"We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here."
Those are words from Lincoln's Gettysburg address in 1863 on the heels of that bloodly Civil War battle.
Unfortunately, most Americans are at best hazy about the meaning of Memorial Day. For most, its a day off from work to enjoy around the b-b-q or at a ballpark. But there's a higher purpose which is memorialized: devoted, simple, sacrificial service by millions of Americans for their nation.
Some of these servants bled on battle fields will others came home and died in their beds. Yet they all share a common fibre, a thread of connectivity. They wore the cloth of their nation.
This weekend, pause a moment and consider the work of our heroes and the values many died for. Let your children know about this rich heritage of service and sacrifice.
For without it, our nation would not exist.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Governor Ritter Approves Special Rights for Homosexuals
In what's becoming an annual event, Colorado's Demnocrat-controlled legislature approved more special rights for homosexuals.
This year's addition was Senate bill 88, which will provide health and employment benefits to state employees with homosexual partners.
This week, Ritter went along with it and signed it under the darkness of night.
The tragedy about this whole episode is that in 2006, Colorado voters resoundingly defeated these benefits when they rejected Referendum I.
In the subsequent years, Democrats have attempted to quietly end-run the will of the voters and legislative these benefits.
Here's the latest episode.
This year's addition was Senate bill 88, which will provide health and employment benefits to state employees with homosexual partners.
This week, Ritter went along with it and signed it under the darkness of night.
The tragedy about this whole episode is that in 2006, Colorado voters resoundingly defeated these benefits when they rejected Referendum I.
In the subsequent years, Democrats have attempted to quietly end-run the will of the voters and legislative these benefits.
Here's the latest episode.
Pastors, Are You Paying Attention?
Recent lawmaking in New Hampshire should send a chill down your spine if you are a pastor.
As you probably know, gay marriage is sweeping the Northeast states of our nation. However, this misguided process took a dark turn earlier this week in New Hampshire. The state legislature okayed a bill legalizing homosexual marriage and sent it to Governor John Lynch for approval. Surprisingly, Lynch sent it back instructing the legislature to include a provision for clergy who did not want to marry homosexual couples.
Guess what happened? State legislators voted against the Governor's recommendation for clergy protections.
If you are a pastor, I hope you understand the toxic winds of our culture. In Canada, if you use your pulpit to declare that homosexuality is a sin, you could be prosecuted for a hate crime. This same concept is just around the corner in America.
Homosexual activists will not be content to just get "married." They want to force you to perform the ceremony.
Click here for the story.
As you probably know, gay marriage is sweeping the Northeast states of our nation. However, this misguided process took a dark turn earlier this week in New Hampshire. The state legislature okayed a bill legalizing homosexual marriage and sent it to Governor John Lynch for approval. Surprisingly, Lynch sent it back instructing the legislature to include a provision for clergy who did not want to marry homosexual couples.
Guess what happened? State legislators voted against the Governor's recommendation for clergy protections.
If you are a pastor, I hope you understand the toxic winds of our culture. In Canada, if you use your pulpit to declare that homosexuality is a sin, you could be prosecuted for a hate crime. This same concept is just around the corner in America.
Homosexual activists will not be content to just get "married." They want to force you to perform the ceremony.
Click here for the story.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The Value of Prayer-Its More than Just One Day in May
Each year on May 7th, the National Day of Prayer is celebrated by millions of Americans.
This event gathered annual steam thanks in part to the support of President George W. Bush, who held a formal White House event each year during his presidency. This year, President Barack Obama will not continue this tradition. I think that this is an unfortunate decision by Obama. Millions of Americans pray and believe in its power to change and transform lives. And, many would like to see the President of the United States take the lead.
But prayer is more than just an annual event. Prayer strikes close to home for many Americans. Its always been that way.
On April 30, 1863, at the apex of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln established a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. See his proclamation here
On March 3, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson penned this prayer .
These American presidents had a deep value of prayer. They saw its value to their countrymen and their nation. Apparently, Obama does not share this view. Neither did Bill Clinton. Obama and Clinton would do well taking a page from our founders who valued the importance of prayer and value of publicly leading the nation in this endeavor.
This event gathered annual steam thanks in part to the support of President George W. Bush, who held a formal White House event each year during his presidency. This year, President Barack Obama will not continue this tradition. I think that this is an unfortunate decision by Obama. Millions of Americans pray and believe in its power to change and transform lives. And, many would like to see the President of the United States take the lead.
But prayer is more than just an annual event. Prayer strikes close to home for many Americans. Its always been that way.
On April 30, 1863, at the apex of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln established a Day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. See his proclamation here
On March 3, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson penned this prayer .
