Wednesday, February 28, 2007

News Roundup 2/28/07

I'm baaack! Yes. As Ebsfwan so lovingly stated in his last comment:

"Good to see you back to your normal shrill form. :) "


I'm just getting warmed up!!
Don't worry Ebs...I can spot genuine "liberal love" when I see it! Hah!

So much news to catch up on! I will probably be adding to this News Roundup throughout the day so be sure to check back with your favorite shrill!

P.S. In the shrillness category, do I rank equal to, worse, or better than Glenn Beck? ;-)

Anyway...back to the Roundup:


ACLU exec busted for child-porn videos in court today

I have known about this for a few days now and was very curious to see how the MSM handled reporting it. Even though this slug is a
former ACLU exec., the fact that he was involved with eliminating child porn links at public libraries makes this a huge story. But the MSM?? Burying it or not even reporting it at all!!

See how the ACLU exists to protect children??

UGH!!!

World Net Daily Poll question:

Why is case of ex-ACLU chief accused of child porn getting little media attention?

Media are guided by advancing their agenda rather than honest reporting 45.22% (946)


I'm dumbfounded. It should be getting huge publicity since the ACLU has defended child molesters in NAMBLA 20.79% (435)


National news media are sympathetic to ACLU's left-leaning causes 19.55% (409)


When has the ACLU ever had critical media coverage? 12.48% (261)


There's no media cover-up, I've heard quite a bit about this case 0.72% (15)


It's viewed as a local child-porn case, not of national interest 0.57% (12)


Other 0.33% (7)


He's not accused of actual child abuse, only porn, so it's not considered so serious 0.19% (4)


Press figures he's innocent until proven guilty 0.14% (3)


Details are too graphic to give it lots of national play 0.00% (0)



TOTAL VOTES: 2092
(as of 7:43 a.m. P.T.)

HT: World Net Daily

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And then there is this:

Military launches investigation into ban on top independent online news source

Want to make a bet that it was a liberal left influence that achieved this?? They don't believe in "free speech" or a "free press for a free people" unless such speech agrees with them!

*******

Speaking of our lovely lunatic liberal left dafts, how does this one grab you?

Some Americans sorry Cheney survived

Quote:

Some of Dick Cheney's many fierce enemies on the left were unable to withhold their glee today after the vice president escaped an apparent assassination attempt in Afghanistan.


So...when do we get to call these people "haters, death mongers, EVIL and treasonous b*****ds? (Sorry...but this made me SO ANGRY...many of the comments were just so over the top...)

Comments posted to the site include:


Better luck next time! (TDB)

Dr Evil escapes again ... damn. (truthtopower01)

So Cheney is personally responsible for the deaths of 14 innocent people ... and then he waddles off to lunch!! What a piece of sh--! (fantanfanny)

Jesus Christ and General Jackson too, can't the Taliban do anything right? They must know we would be so gratefull (sic) to them for such a remarkable achievement. (hankster2)

Hey, Thalia, lighten up. I, for one, don't wish Cheny (sic) had been killed. I wish he had been horribly maimed and had to spend the rest of his life hooked to a respirator. Feel better now? (raisarooney)

Let's see ... they're killing him over there so we don't have to kill him over here? (ncjohn)

And they missed!? Oh, Hell. Like Mamma used to say, I guess it's the thought that counts ... (Anachro1)

You can never find a competent suicide bomber when you need one. (Mark701)


One contributor to the string of comments, "MNCurler," echoed many others, writing: "The posts advocating for Cheney's demise really show the class of the people who post here. No wonder you can't get a civil debate on this site- we are dealing with lunatic idiots."


See?? I'm not the only one calling them LUNATICS!!

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'Cameron's coffin' is 2007 Easter attack

Every year, at this time, we get another attack on the foundation of the Christian faith. So typical...isn't it?

Just goes to show that "the truth is not in them" who deny Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, Son of God, and (to Cameron and his ilk's detriment) Judge of the universe.

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HT: So far, it's been a WorldNetDaily reporting day...
...more later...

*******
WND Poll Update @ 3:07 p.m. PT

Why is case of ex-ACLU chief accused of child porn getting little media attention?

Media are guided by advancing their agenda rather than honest reporting 43.60% (1741)


I'm dumbfounded. It should be getting huge publicity since the ACLU has defended child molesters in NAMBLA 21.56% (861)


National news media are sympathetic to ACLU's left-leaning causes 20.14% (804)


When has the ACLU ever had critical media coverage? 12.95% (517)


There's no media cover-up, I've heard quite a bit about this case 0.65% (26)


It's viewed as a local child-porn case, not of national interest 0.45% (18)


Other 0.33% (13)


He's not accused of actual child abuse, only porn, so it's not considered so serious 0.18% (7)


Press figures he's innocent until proven guilty 0.15% (6)


Details are too graphic to give it lots of national play 0.00% (0)



TOTAL VOTES: 3993


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Update @ 5:38 p.m. PT

Great article on Liberal Licentiousness

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

News Roundup 2/27/07

I was wondering when this would happen! I just knew that someday, the lunatic New York Times would bash and smear the film "Obsession."

Yep... they can't handle the truth.
Uh huh...they don't know the meaning of truth.

One comment stands out at LGF:

Quoted within the article:

"i felt myself thinking poorly of some aspects of Islam"

Commenter:

"welcome to the friggen' party."


The liberal left LUNATICS OBSESSION WITH POLITICAL CORRECTNESS at IDIOT-BRAINED NEWSPAPERS LIKE the "Times" will PC us to death!

Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West.

Arrgghhh! It is times (no pun intended!) like this when I wish I knew how to photoshop a photo. I'd replace "S.F. Liberals" with the "N.Y. Loonie Times" in this photo!!

HT: LGF

Oh sure...there's nothing true in this documentary...it's just propaganda. Until you have the courage to face reality and read this:

World Under Fire: Terrorist Attacks Across the World

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Attacking the Truth About Jesus

It would take someone like James Cameron, who fashioned himself as the "king of the world" a few years back when his film "Titanic" won best picture to make an attack against the truth of God. But the guy is showing himself to be a hopelessly daft lunatic when he makes such a stupid claim as this.

Over the course of history, time and time again scholars have disproved wild claims like Cameron's. Today, scholars have immediately come out and criticized the false assumptions made in this inaccurate and anti-Christian, anti-faith documentary.

Of course, we have the typical MSM secular-progressive attack machine ready, willing, and able to tout a ridiculous story and pass it off as fact.

The fact of the matter is, the Resurrection is a proven fact of history. Simon Greenleaf has already shown that the evidence FOR the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is so strong that it would certainly pass a cursory legal inspection; even in a courtroom today.

Greenleaf, one of the principle founders of the Harvard Law School, originally set out to disprove the biblical testimony concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was certain that a careful examination of the internal witness of the Gospels would dispel all the myths at the heart of Christianity. But this legal scholar came to the conclusion that the witnesses were reliable, and that the resurrection did in fact happen.

In a Faith Under Fire commentary, World Net Daily labels it as a 'Titanic' attack on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christian believers everywhere know what hogwash such attempts truly are! We are not easily fooled! Attempts to discredit the Gospel of Jesus Christ have been around ever since the day after the Resurrection happened.

More recently, we've been through the stupid Da Vinci Code abomination. We've seen the idiots of the infamous "Jesus Seminar" make absolute fools of themselves putting "beads into jars" to register their vote on whether or not Jesus said certain phrases in the gospel accounts. And now we have James Cameron and his ilk trying, once again, UNSUCCESSFULLY to diminish, debase, and squelch, the Truth about the Person of Jesus Christ and His Word, the Bible.

When will they ever learn?

The more important question is why are such attacks more prevalent these days? Jesus warned that "hearts would grow cold" and false claims about Him would arise.

Fortunately, the public (especially the faithful) are not so easily fooled by heretical claims and apostasies such as these. In a World Net Daily Poll taken yesterday, the following question was asked and answered:



What do you think of claim that burial place of Jesus' family has been found?

It's part of the continuing attack on everything that stands for the truth of God 74.20% (3830)


Jesus took his body with him when he rose from the dead, so this is a bunch of silliness 10.17% (525)


The man involved already was proven to be a shill with the James ossuary, so this is par for the course 4.71% (243)


I think the find is interesting, and it deserves further study 3.02% (156)


I need more information, but I doubt the claim 2.58% (133)


Jesus was not married and did not have children, so this has to be a hoax 2.23%
(115)


Other 1.41% (73)


I believe it, and it shatters the myth that is Christianity 0.89% (46)


I believe it, but it does not destroy the main tenets of the Christian faith
0.46% (24)


I've been awakened to startling truths about the Bible, and this could be one of
them 0.33% (17)




TOTAL VOTES: 5162


*******

The Lord must truly be amused by the silly antics of men such as this who would attempt to challenge the truth of God, His Word and His authority. God has graciously given men the freedom to act as free agents. The greatness of God is that despite what men do, the ultimate goal within the universe has been preset to accomplish His final purposes.

