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!

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!

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT BEING A FATHER!

     Yesterday was Father's Day. Fathers all over the country were honored by their families for all that they are and all that they do. No man becomes a good father instinctively. I certainly didn't! Men become the fathers that they are by being taught. They learn, I learned, from the example of their own fathers and they learn from the example of other fathers in their life. 
     It takes a "Man" to be a father. I know, some of you are probably saying "Duh! No kidding! Really?" What I mean is that any man can father a child. But, it takes a "Man" to be a "Dad", and A MAN STANDS UP! That's it in a nutshell...A Man Stands Up!
     A MAN STANDS UP when he learns that his wife is pregnant with his child. He loves her, supports her and lovingly cares for her. A man provides his wife and unborn child what's needed, physically and emotionally. A man marries the mother of his children. Way too many men walk away and abandon their responsibilities where their spouse and children are concerned.
     A MAN STANDS UP when his family is threatened financially and the bills pile up and there's more money going out than is coming in. A man stays and works through financial difficulties with his wife for the sake of his child or children. A man does what he has to do to provide for his family.
     A MAN STANDS UP when his family is threatened by the evils of this world. A man does what he has to do to protect his family from the evils of the world. There are so many dangers that lurk and threaten a family. Drugs and the evils that they cause, both inside the home and outside. Alcoholism and all the evils that it brings. A man exercises self control and keeps himself clean and sober so he can provide protection for his family.
     A MAN STANDS UP when sickness or death strikes without warning. Despite what he may feel, a man must remain strong and provide support for his family when a spouse or a child becomes seriously ill or worse, dies. He must reassure his family by being strong and in control of his emotions and he must continue to provide for his family whatever is needed  and to work with his family to get through these difficult times. 
     In short, A MAN STANDS UP! No one gets this done perfectly! Most of us are making it up as we go along. A man stays for the long haul and does the best he can. A wise man once said that 90 percent of life is just showing up. A man shows up!

"....BY THE SWEAT OF THY BROW"

     After Adam & Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, the ground was cursed and Adam was consigned to getting his food by the sweat of his brow. Thus began the battle between man and weeds.
     For reasons that escape me, I decided to clear out the garden old growth and weeds and plant vegetables this year. I had the bright idea of constructing raised beds out of pressure treated wood. I had to repair the fence around the garden by replacing rotted/missing wood and rusted fencing. Between clearing the old vegetation from the garden and around the outside, roto-tilling the soil, placing the raised beds where SWMBO and I wanted them, hauling loam/compost mix from the front yard to the backyard garden, filling the raised beds and at long last planting/sowing our vegetables....whew! That's a lot of work! Who knew! 
     One interesting thing that made me go "Hmmm!" I found a dead hawk among the dead vegetation. One of its talons  had a death grip on the fencing. I have no idea how it died or how it ended up in my garden, but there it was. It was difficult extricating the talon from the fence.
     Here are some photo's or our handiwork...

Raised beds, weed block, before fence repairs.

Raised beds with weed block!

We put hay down to retain moisture and further block weeds.

...Well, the garden is in. I have gained an appreciation for producing food by the sweat of one's brow. We have planted Strawberries, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, beans,peas, carrots, radishes and onions.


      If anyone has any tips, advice, suggestions on how to be successful please forward them to me! I have a lot to learn! May God bless our efforts with a bountiful harvest! Enjoy the heat wave!

WELL, WE'RE STILL HERE!!!

     According to Harold Camping of Family Radio the Lord Jesus Christ was going to come and remove (that is, rapture) His people from the earth at 1800 hrs, Saturday, 05/21/2011.  Well, we're still here! What happened? 
     Camping leads a so called christian organization based in Oakland, CA, purportedly created to spread Biblical Christianity. Unfortunately, Camping has been wrong with his predictions before. Camping predicted that the world would end in 1994. We're still here! What happened?Nothing happened!

"Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me!"

     Camping explained that the first date was wrong due to a math error. I'm no math whiz, either. So who am I to criticize someone else's math deficiencies. 
     Camping was apparently able to convince a lot of people that the May 21st date was correct. Unless you have been living on a remote island, disconnected from the rest of the planet, billboard ads were erected in major cities throughout the United States at great expense warning all of us of the upcoming rapture and subsequent end of the world.
     Camping tells us that he based his predictions on the Bible. He must have a different Bible than I do.
     Jesus told his disciples during His time on earth that no one knew when He would return again to earth. He said that even He did not know the day or hour of His return.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Matthew 24:36

...If even the Lord Jesus Christ doesn't know the date or hour of His return is it at all conceivable that a mere man could know. It is clear from the teachings of Jesus that His return will be at a time that is unexpected. He compares the time of His return to the time of Noah, you know, the guy who built the ark and took all the kinds of animals of the earth for a boat ride.

     "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriages until the day that Noah entered the ark and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:37-39

     Jesus warned that in the last days false Christs and prophets would appear and speak all manner of false things. He, as well as the Apostles, warn us to be on our guard.
     Our best defense against false teaching is for us to know what the Bible says. Therefore read the Bible for yourself and learn what it actually says. DO NOT DEPEND UPON THE INTERPRETATION(S) OF OTHER PEOPLE NO MATTER HOW WELL CREDENTIALED THEY MAY BE! READ IT FOR YOURSELF!
     Mr. Camping is a heretic! Beware of wolves who come in sheep's clothing! Read the Bible for yourself! May God bless your efforts!

