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31 Words - JFK, Jesus and Me

11/25/2013

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I'm a student of history.  This past week, America paused to remember a truly historical event -  the assassination of our 35th President.  Today, President Kennedy would be vilified by the progressive agenda.  He supported low taxes, a strong military defense and lessening one's dependence on government.  I would have supported Kennedy, even though dare I say it, he belonged to the Democratic Party.  And I still support his vision today.  

On May 25, 1961, JFK said the following in his speech to a joint session of Congress:  "These are extraordinary times. And we face an extraordinary challenge. Our strength as well as our convictions have imposed upon this nation the role of leader in freedom's cause. No role in history could be more difficult or more important. We stand for freedom."  Fifty years ago, America's enemy was the Soviet Union and I would argue, also itself.  This speech outlined new defense spending in order to combat the Soviets.  But this line near the end of the speech did more to fight the Soviets and help America out the doldrums than any amount of ammo could buy: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

At the time, putting a man on the moon seemed technologically impossible.  Today, we are asking why we haven't been to Mars yet?  JFK put a goal out there for America. He made Americans start believing in themselves. It was genius.  By asking us to do the impossible, he allowed Americans to dream.  He urged them to come together for a common goal.  He urged them to put aside their differences and change the course of the country.  Most importantly, he gave us hope that America's best days have yet to be realized --- in just 31 words.

Somewhere between 1969, when we landed on the moon and today, we have seemed to have lost hope in America and ourselves.  We have become embittered, embattled and bloating with so much debt and turmoil that all hope seems lost in this once proud and prosperous country.

1 Peter 3:15 - in just 31 words - gives us hope that America's best days have yet to be realized as well as giving us (and me) a blueprint for the future by saying, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in."

As a Christian, my hope lies in the fact that I can live in the presence of God eternally because Jesus sacrificed Himself, defeated death and rose from grave allowing me to no longer be separated from God because of my sinful nature.   Verse 15 tells me to honor Christ when people ask me why I have hope.  To honor Christ means to "not by grab folks by the collar and yelling "Sinner!" in their faces, but rather with a gentle, well-reasoned answer from the Scriptures." Likewise, as verse 16 goes on to say, "(but) do this in a gentle and respectful way."

What bothers me about most of today's politicians is that no one respects anyone or their points of view should they differ.  They are too busy condemning each other instead of putting all differences aside in order to solve the nation's, the state's or the local government's problems.

Whether or not you are a Christian, you should be able to agree with me that for us to be hopeful at this country, we should take a page from Jesus and come together in a "gentle and respectful way."  Bitterness, anger and resentment should be checked at the door.

Should the right situation warrant itself and I do indeed run for public office, I will take a page from both JFK and Jesus in giving hope to people.  I will not preach to people, rather I will treat each voter and constituent with respect and honor - one at a time.  And, the number 31 will be a part of my campaign literature as a reminder to me and the citizens that changing a country begins by first giving each person hope.   

Empowering the individual to do good will change Washington --- not empowering one party over the other.

31 Words - JFK, Jesus and You.  Sounds like a recipe for a movement.  Doesn't it?

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I've Answered My Own Question (part two)

11/14/2013

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1 Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

In part one, I told you that I thought David grabbed five stones to slay the giant because he wanted to be prepared.  I thought "preparation" was the answer to the question of why David went armed with five stones as opposed to one.  After all, one is all that it needed to bring down Goliath.  However, I missed the second part of the answer.  Let me explain.  

The Apostle Paul wrote to the city of Corinth, "...run in such a way as to get the prize."  In those days in Corinth, the Isthmian games were held, which were similar to the Olympics in Greece.  Because of these games, the believers in Corinth knew all about competition and running races.  Paul used their familiarity with races as a teaching moment.

When a runner would enter these games, his goal would be to win the race.  I am sure that the runners entering the race prepared for the games in the months leading up to the event itself.  Their preparation must have involved laser-like focus in order to win.  On race day, the runner most likely stretched, ate well and rested prior to the event.  In other words, they went the extra mile so that they would be able to be focused on the prize because they were confident in their preparation.

Now back to David.  He picked up five stones to be prepared.  However, the second reason he picked up five stones as opposed to one was that his focus was on the prize - defeat Goliath.  Although he may have prepared for his battle, he also had to keep focus on the prize by being confident.  His confidence of having more than enough stones allowed him to focus on the prize.  David was in the battle to win.  There was no turning back.

If I ever choose to run for any political office, I will take a page from David by being prepared for battle.  And, when I make the decision to run, I will be in the race to win it.

Believe - in yourself and your God-given abilities by
Act(ing) - on those abilities by finding ways to use them for good and
Serv(ing)- others in your home, neighborhood, community and nation

No that I have answered one of my questions to God, I still have the one about Noah's ark.

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I've Answered My Own Question (part one)

11/11/2013

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I Samuel 17:40 "Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."

When I get to heaven, I hope that I will be able to have a press conference with God so that a couple of questions that have nagged me can be answered.  One of those questions is about Noah's Ark.  Specifically, how did Noah and his family fit all of those animals in the ark?  My theory is that the animals (male and female of the same species) were not fully grown.  In other words, one could fit, uh, squeeze more smaller animals into the ark than fully grown ones.

Another question I would pose to the Creator of the Universe is "... why did David choose five stones to slay Goliath?"  If he had God behind him, why not just choose one?  After all, the giant went down with one stone to the head.