Ten Reasons Why the Jesus "Tomb" Claim is Bogus
Leading Scholars Say Discovery Channel 'Documentary' Makes for Good TV, Bad History and Bad Science.

To encourage you and stimulate your thinking, here are five reasons why you can believe that Jesus was bodily raised from the dead, written by Kenneth Richard Samples of Reasons to Believe.

*******

Update @ 2:42 p.m. P.T.:

Critic: Movie maker 'least qualified to render determination of biblical truth'

You got that right! Look at the idiotic statment Cameron makes in the article:

"Cameron, on a movie information website, expressed a little of his own theology, which won't be familiar to those who study the Bible.


"Well, I see our potential destruction and the potential salvation as human beings coming from technology and how we use it, how we master it and how we prevent it from mastering us," he said."


Ha ha ha ha haaaa!

Had a great laugh over that moronic "theology."

I agree with what Schenck said here:


"Schenck said the whole publicity stunt may backfire on Cameron, and encourage people to dig deeper into the reasons they believe the way they do. "In the end ... the truth will be told," he said.

He cited a favorite Bible verse: "What the devil means for destruction God will turn for good."
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Crisis, Action, Care & Love

When a health crisis occurs, we just never know when or where it will strike. Despite the fact that my husband endured that terrible cardio-vascular reaction Thursday night, the truth is, it probably couldn't have happened at a better place or time. I know that sounds a bit strange, so let me explain.

He was surrounded by the right people who could, and did, react with such speed and appropriate action, that I truly believe such swift thinking helped to lessen any damage to his body. The harm that could otherwise have occured, may have even been halted. Thus, the care of him which was done immediately, may have saved his life.

I want to share what happened. Perhaps some of the information may help someone else, someday, if faced with a similar situation.

For privacy purposes, I will just use the first initial of the first names of people who helped us that night.

We had just finished a delicious dinner. The conversations varied from sharing past funny stories and situations, to sharing golf adventures, to discussing D's special plate of food because of allergic reactions to onions!

P and L, from another table at the dinner, were the first to leave. P still had symptoms from a bad cold, so he needed to get home early.

I glanced over at Charlie and noticed that he was yawning quite often. He also was rubbing his eyes. He looked extremely tired. I was thinking to myself that we should probably leave shortly after the dessert and coffee have been served. I was about to say that to my husband, but as I turned towards him, he had his hand on his upper chest and said he was having bad chest pains and trouble breathing. He grimaced in pain. The blood drained from his face and he said he felt faint.

The next thing I knew, D, who was sitting near Charlie got up from his seat and started giving out instructions on what to do for him. Several people complied and within a few seconds, Charlie had eaten two chewable baby aspirins. D sent someone to get seltzer water for Charlie to drink. Since Charlie felt faint and nauseous, D then instructed him to try and bend down so that he could place his head between his knees. Charlie was able to do that, but when he lifted his head up, he couldn't drink the seltzer water that I placed by his lips. He appeared dazed and incoherent. As he attempted to drink it, the rim of the glass only touched the base of his nose. He was sweating profusely and his shirt was very damp. Several of the people who came around us handed me wet napkins to place on his neck and forehead.

In what seemed like less than a minute, the chest pain subsided, so D and C helped him up and brought him over to the sliding glass doors so that he could breathe in the cool night air. It was raining outside. Someone else brought over a chair for him, then a chair for me. What seemed like two minutes after I sat down in that chair, the paramedics arrived! I was so amazed! They got there within 5-10 minutes!

I found out later that a call was sent through the hotel and restaurant for a doctor to come to the ballroom. I'm not sure if he got there before the paramedics or not, but the medics treated him quickly, right there on the spot. His blood pressure was very low and the fact that he had those severe chest pains meant that he needed to get on a gurney and taken by ambulance to the emergency room at the hospital.

I remember remaining calm through all of this. I had been in situations similar to this before with Charlie. But it was a totally different ailment. Just before getting up from the chair to follow my husband and the paramedics to the ambulance, I looked back at all the guests at the tables. Most were standing, looking concerned. It was evident that everyone at every table certainly didn't want to rush over and hover around us. Each table probably sent one person over to see if they could help in some way.

Many of my husband's co-workers were speaking words of concern, care, and encouragement to him all through this episode. He recalls hearing their voices, but doesn't remember exactly what everyone said to him. Later, when I shared how this event unfolded with Charlie, he was amazed and grateful for the excellent and immediate action taken by many friends there.

As I reflect back, I can see the hand of God working through the people during this time of fear and uncertainty. I found out two days later, that D's wife, W, started praying at our table immediately when she saw that my husband's health was in jeopardy! Both the physical care being given to him and the spiritual care of prayer being sent up to the Lord was a powerful combination that I believe, halted the chest pain and made the ailment less severe than it could have been.

Our friends, P and T were so very kind to drive my car over to the hospital for me. D and W drove my husband's truck (we took separate cars because Charlie came from work and I, from home) to their house until we were able to retrieve it three days later. What caring and thoughtful people!! I just love them all...

As I mentioned previously, I started to tear up while traveling in the ambulance over to the hospital. I prayed and my spirit was calmed by doing so. Plus, two minutes later my husband called from the back of the ambulance to tell me that he was alright.

My next thought was that I can trust in the Lord, for He is good and merciful! I realized that this was a wake-up call for both Charlie and I. There would be some drastic changes in diet, exercise, and a reduction of stress in his life! I found myself wishing that he could retire from his job now! But I also knew that such a thought was, quite frankly, an unrealistic dream, at this point.

After two nights and two days at the hospital, Charlie was anxious to get home! It is difficult to sleep there, expecially when they wake you up to take blood at all hours of the night! And, who ever thought up the idea to weigh all the patients at 4:00 a.m.?

But the worst night was Friday night. Charlie got a roommate. The guy was a crusty old man whose vulgar language and meanness towards the nurses were unbelievable. I could tell you stories! Unfortunately, the guy kept Charlie up most of the night. Finally, the old man fell asleep at 3:00 a.m. So did Charlie...then they came in to weigh him at 4:00 a.m.!! Arrgghhh!

Luckily, the roommate left before I got there the next morning. My son and I went to retrieve Charlie's truck at his co-worker's home. We briefly went into their beautiful home, and were immediately met and surrounded by five of their seven dogs!! Then we saw the two additional puppies! And I thought that taking care of my two dogs (and three when we have my friend's beagle with us) was work! They were all beautiful animals and very sweet. Good upbringing!

D and W gave us a pretty vase with gorgeous flowers for Charlie. So sweet of them! In all of my rushing around (haven't shared the half of it!), I didn't think to get any "welcome home" gifts, so this was a very pleasant surprise. I was so grateful for their kindness.

Charlie was discharged from the hospital about 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. He was so happy to be home! We don't have any more answers (yet) as to what specifically was the cause of the condition. He will have to take more tests as an out-patient. Two weeks rest and no stress was also recommended. I better be on my best behavior!

The cardiologist who treated Charlie at the hospital was so wonderful! Charlie will be meeting with him for additional tests. We hope to find out the cause, but even more importantly, want the medications to work so that this never happens again!

Thursday night was tough for me. I didn't want to leave him alone at the hospital. I arrived home at 12:30, but didn't get to sleep until 3:30 p.m. The house was totally empty and quiet. No husband, no kids, no dogs...just me. I missed them all terribly! Even the dogs! They were at my friend's home for two nights.

In the past, I would sometimes complain about the work of caring for two dogs. Not anymore. They are comforting companions and part of our family! I love it when our entire family is together. It's the best part of living life!

Again, I want to thank all of the commenters and those who emailed me with concern, care, love and prayers! Thank you for the Scripture references. They comforted me immensely!

I have often found that when a tragedy, trial, crisis, or fear enters into my life, the grace of God always provides perspective.

It is no coincidence that on Saturday morning, my bookmark in the Captured by Grace book rested on page 136. The Scripture reading there was 2 Corinthians 4:17-18


2Cr 4:17
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2Cr 4:18
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Within this chapter, I read the following paragraphs. It was as if God was pointing His finger at those pages in the book, preparing my heart for what I needed to read...an heed!

The author wrote:


Let's consider the remarkable ways God nurtures us through our struggles, according to this passage of Scripture.

