George Offerman
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” 1 Timothy 6:10
The above verse goes a long way into explaining the current times we live in. One may want to dispute what the above verse means, and split hairs over the Greek and Hebrew translations of the words, but I don’t believe any intelligent person would dispute how money is loved in our society, and it is pursued without abandon by the majority. More people believe their problems would be solved and they would be happier if they had a million dollars, versus having a deeper understanding of God and living a meaningful life. It is no wonder things like the lottery system, game shows that give away a million dollar prize, the pursuit of certain jobs and careers mainly for the pay are in vogue.
Money is a very emotional subject for most people, and it is about the only ‘absolute’ left in our society (that we acknowledge at least). Everyone understands what a dollar is, and everyone understands at least enough basic math to know if one spends more than he takes in, he is in deficit, and likewise, spending less than one takes in creates a surplus. A surplus brings about prosperity and an enlargement of opportunity as it frees capital and deficits brings about poverty as it shrinks opportunity by virtue that more debt requires more capital to be directed towards interest payments. This then takes away from one’s ability to either save, or to increase any opportunity to improve one’s condition.
This issue creates a great deal of emotion, as money becomes a very accurate score card of one’s character, and most people who run chronic deficits, also run chronic anxiety and problems that do not get better. Many of these people falling into this category, don’t like to tell themselves ‘no’ when wanting to spend more than they have, as they believe they ‘deserve this now’. Gratification delay is a foreign concept for many of these individuals. Negative cash flow brings about many problems, and at some point, when it becomes apparent that the individual no longer possesses the ability to pay back the debt, their credit is cut off, and the individual ‘crashes and burns’. Very emotional issues, indeed.
This is exactly what is happening to our country. We have surpassed our ability to pay back our debt, and soon we will not even have the ability to pay the INTEREST on our debt. How have we allowed ourselves to get in such a predicament? By believing we have a right to all of the goodies we demand regardless of the costs. These politicians are able to get away with deficit spending, because the electorate participates in the same behavior, and like is to like. We elect our own, and as long as there are groups that are promised the fruits of another’s labor, these clowns will continue to get into office. “It doesn’t matter if the country is going to hell, as long as I get mine, life is good.”
Well, the rest of the world is painfully aware of this predicament, and have been making moves to get out of the dollar. This is happening in earnest, and is increasing daily. We have seen the Chinese using their massive U.S. Treasury holdings, buying as many natural resources and companies as they can without making waves large enough to crash the treasury market. We see many of the OPEC countries de pegging the dollar from oil, thus bypassing the need to purchase and own dollars. Japan, another large purchaser of treasuries, now needs cash to recover from the earthquake tragedy, and will not be participating in future purchases of our toxic debt. They will end up being net sellers of treasuries to rebuild, and thus will be putting downward pressure on demands for our debt.
There are numerous other examples of the world players getting out of the dollar, and I will leave that up to the reader to pursue. But make no mistake: we are on the verge of catastrophic economic collapse due to the demise of the dollar. The incompetent, inbred idiots known as the money powers, who engineered this, will attempt to get off Scott free, and will want to blame those who actually made preparations for these times. Biblically speaking, it is a simple task to see what happens when money is the central object of love and worship: all kinds of evil results and evil can only occur with human and/or demonic efforts. If one really wants to know what is going on, simply follow the money, and it will lead right to the doorstep of the evil doers. Now, who is willing to do this?
The money trail has been written about by numerous credible authors and researchers for several decades now. Many of the events these writers have discussed has occurred almost exactly as predicted, and what is coming out now is much more sinister and dark than what I have written. The signs are everywhere and the dam cannot stand much longer, as the holes are larger and more water is escaping. Those in the valley need to take notice, because the impending flood is on the verge of becoming an extremely nasty and lethal reality for many. Laugh and scoff all you want, but don’t say you weren’t warned.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
RACISM
George Offerman
It is unfortunate that many who will read the following will want to label me ‘racist’. Well, I am very aware as to how I see human beings regardless of color, heritage, creed or religion. I also know I write this blog for all people to read, and if there is any prejudism I am guilty of it is against the willfully ignorant. If all of the ‘isms’ we now worship and force onto people were equally enforced, Michael Richards would simply be ranting. However, since they are not, the points that Michael Richards makes are 100% valid.
I believe it was Rush Limbaugh that stated a ‘liberal is a conservative who has not been mugged yet”. It is rather humorous that the leading ‘progressives’ in our culture ‘ram it’ to the majority, but if they happen to cross a line, such as Michael Richards did in his stand up act, they learn a very painful lesson: progressives will eat their own if it promotes their cause. However, progressives believe there CANNOT be racism directed at whites, no matter what the circumstances. Very fair, ain’t they?
Michael Richards makes his
point................
Michael Richards better
known as Kramer from TVs Seinfeld does make a good point.
This was his defense speech
in court after making racial comments in his comedy act. He makes
some very interesting points...
Someone finally said
it. How many are actually paying attention to this? There are
African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans,
etc.
And then there are just Americans.
You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction.
You call me:
'White boy,'
'Cracker,'
'Honkey,'
'Whitey,'
'Caveman'
... and that's OK..
But if I call you, Nigger,
Kike, Towel head, Sand-nigger, Camel Jockey, Beaner, Gook, or Chink .. You
call me a racist.
You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you... so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live?
You have the United Negro College Fund.
You have Martin Luther King Day..
You have Black History
Month.
You have Cesar Chavez Day.
You have Yom Hashoah.
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi.
You have the NAACP.
You have BET....
If we had WET (White Entertainment Television), we'd be racists.
If we had a White Pride Day, you would call us racists..
If we had White History Month,
we'd be racists.
If we had any organization
for only whites to 'advance' OUR lives, we'd be racists.
We have a Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and then we just have the plain
Chamber of Commerce.
Wonder who pays for that?
A white woman could not be in the Miss Black American pageant, but any color can be in the Miss
America pageant.
If we had a college fund
that only gave white students scholarships.. You know we'd be racists.
There are over 60 openly
proclaimed Black Colleges in the US .. Yet if there were 'White colleges', that would be a racist college.
In the Million Man March,
you believed that you were marching for your race and rights.
If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.
You are proud to be black,
brown, yellow and orange, and you're not afraid to announce it. But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists.
You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us.
But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug dealer running from the law and posing a threat to society,
you call him a racist.
I am proud....
But you call me a racist.
Why is it that only whites
can be racists?
There is nothing wrong or improper about this e-mail.. Let's see which of you are proud enough to send it on. I sadly don't think many will.
