministry; contemporary communication and transportation allow the local associations to do every thing the state conventions do. State conventions, especially in the Deep South, now seem to spend more time promoting projects than anything else. Untold millions of dollars of missions monies are absorbed in the bureaucratic morass of the state convention.

Why local churches need a state convention to convince them to utilize a particular program, or participate in a particular activity escapes me. The local church needs a resource entity which is available lend its expertise to a particular need, not someone to try to convince the local church to follow a particular path of ministry. Neither the state convention, nor the association have the responsibility to “care for” the local churches. Local pastors do not need a “pastor to pastors” to serve as an associational executive.

The local church is responsible for setting an agenda to minister to its unique congregation and community. That is made easier by having assurance that a sister church is ministering effectively in an adjoining community, and throughout the state.

Time and again pastors are requested to turn in the names of leaders to the association and/or state convention so that those entities might communicate directly with church members. As a pastor, I don’t want those entities communicating directly with the members of the local church. If the pastor and church leadership have a plan for reaching their Jerusalem, they shouldn’t have to spend time defending their plan against one put forth by the state convention or association. The state conventions and associations work for the local churches, and it is unethical to by pass the local church leadership to promote a different agenda. Sometimes the associational executive acts as if he is an employee of the state convention. That was, in fact, the case in Louisiana until just a few short years ago.

I believe the time has come to dissolve the state conventions, thereby increasing the amount of funds available for mission efforts, and making the association a more effective entity. State executives and staff are certain to oppose any attempt minimize their position in the convention hierarchy (Baptists don’t have a hierarchy right?), but there is reformation in the air, and now is the time to act.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Cohabitation is a Blight on the Christian Church

The crass statements of my youth justifying premarital sex like, “Never buy a car before you try it out,” have given way to socially acceptable cohabitation in the name of protecting the institution of marriage. Time and again the reason is given by both the couple and their supportive parents that they need to make sure they can make it before entering into the permanence of marriage.

This attitude, especially among Believers, demonstrates a total lack of understanding of God’s plan and leadership. When two Believers come together as one, they should have a sense of God’s working in their lives, and that alone should be enough to help them maintain their commitment through the inevitable tough times.

Dr. Albert Mohler Jr., President of Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Ky; said in a recent article, “Many young adults tend to believe they are wise to try living together before committing to marriage, but actually they are undermining the institution they hope to protect.”

Dr. Mohler went on to say, "They do not know that what they are actually doing is undoing marriage. They miss the central logic of marriage as an institution of permanence."

That marriage is a gift of God is fundamental to Christian belief, yet there seems little practical difference between those who claim to be Believers and those who do not. Not only do young people openly engage in such behavior, but parents and extended family often seem to facilitate it. Even the local body of Believers known as the church seems little inclined to deal with her members who adopt such lifestyles lest someone be offended.

I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Mohler’s assertion that cohabitation weakens marriage. I also believe that weakened marriage weakens the Christian message. However, I see little opportunity to combat the problem as long as the local body of Believers refuses to see cohabitation as an affront to Holy God. When the local assembly begins to deal with those who claim to be Believers, yet live their lives as if God’s Word and way is unimportant, I believe there will arise a dedicated, disciplined, and Spirit-filled church where the power of God is evident and the influence of the church is expanded.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Pondering John McCain & Regulations

John McCain is a true hero. He survived as a POW without compromising. I wish he had carried that same dogma into his political career.

Conservatives understood that McCain was only a "lukewarm" presidential candidate because he was the consummate fence-straddler. Now, he is proving that the country is probably better off with Obama as President. At least, with Obama, we know he is a far left ideologue. We are alert to his every move and can oppose him, because there is little subtly in his approach.

McCain, however, is a different matter. He seems never to have seen an industry, or product, which doesn't need government regulation. He appears to search for new items to regulate. Now he wants to regulate food supplements. All one needs see is the result of government regulation on other products, to recognize the inherent danger here.

Now some are going to say, "But Mike, these things need regulation. They affect our health." I have no problem with "truth in advertising, or accuracy in labeling." However, most of the medicines I was raised on, the same things my mother who is now eighty-four was raised on, and her mother, who lived to the age of ninety-eight, was raised on have been regulated out of our reach.

The sulfur mixed with a molasses was an effective antidote to the red bugs, or chiggers outside the deep South, fleas, and ticks. The penicillin tablets, crushed and mixed with the molasses, fought the infections we contracted as we stepped on rusty nails, and cut ourselves with broken bottles. The Paregoric, also mixed with molasses, helped young children suffering from intestinal disorders and teen girls with menstrual cramps, and was an effective toothache remedy. None of these items are available anymore except through prescription which naturally requires a doctor visit, and trip to the local Walmart Drug store. Can anyone say, "Unnecessary additional costs?"

Now this wolf in sheep's clothing, McCain, desires to regulate even more of our lives. I say, "Enough Already!" Write another memoir, take a fact finding trip to Australia, hike the Grand Canyon, you'll still get paid well by the taxpayer. Just leave our personal lives alone. NO MORE REGULATIONS!!!

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Wasted Years

This morning I received word that my cousin lies on a hospital bed in Covington, Louisiana near death. Little can be done for him because a lifetime of profligate living has utterly destroyed his body. But there's more to this story than that.

You see, Tommy's skill with people coupled with his innate intelligence allowed him to ride the crest of success at an early age. However, those same attributes, never harnessed by submission to Holy God, led him to experiment with mind altering drugs. Drugs, and later, Alcohol became his obsession, his reason for living. They were cruel masters, unwilling to share their slave with family or friends. Going for months on end without contacting those who loved and prayed for him; this wasting shell of his former self would eventually show up needing help.