These American presidents had a deep value of prayer. They saw its value to their countrymen and their nation. Apparently, Obama does not share this view. Neither did Bill Clinton. Obama and Clinton would do well taking a page from our founders who valued the importance of prayer and value of publicly leading the nation in this endeavor.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Measuring the King-Obama's 100 Days
Much was made the media last week about President Obama's first 100 days in office. While its often seen as a measurement of a President's style and substance, let's not forget that Obama still has approximately 1,360 days left in this term.
I thought it might be helpful to measure Obama's first 100 days from a pro-family point of view. I understand that often a President's policies cannot be segmented out specifically because they affect many aspects of our nation. However, marriage and family values are vital to the collective health of our nation. Here is a list of the marriage and family values President Obama has put forth so far. See if you agree with them:
-Increased funding for Planned Parenthood under the guise of promoting "health services." This is akin to inviting the fox to the hen house.
-Advocating the repeal of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. You can't have it both ways. Either marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman or its defined to the whims of populist ideas.
-Broadening the definition of hate crimes to include anti-homosexual advocates like clergy. We are quickly heading down the flawed Canadian path where dissent is punished by jail terms for those who morally disagree.
-Attempting to implement new rules to gut conscience clause protections for pro-life medical providers who morally disagree with abortion. So much for freedom of expression particularly if your speech runs afoul of powerful government sanctioned groups.
-Repealing limitations on tax-payer funded embryonic stem cell research and abortions overseas. The best option right now for medical cures are adult stem cells. Embryonic cells have been very resistant to research.
The list goes on. To see more, go to this link.
These are not the values that the Rocky Mountain Family Council believes in nor do we believe that the majority of Americans hold to. The Obama presidency, despite its style and sizzle, could prove to be very damaging to the concept of and the definitions of marriage and family.
I thought it might be helpful to measure Obama's first 100 days from a pro-family point of view. I understand that often a President's policies cannot be segmented out specifically because they affect many aspects of our nation. However, marriage and family values are vital to the collective health of our nation. Here is a list of the marriage and family values President Obama has put forth so far. See if you agree with them:
-Increased funding for Planned Parenthood under the guise of promoting "health services." This is akin to inviting the fox to the hen house.
-Advocating the repeal of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. You can't have it both ways. Either marriage is defined as being between a man and a woman or its defined to the whims of populist ideas.
-Broadening the definition of hate crimes to include anti-homosexual advocates like clergy. We are quickly heading down the flawed Canadian path where dissent is punished by jail terms for those who morally disagree.
-Attempting to implement new rules to gut conscience clause protections for pro-life medical providers who morally disagree with abortion. So much for freedom of expression particularly if your speech runs afoul of powerful government sanctioned groups.
-Repealing limitations on tax-payer funded embryonic stem cell research and abortions overseas. The best option right now for medical cures are adult stem cells. Embryonic cells have been very resistant to research.
The list goes on. To see more, go to this link.
These are not the values that the Rocky Mountain Family Council believes in nor do we believe that the majority of Americans hold to. The Obama presidency, despite its style and sizzle, could prove to be very damaging to the concept of and the definitions of marriage and family.
Giving Away Colorado's Election Influence
Colorado is not a large state and our ability to sway national public policy is limited.
Unfortunately, state Democrats want to give more of it away when it comes to national elections.
If House Bill 1299 becomes law, Colorado will join a pool of five other states who will award our electoral college votes (9 current votes/7 US House Reps and 2 US Senators)to the popular vote winner of a presidential election.
Our good friend, State Senator Ted Harvey wrote the following regarding this issue:
The Senate will soon debate HB 1299, a proposal to replace the Electoral College with a popular vote system for Presidential elections. This violates the spirit and the letter of the U.S. Constitution, as the founders designed our electoral system as a republic, not a pure democracy.
This bill will shift Presidential campaigns and policy towards the leftist population centers on the coasts: New York, Florida, California, and possibly Michigan. Presidential candidates will no longer have any reason to campaign in Colorado, let alone listen to the concerns particular to our state.
If House Bill 1299 passes, Colorado will become a fly-over state in Presidential elections. Our Western principles of individual liberty and responsibility will be ignored in favor of the socialist ideas popular in the liberal coastal enclaves: high taxes, unchecked government intervention, and a complete re-write of our country's basic moral values and constitutional principles.
The Democrats argue that a popular vote system will prevent another "stolen" election such as the 2000 Presidential election. What they mean is that a popular vote will give them a distinct partisan advantage in campaign season.
They ignore the fact that a popular vote will indeed repeat the 2000 election, but not in the way they imply: Americans will suffer through recounts not just in Florida, but in hundreds of counties across the nation. The results of the Presidential election will hinge not on the will of the people, but on the skill of attorneys and the partisan leanings of "nonpartisan" election judges.
