This is a sad post...because it tells of the spiritual war fare that is going on, and how the Devil wins some of these battles. I am competitive and hate to lose...and so does God, let's just be honest. The cool thing is this (before I continue)...is that we KNOW God wins the war, but we all have battles along the way.
This weekend my husband received a phone call from a close friend of his...someone we all knew and knew of, had stumbled BIG TIME. This person was a preacher, a Christ-follower, and one who had dedicated his life to traveling around spreading the gospel of Christ. This same person's sin caught up with him this past week...and made the news.
I will say this...everyone sins. But look at it this way...there is an ongoing battle for our souls, for the way we live our life, and for the name of Christ to be glorified. Not only has this person's actions caught up with them...they were busted for this sin, will probably lose/and should lose their job as a traveling evangelical leader, no doubt will damage their family, will damage their friends...will have possible jail time...but more importantly, destroyed the very name that they had dedicated their life too...CHRIST.
We all sin and fall short of the glory of God...but struggling with a sin, and giving into that sin are different issues. This person was way in over their head...the Devil won this battle, and Christ's name is the one that gets raked through the mud because of it. How can someone preach and teach the word of God and his redemption, but yet live a hidden life??? It is because the Devil is persistent...it is a battle. DO NOT GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION MY FRIENDS...it is a slippery slope that can be overpowering, like in this case.
BUT, the good news will always be there...Christ forgives. People will not forget what this person has done, but he will be forgiven by the God Almighty if asked for forgiveness. None of our sins are above God's forgiveness...just always remember this: If we profess to be a follower of Christ (Christian)...it is the name of Christ that is on the line.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hollywood & the race card
This will hopefully be short and sweet (but after writing it, it isn't...sorry)...
Hey Hollywood celebrities, keep your LIBERAL agendas and thoughts to yourself!!! Here's the funny thing...going off of the things I do know about Hollywood and California, most of these millionaires took advantage of a God-given talent. Most worked hard to get to where they are, with little education in their upbringing. So, when you stop and think about it...they took advantage of a free-market society where they could make movies about anything and everything...promote those movies with the help of the media, and make a lot of money. Right?
That being said...we see their lives play out in front of our eyes: we see the adultery, the addictions, the non-Biblical ways, the crazy lifestyles, the narcissistic thoughts, etc...they can have all of the money they want, but as a whole...these celebrities do not represent the common person at all.
So, to Sean Penn...you have NO IDEA what you are talking about.
Also, to Morgan Freeman...you have NO IDEA what you are talking about.
I point these 2 men out because of their immature comments made in the media lately. Their comments regarding the Tea Party and racism. I've got news for these guys, and anyone else who fails to see the real issues at hand...it isn't about race you morons, it's about our government taking on the responsibilities that we as Christians and citizens of this great nation are supposed to be doing. The government was never intended to be our Daddy...and that's basically what we have the government doing...being the very thing that the Church and our own families were designed to be.
Our government is too big...our government runs on tax payer money. They don't have a service that makes money, therefore they use various forms of taxes to generate money. I would invite these Hollywood celebrities to Memphis...let them come see a corrupt system...let them come see an overwhelming population of people living off the government...let them see a society in moral decline and through a series of bad decisions, almost forces them to live off of government assistance.
The TEA PARTY is not about racism...it is about responsibility (and that goes for the human race, not a particular color of skin). The funny thing is that with the TEA PARTY, the biggest issue is irresponsible government spending...and as much as certain people would like to deny it, Obama has been the biggest spending President we have EVER had. (That isn't to say that Republicans haven't contributed tremendously to this issue, because they have). Quit playing the race card...undoubtedly it is the only argument these people can think of...because if they look at logic and the facts, they don't have a case at all.
And one last thing...who is one of the biggest speakers of the TEA PARTY...Herman Cain!!!
Herman Cain isn't defined by his skin color, but he is BLACK and he is running for President.
