Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible--only 2 verses. The other surrounding chapters have quite a few verses...Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses. Made me wonder...why was it done that way? For 117 to have only 2 verses, what is it REALLY SAYING to us? It has to be more profound than we first realize...
First, the entire Bible is profound...period. But, as humans, we read it and yes, we technically understand it, but are we TRULY comprehending what the Bible is telling us?? Psalm 117 says: {Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise Him, all you people of the earth. For He loves us with unfailing love; the Lord's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the Lord!}.
Hmmmm....ok. We know that already...we hear it all the time...we read it throughout the Bible...so why was it given a chapter to itself for just those 2 verses??
Well, because we are so familiar with it, we may overlook the true message...the deeper meaning and answer to our needs. These 2 verses are indeed profound. These 2 verses are a chapter unto themselves because, in my opinion, they are the overall, encompassing answer to every situation, circumstance and need in our lives. As Jesus is my Lord and Savior, it is unfortunate that I forget--as I live in this world, that I am not a part of this world or bound by the things of this world. I have to keep my focus on Jesus...not the world....
"Psalm 117 reminds me of an old saying...For example, 'There are 2 rules to know and never forget--Rule #1: Jesus is the answer to ev'thing. Rule #2: Always refer back to Rule #1. No matter what we go through, no matter what occurs, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS--kids, family, school, finances, emotions, health, work...NO MATTER WHAT IT IS...PRAISE THE LORD AND KNOW THAT HIS LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS ENDURES FOREVER. If we just remember this, then we, as His children, will walk in the promise that we are victorious and more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. Simply put, all this means that we have the complete and absolute answer to ev'thing and all things...it's just a matter of implementing it in our daily lives and exercising our faith. Jesus was, is and will be...He is the Truth, the Way and the Life; the Beginning and the End, the Alpha and Omega. PRAISE HIM and be encouraged that God IS FAITHFUL and that He is always there FOR YOU. Reach out to Him today! Be blessed..."
Around the next corner...taking the road less travelled!
Friday 30 October 2009
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By:
Gypsy Genes
As I grow up...
["It is never too late to be what you might have been." George Elliot ]
As a child, we all have played many roles as we pretended to be this or that. I can remember playing house, school, doctors and nurses and cowboys and indians! Now, I am all grown up and have a real family of my own. WOW! Where has the time gone?
I am currently not working although I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Elementary Education. My education goals have changed frequently and drastically over the years as I have tried to make something of myself. It has always been important to me contribute and have my own self worth.
Along this way of self-development, I have had the opportunity to be in the FBI three different times. The first time as a junior in college--field agent. The second and third time came after having all 4 of my children...to be a profiler and then an Expert Explosive Ordinance Trainer. These things would have given me that sense of self-worth that I was looking for...my contribution...being who I felt I was supposed to be. But, there always seemed to be a problem...some interference that always seemed to rain on my parade just before I launched down the main street of town wearing my badge of "THIS IS WHO I AM"....
What rotten luck! Would I ever be able to get things together and do what I needed to do??
Well, there is a right way to do something and a wrong way to do something. In Matthew 25:1-13, we see that 5 bridesmaids did it right and 5 did not. The confusion in my life wasn't that things kept interfering, it was that "I" kept interfering. As a human being, I sometimes get stuck on the fact that it's not about me! I forget...I get distracted...I become deceived. The reason my grand and glorious plans of being in the FBI didn't come to fruition is because that is what "I" wanted...to prove that "I" could it...to show people what "I" could do. My purpose in this world IS NOT ABOUT ME. Now, the elephant's in the room...isn't that an eye-opener...our lives are not about us!
The Lord knew that should I be in the FBI, that I possibly...probably...would not live for Him. He created me with a specific purpose in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). He knew me while I was still in my mom's womb as He knit me together for His own purposes (Jeremiah 1:5). God also knew that I struggle with "I don't need anyone...not even God!" I don't consciously think that, but my actions eventually say that. We pray for things and feel like God doesn't listen or answer...how thankful I am that God 'didn't answer' my prayer...that He SAID NO to my future with the FBI. See, God always knows best and He always hears the cries of His children and He always answers our prayers (Psalm 28:6-7; Psalm 34:4)...just sometimes, we don't like the answer.
The problem with my life was that I was trying to do with it as "I" wanted rather than seeking God and His will for my life. Moreover, it is through my weakness that God's strength and glory are made known (2 Cor 12:9-10) It was never about what "I" wanted for my life; it is about what God wants for my life. I do not need to prove anything to others; I do not need to earn my self-worth; I do not need to feel worthless if I'm not working an outside job. First and foremost, God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Rev 1:8). God is my grace, joy, self-confidence, self-worth, peace...He is my everything (Eph 2:8)! When I surrender to Him and seek His face, I have everything I could need or want and this world can not take it away from me.