If you want your Presidential vote to count, write the Senate and urge them to vote "no" on House Bill 1299, the Popular Vote bill.
Unfortunately, state Democrats want to give more of it away when it comes to national elections.
If House Bill 1299 becomes law, Colorado will join a pool of five other states who will award our electoral college votes (9 current votes/7 US House Reps and 2 US Senators)to the popular vote winner of a presidential election.
Our good friend, State Senator Ted Harvey wrote the following regarding this issue:
The Senate will soon debate HB 1299, a proposal to replace the Electoral College with a popular vote system for Presidential elections. This violates the spirit and the letter of the U.S. Constitution, as the founders designed our electoral system as a republic, not a pure democracy.
This bill will shift Presidential campaigns and policy towards the leftist population centers on the coasts: New York, Florida, California, and possibly Michigan. Presidential candidates will no longer have any reason to campaign in Colorado, let alone listen to the concerns particular to our state.
If House Bill 1299 passes, Colorado will become a fly-over state in Presidential elections. Our Western principles of individual liberty and responsibility will be ignored in favor of the socialist ideas popular in the liberal coastal enclaves: high taxes, unchecked government intervention, and a complete re-write of our country's basic moral values and constitutional principles.
The Democrats argue that a popular vote system will prevent another "stolen" election such as the 2000 Presidential election. What they mean is that a popular vote will give them a distinct partisan advantage in campaign season.
They ignore the fact that a popular vote will indeed repeat the 2000 election, but not in the way they imply: Americans will suffer through recounts not just in Florida, but in hundreds of counties across the nation. The results of the Presidential election will hinge not on the will of the people, but on the skill of attorneys and the partisan leanings of "nonpartisan" election judges.
If you want your Presidential vote to count, write the Senate and urge them to vote "no" on House Bill 1299, the Popular Vote bill.
Monday, April 27, 2009
An American Hero
Here's a great story about a 19 year old American hero. Read the story here.
While some young Americans may be confused about their country and the values we cherish, many are not. And, many are willing to give their lives for something bigger than themselves.
This young man is such a hero.
While some young Americans may be confused about their country and the values we cherish, many are not. And, many are willing to give their lives for something bigger than themselves.
This young man is such a hero.
Its All About Character
By now, you have likely heard about the buzzing controversy regarding Miss California, Carrie Prejean and her comments regarding homosexual marriage.
This story is not about her comments per say nor the reactions of a misguided homosexual zealot. Instead its about the moral character of a young woman who stood fast in her belief.
While certain parts of today's toxic popular culture will try to crucify her and label her a bigot, Jesus exhorts us to rise above it. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus taught his disciples to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness."
Standing fast for godly beliefs, particularly the definition of marriage, will always be costly. But we need to keep in mind that we serve an eternal kingdom. We serve a God who will measure and test our faith and beliefs.
Carrie Prejean passed this test with flying colors. Here's the story.
This story is not about her comments per say nor the reactions of a misguided homosexual zealot. Instead its about the moral character of a young woman who stood fast in her belief.
While certain parts of today's toxic popular culture will try to crucify her and label her a bigot, Jesus exhorts us to rise above it. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus taught his disciples to "seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness."
Standing fast for godly beliefs, particularly the definition of marriage, will always be costly. But we need to keep in mind that we serve an eternal kingdom. We serve a God who will measure and test our faith and beliefs.
Carrie Prejean passed this test with flying colors. Here's the story.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The End of Christian America?
If you haven't seen it, find Newsweek's Jon Meacham's article, The End of Christian America, here.
Before you erupt, read the whole article. This article is based on the recently released survey, the American Religious Identification Study. Its nexus conclusion: that self-identified Christians had fallen 10 percentage points since 1990 from 86 percent of all Americans to 76 percent.
Troubling, yes. Catastrophic for American Christianity, no. In the first century of the Church, Christians were very much in the minority. Persecuted, discriminated and even murdered by the state, today's culture would appear to them as a garden of eden.
Here are three conclusions to ponder:
-Our nation is shedding much of its institutional Judeo-Christian heritage for what I fear will be the worse. This trek into a social wilderness, guided by post-modern thoughts and beliefs, may lead our nation into a cultural and social train wreck. The very liberties we enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of or from religion all stem from the Judeo-Christian worldview that our culture seems so eager to ditch.