The song, "Wasted Years" has never seemed more poignant than this morning.

Wasted years wasted years oh how foolish,
As you walk on in darkness and fear,
Turn around turn around God is calling,
He's calling you from a life of wasted years,
As you wondered along on life's pathways,
Have you lived without love a life of fear,
Have you searched for life's great hidden meaning,
Or is your life filled with long wasted years,
Wasted years wasted years oh how foolish,
As you walk on in darkness and fear,
Turn around turn around God is calling,
He's calling you from a life of wasted years,
He's calling you from a life of wasted years

Each time I ponder the potential of a young man filled with energy, strength, and intelligence who has wasted his life; I remember that Holy God died for just such as he. Oh that he would have exercised his talents and gifts in the pursuit of holy living as the bond slave of Jesus Christ rather than those harsh taskmasters who robbed him of all his productive initiative.

Wasted years. I find myself wondering if I did enough to demonstrate love and compassion to him. Time and again I pleaded with him to give himself to Christ, and every time he acknowledged his need, yet never seemed able to trust Christ enough when the pangs of desire for his one true love, alcohol, stirred his being.

Young men, I plead with you. Reject the alluring advances of that strange lady alcohol as she flits her skirts in her most seductive manner, lest one day you awaken to discover that you, too, have wasted the most productive years of your life.

Lady Alcohol is an unnatural lover, unable to satisfy the cravings for love, companionship, and accomplishment. Her promising enticements serve only to fuel the senses for more and more. Promising much, but delivering nothing more than "Wasted Years."

Turn today to The Lord. Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us."

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

The Mount Vernon Statement

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council reports that than 100 conservative leaders joined together today to celebrate the release of the Mount Vernon Statement -- a document he believes has reaffirmed conservative commitment to Constitutional Conservatism and the principles of the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I wonder if the document goes far enough. At first blush it appears more nuanced than substantive. Perhaps, however, I'm being too critical. I'm actually looking for genuine conservatives, of which Tony Perkins certainly is one, to explain in plain English just what the "pursuit of happiness" means and the limitations to such a statement.

The document states, "The conservatism of the Declaration asserts self-evident truths based on the laws of nature and nature's God. It defends life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It traces authority to the consent of the governed. It recognizes man's self-interest but also his capacity for virtue." In the 18th Century this was a clearly understood statement, which met with little equivocation, even by unbelievers. In this contemporary, pluralistic society such terms need defining.

While I agree with the intent of those who formulated the statement, it appears to not be so notable a statement as to create even angst amongst those who are the enemies of traditional constitutional government. Not one of these signers need fear the loss of position, property, or prestige over the signing of such an innocuous statement.

I believe the time has come for bold leadership in America. The kind of leadership which, in the tradition of the founding fathers, risks everything for the purpose of restoring our constitutional government.

While I will sign the agreement, I believe it to be far short of what is needed.

Memories of My Childhood

During my second year of elementary school, my family moved atop what was known as "Crocker Hill," so named because Mr. Joe Crocker and his family lived on the East side of the red clay road at the top of the steep hill. We lived across the road from the Crockers in a three-room house with a pantry and another little bitty house out back.

The house was "L" shaped with a door opening into the front room which served as both a bedroom for my parents and our living room. It was that room which became the center of attention on Saturday Nights when the Crockers would come over and my Mother's parents would come up the hill to eat chili and watch wrestling. I still remember Mrs. Crocker yelling at those referees for allowing "Gorgeous George" to be treated so badly by other wrestlers.

Next to the front room was the room shared by my sister Sue and me, until I was moved into the pantry behind the kitchen. Aunt Eunice Ivey stayed with us at one time because my Mom was working and my Dad was driving a truck, so she stayed in the room with Sue and me, also.

Behind our room was the kitchen. It housed the refrigerator, a pot-bellied wood heater, a butane fired stove, and our eating table. The pantry was a small room about six feet wide and about ten feet long.

A door opened to the outside from the kitchen and down several concrete steps was a huge oak tree right in the "L" of the house. The exposed roots made a great playground as I imagined myself a character in the Dick Tracy comic strip, or Sunset Carson, or Johnny Mack Brown, or any number of other contemporary heroes. Hour upon hour was consumed playing with or without my sister on those roots.

I regret that my grandchildren and their contemporaries have not learned to enjoy the roots of a tree. Electronic gadgets have opened new vistas for their exploration, but I doubt they'll be happier than I was as a child. My parents did not have much in the way of material things to give us, but what they did give us has remained with me these sixty plus years-- the memories of childhood.

Today, while pondering the financial pressure parents bring upon themselves in order to give their children a better life than they had, I wonder if the children could possibly be more fulfilled and content than I, or if those "gadgets" bought to satisfy their cravings to conform will prove as worthwhile as those hours on the roots of that old oak tree.

Aah--The memories of childhood.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Continuing Erosion of Personal Freedoms by Police Entities

A recent article entitled "Police want backdoor to Web users' private data" by Declan McCullagh reveals the potential for the continuing surreptitious erosion of personal individual rights by governmental entities which seem to believe they alone are capable of protecting us from ourselves.

Government has two primary constitutional responsibilities: (1) Protect the citizenry from foreign powers who would overthrow our form of government. (2) Maintain domestic judicial order so that the citizenry can develop their resources to their greatest capability without oppressive interference from the authorities who maintain such. That is all government is needed for.

We do NOT need government to make sure we have health insurance, or food, or clothing. Nor do we need government to protect us from ourselves by limiting those activities which some entity might consider dangerous.

