By John Kubicek
I saw this one segment on Fox & Friends this morning, with Lauren Green, a Fox News correspondent, discussing "Evolution Week IV". The segment starts out with poll results that show a significant proportion of Americans that are "undecided" when it comes to the question of Faith vs Evolution.
So let's just watch the following video of that segment, and then we'll discuss what we're seeing here:
Of course, I won't be able to help us resolve an issue with this writing, one that has been debated for many years. That isn't my intent, either. At this time in our lives, the real question is how far the Church will go to satisfy the scientific community. It sure seems that the Church is doing as much as they can to reconcile religion with science. And there is a lot we can discuss in that area.
Centuries ago, the Earth was flat, and the universe revolved around the planet Earth, according to the professed ideologies of the Christian (Roman Catholic) Church and academia of the time. The "science" of that time was forced upon the people. But then, along comes Copernicus and Galileo, who discover evidence - with mathematical proof - that our universe is set up in a way greatly different from what the Church at that time was teaching.
What we are witnessing now, though, is a different story. Along came Charles Darwin, a couple centuries ago, with his theory of Evolution. Not long after Darwin's theories became the norm in academia, environmental alarmists came along, claiming that man was destroying the planet. We are now told of global warming (or climate change) being caused by man.
Our future generations are being indoctrinated the same way as were the serfs of the Middle Ages. We are now told to accept the ideologies of evolution and man-made climate change, in much the same way as when we were being told the Earth was flat. There is a parallel that should be bothering you, especially considering the video above. Once academia and recognized and accepted religions meet with ideas that aren't exactly proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, could we be facing another period of the Dark Ages when dissent was not allowed? Are we already there?
The Church is dangerously flirting with New Age philosophies. It wasn't that long ago that the Pope came out with the revelation that there could be a plausible chance of the fact that we are not alone in the universe. Could there be a better way to soften us up for the strong indoctrination to get us to accept all of the worldly dogma?
It wasn't that long ago that many leaders of the Christian Church jumped on to the global warming train. And now, they are being pressured to accept the Darwin theory of Evoloution. What is next? That is the question that Christians need to ask, and determine how far we must go to appease the social conscious of these times. It is an issue that we need to stay aware of.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
End Times: Ready, or Not (Here He comes!)
By John Kubicek
There are different ways that people look at the End Times prophecies.
Some will say that the End Times won't happen, ever. (That is, unless mankind is responsible for the end of the Earth and humanity.)
Some will say that the End Times will happen, but probably not in their lifetime. (Their fragile little minds are just so totally boggled by all that is going on, that for now, they will keep on ignoring the various events we keep hearing about.)
Some will say that the End Times will happen, just because there are people that want it to happen, and will do what they can to make it happen.
And then, there are those that are telling us that it WILL HAPPEN, according to Holy Scripture:
But wait, that video segment is an example of man trying to set a time. Only the Lord knows that time, and it is not up to us.
So, here is the stance that I take, which I am calling, "Ready, or not (Here He comes!)". While I am very convinced that the Lord is coming soon, that there will be a Rapture before the Tribulations, the only thing that I can advise is that you make sure that you are ready "if" and whenever the time comes.
In my philosophy of End Time scenarios, I believe in the Biblical prophecies, and I'm seeing things that seem to be getting the ball rolling. Setting the stage: More pieces of the puzzle are appearing before our eyes, on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many people just don't see it. Many are following the elite in thinking that only Man can comprehend and solve all of our complex problems.
But if you are one of those that believes that only God can get us through this, then this blog is for you. End Times? Who knows, but just be Ready, or Not.
There are different ways that people look at the End Times prophecies.
Some will say that the End Times won't happen, ever. (That is, unless mankind is responsible for the end of the Earth and humanity.)
Some will say that the End Times will happen, but probably not in their lifetime. (Their fragile little minds are just so totally boggled by all that is going on, that for now, they will keep on ignoring the various events we keep hearing about.)
Some will say that the End Times will happen, just because there are people that want it to happen, and will do what they can to make it happen.
And then, there are those that are telling us that it WILL HAPPEN, according to Holy Scripture:
But wait, that video segment is an example of man trying to set a time. Only the Lord knows that time, and it is not up to us.
So, here is the stance that I take, which I am calling, "Ready, or not (Here He comes!)". While I am very convinced that the Lord is coming soon, that there will be a Rapture before the Tribulations, the only thing that I can advise is that you make sure that you are ready "if" and whenever the time comes.
In my philosophy of End Time scenarios, I believe in the Biblical prophecies, and I'm seeing things that seem to be getting the ball rolling. Setting the stage: More pieces of the puzzle are appearing before our eyes, on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many people just don't see it. Many are following the elite in thinking that only Man can comprehend and solve all of our complex problems.
But if you are one of those that believes that only God can get us through this, then this blog is for you. End Times? Who knows, but just be Ready, or Not.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Your Language Will Determine Your Destiny
By John Kubicek
The above came from the website, NoCussing.com. In the last week, I wrote two commentaries about this at johnny2k Is Home. That all came about when watching the news last Saturday (1/24/09), and was able to record what I put up on my youtube channel:
I then followed that up several days later with my diatribe about Glenn Beck using coarse language on his new show at Fox News and his "Swear Jar"..
However, today, I saw something on youtube.com like I've never seen before. While it was disgusting and vile, the youtube video that I saw seemed to be telling me about the fruit on the tree, and will probably show the truth of the title of this piece, "Your Language Will Determine Your Destiny." Somehow or another, somebody was able to collect a few "out-takes" (?) from various news sources. The people on this video, "journalists," better hope that their mothers never, ever watch this video that I will only give you a link to (see below). Sailors would blush! Should you go to the following link, you will quickly understand why I didn't embed the video here:
WARNING: The following video, should you click on the link, contains extreme obscenities. It is only provided here, that should you want to know more about people you may have respected at one time, you will see the bad fruit on the tree:
THIS IS WHY OUR COUNTRY CAN'T WAKE UP OR GET THE TRUTH!!!
I actually grew up at a time when cussing and obscenities were looked down at. The people that used that kind of language were not considered to be very decent people. Well, at least, that was the way I was taught. But then, I hit the upper grades in elementary school: Recess and trash talk. Then, when I started my high school job at a gas station, and summertime jobs while in college, foul language was all I ever heard. I suspect it was the same for everyone else growing up in the 60's and 70's. It was way more than many of us were used to. And then, the stint in the military? Forget about it. There weren't too many words uttered that didn't start with an "F". The sad thing, it has only gotten worse through my life, from the 80's until now.
It seems that people are no longer ashamed to say these words, let alone embarrased to hear them. People that use that language now assume it doesn't bother anyone. There is no more remorse; on their part, anyway. And what are we to do?
First of all, I can tell you something that I recommend doing. And I have found that it is difficult to do, even with a very conscious effort; don't be one that uses that language in any situation - even when you are alone. Yes, that's not easy, especially for those that commute to work... It's very difficult sometimes to hold back! However, I have personally challenged myself to make an effort to not even THINK in those words.... no matter how mad I am at people that change lanes without signalling.... Okay, it is just called doing what we can to CONTROL anger, to control our speech by controlling our thoughts. No easy task, in these days. Just think... continue to think: SELF-CONTROL. And seriously, "Your Language Will Determine Your Destiny".
