The events of this week led me to change what I was going to speak on Wednesday evening. I hope you will take the time to hear what God put on my heart.
As an added bonus, my sister plays the piano and sings an original piece to start things off.
Tag Archives: Government
It’s Not a Platitude: God Is Still in Control
Filed under Abortion, America, Christianity, Countries, Culture Wars, current events, Preaching
The Magnificent Fifty: Foundation of Faith (Indiana)
Indianapolis, Indiana (Artist: Susan Cassidy Wilhoit)
Constitution Preamble (1851)
We, the people of the State of Indiana, grateful to the Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain this Constitution.
Note, the Indianans of the 1850’s understood that the right to choose their own form of government was one given by God, not man. Yet, again, we have people from the FFRF (btw, they claim only 20k members) wanting to erase God from every vestige of public life. Where would our public life be without God at the foundation? The founding fathers of Indiana would tell you, “Nowhere.”
Filed under America, Apologetics, community, God, politics, The Magnificent Fifty
The Magnificent Fifty: Foundation of Faith (Illinois)
Springfield, Illinois (Artist: Susan Cassidy Wilhoit)
Constitution Preamble (1870)
We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Amazing how so many of our states’ constitutions recognize the existence of God, isn’t it? Yet, the Freedom from Religion Foundation and their kind want nothing less than to scrub that fact from history. The purpose of this series of posts called “The Magnificent Fifty” is being published in an effort to combat that. Please share them.
CLICK HERE to read the introduction to this series.
Filed under America, Apologetics, The Magnificent Fifty
If Children Ruled the World
Listen to the Children
Believe it or not, there are many who swear that true wisdom can be found in the words of young children. Especially in the aftermath of the last school shooting in Florida, political activists are jumping on the opportunity to drag them to state capitals and the White House.
Forget the need for a lifetime of experience…forget that the ones to whom some of these teens are mouthing off to have more security clearances than the Avengers…forget the idea of listing to one’s elders…listen to the wisdom of those who just learned to wear pull-ups and cut their own meat.
If we did what they wanted us to do – listen to the children – what would the world, or at least our country be like?
* No one would ever work … except those who need to work so that others would not have to work.
* Every day would be Christmas, Halloween, and summer vacation … as long as someone else buys the gifts, provides the candy, and drives them to the beach.
* There would be peace on earth and no more wars … except when someone disrespects you or takes your candy.
* Everything should be available for the asking whenever it is wanted … as long as we don’t have to be the ones providing it for someone else.
* There would be no need for multiple television channels … only Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1, or Netflix (when not watching internet porn on smartphones, or sexting each other before hooking up).
* Everyone would have everything they always wanted, whether they needed it, or not … and still act like brats that never get anything they want and are always mistreated.
* No one would ever eat at home, only restaurants … then complain about their weight.
* Education, if desired, would be determined by what the child thought was important … like “Queer Translation (UC Berkeley 250)” and “The Sociology of Miley Cyrus: Race, Class, Gender, and Media (Skidmore College).” Don’t believe me? Just Google it.
* Teachers, Doctors, Policemen, School Teachers, and Ministers would be disrespected and maligned … while movie stars, rap and rock stars, and vulgar athletes would be deified.
* Animals would be considered equal with humans … except when it came to leather clothing and Happy Meals.
* Hate would be outlawed … unless you’re a policeman, a member of the NRA, a conservative Christian, or if you dare disagree with a crumb-crunching skull full of impressionable Silly Putty.
Wait! Maybe the children are already in charge!
Source: Unknown
Filed under America, Culture Wars, current events, General Observations
Don’t Threaten the Bad Guys, You Bad Guy!
As I sit here at my computer, my blood is boiling and I’m darn near writer’s block. There’s just so much, and I don’t know where to begin.
Why not talk about one of the most insane news stories of the day? Why not do a little political ranting?
Mean ol’ President!
The media has been having a collective hissy fit because President Trump said something insensitive about the sweet little boys who like to draw cute little designs on their faces. You may know them as the nice young men from El Salvador, MS-13. But all the media seems to see is another opportunity to twist anything Trump says into a far-fetched negative.
Believe it or not, our President, the man chiefly responsible for keeping the American public safe, decided to use some strong words when discussing his plans for a gang who’s motto is “mata, viola, controla” or, kill, rape, control. He called them…(take a deep breath)…“Animals!”
But what does the mainstream media do? They bring out law enforcement commanders who condemn the President for suggesting we shouldn’t go easy on MS-13, even suggesting that we “throw them” into the back of the paddy wagons. Oh the horror!
What was he supposed to say to a bunch of slashers who specialize in child prostitution and use knives and machetes instead of guns, because blades hurt and make the kill more up-close and personal?
“Dear MS-13, unfortunately we are not huge fans of the way you shave people too close around the neck with your huge, sharp, blades – and let me just say, they are wonderful blades, just wonderful. So, would you pretty please stop doing bad things? The last thing we want to do is politely and gently place you in the back of a well-padded government vehicle.”
We have millions of people entering our country illegally. They care little about our laws, beginning with the very first one they break, and yet the left wants to welcome them. Then, when we get a president who actually takes serious his pledge to return illegals across the border, the left accuses the same president of strengthening MS-13.
