Watching the news these days, with all the GOP debate and primary coverage, can be very frustrating. So many are so caught up with beating Obama, they put their weight behind the candidate who they think has the best chance of doing so. I agree that getting Obama out of office is very important, but we also need to make sure we are endorsing candidates on their merit. Their moral integrity, their faith, and their honesty. Not how well career politicians can lie their way into office with empty promises. I will tell you right now that the two at the top right now will not fix this country. They may slow the decline, but they won't stop the decline. It's frustrating to me when the honest candidates with long histories of moral integrity and faith in God are knocked out or swept under the rug. It's like people are so cynical, they believe career politicians are the only candidates that can get elected. But if more people trusted God and had the faith to stand behind an honest Godly candidate, they would get elected and things would begin to change for the better. With a foundation centered around God, this nation could return to it's former Glory.
I believe in prayer and I will pray for our country until my last breath. The problem is we live in a sinful country full of moral decay. We have people that live by their own rules, full of sin without remorse. We also have Christians who go through the motions, but still live in sin. This is why we need to witness and minister to these people every chance we get. I've said this before, we are living a very crucial time and need to spread the word of Jesus Christ. We are living on a teeter totter. At one end is a restored America, and on the other end is a collapsed America. The scary part is that we are teetering towards collapse.
The message we need to send is this. We can not put our trust in the world and our faith in man. Man without God corrupts the world. Those not with God are with Satan, weather they want to believe it or not. And Satan is here to deceive, kill, and destroy. Ask if they really want to put their trust in a world full of turmoil, or accept Jesus and put their trust in Him, someone who loves them unconditionally and will guide them through their troubles. We have to do our best to send this message. If our country collapses anyway despite our work, we have the satisfaction of knowing we did our very best for God and went down swinging.
Never give up. I don't know God's will. But I have the peace of mind knowing Jesus is with me always, and when things get tough, I know he will see me through. My mission in life is to help others see and love Jesus like I do, so they too can feel the peace that I feel every single day.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Gift of Life
In my last blog entry, I admitted that I have endured dark times throughout my life. My faith in God and Jesus Christ turned most of that darkness into light. There are still moments when I lose hope and wonder what the point is. Why I'm still here? What can I do when the world is ignoring all moral thought? Then God gives me perspective. This light turns on inside my head, my heart, my soul and I just know what I have to do. Either make a choice, speak out about something, or live a certain way to lead by example. I sincerely believe that is God speaking to me.
I live a life where I am literally imprisoned inside my own body. Muscular Dystrophy deteriorates my muscles slowly, making me lose ability after ability. I don't fully know why God let me be born with this disease, but He gives me ways to use it, to gain perspective. I know the value of life, the blessing that it is. Every night I pray to God, thanking Him for each breath of life. I thank Him for blessing my life with my wonderful family, the great friends I have known and those that I still know. I thank Him because He has given me such a great life.
How am I so thankful when I have lived my entire life with a muscle deteriorating disease? Because I know the value of life. It is common for us to not realize the value of something until we lose it. We have all heard stories of people who have held on to life destroying vices until they were faced with losing almost everything, then came back to be amazing human beings. I'm thankful I have Muscular Dystrophy because if I am honest with myself, I know without it, I would not be the person I am today. It took me a long time to accept that.
The main purpose of my blog is to inspire people and bring them closer to God. Because if I can endure this life and still be thankful to God and believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I hope it tells others they can too. I hope it tells others even though they may be going through a tough time, they can get through it. There is an untapped strength in all of us, there to help us endure anything life throws our way.
I wish with all my being that I could reach the world and help everyone realize what a gift life is, and who gave us that gift. That I could also tell them this: When your having a good time with good friends, take a moment to make them know how much you appreciate them. When you realize you love someone and never want to let them go, look them in the eyes and tell them how much you love them, every single day. If you have a spouse, kiss them the same way you kissed them on your wedding day, every single day. If you have children, take a moment to hold them and tell them that you love them, every single day. Tell the Lord you love Him, every single day. And thank God for every breath of life He grants you.