That's why we have LOST most of OUR RIGHTS in this country.
We won't stand up for ourselves!
BE PROUD TO BE WHITE!
It's not a crime YET...
but getting very close!
We are all meant to be what God made us to be. There is no such thing as a ‘protected group’ standing in God’s eyes, other than the weak and infirmed, and we are instructed to take care of them. So, for those who want to see color in everything, get your own blinders off and deal with reality.
It is unfortunate that many who will read the following will want to label me ‘racist’. Well, I am very aware as to how I see human beings regardless of color, heritage, creed or religion. I also know I write this blog for all people to read, and if there is any prejudism I am guilty of it is against the willfully ignorant. If all of the ‘isms’ we now worship and force onto people were equally enforced, Michael Richards would simply be ranting. However, since they are not, the points that Michael Richards makes are 100% valid.
I believe it was Rush Limbaugh that stated a ‘liberal is a conservative who has not been mugged yet”. It is rather humorous that the leading ‘progressives’ in our culture ‘ram it’ to the majority, but if they happen to cross a line, such as Michael Richards did in his stand up act, they learn a very painful lesson: progressives will eat their own if it promotes their cause. However, progressives believe there CANNOT be racism directed at whites, no matter what the circumstances. Very fair, ain’t they?
Michael Richards makes his
point................
Michael Richards better
known as Kramer from TVs Seinfeld does make a good point.
This was his defense speech
in court after making racial comments in his comedy act. He makes
some very interesting points...
Someone finally said
it. How many are actually paying attention to this? There are
African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans,
etc.
And then there are just Americans.
You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction.
You call me:
'White boy,'
'Cracker,'
'Honkey,'
'Whitey,'
'Caveman'
... and that's OK..
But if I call you, Nigger,
Kike, Towel head, Sand-nigger, Camel Jockey, Beaner, Gook, or Chink .. You
call me a racist.
You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you... so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live?
You have the United Negro College Fund.
You have Martin Luther King Day..
You have Black History
Month.
You have Cesar Chavez Day.
You have Yom Hashoah.
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi.
You have the NAACP.
You have BET....
If we had WET (White Entertainment Television), we'd be racists.
If we had a White Pride Day, you would call us racists..
If we had White History Month,
we'd be racists.
If we had any organization
for only whites to 'advance' OUR lives, we'd be racists.
We have a Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and then we just have the plain
Chamber of Commerce.
Wonder who pays for that?
A white woman could not be in the Miss Black American pageant, but any color can be in the Miss
America pageant.
If we had a college fund
that only gave white students scholarships.. You know we'd be racists.
There are over 60 openly
proclaimed Black Colleges in the US .. Yet if there were 'White colleges', that would be a racist college.
In the Million Man March,
you believed that you were marching for your race and rights.
If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.
You are proud to be black,
brown, yellow and orange, and you're not afraid to announce it. But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists.
You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us.
But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug dealer running from the law and posing a threat to society,
you call him a racist.
I am proud....
But you call me a racist.
Why is it that only whites
can be racists?
There is nothing wrong or improper about this e-mail.. Let's see which of you are proud enough to send it on. I sadly don't think many will.
That's why we have LOST most of OUR RIGHTS in this country.
We won't stand up for ourselves!
BE PROUD TO BE WHITE!
It's not a crime YET...
but getting very close!
We are all meant to be what God made us to be. There is no such thing as a ‘protected group’ standing in God’s eyes, other than the weak and infirmed, and we are instructed to take care of them. So, for those who want to see color in everything, get your own blinders off and deal with reality.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
THE MATRIX WE LIVE IN
George Offerman
When thinking about these times we live in, it seems so surreal that sometimes I have to wonder if what I am seeing can be real. There is such a dichotomy of events and happenings and it seems one must have to be experiencing cognitive dissonance in order to make it through a ‘normal’ day, as if the word normal has any meaning anymore. Just when it seems like things cannot get worse, something worse happens and it is spun somehow as a positive thing in some instances, and by others, seen as an evil, and the event is utilized to take advantage of the masses to instill yet more control and regulation over our lives. What is more incredible, is how the vast majority out there accept this as ‘normal’ and put little to no thought into it.
“The Matrix” is one of my all time favorite movies. Released in 1999, it depicted a future time in which the human race was controlled by machines, with chips implanted in their brains to control all of their reality, and thermal energy created by the body was used as an energy source. The vast majority of the people had no idea about the matrix, and only a few had some understandings of the powers that lie just out of sight. Those that attempted to explain the Matrix to the lead character Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) could not use a language that would spell out the reality of the matrix, and the only way for Neo to understand this reality was to see it for himself:
"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."
Our current system needs to be seen for what it is: corrupt. Unfortunately there are too many that want to walk around blinded by their own biases and mistaken beliefs that all is right, or that things will get better, as if by a magical power. Our system is run by those who do not have our best interests in mind, and this is evidenced by the continual propagation of trillions of debt being created and shoveled towards our citizenry to pay off. Up is down, right is wrong, freedom is slavery and increasingly stormy times are being sold as clear blue skies and happy times are coming soon.
"The Matrix is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth."
"What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad."
I have had too many of my clients come in and make statements nearly verbatim of the two listed above. Many exchange the word matrix for government, bureaucracy, or even certain individuals in their lives. I have also heard and witnessed large increases in anxiety over ‘world events’ and themes of a common dread of a bleak future by people of all ages and social stratification. Like the line in the movie, most ‘cannot put their finger’ on the problems, but have a deep foreboding about the future, and know things are very wrong in the world. The problem is, many do not want to take this matter to its logical conclusion, and find the first cause in the matter.
"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill -- the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill -- you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes."
It takes guts and perseverance to look at the state of things as they are, and to formulate a picture of where we are going. Many want to believe they have opted for the red pill, and are fed the pabulum passed out by the matrix, but have really taken the blue pill, and continue on in their world of make believe in which the government will take care of their problems, and some one else will ride to the rescue when TSHTF. Being awake at this late hour will lead one to the conclusion that we are on the verge of catastrophic change that most cannot even begin to envision, yet prepare for. But lack of vision and lack of preparation will neither excuse, nor stop what is occurring and what will be the eventual outcome of these problems.
What are these problems? According to the masters of the matrix, it is created by the likes of the tea party people, religious zealots, those that hoard gold, silver, food, water and in general fear mongers that want to scare the daylights out of 'the masses'. It is those in control of the matrix that want to blame anyone but themselves for the mess and turmoil they have created by their own greed, selfishness, stupidity and incompetence. Because the masses have been conditioned to not think for themselves, and buy into the matrix controlled media and information centers, they blindly jump into this mode of hate and blame, and ultimately do the work and biddings of the masters of the matrix, and they have the luxury of hiding their identity and purposes of creating the chaos they are only capable of doing.