Funny thing...I've always worked with kids, always been around kids and now I have 4 of my own. God gave me 4 beautiful children--which I am thoroughly glad of, and one of my most important duties is to them...to raise them to fear the Lord, to do what is best for them...to love them and be a Godly example before them. That is one of my legacies. However, I've always wanted a career away from kids, for example, the FBI. Another dream of mine was to work in the hospital...I did as an Ophthalmological Technician. God granted me this 'heart's desire'. I loved doing surgery; I love the newness of it everyday! God allowed me to do this for 'a season'. Then, He let me know that while that was what I wanted, it wasn't what He wanted...and it was time for me to move on. This was difficult for me. It broke my heart to realize I had to give it up...especially as I made very good money and my supervisors were trying to pay for and provide proper certification and accreditation for me in my field. Still...there was that quiet voice reminding me that my 'season' was over. The question hung...'what am I going to be then??!'
That's when God directed me to get my masters in elementary education. Again, kids. It seems like I've tried to get away from them all my life just to be rerouted to them all over again. *Big sigh!!* I joined an accelerated program and finished in a year and a half...developed a significant health issue that required several surgeries during my schooling and still managed to pull a 4.0 GPA and then won Student of the Year.
None of this was my own achievement...it was God's glory and strength through my weakness. He carried me through when I couldn't make it on my own. As a matter of fact, it truly became clear that even at my best, I could not do it ON MY OWN. I need God. I need Him to lead, guide and direct me in every area of my life. He is the reason I have self-confidence, self-worth, joy, peace...HE ALONE gives me these things.
Doing what he designed me to do is walking in my destiny and fulfilling my purpose for being in this world. Obedience is better than sacrifice...and it is time that I stop running from and start walking in that destiny. The kicker is, is that I wasn't even aware that I was running...but as we draw closer to God, the scales will begin to fall from our eyes and the still, quiet voice that speaks to us will become clearer and clearer.
When I grow up, I want to be what God wants me to be...I want to be annointed in what I do...make an impact for the Kingdom of God. When we seek first the Kingdom of God, the rest shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). I want to be pleasing unto God not only when I grow up....but ASI grow up.
Be encouraged in your self-worth, joy and peace...you are God's masterpiece and He delights in you.
As a child, we all have played many roles as we pretended to be this or that. I can remember playing house, school, doctors and nurses and cowboys and indians! Now, I am all grown up and have a real family of my own. WOW! Where has the time gone?
I am currently not working although I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Elementary Education. My education goals have changed frequently and drastically over the years as I have tried to make something of myself. It has always been important to me contribute and have my own self worth.
Along this way of self-development, I have had the opportunity to be in the FBI three different times. The first time as a junior in college--field agent. The second and third time came after having all 4 of my children...to be a profiler and then an Expert Explosive Ordinance Trainer. These things would have given me that sense of self-worth that I was looking for...my contribution...being who I felt I was supposed to be. But, there always seemed to be a problem...some interference that always seemed to rain on my parade just before I launched down the main street of town wearing my badge of "THIS IS WHO I AM"....
What rotten luck! Would I ever be able to get things together and do what I needed to do??
Well, there is a right way to do something and a wrong way to do something. In Matthew 25:1-13, we see that 5 bridesmaids did it right and 5 did not. The confusion in my life wasn't that things kept interfering, it was that "I" kept interfering. As a human being, I sometimes get stuck on the fact that it's not about me! I forget...I get distracted...I become deceived. The reason my grand and glorious plans of being in the FBI didn't come to fruition is because that is what "I" wanted...to prove that "I" could it...to show people what "I" could do. My purpose in this world IS NOT ABOUT ME. Now, the elephant's in the room...isn't that an eye-opener...our lives are not about us!
The Lord knew that should I be in the FBI, that I possibly...probably...would not live for Him. He created me with a specific purpose in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). He knew me while I was still in my mom's womb as He knit me together for His own purposes (Jeremiah 1:5). God also knew that I struggle with "I don't need anyone...not even God!" I don't consciously think that, but my actions eventually say that. We pray for things and feel like God doesn't listen or answer...how thankful I am that God 'didn't answer' my prayer...that He SAID NO to my future with the FBI. See, God always knows best and He always hears the cries of His children and He always answers our prayers (Psalm 28:6-7; Psalm 34:4)...just sometimes, we don't like the answer.