I live a life where I am literally imprisoned inside my own body. Muscular Dystrophy deteriorates my muscles slowly, making me lose ability after ability. I don't fully know why God let me be born with this disease, but He gives me ways to use it, to gain perspective. I know the value of life, the blessing that it is. Every night I pray to God, thanking Him for each breath of life. I thank Him for blessing my life with my wonderful family, the great friends I have known and those that I still know. I thank Him because He has given me such a great life.
How am I so thankful when I have lived my entire life with a muscle deteriorating disease? Because I know the value of life. It is common for us to not realize the value of something until we lose it. We have all heard stories of people who have held on to life destroying vices until they were faced with losing almost everything, then came back to be amazing human beings. I'm thankful I have Muscular Dystrophy because if I am honest with myself, I know without it, I would not be the person I am today. It took me a long time to accept that.
The main purpose of my blog is to inspire people and bring them closer to God. Because if I can endure this life and still be thankful to God and believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I hope it tells others they can too. I hope it tells others even though they may be going through a tough time, they can get through it. There is an untapped strength in all of us, there to help us endure anything life throws our way.
I wish with all my being that I could reach the world and help everyone realize what a gift life is, and who gave us that gift. That I could also tell them this: When your having a good time with good friends, take a moment to make them know how much you appreciate them. When you realize you love someone and never want to let them go, look them in the eyes and tell them how much you love them, every single day. If you have a spouse, kiss them the same way you kissed them on your wedding day, every single day. If you have children, take a moment to hold them and tell them that you love them, every single day. Tell the Lord you love Him, every single day. And thank God for every breath of life He grants you.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Stand Up Against Anti-Semitism
It is very frustrating for me to hear all of the anti-Israel anti-Semitism hate going on throughout the world. Because I am someone who can not stand up and do anything about it. All I can do is speak out against this, and like many other writers and bloggers, hope people hear me and seriously consider what I am saying. When anti-Semitism goes ignored, it grows out of control. The Jews and Israel have to put out the wildfire, but they need our help, or it will consume them.
The hate for the Jewish people and anything Israel I see happening in the world today just astounds me. I don't believe many of these people (Activists, Palestinians, and Muslims) even know what they are talking about when it comes to Israel. Most, if not all of the hateful rhetoric they speak of are total lies. These lies have been repeated and exaggerated so many times, a lot of people are believing them without question. Palestinian children are taught lies and misinformation in attempts to rally them against Jews and Israel. I can not tell you how frustrated that makes me, because I am someone who has studied the truth and can see through the anti-Semitic propaganda.
I'm going to go through a few things. I hope I can clear things up and set the record straight for those who are reading this and do not know the whole truth.
"The Jews came in and stole the land from the Palestinians who were indigenous to the region."
False. Biblical and Archaeological evidence proves the Jewish people have lived in the region for over 3,000 years. Palestine was a name given to the region by the Roman Empire when they conquered Jerusalem. In the late 1800's, many Jews began to come back to the region, buying and settling the land legally.
"Israel is an apartheid state."
Lie. Apartheid (put simply) is when a minority rules over and oppresses a majority. That is not true in Israel. The Palestinians are governed by the Palestinian Authority, not Israel.
"Israel has committed war crimes and genocide by massacring Palestinians."
Lie. No one can prove this because it never happened. There are no reports of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) gunning down Palestinian civilians in the streets. Anti-Semitic groups charge Israel of genocide at their rallies, yet never give any proof of it ever happening.
In the case of Palestinian terrorists attacking Israel, that makes them enemy combatants. Israel has every right to defend themselves against their enemies.
"Israel is a terrorist state."
Lie. The IDF only target terror cells and military installations. In fact, the IDF has a history of dropping thousands of leaflets, warning civilians to leave the area prior to striking terrorist targets. On the other hand, Palestinian and Hamas terrorists intentionally target Israeli civilians in their attacks.
"Israel wants peace with their neighbors."
True. The Jewish settlers hoped that restoring the barren land would benefit everyone, and that is what they did, drastically improving the standard of living. Then conveniently, the Arabs began starting riots and mob attacks in the 1920's through 1940's, aligning themselves with Adolf Hitler. In the 1960's, Egypt helped form the Palestine Liberation Organization, hence the name Palestinian. For decades, the state of Israel has been offering land in negotiations. Yet they receive rejections and escalating violence.