-More than ever, America is a cornucopia of religious faiths and beliefs. Every world religion has found our shores and is flourishing-and that is good news. Cultures with strong religious values tend to flourish. America's resiliency against the trends of post-Christian socialist Europe is due to our religious bulwark. Nonetheless, America is at a low point in terms of Christian influence in the public square and the societal sense that Christianity offers the best solutions to the problems of life. My concern though is not so much with the political sphere or cultural influence but with the role of evangelism for the hearts and souls of men and women who are now more than ever distant from the Gospel.
-Finally, let's not lose hope. In his article, Mr. Meacham also suggests that this new situation is perhaps healthy for the church. To this extent I agree – the church's mission clarifies any time the distinction between the church and the world is made more evident. Our witness is to lovingly show non-Christians that they are not Christians and that believers need to be reminded that what sinners need is the Gospel of Christ, not merely the lingering morality of the Christian memory.
The great news for the Church is that God is responsible for fruit of our labors. Our role is to till the fields and sow the seed.
Before you erupt, read the whole article. This article is based on the recently released survey, the American Religious Identification Study. Its nexus conclusion: that self-identified Christians had fallen 10 percentage points since 1990 from 86 percent of all Americans to 76 percent.
Troubling, yes. Catastrophic for American Christianity, no. In the first century of the Church, Christians were very much in the minority. Persecuted, discriminated and even murdered by the state, today's culture would appear to them as a garden of eden.
Here are three conclusions to ponder:
-Our nation is shedding much of its institutional Judeo-Christian heritage for what I fear will be the worse. This trek into a social wilderness, guided by post-modern thoughts and beliefs, may lead our nation into a cultural and social train wreck. The very liberties we enjoy: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of or from religion all stem from the Judeo-Christian worldview that our culture seems so eager to ditch.
-More than ever, America is a cornucopia of religious faiths and beliefs. Every world religion has found our shores and is flourishing-and that is good news. Cultures with strong religious values tend to flourish. America's resiliency against the trends of post-Christian socialist Europe is due to our religious bulwark. Nonetheless, America is at a low point in terms of Christian influence in the public square and the societal sense that Christianity offers the best solutions to the problems of life. My concern though is not so much with the political sphere or cultural influence but with the role of evangelism for the hearts and souls of men and women who are now more than ever distant from the Gospel.
-Finally, let's not lose hope. In his article, Mr. Meacham also suggests that this new situation is perhaps healthy for the church. To this extent I agree – the church's mission clarifies any time the distinction between the church and the world is made more evident. Our witness is to lovingly show non-Christians that they are not Christians and that believers need to be reminded that what sinners need is the Gospel of Christ, not merely the lingering morality of the Christian memory.
The great news for the Church is that God is responsible for fruit of our labors. Our role is to till the fields and sow the seed.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A New Ice Age? Colorado Ski Resorts Trading in Snow for Sand...
This story makes me feel a chill.
Take note those of you who are convinced that global warming will soon make Colorado ski resorts beaches in the next decade
Front and center in today's Denver Post is a "chilling" article chronicling the demise of the coal-fired boiler at the k-12 public school in Silverton. I am not sure how many of you have ever ventured through this beautiful mountain town, nestled high in the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado. But, I have been there and I can tell you that its cold there even in the summer.
My point in all of this is not to make light of shivering kids dressed in parkas in their classrooms.
But, my point here is to shed a little reality in the midst of the global warming hysteria. This town has had record snowfall (roof-high according to several locals) this year.
Perhaps, we should put away the sun tan lotion and buy a snow shovel?
Take note those of you who are convinced that global warming will soon make Colorado ski resorts beaches in the next decade
Front and center in today's Denver Post is a "chilling" article chronicling the demise of the coal-fired boiler at the k-12 public school in Silverton. I am not sure how many of you have ever ventured through this beautiful mountain town, nestled high in the San Juan mountains of southern Colorado. But, I have been there and I can tell you that its cold there even in the summer.
My point in all of this is not to make light of shivering kids dressed in parkas in their classrooms.
But, my point here is to shed a little reality in the midst of the global warming hysteria. This town has had record snowfall (roof-high according to several locals) this year.
Perhaps, we should put away the sun tan lotion and buy a snow shovel?
Making Ends Meet-Balancing Colorado's Budget
Hello Governor Ritter...Ritter and his Democratic allies in the legislature just do not get it.
The latest chapter in the state budget saga is a dubious effort on the part of the state legislature to fill the budget shortfall by raiding a worker's compensation fund! Read a link here about this idea. By the way, if this scheme doesn't work, then plan B will be to plug the budget holes with federal stimulus money! (By the way, I thought the purpose of the stimulus was to create jobs?)
All over Colorado, most families are cutting their spending. Yet, our legislative majority, including the Democrats, continue to spend and tax. Guess who will carry that burden: you, the Colorado taxpayer.
Stayed tuned...