The problem with my life was that I was trying to do with it as "I" wanted rather than seeking God and His will for my life. Moreover, it is through my weakness that God's strength and glory are made known (2 Cor 12:9-10) It was never about what "I" wanted for my life; it is about what God wants for my life. I do not need to prove anything to others; I do not need to earn my self-worth; I do not need to feel worthless if I'm not working an outside job. First and foremost, God is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Rev 1:8). God is my grace, joy, self-confidence, self-worth, peace...He is my everything (Eph 2:8)! When I surrender to Him and seek His face, I have everything I could need or want and this world can not take it away from me.
Funny thing...I've always worked with kids, always been around kids and now I have 4 of my own. God gave me 4 beautiful children--which I am thoroughly glad of, and one of my most important duties is to them...to raise them to fear the Lord, to do what is best for them...to love them and be a Godly example before them. That is one of my legacies. However, I've always wanted a career away from kids, for example, the FBI. Another dream of mine was to work in the hospital...I did as an Ophthalmological Technician. God granted me this 'heart's desire'. I loved doing surgery; I love the newness of it everyday! God allowed me to do this for 'a season'. Then, He let me know that while that was what I wanted, it wasn't what He wanted...and it was time for me to move on. This was difficult for me. It broke my heart to realize I had to give it up...especially as I made very good money and my supervisors were trying to pay for and provide proper certification and accreditation for me in my field. Still...there was that quiet voice reminding me that my 'season' was over. The question hung...'what am I going to be then??!'
That's when God directed me to get my masters in elementary education. Again, kids. It seems like I've tried to get away from them all my life just to be rerouted to them all over again. *Big sigh!!* I joined an accelerated program and finished in a year and a half...developed a significant health issue that required several surgeries during my schooling and still managed to pull a 4.0 GPA and then won Student of the Year.
None of this was my own achievement...it was God's glory and strength through my weakness. He carried me through when I couldn't make it on my own. As a matter of fact, it truly became clear that even at my best, I could not do it ON MY OWN. I need God. I need Him to lead, guide and direct me in every area of my life. He is the reason I have self-confidence, self-worth, joy, peace...HE ALONE gives me these things.
Doing what he designed me to do is walking in my destiny and fulfilling my purpose for being in this world. Obedience is better than sacrifice...and it is time that I stop running from and start walking in that destiny. The kicker is, is that I wasn't even aware that I was running...but as we draw closer to God, the scales will begin to fall from our eyes and the still, quiet voice that speaks to us will become clearer and clearer.
When I grow up, I want to be what God wants me to be...I want to be annointed in what I do...make an impact for the Kingdom of God. When we seek first the Kingdom of God, the rest shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). I want to be pleasing unto God not only when I grow up....but ASI grow up.
Be encouraged in your self-worth, joy and peace...you are God's masterpiece and He delights in you.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
|
By:
Gypsy Genes
"Courage is fear that has said its prayers!"
Share a time when you have prayed and found courage and strength. {I am strong and my heart takes courage, for I wait for and hope for and expect the Lord! Psalm 31:24} A testimony is a powerful thing.
I had been praying for boldness and opportunities to witness. As God is faithful to hear the cries of His children, He placed me in the position to have and do both at once. While sitting in one of my classes, my instructor brought up religion and the fact that he/she was agnostic and had not read the Bible. As his/her words sunk in, I felt the Lord's hand. I could feel God telling me that here was exactly what I had been praying for...at the same time, fear and dread were quick to jump into the discussion going on inside my head. How on earth was I going to say or do anything where this instructor was concerned?? How I could risk my grades like that? What if she/he got angry? What if they rejected me and what I had to say without hearing me out? The more questions that popped up, the more fear snaked its way through me. There was no way I could do this...not to this person, not under these circumstances. NO WAY!
Then, as Jesus had commanded the storm to be still, it was as if I could feel His hand on my shoulder and the chaotic thoughts stilled as He began to speak. He reminded me of what I asked Him for...my faith, that when I called on His name, that He would hear my cry and answer my prayers according to His will. He reminded me that fear was not of God and that He is faithful to finish what He starts. That while I was concerned for my grades, my grades were nothing when compared to a person's soul. He also brought to my remembrance that He, in His timing, calls His children to do the work for His Kingdom...we don't have to feel qualified or understand what He calls us to do, we just have to be obedient. I remember that in the middle of that fear, God spoke peace to me that passed all understanding...He calmed the storm. One of the many miracles that He performed so long ago as to be recorded in the Bible, He still performs them for you and me today. Jesus reminded me of many examples...the hearts condition in which the stony soil becomes fertile; how, in His timing, we can do, through Him, what we ordinarily could not do because He provides the way; how that if I refused to do this, that this person may miss their chance to learn of Jesus...and that it would be on my conscience. Most of all, He reminded me that I had faith to pray and believe in the prayer, and that as His child, I needed to stretch and grow in that faith believing that He was in control and that I had to do as He called me to do and leave the rest in His hands...