This past Friday night, I was engaged in conversation with someone whose opinion I value.  We were discussing how a person with little to no political experience could win an election and make a positive mark in politics.  She uttered this comment during our chat, "Tim. What I'm beginning to like about you is that you are all about preparation."  

The danger when you believe that you are being called to do something is to take that calling and run with it -- without taking a step back to assess the parts that you will need in order to be successful in that calling.  The writer of Proverbs 24:27 puts it this way: "Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house."  In other words, prepare a good base so that all of the necessities and contingencies are secure, then move toward what is desirable or toward your calling.

Which takes me back to David.  While David was confident that God would help him slay Goliath, David also may have thought that it would take more than one stone to bring the giant slamming to the ground.  Also, David may have thought that other Philistines would try and attack him during his battle with the giant, so therefore, not to be over confident, he grabbed more stones to cover all bases, obstacles and situations.

God gives all of us the ability to do battle every day.  However, it is up to us to individually to prepare accordingly to overcome all hurdles.

David wanted to be prepared.  He crossed all the T's, dotted all the I's.   
So I guess I answered the question I wanted to pose to God about why David choose five stones rather than one.  Or did it?  Look for part two soon.

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Christian [r]epublicanism

11/6/2013

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 A little "r" republican subscribes to the "... theory of government in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and exercised by representatives they elect directly or indirectly... and it is also closely connected to the idea of civic virtue, the responsibility citizens owe to their republic..." 

The big "R" Republican Party subscribes to the first part, but fails in the second part when talking about citizens taking responsibility for their republic.

Republicans seemingly are against welfare benefits to its citizens, being against abortion and hostile toward the homosexual community.  First, let me be clear.  I am pro-life.  I believe life begins at conception.    Second, I am saddened by the number of welfare recipients in this nation.  Third, we are all God's children.

However, as a Christian, if I am pro-life in the womb, I must also pro-life after delivery.  If we are counseling women to deliver their babies, then we must "man-up" and face the reality that these babies need shelter and food - for life.  In other words, as a Christian nation, we cannot turn our backs on these children that we fought for in the first place.  Moreover, if I am to help these children and the poor, I also must allow some of my taxes to help feed them.

In today's political world, Democrats and Republicans fight over the government's role in supporting these children.  Democrats will argue that it is government's responsibility so they continue to expand the government.  The perception is that the Democrats are trying to help.  By voting to cut food stamps, the Republicans are perceived to be the party that turns their back on the poor.  In some respects, I agree with that perception. 

Republicans can win this battle of perception if they begin by ...  


1.     Going into the poor communities, extending an olive branch and spreading Jesus and Love
2.     Be willing to accept paying more taxes if you want to say that you protect life
3.     Assisting people in finding jobs to get them off of welfare
4.     Helping them sign up for Obamacare
5.     Teaching them the virtue of self-esteem and dependence on one self rather than the government

6.     Educating them on life skills, such as keeping a checkbook and paying bills

Let's be honest.  The federal government has assumed the role of the Christian [r]epublican.  The supreme power is the government.  However, as Christian [r]epublicans, we need to take the power back.

Christian [r]epublicans, it is time to stop arguing and fighting this battle publically.  If you are truly a Christian and are truly a [r]epublican, then start by taking care of those in your midst - privately.  You can do this and stand your ground on your principles.  Over time, government will shrink because government will have fewer people in need of assistance.  It takes time, I know.  Until then, starting spreading the Love.  In the end, we all win. 

I'm not sure if I am a big "R" Republican anymore.  I'm not sure what they collectively stand for in 2013.  Maybe I am really a Democrat because I want to serve others.  I don't know. What I do know is that the message of Christian [r]epublicanism must be championed.  We need to take this message to the streets.  And this message, transcends political parties. 
 



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Law of the Land

11/3/2013

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I've heard the argument recently that because the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is the law of the land, those who oppose this law should be silent.   My opposition to this law is rooted in the principle that the federal government should not force its citizenry to purchase a product, such as health insurance.  But I digress.

Those who applaud Obamacare are critical of those who don't like it based upon this notion: Congress passed legislation that was signed by the President and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.  So therefore, since this act made its way through the proper channels, we as Americans should not try and change it -- after all, it is the law of the land.  In other words, take your medicine and go home. 

Our country's laws have been enacted, changed, modified and repealed countless times since its inception 200 plus years ago.  The founding fathers were brilliant in having Congress run for re-election every two years because the lower chamber had to answer directly to the people for their actions.  In other words, if a rogue Congress pushed though bad legislation, the next Congress, only two years later, was able to "right that wrong".

If we do not agree with a specific law, does that mean we cannot do anything in trying to repeal it, change it, modify it or voice concerns to it?  Absolutely not.  This line of archaic reasoning would have never lead to the following:

•   Abolition of Slavery
•   Civil Rights
•   Safer Automobiles
•   Megan's Law

I am not critical of those citizens that voice their favor to laws that I oppose.   Moreover, I'm not critical of those citizens that voice their opposition to laws that I favor. But please, take your own medicine: when people voice their opinions on a law you favor, don't tell them to be quiet because it is the law of the land.  

We fought a revolution over a king and a parliament that imposed laws onto the colonies.  If the colonies would have taken the "its the law of the land" attitude, the United States would look totally different today.

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      Take a Journey with Me.

    "I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.  If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant." - Galatians 1:10

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