1. Afflictions help us to anticipate glory. Reigning with Christ requires suffering with Him - no cross, no crown. But holding the hand of Christ through the darkness gives us a glimpse of the glorious nature of deliverance that is to come

.
2. Light things help us appreciate heavy things. Paul calls it "light affliction," and frankly, that's what most of our sufferings are. These are like smaller models of the "higher" suffering called death, and the higher glory of eternal life. God teaches powerful truth through lesser mediums.


3. Temporary things help us appropriate eternal things. "For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). The hope of wearing Olympic gold drives athletes to persevere through, and even to value, the pain of dedication. Comparing the value of temporary pleasures with potential glory, they press on. Gold medals are of fleeting value. Some even turn up in pawn shops to be exchanged for a different metal. The goal before us also requires rigorous perseverance through pain. Unlike the hopeful competitor, we can have confidence that every trial, every struggle, has a particular purpose to produce in us some eternal value.

[Note: I have an awesome sermon to share in a future post on "what is of eternal value" and how it determines rewards in heaven for the faithful....it's so exciting!]

4. Outward pain helps us accelerate inward progress. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16). Isn't it exciting that modern-day science is only now beginning to affirm what the Bible has said all along? There is a close relationship between body, mind, and soul. This is why you've met people with physical challenges who have extra layers of wisdom that few others have attained. [Note: Joni Erickson Tada comes to mind!] Bodily suffering drives us deeper. We find God at the broken places, teaching and encouraging.

John Newton wrote, "We will look back upon the experiences through which the Lord led us and be overwhelmed by adoration and love for Him! We will then see and acknowledge that mercy and goodness directed every step. We shall see that what we once mistakenly called afflictions and misfortune were in reality blessings without which we would not have grown in faith."

We can't wish away our problems, and we're unlikely to put on a fake smile and pretend we're enjoying them. What we can do is meet them squarely and soberly, refusing to view them as random shots from an unkind world. Instead, we know they are necessary challenges for the positive growth we're intent on experiencing. Who wants to remain a child forever? We know we need a good workout. We know it's necessary to build our spiritual muscles. There are no muscles of any kind that strengthen without resistance.

When you're at the gym, sometimes you can get through a grueling cycle on some machine by thinking about the muscles that the machine is helping. I suggest you do that very thing during times of struggle. Where can you "feel the burn"? What part of your character is going to be that much more godly tomorrow? My friend, perspective will completely change the way you approach challenges.

In one of his books, my friend Ron Mehl wrote these words: "Storms always leave us with a list of things to clean up and fix. They are times when God restores to us the things we lose through negligence, ignorance, rebellion, or sin. For the Christian, storms are a no-lose proposition. They help me to see and acknowledge the loose shutters, missing shingles, and rotten fence posts in my life while turning me back to the only One who can make the necessary repairs."

Friday, February 23, 2007

Prayer Request

It is 12:30 p.m. PT and I just got home from the hospital. Perhaps no one will read this until tomorrow morning. But I would like to ask each of you to pray for my husband, Charlie.

We were at a co-worker's retirement dinner this evening, enjoying the conversations and having a great time with friends. After eating a delicious dinner, Charlie appeared quite tired. I was thinking that we should leave right after desert. Didn't make it that long. Suddenly, he suffered from chest pains, broke out into a cold sweat and became incoherent.

The paramedics came immediately...I was amazed. They treated him on the scene and then off we went to the hospital. I sat up in the front seat and teared up during the ride. Charlie must have sensed that I was worried and he called to me from the back of the ambulance to say he was alright!

That's my love...more worried about me than himself! He's my prince and beloved...

At the emergency room, he received additional treatment, a chest ex-ray and had blood drawn. He is resting comfortably, but they need to take more blood overnight and monitor his vitals. He will be seeing a cardiologist in the morning.

They don't think it was a heart attack; but it is still a mystery.

Thank you, in advance, for your prayers.

Trusting in the Lord.

Your friend in Christ,
Christine

Thursday, February 22, 2007

News Roundup 2/22/07

The Anna Nicole court hearings could be labeled as a circus. Apparently, the judge in the case has taken a somewhat liberal approach to get to the truth. Many talking head lawyers appearing on the news analyst shows have stated their objections (no pun intended) to the manner in which this judge has conducted the hearings.

After viewing Larry Birkhead's testimony yesterday, I would have to say that he was the most credible witness on the stand (as compared to Anna's mother and Howard Stern). There were several moments (and answers that he supplied under oath) that leads me to believe that he genuinely cared for Anna Nicole. His breaking down on the stand appeared genuine.

Today, on the live streaming court room proceedings, the judge claims that he is searching for the truth.

*******

Remember the uproar over the Danish cartoons that mocked Muslims and Muhammed? Well, it appears that the Egyptians may not be able to take such mockery, but they certainly know how to dish it out!

Egyptian Two-Fer: Racism and Misogyny in One Cartoon

Although I don't plan to vote for either Obama or Hillary, just the fact that they would mock two of my fellow Americans really irks me...

I was glad when Charlie Rangel, a Democrat who opposes most (if not all!) of President Bush's policies, at least was man enough (and patriotic enough) to tell Hugo Chavez where he should go in his dissing rhetoric against our President; both when he was spouting off at the United Nations and then in Rangel's neighborhood.

HT: LGF

*******

This sentence from the LGF post speaks volumes about the liberal loonie left press:

Not even the use of banned chemical weapons against civilians is enough to get al-Reuters to use the word “terrorist:” Second chlorine bomb may show new militant tactic.

HT: LGF

*******
Insane human religious rights abuses are worsening in China. To me, it is unbelievable that China was chosen as the site for the 2008 Olympics.


Christians jailed for walking near Olympic hotel

Excerpt:


"We are deeply concerned about Brother Hua and his elderly, ill mother. They are faithful Christians seeking only to serve the Lord in accordance with their conscience," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs.

"We encourage Christians around the world to pray for their family, and we strongly urge the Chinese government to release them immediately," he said.

China Aid Association officials told VOM that Hua has been very active in trying to help persecuted Christians and others who are oppressed by local officials who travel to Beijing trying to obtain justice from the central government.

He and his mother were attacked, and while on the ground, kicked. Then later they were taken to a police station for questioning, according to reports. "When Hua asked the police to release his sick mother and explain the legal ground for the detention, he was beaten repeatedly. While the temperature in Beijing was in the 20s, cold water was poured on him. He was later taken to a detention center," the organization said.

"The Chinese government says they ensure freedom of religion, but this case clearly shows the truth," Nettleton said. Police from the Olympic Sports Stadium Police Station also threatened to arrest Hua's brother, officials reported.

Authorities in China told CAA that Hua was under criminal detention on the charge of "intervening public affair," essentially damaging public and private property at the construction site.

"The charge against Brother Hua is totally baseless and it's clearly … revenge to Hua's Christian ministry to the oppressed," said Bob Fu, who works with Hua. "Hua's case should be seen as a litmus test on whether China is sincere to improve its worsening human rights record before the 2008 Beijing Olympics."

HT: World Net Daily



*******

Update: 10:12 a.m. PT

If I remember correctly, I believe that Jaded once shared a statistic within her comments that was similar to what the following article reveals:

More Americans killed by illegal aliens than Iraq war, study says

This is precisely why the illegal immigration issue in this country must be finally, and completely, dealt with!!

1. I support increased monitoring of our borders to stop terrorists and illegal aliens.

2. I support the registration and deportation of illegal aliens.

3. I do not support amnesty for illegal aliens; however, some sort of "guest worker" program could be created that would not constitute amnesty and allow for workers to come in and do the work.

4. I support a border fence between the U.S. and Mexico to prevent illegal aliens from entering the U.S. in the first place!

(Note: Look at how effective the fence created in Israel has been to prevent suicide bombers from getting in. I think that we need to do the same to prevent terrorists, drug dealers, and illegal aliens from crossing our borders.)

HT: GOP U.S.A.




Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The Froward Heart

Pro 11:20 They that are of a froward heart [are] abomination to the LORD: but [such as are] upright in [their] way [are] his delight. (KJV)

Froward. Not a term that we hear much these days.

Let's look at the definitions and synonyms of that word from Dictionary.com:



-adjective

willfully contrary; not easily managed: to be worried about one's froward, intractable child.

[Origin: 1150–1200; ME froward, fraward. See fro, -ward]

—Related forms
fro·ward·ly, adverb
fro·ward·ness, noun

—Synonyms obstinate, willful, disobedient, fractious, wayward, unmanageable, difficult.