The latest chapter in the state budget saga is a dubious effort on the part of the state legislature to fill the budget shortfall by raiding a worker's compensation fund! Read a link here about this idea. By the way, if this scheme doesn't work, then plan B will be to plug the budget holes with federal stimulus money! (By the way, I thought the purpose of the stimulus was to create jobs?)
All over Colorado, most families are cutting their spending. Yet, our legislative majority, including the Democrats, continue to spend and tax. Guess who will carry that burden: you, the Colorado taxpayer.
Stayed tuned...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Last week, we commented on the firestorm that Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life made on the CNN show Larry King Live. Here is the link to that blog-http://rockymountainfamilycouncil.blogspot.com/2009/04/rick-warren-needs-to-resign.html
In fairness to Pastor Warren, his folks released the following statement, clarifying what Warren said. Here it is:
Throughout his pastoral ministry spanning nearly 30 years, Dr. Warren has remained committed to the biblical definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, for life — a position held by most fellow Evangelical pastors. He has further stressed that for 5,000 years, EVERY culture and EVERY religion has maintained this worldview.
When Dr. Warren told Larry King that he never campaigned for California’s Proposition 8, he was referring to not participating in the official two-year organized advocacy effort specific to the ballot initiative in that state, based on his focus and leadership on other compassion issues. Because he’s a pastor, not an activist, in response to inquiries from church members, he issued an email and video message to his congregation days before the election confirming where he and Saddleback Church stood on this issue.
During the King interview, Dr. Warren also referenced a letter of apology that he sent to gay leaders whom he knew personally. However, that mea culpa was not with respect to his statements or position on Proposition 8 nor the biblical worldview on marriage. Rather, he apologized for his comments in an earlier Beliefnet interview expressing his concern about expanding or redefining the definition of marriage beyond a husband-wife relationship, during which he unintentionally and regrettably gave the impression that consensual adult same sex relationships were equivalent to incest or pedophilia.
Okay. I say that in light of this information, Pastor Warren needs to be exonerated. We need to take his word that his apology to gay leaders was not a mea culpa for traditional marriage. However, engaging the secular media can be a quagmire and I think that's what happened here. All of us who have done this kind of work with the secular media can relate to Warren's experience.
In fairness to Pastor Warren, his folks released the following statement, clarifying what Warren said. Here it is:
Throughout his pastoral ministry spanning nearly 30 years, Dr. Warren has remained committed to the biblical definition of marriage as between one man and one woman, for life — a position held by most fellow Evangelical pastors. He has further stressed that for 5,000 years, EVERY culture and EVERY religion has maintained this worldview.
When Dr. Warren told Larry King that he never campaigned for California’s Proposition 8, he was referring to not participating in the official two-year organized advocacy effort specific to the ballot initiative in that state, based on his focus and leadership on other compassion issues. Because he’s a pastor, not an activist, in response to inquiries from church members, he issued an email and video message to his congregation days before the election confirming where he and Saddleback Church stood on this issue.
During the King interview, Dr. Warren also referenced a letter of apology that he sent to gay leaders whom he knew personally. However, that mea culpa was not with respect to his statements or position on Proposition 8 nor the biblical worldview on marriage. Rather, he apologized for his comments in an earlier Beliefnet interview expressing his concern about expanding or redefining the definition of marriage beyond a husband-wife relationship, during which he unintentionally and regrettably gave the impression that consensual adult same sex relationships were equivalent to incest or pedophilia.
Okay. I say that in light of this information, Pastor Warren needs to be exonerated. We need to take his word that his apology to gay leaders was not a mea culpa for traditional marriage. However, engaging the secular media can be a quagmire and I think that's what happened here. All of us who have done this kind of work with the secular media can relate to Warren's experience.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Rick Warren Needs to Resign
Monday night's edition of Larry King Live was a black-eye event for the marriage movement.
Larry King's guest was mega-church Pastor Rick Warren, invocator at the Obama inauguration.
During his interview, Warren committed an embarrassing mea culpa, renouncing his support for Proposition 8, the voter approved California constitutional amendment banning homosexual marriage.
If you flip the pages back to last fall though, Warren was an ardent supporter. Here's the link for the whole ugly story.
Wow. This one blind-sided me. It saddens me that a pastor of such national prominence commits an embarassing mea culpa on a national show like Larry King. I am hopeful that Pastor Warren had a "deer in the headlights" moment and misspoke.
If he has truly recanted his support for biblical marriage, he needs to resign from his church.
Larry King's guest was mega-church Pastor Rick Warren, invocator at the Obama inauguration.
During his interview, Warren committed an embarrassing mea culpa, renouncing his support for Proposition 8, the voter approved California constitutional amendment banning homosexual marriage.