RELATED STORIES:
The Audacity of a Young American Hero
Glenn Beck's "The Swear Jar"
"Your words become your thoughts.
Your thoughts become your behavior.
Your behavior becomes your character.
Your character becomes your destiny."
The above came from the website, NoCussing.com. In the last week, I wrote two commentaries about this at johnny2k Is Home. That all came about when watching the news last Saturday (1/24/09), and was able to record what I put up on my youtube channel:
I then followed that up several days later with my diatribe about Glenn Beck using coarse language on his new show at Fox News and his "Swear Jar"..
However, today, I saw something on youtube.com like I've never seen before. While it was disgusting and vile, the youtube video that I saw seemed to be telling me about the fruit on the tree, and will probably show the truth of the title of this piece, "Your Language Will Determine Your Destiny." Somehow or another, somebody was able to collect a few "out-takes" (?) from various news sources. The people on this video, "journalists," better hope that their mothers never, ever watch this video that I will only give you a link to (see below). Sailors would blush! Should you go to the following link, you will quickly understand why I didn't embed the video here:
WARNING: The following video, should you click on the link, contains extreme obscenities. It is only provided here, that should you want to know more about people you may have respected at one time, you will see the bad fruit on the tree:
THIS IS WHY OUR COUNTRY CAN'T WAKE UP OR GET THE TRUTH!!!
I actually grew up at a time when cussing and obscenities were looked down at. The people that used that kind of language were not considered to be very decent people. Well, at least, that was the way I was taught. But then, I hit the upper grades in elementary school: Recess and trash talk. Then, when I started my high school job at a gas station, and summertime jobs while in college, foul language was all I ever heard. I suspect it was the same for everyone else growing up in the 60's and 70's. It was way more than many of us were used to. And then, the stint in the military? Forget about it. There weren't too many words uttered that didn't start with an "F". The sad thing, it has only gotten worse through my life, from the 80's until now.
It seems that people are no longer ashamed to say these words, let alone embarrased to hear them. People that use that language now assume it doesn't bother anyone. There is no more remorse; on their part, anyway. And what are we to do?
First of all, I can tell you something that I recommend doing. And I have found that it is difficult to do, even with a very conscious effort; don't be one that uses that language in any situation - even when you are alone. Yes, that's not easy, especially for those that commute to work... It's very difficult sometimes to hold back! However, I have personally challenged myself to make an effort to not even THINK in those words.... no matter how mad I am at people that change lanes without signalling.... Okay, it is just called doing what we can to CONTROL anger, to control our speech by controlling our thoughts. No easy task, in these days. Just think... continue to think: SELF-CONTROL. And seriously, "Your Language Will Determine Your Destiny".
RELATED STORIES:
The Audacity of a Young American Hero
Glenn Beck's "The Swear Jar"
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Red,White, and Blue Christmas - Year Around
By John Kubicek
That annual pressure from the holidays, Christmas especially, is about to end. You may soon be just paying off the last of the credit card debt from your Christmas spending spree. In fact, for many of us, our annual Christmas "giving program" may be something that we make payments on throughout the year. And guess what? There is another segment of our society that also pays with their lives, limbs, and time lost from being with their families - year around.
The people that give year around, and that pay for that giving - year around - are our military forces. Many of them had to spend the Christmas and New Years holidays overseas, in Iraq or Afghanistan, or where ever they are stationed; obviously, unable to come home to spend time with their families.
"A SONG FOR OUR TROOPS" (Christmas Letters)
While that video displayed our love for our troops, especially during the holidays, the next one is all about displaying our love, year around, anytime:
A Red, White, and Blue Christmas, Anytime - For Our Troops!
That annual pressure from the holidays, Christmas especially, is about to end. You may soon be just paying off the last of the credit card debt from your Christmas spending spree. In fact, for many of us, our annual Christmas "giving program" may be something that we make payments on throughout the year. And guess what? There is another segment of our society that also pays with their lives, limbs, and time lost from being with their families - year around.
The people that give year around, and that pay for that giving - year around - are our military forces. Many of them had to spend the Christmas and New Years holidays overseas, in Iraq or Afghanistan, or where ever they are stationed; obviously, unable to come home to spend time with their families.
"A SONG FOR OUR TROOPS" (Christmas Letters)
While that video displayed our love for our troops, especially during the holidays, the next one is all about displaying our love, year around, anytime:
A Red, White, and Blue Christmas, Anytime - For Our Troops!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Doing it all for the glory of God
~ Guest Writer ~
By rjw
Recently, I offered to submit a contribution for an upcoming issue of Generations. I had in mind an accounting of a recent and difficult trial in my life that the Lord is still bringing me through. For several weeks I toiled to produce something, but I could not put down in few enough words the accounting of what occurred in my life. The text of my story did not allow enough space to include God and what He had done for me. For days I pondered over what I wanted to say and how to say it. The truth was, I had writers block and I could not write what I wanted to contribute.
I had made a commitment to get my contribution to Generations submitted within a certain time frame. I wrote, deleted some, then rewrote a little more without any result. Frustrated, I asked God a simple Question; “What am I doing wrong? What would you have me say, Lord?”
His answer came to me very quietly. Quiet as it was, His answer was very clear. I was focusing too much on the details of my recent trials. Too much print was being devoted to my problems, while too little space was devoted to the Lord. Additionally, I realized that I was glorifying myself through how I had suffered through my problems, while I failed to humble myself in giving God all the glory for what He was doing to handle everything.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
What I have learned, what God has taught me, what I believe Him to be inspiring me to say is the following; Whether I am writing a submission for Generations, or in all else that I set out do in my life, I am to do it to glorify Him.
I must learn to kick my pride to the curb through humbling myself. I understand that whatever I do, all of my actions and thoughts are to be done to Glorify God. This is such a simple lesson, yet it is also such a gargantuan task for me as just a mere man.
In my business dealings, personal relationships and in all of my deeds and thoughts, I must do all things in such a fashion that glorifies God, not me. The task before me is monumental which I will undoubtedly foul up from time to time. I know that over time, placing God before me in all that I set out to do will become easier as it becomes habit.
Thank God I have the saving grace of Jesus, that when I fail, He is forgiving and loving enough to let me have another chance in honoring and glorifying Him in all that I do.
By rjw
Recently, I offered to submit a contribution for an upcoming issue of Generations. I had in mind an accounting of a recent and difficult trial in my life that the Lord is still bringing me through. For several weeks I toiled to produce something, but I could not put down in few enough words the accounting of what occurred in my life. The text of my story did not allow enough space to include God and what He had done for me. For days I pondered over what I wanted to say and how to say it. The truth was, I had writers block and I could not write what I wanted to contribute.
I had made a commitment to get my contribution to Generations submitted within a certain time frame. I wrote, deleted some, then rewrote a little more without any result. Frustrated, I asked God a simple Question; “What am I doing wrong? What would you have me say, Lord?”