Seat belt laws are an example of government's intrusion into the personal lifestyles of individuals. While seat belts are obviously beneficial, they are also detrimental in some instances and downright ridiculous in others. My grandchildren are certainly not nearly as comfortable on trips as my own children were who were provided a bed in the floor board and allowed to sleep in an unrestrained position during trips. Seat belts were already becoming accepted as a safety factor when government decided to require everyone everywhere to wear them. While the transition to seat belt use would have taken longer, I believe it would have occurred nonetheless.

Bleeding heart elitists, the hoi oligoi, believing they know what is best for the hoi polloi, the great unwashed masses, seem obsessed with implementing more and more rules in the name of safety, security, and the general welfare. Such rules, once enacted, become simply another tool by which the commoners can be controlled. Control, it seems, is more important than any genuine benefit.

All of which leads us to the topic at hand. I am a strong proponent of the police in general. They have an often thankless profession, and must deal continually with the lowest class of society, the criminal. As the criminal cleverly devises ways to gain an advantage through deceit, theft, or subterfuge, the police must be prepared to react to each new invention of the criminal's diabolic mind. Yet, there must be limitations on their freedom to access the private information of the citizenry. Taking the time to obtain a paper warrant before accessing private information might indeed allow some criminals to escape. No system is failure proof. However, laid alongside the right of private law abiding citizens to protect their information, it is no contest. We must err on the side of freedom, or we will eventually err on the side of totalitarianism.

Only the most naive believe they can prevent private information being disseminated in this the information age. However, to authorize what amounts to warrantless intrusion into one's personal affairs is nothing less than an abdication of personal responsibility. Few who acquiesce to these procedures would allow the forcible search of their homes by police without a bonafide warrant, nothing less should be demanded of the electronic media.

You and I should contact our congressional delegations posthaste to inform them of our opposition to such procedures, lest they be inserted into innocuous appearing bills without raising a stir, or worse be enacted as administrative decisions by pompous bureaucratic aides.

Stoney Hearted People

Jesus told a parable of the soil where good seed falls on rocky ground. It is able to germinate but the soil is not sufficient enough to allow it to grow. One’s hearts can be like this kind of soil. He has a desire to do right but fails to grow because he has no depth of commitment. When difficulty comes, he wilts under the pressure. He is one who has based his understanding of Christ on an emotional experience. His faith is wholly experiential and not based upon Biblical doctrine. He is wont to say, "Doctrine doesn’t matter as long as you love Jesus."

Jesus said, “If one loves Him, he will keep His commandments.” One’s doctrine, or theology, must be in harmony with God’s Word. In another place Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” The one who bases his relationship to God upon experience alone, is doctrinally unstable with shallow roots, so that when the experiences of life seem set against him, he is easily drawn away by the false teachings of the Evil One.

The Late Dr. Adrian Rogers often called these people, “Alka-Seltzer” people. They are people of fizz, warm and emotional, who respond easily to emotional appeals, but they are shallow, superficial, and rootless. They only want to be happy and will follow what ever seems to make them so, even if it is only temporary.

Churches are full of stony-hearted people. They simply do not understand the demands of the cross, nor do they desire to understand it. At the first sign of difficulty, they look for something else; something which will entertain them of make them feel good. They want an easy Christianity without trials.

Are you one of these? Are you like the rich young ruler who went away sorrowfully when he learned the real demands of the Gospel? Do you hunger and thirst to understand the basis of God’s great love for you, or are you one who simply bases your faith upon a series of experiences. If you are, I say to you this morning, "Repent! Ask God to take away your stony heart, and the Bible promises he will give you a heart of flesh.” A heart which will be able to learn and allow you to base your faith upon His Word.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

Genuine Fellowship

The missing element in the contemporary church is the real fellowship so evident in the early church. The warmth and sweetness of their fellowship demonstrated the “oneness” of body which the church exemplifies. Their possessions were not considered goods to be protected, cherished, and hoarded. Rather they were treated as tools to be utilized for the common good.

This was not Communism where government pooled resources and doled them out equally to all, but rather a voluntary recognition that God had blessed them with everything they possessed and they were simply the caretakers. Brothers and sisters in Christ experienced the generosity of one another as genuine family. There was no recrimination for those who had need and no hesitancy on the part of those who had plenty.

A tangible result of that attitude of fellowship was that they had great power in witnessing and uncountable numbers were added to the church. That we have lost that is evident in the fact that we often sit in a worship service and know little of the affairs of those around us. We go to our homes, and watch football, or play games without involving ourselves in the lives of those with whom worship. Throughout the busy week little social interaction takes place outside a few close friends and family. How can one approach a virtual stranger and share his fears, joys, and concerns? Must the church remain an impassive body unresponsive to the genuine needs of brothers and sisters in Christ simply because we choose not to engage them on a personal and intimate level?

I believe church should have a reputation as a safe harbor where truth is presented in love by caring people genuinely interested in the general welfare. Rather, it is often represented as a cold body which rejects the imperfect. Strife, bickering, unforgiveness, and jealousy within the body give the lie to the message that Christ can meet one’s needs and lift his burdens, because what he sees in the church is no different than what he experiences at home and at work.

So the world asks, “Why do you claim that Christ is the answer? Your life is little different than ours, and we can sleep late on Sunday Mornings.”

The missing element, I believe, is genuine fellowship, and the only way we’re going to reverse the trend toward irrelevance in the local church is for those who claim Christ as Lord, to begin opening themselves in a vulnerable way to others so that the world might see genuine fellowship in us. Will you commit yourself to expanding your area of genuine concern by involving yourself with someone within the body who you don’t know much about? Invite them to your home for dinner, or coffee and cake. Choose this day to grow the fellowship within your local assembly so that the world will know you are different.