If the masses were to wake up and truly understand the 'reality' we truly live in, the masters of the matrix would be lynched before daylight tomorrow. We don't have much time to change the course of history, but every day that goes by in which the masses are enamored with Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, American Idol and all of the murder mysteries out there, the more off guard the masses will be caught, and the more useless suffering and death will occur and the more power the matrix will have in spinning their double speak and getting those who do not think for themselves to do their master's bidding.
We need to wake up and we need to fight back. We need to take back what is rightfully ours, and get over the fear of losing. For if we don't act on what we know to be true and right, we have already lost, and will pay the very high price of allowing this evil to take over and enslave us.
When thinking about these times we live in, it seems so surreal that sometimes I have to wonder if what I am seeing can be real. There is such a dichotomy of events and happenings and it seems one must have to be experiencing cognitive dissonance in order to make it through a ‘normal’ day, as if the word normal has any meaning anymore. Just when it seems like things cannot get worse, something worse happens and it is spun somehow as a positive thing in some instances, and by others, seen as an evil, and the event is utilized to take advantage of the masses to instill yet more control and regulation over our lives. What is more incredible, is how the vast majority out there accept this as ‘normal’ and put little to no thought into it.
“The Matrix” is one of my all time favorite movies. Released in 1999, it depicted a future time in which the human race was controlled by machines, with chips implanted in their brains to control all of their reality, and thermal energy created by the body was used as an energy source. The vast majority of the people had no idea about the matrix, and only a few had some understandings of the powers that lie just out of sight. Those that attempted to explain the Matrix to the lead character Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) could not use a language that would spell out the reality of the matrix, and the only way for Neo to understand this reality was to see it for himself:
"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."
Our current system needs to be seen for what it is: corrupt. Unfortunately there are too many that want to walk around blinded by their own biases and mistaken beliefs that all is right, or that things will get better, as if by a magical power. Our system is run by those who do not have our best interests in mind, and this is evidenced by the continual propagation of trillions of debt being created and shoveled towards our citizenry to pay off. Up is down, right is wrong, freedom is slavery and increasingly stormy times are being sold as clear blue skies and happy times are coming soon.
"The Matrix is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth."
"What you know you can't explain, but you feel it. You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad."
I have had too many of my clients come in and make statements nearly verbatim of the two listed above. Many exchange the word matrix for government, bureaucracy, or even certain individuals in their lives. I have also heard and witnessed large increases in anxiety over ‘world events’ and themes of a common dread of a bleak future by people of all ages and social stratification. Like the line in the movie, most ‘cannot put their finger’ on the problems, but have a deep foreboding about the future, and know things are very wrong in the world. The problem is, many do not want to take this matter to its logical conclusion, and find the first cause in the matter.
"This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back. You take the blue pill -- the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill -- you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes."
It takes guts and perseverance to look at the state of things as they are, and to formulate a picture of where we are going. Many want to believe they have opted for the red pill, and are fed the pabulum passed out by the matrix, but have really taken the blue pill, and continue on in their world of make believe in which the government will take care of their problems, and some one else will ride to the rescue when TSHTF. Being awake at this late hour will lead one to the conclusion that we are on the verge of catastrophic change that most cannot even begin to envision, yet prepare for. But lack of vision and lack of preparation will neither excuse, nor stop what is occurring and what will be the eventual outcome of these problems.
What are these problems? According to the masters of the matrix, it is created by the likes of the tea party people, religious zealots, those that hoard gold, silver, food, water and in general fear mongers that want to scare the daylights out of 'the masses'. It is those in control of the matrix that want to blame anyone but themselves for the mess and turmoil they have created by their own greed, selfishness, stupidity and incompetence. Because the masses have been conditioned to not think for themselves, and buy into the matrix controlled media and information centers, they blindly jump into this mode of hate and blame, and ultimately do the work and biddings of the masters of the matrix, and they have the luxury of hiding their identity and purposes of creating the chaos they are only capable of doing.
If the masses were to wake up and truly understand the 'reality' we truly live in, the masters of the matrix would be lynched before daylight tomorrow. We don't have much time to change the course of history, but every day that goes by in which the masses are enamored with Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, American Idol and all of the murder mysteries out there, the more off guard the masses will be caught, and the more useless suffering and death will occur and the more power the matrix will have in spinning their double speak and getting those who do not think for themselves to do their master's bidding.
We need to wake up and we need to fight back. We need to take back what is rightfully ours, and get over the fear of losing. For if we don't act on what we know to be true and right, we have already lost, and will pay the very high price of allowing this evil to take over and enslave us.
Friday, March 25, 2011
THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
George Offerman
There have been inquiries concerning the previous posting wanting clarification about works and faith, and further distinctions being made on the nature of these concepts. The proper way to handle further clarification is to define some terms and demonstrate how our faith is alive only when we put shoe leather to it (works). Christianity starts with a personal decision, but must manifest itself in day to day life, or it is nothing other than ‘cheap talk’. Anyone can make a claim they are Christian or’ saved’, but far fewer demonstrate this claim by backing it up with tangible evidence and actions.
Too many interchange the words ‘perfect’ and ‘excellence’ and even though both are similar, their distinctions couldn’t be further apart than day is to night. Perfect means doing everything right all of the time whereas excellence means striving to do your best most, if not all of the time. Since we already know we are not perfect, and can never be, our only real option is the pursuit of excellence. (If you don’t believe this, look at how quickly one Christian will be to point out another’s failings and ‘discredit’ their witness). When we pursue what we know to be right, we are on the road of living a sanctified life. Knowing we will not be perfect then, will allow us to be in the action mode. If we waited until we were perfect in our actions, we would never get anything done.
Despite the fact we cannot earn our way into heaven on our own merits, we accept the free gift of salvation and live our lives in such a way that we attract others to Christ. We are not responsible for getting others into heaven, but we can be very instrumental in accomplishing this, and it is in this action that we receive a reward. If we influence others to accept Christ, and they in turn receive eternal life, God ‘rewards’ that action and the reward is forever. Likewise, if we distract another from the faith, we will be dealt with in a like manner, and very well may have ‘reward points’ deducted from our account. Either way, there is an economy of actions and they do have a price attached.