His answer came to me very quietly. Quiet as it was, His answer was very clear. I was focusing too much on the details of my recent trials. Too much print was being devoted to my problems, while too little space was devoted to the Lord. Additionally, I realized that I was glorifying myself through how I had suffered through my problems, while I failed to humble myself in giving God all the glory for what He was doing to handle everything.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
What I have learned, what God has taught me, what I believe Him to be inspiring me to say is the following; Whether I am writing a submission for Generations, or in all else that I set out do in my life, I am to do it to glorify Him.
I must learn to kick my pride to the curb through humbling myself. I understand that whatever I do, all of my actions and thoughts are to be done to Glorify God. This is such a simple lesson, yet it is also such a gargantuan task for me as just a mere man.
In my business dealings, personal relationships and in all of my deeds and thoughts, I must do all things in such a fashion that glorifies God, not me. The task before me is monumental which I will undoubtedly foul up from time to time. I know that over time, placing God before me in all that I set out to do will become easier as it becomes habit.
Thank God I have the saving grace of Jesus, that when I fail, He is forgiving and loving enough to let me have another chance in honoring and glorifying Him in all that I do.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Miracles Do Happen! But, are prayers always answered?
By John Kubicek
I saw a clip today that I had to post here. Some good questions were asked.
And I was very intrigued by Huckabee's answers.
While this post and the video bring up some great questions that we all have, I was very impressed by the way Glenn Beck spoke of this incident on his Friday show. The question of whether it was a miracle, I believe, was answered affirmitively and conclusively. Yet, that second question, "But, are prayers always answered?" may be one that sticks with you.
There seems to be times when we can easily identify miracles. However, not knowing why the miracles happen when they do, and maybe when we feel they don't happen when we need them, is a question that's way above our paygrade, as the above video suggests. And sometimes, we may not even realize the Lord has answered our prayers - in His own way. That is why, when I pray, I make sure to ALWAYS include the part that I am so very thankful for all He has done for me!
It is good that life always provides us with the twists and turns. The times when we have the most doubt and fear are when God teaches us the most, assuming we allow it. The rougher our lives get, be assured, it is when God is teaching us the most!
RELATED STORY:
Glenn Beck: What a miracle looks like
I saw a clip today that I had to post here. Some good questions were asked.
And I was very intrigued by Huckabee's answers.
While this post and the video bring up some great questions that we all have, I was very impressed by the way Glenn Beck spoke of this incident on his Friday show. The question of whether it was a miracle, I believe, was answered affirmitively and conclusively. Yet, that second question, "But, are prayers always answered?" may be one that sticks with you.
There seems to be times when we can easily identify miracles. However, not knowing why the miracles happen when they do, and maybe when we feel they don't happen when we need them, is a question that's way above our paygrade, as the above video suggests. And sometimes, we may not even realize the Lord has answered our prayers - in His own way. That is why, when I pray, I make sure to ALWAYS include the part that I am so very thankful for all He has done for me!
It is good that life always provides us with the twists and turns. The times when we have the most doubt and fear are when God teaches us the most, assuming we allow it. The rougher our lives get, be assured, it is when God is teaching us the most!
RELATED STORY:
Glenn Beck: What a miracle looks like
Friday, January 16, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen, Brace Yourself For Impact
By John Kubicek
Maybe... just maybe, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Brace Yourself For Impact" could be the sweetest words you will ever hear. At least at that point, you get the final chance to repent, to say your prayers, or even think of all of the things that you missed doing, or wanted to do, in your life.
And I know, for those that have a terminal illness, there may be too much time to think about life. And there is the other side of that coin, where we are given no chance to "change our lives." There are those times when fatal circumstances can happen in a heartbeat. You know, like when they say, "he never knew what hit him," as they investigate a scene of a head-on collision...
No, it is not my intention to be morbid this morning. Not in any shape or form. What I mean to be saying is how amazing it could be when the Lord gives us a few moments to reflect on what we've learned in life. We get a chance to think about what we value.
And believe me, please, just know that the words, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Brace Yourself For Impact," won't necessarily apply to an imminent plane crash. For those of us that feel that we are getting a warning shot over the bow, we really, really want to know what the Lord wants us to do in our repentence. We are getting that feeling more and more, and I guess it is a great thing to focus on it a little while.
So, now, ask yourself these questions: Are you ready, should you find out that you will be in for a long terminal disease? Are you ready should you hear the words, "Brace yourself for impact?" And most importantly, would you be ready if you were to assume room temperature with no advanced notice?
To find out how you would deal with whichever scenario comes your way, have you ever spent any time evaluating your life?
And, is it coincidence that this story would come to you today? We saw a miracle yesterday, with the safe landing of a large airliner on the Hudson River... Just hours before that incident, as I was driving home from work, I was close to being involved in a major highway collision. No, there was no coincidence. God kept me around to write this post today. Was it meant for you?
Maybe... just maybe, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Brace Yourself For Impact" could be the sweetest words you will ever hear. At least at that point, you get the final chance to repent, to say your prayers, or even think of all of the things that you missed doing, or wanted to do, in your life.
And I know, for those that have a terminal illness, there may be too much time to think about life. And there is the other side of that coin, where we are given no chance to "change our lives." There are those times when fatal circumstances can happen in a heartbeat. You know, like when they say, "he never knew what hit him," as they investigate a scene of a head-on collision...
No, it is not my intention to be morbid this morning. Not in any shape or form. What I mean to be saying is how amazing it could be when the Lord gives us a few moments to reflect on what we've learned in life. We get a chance to think about what we value.
And believe me, please, just know that the words, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Brace Yourself For Impact," won't necessarily apply to an imminent plane crash. For those of us that feel that we are getting a warning shot over the bow, we really, really want to know what the Lord wants us to do in our repentence. We are getting that feeling more and more, and I guess it is a great thing to focus on it a little while.
So, now, ask yourself these questions: Are you ready, should you find out that you will be in for a long terminal disease? Are you ready should you hear the words, "Brace yourself for impact?" And most importantly, would you be ready if you were to assume room temperature with no advanced notice?
To find out how you would deal with whichever scenario comes your way, have you ever spent any time evaluating your life?
And, is it coincidence that this story would come to you today? We saw a miracle yesterday, with the safe landing of a large airliner on the Hudson River... Just hours before that incident, as I was driving home from work, I was close to being involved in a major highway collision. No, there was no coincidence. God kept me around to write this post today. Was it meant for you?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
From a "Closet" Longhorn Fan
By John Kubicek
So, what does a college football bowl game have to do with Christian ministry? Or, maybe we should ask that question from a different perspective. Perhaps we could ask what Christian ministry has to do with a college football bowl game? From either perspective, I hope I'll be able to answer those questions.
If this blog post had to do with politics and religion, I wouldn't expect a large audience. Except for a person I know - a Longhorn fan - that went to sleep after the first half of the Texas vs Ohio State game, being that the score at that point was 6-3, in the favor of the Buckeyes, I would suspect that all of the Buckeye and Longhorn fans had the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game on Fox tuned in last night. I did, but I did it the right way. I slept during the first half, and watched the second half. That was the way to do it.
It was an amazing game. That second half was something you don't get to see all that often. A come-back by the Longhorns, and just when you thought that they would put the game away, another comeback - this time by the Buckeyes. With a little over two minutes left in the game, the Longhorns marched 79 yards down the field for a touchdown - another pass from Colt McCoy to Quan Cosby - and went ahead by a score of 24 to 21.