Okay. I prayed a quick prayer for guidance--to have God go before me as He did for David and after class and a deep breath, I approached my instructor.
I spoke to him/her about Jesus...asked if I got him/her a Bible, would he/she accept it...read it? My instructor, a declared agnostic, after hearing what I had to say and offer, stood there for what felt like forever...then he/she looked at me and agreed. I wanted to jump for joy and run around the classroom. My spirit was singing praise unto God. I later brought him/her the Bible and many other materials to study. I can not tell you the outcome of this story, except to say that I did get an A in the class and that I still pray for this instructor. God called me at that moment to 'sow the seed'...I trust that someone else has or will water it and reap it. God allowed me the chance to 'sow into his/her life' and although I was afraid, God was and always is in control. It isn't about me...what I feel...it is about furthering the Kingdom of God...it is about being obedient, knowing that through my weakness (fear) that God's strength is made known (courage to do what He has called me/us to do).
There are no coincidences only God Appointments!
Take heart and be encouraged through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Don't forget to share one of your times of courage...
I had been praying for boldness and opportunities to witness. As God is faithful to hear the cries of His children, He placed me in the position to have and do both at once. While sitting in one of my classes, my instructor brought up religion and the fact that he/she was agnostic and had not read the Bible. As his/her words sunk in, I felt the Lord's hand. I could feel God telling me that here was exactly what I had been praying for...at the same time, fear and dread were quick to jump into the discussion going on inside my head. How on earth was I going to say or do anything where this instructor was concerned?? How I could risk my grades like that? What if she/he got angry? What if they rejected me and what I had to say without hearing me out? The more questions that popped up, the more fear snaked its way through me. There was no way I could do this...not to this person, not under these circumstances. NO WAY!
Then, as Jesus had commanded the storm to be still, it was as if I could feel His hand on my shoulder and the chaotic thoughts stilled as He began to speak. He reminded me of what I asked Him for...my faith, that when I called on His name, that He would hear my cry and answer my prayers according to His will. He reminded me that fear was not of God and that He is faithful to finish what He starts. That while I was concerned for my grades, my grades were nothing when compared to a person's soul. He also brought to my remembrance that He, in His timing, calls His children to do the work for His Kingdom...we don't have to feel qualified or understand what He calls us to do, we just have to be obedient. I remember that in the middle of that fear, God spoke peace to me that passed all understanding...He calmed the storm. One of the many miracles that He performed so long ago as to be recorded in the Bible, He still performs them for you and me today. Jesus reminded me of many examples...the hearts condition in which the stony soil becomes fertile; how, in His timing, we can do, through Him, what we ordinarily could not do because He provides the way; how that if I refused to do this, that this person may miss their chance to learn of Jesus...and that it would be on my conscience. Most of all, He reminded me that I had faith to pray and believe in the prayer, and that as His child, I needed to stretch and grow in that faith believing that He was in control and that I had to do as He called me to do and leave the rest in His hands...
Okay. I prayed a quick prayer for guidance--to have God go before me as He did for David and after class and a deep breath, I approached my instructor.
I spoke to him/her about Jesus...asked if I got him/her a Bible, would he/she accept it...read it? My instructor, a declared agnostic, after hearing what I had to say and offer, stood there for what felt like forever...then he/she looked at me and agreed. I wanted to jump for joy and run around the classroom. My spirit was singing praise unto God. I later brought him/her the Bible and many other materials to study. I can not tell you the outcome of this story, except to say that I did get an A in the class and that I still pray for this instructor. God called me at that moment to 'sow the seed'...I trust that someone else has or will water it and reap it. God allowed me the chance to 'sow into his/her life' and although I was afraid, God was and always is in control. It isn't about me...what I feel...it is about furthering the Kingdom of God...it is about being obedient, knowing that through my weakness (fear) that God's strength is made known (courage to do what He has called me/us to do).
There are no coincidences only God Appointments!
Take heart and be encouraged through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Don't forget to share one of your times of courage...
Tuesday 27 October 2009
|
By:
Gypsy Genes
Eagles...soaring or tethered?
Morning devotions are an inspiration for my day...today, it was 17 Ezekiel!