© 2010 Mike Rasberry

We All Need A Tree

Sometimes we all need help remembering that God never intended us to carry our burdens and to distribute them to those we love. I was sent an email with the following link which says it much better than I. http://home.att.net/~soloshideaway/751/tree.htm

Joy To The World

Joy to the World, The Lord is come...Those words by Issac Watts reflect the angelic message to shepherds faithfully carrying out their menial tasks.

Joy to the World...It blares from digitally enhanced church steeples even as anxious shoppers within its sound trudge from store to store only to be confronted by short-tempered, ill-mannered, and inconsiderate shoppers and shop keepers.

Where is the “Joy” in Christmas? Everywhere one turns he hears, mumbling, grumbling, groaning, and complaining. The oft heard comment, “I just don’t have enough time,” reflects the consternation the Christmas Season brings.

I think it is time to take stock of what Christmas should be all about. It should be a time of willing self-sacrifice, not grudging dutiful drudgery. It should reflect the willing sacrifice Jesus Christ made when He left the glories of heaven to be born as a vulnerable human being during a time of poverty and political oppression, so that He could offer Himself a sacrifice for the sin of the world.

Should we approach the purchase of gifts as an opportunity to express our love and appreciation of those for whom the gifts are intended, we might be less frustrated in our search. Those people with whom we deal are simply obstacles placed there by the enemy to challenge our resolve to act in Christ-like love to those who serve us in our pursuits.

The driver who swerves into the parking place ahead of you, the shopper whose self-centered dash upends your load of packages, the clerk whose aching feet and splitting headache override her normally courteous behavior, and the myriad of others you encounter are simply opportunities to demonstrate that the Angels were not wrong. They did bring good tidings of great joy, and Issac Watts is correct, we can have joy.

Joy which is dependent upon perfect external conditions is not really joy at all. Joy is an expression of an internal condition which naturally flows from an ongoing and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

JOY TO THE WORLD!!! THE LORD IS COME!!!

From "A Word For Living" by Mike Rasberry

© 2009 Mike Rasberry

The Gift of Self

As you continue searching for the perfect gift for that special person during this Christmas Season, why don’t you consider the giving a more complete “You.” While such a gift is not monetarily expensive, it is costly. Such a gift means that you choose to forego the personal pleasures to which you’ve become accustomed in order that you might be more available to the one(s) you love.

A great gift for any loved one is when you choose to put aside some habit or indulgence in order to make another’s life more full and meaningful. Several destructive habits and indulgences which steal one’s time and wreck relationships include, but are in no way limited to:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Computer Games
Pornography
Gossip

During the Christmas Season, that indulgence most often bringing destruction is the use of alcohol as a beverage. Misery will greet huge numbers of homes this season because of the destructive nature of alcohol and the hold it takes on men when they imbibe.

This season, purpose to give your loved ones the gift of a sober, rational, and whole person by choosing to stay away from the deadly brew.

Johnny Sanders Pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Downsville, La. Copied the following poem off the wall of Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman several years ago. The author is unknown to this writer.

THE BAR
The name of each saloon is bar,
The fittest of its names by far.
A bar to Heaven, a door to hell;
Whoever named it, named it well.
A bar to manliness and wealth,
A door to want and broken health.
A bar to honor, pride, and fame,
A door to grief, sin, and shame.
A bar to hopes, a bar to prayers,
A door to darkness and despair.
A bar to honored, useful life,
A door to brawling, senseless strife.
A bar to all that’s true and brave,
A door to every drunkard’s grave.
A bar to joy that home imparts,
A door to tears and aching hearts.
A bar to Heaven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it named it well.

Taken from "A Word For Living" by Mike Rasberry

© 2009 Mike Rasberry

Criteria for a Just War

A recent article in Associated Baptist Press by Bob Allen reported on a speech by Robert Parham in which he outlined five criteria for a war being “just.” I agree with some, but with some of his listed criteria, I take issue. What are your thoughts on the matter?

The first standard necessary for a “Just War,” he said is a “Just Cause.” I must agree with this standard. The use of force to protect America, her allies, her citizens, and those unable to defend themselves seems a legitimate criteria. Whether of not popular opinion considers it “Just” is not the issue. Those who stand on the side of justice often must swim upstream against the ever increasing tide of those who, when they begin to experience personal hardship abdicate their moral responsibility.

Parham lists the second standard as property authority. Again, I agree with this criteria. However, he includes the UN as such an authority. I do not believe the UN has any kind of moral authority to wage war. I do not believe in a one-world governing entity, which such authority will inevitably bring about.

The third standard which must be met according to Parham, is “last resort.” That is to say that a country should attempt to mediate through peaceful means before turning to war. I agree with this point in a limited way. The United States kept giving Japan chance upon chance to turn back from her treacherous course. Time and again, the Japanese were caught in their web of lies, yet the desire to try one more time eventually left us ill prepared for the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. There must be a firm time table with tangible positive response. In the case of overt attack as in the 9-11 assault, reaction must be swift and comprehensive.

Parham lists the fourth standard as “probability of success.” I think this is a terrible criteria for war. There can be nothing but victory in war. Anything less than the total commitment of the people to the success of the endeavor will spell eventual disaster. One man suggested that Gideon would never have gone forth with his 300 hearty men had probability of success been a criteria. George Washington’s heroic stand against the greatest military power of its day would never have gotten off Long Island if probability of success had been a consideration.

The fifth standard listed by Parham is “proportionality.” This is the most absurd of the criteria listed. Proportionality means that the nation attack with only the amount of force necessary to eke out a victory. It is the concept of “proportionality” which resulted in the loss of Korea and Vietnam. It is proportionality which has kept our troops bogged down in the Middle East for nearly nine years. When a nation goes to war, she should unleash the power necessary to bring a quick end to the conflict. Untold tens of thousands of American lives were spared by the unleashing of the Atom bomb on two Japanese Cities. Do you really believe that the last fifty years of privation suffered by the people of North Korea would have occurred if American leadership had demonstrated the resolve to unleash MacArthur on the Communist giant growing on the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese mainland.