If you flip the pages back to last fall though, Warren was an ardent supporter. Here's the link for the whole ugly story.
Wow. This one blind-sided me. It saddens me that a pastor of such national prominence commits an embarassing mea culpa on a national show like Larry King. I am hopeful that Pastor Warren had a "deer in the headlights" moment and misspoke.
If he has truly recanted his support for biblical marriage, he needs to resign from his church.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Respect the "King"
You know that its going to be an interesting day when God hits you between the eyes on one of your shortcomings. One of the things that I know is that when God wants my attention, His Word leaps off the page at me. Today was such a case...
I have struggled greatly with the election of President Obama. I have written here and have spoken elsewhere of my convictions towards this end. I still believe that he is unfit and unqualified to lead our nation.
However, today's scripture in my personal devotions steered me to 1 Peter 2:13-17. In particular, verse 13 and 17 jumped at me. These verses are not opaque, and I quote: "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men...show proper respect to everyone. Honor the king."
Ouch! For whatever eternal purposes, God has ordained Barack Obama as our nation's president and top ruling authority for now. The recipients of Peter's letter had similiar yet more severe struggles in the first century with their ruling authorities. It was common place for Christians then to be brutally executed, denied economic benefits and in general, marginalized from the society at large.
Peter's point here hits the nail on the head. Subjecting myself and respecting the ruling authority of President Obama is not just an exercise in futile servitude or blind obedience. We do it for the Lord's sake (verse 13). God wants me to respect the governing authorities he has placed in power. Its a matter of obedience and witness.
We live in a time where its sheik to diss our political leaders. The blogs, the internet and the cable news networks pump this poision 24/7. But, Scripture tells us to take a different tact. Respect and honor the king just as we would respect and honor the King of Heaven. We don't need to agree with Obama's policies but we need to avoid disrespect and dishonorable acts.
Your thoughts?
I have struggled greatly with the election of President Obama. I have written here and have spoken elsewhere of my convictions towards this end. I still believe that he is unfit and unqualified to lead our nation.
However, today's scripture in my personal devotions steered me to 1 Peter 2:13-17. In particular, verse 13 and 17 jumped at me. These verses are not opaque, and I quote: "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men...show proper respect to everyone. Honor the king."
Ouch! For whatever eternal purposes, God has ordained Barack Obama as our nation's president and top ruling authority for now. The recipients of Peter's letter had similiar yet more severe struggles in the first century with their ruling authorities. It was common place for Christians then to be brutally executed, denied economic benefits and in general, marginalized from the society at large.
Peter's point here hits the nail on the head. Subjecting myself and respecting the ruling authority of President Obama is not just an exercise in futile servitude or blind obedience. We do it for the Lord's sake (verse 13). God wants me to respect the governing authorities he has placed in power. Its a matter of obedience and witness.
We live in a time where its sheik to diss our political leaders. The blogs, the internet and the cable news networks pump this poision 24/7. But, Scripture tells us to take a different tact. Respect and honor the king just as we would respect and honor the King of Heaven. We don't need to agree with Obama's policies but we need to avoid disrespect and dishonorable acts.
Your thoughts?
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Passing Out Condoms in Church? Give Me A Break...
What do you think about the latest idea in "church growth?" One denomination believes that condoms should be available to churchgoers in the United Church of Christ denomination.
Here's the link.
Recently, the HIV and AIDS Network of the United Church of Christ (UCC) said condoms should be handed out at places of worship. The statement was issued during a presentation to the denomination's Wider Church Ministries Board and also advocated making condoms available at faith-based educational settings...What they forget is that condom distribution is akin to fuel on a fire. By giving folks condoms you give them society's tacit permission to engage in illicit sexual relationships.
Calling it the denomination's "moral responsibility" to make condoms available, the UCC's executive for health and wellness advocacy said "people of faith make condoms available because we have chosen life so that we and our children may live...Another little ugly fact is that condoms often fail in preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
I guess I just live in a different universe. Besides the obvious "bad message" that will be sent to the youth of these churches, its the low regard these churches have for the capacity of folks to chose abstinence or marriage.
The sad fact remains that the United Church of Christ has completely broken away now its historic Puritan roots. The forefathers of this historic denomination must be rolling over in their graves.
Here's the link.
Recently, the HIV and AIDS Network of the United Church of Christ (UCC) said condoms should be handed out at places of worship. The statement was issued during a presentation to the denomination's Wider Church Ministries Board and also advocated making condoms available at faith-based educational settings...What they forget is that condom distribution is akin to fuel on a fire. By giving folks condoms you give them society's tacit permission to engage in illicit sexual relationships.