"Palestinians only want a land to call their own."
False. When the state of Israel was formed in 1948 with the help of the UN, it was to be partitioned with a Jewish portion and an Arab portion. Instead, Arab leaders invaded in an attempt to seize the entire land. If Israel concedes to Palestinian demands, what will stop them from doing the same thing again?
The Palestinian demand for their own state is only a smokescreen for a much larger agenda. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority does not accept Israel's right to exist. Hamas, a terrorist organization, is aligned with the PA and openly calls for the killing of every single Jew. If Israel is forced to go to the borders proposed for the Palestinian state, genocide will become very real.
That is why knowing the truth about this issue is so important. If we do not stand up against anti-Semitism, who will protect the Jewish people from a second holocaust? This is not a theory, this is real. Radical Islam and activists around the world openly call for Israel's destruction. History is literally repeating itself. No one believed Hitler was a threat until it was too late. We must not let that happen again. I am asking all of you to stand up against all forms of anti-Semitism.
The hate for the Jewish people and anything Israel I see happening in the world today just astounds me. I don't believe many of these people (Activists, Palestinians, and Muslims) even know what they are talking about when it comes to Israel. Most, if not all of the hateful rhetoric they speak of are total lies. These lies have been repeated and exaggerated so many times, a lot of people are believing them without question. Palestinian children are taught lies and misinformation in attempts to rally them against Jews and Israel. I can not tell you how frustrated that makes me, because I am someone who has studied the truth and can see through the anti-Semitic propaganda.
I'm going to go through a few things. I hope I can clear things up and set the record straight for those who are reading this and do not know the whole truth.
"The Jews came in and stole the land from the Palestinians who were indigenous to the region."
False. Biblical and Archaeological evidence proves the Jewish people have lived in the region for over 3,000 years. Palestine was a name given to the region by the Roman Empire when they conquered Jerusalem. In the late 1800's, many Jews began to come back to the region, buying and settling the land legally.
"Israel is an apartheid state."
Lie. Apartheid (put simply) is when a minority rules over and oppresses a majority. That is not true in Israel. The Palestinians are governed by the Palestinian Authority, not Israel.
"Israel has committed war crimes and genocide by massacring Palestinians."
Lie. No one can prove this because it never happened. There are no reports of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) gunning down Palestinian civilians in the streets. Anti-Semitic groups charge Israel of genocide at their rallies, yet never give any proof of it ever happening.
In the case of Palestinian terrorists attacking Israel, that makes them enemy combatants. Israel has every right to defend themselves against their enemies.
"Israel is a terrorist state."
Lie. The IDF only target terror cells and military installations. In fact, the IDF has a history of dropping thousands of leaflets, warning civilians to leave the area prior to striking terrorist targets. On the other hand, Palestinian and Hamas terrorists intentionally target Israeli civilians in their attacks.
"Israel wants peace with their neighbors."
True. The Jewish settlers hoped that restoring the barren land would benefit everyone, and that is what they did, drastically improving the standard of living. Then conveniently, the Arabs began starting riots and mob attacks in the 1920's through 1940's, aligning themselves with Adolf Hitler. In the 1960's, Egypt helped form the Palestine Liberation Organization, hence the name Palestinian. For decades, the state of Israel has been offering land in negotiations. Yet they receive rejections and escalating violence.
"Palestinians only want a land to call their own."
False. When the state of Israel was formed in 1948 with the help of the UN, it was to be partitioned with a Jewish portion and an Arab portion. Instead, Arab leaders invaded in an attempt to seize the entire land. If Israel concedes to Palestinian demands, what will stop them from doing the same thing again?
The Palestinian demand for their own state is only a smokescreen for a much larger agenda. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority does not accept Israel's right to exist. Hamas, a terrorist organization, is aligned with the PA and openly calls for the killing of every single Jew. If Israel is forced to go to the borders proposed for the Palestinian state, genocide will become very real.