—Antonyms docile, tractable.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

adj. Stubbornly contrary and disobedient; obstinate.

fro'ward·ly adv., fro'ward·ness n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

froward

O.E. from weard "turned from or away," from from + -weard. Opposite of toward, it renders L. pervertus in early translations of the Psalms, and also meant "about to depart, departing," and "doomed to die."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper


froward

adjective
habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

WordNet® 2.1, © 2005 Princeton University



*******
Wow! That's certainly a "loaded" word, full of negative meanings!!

Other Bible translations for Proverbs 11:30 say this:

NKJV - Pro 11:20 - Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the LORD,
But the blameless in their ways are His delight.
New King James Version © 1982 Thomas Nelson


NLT - Pro 11:20 - The Lord hates people with twisted hearts, but he delights in those who have integrity. New Living Translation © 1996 Tyndale Charitable Trust

NIV - Pro 11:20 - The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.
New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society

NASB - Pro 11:20 - The perverse in heart are an abomination to the LORD, But the blameless in {their} walk are His delight.
New American Standard Bible © 1995 Lockman Foundation


RSV - Pro 11:20 - Men of perverse mind are an abomination to the LORD, but those of blameless ways are his delight.
Revised Standard Version © 1947, 1952.

The Bible is filled with verses regarding the heart, and the character of the unrepentant.

That's the bad news which we all must face about our spiritual state of being since the Fall.

The Bible is an honest book. It records the deeds, errors, sins, and evil done by men because of the "froward heart."

Just click on the link above and read the list of descriptions regarding the froward heart! The verses listed there clearly tell us what the unregenerate heart is severely capable of...and it's not pretty!

Here is the list (go to site for verses under each description)

1. Hateful to God
2. Full of evil
3. Full of evil imaginations
4. Full of vain thoughts
5. Fully set to do evil
6. Desperately wicked
7. Far from God
8. Not perfect with God
9. Not prepared to seek God
10. A treasury of evil
11. Darkened
12. Prone to error
13. Prone to depart from God
14. Impenitent
15. Unbelieving
16. Blind
17. Uncircumcised
18. Of little worth
19. Deceitful
20. Deceived
21. Divided
22. Double
23. Hard
24. Haughty
25. Influenced by the devil
26. Carnal
27. Covetous
28. Despiteful
29. Ensnaring
30. Foolish
31. Froward
32. Fretful against the Lord
33. Idolatrous
34. Mad
35. Mischievous
36. Proud
37. Rebellious
38. Perverse
39. Stiff
40. Stony
41. Stout
42. Elated by sensual indulgence
43. Elated by prosperity
44. Studies destruction
45. Often judicially stupefied
46. Often judicially hardened

Long list!! Discouraging, depressing and disheartening, too...isn't it?

But Jesus tells us to take heart...

John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)


I wanted to throw out a challenge to my readers. Pick one of those words, apply it to the heart (e.g. "Mischievous Heart") and give a modern day example of someone or something that has demonstrated that type of a heart in the comment section.

Then, if possible, also share the story of a person who has overcome a "Mischievous Heart" and tell us what helped make that transformation for that particular person.

The examples chosen can be YOU, or someone you know, or someone you heard about on the news, etc. If you find an article or website link about such people, then feel free to provide a link to the story.

Anyone out there up to the challenge?

*******

There is hope in the Lord! No matter where you have come from...no one is beyond the reach of our loving God!

This Devotional shares why:


The New Covenant of Grace: A Holy Spirit Covenant

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

As noted earlier, the new covenant is about grace, as contrasted with the old covenant, which is about law. "For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). The connection between grace and the Holy Spirit can be seen in various scripture passages on the new covenant, including this glorious prophecy. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." The first verse in this prophetic promise concerns regeneration, spiritual new birth. Through faith in the Lord, our original, hard, lifeless heart is removed, and a new, pliable, living spirit is given to us.

The second verse pertains to transformation, the ongoing development of this new life. "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes." The developing of a life that increasingly complies with the will of God depends upon the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We know that unredeemed humanity has no hope of living a life that is pleasing to God. Yet, many Christians could be unaware that even the new creature in Christ cannot please God on his own resources. The Spirit of God must be the heavenly cause that produces a heavenly lifestyle in believers.

What is promised here is not an automatic experience. The life of many Christians does not consistently match what is described here in Ezekiel 36:27. The reason is that they are not relating properly to the Lord in humble dependence. Yes, these two relational realities (humility and faith) also determine whether or not the Spirit of God is our resource, just as they were determinative concerning grace.

Two statements by Jesus expound upon this fact. "You have no life in you...It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing" (John 6:53,63). We do not innately possess life as God intends it to be lived. Natural human resources are of no benefit in developing a godly life. Such revelation is very humbling. If we embrace Jesus' evaluation of our personal inadequacy, then we are willing to relate to God in humility. Further, there is truth in which we are to place our trust. "It is the Spirit who gives life." As we count on this truth, we are relating to the Lord in faith. The result of such humble reliance is God's Spirit becomes our vitality for living godly.

O Lord, the source of true life, thank You for establishing such a gracious arrangement as the new covenant. I praise You that Your Holy Spirit is my heavenly dynamic for godliness. I confess that my fleshly attempts to please You are so inadequate. I humbly ask You to cause me to walk in Your good will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Hoekstra, Bob. "The New Covenant of Grace: A Holy Spirit Covenant," Day By Day By Grace. Blue Letter Bible. 25 Oct 2006. 21 Feb 2007.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

News Roundup 2/20/07

Here is a link to a recording that describes why the "hate crimes" law in Pennsylvania is a bad law and why the national "hate crimes law" - H.R. 254, needs to be defeated.

If you take the time to listen to the recording, it will explain (better than I did, previously) why "hate-crimes" law is terrible legislation that has, as it's target, the goal of silencing Christians who want to share the Gospel.

A bill introduced on Capitol Hill, H.R. 254, The David Ray Hate Crime Prevention Act, could federalize statutes like those used to silence and imprison 11 Christians in Philadelphia. Martha Kleder spoke with Matt Barber, CWA’s Policy Director for Cultural Issues and Michael Marcavage, director of RepentAmerica.com about this bill and the case of the Philadelphia 11 which is still in the courts.

HT: CWA

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Did anyone see the new show on Fox News called, "The Half Hour News Hour?"

What a hoot!

One of the best parts was seeing the ACLU mocked!! Those segments, alone, were worth it!

Here's a link to Hot Air which has a few video clips of the the show.

I love it! A conservative comedy news show...it's about time! Who said conservatives don't have a sense of humor?

HT: Hot Air

Let the mockers loose! It's inevitable! Especially that lunatic on Countdown....what's his name again? I've erased him from my memory!

Thank the Lord!

Oh no....it just came back...

Beast Olbermann!

Hope they mock him big time next week!
heh heh

I can think of many others...too!

*******
Oops...American Idol is on in 5 min.
Gotta run...

Captured by Grace (Part 3)

Part 2 ended with the realization that although the Prodigal Son was ready to surrender in order to get back to his Father (and get a meal in his famished stomach), he was not yet completely prepared for grace.

Why?

Because his words more likely indicated a manipulative mindset rather then a repentant one.

Just like the Prodigal, we ALL need to take one more step towards genuine reconciliation with the Father!

Recall the summary at the end of Part 2:

1. We know that the Father has kept watch with all that was in him, for that is the essence of all three stories Jesus tells in Luke 15 - a relentless pursuit of the lost treasure.


2. The power comes from the Father's grace, not the son's guilt!


3. Hold the thought of the son's carefully prepared, manipulative speech in mind. Then, think of the end of the parable where the Father, consumed by compassion, filled with love, joyful, and estatically runs out to meet the broken, battered, disheveled, smelly, weary, "ready to surrender" son. The Father greets the son with joy, grace, and kisses. By this time, the son's speech is neither rote nor rigid. The Prodigal is a helpless child again, secure in his Father's arms with no need to plan or contrive. Only now is repentence genuine, when it floats upon a sea of...
__________. Fill in the word!!

Grace! Grace is the word!

Even though this parable is describing a human father and the relationship with his prodigal son, the truth is that this story parallels our Father in heaven with each and every one of us. That is why I have capitalized the word, "Father." As you read this account, place yourself in the shoes of the prodigal son and place God, our heavenly Father in the place of the prodigal son's father.

As Christian believers, ALL of us "were once lost, but now am found." ALL of us have gone astray. ALL of us have sinned against God. ALL of us have most likely attempted to manipulate God's hand in our our lives.