“I think it’s emboldening them, because this gives them the opportunity to tell immigrants, ‘What are you gonna do? Are you going to report us? They’re deporting other innocent people … (so) they’re going to associate you with us by you coming forward,'” said Walter Barrientos, Long Island coordinator with Make the Road, an immigrant advocacy group. (source: CNN)
Let’s be honest, people. If Donald Trump blows his nose, the media in America will find something to complain about. This whole story about what he said about MS-13 is a perfect example.
He uses a few tough words about some murdering monsters, then the left defends the monsters. When the President tries to stop illegal immigration, the left accuses the President of helping the monsters by scaring the lawbreakers. Should the President apologize, he’d be considered week and pandering. Should he take action, he’d be a bully.
Trump can do nothing right in the eyes of the left.
Instead of agreeing we have a problem worth attacking with every resource available, all the left-wing media sees is another offended group they can use to bring accusations against a President that wasn’t supposed to defeat their chosen Clintonian goddess.
I’m done ranting.
I’m a Baker, Too
Nicknames
Did you ever have other kids make fun of your name when you were young? I did. They always made fun of me because of my last name – Baker.
Smart aleck (sp?) brats with more dirt under their fingernails than brains in their heads would say things like, “Hey, Tony Baker! Let’s call you Bony Taker! You gonna take my bones?” Others would make fun of my name by asking, “Hey, Anthony, why don’t you bake us a cake?”
First, my name is not Tony; it’s Anthony. Second, I don’t bake. Third, in a day when people are getting away with crazy stuff, don’t ask anybody to take your bones…not a good idea.”
Fortunately for me, Howard Baker came along.
Howard Baker
Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. (1925-2014)
On Thursday morning I learned of the passing of one of Tennessee’s more famous sons, former Senate Majority Leader Howard Baker. He was 88 years old.
Politically speaking, Senator Baker (nicknamed the “Great Conciliator”) was not exactly a shining conservative star. But even though he was no Ronald Reagan, he was, however, a decent human being with the same last name as mine, and that alone made him a hero of mine when I was a child.
Yes, when some kids would make fun of my last name, asking who else would have a silly last name like mine, I’d just point them to Howard Baker, Senator, Reagan’s Chief of Staff.
Then came Jim and Tammy Faye…
Howard and I only have ONE “k” in our last name, thank you very much!
R.I.P., Senator Baker. Thank you for helping me survive elementary school.
Filed under America, current events
If Children Ruled the World
Listen to the Children
Believe it or not, there are many who swear that true wisdom can be found in the words of young children. Forget the need for a lifetime of experience, listen to the wisdom of those who just learned to wear pull-ups and cut their own meat.
If we did what the they wanted us to do – listen to the children – what would the world, or at least our country, be like?
* No one would ever work … except those who need to work so that others would not have to work.
* Every day would be Christmas, Halloween, and summer vacation … as long as someone else buys the gifts, provides the candy, and drives them to the beach.
* There would be peace on earth and no more wars … except when someone disrespects you or takes your candy.
* Everything should be available for the asking whenever it is wanted … as long as we don’t have to be the ones providing it for someone else.
* There would be no need for multiple television channels … only Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, and VH1.
* Everyone would have everything they always wanted, whether they needed it, or not … and still act like brats that never get anything they want and are always mistreated.
* No one would ever eat at home, only restaurants … then complain about their weight.
* Education, if desired, would be determined by what the child thought was important … like “Queer Translation (UC Berkeley 250)” and “The Sociology of Miley Cyrus: Race, Class, Gender, and Media (Skidmore College).”
* Teachers, Doctors, Policemen, School Teachers, and Ministers would be disrespected and maligned … while movie stars, rap and rock stars, and vulgar atheletes would be deified.
* Animals would be considered equal with humans … except when it came to leather clothing and Happy Meals.
* Hate would be outlawed … unless someone disagreed with you.
* Church would be nothing but fun and games – none of that judgmental, right/wrong stuff – with cookies for all to enjoy.
Wait! Maybe the children are already in charge!
Source: Unknown
Filed under America, Culture Wars, current events, General Observations
Meriam Ibrahim, and Others
What’s Important?
Last night I had a nightmare which woke me from my sleep. Later, while I was awake – after I went ahead and took the dog out for an early potty walk – some blog post ideas came to mind. Then, because I didn’t write them down, I forgot what they were. Typical.
But what is more important, writing about some inconsequential idea, a loosely relevant theological concern, how coffee relates to living, or the life/death struggle of a Sudanese Christian mother?
Seriously, we writers get on our soap boxes and clutter up the internet with petty complaints about cat pictures and the latest trash (I’m sorry, “art”) from Hollywood, but how often do we rally together for the lives of the innocent?
Really, what is more important?
Sadistic Sudan
Let me just be as plain as I can: any government who would execute a young mother because she is Christian is satanic, sadistic, and worth of no respect. Let me also say that any government leader who has in his power the ability to stop the execution, either by way of threat or diplomacy, and does not, is equally satanically influence – if not simply an accomplice to murder. Bold enough?