While I regret the loss of so-called non-combatants, I doubt the existence of many such. Those in war torn areas are already involved. The Vietnamese peasants were NOT non-combatants. They either supported the Allies or the Viet Cong. I suspect that is the case in most areas. That folk can live in the midst of war without taking sides is something for the movies, but doesn’t exist in reality.

© 2009 Mike Rasberry

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THOSE WHO SERVE

When I arrived back in the Continental United States in September of 1967 from Vietnam, I was not met with a hero’s welcome. Rather, some of my first “greeters” were protestors carrying signs calling me a “baby killer” and worse. I was spit upon, cursed, and derided in every conceivable manner. Now those folks did not know my name, but because I wore a Marine uniform, I was the enemy.

I’m thankful to Holy God that He saw fit to use me in the defense of this great country, just as He used my Dad before me. As I look back, I can see the Hand of God in His intervention in my life. Some of those I was raised with, trained with, and fought with did not return alive, or whole after the war. I don’t know why God chose to deliver me, but I purpose to so live my life as to demonstrate my appreciation for Him and for those who died in my stead.

Thank you Holy God for giving us men and women who are willing to serve to the uttermost in these uncertain times.

Thank you men and women of the military, for doing what you do. Please know that there are millions like me who appreciate your devotion to duty.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THOSE WHO SERVE!!

Happy Birthday Marines!!

The year was 1965 and I was the fresh faced, smart alecky hard head who thought he was really tough. I had failed to graduate from high school and was working in the oil fields in the Gulf of Mexico, when I received the notice to report for my physical prior to induction in the Army.

I knew I didn’t want to be drafted, so I began investigating the other branches of service and settled on the Air Force. I had my airplane ticket to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas for recruit training when I was visited by a Marine Corps Recruiter. Before he left my home, I was singing “The Marine Corps Hymn” and preparing to catch a bus to Birmingham, Alabama where I was sworn in along with about twenty others. Then it was on to Parris Island, South Carolina.

My recollection of that first few days remains somewhat foggy, but I remember waiting in the very cool night air outside the gate for a bus to take us to our orientation area. Once inside the gates of Parris Island, all civility ceased. The sergeant, who had been so courteous and gregarious outside the gate, instantaneously metamorphosed into a hideous antagonist seeming intent of destroying every iota of self image we possessed.

We learned quickly that we were the scum of the earth hardly worth the taxpayers money expended in a probable ill fated attempt to transform us into Marines. We were relieved of our clothing and personal belongings, and issued Marine Corps skivvies which were sufficient clothing for us to fill out what seemed like reams of paperwork. Then we were marched, in skivvies, to another building where we received ill-fitting utilities and boots.

As dawn broke upon us we were herded, what we did was certainly not marching, to the mess hall to partake of our first real Marine Corps meal. Over the years, I’ve become convinced that the first meal is especially designed to so repugnant that future meals will be appreciated.

The day was spent outfitting us and explaining a few rules: like “if you mess up my Marine Corps, I will personally give you a vertical butt stroke.” I had no idea what a vertical butt stroke was, but I was pretty sure it wasn’t good.

Night time was anticipated in much the same way a starving man anticipates food. We were emotionally and physically exhausted. Eighty plus men in our squad bay fell instantly asleep.

At 4:30 A.M. a short Corporal named Sparks started beating on the metal G.I. cans in our squad bay and screaming that we had fifteen minutes to be dressed and lined up outside so that we could get a little exercise before breakfast. I’m not sure how far we ran, but I was grateful that I was in pretty good shape.

So began my love affair with The United States Marine Corps. I learned to never give up on myself, my country, and The Corps. I learned that the whole is much stronger than the parts which make up the whole, and I learned to really love this great country in which we live.

I entered the Corps, a snot nosed, immature, boy. After Boot Camp, ITR, specialized training, thirteen months in Vietnam, and my terminal assignment in Yuma, Arizona; I left the Marine Corps as a man committed to impacting society for good. I thank my God regularly that He so orchestrated events as to place me in The Corps.

It was during my tour that I regained that lost love of learning which continues to press me to study today. It was during my tour that I married the love of my life, who has been a positive influence upon my life. And it was during my tour that God directed me to the First Southern Baptist Church of Yuma, Arizona where He spoke clearly to me about the life work to which He was calling me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES!!
Semper Fi!!!

THE MARRIAGE DILEMMA

People choose to marry for many reasons. Here are just a few of the reasons listed in numerous surveys:

• To be free from parents.
• To have sex.
• Love.
• To relieve loneliness.
• To be happy.
• Physical attractiveness.
• To have a baby.
• Financial security.
• Immigration purposes
• Friends are married.
• Fear of not finding a partner.

In Christian Circles “Love” is listed as the primary reason for marriage, but one must question whether or not those listing “love” actually understand the meaning. God commands Believers to love one another. Therefore, one must conclude that love is not an emotion. Now, none will deny the emotional aspect of what the world calls “falling in love.”

Love, it seems to this writer, is acting in such a way as to demonstrate one’s care for the welfare of another. Love would, therefore, be quite selfless in its actions always seeking first to make the other successful and fulfilled, and thereby gaining a sense of fulfillment in those very acts.

God seems to command the Believer to marry and raise up children who are taught to love God and live their lives as a reflection of that love. Therefore, the primary reason for marriage ought to be obedience to God. If two Believers are committed to walking with Christ, they will develop a strong emotional tie as a natural result of their acting in love toward one another.