I will pick up back at the point where the father sees the son from a distance. Here's the conclusion of chapter three:


The Father, then, sees the shell of his son from a distance, and he is consumed by compassion. He takes in the labored steps, the bent posture, the very picture of weary surrender, and there is no room in the Father's heart for any substance but love. So joyful, so uncontrollable is the emotion within Him that He begins to run toward the figure -- even to "race," we are told. This would be unseemly for a Middle Eastern Man of His estate. Everything was to be done with quiet dignity. To run means exposing his bare legs. All of these things are beneath the pride of a patriarch. But true love is a powerful force. It erupts on occasion. It is totally unself-conscious.

If the sincerity of the son is ambiguous, there can be no mistake about the heart of the Father. And that touches upon the very essence of this parable. The power comes from the Father's grace, not the son's guilt.

There is still, however, the issue of public shame -- for the boy and his clan. The father is more than aware of that. Therefore he humbles himself in running. He meets the boy in stride. He enfolds him in the full acceptance of his embrace, and he takes on his child's humiliation by his very body language. 1

Try to imagine the story otherwise. We might yet have been moved if the son knocked at the door, went down on his knees, and had his apology gruffly accepted by the Father. We might call it justice tempered by mercy. But nothing of the kind happens here. Instead, the Father commits Himself fully before a word can leave the mouth of his son, before the son can come across the property, before the son could even be recognized by anyone other than a parent who brought him into the world. The son's carefully prepared speech will be delivered as planned, but only after he has been showered in joy, grace, and kisses. By this time, the speech is neither rote nor rigid. The Prodigal is a helpless child again, secure in his Father's arms with no need to plan or contrive. Only now is repentance genuine, when it floats upon a sea of grace.

There at the very edge of the village, a supernatural event has taken place. On this spot, grace has overwhelmed guilt. The Prodigal has come to that place as a lost person. He has not found himself any more than the sheep or the coin found themselves. In all cases, it took the obsessive love of the Searcher for the lost thing to be redeemed.

The primary miracle is the insistence of grace. A secondary miracle is the thawing of a frozen heart. Even the selfish, calculating Prodigal cannot withstand the sight of his running, weeping Father surrendering his high position to meet him at the edge of disgrace. In that moment grace takes him captive, and he sees what his rebellious soul has not until now allowed him to see: the beauty of his Father's love, the absolute value of His acceptance, the sweet joys of loyalty and abedience. As far as his conscience goes, no one need tell him the depth of the pain he has brought to his home. He knows it now; not simply with his mind but in the furthest depths of his heart.

That heart is broken, yet his soul is mended. Such is the supernatural event of grace.

Notice, too, that in the parable the father was willing to surrender his high position to meet him (the son) at the edge of disgrace.

This illustrates what Jesus accomplished at the cross.

He was willing to take off the crown of heaven and replace it with the thorny crown of sin.

He was willing to remove the white robe of righteousness and become sin for us, wearing the ragged, mocking robe of an "earthly king" while enduring the shame and guilt that belonged to us.

He was willing to physically die to pay the penalty for sin that we could not pay for ourselves.

And, because He never sinned Himself and was holy and righteous, He resurrected from the dead; giving us all the eternal hope of salvation!

For all that believe in Him and call on His name, the sins of man are buried in the tomb.

When we confess and repent of our sins, believing, with faith, that Jesus is who he says he is, then our sins are forever forgiven.

Our hearts were broken in this process, yet our souls are mended. We have experienced the supernatural event of grace!

*******

1 Kenneth E. Bailey, The Cross and the Prodigal (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005), 67.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Captured by Grace (Part 2)

The theme of the book "Captured by Grace" is two-fold. It shares the story of how the former slave trader named John Newton, upon conversion, was transformed by the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Twenty-five years later, he became the author of one of the most beloved of all Christian worship songs, "Amazing Grace."

Today, it is my goal to share the insights I gained in chapter three, "The Converting Power of Grace." This chapter contains a detailed description of what the lyrics, "I Once Was Lost but Now Am Found" means.

The "once lost; now found" story of the prodigal son is a well-known one, but did you really know the huge meaning and significance that can be derived from it for your life?

The Apostle Paul certainly identified with the parable, and, almost every epistle he wrote echoed the themes of lost and found. He shared what it meant to be a helpless individual captured by the grace of God.

What is interesting to note is that every one of us can identify with someone (or even several of) the characters in the story.

But the truth is, that every single one of us has to identify with the wandering, wasteful son. That identification is the needful step for every lost child in search of salvation.

A thought just occurred to me while I corrected a typo above. I had hurriedly typed, "slavation" instead of "salvation." The truth is, whether or not we want to admit it, is that we are all slaves to the sin of the flesh when we are not salved by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The term salve can be used as a noun or a verb. Let's look at the definitions from Dictionary.com:

noun, verb, salved, salv·ing.
–noun 1. a medicinal ointment for healing or relieving wounds and sores.
2. anything that soothes, mollifies, or relieves.
–verb (used with object) 3. to soothe with or as if with salve; assuage: to salve one's conscience.

[Origin: bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE sealf; c. G Salbe salve, Skt sarpis melted butter; (v.) ME salven, OE sealfian]

—Synonyms 3. ease, alleviate, mollify.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

verb (used without object), verb (used with object), salved, salv·ing. to save from loss or destruction; to salvage.

[Origin: 1700–10; back formation from salvage]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

We are the objects of Jesus Christ's affection and love! We need the salve he supplies us through his sacrifice for our salvation! We need the ongoing salve application provided by the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives for sanctification.

Salvation occurs but in a moment whereas sanctification continues on throughout our lifetime.

Jesus' ultimate goal during his three year ministry and mission on earth was to "save us from loss or destruction." His destiny was to change ours. The story of the prodigal son is one of the best parables that shows us our need for confession and repentance to God, and God's mercy and grace afforded to us.


Luk 15:11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.
Luk 15:12 "And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.
Deuteronomy 21:17 shows where the second son stood as far as how much of his father's estate would come to him. However, we must consider that it was highly insulting for the second son to ask for his portion now.


It was like he was saying, "I can't wait for you to die, Dad."

The author states:

"By the simple act of granting the insulting request, the father showed himself to be a man of grace."
Apparently, the customs and Jewish law in those days would have landed the son a slap in the face and a penniless push out the door!

But similarly to the Lord of the universe, this was a father who could see into the future.

Jeremiah states:


"He knew the desolation and heartbreak that lay ahead for his son. He knew his own heartbreak. Yet he stood by the door and watched his son turn his back coldly and leave, taking with him one-third of the estate."
What's worse, the neighbors would know all about this because of the public sale of a portion of the land so the money could be given to the son. They would all see into the family's shame. Apparently, a public display called the kezazah ("the cutting off") would, according to Kenneth E. Bailey result in the community members breaking a pot in front of the boy. They would cry out that the offender was cut off from his people and then turn their backs upon him forever. 1

As Dr. Jeremiah reiterates, "It was like the son was saying, 'I invite you to ostracize me, and I don't care.' "

The author goes on:

We place ourselves in the shoes of the father and wonder how we would respond. What emotions would dictate our action? For many, the answer would be anger. Yet in this tale, the father's emotion is disciplined love. That kind of love has no strings, no conditions. It knowingly leaves every door open to hurt.

God's grace finds an expression infinitely repeated in His willingness to accept our insult. We stand before Him and say, "Give me what is mine." as if responsibility and obedience weren't part of the legacy. Who would want to take leave of His wonderful palace? Yet that's you and me. We go our own way, to His heartbreak, until we have injured ourselves to our capacity of being injured.

God could take the stance of may parents and bar the doors, lock us in our rooms, and breed in us hearts of rebellion. Yet He stands and watches us set out on the path of misery, knowing it is the only way we will grow a heart of humble obedience. There is no limit to the mileage He will allow us to wander, no limit to the patience with which He awaits our return.

Do you see the hope in this?

Do you see the loving God of the universe pursuing YOU, even when you are in rebellion?

Continuing with the parable, in Luke 15:13-16 we find that the young son "journeys to a far country" in order to pursue the sensuality, dissipation, and sexual adventurism he craves there. The author adds:

... the cheapest bait Satan has to offer: "Eat, drink, and be merry." The problem with sensuality is that it fails to notice anything but the object of its lust.
We know the rest of the story. The money runs out. There is a famine in the land. He realizes that it would be better to be a "slave" in his former household than to live (or, more likely die!) from hunger.

Luke 15:17-19

Luk 15:17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Luk 15:18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,

Luk 15:19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'
Dr. Jeremiah gave me some new insight into the words, "he came to himself." Some preachers have likened that phrase to the moment of grace. But is it? If we read more carefully, do we find any inkling of remorse or sorrow? Perhaps we must ask whether it was really about his (spiritual) guilty soul or his (fleshly) growling stomach? Is this sincere repentance or just a common sense goal for him to get some food?