That is why knowing the truth about this issue is so important. If we do not stand up against anti-Semitism, who will protect the Jewish people from a second holocaust? This is not a theory, this is real. Radical Islam and activists around the world openly call for Israel's destruction. History is literally repeating itself. No one believed Hitler was a threat until it was too late. We must not let that happen again. I am asking all of you to stand up against all forms of anti-Semitism.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Battle of Life vs Death
I haven't told many people this because I don't like talking about it. It was seven years ago, just before my tracheotomy operation, when I was really sick. I didn't have any energy, Everything made me short of breath. Eating, drinking and sleeping. It was terrible and thoughts of suicide did come up. I just wanted everything to end. I wasn't strong with God and I didn't know Jesus. I sure didn't know suicide was a sin. I do not believe I would have been able to do it, but it scares me that I even thought about it. Little did I know what my life would turn out to be. A great life with an inner peace only the Lord can provide.
God created our bodies with a purpose in mind for each and everyone of us. Doing harm to our bodies is a grave insult to Him. God sees all, knows all. Trusting Him to lead us and trusting His son to give us the comfort to get us through is faith. We must hold on to that faith during the bad times and trust we will be led to even greater times. Only God knows how we fit into His grand plan. We do not. When someone decides to destroy their body because they can't see any way out of their situation, they are telling God, "I don't trust you and I don't believe you can help me."
The thing about suicide, they can not ask for forgiveness because they are no longer alive. I see suicide all the time in our culture. So many don't even bat an eye when hearing a report of someone committing suicide. Euthanasia being promoted as a means of "dying with dignity". Hollywood glamorizing suicide, portraying them as finally being at peace and suffering no more. Our culture's view on suicide could not be more wrong. This is very harsh to think about, but they are not at peace and their suffering will become much worse.
God does not wish any to perish, and nor do I. Hell is an awful place, and it physically and emotionally hurts me every time someone has to go to that horrible place. I wish I could lead them all to Jesus and away from Satan's deceit, and I am sure many besides me have that same desire. Unfortunately, it just isn't very realistic.
That is why we have a job to do. To continue spreading the message of Jesus Christ. When you see someone down or overwhelmed, give them a warm smile and offer a helping hand. If you see someone going through a devastating time, no matter the cause, sit down and be there for them. With people in a vulnerable state who can't see a way out, the best thing we can do is make them feel loved. That God, that society, has not given up on them. Pray that they will find a reason to live through our efforts.
God created our bodies with a purpose in mind for each and everyone of us. Doing harm to our bodies is a grave insult to Him. God sees all, knows all. Trusting Him to lead us and trusting His son to give us the comfort to get us through is faith. We must hold on to that faith during the bad times and trust we will be led to even greater times. Only God knows how we fit into His grand plan. We do not. When someone decides to destroy their body because they can't see any way out of their situation, they are telling God, "I don't trust you and I don't believe you can help me."
The thing about suicide, they can not ask for forgiveness because they are no longer alive. I see suicide all the time in our culture. So many don't even bat an eye when hearing a report of someone committing suicide. Euthanasia being promoted as a means of "dying with dignity". Hollywood glamorizing suicide, portraying them as finally being at peace and suffering no more. Our culture's view on suicide could not be more wrong. This is very harsh to think about, but they are not at peace and their suffering will become much worse.
God does not wish any to perish, and nor do I. Hell is an awful place, and it physically and emotionally hurts me every time someone has to go to that horrible place. I wish I could lead them all to Jesus and away from Satan's deceit, and I am sure many besides me have that same desire. Unfortunately, it just isn't very realistic.
That is why we have a job to do. To continue spreading the message of Jesus Christ. When you see someone down or overwhelmed, give them a warm smile and offer a helping hand. If you see someone going through a devastating time, no matter the cause, sit down and be there for them. With people in a vulnerable state who can't see a way out, the best thing we can do is make them feel loved. That God, that society, has not given up on them. Pray that they will find a reason to live through our efforts.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Prayer Points
Prayer Points is a list of issues and events here in America and abroad that need to be in our prayers. I am a firm believer that prayer works. God listens if we ask for his help. It may not be exactly in the way that we want or expect, but He always answers according to His will. I ask that you put your trust in God and pray with me to raise these issues up to Him.