Mother Teresa once told one of her novices when the novice noticed negativity thrown mother Teresa’s way, and saw how mother Teresa did not react negatively to this action: “My job is not to worry about results, but to plant seeds” We don’t know what will happen by our actions, but we do know we need to act on what we know to be true. What a person of free will decides to do with the actions is totally up to him, and he will be bound by his actions. When someone, who claims to be a Christian, sees injustice and does nothing, not only denies Christ, but is spreading a false gospel in that the message being conveyed is, it’s ok to do nothing in the face of evil and in the end, all will be made right. No, our works while here will make all the difference in the world come eternity, and once the score is tallied, the game will be over.
In the end, it very well may be the greatest number of sins will fall under the rubric of sins of omission. Too many are doing nothing about what they see and identify as evil, and have multiple excuses to justify inaction. This will not wash out in the end, and very well may put a ‘saved’ individual in the role of heaven’s janitor for eternity. The churches are not preparing their flocks for the times we live in, and the majority does not know how to fight for or live their faith. No one wants to discuss persecution and hardships anymore despite the overwhelming evidence of both that are becoming more prevalent with each passing day. To not act on what we know to be true is the greatest dereliction of duty we can have for our fellow man. No one should expect perfection; however, one should readily expect some efforts in the face of the very obvious evil we see on a daily basis.
There have been inquiries concerning the previous posting wanting clarification about works and faith, and further distinctions being made on the nature of these concepts. The proper way to handle further clarification is to define some terms and demonstrate how our faith is alive only when we put shoe leather to it (works). Christianity starts with a personal decision, but must manifest itself in day to day life, or it is nothing other than ‘cheap talk’. Anyone can make a claim they are Christian or’ saved’, but far fewer demonstrate this claim by backing it up with tangible evidence and actions.
Too many interchange the words ‘perfect’ and ‘excellence’ and even though both are similar, their distinctions couldn’t be further apart than day is to night. Perfect means doing everything right all of the time whereas excellence means striving to do your best most, if not all of the time. Since we already know we are not perfect, and can never be, our only real option is the pursuit of excellence. (If you don’t believe this, look at how quickly one Christian will be to point out another’s failings and ‘discredit’ their witness). When we pursue what we know to be right, we are on the road of living a sanctified life. Knowing we will not be perfect then, will allow us to be in the action mode. If we waited until we were perfect in our actions, we would never get anything done.
Despite the fact we cannot earn our way into heaven on our own merits, we accept the free gift of salvation and live our lives in such a way that we attract others to Christ. We are not responsible for getting others into heaven, but we can be very instrumental in accomplishing this, and it is in this action that we receive a reward. If we influence others to accept Christ, and they in turn receive eternal life, God ‘rewards’ that action and the reward is forever. Likewise, if we distract another from the faith, we will be dealt with in a like manner, and very well may have ‘reward points’ deducted from our account. Either way, there is an economy of actions and they do have a price attached.
Mother Teresa once told one of her novices when the novice noticed negativity thrown mother Teresa’s way, and saw how mother Teresa did not react negatively to this action: “My job is not to worry about results, but to plant seeds” We don’t know what will happen by our actions, but we do know we need to act on what we know to be true. What a person of free will decides to do with the actions is totally up to him, and he will be bound by his actions. When someone, who claims to be a Christian, sees injustice and does nothing, not only denies Christ, but is spreading a false gospel in that the message being conveyed is, it’s ok to do nothing in the face of evil and in the end, all will be made right. No, our works while here will make all the difference in the world come eternity, and once the score is tallied, the game will be over.
In the end, it very well may be the greatest number of sins will fall under the rubric of sins of omission. Too many are doing nothing about what they see and identify as evil, and have multiple excuses to justify inaction. This will not wash out in the end, and very well may put a ‘saved’ individual in the role of heaven’s janitor for eternity. The churches are not preparing their flocks for the times we live in, and the majority does not know how to fight for or live their faith. No one wants to discuss persecution and hardships anymore despite the overwhelming evidence of both that are becoming more prevalent with each passing day. To not act on what we know to be true is the greatest dereliction of duty we can have for our fellow man. No one should expect perfection; however, one should readily expect some efforts in the face of the very obvious evil we see on a daily basis.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
HERMENEUTICS 101: ESCHATOLOGY, PART TWO
George Offerman
In the last posting, we covered the importance of eschatology, and emphasized the struggle between branches of Christianity on the concept of works and how works are viewed. Scripture could not be clearer in that a Christian MUST interact in the world to spread the Gospel. We also know that spreading the Gospel is not simply learning Bible quotes and throwing them out into a vacuum, but there must be shoe leather behind ones words. Faith without works or actions is meaningless for the common man, as it does not demonstrate any belief in what is being said, and gives no credibility to either the one quoting the Bible, or the whole system being promoted. If a believer is not distinct from those ‘not saved’ then what value does Christianity really offer anyone?
It is in this framework that we will consider the very significant distinctions between the words salvation and reward. Salvation, which is a free gift from God, is admission into heaven with no strings attached. Reward is based upon efforts and accomplishments one completes while in this lifetime, and will determine what level in heaven one will live in, as well as what will be given (to never be taken away by a corrupt government). Notice, Paul in Corinthians makes this distinction very clear in the following verses:
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
One does not know, or can even imagine, how one can still be saved, yet have nothing to show for his time on this earth. That is one of the mysteries of God, and it will be revealed upon the end of time. What seems to be clear at this point is, there will be a certain percentage of people in heaven that very well may be the ‘janitor’s’, but will still experience total contentment and peace. But what will be obvious is that one’s life, once completed, will truly be seen as a ‘whiff of time’ and there will initially be a time of grieving lost opportunities prior to entering one’s ‘reward’.
“God will give to each man according to what he has done” Romans 2:6.
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds”. Revelation 22:12
Those who want to argue against this interpretation of rewards, works and salvation use the following quote to refute: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” Isaiah 64:6. What these individuals are missing in their use of this quote are two very important qualifications. First off, this is an Old Testament quote by Isaiah, when Israel was still operating under the “Law”. Isaiah was attempting to make the point to the bull headed Jews that their beliefs in salvation through following the laws and rituals handed down by Moses, were not salvific on their own merits, but pointed out the reality towards the sacrifice of the future Christ. If one believes they can attain salvation outside of Christ’s shedding of blood, they must realize their works (all of them) are tainted and will fall far short of ‘earning’ them eternal life.
The second and more important point is the use of the word righteous. In this passage, righteous works as dirty rags is used only in the sense of us earning our salvation, which is eternal life. Since we are mortal, and this reflects a temporary condition, our efforts are temporary, and temporary does not supersede permanent. So there is nothing we can do while in this temporary condition that would purchase or entitle us to something eternal such as unending life. However, our temporary condition will determine WHAT WE HAVE (reward) for eternity (salvation) as our character and personality will go into the afterlife. What we prove we are capable in this lifetime will bear direct fruits in what we are given in the next life.