The tragedy of contemporary marriages between Believers is that most are based upon an emotional attraction which, unlike a faith commitment to God, often changes based upon the circumstances of life. Therefore, marriages between Believers are dissolving at an alarming rate.

It seems to this writer that two Believers who genuinely “like” one another and are willing to act in love toward one another, as unto God Himself, would make a great marriage. They could grow together over the years, and would stand a much better chance of success than those marriages based upon emotional attachments and/or physical attributes.

Don’t mistake the emotional attraction for “love.” Few couples genuinely understand love until they’ve been married for some years. Emotional love is important, but it should be that which has grown out of sharing, struggling, and growing together.

© 2009 Mike Rasberry

FEARS FROM THE RIGHT

Breitbart.com quotes from an Associated Press interview with the British singer Sting that he believes President Obama is sent from God to straighten out the world’s mess. He says of the opposition to Obama, "It's aggressive and violent and full of fear."

He is correct about one thing. The opposition to Obama is full of fear:

• Fear that an oppressive one-world government is coagulating.
• Fear that those of us who believe in Biblical Christianity will soon face Dark Age type persecution where opposition to the official church-state position is deemed heresy, and as such worthy of incarceration and/or death.
• Fear that our children and grandchildren will not enjoy the freedom to develop their lives to their fullest potential.
• Fear that our freedom to share our faith will be deemed “Hate Speech.”
• Fear that American Exceptionalism will become American embarrassment at our accomplishments.
• Fear that untold millions will continue to be slaughtered by the ruthless selfishness of contemporary liberal attitudes toward abortion.
• Fear that our young men and young women will be encouraged to continue exploring sexual depravity until the natural God-given sexual appetites are extinguished.
• Fear that familial relationships will continue to disintegrate as marriage is abandoned and short-term “relationships” flourish in a vain quest for the fulfillment which ironically only comes with genuine commitment.
  
• Fear that the burden of caring for the elderly and infirm will be seen as too onerous to continue.
  

While this is by no means an exhaustive catalog of fears conservatives have, it is a starting point for discussion.

May God have mercy on our land, and may we soon cry out to Him as did the Children of Israel to be delivered from the oppressive hand of this heathen administration.

© 2009 Mike Rasberry

National Council of Churches--A leftist Group of Individual Denominations

I’m often asked why I don’t participate in ecumenical meetings with churches of other denominations. The following churches are members of the National Council of Churches (NCC). Their liberal political agenda is a reflection of their theological understanding of Scripture. The rare exception to this group is that the American Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly opposes abortion.

I cannot and will not participate with those churches which are a part of these communions. While the members of some of the local assemblies are extremely conservative they too, contribute numerically and financially to the national strength of these organizations, thereby giving them a greater voice in national affairs.

A recent move by the NCC has been to partner with the National Hispanic Media Coalition, which filed a petition in January demanding that the FCC collect data, seek public comment and "explore options" for combating "hate speech" from staunch critics of illegal immigration.

They call “hate speech” any attempt to criticize the “open borders” philosophy they espouse. Branding such as “hate speech would criminalize those who disagree with them.

Friends in Christ is nothing less than an attempt to silence those who disagree with the leftist policies and aims of these churchmen who quite often completely deny the authority of Scripture and believe that social activism is the path to right standing with God.

I would encourage you to refuse to support any of the following entities by your finances or your membership. Your participation emboldens them as they seemingly seek to destroy the country God has given.

* African Methodist Episcopal Church
* The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
* Alliance of Baptists
* American Baptist Churches in the USA
* American Conference of Catholic Bishops
* Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
* Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
* Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
* Church of the Brethren
* The Coptic Orthodox Church in North American
* The Episcopal Church
* Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
* Friends United Meeting
* Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
* Hungarian Reformed Church in America
* International Council of Community Churches
* Korean Presbyterian Church in America
* Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
* Mar Thoma Church
* Moravian Church in America Northern Province and Southern Province
* National Baptist Convention of Americn
* National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.
* National Missionary Baptist Convention of America
* Orthodox Church in America
* Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in the USA
* Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
* Polish National Catholic Church of America
* Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
* Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
* Reformed Church in America
* Serbian Orthodox Church in the U.S.A. and Canada
* The Swedenborgian Church
* Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch
* Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America
* United Church of Christ
* The United Methodist Church

Both hands are off the Steering Wheel, and they don't even Know it.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that racial politics played a role in South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress last week and in some of the opposition the president has faced since taking office. "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American," Carter told "NBC Nightly News." "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shares the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African-Americans."

I wonder what President Carter thinks was the reason he had almost as much opposition as President Obama has. It is strange, indeed, that these liberals can just pull the race card out at anytime to attempt to justify their abhorrent policies, and under gird themselves with a sense of martyrdom when it becomes obvious the public is not buying what the snake oil they're selling.

Carter retains a reputation as one of the half dozen worse and ineffective Presidents ever to hold the office. Perhaps his problem is that people just don't like peanuts, therefore they just could not appreciate depth and sincerity of his profundity.

As President Obama continues his herky-jerky leadership style, I'm reminded of my sister, Sue, as she began to learn how to drive our old 1947 Chevy with the standard 3 on the column shifter. She would start off by revving the engine, the letting the clutch out rapidly which resulted in a spin of the wheels, a lurch forward, and an abrupt stop. Never one to give up, Sue finally was able to get it moving jerking fashion until it was time to change gears. The trick, of course, is to take the right hand from the steering wheel, grasp the shift lever, and with the clutch depressed, moving the shift lever to second gear, al the while guiding the car with the left hand. But my sister has never been conventional. She took both hands from the wheel grasped the shift lever with both hand while allowing the rutted road to determine the direction of the car.