Wow!! I was blown away by the parallelism between the time of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and Zedekiah and our current president in the United States. Please, take a few minutes and read 17 Ezekiel as I will make references to it without posting it in its entirety...it's only 24 verses. :D
Now that you've read it...I want to expound on the chapter. Verses 1-6 speak of the first eagle and the good that it did. The scripture refers to the Babylon King, Nebuchadnezzar, who 'planted'...or appointed Zedekiah to be king in Jerusalem. Zedekiah was to uphold the treaty between Babylon and Israel. This has been our country, it's leadership and our foundation up until now. Of course, we make allowances for the fact that decay has been creeping its way along and along regardless of our presidents and our foundational premise. Moreover, Zedekiah decided he would rather make a treaty with Egypt instead. But, I found it very intriguing: let's say that the first eagle represent the founders of America and succeeding leaders. They have always kept to the originial basis on which America was actually conceived. As our ancestors left Europe and sought new ground, a new way of life, they found and built it on the premise of serving God. It has been upheld and, in my belief, been the very reason for our success as a world power.
However, now, today, it appears that the eagle spoken of in verses 7-10 has come into play. This second eagle is destroying the foundation. This eagle is a misrepresentation of what was meant to be...it brings about destruction. As the second eagle has come, the vine has now changed its direction (v. 7,8). In vs. 9, the Lord says that 'this vine will not grow and prosper'. On down in vs. 10, it tells us that this vine will now wither away and die in the 'same good soil where it had grown so well.'
Our current leader, in my opinion, has brought about the same circumstances as this second eagle. Unfotunately, there are those that would say that any disagreements stem from racial issues. Those who know me, know that I am not concerned with race or gender...but, as a Christ follower, I do care about his political platforms. In the forefront, it is this:
* Intensify fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan
* Withdraw from Iraq by 2010
* Negotiate with Iran, Syria, North Korea and Cuba
* Re-engage the US in Kyoto aimed at reducing C02 emissions
* Lower taxes for the poor and raise those on the rich (about time)
* Introduce a system of universal healthcare (long overdue to 50 million)
* Restore the leadership of the United States in space
* Improve education for children of poor families
* Combat poverty in the world
* Make illegal immigrants legal that are here and strengthen border controls
On those issues, things look promising...or should I say 'deceiving'?! It is the little foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15...and in the end time, the very elect will be deceived if we do not have a relationship rooted and grounded in the Word of God(Matthew 24:24,25). The more exposed we are to something, the more desensitized we become to it...which brings me to what I don't see listed in his platform that he also supports which is:
*abortion...to make it worse, he supports it in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The Bible says not to commit murder (Exodus 20:13). A fetus is a living being (Psalm 139:13-17) and aborting that fetus is murder. For clarification, I do not support abortion unless it is between the life of the mother and the child. Ending the pregnancy by stopping the life of the fetus was not the desired intention, but in order to save the mother. If someone has already had an abortion, I certainly am not condemming them...what they have done, they can get forgiveness for--it is why Jesus died on the cross...to bring us forgiveness and salvation. I have also worked a pregnancy hotline...most were women who had had an abortion and in the aftermath, found they could not deal or live with what they had done. There are definitely other sources online to support this, but this site just put it all together:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/damianthompson/5502327/Obama_is_the_most_extreme_proabortion_politician_in_the_history_of_Congress/
*stem cell research (while this could benefit us medically, the probability that the methods would not be rigidly monitored and upheld put this in a very bad light for our society. Abortion is already a ready answer to unwanted pregnancies; we don't want it to become a means to an end in the sense that people get pregnant with the intention of being paid to abort a live fetus so that stem cell research can thrive.) See above scripture.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/damianthompson/5502327/Obama_is_the_most_extreme_proabortion_politician_in_the_history_of_Congress/
*gay and lesbians are now to become an open part of our military--in light of this, it is the same as men and women showering together...not to mention, military code refers to not leaving a man(woman) behind and trust between soldiers...of having each others back. Yes, there are gays/lesbians in the military...have been in the military, but it was not encouraged and certainly not openly practiced, per se. Now, we face issues of troops not having solidarity in battle because 1) A soldier could be cut and bleeding...will they help another that they know is gay when that person is also bleeding. Whereas before, there would have, theoretically, been no hesitation, now, not only will the likelihood of hesitation increase, but even the probability of one soldier not helping another. 2) Open shower bays...with gays and lesbians, the chances of all out brawling in the shower bay is more than not an absolute. Talk about destroying yourself from the inside out. Our military won't be able to stand against outside invaders because 'a house divided cannot stand'(Matthew 12:25-30)...it won't be able to unite in order to stand against terrorism or anything else. In addition, the month of June has now been designated as gay/lesbian month. This is not my opinion but the Word of God, (Romans 1:24-32) that this lifestyle will end in death and destruction. Just for arguments sake, yes, I have friends who are gay/lesbian...I love them. However, I do not condone their choice and while I hate the sin, I love the sinner. It is for me to spread the Word, but the judging is up to God.