Works do not purchase or merit salvation (eternal life). Works merit reward. So, for those who believe they have been ‘saved’ and thus, need to do nothing will find out to their chagrin that they may be heaven’s janitors for eternity. For those who let their faith shine before other men, and allow for any heartache or crosses to come their way, will see a return on their works, that would be the envy of any bankster on Wall Street. But unlike here, the government or banksters on Wall Street will not be able to steal it, nor will it ever be taken away by some well meaning, but misguided government in the name of ‘redistributing’ the wealth. Rewards handed out by King Jesus will be forever, and will be untouchable by all forever.
In the last posting, we covered the importance of eschatology, and emphasized the struggle between branches of Christianity on the concept of works and how works are viewed. Scripture could not be clearer in that a Christian MUST interact in the world to spread the Gospel. We also know that spreading the Gospel is not simply learning Bible quotes and throwing them out into a vacuum, but there must be shoe leather behind ones words. Faith without works or actions is meaningless for the common man, as it does not demonstrate any belief in what is being said, and gives no credibility to either the one quoting the Bible, or the whole system being promoted. If a believer is not distinct from those ‘not saved’ then what value does Christianity really offer anyone?
It is in this framework that we will consider the very significant distinctions between the words salvation and reward. Salvation, which is a free gift from God, is admission into heaven with no strings attached. Reward is based upon efforts and accomplishments one completes while in this lifetime, and will determine what level in heaven one will live in, as well as what will be given (to never be taken away by a corrupt government). Notice, Paul in Corinthians makes this distinction very clear in the following verses:
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
One does not know, or can even imagine, how one can still be saved, yet have nothing to show for his time on this earth. That is one of the mysteries of God, and it will be revealed upon the end of time. What seems to be clear at this point is, there will be a certain percentage of people in heaven that very well may be the ‘janitor’s’, but will still experience total contentment and peace. But what will be obvious is that one’s life, once completed, will truly be seen as a ‘whiff of time’ and there will initially be a time of grieving lost opportunities prior to entering one’s ‘reward’.
“God will give to each man according to what he has done” Romans 2:6.
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds”. Revelation 22:12
Those who want to argue against this interpretation of rewards, works and salvation use the following quote to refute: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” Isaiah 64:6. What these individuals are missing in their use of this quote are two very important qualifications. First off, this is an Old Testament quote by Isaiah, when Israel was still operating under the “Law”. Isaiah was attempting to make the point to the bull headed Jews that their beliefs in salvation through following the laws and rituals handed down by Moses, were not salvific on their own merits, but pointed out the reality towards the sacrifice of the future Christ. If one believes they can attain salvation outside of Christ’s shedding of blood, they must realize their works (all of them) are tainted and will fall far short of ‘earning’ them eternal life.
The second and more important point is the use of the word righteous. In this passage, righteous works as dirty rags is used only in the sense of us earning our salvation, which is eternal life. Since we are mortal, and this reflects a temporary condition, our efforts are temporary, and temporary does not supersede permanent. So there is nothing we can do while in this temporary condition that would purchase or entitle us to something eternal such as unending life. However, our temporary condition will determine WHAT WE HAVE (reward) for eternity (salvation) as our character and personality will go into the afterlife. What we prove we are capable in this lifetime will bear direct fruits in what we are given in the next life.
Works do not purchase or merit salvation (eternal life). Works merit reward. So, for those who believe they have been ‘saved’ and thus, need to do nothing will find out to their chagrin that they may be heaven’s janitors for eternity. For those who let their faith shine before other men, and allow for any heartache or crosses to come their way, will see a return on their works, that would be the envy of any bankster on Wall Street. But unlike here, the government or banksters on Wall Street will not be able to steal it, nor will it ever be taken away by some well meaning, but misguided government in the name of ‘redistributing’ the wealth. Rewards handed out by King Jesus will be forever, and will be untouchable by all forever.
Monday, March 21, 2011
NPR IS DEFUNDED, NOW WHAT ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD?
George Offerman
In what appears to be a very perverse irony, Boehner and company saw it fit to defund NPR due in large part to the recent undercover sting operation in which NPR staff made disparaging remarks about conservatives and revealed their very liberal biases towards programming (R U Kidding me???). Evidently, that is enough for this band to ‘stand up on principle’ and defund this organization that truly does not have a right to taxpayer money. It is the right thing to do, and frankly, I’m glad NPR is finally defunded. But what gives with the lack of fight concerning the defunding of PP?
Boehner has been quoted recently “I’m listening to other voices” when pressed about his lack of conviction in not defunding PP (personal aside, Rep Boehner, there is medication for this condition). It is interesting how trashing one conservative and firing one person due to questionable comments has brought down the ire of the so called conservative Republicants, but multiple exposes and overwhelming evidence gathered over years that PP has covered for prostitution, underage minors obtaining abortions, cover ups of child sexual abuse and overall lying about the true nature of legalized child killing seems to have flown under their radar, and is not enough to convince these turncoats to defund this Godless criminal enterprise.
It is also out of the realm of anyone who is reasonable, to not miss how this unconvincing band of spineless jellyfish will not challenge this organization and those willing to use all sorts of emotionally laden slogans to dissuade the Republicant leadership into keeping their word. The pro life movement is too busy trying to make nice with the enemy, and is not willing to utilize harsh words that will make their point, and keep these vagrants on task. As a point, I have compared this to language and tactics used by the government when arresting and convicting Bernard von NotHaus, creator of the liberty dollar, on ‘conspiracy against the government” for minting solid silver coins and circulating them as an alternative to the FRN. (Too bad the pro life movement does not use language and tactics the government uses)
“Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism,” U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins said. “While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country.”
“We are determined to meet these threats through infiltration, disruption and dismantling of organizations which seek to challenge the legitimacy of our democratic form of government,” Tompkins said.
Wow!!! And most pro lifers will not come close to saying things like that for the valid and sacred saving of God’s most innocent from the butchers. Is it any wonder we are losing, and most likely will lose this battle due to spineless politicians selling out the cause, and an incompetent and impotent ‘movement’ not even sure enough of itself to speak the unvarnished truth without equivocation and shame? We are running out of time to change these matters and time is of a great premium now. Look around the world and try to convince even a 5 year old that we have the luxury of several election cycles to ‘get this right’. The clock is ticking, and we better get a ‘set’ quickly, or we could be looking at our own ‘meltdown’. We will have no one to blame but ourselves.