Calling it the denomination's "moral responsibility" to make condoms available, the UCC's executive for health and wellness advocacy said "people of faith make condoms available because we have chosen life so that we and our children may live...Another little ugly fact is that condoms often fail in preventing sexually transmitted diseases.
I guess I just live in a different universe. Besides the obvious "bad message" that will be sent to the youth of these churches, its the low regard these churches have for the capacity of folks to chose abstinence or marriage.
The sad fact remains that the United Church of Christ has completely broken away now its historic Puritan roots. The forefathers of this historic denomination must be rolling over in their graves.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Obama's Cap and Trade Scheme: More Taxes for Your Family
You need to know about the latest Obama plan to raise your taxes. This is another bad idea.
Here's the link.
The bottomline: this will raise your family costs and taxes. The climate change science behind it is dubious at best.
Just remember that Denver got 14-16 inches of snow!
Here's the link.
The bottomline: this will raise your family costs and taxes. The climate change science behind it is dubious at best.
Just remember that Denver got 14-16 inches of snow!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Kids May Get New "Rights" From United Nations
This has not been a good month.It seems that everywhere you look, anti-family, anti-life forces are on the march.
The latest is the resurrection of a new international treaty from the United Nations. This treaty would enshrine children's rights internationally. This is a Clinton-era relic which had been moth-balled since the late 1990's. Here's a good link for more information.
For some Utopians it sounds like shangri-la, but it's flaws are numerous:
-Creates a government agency to supervise parents and to ensure that children are given the opportunity to have binding arbitration to resolve disputes. You have to love this one. For example, your minor daughter wants to have sex and you say no. Hypothetically, she could sue you and be given that freedom. Access to abortion, religious freedom and any other issue could be arbitrated. Essentially, children would be owned by the state and indoctrinated in state ideology. Parents would become temporary custodians of their children.
-Imposes upon "national governments to ensure children's rights and that they have agreed to hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the international community." Yikes. What kind of international "supervision" will that entail? Ever heard of "Big Brother?"
This radical treaty pushes child autonomy. Its bad news for our nation, for parents and children.
The latest is the resurrection of a new international treaty from the United Nations. This treaty would enshrine children's rights internationally. This is a Clinton-era relic which had been moth-balled since the late 1990's. Here's a good link for more information.
For some Utopians it sounds like shangri-la, but it's flaws are numerous:
-Creates a government agency to supervise parents and to ensure that children are given the opportunity to have binding arbitration to resolve disputes. You have to love this one. For example, your minor daughter wants to have sex and you say no. Hypothetically, she could sue you and be given that freedom. Access to abortion, religious freedom and any other issue could be arbitrated. Essentially, children would be owned by the state and indoctrinated in state ideology. Parents would become temporary custodians of their children.
-Imposes upon "national governments to ensure children's rights and that they have agreed to hold themselves accountable for this commitment before the international community." Yikes. What kind of international "supervision" will that entail? Ever heard of "Big Brother?"
This radical treaty pushes child autonomy. Its bad news for our nation, for parents and children.
Why Colorado Senate Bill 88 Is A Bad Idea
Health care is not a civil right. The "list" of civil rights are based on immutability, in essence those personal characteristics which cannot be changed: eye-color, gender, height and ethnicity. Martin Luther King advocated that civil rights embraced concepts such as liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of worship, freedom of speech, economic prosperity for all. Our nation's founders would agree.
The latest Colorado advent of "civil rights" for homosexuals is encapsulated in Senate Bill 88 which is working its way to Governor Ritter's desk. Here's its synopsis:
For state employee group benefit plans issued or renewed on or
after July 1, 2010, adds a state employee's domestic partner to the list of
dependents eligible for coverage under state employee group benefit
plans. Defines "domestic partner" for purposes of qualifying as the
dependent of a state employee.
Here are several problems:
-This new law will cost a lot of money for a small group of folks. Budget experts estimate that taxpayers will be charged nearly $120,000 in its first year of implementation in 2011. I don't want my tax dollars ensuring this high-risk community.
-In 2006, Colorado voters overwhelmingly defeated Referendum I. This referendum would have given homosexuals these same benefits. By legislative fiat, homosexuals and their Democratic legislative allies are trying to accomplish this despite the will of voters.
If passed, expect this same cabal to attempt to force this concept in the Colorado private business community in 2010.
The latest Colorado advent of "civil rights" for homosexuals is encapsulated in Senate Bill 88 which is working its way to Governor Ritter's desk. Here's its synopsis:
For state employee group benefit plans issued or renewed on or
after July 1, 2010, adds a state employee's domestic partner to the list of
dependents eligible for coverage under state employee group benefit
plans. Defines "domestic partner" for purposes of qualifying as the
dependent of a state employee.