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm
This next url proves the point considerably...it is desensitizing, deceiving and putting us back on the same foundational basis as the 'world' rather than the principles of God. Again, these are the little foxes that spoil the vine because if we're not careful, we begin to question the authority of God--we become too educated and too sophisticated to believe the Word of God. As a result, we are ruled by statistics, popularity, science...or simply put, we add or take away from the Bible in order to make it fit around what we want to do. (Rev. 22:18,19)
http://civilliberty.about.com/od/gendersexuality/ig/Lesbian-and-Gay-Rights-101/Gays-in-the-Military.htm
*Universal Health Care Reform and just as with abortion and infanticide (a child marked for abortion who is born alive can receive no medical care--check out the link in Abortion and Stem Cell Research), the growing concern in our nation is that this new Health Care Reform will be the same for our aging population. Once they are passed a certain age, they will be denied insurance, health care, medical treatment....a form of Euthanasia. You can get a first hand look at how the reform is presented...but it is what is 'between the lines' that bothers me. Just as, when you read the abortion link, they cited how our commander and chief lied about the stances on abortion.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health-care
*Indebtedness to China....don't even get me started!
“China won’t sell the U.S. debt now as that will only drive down Treasury prices, hurting not only the U.S. but also the value of its own investments,” said Shen Jianguang, a Hong Kong-based economist at China International Capital Corp., an investment bank partly owned by Morgan Stanley. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged China, while visiting officials in Beijing on Feb. 22, to continue buying U.S. debt, which she called a “safe investment.”
I'm just saying...but realistically, how will we ever manage to pay off this debt...will China allow us to and in effect that we don't, what will we have to pay since we are considered a 'safe investment'? What will be the cost to the people of the United States?
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=agLiLPeFZCE4
Is America for sale??
http://books.simonandschuster.com/America-for-Sale/Jerome-R-Corsi/9781439154779?mcd=z_091021_BD_America-For-Sale_WND
*Denied acknowledgement of Prayer Day
Our current leader, would not acknowledge National Prayer Day. It is said that he claimed to prefer to pray privately in his own home as he did every day.
Next on the agenda, "Islam on Capitol Hill 2009" --It is being promoted as a day of Islamic unity "to express and illustrate the wonderful diversity of Islam."
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=684692
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/09/19/3290373-obama-extends-greetings-on-muslim-holiday
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/obama-inspires-islamists-dc-prayer-rally/blog-155883/
*Signing treaty for ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT
[A former science adviser to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher says the real purpose of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen on Dec. 7-18 is to use global warming hype as a pretext to lay the foundation for a one-world government.]
[Monckton argued that President Obama will sign the Copenhagen treaty at the December meeting, without seeking a two-thirds ratification of the treaty by the Senate, or any other type of Congressional approval.]
http://watchmanswarning.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/obama-to-sign-treaty-for-one-world-government//
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/25/obamas-new-world-order/
These things contribute to the moral, ethical and foundational breakdown on which the United States of America was founded...and has survived. So, this is what all came to my mind after reading 17 Ezekiel and the story of the 2 eagles.
As a nation...as a people...have we turned to the second eagle...are we on the verge of death and destruction? God be with us...
Wow!! I was blown away by the parallelism between the time of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and Zedekiah and our current president in the United States. Please, take a few minutes and read 17 Ezekiel as I will make references to it without posting it in its entirety...it's only 24 verses. :D
Now that you've read it...I want to expound on the chapter. Verses 1-6 speak of the first eagle and the good that it did. The scripture refers to the Babylon King, Nebuchadnezzar, who 'planted'...or appointed Zedekiah to be king in Jerusalem. Zedekiah was to uphold the treaty between Babylon and Israel. This has been our country, it's leadership and our foundation up until now. Of course, we make allowances for the fact that decay has been creeping its way along and along regardless of our presidents and our foundational premise. Moreover, Zedekiah decided he would rather make a treaty with Egypt instead. But, I found it very intriguing: let's say that the first eagle represent the founders of America and succeeding leaders. They have always kept to the originial basis on which America was actually conceived. As our ancestors left Europe and sought new ground, a new way of life, they found and built it on the premise of serving God. It has been upheld and, in my belief, been the very reason for our success as a world power.