Yes, I donated money to his campaign...Yes, if the elections were tomorrow I would vote for him...Does that mean I would be voting for a black man...YES, because of his conservative views!
It's about the politics and policies of this current President...not his skin color. Get over it!!!
Hey Hollywood celebrities, keep your LIBERAL agendas and thoughts to yourself!!! Here's the funny thing...going off of the things I do know about Hollywood and California, most of these millionaires took advantage of a God-given talent. Most worked hard to get to where they are, with little education in their upbringing. So, when you stop and think about it...they took advantage of a free-market society where they could make movies about anything and everything...promote those movies with the help of the media, and make a lot of money. Right?
That being said...we see their lives play out in front of our eyes: we see the adultery, the addictions, the non-Biblical ways, the crazy lifestyles, the narcissistic thoughts, etc...they can have all of the money they want, but as a whole...these celebrities do not represent the common person at all.
So, to Sean Penn...you have NO IDEA what you are talking about.
Also, to Morgan Freeman...you have NO IDEA what you are talking about.
I point these 2 men out because of their immature comments made in the media lately. Their comments regarding the Tea Party and racism. I've got news for these guys, and anyone else who fails to see the real issues at hand...it isn't about race you morons, it's about our government taking on the responsibilities that we as Christians and citizens of this great nation are supposed to be doing. The government was never intended to be our Daddy...and that's basically what we have the government doing...being the very thing that the Church and our own families were designed to be.
Our government is too big...our government runs on tax payer money. They don't have a service that makes money, therefore they use various forms of taxes to generate money. I would invite these Hollywood celebrities to Memphis...let them come see a corrupt system...let them come see an overwhelming population of people living off the government...let them see a society in moral decline and through a series of bad decisions, almost forces them to live off of government assistance.
The TEA PARTY is not about racism...it is about responsibility (and that goes for the human race, not a particular color of skin). The funny thing is that with the TEA PARTY, the biggest issue is irresponsible government spending...and as much as certain people would like to deny it, Obama has been the biggest spending President we have EVER had. (That isn't to say that Republicans haven't contributed tremendously to this issue, because they have). Quit playing the race card...undoubtedly it is the only argument these people can think of...because if they look at logic and the facts, they don't have a case at all.
And one last thing...who is one of the biggest speakers of the TEA PARTY...Herman Cain!!!
Herman Cain isn't defined by his skin color, but he is BLACK and he is running for President.
Yes, I donated money to his campaign...Yes, if the elections were tomorrow I would vote for him...Does that mean I would be voting for a black man...YES, because of his conservative views!
It's about the politics and policies of this current President...not his skin color. Get over it!!!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The MAIN question...
We've often heard the question, "Do you know Jesus?" As much as some may not like to hear it, a lot of people answer quickly with a yes...
Look at it this way...I went to a conference several months ago and heard some amazing people speak: Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw, Laura Bush, Rudy Guiliani, Lou Holtz, etc...
I heard their words, know who they are, could even pick them out of a crowd...I know them right?
Well, I know OF them...
The real question is this..."Does Jesus know you?" You better hope so...I believe the worst thing you could hear Jesus say (Matthew 7:23) "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers."
Think of all the people who KNOW you...think of your old highschool friend (who knew you more years ago, but you just don't keep up like you used too), think of your siblings (who know you better than most, but that depends on how much you talk and confide in eachother), think of your spouse (who should KNOW you better than anyone else), etc...catch my drift?
Alot of people can KNOW us; but different people KNOW us in different ways, or to different degrees. So once again, does Jesus know you? If not, I promise knowing HIM will be the best decision you ever made. Once you allow him to KNOW you, He will be the best thing that ever happened to you. Remember, HE transforms lives from the inside out!!!!
Look at it this way...I went to a conference several months ago and heard some amazing people speak: Colin Powell, Terry Bradshaw, Laura Bush, Rudy Guiliani, Lou Holtz, etc...