I'm afraid that the hands are off the steering wheel, and America is being guided by the well worn and failed ruts of liberal ideology. Steep and mirey ditches line the narrow roadway and the the Obama apologists can't even see that there are no hands on the wheel, or worse, don't realize the proximity of destruction on either side of the roadway.

Is President Obam's Staff Really That Inept?

Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky wrote regarding the controversy with President and his speech to America's School Children that there is nothing sinister about President Obama's desire to speak with our children.

I agree with Dr. Mohler's basic premise that we must respect the Office of The Presidency, and therefore the President. Upon further reading, however, I find several areas of extreme disagreement. The primary area is that Dr. Mohler seems to believe the President's problems are the result of poor planning, and careless preparation by his staff.

I doubt this is the case. This is a man who does little, and has done little over the last several years which is not calculated to the "n"th degree. He has surrounded himself with radical subversives who believe it is their divine right to rule and thereby remake American society in their own image. They know that winning the hearts and minds of America's Youth is essential to full and complete "change." Every despot has learned well that lesson, and those surrounding President Obama appear despotic in their quest for power.

Dr. Mohler's conciliatory message seems to imply that conservatives are simply being distracted. He acts as if there is no sinister plan. I'm sorry. I just don't buy it. I believe the presidential advisers definitely planned every aspect of the lead up to his push for a national health care plan. They cannot on the one hand be brilliant tacticians, and on the other, bumbling fools.

I believe they knew enough conservatives who really want to think well of them, would step forward to blunt the harsh criticism, if things went against them. In any campaign, whether election or policy, there are a few calculated risks which must be taken. I believe this was one. The potential reward outweighed the potential fallout. Now, a new text has been prepared and he looks like a benevolent father, rather than a grasping politician.

Good theater, too bad, Dr. Mohler became his shield. Dr. Mohler's article can be be read by clicking on his name in this sentence.

I Do Not Trust President Obama To Speak To America's School Children

Many have asked what it will hurt for President Obama to speak to America's school children. The problem, as I see it, relates to his trustworthiness. I simply DO NOT trust him.

If he would go there and encourage the kids to stay in school, work hard, and achieve success, even citing his own unlikely route to the presidency that would be fine. But we just don't trust him to do that. Even the study material dispensed to teachers began with questions like, "How can we help President Obama in what he is trying to accomplish."

I don't want him to accomplish his goals. Rush Limbaugh was absolutely correct: "I hope he fails." He wants to lead us into Socialism. At a time when socialist nations are becoming more and more capitalistic because socialism has failed everywhere it has been tried, he wants to lead us down that dark path. I believe a more sinister purpose is behind him, and that is simply one of complete control of the masses by the elitist ruling class which of which he is a simple pawn.

He has proven that he cannot be trusted. I don't trust him to even do what he says in advance he'll do. He is a better liar than Bill Clinton ever was. I want the children of this land to respect the office of "The Presidency." I don't want them enamored with the "Cult of Obama."

Mao Tse Tung developed a following among the school children and the "Red Brigades" became the ruthless enforcers of Mao's will. Children reported their parents for their words and actions. The same happened in Nazi Germany. Hitler's youth forces not only carried the day, they were so impressed with the "Little Corporal," they reported their parents as enemies of the state because said parents opposed Hitler's policies.

Let the teachers teach about the presidency. Hang his photo in the room along with Washington's, but don't give him unimpeded access to the ears and hearts of America's children. As his former pastor was fond of saying, "America's chickens have come home to roost." He was elected by a majority of those who troubled themselves enough to register and vote. We must live with the consequences of that vote. Now like the Children of Israel we need to cry out to God for deliverance, and ask God to raise up a judge who lead us out of this dark time.


He is a radical and cunning liar, who seems devoted to his own daddy, the father of lies. NO!! And Again I say, "NO!" The children of American should not be subjected to his radical agenda with the only voices there, the fawning devotees of the Teacher's Union.

Now some will dismiss this as simply a bitter diatribe. It is not. I pray for President Obama, but I simply cannot look away from his actions and his policies. Some will say, "You're just prejudiced because he is black." Well, in the first place, he's just as much white as he is black. Secondly, I oppose him because he represents policies which I fought against in Vietnam, my Father fought against in World War II, and the Founding Fathers risked everything to prevent occurring here in the United States.

ARISE!! IT IS TIME TO GO TO WORK!!

The time has come for those who believe in capitalism and the American way of life to stand up and be counted. Laws upon laws are being passed without the consent of the people by elitist government officials almost completely detached from the local citizenry. Radical social extremist are intimidating Corporate America to such an extent that even the Salvation Army is not welcome at many locations across the land.

Recently criticism of President Obama exposing his obvious racist agenda and attitudes has landed Glenn Beck in trouble with advertisers who do not want to advertise during his time on the air. Now, I have no trouble with corporations supporting who they will, but I do have trouble supporting those corporations when they deny support to those who espouse the same views about America I do, while lending their support to the radical extremist who seem bent of destroying the America I love.

Colorofchange.org is a radical political action group seeking to influence advertisers to boycott Beck’s show. The co-founder of Color of Change, Van Jones, now serves as a special advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Now it starts to make sense. Beck recently exposed Van Jones’ as being a self-professed “Black Nationalist.” “Black Nationalists” desire to make black culture the dominant culture of America. He is a radical extremist who has no business in government, but he is typical of those with whom President Obama is surrounding himself.

Walmart, CVS Caremark, Clorox, and Sprint are among those companies who are reported to be boycotting Beck’s program. The time has come for those who care to do more than attend a “Tea Party.” We need to contact those who are boycotting Beck and respectfully express our extreme displeasure with them in ways they will understand. We need to hit them in the pocketbook.