Here are several problems:
-This new law will cost a lot of money for a small group of folks. Budget experts estimate that taxpayers will be charged nearly $120,000 in its first year of implementation in 2011. I don't want my tax dollars ensuring this high-risk community.
-In 2006, Colorado voters overwhelmingly defeated Referendum I. This referendum would have given homosexuals these same benefits. By legislative fiat, homosexuals and their Democratic legislative allies are trying to accomplish this despite the will of voters.
If passed, expect this same cabal to attempt to force this concept in the Colorado private business community in 2010.
Friday, March 20, 2009
2007 Brings Record Number of Babies
2007 was a fertile year for American women having babies.
Thursday's issue of the USA Today reported a baby boom!
In 2007, 4.3 million new babes were born to American women, reaching near historic levels. Opinions for this surge vary among pediatric experts. But one chilling aspect of this story is the huge increase of babies born to unwed mothers.
Childbearing by unwed mothers accounted for nearly 40 percent of total birth- about 1.7 million. Since 2002, birth rates have dramatically accelerated among unwed mothers, dispelling much of the taboos of having children out of wedlock.
The group having the most kids out of wedlock-young women aged 20-24.
These numbers are cause for great concern. One of the highest predictors of poverty are families headed by a single parent, more often than not by women. While many of these mom's may have the income stream to support their new child or a live-in boyfriend, there remains the glaring fact that many kids will slip into impoverished homes.
This story proves again the value of marriage. Children thrive in a married home with both of their biological parents. Married families have higher income, lower levels of mental health issues, more stabilit and less domestic violence.
Thursday's issue of the USA Today reported a baby boom!
In 2007, 4.3 million new babes were born to American women, reaching near historic levels. Opinions for this surge vary among pediatric experts. But one chilling aspect of this story is the huge increase of babies born to unwed mothers.
Childbearing by unwed mothers accounted for nearly 40 percent of total birth- about 1.7 million. Since 2002, birth rates have dramatically accelerated among unwed mothers, dispelling much of the taboos of having children out of wedlock.
The group having the most kids out of wedlock-young women aged 20-24.
These numbers are cause for great concern. One of the highest predictors of poverty are families headed by a single parent, more often than not by women. While many of these mom's may have the income stream to support their new child or a live-in boyfriend, there remains the glaring fact that many kids will slip into impoverished homes.
This story proves again the value of marriage. Children thrive in a married home with both of their biological parents. Married families have higher income, lower levels of mental health issues, more stabilit and less domestic violence.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Taxing Colorado Marriages
A bad piece of Colorado public policy is making its way through the 2009 state legislature.
Senate bill 68 would impose a $20 tax on new marriage licenses in Colorado, to fund domestic violence programs.
This is a bad idea on a couple of fronts. First, marriage is an antidote to domestic violence. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) notes that the vast majority of violent domestic incidents are among live-in boyfriends and girlfriends. When couples marry, they make an emotional and physical investment for the long-term, reducing the risk of domestic violence. This hedge is not present in cohabiting relationships. And, the DV (domestic violence) factor increase exponentially if children are included into the cohabitation mix. Imposing this type of tax sends a subtle and false message: if folks didn't marry domestic violence would end.
RMFC supports DV programs. But taxing the societal entity that bulwarks against this behavior is the wrong policy road to travel down. Engaged couples don't need additional tax burdens imposed by the state. Instead, we need to encourage more couples to take the right step by marrying.
Perhaps a tax break to marry would be a better idea.
Everyone wins in this equation.
Let the sponsor of this bill, State Senator John Morse know your views at 303-866-6363.
Second
Senate bill 68 would impose a $20 tax on new marriage licenses in Colorado, to fund domestic violence programs.
This is a bad idea on a couple of fronts. First, marriage is an antidote to domestic violence. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) notes that the vast majority of violent domestic incidents are among live-in boyfriends and girlfriends. When couples marry, they make an emotional and physical investment for the long-term, reducing the risk of domestic violence. This hedge is not present in cohabiting relationships. And, the DV (domestic violence) factor increase exponentially if children are included into the cohabitation mix. Imposing this type of tax sends a subtle and false message: if folks didn't marry domestic violence would end.
RMFC supports DV programs. But taxing the societal entity that bulwarks against this behavior is the wrong policy road to travel down. Engaged couples don't need additional tax burdens imposed by the state. Instead, we need to encourage more couples to take the right step by marrying.
Perhaps a tax break to marry would be a better idea.
Everyone wins in this equation.
Let the sponsor of this bill, State Senator John Morse know your views at 303-866-6363.
Second
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