I heard their words, know who they are, could even pick them out of a crowd...I know them right?
Well, I know OF them...
The real question is this..."Does Jesus know you?" You better hope so...I believe the worst thing you could hear Jesus say (Matthew 7:23) "Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers."
Think of all the people who KNOW you...think of your old highschool friend (who knew you more years ago, but you just don't keep up like you used too), think of your siblings (who know you better than most, but that depends on how much you talk and confide in eachother), think of your spouse (who should KNOW you better than anyone else), etc...catch my drift?
Alot of people can KNOW us; but different people KNOW us in different ways, or to different degrees. So once again, does Jesus know you? If not, I promise knowing HIM will be the best decision you ever made. Once you allow him to KNOW you, He will be the best thing that ever happened to you. Remember, HE transforms lives from the inside out!!!!
Living Water...
So it hit me today in church (which for the record, my family and I have started attending a different church lately...and God has really been speaking through the pastor) I will truly say this...
when you feel God's presence, see people joyfully worshiping and singing to our God, see people loving and serving the city of Memphis...it's awesome. Yes, I realize this happens at many churches (as it should), but I feel like God has placed us at this church for a reason.
Today, the description/name "Living Water" was used (which come from the gospels in the Bible)...and for some reason I just kept thinking about this. What first came to mind was the old statistic that says our bodies are made up of 2/3 water...If we ask Jesus to come into our heart, catch my drift...we are asking the God of Living Water to enter us. I would rather have purified water to come in, than dirty water. We need water in order for our bodies to function.
Water, as we know, is cleansing...God cleanses us and transforms us, which makes sense to use this Living Water description again.
Water also quenches thirst...therefore, Jesus quenches our thirst and keeps us from seeking non-purifying things in this world.
To those of you who read this...please know that the ONE true God, desires to know you. He can make us clean, can purify the dirt/sin in our lives, can quench our thirst and keep us from falling into the evil desires of this world. He is enough for us, truly!
when you feel God's presence, see people joyfully worshiping and singing to our God, see people loving and serving the city of Memphis...it's awesome. Yes, I realize this happens at many churches (as it should), but I feel like God has placed us at this church for a reason.
Today, the description/name "Living Water" was used (which come from the gospels in the Bible)...and for some reason I just kept thinking about this. What first came to mind was the old statistic that says our bodies are made up of 2/3 water...If we ask Jesus to come into our heart, catch my drift...we are asking the God of Living Water to enter us. I would rather have purified water to come in, than dirty water. We need water in order for our bodies to function.
Water, as we know, is cleansing...God cleanses us and transforms us, which makes sense to use this Living Water description again.
Water also quenches thirst...therefore, Jesus quenches our thirst and keeps us from seeking non-purifying things in this world.
To those of you who read this...please know that the ONE true God, desires to know you. He can make us clean, can purify the dirt/sin in our lives, can quench our thirst and keep us from falling into the evil desires of this world. He is enough for us, truly!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Getting it off my chest...PART 3
To my fellow Memphians...where were you at the voting polls? For those that did show up and vote, what were you thinking?
I love that my district re-elected a total idiot to our city council...the one and only, Janis Fullilove. Yes, the lady who was passed out/drunk in her car in Tunica...that had pictures taken of her passed out behind the wheel...who then had her license removed...who then BROKE THE LAW and reapplied for her license by LYING about it and saying she lost it...WHICH IS ILLEGAL. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jul/08/janis-fullilove-indicted-three-misdemeanor-charges/
I love that Memphians willing elect officials who have broken the law, and continue to re-elect them. It's absolutely amazing...can you tell I am so glad she represents me?
Thank goodness our mayor, AC Wharton, won re-election...that's a positive.