At the top of this page to the right is a tab labeled "Prayer Points". That will take you to a page that lists what we need to be praying for. Obviously I can't list everything, but I will list everything that comes to my attention.
I have just started on this, so the list is not very long yet. Contact me if you have a prayer request because I would love to give it exposure, just beware this is a public blog.
At the top of this page to the right is a tab labeled "Prayer Points". That will take you to a page that lists what we need to be praying for. Obviously I can't list everything, but I will list everything that comes to my attention.
I have just started on this, so the list is not very long yet. Contact me if you have a prayer request because I would love to give it exposure, just beware this is a public blog.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Risking One Day Too Late
How many of you know someone who believes in God and that Jesus died for our sins, but they don't walk the walk. Sunday rolls around and well, I'll go to church soon, just not today. Then next Friday comes along, and there are just has too many things going on this weekend. I'm young, I'll have time when I'm older. I don't really read the Bible. I mean, I don't understand these words anyway. Subconsciously I end up thinking Jesus is at church, not at my house. Besides, what I'm doing isn't that bad. He's a God of forgiveness, He can forgive me later. I'm a good person, He wouldn't really let me go to hell.
That was me for 17 years. Be completely honest and ask yourself if that sounds familiar. If it does, please take the time to read this message. I came very close to dying that summer and I almost missed knowing Jesus. When I lost consciousness, I was in a barren wasteland with my throat dry and on fire. I wish I could communicate the terrifying dread that I felt, knowing I missed the cut. I wish I could put it into words how serious it is rejecting and procrastinating Jesus. Any of us could die at any time, on any day. Death does not give second chances.
Jesus Christ was brutally honest in His teaching, and I owe it to you to be the same. A term many do not quite understand is "being saved." You could read the Bible cover to cover and follow every commandment, but still not make it into heaven. The consequences of sin are a spiritual death from the Lord, and the beginning of eternal torment. We are all sinners because we are not perfect. Once you accept Jesus into your heart and acknowledge you are a sinner, we are forgiven. You are saved from eternal torment, and the Lord will be with you always.
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This means that Jesus holds the key to heaven's gate. If He does not know you personally, the gate stays locked. The only way in is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. What does that mean? When you accept Jesus into your heart, He never leaves. It is having faith He will never let you down. It is thankfulness for the blessings He blesses you with everyday. It is loving Him completely because there is no one else on this earth who is committed to you 24/7/365. That is a personal relationship with Jesus.
I know this may sound overwhelming. Even after I accepted Jesus, I didn't have all the answers. I even avoided finding the answers in fear that I could not live up to them. It wasn't easy after 17 years of giving into temptation and sin. It took me awhile to get to where I am with Christ today. He knows what is in our hearts and thoughts. If you give your heart to Jesus and make a solid effort to honor Him, He will be right there with you every step of the way. I can guarantee that, because He never has given up on me.
Just remember, human life is fragile, especially in these times. Do you really want to risk being one day too late?
That was me for 17 years. Be completely honest and ask yourself if that sounds familiar. If it does, please take the time to read this message. I came very close to dying that summer and I almost missed knowing Jesus. When I lost consciousness, I was in a barren wasteland with my throat dry and on fire. I wish I could communicate the terrifying dread that I felt, knowing I missed the cut. I wish I could put it into words how serious it is rejecting and procrastinating Jesus. Any of us could die at any time, on any day. Death does not give second chances.
Jesus Christ was brutally honest in His teaching, and I owe it to you to be the same. A term many do not quite understand is "being saved." You could read the Bible cover to cover and follow every commandment, but still not make it into heaven. The consequences of sin are a spiritual death from the Lord, and the beginning of eternal torment. We are all sinners because we are not perfect. Once you accept Jesus into your heart and acknowledge you are a sinner, we are forgiven. You are saved from eternal torment, and the Lord will be with you always.
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This means that Jesus holds the key to heaven's gate. If He does not know you personally, the gate stays locked. The only way in is to have a personal relationship with Jesus. What does that mean? When you accept Jesus into your heart, He never leaves. It is having faith He will never let you down. It is thankfulness for the blessings He blesses you with everyday. It is loving Him completely because there is no one else on this earth who is committed to you 24/7/365. That is a personal relationship with Jesus.