In what appears to be a very perverse irony, Boehner and company saw it fit to defund NPR due in large part to the recent undercover sting operation in which NPR staff made disparaging remarks about conservatives and revealed their very liberal biases towards programming (R U Kidding me???). Evidently, that is enough for this band to ‘stand up on principle’ and defund this organization that truly does not have a right to taxpayer money. It is the right thing to do, and frankly, I’m glad NPR is finally defunded. But what gives with the lack of fight concerning the defunding of PP?
Boehner has been quoted recently “I’m listening to other voices” when pressed about his lack of conviction in not defunding PP (personal aside, Rep Boehner, there is medication for this condition). It is interesting how trashing one conservative and firing one person due to questionable comments has brought down the ire of the so called conservative Republicants, but multiple exposes and overwhelming evidence gathered over years that PP has covered for prostitution, underage minors obtaining abortions, cover ups of child sexual abuse and overall lying about the true nature of legalized child killing seems to have flown under their radar, and is not enough to convince these turncoats to defund this Godless criminal enterprise.
It is also out of the realm of anyone who is reasonable, to not miss how this unconvincing band of spineless jellyfish will not challenge this organization and those willing to use all sorts of emotionally laden slogans to dissuade the Republicant leadership into keeping their word. The pro life movement is too busy trying to make nice with the enemy, and is not willing to utilize harsh words that will make their point, and keep these vagrants on task. As a point, I have compared this to language and tactics used by the government when arresting and convicting Bernard von NotHaus, creator of the liberty dollar, on ‘conspiracy against the government” for minting solid silver coins and circulating them as an alternative to the FRN. (Too bad the pro life movement does not use language and tactics the government uses)
“Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism,” U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins said. “While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country.”
“We are determined to meet these threats through infiltration, disruption and dismantling of organizations which seek to challenge the legitimacy of our democratic form of government,” Tompkins said.
Wow!!! And most pro lifers will not come close to saying things like that for the valid and sacred saving of God’s most innocent from the butchers. Is it any wonder we are losing, and most likely will lose this battle due to spineless politicians selling out the cause, and an incompetent and impotent ‘movement’ not even sure enough of itself to speak the unvarnished truth without equivocation and shame? We are running out of time to change these matters and time is of a great premium now. Look around the world and try to convince even a 5 year old that we have the luxury of several election cycles to ‘get this right’. The clock is ticking, and we better get a ‘set’ quickly, or we could be looking at our own ‘meltdown’. We will have no one to blame but ourselves.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
DISRUPTING A 'CATHOLICS FOR CHOICE' EVENT
George Offerman
Several of us from the Insurrecta Nex team disrupted and event put on by the group ’Catholics for Choice’ (an oxymoron if I ever heard one). This event was titled “When Irish eyes are not smiling: The Truth about Abortion in Ireland” there was also a screening for the movie “Discrimination and Denial: Abortion Law in Northern Ireland”. This event took place at the Busboy and Poets restaurant in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the event was to discuss (lament) the idea that in Northern Ireland, women must ‘sneak out’ of the country in order to procure a ‘legal abortion’, and what a tragedy this is.
Opening remarks were made by Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice. Mr. O’Brien started off with a bang by making a statement something to the effect that “mainstream Catholics, the majority, is in touch with reality, while the Vatican lives in their theoretical and distant bubble”. This seemed to capture the essence of the evening, as this group, that ought to be excommunicated for holding such beliefs, push on as if they actually have a legitimate theologically based ‘opinion’ on the matter. The whole evening and implications were enough to make any sensible and true Catholic sick to his stomach.
Interestingly enough, during the course of the event, there were two female Irish politicians that were discussing how women were put in danger, and how many of these women are putting their lives in danger by procuring illegal abortions, or attempting to do it themselves. One of them gave this statistic: “5 women a day are looking for abortion services, and we can only encourage them to go to Great Britain, where it is legal”. Wow, does not sound like a stampede to me.
They then proceeded on with the video, and that is when the first disruption took place. It appeared to take this group by surprise and it was evident that several were rather disturbed by not only the disruption, but the words uttered. We then took turns disrupting the screening and subsequent remarks made by the particular representatives there. Eventually, all of us were eventually lead out and asked to leave the premises. The sad part in all of this was the amount of mockery made as each of us took our turn in witnessing to this unholy gathering, and these people, who claim compassion for their fellow man, as well as tolerance and openness for ‘dialogue’ showed great revulsion, intolerance and disrespect for our position. Any surprises there?
That these people believe they can deride and openly defy the magesterium and be in full communion with the Church is about as delusional as believing Obama has been visible and taken the lead in the current world crises. Like many lay leaders, they believe they have equivalent moral and spiritual authority as a Bishop or Pope, and in many cases, believe they know even better than those in Church leadership. It is this delusional thinking that is at the base of their belief that children can be killed in the name of ‘choice’ and ‘women’s reproductive rights’ because these people do not acknowledge God as the creator of all things, and as such is the ultimate judge of life. These people defy the Living God and do it in an ‘in your face’ manner. What a shame and what a disgrace, to push this stance and claim to be Catholic.
WHAT’S WITH OBAMA?
Why is the so called president of the United States jet setting all over the world with all of these world crises going on? Why is this guy playing golf and worrying about basketball brackets when we are in need of real leadership? Well America, do you now believe in the change this clown has ushered in? the world is mocking this guy, and too many in this country are still putting their very misguided faith in believing he is the ‘messiah’ and will straighten things out. Good luck to those deluded people.
Several of us from the Insurrecta Nex team disrupted and event put on by the group ’Catholics for Choice’ (an oxymoron if I ever heard one). This event was titled “When Irish eyes are not smiling: The Truth about Abortion in Ireland” there was also a screening for the movie “Discrimination and Denial: Abortion Law in Northern Ireland”. This event took place at the Busboy and Poets restaurant in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the event was to discuss (lament) the idea that in Northern Ireland, women must ‘sneak out’ of the country in order to procure a ‘legal abortion’, and what a tragedy this is.
Opening remarks were made by Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice. Mr. O’Brien started off with a bang by making a statement something to the effect that “mainstream Catholics, the majority, is in touch with reality, while the Vatican lives in their theoretical and distant bubble”. This seemed to capture the essence of the evening, as this group, that ought to be excommunicated for holding such beliefs, push on as if they actually have a legitimate theologically based ‘opinion’ on the matter. The whole evening and implications were enough to make any sensible and true Catholic sick to his stomach.