Dr. Jeremiah states:

We cannot be certain of the answer - or, more to the point, Jesus keeps it dark. For in a parable we see exactly what the Master desires us to see. And what He wants us to know for now is that the Prodigal knows he needs help. He surrenders.
The Prodigal knows this much. For reinstatement into his father's home he would need to repay every cent he has squandered. But could he do this? It might take years to work off the debt and meanwhile he'd be lowest servant on the totem pole. But he is desperate enough to do this. He is willing to surrender.

But this is key to the story:


It is essential that we, Jesus' listeners, understand that the Prodigal is still unprepared for grace. He is still running his own plans, only sadder and wiser in running them. Whether he realizes it or not, he is still securely within the borders of the far country, a self-chosen exile from the rescue of unconditional love.

This is where I want to insert a previous post on "Beware the crossless gospel." This is what so many of the "feel good, emergent, grace without repentance" churches go wrong. They skip over the need for repentance and almost promote a kind of "redeem yourself" type of gospel that doesn't offend anyone or cause them to suffer any kind of guilt, sorrow or shame for their sin.

Dr. Jeremiah:

We might prefer that the Prodigal "redeem himself" but that would be a misunderstanding of this parable and a misunderstanding of grace. No one on this planet has the ability to redeem him- or herself. Every one of us, like the Prodigal, must ultimately throw him- or herself on the mercy of the court.

But wait -- are we certain the Prodigal isn't penitent? Listen to his speech he is preparing to give: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son."

Again, Kenneth Bailey offers us a surprising glimpse behind the details. The Pharisees in Jesus' audience would recognize the son's speech as the words of Pharaoh when he tried to manipulate Moses into lifting the plagues (see Exodus 10:16). The Egyptian ruler certainly had no contrite heart; his words were simply damage control for the natural disasters that were ravaging his land. He would have said whatever Moses wanted him to say. 2


In the past, people have often disapproved of a term that I use calling nominal Christians "false converts." But this portion of the story shows the reality of such "false conversions." Look at what Dr. Jeremiah says next about the Prodigal:

"Many a humble word has been spoken when someone is at the mercy of someone else. Words are cheap and inadmissible as evidence of a repentant heart. The Prodigal was simply seeking access to what he hadn't already consumed of his father's estate.

In other words, he is like you or me trying to save ourselves, completely on our own."
This is exactly what I have been trying to convey with my posts that expose those who claim to be Christian, yet who wish to "hold onto a sin that has clearly been shown to be a sin in the eyes of God." They, like this Prodigal, refuse to see the manipulation technique(s) of their position!

Don't be like the manipulative Prodigal!! You need to take one more step towards genuine reconciliation with the Father!

I will share the conclusion in the "Captured by Grace" part three post. Meanwhile, if you are residing in the state of being a "manipulative Prodigal," take heart!! There is much hope!

Here's a taste of the conclusion:

1. We know that the Father has kept watch with all that was in him, for that is the essence of all three stories Jesus tells in Luke 15 - a relentless pursuit of the lost treasure.

2. The power comes from the Father's grace, not the son's guilt!

3. Hold the thought of the son's carefully prepared, manipulative speech in mind. Then, think of the end of the parable where the Father, consumed by compassion, filled with love, joyful, and estatically runs out to meet the broken, battered, disheveled, smelly, weary, "ready to surrender" son. The Father greets the son with joy, grace, and kisses. By this time, the son's speech is neither rote nor rigid. The Prodigal is a helpless child again, secure in his Father's arms with no need to plan or contrive. Only now is repentence genuine, when it floats upon a sea of...

__________. Fill in the word!!

*******

1. Kenneth E. Bailey, The Cross and the Prodigal (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2005), 52-53.

2. Ibid., 67.



Sunday, February 18, 2007

Captured by Grace

The current Christian book that I have been reading is called, "Captured by Grace" by David Jeremiah. I have only gotten through chapter three, but I already know that it will end up on my "top ten list" of favorite books. That usually means that a previous choice will be bumped down the list. But that's O.K.

Ranking the books that I read is very important to me. It helps me determine which ones to recommend to family and friends who are in need of finding meaning in life, comfort, encouragement and/or finding salvation in Christ Jesus.

I love what the book jacket says on the back:


Grace - it's a stained-glass, impersonal word until it happens to you...

Until you have been broken beyond belief and need a miracle for your soul.

Until you have betrayed a loved one and cannot bring them back. Until you have befriended every darkness and are desperate for the light.

That's when God's relentless, amazing, very personalized grace finds you.

It reached a slave trader onboard a ship raiding Africa's coast in March 1748. He later gave the world its most beloved hymn.

It struck the Christian church's most treacherous enemy on a Damascus road in A.D. 45...and he became the gospel's greatest messenger.

And it can free you too...of any shameful memory, open wound, unthinking mistake or willful choice.

Encountering God's grace changes lives forever. Let Dr. David Jeremiah show you how the transforming mercy that captured songwriter John Newton and the apostle Paul can awaken within you a fresh experience for the God who love you fearlessly and pursues you with abandon.


Such beautiful words!

I plan to share portions of chapter three later today. Meanwhile, I am posting (below) the parable of Jesus which is about the Prodigal Son.

I'm sure that several of you have heard this story. Some have heard it many times. But I am always amazed that when it is shared by different preachers, I often learn something new and profound about the story.

Jesus is the master storyteller. His parables have such depth and meaning that even a seasoned, 19-year-student of the Bible like me can still gain more enlightenment and insight from just one parable!

That is just one of the facts that makes the Bible such a unique, profound, and miraculous book! A believer can study it for their entire life and never arrive at knowing all the wisdom and knowledge that is contained within its precious pages! I am so excited about this and can't wait to share it!

For now, here's the parable as recorded in the book of Luke, chapter 15:



Luk 15:1 THEN all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.

Luk 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, "This Man receives sinners and eats with them."

Luk 15:3 So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

Luk 15:4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

Luk 15:5 "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Luk 15:6 "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'

Luk 15:7 "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Luk 15:8 "Or what woman, having ten silver coins,* if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?

Luk 15:9 "And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!'

Luk 15:10 "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Luk 15:11 Then He said: "A certain man had two sons.

Luk 15:12 "And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood.

Luk 15:13 "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.

Luk 15:14 "But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want.

Luk 15:15 "Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Luk 15:16 "And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

Luk 15:17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Luk 15:18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,

Luk 15:19 "and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."'

Luk 15:20 "And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Luk 15:21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

Luk 15:22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring* out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

Luk 15:23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;

Luk 15:24 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.

Luk 15:25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.

Luk 15:26 "So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.

Luk 15:27 "And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.'

Luk 15:28 "But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.

Luk 15:29 "So he answered and said to his father, 'Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends.

Luk 15:30 'But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.'

Luk 15:31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.

Luk 15:32 'It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.'"

Footnotes:
15:8 Greek drachma, a valuable coin often worn in a ten-piece garland by married women
15:22 NU-Text reads Quickly bring.


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Even before I come back to finish this post later today, please feel free to comment, ask questions and/or share any personal feelings about this parable in the comment section.

God bless your day!

Christine

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Update: 2/19/07 @ 9:20 a.m.
Here it is Monday morning and I have not completed this post! I apologize for the delay. Had a busy Sunday! Started out with some great worship at church then fun times with the family!

The sermon topic was awesome! I want to share that with readers here, too! So much of God's awesome Word to share; so little time!

I will continue in a new post...

Christine

Friday, February 16, 2007

News Roundup 2/16/07

This takes the cake for the craziest news article title:

Cross-snatching college holds porn show

Ah yes. Secular progressivism at work in a formerly Christian college!

Out with the cross?

In with the porn?

Jesus, I just know that you are returning...soon!

HT: WorldNetDaily

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And now for something completely different...but terribly ridiculous...

Yeah....THIS IS A TRUSTWORTHY JUDGE!!!




NOT!!!!



HT: WND...again

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Has anyone else noticed that the real story about the Utah Mall shootings has kinda been spiked by most news organizations? It seems that most had been reluctant to point out that the killer was Muslim. Yesterday, on the Michael Savage radio show, it was pointed out that one liberal left loonie reporter actually gave more sympathy and comfort towards the killer and his family during his report rather than focusing on mourning the 5 white, Christian people killed and the 4 white, Christian people who were also wounded (two seriously).

I know that a lot of liberals hate Savage. But at least he is asking the questions that no one else has the guts to ask!

Why is this not broadcast as a "hate crime" against Christians? Many, if not all, were Christians.