I was very happy about the outcome, as Ohio State is part of the Big Ten, and were the last hope for a Big Ten win in the college football bowl games - other than the Iowa Hawkeyes. That is one of the reasons, admittedly, that I was cheering on the Longhorns. But now, I have another good reason. It was during the post-game show that I saw something wonderful that the ACLU hasn't yet found a way to eliminate from our lives. There was an exposure of the Christian culture, a display of the willingness to display what many Christians are all about. Commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, in a national venue, in the view of millions of people.
I remember back when Kurt Warner (a Cedar Rapids, IA native) took the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl, and won, and in his post game remarks, happened to mention how much Jesus meant in his life. And I've seen him continuously doing the same thing at every opportunity. How great! And how awesome it is to see the public display and words straight from a Christian mouth, coming from a superstar - and not get bleeped. No, the most bleeping I've seen in a while on network television would be the garbage coming from the mouth of a misfit, Kathy Griffin. This gives me hope!
The fact that Christian testimonies are able to still be aired in the sports venues should give all of us hope! It might also explain why I've loved the Chicago Cubs games that are aired on a couple great networks. There have been many testimonies I've seen from the likes of Carlos Zambrano and others, all aired without censorship from those networks. And there is where we have hope: Sports networks that have allowed the message of knowing the Lord in our lives to be aired.
So, I guess I should now allow you to see the things I saw following the game last night. That explains the first video. The second one is a video that came up in related videos after uploading mine.
So, what does a college football bowl game have to do with Christian ministry? Or, maybe we should ask that question from a different perspective. Perhaps we could ask what Christian ministry has to do with a college football bowl game? From either perspective, I hope I'll be able to answer those questions.
If this blog post had to do with politics and religion, I wouldn't expect a large audience. Except for a person I know - a Longhorn fan - that went to sleep after the first half of the Texas vs Ohio State game, being that the score at that point was 6-3, in the favor of the Buckeyes, I would suspect that all of the Buckeye and Longhorn fans had the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game on Fox tuned in last night. I did, but I did it the right way. I slept during the first half, and watched the second half. That was the way to do it.
It was an amazing game. That second half was something you don't get to see all that often. A come-back by the Longhorns, and just when you thought that they would put the game away, another comeback - this time by the Buckeyes. With a little over two minutes left in the game, the Longhorns marched 79 yards down the field for a touchdown - another pass from Colt McCoy to Quan Cosby - and went ahead by a score of 24 to 21.
I was very happy about the outcome, as Ohio State is part of the Big Ten, and were the last hope for a Big Ten win in the college football bowl games - other than the Iowa Hawkeyes. That is one of the reasons, admittedly, that I was cheering on the Longhorns. But now, I have another good reason. It was during the post-game show that I saw something wonderful that the ACLU hasn't yet found a way to eliminate from our lives. There was an exposure of the Christian culture, a display of the willingness to display what many Christians are all about. Commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, in a national venue, in the view of millions of people.
I remember back when Kurt Warner (a Cedar Rapids, IA native) took the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl, and won, and in his post game remarks, happened to mention how much Jesus meant in his life. And I've seen him continuously doing the same thing at every opportunity. How great! And how awesome it is to see the public display and words straight from a Christian mouth, coming from a superstar - and not get bleeped. No, the most bleeping I've seen in a while on network television would be the garbage coming from the mouth of a misfit, Kathy Griffin. This gives me hope!
The fact that Christian testimonies are able to still be aired in the sports venues should give all of us hope! It might also explain why I've loved the Chicago Cubs games that are aired on a couple great networks. There have been many testimonies I've seen from the likes of Carlos Zambrano and others, all aired without censorship from those networks. And there is where we have hope: Sports networks that have allowed the message of knowing the Lord in our lives to be aired.
So, I guess I should now allow you to see the things I saw following the game last night. That explains the first video. The second one is a video that came up in related videos after uploading mine.
A Tribute to the Texas Longhorns from Iowa (Hawkeye Land)
Seniors Praying - James Laurinaitis, Malcolm Jenkins, Colt McCoy, and Marcus Freeman say a prayer after the 2009 Fiesta Bowl
If I ever decided to move from Iowa, which would obviously be in an attempt to escape Iowa winters, I'd probably move to Texas. I would always be a Hawkeye, but if I was living down there in the Republic, I wouldn't have to be a closet Longhorn fan! Hook 'em Horns!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Can we trust Biblical prophecy?
From GotQuestions.org - The Bible has the answers.
Question: "How can we trust that Biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future?"digg story, submitted by hookedonjesus
Answer: The main reason we can trust biblical prophecy is that it, like the rest of Scripture, was written — literally “God-breathed” — by the Creator of the universe. It is inerrant, perfect, and true. We must understand that before we can understand the role of biblical prophecy.
Biblical prophecy plays two roles. It foretells the future, and it explains what the positive or negative results of future events will be. Prophecy may announce events that bring joy and pleasure or fear and foreboding. When prophecy is ignored, it is usually because the hearers don’t like what they hear for one reason or another. Biblical prophecy is not usually general in nature. It normally is very specific as to how it will affect someone or something. But it is always dependable and worthy of our complete trust. We can allow prophecy to help shape our lives, giving us direction and guidance in serving our Lord. It should be a source of strength and instruction for us. Unlike what we hear called “prophecy” today, both in the church and outside the church, true biblical prophecy is always accurate and precise. What God prophesies always occurs. [Continue reading]
Monday, December 29, 2008
2009: Make it the "Acts of Kindness YEAR"
By John Kubicek
It was on my way home from work and my stop at the store when I had the impulse to do something nice for somebody. Yes, I said it was an impulse. The grocery store that I frequent enrout to my domicile was unusually busy this morning, but there was only one cashier. It was, as usual in the early morning on my trek home, Paula (name not changed to protect the innocent, and it doesn't matter, because I do not even know her last name). She's a nice lady, about my age. She knows my first name, too, and it is wonderful to have that kind of relationship with people where you always shop.
I only stopped at the grocery store to pick up a couple things. Hearing that we may be getting more snow in the next day or two, I decided to stock up. I picked up extra cans of various veggies along with some other essentials. Getting it today would save me the trouble of battling the elements to do any shopping in the next few days while I enjoy my weekend.
Being that I had a cart loaded with all of this stuff when my shopping was done ... uh, actually just a bunch of items, I let somebody go ahead of me at the cashier line because he only had a couple of things. No problem. And then, just as I started loading all of those things on that conveyor belt, somebody came up behind me, also with a couple little things. Paula had already started ringing up my desired merchandise, so I couldn't really let that guy go ahead of me. So, I simply stated that he should put those couple of things in with my stuff, I'd pay for it, it was on me. That way, Paula could give him his stuff and he could be on his way!
Of course, the gentleman balked at first. You know, the thing where the person says, "You don't have to do that...", and of course, I persisted, and he relented. Paula looked at me across the counter as she was scanning my goods, with the wide eyes that asked with out saying a word, "What are you doing?"
I told her a lie. I said it was "National Acts of Kindness Day." And I quickly added further to the fib by amending that to "National Acts of Kindness Week." Like I said, it was just one of those things that came to me, pretty much on the spot.