However, now, today, it appears that the eagle spoken of in verses 7-10 has come into play. This second eagle is destroying the foundation. This eagle is a misrepresentation of what was meant to be...it brings about destruction. As the second eagle has come, the vine has now changed its direction (v. 7,8). In vs. 9, the Lord says that 'this vine will not grow and prosper'. On down in vs. 10, it tells us that this vine will now wither away and die in the 'same good soil where it had grown so well.'
Our current leader, in my opinion, has brought about the same circumstances as this second eagle. Unfotunately, there are those that would say that any disagreements stem from racial issues. Those who know me, know that I am not concerned with race or gender...but, as a Christ follower, I do care about his political platforms. In the forefront, it is this:
* Intensify fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan
* Withdraw from Iraq by 2010
* Negotiate with Iran, Syria, North Korea and Cuba
* Re-engage the US in Kyoto aimed at reducing C02 emissions
* Lower taxes for the poor and raise those on the rich (about time)
* Introduce a system of universal healthcare (long overdue to 50 million)
* Restore the leadership of the United States in space
* Improve education for children of poor families
* Combat poverty in the world
* Make illegal immigrants legal that are here and strengthen border controls
On those issues, things look promising...or should I say 'deceiving'?! It is the little foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15...and in the end time, the very elect will be deceived if we do not have a relationship rooted and grounded in the Word of God(Matthew 24:24,25). The more exposed we are to something, the more desensitized we become to it...which brings me to what I don't see listed in his platform that he also supports which is:
*abortion...to make it worse, he supports it in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The Bible says not to commit murder (Exodus 20:13). A fetus is a living being (Psalm 139:13-17) and aborting that fetus is murder. For clarification, I do not support abortion unless it is between the life of the mother and the child. Ending the pregnancy by stopping the life of the fetus was not the desired intention, but in order to save the mother. If someone has already had an abortion, I certainly am not condemming them...what they have done, they can get forgiveness for--it is why Jesus died on the cross...to bring us forgiveness and salvation. I have also worked a pregnancy hotline...most were women who had had an abortion and in the aftermath, found they could not deal or live with what they had done. There are definitely other sources online to support this, but this site just put it all together:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/damianthompson/5502327/Obama_is_the_most_extreme_proabortion_politician_in_the_history_of_Congress/
*stem cell research (while this could benefit us medically, the probability that the methods would not be rigidly monitored and upheld put this in a very bad light for our society. Abortion is already a ready answer to unwanted pregnancies; we don't want it to become a means to an end in the sense that people get pregnant with the intention of being paid to abort a live fetus so that stem cell research can thrive.) See above scripture.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/damianthompson/5502327/Obama_is_the_most_extreme_proabortion_politician_in_the_history_of_Congress/
*gay and lesbians are now to become an open part of our military--in light of this, it is the same as men and women showering together...not to mention, military code refers to not leaving a man(woman) behind and trust between soldiers...of having each others back. Yes, there are gays/lesbians in the military...have been in the military, but it was not encouraged and certainly not openly practiced, per se. Now, we face issues of troops not having solidarity in battle because 1) A soldier could be cut and bleeding...will they help another that they know is gay when that person is also bleeding. Whereas before, there would have, theoretically, been no hesitation, now, not only will the likelihood of hesitation increase, but even the probability of one soldier not helping another. 2) Open shower bays...with gays and lesbians, the chances of all out brawling in the shower bay is more than not an absolute. Talk about destroying yourself from the inside out. Our military won't be able to stand against outside invaders because 'a house divided cannot stand'(Matthew 12:25-30)...it won't be able to unite in order to stand against terrorism or anything else. In addition, the month of June has now been designated as gay/lesbian month. This is not my opinion but the Word of God, (Romans 1:24-32) that this lifestyle will end in death and destruction. Just for arguments sake, yes, I have friends who are gay/lesbian...I love them. However, I do not condone their choice and while I hate the sin, I love the sinner. It is for me to spread the Word, but the judging is up to God.