Why is this not being broadcast as a "hate crime" against white, Anglo-Saxon people? They were all white, Anglo-Saxon victims.

Why is it strange that the killer targeted ONLY white, Anglo-Saxon and primarily Christian people?

Isn't it strange that the killer chose this particular mall? There was one much closer to his residence with many more people. However, this mall was smack dab in the middle of a primarily white, Anglo-Saxon, primarily Christian community.

Hmmmmm.....

He's a Muslim.

They are Christian.

They are ALL white. No Asians, no Hispanics, no African Americans, no fellow Arabs or Muslims.

Is there a connection being made here?

Do you see a pattern?

Is there no such thing as a hate crime against white, Anglo-Saxon Christian people who were targeted at a mall?

During Savage's radio show, he received an email from a relative who claimed that his/her nephew works at the school that the killer attended. Apparently, the FBI had been alerted over concerns that the perpetrator was researching weaponry on the computers at the school. It appears that the concerns were ignored...

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Keep that last story in mind when you see this Radically Ridiculous Item of the Day.

Apparently, most S.F. liberal left dafts haven't seen this photo from the last anti-war demonstration there!!

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Update 12:09 p.m. PT

Took them long enough, but at least terrorism has not been ruled out as a motive in the murders.

[Added @ 2:21 p.m. PT: Hal Lindsey shares his take on the matter and makes a strong case for the poll majority conclusion. ]


The public obviously trumps the FBI on this one!
Take a look at this WorldNetDaily poll:

What do you think motivated the Utah-mall shooter?

(Poll now updated at 2:23 p.m. PT)

His affinity for Islamic jihad – it's a state of mind, not a formal political organization 90.37% (3934)


Other 4.30% (187)


Like everyone, he has his own personal demons 1.91% (83)


Exposure to violent video games, movies and music 1.31% (57)


He wore a trenchcoat – it was probably that Goth culture 0.76% (33)


Having been traumatized as a young child by the war in his native Bosnia 0.46% (20)


The failure of the government to provide post-traumatic stress counseling to immigrants from war-torn nations 0.34% (15)


Easy access to guns in America 0.21% (9)


It's unexplainable – everyone says he was a good boy 0.18% (8)


Like his dad said, 'It just happened' 0.16% (7)



TOTAL VOTES: 4353

What's Your Opinion?

I received a "2007 Spiritual State of the Nation Survey" in the mail. I wonder how many readers here would be willing to share their answers to these very important questions on social issues?

After answering each question, please feel free to offer additional comments on any of the issues that are most important to you.

To participate, just highlight, copy and paste the questions in the comment box. Next, use one of the following letters to indicate your answers:

Y = yes
N = no
U/NA = undecided/no answer

Religious Freedom Issues

1. Do you support efforts to uphold the rights of religious freedom and expression in public life?

2. Should pastors and others be allowed to publicly speak out against sexual sins, including homosexuality, without fear of being charged with a "hate-crime" and without jeopardizing the tax-exempt status of their churches?

3. Do you support protecting the public display of the Ten Commandments from the attacks of groups such as the ACLU?

4. Should students have the right to pray in public school classrooms, at sporting events, and graduation ceremonies?

Government Issues

1. Should evangelical pastors and people back away from America's traditional pro-Israel stance, in light of the recent Hezbollah offensive and the anti-Christian rage of the radical Islamists?

2. Is the United Nations a more trustworthy authority than the government of the United States?

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Court Issues

1. Should the President choose Supreme Court Justices and federal judges who will interpret the Constitution strictly, without legislating from the bench?

2. Should the Senate be barred from endlessly debating and stonewalling the President's judicial selections?

3. Should the U.S. Supreme Court uphold the federal ban on partial-birth abortion?

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Media/Television Issues

1. Do you believe that the national media report Christian, moral, and religious issues in an unbiased manner?

2. Do you support efforts to persuade advertisers and television networks to clean up "trash TV" and offer more family valued programming?

3. Do you favor the restriction of homosexual displays of affection in the media?

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Sexual Morality Issues

1. Should homosexual couples have the same rights of marriage as heterosexual married couples?

2. Should Congress pass and the states ratify a constitutional amendment that limits marriage to a man and a woman?

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Education Issues

1. Should schools promote homosexuality as an acceptable lifestyle?

2. Should schools be required to teach evolution as a theory rather than a fact?

3. Should schools teach that women have a constitutional right to end the life of their unborn child by having an abortion?

4. Should schools teach about contraceptive use?

5. Should schools teach that only abstinence protects against sexually transmitted diseases?

6. Should schools be required to teach traditional American history - including our religious and moral heritage?

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Family Issues

1. Do you support the ban on partial-birth abortion and believe that we should support efforts to defend the law in federal court?

2. Do you support legislation requiring abortionists to tell women about the extreme pain their unborn child will experience during the abortion procedure?

3. Should parents be allowed to raise, discipline, and educate their children free from government interference?

4. Should girls under 18 be allowed to obtain abortions without parental knowledge or consent?

5. Should taxpayer dollars flow into abortion provider organizations like Planned Parenthood?

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Faith Issues

1. Did you read your Bible more in the past year than the year before?

2. Did you share the Gospel with more people in the past year than the year before?

3. Did you attend church more in the past year than the year before?

4. Did you share your Christian point of view in the last year more than the year before?

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Confidence Issues

Do you trust each of the following groups?

Pastors?

Local government officials ?

Local public school officials?

Congressional representatives?

The President?

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Bad "Hate Crimes" Laws Silence Biblical Free Speech

I have been sounding the alarm about the dangers of "hate crimes" laws and how they would subsequently destroy free speech rights for quite some time now. I warned that such bogus laws would target, and attempt to completely destroy, the free speech rights of Christians who desire to protest against the militant agenda of homosexual radical groups.

Now, in this spurious, unconstitutional ruling, we see how radical, activist judges can illegally use their power in order to punish those with whom the secular progressives disagree! Can anyone agree that "I told you so" is in order here? In addition, as the article points out, we must ask what type of freedom of speech would be next to go?? What is this? Gay agenda anarchy or what??

This is more than just stifling of free speech. It is also an attempt for the judicial part of our government to side with the liberal left agenda and prohibit the use of the Bible and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while, at the same time promoting an illegal double whammy of pressing, and forcing, a kind of "thought police" mentality towards homosexual issues in public places.

This is outrageous, people!!

Could you imagine if a conservative judge (not that one actually ever would!) decided to squelch the free speech rights of the anti-war activists a few weeks ago because he/she didn't like their message?? Again, not that such a judge ever would do that, but can you now recognize how this illustrates the total hypocrisy of the wacky, liberal judge who just did that very same thing to the Christian group?

I sincerely hope that the Alliance Defense Fund gets ahold of this case on appeal. This was truly an absolute travesty of justice!

Christine

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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

TESTING THE FAITH

'Philadelphia 11' told 'gays' limited speech
Judge's ruling says permit allows biblical messages to be restricted

Posted: February 14, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2000 WorldNetDaily.com-->© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com

A new federal court decision in the case of the Philadelphia Eleven could send Christians' free speech rights another step towards extinction, according to group members who have been told police officers had a right to silence their biblical messages at a public homosexual festival.

The decision came in a civil rights lawsuit brought by members of that team, including Repent America director Michael Marcavage, who sued the city and a homosexual-festival sponsor after group members were cleared of criminal charges for their actions at the 2004 "Gay Pride" public street festival in the downtown area.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Stengel dismissed their civil rights claim, concluding that a "permit" granted by the city to the homosexuals allowed police to silence the Christian activists' message on public streets.

"The law requires the police to control the crowd and to deal with those acting disorderly, not tell us that we're not permitted to be there," Marcavage said.

The judge's precedent would allow police to arrest anyone at any public gathering simply because they have what the judge called "a contrary message," raising speculation that Republicans could be arrested at a Democrat "festival" and competitors could be arrested at a commercially-sponsored "festival."

Marcavage called it a restriction on time, place and manner. But in the application to a commercial festival sponsorship, it could be assumed that having a discussion about Chevies at a Ford-sponsored event could be prohibited.

"You can't talk about Chevies; you couldn't even have Chevies parked on the streets," he said.
"It is without question that Judge Stengel's decision has set a precedent to eliminate the First Amendment rights of others by citing that a 'permitting scheme' can be used by police and event organizers to 'exclude persons expressing contrary messages' in public areas and at public events," Marcavage said.

"It is for this reason that his ruling is especially troubling and must be overturned," he continued. "Christians must be free to speak the truths of God's Word, warn the wicked, and to preach the Gospel in the public square without interference from government, and therefore, we will continue to battle for these God-given liberties by appealing this decision."