There is an alterior motive for me to relate this story to you today. Obviously, being that this all happened spontaneously, what I did wasn't premeditated, but there was the great reason - right there - why you needed to hear about this today.
I had written about it somewhere else this last weekend - oh, yeah, in the email I sent to Kevin Wall, filling in for the resting Glenn Beck - that we have to choose betwen "Individual efforts or dependence on the government.... " Kevin Wall talked about it, and Pat Boone wrote about it. It's a question of, "Would you rather?"
There will be many people that will face certain financial hardships in the coming year(s). I can tell you this from my usual right-wing slant: The government ain't going to be there to help every person through the financial storm. And, as drastic as things may be financially in 2009, I doubt that you and I will be able to bail out every individual facing financial devastation. But, guess what? We can help, just by doing nice things for people when it is possible. If anything, just to get their morale back up, to give people some hope.
By making 2009 the "Acts of Kindness YEAR," maybe we can make it contagious. Just doing some little things in quantity could make a difference in somebody's life. This is just an idea, based on what Jesus may have commanded us to do... Oh, yeah, he did! But, He didn't command us to pass on that awesome responsibility to some bureaucrats in high government positions.
No, He made it very clear that taking care of and loving people was our sole responsibility, to the best of our ability. And I don't know about you, but I'm not financially able to make a difference in that way most of the time, but it isn't that expensive to hold a door open for somebody or help a little old lady across a busy street, or allow somebody in heavy traffic to change lanes without us having a hissy-fit. Be kind. Being kind is an act of kindness. That is all it will take to make it contagious. I think you'll see.
And, I may as well say it, if you follow this plan, there's something in it for you. It is like crying with a great feeling in my heart all the way home from the grocery store today. The feeling that you get from it is better than the high the best drugs would ever give you.
Jesus didn't just suggest it, but he commanded: Love Thy Neighbor.
It was on my way home from work and my stop at the store when I had the impulse to do something nice for somebody. Yes, I said it was an impulse. The grocery store that I frequent enrout to my domicile was unusually busy this morning, but there was only one cashier. It was, as usual in the early morning on my trek home, Paula (name not changed to protect the innocent, and it doesn't matter, because I do not even know her last name). She's a nice lady, about my age. She knows my first name, too, and it is wonderful to have that kind of relationship with people where you always shop.
I only stopped at the grocery store to pick up a couple things. Hearing that we may be getting more snow in the next day or two, I decided to stock up. I picked up extra cans of various veggies along with some other essentials. Getting it today would save me the trouble of battling the elements to do any shopping in the next few days while I enjoy my weekend.
Being that I had a cart loaded with all of this stuff when my shopping was done ... uh, actually just a bunch of items, I let somebody go ahead of me at the cashier line because he only had a couple of things. No problem. And then, just as I started loading all of those things on that conveyor belt, somebody came up behind me, also with a couple little things. Paula had already started ringing up my desired merchandise, so I couldn't really let that guy go ahead of me. So, I simply stated that he should put those couple of things in with my stuff, I'd pay for it, it was on me. That way, Paula could give him his stuff and he could be on his way!
Of course, the gentleman balked at first. You know, the thing where the person says, "You don't have to do that...", and of course, I persisted, and he relented. Paula looked at me across the counter as she was scanning my goods, with the wide eyes that asked with out saying a word, "What are you doing?"
I told her a lie. I said it was "National Acts of Kindness Day." And I quickly added further to the fib by amending that to "National Acts of Kindness Week." Like I said, it was just one of those things that came to me, pretty much on the spot.
There is an alterior motive for me to relate this story to you today. Obviously, being that this all happened spontaneously, what I did wasn't premeditated, but there was the great reason - right there - why you needed to hear about this today.
I had written about it somewhere else this last weekend - oh, yeah, in the email I sent to Kevin Wall, filling in for the resting Glenn Beck - that we have to choose betwen "Individual efforts or dependence on the government.... " Kevin Wall talked about it, and Pat Boone wrote about it. It's a question of, "Would you rather?"
There will be many people that will face certain financial hardships in the coming year(s). I can tell you this from my usual right-wing slant: The government ain't going to be there to help every person through the financial storm. And, as drastic as things may be financially in 2009, I doubt that you and I will be able to bail out every individual facing financial devastation. But, guess what? We can help, just by doing nice things for people when it is possible. If anything, just to get their morale back up, to give people some hope.
By making 2009 the "Acts of Kindness YEAR," maybe we can make it contagious. Just doing some little things in quantity could make a difference in somebody's life. This is just an idea, based on what Jesus may have commanded us to do... Oh, yeah, he did! But, He didn't command us to pass on that awesome responsibility to some bureaucrats in high government positions.
No, He made it very clear that taking care of and loving people was our sole responsibility, to the best of our ability. And I don't know about you, but I'm not financially able to make a difference in that way most of the time, but it isn't that expensive to hold a door open for somebody or help a little old lady across a busy street, or allow somebody in heavy traffic to change lanes without us having a hissy-fit. Be kind. Being kind is an act of kindness. That is all it will take to make it contagious. I think you'll see.
And, I may as well say it, if you follow this plan, there's something in it for you. It is like crying with a great feeling in my heart all the way home from the grocery store today. The feeling that you get from it is better than the high the best drugs would ever give you.
Jesus didn't just suggest it, but he commanded: Love Thy Neighbor.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Glenn Beck's story of Christmas
The Glenn Beck program brings you the story of Christmas.
You can either read the transcript, or listen to the actual audio from his show. And here's the really good part: It's free! Please read and/or listen to it. I know you've probably heard the Christmas story many times. However, in this segment, Glenn discusses a perspective of the birth of Jesus that I had not ever thought of or heard before. In other words, an overlooked part of the Christmas story that may help you.
You can either read the transcript, or listen to the actual audio from his show. And here's the really good part: It's free! Please read and/or listen to it. I know you've probably heard the Christmas story many times. However, in this segment, Glenn discusses a perspective of the birth of Jesus that I had not ever thought of or heard before. In other words, an overlooked part of the Christmas story that may help you.
This is a story, this is a story that has been told so many times. We all know where it begins and how it ends. It's a story of birth and death. Of hope and despair. Of great doubt and even greater faith. That's the part we're going to concentrate on, great doubt and profound faith. As anyone can tell you who has stood at the foot of Abraham Lincoln, the Memorial in Washington D.C. and gazed up into his face, our historical figures are so often painted with such bold strokes that they become more giants than men, yet I believe to truly understand their brilliance, their courage or their faith, we need to see them first as who they really were: People just like us, people with hopes and dreams and fears. Just like us. [Continue reading or listen]digg story, submitted by bakeshowdotus
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Walk On - By Rev. Gerri Janeway
~ GUEST AUTHOR ~
Walk On
By Rev. Gerri Janeway
Don't let anyone or anything stop you, slow you, or detour you.
Walk on.
Your steps are ordered by God.
You will never walk alone.
Walk on.
Jesus promised never to leave you or forsake you.
Walk on.
The Lord will walk with you;
but, he cannot walk for you.
Walk on.
The faith walk is a choice.
There will be times that you do not feel like walking.
Walk on.
Jesus did not feel like walking the Calvary Road.
Yet, He walked on.