I love that my district re-elected a total idiot to our city council...the one and only, Janis Fullilove. Yes, the lady who was passed out/drunk in her car in Tunica...that had pictures taken of her passed out behind the wheel...who then had her license removed...who then BROKE THE LAW and reapplied for her license by LYING about it and saying she lost it...WHICH IS ILLEGAL. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jul/08/janis-fullilove-indicted-three-misdemeanor-charges/
I love that Memphians willing elect officials who have broken the law, and continue to re-elect them. It's absolutely amazing...can you tell I am so glad she represents me?
Thank goodness our mayor, AC Wharton, won re-election...that's a positive.
Getting it off my chest...PART 2
The $5 banking fee that is all over the news...
Why do you think banks are starting a new $5 charge? Could it possibly be due to...government interference and regulations??? Is that possible???
Think about it...our government has put its fingers into almost every thing. Banking isn't any different. If you want someone to point fingers at regarding your new $5 monthly banking fee, try pointing them at the former Democratic Senator from Connecticut, Chris Dodd AND the grotesque Barney Frank...both elected officials at the time. Here's whats to blame, and this comes from Wikipedia:
Just do me this favor...when businesses initiate new fees and ways to make money...do your research, there is usually more to the story. Now you know some of this one!
Why do you think banks are starting a new $5 charge? Could it possibly be due to...government interference and regulations??? Is that possible???
Think about it...our government has put its fingers into almost every thing. Banking isn't any different. If you want someone to point fingers at regarding your new $5 monthly banking fee, try pointing them at the former Democratic Senator from Connecticut, Chris Dodd AND the grotesque Barney Frank...both elected officials at the time. Here's whats to blame, and this comes from Wikipedia:
The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Pub. L. No. 111-203, H.R. 4173) is a federal statute in the United States that was signed into law by President Barack Obama on July 21, 2010.[1] The Act implements financial regulatory reform sponsored by the Democratically controlled 111th United States Congress and the Obama administration. Passed as a response to the late-2000s recession, the Act was touted as the most sweeping change to financial regulation in the United States since the Great Depression,[2][3][4] purportedly representing a significant change in the American financial regulatory environment affecting all Federal financial regulatory agencies and almost every aspect of the nation's financial services industry.[5][6]
The law was initially proposed on December 2, 2009, in the House of Representatives by Barney Frank, and in the Senate Banking Committee by Chairman Chris Dodd. Due to their involvement with the bill, the conference committee that reported on June 29, 2010,[1] voted to name the bill after the two members of Congress.[7]
I heard an interview from the past that was of Chris Dodd, where he was asked if banks would start making additional fees as a result of the bill he persuaded and brought to be passed by our government...his answer was WRONG. He said this bill was needed and that he didn't think banks would have additional fees. THANKS, you were and are WRONG. So, as always...when government starts dipping its fingers into the business world...businesses and corporations have to adjust and find other ways to make money...this is another prime example of that. Banks are charging new fees because they have to profit in order to exist, as any other business does. Although I don't like it either...these fees are a result of the lovely bill given to you by Dodd and Frank...known as the Dodd-Frank Bill. Look it up if you don't believe me...Just do me this favor...when businesses initiate new fees and ways to make money...do your research, there is usually more to the story. Now you know some of this one!
Getting it off my chest...PART 1
SERIOUSLY....have you paid attention to this "occupy wall street"? I will admit this (so correct me if I am wrong) I have not watched much tv at all lately, so I get most of my information from the radio or internet. I have attempted to look up the demands and ideology of this "occupy wall street" movement going on...please tell me if I am missing something:
First-From what I gather, this is about corporate greed and the 1% of the rich. People are coming together to stop corporate greed and the Federal Reserve. So now, greed is a bigger deal than ENVY/JEALOUSY. That may sound harsh...but I am tired of people playing the VICTIM card and blaming others. For whatever reason, there is no such thing as personal responsibility anymore.
Second-Is there greed in corporations? Of course...but here's the deal. Any business, any corporation for that matter...has to profit. They have to make money, or else they can't exist as a business. I'm not an Economics major, but that is common sense. Ever since I have graduated college almost 10 years ago, I have worked in the business world. Prime example of this second point, the company I worked for over the last 9 years...quit profiting, therefore they are no longer in business. It's as simple as that.