He said the appeal will be pursued in the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, because otherwise Christians will be "left in a position here that will affect the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, because this decision will be binding."

Rev. Ted Pike, of the National Prayer Network, campaigns against such "hate crimes" and "hate speech" plans, and is warning there actually is a federal plan that could be used to make criminals of any Christian who speaks Biblical messages.

"The David Ray Hate Crimes Prevention Act is now before the House Judiciary Committee. If it's signed into federal law, the Philly Eleven incident won't be a freak injustice of American history. Instead, it will be the unheeded first raindrop of a downpour of anti-Christian arrests and lawsuits submerging Christianity in the years ahead," Pike has written.

He said the dismissal of the civil rights complaint means that "the Philly Eleven were wrong in exercising free speech in what had become a no-free speech zone."

He said the federal plan "would eventually allow government 'thought police' to push aside states' rights in law enforcement. Such laws would allow federal indictment of Christian 'haters' in every state of the Union…"

"It would become a federal crime … to show bias against protected groups [including] homosexuals. However, deviant groups such as witches, Satanists, pedophiles, abortionists, and even 'sinners' could quickly catch a ride on the bandwagon of federal protection from the 'hate' of biblically oriented criticism," he said.

The U.S. requirement that there is physical evidence of a crime before an arrest is made could be abandoned, and the only criteria of guilt in a hate crimes case could be "whether the feelings of a member of a federally protected group have been hurt," he said.

Pike's Hate Laws Exposed website is a primary resource center for information on "anti-hate" laws.

The decision by Stengel granted summary judgment to the city of Philadelphia and "Philly Pride Presents, Inc."

Siding with the defendants, Stengel said police were permitted to discriminate against the Christians because of "safety concerns" coupled with Philly Pride's permit from the city to hold the $10,000 taxpayer-funded celebration of homosexuality on public streets.

The judge couldn't escape the facts that "the activity in question took place in a public forum," and "there is no doubt that the venue for OutFest, a designated section of streets and sidewalks of Philadelphia, was a public place," but despite that he found that through the permit OutFest "was empowered to enforce the permit by excluding persons expressing contrary messages."
"Obviously, we are very disappointed," said Ted Hoppe, a lawyer for the Philadelphia Eleven. "We believe that the law clearly supports the rights of the plaintiffs in this case, as well as all individuals, to be able to engage in free speech activities in public streets and sidewalks.

"We do not believe," he continued, "that the fact that there was an event also taking place, even with a permit, diminishes that right."

"I cannot even begin to comprehend what Judge Stengel's thought process was in making this decision," said Marcavage. "This ruling was entirely unexpected considering that all the evidence has been overwhelmingly in our favor, complete with video documentation, not to mention the fact that all 11 of us were vindicated of any wrongdoing in criminal court."

The case dates back to 2004, as WND reported, when on Oct. 10, six men and five women with Repent America, now established as the Philadelphia Eleven, were arrested while ministering on the public streets and sidewalks of Philadelphia during the "OutFest."

Before they were arrested, they had been confronted by a mob of homosexuals calling themselves the "Pink Angels," who blew loud whistles and carried large pink signs to block the Christians' message and access to the event. Other screamed obscenities at the Christians.
Philadelphia officers, under the supervision of Chief Inspector James Tiano, a department "liaison to the gay and lesbian community," refused to take any action against the homosexuals over the harassment, instead taking the Christians to jail.

They were there 21 hours before Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham's office charged them with "Ethnic Intimidation" among other counts under the state's "hate crimes law."
Penalties could have ranged to 47 years in prison and fines of $90,000, but Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Judge Pamela Dembe dismissed the criminal charges as being without merit. The civil rights lawsuit by the Christians then followed.

What many people found disturbing was the fact that months earlier, Stengel had refused to dismiss the OutFest organizer from the lawsuit, concluding that "Plaintiffs have pleaded sufficient facts to infer a conspiracy between the Philly Pride Defendants and the other defendants … to deprive Plaintiffs of their constitutional rights."

At that time Hoppe noted that the city's actions "demonstrated a clear hostility toward Repent America and the content of their message."

Repent America is a group that "desires to be in the full Will of God and to adhere entirely to the teachings of the Bible."

"As Christians, we know that there is a literal hell and a lake of fire where the unsaved will burn for all eternity; therefore, we act upon this truth without reservation and GO OUT into the streets and communities of America declaring the Word of God and proclaiming the Good News. We must go out to where the sinners are. We must go to those who would never come into our churches – to the atheists, to the religious, to the self-righteous, to the God-hating and win their souls to Christ," its website says.

"For so long, as followers of Christ, we have allowed Satan to invade our communities through abortuaries, the entertainment and pornography industries, religious institutions, sexually perverse establishments, homosexual parades and other sin celebrations without a word from the Christians therein. God has called us to 'Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression…" (Isaiah 58.1)"

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Get Ann's latest and hottest book, "Godless: The Church of Liberalism"
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Previous stories:

'Philly 11' win round against 'gay' group
Philly group to protest 'Outfest' again
Judge drops all charges against Philly Christians
Judge rules against Christians who preached to homosexuals
'Philly 5' win 1 in court
Christian group gets obscene, hateful messages
Hate-crimes law infringes on 1st Amendment?
Benefit concert planned for 'Philadelphia 5'
Motion filed for Philadelphia protesters
'Philadelphia 5' arrests like 'Christian Rodney King'
Homosexuals planned Christian harassment
17-year-old girl part of 'Philadelphia 5'
U.S. attorneys complicit in arrest of Christians?
Philadelphia accused of 'abuse of power'
Prosecutor: Bible is 'fighting words'
City will prosecute Christian protesters
'Philadelphia 11' fighting back
11 Christians arrested at homosexual event

This is a WorldNetDaily printer-friendly version of the article which follows. To view this item online, visit WorldNetDaily Article

HT: WorldNetDaily

[ 2/16/07 Update: Good News! The Alliance Defense Fund has agreed to appeal Philadelphia 11 free speech limits!]

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In a related matter, just see what the "legalization" and implementation of "gay" marriage would result in if it was passed in all states. Massachusetts parents are having their rights taken away from them in regards to teaching homosexuality in the public schools.

Read this article about the ongoing David Parker case.

Note these excerpts:




The elementary curriculum promoting homosexuality, he said, was specifically intended to change a child's outlook of the world to something that his parents didn't teach him.

An ACLU lawyer, however, told the judge that "it is a tremendous bonus" for children to be given information of which their parents wouldn't approve, and that teaching children homosexuality when their parents' Biblical beliefs do not support that has nothing to do with a violation of religious freedom, according to the MassResistance.org reports.

"David Parker's dilemma … threatens the parental rights and religious freedom of every Massachusetts parent, and indirectly every parent in America," said John Haskins of the Parents' Rights Coalition.

"As the Lexington schools themselves are arguing, the state's right to force pro-homosexuality indoctrination on other people's children arises directly from former Gov. Mitt Romney's nakedly false and unconstitutional declaration that homosexual marriage is now legal."


Note how similar arguments used by homosexual activists in front of The European Human Rights Court led to terrible results against a family in Germany:




The arguments on behalf of homosexuals were remarkably similar to a recent European court's conclusion.

The European Human Rights Court several months ago concluded in a case involving similar objections that parents do not have an "exclusive" right to lead their children's education and any parental "wish" to have their children grow up without adverse influences "could not take priority over compulsory school attendance."

That court said a German family had no right to provide homeschooling for their children. The family had argued the public school endangered their children's religion beliefs and violated the family's Christian faith.

Irrelevant, said the court. "The parents' right to education did not go as far as to deprive their children of that experience," it said.

"The (German) Federal Constitutional Court stressed the general interest of society to avoid the emergence of parallel societies based on separate philosophical convictions and the importance of integrating minorities into society," the European ruling said.

In Germany, the situation has continued to deteriorate for homeschoolers, with one 15-year-old student recently being taken into custody by a SWAT team and ordered by a judge to a psychiatric ward of a hospital because she was being homeschooled. WND's latest update on that situation has confirmed authorities now have removed the teen from the psych ward, and she has been taken to a location that is being withheld from her parents and lawyer.

Appalled yet???

Check out these previous stories, too:

Previous stories:
'Gay' groups: We have rights to your children!
Families file federal suit over 'gay' readings
Teacher reads 2nd-graders story about 'gay' wedding
District lifts ban on parent over pro-'gay' book
Charges dropped against jailed dad
Trial over pro-'gay' book set to begin
No notice to parents in 'diversity' classes
Dad on trial over homosexual book
Father faces trial over school's 'pro-gay' book