http://lesbianlife.about.com/od/lesbianactivism/p/BarackObama.htm
This next url proves the point considerably...it is desensitizing, deceiving and putting us back on the same foundational basis as the 'world' rather than the principles of God. Again, these are the little foxes that spoil the vine because if we're not careful, we begin to question the authority of God--we become too educated and too sophisticated to believe the Word of God. As a result, we are ruled by statistics, popularity, science...or simply put, we add or take away from the Bible in order to make it fit around what we want to do. (Rev. 22:18,19)
http://civilliberty.about.com/od/gendersexuality/ig/Lesbian-and-Gay-Rights-101/Gays-in-the-Military.htm
*Universal Health Care Reform and just as with abortion and infanticide (a child marked for abortion who is born alive can receive no medical care--check out the link in Abortion and Stem Cell Research), the growing concern in our nation is that this new Health Care Reform will be the same for our aging population. Once they are passed a certain age, they will be denied insurance, health care, medical treatment....a form of Euthanasia. You can get a first hand look at how the reform is presented...but it is what is 'between the lines' that bothers me. Just as, when you read the abortion link, they cited how our commander and chief lied about the stances on abortion.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health-care
*Indebtedness to China....don't even get me started!
“China won’t sell the U.S. debt now as that will only drive down Treasury prices, hurting not only the U.S. but also the value of its own investments,” said Shen Jianguang, a Hong Kong-based economist at China International Capital Corp., an investment bank partly owned by Morgan Stanley. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged China, while visiting officials in Beijing on Feb. 22, to continue buying U.S. debt, which she called a “safe investment.”
I'm just saying...but realistically, how will we ever manage to pay off this debt...will China allow us to and in effect that we don't, what will we have to pay since we are considered a 'safe investment'? What will be the cost to the people of the United States?
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=agLiLPeFZCE4
Is America for sale??
http://books.simonandschuster.com/America-for-Sale/Jerome-R-Corsi/9781439154779?mcd=z_091021_BD_America-For-Sale_WND
*Denied acknowledgement of Prayer Day
Our current leader, would not acknowledge National Prayer Day. It is said that he claimed to prefer to pray privately in his own home as he did every day.
Next on the agenda, "Islam on Capitol Hill 2009" --It is being promoted as a day of Islamic unity "to express and illustrate the wonderful diversity of Islam."
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=684692
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2009/09/19/3290373-obama-extends-greetings-on-muslim-holiday
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/obama-inspires-islamists-dc-prayer-rally/blog-155883/
*Signing treaty for ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT
[A former science adviser to British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher says the real purpose of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen on Dec. 7-18 is to use global warming hype as a pretext to lay the foundation for a one-world government.]
[Monckton argued that President Obama will sign the Copenhagen treaty at the December meeting, without seeking a two-thirds ratification of the treaty by the Senate, or any other type of Congressional approval.]
http://watchmanswarning.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/obama-to-sign-treaty-for-one-world-government//
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/oct/25/obamas-new-world-order/
These things contribute to the moral, ethical and foundational breakdown on which the United States of America was founded...and has survived. So, this is what all came to my mind after reading 17 Ezekiel and the story of the 2 eagles.
As a nation...as a people...have we turned to the second eagle...are we on the verge of death and destruction? God be with us...
Around the next corner...
As you have seen, my screen name is 'Gypsy Genes'. I have never had roots and I travel as much as possible...I am, what my friends refer to as, a 'free spirit'! I absolutely love a challenge...meeting and learning about new people and cultures...their language, our similarities and differences--everything is a breath of fresh air to me! I love adventure, variety and anything unique/odd. Most of all, I love Jesus Christ!
As I go from place to place, I am never alone. Jesus goes with me. The opportunities that I have are because of His blessings on my life. Although I may not have 'roots' in the material and worldly sense, I have roots in Jesus. Most stories tell of 'Gypsies' that are always on the move...they are just passing through a place. That is exactly what I am doing...this world is not my home...I have no roots here...I am a 'gypsy'--a gypsy for the Lord...just travelling through here.
I don't know what is around the next corner, what person I'll meet, what obstacle I'll face, but what I do know is this: Jesus will never forsake me and no matter where I find myself next...no matter what I face around the next corner, Jesus will be there to be everything I need. What is around the next corner for you? Will you be alone or will let Jesus be there to lead and guide you?
As I go from place to place, I am never alone. Jesus goes with me. The opportunities that I have are because of His blessings on my life. Although I may not have 'roots' in the material and worldly sense, I have roots in Jesus. Most stories tell of 'Gypsies' that are always on the move...they are just passing through a place. That is exactly what I am doing...this world is not my home...I have no roots here...I am a 'gypsy'--a gypsy for the Lord...just travelling through here.
I don't know what is around the next corner, what person I'll meet, what obstacle I'll face, but what I do know is this: Jesus will never forsake me and no matter where I find myself next...no matter what I face around the next corner, Jesus will be there to be everything I need. What is around the next corner for you? Will you be alone or will let Jesus be there to lead and guide you?
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