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Monday, July 25, 2011

A FEW RANDOM THOUGHTS ON PRAYER!

     The subject of prayer is a fascinating subject. At one time or another, everyone prays. There is a saying that there are no atheists in fox holes. I suspect that prayer is the default position for anyone who finds themselves in severe distress such as a parent with a gravely ill child, close friends of a loved one seriously injured in an accident of some kind, a soldier in a fox hole with bullets whizzing by overhead, or family members of a serviceman who are awaiting word of an injury suffered in a war zone. Whether these people are Christians, or not, I respectfully submit that they will pray.
     For the christian, prayer is as essential for a robust spiritual health as eating good food is essential for a robust physical health. Prayer is one of the spiritual disciplines that Christians routinely practice. Prayer enhances our relationship with God.
     Does God really answer prayer today? God most assuredly does answer prayer, even today. The Bible tells us that the God who answered prayers in the Old Testament is the same God who answered  prayers in New Testament times and is the very same God who answers prayer today. 
     I believe that God answers prayer in essentially three ways. Sometimes He says "Yes." Sometimes He says "No." Sometimes He answers "Maybe," "Not Now," "Wait awhile," or some variation thereof. God will never give us anything that is harmful to us. He loves us too much to do that.
      It is never easy when God's answer to prayer is "No." Sometimes it is not clear why God says "No." However, I do know that God is never capricious, mean spirited,  or cruel. I trust Him, and I believe that he has our best interests at heart. The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans...
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28)
...I take comfort in the fact that God keeps all of His promises and this verse is definitely a promise. So even if we don't see how a "No" answer will work out to our good, we can rest assured that it will.
     Have you prayed today? God would love to hear from you!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

RANDOM THOUGHTS OF A WANDERING MIND!

     My beloved SWMBO says I should Blog more often. I told her that I would only Blog when I had something to say. Well, I now have something to say on some current events.
 Casey Anthony - There has been much written and said about the verdict in the Casey Anthony matter. The jury heard all the evidence and rendered their verdict. Speaking as a practitioner in the criminal justice system for over 30 years, I understand their verdict. The jurors who spoke with the media afterwards said that the state failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt (1) How Caylee Anthony died; (2) Whether Caylee's death was by accident or homicide; (3) Who, if anyone, killed Caylee. 
     Our legal system requires that the state prove all elements of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If the state fails to do so, the accused must be acquitted, that is, found not guilty. It's important to understand that a "not guilty" verdict means that the state failed to meet its burden of proof. It does NOT mean that the accused is innocent. 
     As a God fearing man I believe that Caylee will get justice, if not in this life then definitely in the hereafter. I also take comfort in the belief that Caylee is in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
     Debt Crisis - There are way too many shenanigans going on in Washington, D.C. Our elected representatives are again failing to do their jobs. Both parties are equally culpable in this mess. A pox upon both their houses.
     The president's desire to increase taxes during a recession is lunacy. History and empirical information has told us repeatedly that cutting tax rates increases revenue into the treasury, raising taxes reduces revenue into the treasury. Raising taxes on the wealthiest of us or business is a nice sounding populist sound bite but it does NOT WORK! The wealthiest among us have the means to move, shelter, and protect their assets so that the net effect is that they pay less than most of us would. History has shown this to be true as well. 
     Also, the sad fact is that businesses do not pay taxes. Let me repeat that, businesses do not pay taxes! The consumers of their products, through higher prices, pay the taxes imposed upon businesses. 
     The United States government must drastically cut its spending! Some economist have suggested that cutting tax rates and growing the economy would result in greater levels of revenue coming into the treasury. History tells us that it has in the past. Why not do what has been shown to work?
     Pensions - There has been a fair amount of controversy about public pensions. To address the problem I suggest that we start at the top of the government food chain. Here's my suggestion, eliminate all pensions for the president and the Congress, both Representatives and Senators. The U.S. Constitution never envisioned professional, career politicians. On the contrary, it was anticipated that people would serve a term of office or two and then return to their former lives and live under the laws that they passed. It was believed that this would prevent them from passing oppressive laws and/or regulations. Eliminate all congressional pensions!
     Enjoy your day, everyone!