I know this may sound overwhelming. Even after I accepted Jesus, I didn't have all the answers. I even avoided finding the answers in fear that I could not live up to them. It wasn't easy after 17 years of giving into temptation and sin. It took me awhile to get to where I am with Christ today. He knows what is in our hearts and thoughts. If you give your heart to Jesus and make a solid effort to honor Him, He will be right there with you every step of the way. I can guarantee that, because He never has given up on me.
Just remember, human life is fragile, especially in these times. Do you really want to risk being one day too late?
Friday, September 9, 2011
Never Give Up On Prayer
The tragedy of September 11th, 2001 always has us thinking and remembering around this time of year. The entire world was changed that day, not just the United States. It was a wake up call, teaching us how vulnerable we are in the hands of men. The memories stay with us, but the lessons have faded over time.
I never forget the lessons learned from September 11th, just like the lessons learned from every conflict since. I am deeply patriotic and would never downplay the September 11th attacks. But it is part of a pattern that has been deteriorating for decades. The world's affairs in the hands of men do not prosper. The United States of America in the hands of men grows corrupt. Our safety, here and abroad, in the hands of men is never reliable. Our future in the hands of men can only be a dark and stormy future.
We need the Lord our God to not only be in our own lives, but to also be in others. We need God to not only be in our country, but others as well. Even our enemies. The only way we have any hope to prosper in peace is through the Lord's blessing. Our country and the world have dug themselves deep in to sin, but all sins can be forgiven through Jesus Christ. It is crucial at this time that we pray for God to heal our land, to speak to our leaders, and to the world. God always listens, so let us strive to send tens of thousands of prayers up to Him.
This may seem like an insurmountable task, and it may be. Many will not accept Jesus and the need of God in our country. However, we must do our very best to reach as many as we can. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations. We must allow ourselves to be beacons for His light to shine through us. Prayer, love, compassion, and kindness are the most important tools we carry.
"Father, please gather into your arms the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives on that tragic morning. Comfort them as they remember what happened those 10 years ago. Dry their tears as they mourn their loved ones. Guide the rest of us to bow our heads and pay our respects to the innocents and the brave men and women who rushed in to save them. As we remember the tragedy of September 11th, remind us that you, Lord Jesus, love us and are always there with us, no matter the circumstance. With you, we have nothing to fear as you offer us eternal life. Let your will be known and give us opportunities to reach those in need of your love.
We pray this in Jesus name, Amen."
I never forget the lessons learned from September 11th, just like the lessons learned from every conflict since. I am deeply patriotic and would never downplay the September 11th attacks. But it is part of a pattern that has been deteriorating for decades. The world's affairs in the hands of men do not prosper. The United States of America in the hands of men grows corrupt. Our safety, here and abroad, in the hands of men is never reliable. Our future in the hands of men can only be a dark and stormy future.
We need the Lord our God to not only be in our own lives, but to also be in others. We need God to not only be in our country, but others as well. Even our enemies. The only way we have any hope to prosper in peace is through the Lord's blessing. Our country and the world have dug themselves deep in to sin, but all sins can be forgiven through Jesus Christ. It is crucial at this time that we pray for God to heal our land, to speak to our leaders, and to the world. God always listens, so let us strive to send tens of thousands of prayers up to Him.
This may seem like an insurmountable task, and it may be. Many will not accept Jesus and the need of God in our country. However, we must do our very best to reach as many as we can. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations. We must allow ourselves to be beacons for His light to shine through us. Prayer, love, compassion, and kindness are the most important tools we carry.
"Father, please gather into your arms the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives on that tragic morning. Comfort them as they remember what happened those 10 years ago. Dry their tears as they mourn their loved ones. Guide the rest of us to bow our heads and pay our respects to the innocents and the brave men and women who rushed in to save them. As we remember the tragedy of September 11th, remind us that you, Lord Jesus, love us and are always there with us, no matter the circumstance. With you, we have nothing to fear as you offer us eternal life. Let your will be known and give us opportunities to reach those in need of your love.
We pray this in Jesus name, Amen."
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