To be effective, in such an endeavor requires commitment. We Americans have trouble with commitment which costs us a part of our leisure time. We simply cannot miss the golf outing, the hunting expedition, or the sporting event in order to involve ourselves in the perpetuation of our culture. THAT MUST CHANGE. The Founding Fathers of our great nation risked everything they had to give us a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. IT IS TIME to set aside our perpetual pursuit of pleasure in order that we might leave that same heritage for those generations which come after us.

What can we do? We can begin by personally contacting the offending corporate entities and expressing our displeasure in their actions by email, written letter, and telephone. All three entities might take a while, but consider exactly what your failure might result in. Then we can contact the local outlet personally and let the manager know of our displeasure. Next, we can refuse to patronize those entities, and use their products. Yes, it will be inconvenient, but not nearly as inconvenient as it will be when we have lost our ever shrinking freedoms. Finally, we can offer ourselves for service by running for office.

Arise from those feathery beds of comfort, it is past noon, even moving toward the evening and still the work is not done. Who knows but that the night might come upon us more quickly that we imagine when the opportunity to work is no long present. Christian Patriots everywhere need be about the work of preserving this great country which God has allowed us to enjoy, so that we might continue to utilize our great resources to take the Good News throughout the world.

© Mike Rasberry 2009

Is This President Acting Deliberately or Ignorantly?

Paul Driessen reports on townhall.com that the Denver Art Museum spent $720,000 for taxpayer subsidized photovoltaic solar panels for its roof. He further reports that while the panels will certainly reduce conventional electricity bills that it will take 110 years to save enough on those bills to pay for the panels. The problem is the panels are designed to last only 30 years.

So what is the point? Exactly this. President Obama gets to promote solar power, with the majestic Rockies in the background of his photo op.

I'm not opposed to solar energy. It just isn't cost effective as long as we have such an abundance of petroleum resources available, albeit, under lock and key.

The time has come for the American populace to rise up in mass and tell our representatives, this is a representative democracy after all, that we want the doors to our petroleum reserves unlocked. We need to drill and drill often. We need to tell those states, California, Oregon, and Florida which don't want drilling that they can like it or lump it. Their jurisdiction reaches only seven miles.

We need to open the vast reserves in Alaska and we need it now. Ecological concerns have long since been adequately addressed along the tundra. The only justifiable reason for continuing the moratorium on domestic drilling is to quiet the shrill, non-sensical voices of the lunatic left which is led by very belligerent radical activists. Let them yell--let them scream, but drill, drill, drill!

President Obama has agreed, it seems, to help Brazil develop their vast offshore oil reserves. If oil is morally wrong, what is wrong with this picture? Recent reports have China, the most populous nation in the world, investing heavily in oil development with their oil rich trading partners with never a word of rebuke from this administration. If oil is so morally wrong, why not slap China with trade restrictions.

It seems to this writer, that oil is only morally wrong if drilled in the United States. Thereby giving a picture of an administration deliberately, or worse ignorantly, guiding us inexorably toward total economic destruction.

The recent "Cash For Clunkers" program certainly generated sales of new cars, but it removed thousands of good used cars from the lots where those who cannot afford a new vehicle at this time have fewer and fewer choices. The used car salesmen, have an immensely depleted inventory. The mechanics who maintain these vehicles have less work, and the taxpayer is hit with a $3 billion dollar bill. Is it deliberate or ignorance?

The anecdotal evidence that this administration is following a path which could lead to the ultimate destruction of our entire economy is enormous. The question we must ask: Is it a deliberately chosen path where they are fully cognizant of the potential, or is it simply ignorance based upon the belief structure they have developed from their association with the radical leftist fringe of society. Which ever is the case, we must pray for Divine intervention, and mobilize the masses lest we be swept into irrelevance in much the same manner as other historical dominant cultures.

Homosexuality--It Is Different.

The editor of The Baptist Standard, the house organ of the Baptist General Convention of Texas recently blogged about homosexuality.

Let me say first that homosexuality certainly is sin in the same manner of other sins in that when it is confessed and repented of it is completely forgiven. The problem is the nature of the problem with homosexuality. Few who practice it seem to believe it is sin. We, who are Genuine Believers, should pity those caught up in homosexuality and offer God's loving Grace with grace to them.

I believe the reason most Christians treat it differently is that God seemed to treat it differently in Scripture. God so hates homosexuality that he almost wiped out the entire tribe of Benjamin because of it. It is a blatant attack upon God's established order. Throughout history those nations which have accommodated it were on their last legs, and fell soon after.

Certainly we should reach out to the homosexual just as we reach out to the prostitute and drug dealer. The problem with homosexuality is the unwillingness to accept homosexuality as a sin. Even this, the editor of the Baptist Standard, says he doesn't know if men are born such. Well, I unequivocally believe men and women are NOT born homosexuals. People have weaknesses in different areas of life. Some have a proclivity to laziness while others are bent toward selfishness. Still others are easily hooked on drugs, while others struggle with self confidence, or arrogance. The weaknesses within us seemed designed to make us aware of our need for a Saviour to keep us from becoming immersed in the natural tendencies we struggle with. I believe the same is true of homosexuality.

Accepting sin of any sort in life leads to facilitation of that sin, and eventually overall approval of it. I do not believe we should treat the homosexual any different than the prostitute, or drug addict; however, it is extremely difficult to separate the sin from the sinner in the case of homosexuality because the sinner seldom admits he is a sinner. He seldom accepts responsibility for his actions and seems to believe that his overwhelming desire is greater than the desire of those with other weakness, then his must be in keeping with God's order.