Walk on in persistence.
When others whom you love turn back,
Walk on.
When those you trusted and walked with turn aside,
Walk on.
When friends leave you and forsake you,
Walk on.
Don't turn to the left or the right;
keep your heart focused on your walk... And,
Walk on.
Remember, your walk is chartered and planned by God.
Walk on.
Straight is the way and narrow the gate.
Keep your feet on the Highway of Holiness.
Walk in His footsteps.
Walk on.
Never forget, many are called but, few are chosen
To walk that path.
Walk on.
He will give you courage and strength for the journey.
His Grace is sufficient.
Walk on.
We are nearing the end of the journey.
We are almost Home.
Walk on, my child, walk on.
Published with permission. © 2008 ~ Rev. Gerri Janeway. You may republish this by including this statement.
Walk On
By Rev. Gerri Janeway
Don't let anyone or anything stop you, slow you, or detour you.
Walk on.
Your steps are ordered by God.
You will never walk alone.
Walk on.
Jesus promised never to leave you or forsake you.
Walk on.
The Lord will walk with you;
but, he cannot walk for you.
Walk on.
The faith walk is a choice.
There will be times that you do not feel like walking.
Walk on.
Jesus did not feel like walking the Calvary Road.
Yet, He walked on.
Walk on in persistence.
When others whom you love turn back,
Walk on.
When those you trusted and walked with turn aside,
Walk on.
When friends leave you and forsake you,
Walk on.
Don't turn to the left or the right;
keep your heart focused on your walk... And,
Walk on.
Remember, your walk is chartered and planned by God.
Walk on.
Straight is the way and narrow the gate.
Keep your feet on the Highway of Holiness.
Walk in His footsteps.
Walk on.
Never forget, many are called but, few are chosen
To walk that path.
Walk on.
He will give you courage and strength for the journey.
His Grace is sufficient.
Walk on.
We are nearing the end of the journey.
We are almost Home.
Walk on, my child, walk on.
Published with permission. © 2008 ~ Rev. Gerri Janeway. You may republish this by including this statement.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Who are we? The answer could be overwhelming...
By John Kubicek
Very early this morning, on an extremely cold wintry day here in Iowa, I finished reading "The Christmas Sweater", the best-selling novel by Glenn Beck. I will never, ever forget the thoughts that ran through my mind as I finished the last several chapters. I was overwhelmed.
Overwhelming feelings can come in different ways. I remember, quite vividly, the way I was overwhelmed almost five years ago when my wife passed away. That was overwhelming grief. It was a storm in my life that I eventually got through, but it was difficult. It did take some time.
And then there are times when we can experience overwhelming joy. The birth of a child comes to my mind, right off the bat, especially when we are talking about the child born in a manger 2000 years ago, the great gift that God has given us.
Well, even the birth of our own children, and all that we see while our loved ones progress through life - even when they have to struggle through their own storms - can all lead to overwhelming joy!
However, each of us are going to have different reactions to the way we see the storms in our lives, just as we will take different roads to deal with the storms.
The way we deal with our storms defines who we are. For those of us who face our storms, and reach the other side of the storm as it eventually passes by, we are rewarded, in ways you may haven't thought of. You will find many people that have faced the storms in their lives and overcame them will go on to help many other people. Glenn Beck is a great example of that, as this gentleman attests to:
So, as you are struggling through your storms, the ones in your past, present, and future, you can feel additional inspiration and confidence by knowing that at some point you will be there to assist somebody else through their storm. And maybe that is why God puts those storms in front of us from time to time. That's an answer that is truly overwhelming!
Very early this morning, on an extremely cold wintry day here in Iowa, I finished reading "The Christmas Sweater", the best-selling novel by Glenn Beck. I will never, ever forget the thoughts that ran through my mind as I finished the last several chapters. I was overwhelmed.
Overwhelming feelings can come in different ways. I remember, quite vividly, the way I was overwhelmed almost five years ago when my wife passed away. That was overwhelming grief. It was a storm in my life that I eventually got through, but it was difficult. It did take some time.
And then there are times when we can experience overwhelming joy. The birth of a child comes to my mind, right off the bat, especially when we are talking about the child born in a manger 2000 years ago, the great gift that God has given us.
Well, even the birth of our own children, and all that we see while our loved ones progress through life - even when they have to struggle through their own storms - can all lead to overwhelming joy!
However, each of us are going to have different reactions to the way we see the storms in our lives, just as we will take different roads to deal with the storms.
The way we deal with our storms defines who we are. For those of us who face our storms, and reach the other side of the storm as it eventually passes by, we are rewarded, in ways you may haven't thought of. You will find many people that have faced the storms in their lives and overcame them will go on to help many other people. Glenn Beck is a great example of that, as this gentleman attests to:
So, as you are struggling through your storms, the ones in your past, present, and future, you can feel additional inspiration and confidence by knowing that at some point you will be there to assist somebody else through their storm. And maybe that is why God puts those storms in front of us from time to time. That's an answer that is truly overwhelming!
Friday, November 28, 2008
How It Begins: The Turning Point
By John Kubicek
No kidding, there is no way that I can describe how much the following video, an interview Glenn Beck did with Pat Robertson, has touched me today. And it is my prayer that this will touch many of you, too! Are you ready? Do you have a box of tissues close by? Okay, here it goes:
No kidding, there is no way that I can describe how much the following video, an interview Glenn Beck did with Pat Robertson, has touched me today. And it is my prayer that this will touch many of you, too! Are you ready? Do you have a box of tissues close by? Okay, here it goes:
After seeing the above video, the thoughts were racing through my puny little gray sponge for a brain. And that was while I developed a major plumbing leak, and water was pouring out of my eyes. That, my friends, was one major TESTIMONY of the power of Jesus Christ!
As I was saying, I was overwhelmed this morning. But that was a very good thing. I came up with the title, "How It Begins: The Turning Point," for a reason, I guess. Yeah, well, that is the point. The turning point. That really is how it begins. Somehow, as those thoughts were skidding around the twists and turns in my cranial cavity, I realized how many of the people that became Christians, that I know, who were at their last straw.
Yes, as Glenn Beck testifies, it CAN happen! Praise Jesus!
I just realized, though, that while I ramble here, nobody is really listening. I know, you may still be totally stunned by the video I just shared with you. While there were millions of things that I wanted to say, Glenn Beck had already said it all. I am still trying to wrap my mind around how profound that segment was. That was when I realized, all I had to do was to share it.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Hugs.... They always work miracles - Anywhere!
By John Kubicek
You know what's coming soon, right? Holidays. Thanksgiving. Christmas. Relatives. In-laws...
Well, here's a way I want to share with you on how to handle those things. Hugs. You may be surprised what they can do.
Before my late wife Connie came into my family, there were no such thing as hugs. Now, there are no times that we would ever get by without a hug. A coincidence? I don't think so!
And despite our differences, this is just more proof, we can all love each other. Maybe that is what Jesus taught us... Oh, I don't know, but it is my strongest hunch.
I love you all!
You know what's coming soon, right? Holidays. Thanksgiving. Christmas. Relatives. In-laws...
Well, here's a way I want to share with you on how to handle those things. Hugs. You may be surprised what they can do.