  

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS OF A WANDERING MIND!

"Most people are not truly appreciated until after they're dead. Osama Bin Laden you're now dead, and we all appreciate it!"

      Unless you have been living inside a remote cave like a stoic hermit, you now know that Osama Bin Laden has met his maker and the U.S. Military graciously arranged the meeting. Members of the elite SEAL Team Six raided a compound inside Pakistan and terminated  the elusive terrorist leader with extreme prejudice. 
     These Covert Ops Operators are the elite of the elite! They volunteer for active duty military service. Next, they volunteer for SEAL Training which requires that they survive and pass months of the most rigorous training regimen in the world. Then, after several years in the Special Operations Community, if they have earned the respect of SEAL Team Six, they are asked to "try out" for the most elite of the SEAL Teams. Many do not make it. These guys are the epitome of professional Special Operations operators. I thank God that there are such men as Navy SEALS and that they are on our side!
     May God continue to watch over and protect our military servicemen and women.

       "Success has many fathers...Failure is an orphan!"

     President Obama has my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for giving the order that sent the SEAL Team into Pakistan last weekend. Military operations are complex, multi-facited endeavors. Most operational plans survive until first contact with the enemy. After that, operators must adapt, overcome and persevere to complete their assigned mission. This mission was well planned. The SEAL Team was well prepared. The mission was executed almost flawlessly. 
      I commend the President for having the courage to give the order to proceed with the mission, knowing all the inherent risks, militarily and politically. Well done, Mr. President.

    "There is nothing terrible in life for the man who realizes that there is nothing terrible in death." - Epicurus

      The Christian has nothing to fear from death.  For the Christian, death is merely a graduation to glory, as it were. The Bible tells us that the sufferings experienced during our time on earth pales to insignificance compared to what awaits us after death.
     We live in difficult times! Finances are threatened and diminishing! Crime and terrorism are increasing! Natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity! Oh, woe is us!
     Relax people and take a breath! God is still in control. For the Christian, no matter what happens on this earth, we win! I can't tell you how many times God says "Fear Not!" I know it is several times. He must really mean what He says! 
     So if you are not a Christian, become one so that you too can have the assurance of better things to come...AND...like the Apostle Paul you can say "Grave, where is your victory, Death, where is your sting?"


    ENJOY YOUR WEDNESDAY!

IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED - IT NEVER WILL HAPPEN....NOT EVER!

     Sometimes I like to sit and just let my mind wander. Sometimes my mind gets lost in thought. Some folk who know me would probably tell you that my mind is still lost. But, I digress.
     During one of my wanderings I considered the question "Is there anything that God has never done AND will never do...ever?" As I considered this question a few things came to mind. In no particular order, here are a few of them.
     God has never lied. Throughout the sixty-six books of the Bible there is not one instance where God has lied. In fact, God has made it clear that telling the truth is the right thing to do. God has no reason to lie. There are three passages from Scripture that are precisely on point.

"God is not a man, that He should lie." (Numbers 23:19)  

"Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago..."   (Titus 1:1,2) 

"...so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,..."  (Hebrews 6:18) 

      God has never been surprised.  There has never been a time when God has said "Boy, I never saw that coming!" God has foretold through His prophets what was going to happen  hundreds of years before it happened. 
     God told Abraham that Israel would be subjected to captivity in Egypt for 400 years and that He would deliver them out of their bondage (Genesis 15:13,14). This prophecy found it's fulfillment in the life of Joseph who was sold into slavery in Egypt. (Genesis 37 through 47) The deliverance came through Moses who led Israel out of captivity in Egypt to the land promised to Abraham. (The Book of Exodus)
     God told the king of babylon, Nebuchadnezzer, about four kingdoms that would arise through His prophet, Daniel. These kingdoms were the Babylonians, followed by the Medo-Persian which was followed by the Greek Empire which was followed by the Roman Empire. (Daniel 2:31-45)  History has confirmed that there were four great kingdoms in antiquity that followed the exact sequence as foretold through Daniel. 
     God has never failed to do what He has said He will do. From the Book of Genesis through the Book of Jude, God has never failed to do what He said He would do. After the fall in the garden of Eden God planned to redeem man by sending the Messiah, His only begotten Son, Jesus, the Christ. 
     When God said He would bring judgement upon a people or a Nation He has, without fail, done so. Examples consist of Sodom and Gomorrah, Nineveh, Egypt, Tyre and many others that were either destroyed outright or greatly diminished.
    You may note that I neglected to include the Book of Revelation in my list above. The reason for this is simple, those prophecies have yet to be fulfilled. The point is, if God has done what he said He would do in ages past you can be certain that the prophecies of the Book of Revelation will likewise be fulfilled as promised.
     The examples cited above just scratch the surface of Biblical Prophecy. 
     So, I strongly urge all of you to examine the evidence and come to know the God of the Bible. He is a loving, merciful and compassionate God. He truly loves you and desires to have a relationship with you. You will not regret it!