Interestingly enough, during the course of the event, there were two female Irish politicians that were discussing how women were put in danger, and how many of these women are putting their lives in danger by procuring illegal abortions, or attempting to do it themselves. One of them gave this statistic: “5 women a day are looking for abortion services, and we can only encourage them to go to Great Britain, where it is legal”. Wow, does not sound like a stampede to me.
They then proceeded on with the video, and that is when the first disruption took place. It appeared to take this group by surprise and it was evident that several were rather disturbed by not only the disruption, but the words uttered. We then took turns disrupting the screening and subsequent remarks made by the particular representatives there. Eventually, all of us were eventually lead out and asked to leave the premises. The sad part in all of this was the amount of mockery made as each of us took our turn in witnessing to this unholy gathering, and these people, who claim compassion for their fellow man, as well as tolerance and openness for ‘dialogue’ showed great revulsion, intolerance and disrespect for our position. Any surprises there?
That these people believe they can deride and openly defy the magesterium and be in full communion with the Church is about as delusional as believing Obama has been visible and taken the lead in the current world crises. Like many lay leaders, they believe they have equivalent moral and spiritual authority as a Bishop or Pope, and in many cases, believe they know even better than those in Church leadership. It is this delusional thinking that is at the base of their belief that children can be killed in the name of ‘choice’ and ‘women’s reproductive rights’ because these people do not acknowledge God as the creator of all things, and as such is the ultimate judge of life. These people defy the Living God and do it in an ‘in your face’ manner. What a shame and what a disgrace, to push this stance and claim to be Catholic.
WHAT’S WITH OBAMA?
Why is the so called president of the United States jet setting all over the world with all of these world crises going on? Why is this guy playing golf and worrying about basketball brackets when we are in need of real leadership? Well America, do you now believe in the change this clown has ushered in? the world is mocking this guy, and too many in this country are still putting their very misguided faith in believing he is the ‘messiah’ and will straighten things out. Good luck to those deluded people.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
THE CLOCK IS TICKING
George Offerman
The vast majority of people who travel to Europe from the U.S. have remarked how “Americanized” Europe is. This is my take as well, and it was not difficult at all to see the influence of our country over there. Nearly every modern ‘gadget’ has been invented and developed here, and it is strange indeed, to see such modern living among very old buildings and cities that continue to stand after millennia, wars, ect. One also cannot help but notice how our culture also permeates Europe, and it very well may tie in with all the gadgets and other things we export. Nonetheless, it seems like it or not, the world still looks to us for leadership. With this leadership comes great responsibility.
We then have this huge tragedy in Japan, in which the situation seems to be getting worse by the day. Yet it is the first tragedy in my memory in which there are no reports of looting, price gouging, crimes against women and children. The Japanese people have demonstrated a dignity unseen in these modern times in the way they are handling this tragedy (I hope this is exported, especially here). We also have the Mayor of Tokyo making a public statement that the tragedy is linked to the ‘slide of morality’ and there is a need for Japan to get back to moral roots. Whether this is true or not may be unknowable, but for a public official to go on the record and connect behaviors with consequences may be a partial explanation for why these people are treating each other civilly in the midst of a personal hell.
We are now seeing ‘seers’ and other sages coming out of the woodwork with claims that this tragedy was prophesized beforehand (really???). We have even more (after the fact) that are quick to jump to conclusions about the nature of this event and are attempting to fit this into prophetic schemes. Whether this can be done or not is really to diminish the aspects and lessons to be learned from this tragedy. It would be very difficulty to attribute this to judgments if there was no warning beforehand from a legitimate prophet of God, spelling out the exact nature of the judgment and why it had to occur. Also, what have the Japanese people done that we in America have not done in spades?
If it is true that adversity bring out the true character of a people, the Japanese seem to have passed this test with flying colors, given the state of dignity and sharing they are showing in this dark hour of theirs. This is opposed to the animal like behaviors we witnessed in our own country after events like Katrina and other recent disasters. This reflects much o four own character as a nation. We kill our own children for the stupidest reasons with minimal resistance from so called Christians, and we exported our technology to other societies to do the same. Think we are not accountable to the Almighty and Living God for this?
If what happened to the Japanese was judgment for their sins and immoral behaviors, I cringe at the thought of what will befall us. Look at the blessings we have received as a nation. We have been blessed beyond belief, and likewise much is expected from us as a result. How is it we as Christians could possibly look at this disaster as judgment, and then not act on such a matter as pressuring the likes of Boehner and company to allow for government shutdown, if needed to defund planned parenthood and the killing fields? Is this a game for many Christians? Do they believe some people can be judged harshly, while major perpetrators of God’s laws are given ‘free passes’ due to geography and technological advances? Judgments ALWAYS proceed from unrepentant sin, and we in the U.S. have boatloads of unrepentant sin and boatloads of Christians who would rather stay silent than get their hands dirty in a war that requires taking sides and engaging the enemy.
Whether or not what happened in Japan is a judgment (I believe it is not), it ought to give us pause in attending to the needs of our own house. This game of chicken we are playing with our future, finances and ultimately the way we (mis)treat our fellow man has an end point. We need to end child killing now, we need to prostrate ourselves in front of the Lord with humble and contrite hearts now and straighten our acts out now. Time is running short, and if the judgment of God comes upon us, it may be so severe that we may wish we were in Japan.
The vast majority of people who travel to Europe from the U.S. have remarked how “Americanized” Europe is. This is my take as well, and it was not difficult at all to see the influence of our country over there. Nearly every modern ‘gadget’ has been invented and developed here, and it is strange indeed, to see such modern living among very old buildings and cities that continue to stand after millennia, wars, ect. One also cannot help but notice how our culture also permeates Europe, and it very well may tie in with all the gadgets and other things we export. Nonetheless, it seems like it or not, the world still looks to us for leadership. With this leadership comes great responsibility.
We then have this huge tragedy in Japan, in which the situation seems to be getting worse by the day. Yet it is the first tragedy in my memory in which there are no reports of looting, price gouging, crimes against women and children. The Japanese people have demonstrated a dignity unseen in these modern times in the way they are handling this tragedy (I hope this is exported, especially here). We also have the Mayor of Tokyo making a public statement that the tragedy is linked to the ‘slide of morality’ and there is a need for Japan to get back to moral roots. Whether this is true or not may be unknowable, but for a public official to go on the record and connect behaviors with consequences may be a partial explanation for why these people are treating each other civilly in the midst of a personal hell.