Before my late wife Connie came into my family, there were no such thing as hugs. Now, there are no times that we would ever get by without a hug. A coincidence? I don't think so!
And despite our differences, this is just more proof, we can all love each other. Maybe that is what Jesus taught us... Oh, I don't know, but it is my strongest hunch.
I love you all!
Falling on my knees
By John Kubicek
Sometimes it takes a winter in our lives to realize just how much God blesses us.
And just when you are thinking things are getting a lot better, we deal with floods of problems...
I don't want to go too deep here, but I seem to be seeing a very Hegelian way of looking at the way we need to deal with our trials and tribulations. We can see the beauty in even the most harsh conditions, but, there are also times in which we find ourselves facing very undesirable conditions, where our efforts to recover would seem to be overwhelming.
In the two videos above, I showed both the way that we can find the beauty in our adversities, and also the way that there can be things in our lives that are beyond our ability to deal with on our own. Either way, though, look at the way God has found new ways to teach us. There are just those times that maybe we aren't able to turn lemons into lemonade, at least, not without God's assistance. There are those things that are not just beyond our control, but also where we need to realize that we need God to show His Mercy. And that is a fundamental concept that we should really start doing more to learn.
Sometimes it takes a winter in our lives to realize just how much God blesses us.
And just when you are thinking things are getting a lot better, we deal with floods of problems...
I don't want to go too deep here, but I seem to be seeing a very Hegelian way of looking at the way we need to deal with our trials and tribulations. We can see the beauty in even the most harsh conditions, but, there are also times in which we find ourselves facing very undesirable conditions, where our efforts to recover would seem to be overwhelming.
In the two videos above, I showed both the way that we can find the beauty in our adversities, and also the way that there can be things in our lives that are beyond our ability to deal with on our own. Either way, though, look at the way God has found new ways to teach us. There are just those times that maybe we aren't able to turn lemons into lemonade, at least, not without God's assistance. There are those things that are not just beyond our control, but also where we need to realize that we need God to show His Mercy. And that is a fundamental concept that we should really start doing more to learn.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Kathleen Parker's Low Opinion of Evangelical Christians
By John Kubicek
Thanks to David Limbaugh, in his column, "Evangelicals: A drag on the GOP?", he discusses the way that Kathleen Parker blames Evangelical Christians for the demise of the Republican Party. But this article isn't about politics. It is about what she wrote in a very scathing column, "Heresies and Other Truths," and I am going to have to take her behind the woodshed on this one.
Why do I get the feeling that Kathleen Parker has a very low opinion of Evangelical Christians? Hasn't she ever read the Bible? Did she skip over the New Testament? Forget to read the book of Acts?
I don't really appreciate being called a low-brow Christian, but that isn't what upsets me. Oh, I know, being "upset" isn't the word I should use. Well, let me just say that I'm not a "sit down and shut up" Christian... I'll be happy to turn my other cheek as soon as I express the displeasure I may have, in the most loving way that I can, of course. And I do try to avoid "outbursts," but some times I just need to "vent."
Here are the many insults that Kathleen Parker threw at Evangelical Christians:
"The evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP is what ails the erstwhile conservative party and will continue to afflict and marginalize its constituents if reckoning doesn't soon cometh."
"Three little letters, great big problem: G-O-D."
"Armband religion is killing the Republican Party."
"To be more specific, the evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP"
"as it has become increasingly beholden to an element that used to be relegated to wooden crates on street corners."
"Which is to say, the GOP has surrendered its high ground to its lowest brows."
"the party has alienated its non-base constituents, including other people of faith (those who prefer a more private approach to worship),"
"shifting demographics suggest that the Republican Party -- and conservatism with it -- eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs."
"Anyone watching the two conventions last summer can't have missed the stark differences: One party was brimming with energy, youth and diversity; the other felt like an annual Depends sales meeting."
"Even Sarah Palin has blamed Bush policies for the GOP loss. She's not entirely wrong, but she's also part of the problem."
"Let's do pray that God shows Alaska's governor the door. "
"And the nonreligious won't get religion through external conversion. It doesn't work that way."
I don't apologize for my rant about Kathleen's article this morning. That was some pretty dark stuff that she was saying about people that she could, and should, consider as Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. I mean, could she have said any more that trashes those of us that consider ourselves as Evangelical?
I don't apologize for my beliefs. I actually feel very sorry for Ms. Kathleen Parker. In her in-your-face diatribe, she was pretty blatant about her disgust for Evangelism. Worse yet, she may lead many of us to think that "she's a fence-sitting Christian." So, Kathleen, are you afraid to admit you are a Christian? Is that it?
Hey, Evangelical Christians aren't out there wielding swords, ready to chop off the heads of the Infidels. We just want people to understand the message that Jesus gives us, that He died for our sins, and gives us hope of an Eternal Life with God. I am sorry that she didn't learn the main lessons that Jesus taught us, and that was to love our Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. Maybe she needs to go to a Bible study class or two. I'm just saying....
Ms. Parker, I recommend that you check out Our Forty Days of Purpose!, where I wrote about each chapter of Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life." Or, just go read that book. I was just trying to make it easier for you.
Now, in my final words for this writing, I need to explain a few things. At first, I was going to post this in one of my other blogs, the one called JOHNNY2K IS HOME, where I write mostly about politics. After all, Kathleen Parker's column was about how the Evangelical Christians are chasing away many of the potential base of the Republican Party, and it supposedly lead to Obama's victory (if he can find his birth certificate - but I won't go there right now...) in the election on November 4. But I changed my mind. I came to the conclusion that Ms Parker's disparaging comments about Evangelical Christians were much more about her distaste for our "religion" than it was with politics.
This blog was surely a better venue to deal with something that is dangerously permeating through American culture. You see, there are many people that really do want to silence Christians. There are the attacks on the First Amendment, those that use the erroneous phrase that isn't mentioned in the Constitution, anywhere: "Separation of Church and State." You know the folks, those that want to replace "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays."
Lastly, I must thank David Limbaugh for bringing Kathleen Parker's column to my attention. Oh, and also for handling the political aspects of what she wrote and how wrong she was.
And then there is somebody else that also deserves my great appreciation. I had started on this post very early Friday morning after I read David's column. I was in the process of writng this when the Glenn Beck show came on the radio Friday (21 NOV) morning. And you'd never believe what Glenn spoke about, I think right at the beginning of the show: Kathleen Parker's column. And it was right in line with what I had already written and had been thinking about writing. Whoa! Believe me, it was very inspirational, not just for this writing, but in my life in general. Thank you, Glenn! By the way, a side note. I need to add that Glenn Beck said to "pray for our leaders," as he was closing the show. Believe me, I am.
Editors note: I should mention that I had actually posted this story to this blog yesterday morning, but after reading it this morning, I decided it needed vast revisions. I hope I have been able to achieve that enhancement to the best of my abilities today.
Thanks to David Limbaugh, in his column, "Evangelicals: A drag on the GOP?", he discusses the way that Kathleen Parker blames Evangelical Christians for the demise of the Republican Party. But this article isn't about politics. It is about what she wrote in a very scathing column, "Heresies and Other Truths," and I am going to have to take her behind the woodshed on this one.