Third-The demands that I have seen regarding this "occupy wallstreet" group are as follows:
1. to have a living income regardless of employment...seriously. Move to a communist/socialist country if you want that. That is IMPOSSIBLE. I don't care what type of work you do, you make money and live within the means of the money you make.
2. free college education for everyone...seriously. NOTHING IS FREE, so how is this possible. Not only that, but if everyone had a college education then that education wouldn't be as valuable. Think about it...
3. to abolish the Federal Reserve-there are definitely problems with this. First problem is Chairman Ben Bernanke. People/politicians have asked him step down and resign, and he has refused. This guy makes the decisions when it comes to the value of our money...and he sucks at his job. He is making decisions that are devaluing our dollar...maybe we should get rid of him.
4. People are mad at the banks-I am not going to say there isn't some fault, but let's not look past those regulating the banks...your politicians. Yes, there were some famous political leaders (Clinton) that required banks to make questionable loans to citizens who were risky...so when the banks did as they were told, and then the citizens got in over their head on loans they should have never been granted...the banks take the blame. People do not realize the rules and regulations these businesses live under...blame the government!
That's all I have on this particular movement for now, except for this last point...the TEA PARTY movement is legit. The ironic thing, because the TEA PARTY movement has conservative grass roots, it got minimal recognition in the beginning. This current "occupy wall street" movement is far fetched...with less people in attendance and less gatherings across the nation, it has already received more recognition than the TEA PARTY in the beginning. And you think the media isn't biased? It's easy to see how they back the liberal views...and this is case in point!
First-From what I gather, this is about corporate greed and the 1% of the rich. People are coming together to stop corporate greed and the Federal Reserve. So now, greed is a bigger deal than ENVY/JEALOUSY. That may sound harsh...but I am tired of people playing the VICTIM card and blaming others. For whatever reason, there is no such thing as personal responsibility anymore.
Second-Is there greed in corporations? Of course...but here's the deal. Any business, any corporation for that matter...has to profit. They have to make money, or else they can't exist as a business. I'm not an Economics major, but that is common sense. Ever since I have graduated college almost 10 years ago, I have worked in the business world. Prime example of this second point, the company I worked for over the last 9 years...quit profiting, therefore they are no longer in business. It's as simple as that.
Third-The demands that I have seen regarding this "occupy wallstreet" group are as follows:
1. to have a living income regardless of employment...seriously. Move to a communist/socialist country if you want that. That is IMPOSSIBLE. I don't care what type of work you do, you make money and live within the means of the money you make.
2. free college education for everyone...seriously. NOTHING IS FREE, so how is this possible. Not only that, but if everyone had a college education then that education wouldn't be as valuable. Think about it...
3. to abolish the Federal Reserve-there are definitely problems with this. First problem is Chairman Ben Bernanke. People/politicians have asked him step down and resign, and he has refused. This guy makes the decisions when it comes to the value of our money...and he sucks at his job. He is making decisions that are devaluing our dollar...maybe we should get rid of him.
4. People are mad at the banks-I am not going to say there isn't some fault, but let's not look past those regulating the banks...your politicians. Yes, there were some famous political leaders (Clinton) that required banks to make questionable loans to citizens who were risky...so when the banks did as they were told, and then the citizens got in over their head on loans they should have never been granted...the banks take the blame. People do not realize the rules and regulations these businesses live under...blame the government!
That's all I have on this particular movement for now, except for this last point...the TEA PARTY movement is legit. The ironic thing, because the TEA PARTY movement has conservative grass roots, it got minimal recognition in the beginning. This current "occupy wall street" movement is far fetched...with less people in attendance and less gatherings across the nation, it has already received more recognition than the TEA PARTY in the beginning. And you think the media isn't biased? It's easy to see how they back the liberal views...and this is case in point!
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