We are now seeing ‘seers’ and other sages coming out of the woodwork with claims that this tragedy was prophesized beforehand (really???). We have even more (after the fact) that are quick to jump to conclusions about the nature of this event and are attempting to fit this into prophetic schemes. Whether this can be done or not is really to diminish the aspects and lessons to be learned from this tragedy. It would be very difficulty to attribute this to judgments if there was no warning beforehand from a legitimate prophet of God, spelling out the exact nature of the judgment and why it had to occur. Also, what have the Japanese people done that we in America have not done in spades?
If it is true that adversity bring out the true character of a people, the Japanese seem to have passed this test with flying colors, given the state of dignity and sharing they are showing in this dark hour of theirs. This is opposed to the animal like behaviors we witnessed in our own country after events like Katrina and other recent disasters. This reflects much o four own character as a nation. We kill our own children for the stupidest reasons with minimal resistance from so called Christians, and we exported our technology to other societies to do the same. Think we are not accountable to the Almighty and Living God for this?
If what happened to the Japanese was judgment for their sins and immoral behaviors, I cringe at the thought of what will befall us. Look at the blessings we have received as a nation. We have been blessed beyond belief, and likewise much is expected from us as a result. How is it we as Christians could possibly look at this disaster as judgment, and then not act on such a matter as pressuring the likes of Boehner and company to allow for government shutdown, if needed to defund planned parenthood and the killing fields? Is this a game for many Christians? Do they believe some people can be judged harshly, while major perpetrators of God’s laws are given ‘free passes’ due to geography and technological advances? Judgments ALWAYS proceed from unrepentant sin, and we in the U.S. have boatloads of unrepentant sin and boatloads of Christians who would rather stay silent than get their hands dirty in a war that requires taking sides and engaging the enemy.
Whether or not what happened in Japan is a judgment (I believe it is not), it ought to give us pause in attending to the needs of our own house. This game of chicken we are playing with our future, finances and ultimately the way we (mis)treat our fellow man has an end point. We need to end child killing now, we need to prostrate ourselves in front of the Lord with humble and contrite hearts now and straighten our acts out now. Time is running short, and if the judgment of God comes upon us, it may be so severe that we may wish we were in Japan.
Monday, March 14, 2011
BACK FROM BELGIUM (AND SICK AGAIN)
George Offerman
My in laws treated my wife and me with a trip to Belgium to celebrate my half century on this rock. It was quite the celebration as we spent a good part of the trip with a beer touring group sponsored by Ale Street News. We got to see many of the famous Trappist breweries, and managed to get a personal tour of various pubs by the current owners of Duval while in Brussels. Unfortunately for me though, a European version of a super bug decided to pay a visit and it is ‘here we go again’ with being sick. All in all, it was a great time and hope it happens again.
I have many different thoughts on turning 50, realizing I have lived more days than I have left. This is not such a disturbing thought as it was 25 years ago, but I don’t want that inevitable day to be visiting any time soon, God willing. As well, the idea of this post is not to dwell on such a milestone, but to mention why I have not posted in 2 weeks.
As usual, it seems when one gets away from the day to day happenings in the world, it seems like much happens and one can have the feeling of being ‘left behind’ if not ‘keeping up’. Of all the news that occurred, the least surprising of all is on the pro life front, where the Republicants did their ‘bait and switch’ routine that should come to absolutely no surprise to those with a body temperature and a pulse. Seriously, is there such a thing anymore as a ‘statesman’ in politics? Can anyone seriously claim they are fooled by the measures taken by Boehner and company?
Anyone in the pro life movement who believes these bands of fools would have been better off on the tour bus going to the different breweries, where at least the ‘medicine’ would have tasted better, and would have left one feeling warm and contented after indulging in it. I have to say that my time in Belgium was much better utilized than the beating of the drum reminding the inept pro life movement that proffered legislation is not victory, and that the Republicants will blink if they think for one nanosecond they will be blamed for a government shutdown if they actually stand up for the unborn.
These politicians have no fear of us. We never hold them accountable, and will send them money, allow them to speak in our churches, will campaign for them, and especially buy into their BS that they actually are making a difference, when in fact, they are the true enemies of our cause. Until we know how to fight this battle effectively, these politicians will side with the enemy and simply tell us what we want to hear, then do as they please, as they have for the past 38 years.
Shame on Boehner and company for lying to us. Shame on us for believing this troupe of clowns to begin with.
On another note, let us keep the people of Japan in our prayers as they deal with what truly is a catastrophe of Biblical proportions.
My in laws treated my wife and me with a trip to Belgium to celebrate my half century on this rock. It was quite the celebration as we spent a good part of the trip with a beer touring group sponsored by Ale Street News. We got to see many of the famous Trappist breweries, and managed to get a personal tour of various pubs by the current owners of Duval while in Brussels. Unfortunately for me though, a European version of a super bug decided to pay a visit and it is ‘here we go again’ with being sick. All in all, it was a great time and hope it happens again.
I have many different thoughts on turning 50, realizing I have lived more days than I have left. This is not such a disturbing thought as it was 25 years ago, but I don’t want that inevitable day to be visiting any time soon, God willing. As well, the idea of this post is not to dwell on such a milestone, but to mention why I have not posted in 2 weeks.
As usual, it seems when one gets away from the day to day happenings in the world, it seems like much happens and one can have the feeling of being ‘left behind’ if not ‘keeping up’. Of all the news that occurred, the least surprising of all is on the pro life front, where the Republicants did their ‘bait and switch’ routine that should come to absolutely no surprise to those with a body temperature and a pulse. Seriously, is there such a thing anymore as a ‘statesman’ in politics? Can anyone seriously claim they are fooled by the measures taken by Boehner and company?
Anyone in the pro life movement who believes these bands of fools would have been better off on the tour bus going to the different breweries, where at least the ‘medicine’ would have tasted better, and would have left one feeling warm and contented after indulging in it. I have to say that my time in Belgium was much better utilized than the beating of the drum reminding the inept pro life movement that proffered legislation is not victory, and that the Republicants will blink if they think for one nanosecond they will be blamed for a government shutdown if they actually stand up for the unborn.
These politicians have no fear of us. We never hold them accountable, and will send them money, allow them to speak in our churches, will campaign for them, and especially buy into their BS that they actually are making a difference, when in fact, they are the true enemies of our cause. Until we know how to fight this battle effectively, these politicians will side with the enemy and simply tell us what we want to hear, then do as they please, as they have for the past 38 years.
Shame on Boehner and company for lying to us. Shame on us for believing this troupe of clowns to begin with.
On another note, let us keep the people of Japan in our prayers as they deal with what truly is a catastrophe of Biblical proportions.
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