Why do I get the feeling that Kathleen Parker has a very low opinion of Evangelical Christians? Hasn't she ever read the Bible? Did she skip over the New Testament? Forget to read the book of Acts?
I don't really appreciate being called a low-brow Christian, but that isn't what upsets me. Oh, I know, being "upset" isn't the word I should use. Well, let me just say that I'm not a "sit down and shut up" Christian... I'll be happy to turn my other cheek as soon as I express the displeasure I may have, in the most loving way that I can, of course. And I do try to avoid "outbursts," but some times I just need to "vent."
Here are the many insults that Kathleen Parker threw at Evangelical Christians:
"The evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP is what ails the erstwhile conservative party and will continue to afflict and marginalize its constituents if reckoning doesn't soon cometh."
"Three little letters, great big problem: G-O-D."
"Armband religion is killing the Republican Party."
"To be more specific, the evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP"
"as it has become increasingly beholden to an element that used to be relegated to wooden crates on street corners."
"Which is to say, the GOP has surrendered its high ground to its lowest brows."
"the party has alienated its non-base constituents, including other people of faith (those who prefer a more private approach to worship),"
"shifting demographics suggest that the Republican Party -- and conservatism with it -- eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs."
"Anyone watching the two conventions last summer can't have missed the stark differences: One party was brimming with energy, youth and diversity; the other felt like an annual Depends sales meeting."
"Even Sarah Palin has blamed Bush policies for the GOP loss. She's not entirely wrong, but she's also part of the problem."
"Let's do pray that God shows Alaska's governor the door. "
"And the nonreligious won't get religion through external conversion. It doesn't work that way."
I don't apologize for my rant about Kathleen's article this morning. That was some pretty dark stuff that she was saying about people that she could, and should, consider as Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. I mean, could she have said any more that trashes those of us that consider ourselves as Evangelical?
I don't apologize for my beliefs. I actually feel very sorry for Ms. Kathleen Parker. In her in-your-face diatribe, she was pretty blatant about her disgust for Evangelism. Worse yet, she may lead many of us to think that "she's a fence-sitting Christian." So, Kathleen, are you afraid to admit you are a Christian? Is that it?
Hey, Evangelical Christians aren't out there wielding swords, ready to chop off the heads of the Infidels. We just want people to understand the message that Jesus gives us, that He died for our sins, and gives us hope of an Eternal Life with God. I am sorry that she didn't learn the main lessons that Jesus taught us, and that was to love our Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. Maybe she needs to go to a Bible study class or two. I'm just saying....
Ms. Parker, I recommend that you check out Our Forty Days of Purpose!, where I wrote about each chapter of Rick Warren's "Purpose Driven Life." Or, just go read that book. I was just trying to make it easier for you.
Now, in my final words for this writing, I need to explain a few things. At first, I was going to post this in one of my other blogs, the one called JOHNNY2K IS HOME, where I write mostly about politics. After all, Kathleen Parker's column was about how the Evangelical Christians are chasing away many of the potential base of the Republican Party, and it supposedly lead to Obama's victory (if he can find his birth certificate - but I won't go there right now...) in the election on November 4. But I changed my mind. I came to the conclusion that Ms Parker's disparaging comments about Evangelical Christians were much more about her distaste for our "religion" than it was with politics.
This blog was surely a better venue to deal with something that is dangerously permeating through American culture. You see, there are many people that really do want to silence Christians. There are the attacks on the First Amendment, those that use the erroneous phrase that isn't mentioned in the Constitution, anywhere: "Separation of Church and State." You know the folks, those that want to replace "Merry Christmas" with "Happy Holidays."
Lastly, I must thank David Limbaugh for bringing Kathleen Parker's column to my attention. Oh, and also for handling the political aspects of what she wrote and how wrong she was.
And then there is somebody else that also deserves my great appreciation. I had started on this post very early Friday morning after I read David's column. I was in the process of writng this when the Glenn Beck show came on the radio Friday (21 NOV) morning. And you'd never believe what Glenn spoke about, I think right at the beginning of the show: Kathleen Parker's column. And it was right in line with what I had already written and had been thinking about writing. Whoa! Believe me, it was very inspirational, not just for this writing, but in my life in general. Thank you, Glenn! By the way, a side note. I need to add that Glenn Beck said to "pray for our leaders," as he was closing the show. Believe me, I am.
Editors note: I should mention that I had actually posted this story to this blog yesterday morning, but after reading it this morning, I decided it needed vast revisions. I hope I have been able to achieve that enhancement to the best of my abilities today.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Choosing Faith - Brian Welch quits Korn and kicks drugs
By John Kubicek
Miracles DO happen. Brian Welch, formerly of one of those rock groups that we would dread having our kids listen to, turned to the Lord. Brian chose faith.
Sure, most of us could not imagine the kind of life he was going through. But, the truth is, we all have our "tipping points." There are things that go on in our lives that will push us to "higher" spiritual levels. From non-believer to believer, or making a decision to spread the message of the Gospel to a greater extent, there are those things that will inspire us. This is just one of them.
So, here was another video that I had uploaded to youtube long ago. Out of those 162 videos, this is NUMBER TWO (#2). It now has well over 100,000 views. It has given many people new opportunities to witness to the lost. Believe me, it is a big hit for a reason. God's reason.
Oh, and I am starting to understand why God lead me to start this blog. Yeah. It's ministry time. This is a brand new opportunity for not just me, but many others. We're just getting started. For some reason, too, today just seemed like a great day to ramp up my efforts here on this blog. I am hoping that it will also inspire others to get involved here.
Oh, yeah, I am just getting started. No, I keep forgetting... sorry about that...
WE are just getting started!
Miracles DO happen. Brian Welch, formerly of one of those rock groups that we would dread having our kids listen to, turned to the Lord. Brian chose faith.
Sure, most of us could not imagine the kind of life he was going through. But, the truth is, we all have our "tipping points." There are things that go on in our lives that will push us to "higher" spiritual levels. From non-believer to believer, or making a decision to spread the message of the Gospel to a greater extent, there are those things that will inspire us. This is just one of them.
So, here was another video that I had uploaded to youtube long ago. Out of those 162 videos, this is NUMBER TWO (#2). It now has well over 100,000 views. It has given many people new opportunities to witness to the lost. Believe me, it is a big hit for a reason. God's reason.
Oh, and I am starting to understand why God lead me to start this blog. Yeah. It's ministry time. This is a brand new opportunity for not just me, but many others. We're just getting started. For some reason, too, today just seemed like a great day to ramp up my efforts here on this blog. I am hoping that it will also inspire others to get involved here.
Oh, yeah, I am just getting started. No, I keep forgetting... sorry about that...
WE are just getting started!
I am redeemed!
By John Kubicek
I guess that I am not the only one that loves this particular video. Out of the 162 videos I have uploaded to youtube.com in the last two years, this is #4!
It is probably because this song seems to be able to tell the Gospel in very clear terms!
Yes, Jesus has changed my whole life! I am not afraid to admit it!
I guess that I am not the only one that loves this particular video. Out of the 162 videos I have uploaded to youtube.com in the last two years, this is #4!
It is probably because this song seems to be able to tell the Gospel in very clear terms!
Yes, Jesus has changed my whole life! I am not afraid to admit it!
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