The government of Sudan, after releasing Meriam Ibrahim from prison, arrested her again, today. At one point she was going to receive 100 lashes for having sex with her Christian husband, then be hung for apostatizing from Islam (even though she was never a Muslim). After enough people rose up in her defense, she was let go. However, they have once again arrested her, but for uncertain reasons.
What’s more, Meriam is married to an American, which makes her newborn son an American. Excuse me, but do we have a president, or not?
President Me
I am going to go out on a limb here. Many of you who read this are not from America, so please forgive me – I don’t want to offend. However, if I were the president of the United States of America, one of my first and foremost duties would be to make our enemies, including nations that imprison our citizens, fear what we might do.
For example, Mexico has one of our soldiers in prison, all because he accidentally crossed the border with three weapons in his vehicle. Even though he voluntarily turned himself over to border guards, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi admitting he had misread road signs, instead of turning him around, they put him in prison. EXCUSE ME, but how many times do Mexican soldiers cross our border?! How man illegals cross our border every day and are allowed to stay? If I were president, I’d say, “Let our boy come home, or the next group of your guys to “get lost” crossing our border as they are protecting drug smugglers will meet with an untimely disappearance.
Iran is holding an American pastor. Despite cries of protest from around the world, they continue to hold Saeed Abedini and torture him. If it were me, I’d say, “Let him go, or else – and you don’t want to find out what the “else” is.”
Gone are the days when a threat of retaliation from America was taken seriously. What would Harry S. Truman have done when Muslim terrorist were capturing our soldiers and contractors, holding them hostage, then cutting off their heads in Iraq? Anyone remember what Japan looked like in 1945?
You see, it’s like this – we still have the power, but no moral authority or guts in those with authority. If it were needed, today there would be no Normandy, Iwo Jima, or even Gettysburg; our leaders, even many of our citizens, aren’t willing to take a stand.
I’m Angry
I am simply angry. I am furious. I am indignant. We have politicians who are cowards and a president who won’t do anything if the action may offend a radical, sharia-based government.
We have citizens who are genuinely suffering, possibly about to die because of their faith, and yet we release known killers in exchange for traitors.
A young mother and her family is fearing for her life, but our President won’t do anything about it – yet he goes to a summit complaining about a “war on women” in the United States. A young Christian pastor rots in an Iranian prison, but our President is considering working with Iran to fight ISIS. A young soldier languishes in a Mexican prison, but we continue to allow multiple thousands to cross our borders unchecked.
I’m ticked off, and I have every reason to be. We are no longer a sleeping giant our enemies don’t want to awake, but a weakened fat man with no locks on his doors.
Filed under America, current events, General Observations, politics
Luxembourg
The Top 10
Before we take a look at this week’s country, I want to do a shout-out to the top ten visitors to this blog. In other words, the following are the countries from which this blog has received the most registered views (aside from the United States) since February of this year (2012).
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Sweden
- Philippines
- Australia
- Germany
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- India
- Brazil.
Thanks to all of you from these countries who have taken the time to visit The Recovering Legalist. I just wish I could visit every one of your countries to thank you in person.
Luxembourg
There are a lot of poor countries in the world. Many countries have a population that makes an average of just a few dollars a day. But not Luxembourg. According to those who know these things, Luxembourg is the second-richest country in the world (per capita), yet one of the smallest. The average income in Luxembourg is around $80,000. Wow.
This little country has been around for a long time, even since the Roman days. It is full of history and beauty. It is also a very modern and cultured country.
Luxembourg and Religion
When it comes to the religious atmosphere of Luxembourg, let me just quote a couple of paragraphs from Wikipedia…if you don’t mind…
Luxembourg is a secular state, but the state recognises certain religions as officially mandated religions. This gives the state a hand in religious administration and appointment of clergy, in exchange for which the state pays certain running costs and wages. Currently, religions covered by such arrangements are Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Greek Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Russian Orthodoxy,Lutheranism, Mennonitism and Islam.[94]
Since 1980 it has been illegal for the government to collect statistics on religious beliefs or practices.[95] An estimation by the CIA Factbook for the year 2000 is that 87% of Luxembourgers are Catholics, including the royal family, the remaining 13% being made up of Muslims, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Jews, and those of other or no religion.[96]
According to a 2005 Eurobarometer poll,[97] 44% of Luxembourg citizens responded that “they believe there is a God“, whereas 28% answered that “they believe there is some sort of spirit or life force” and 22% that “they do not believe there is any sort of spirit, god, or life force”.
So, in other words, the government runs the churches. Personally, I don’t think that is a good idea. The idea that the state could have a hand in who leads a congregation in exchange for pay is a little (no, a lot) disturbing. I can imagine a thousand ways that could go wrong.
But the upside to it all is the statistic that says, essentially, 72% of those in Luxembourg believe there is something more to life than stark secularism. Either they believe that there is a God, or they believe that there is “something” out there. That’s good. At least there’s hope.
Pray
Pray for the people and churches of Luxembourg. I would guess they have all of the earthly things they need, but pray that they remember the words written to the church at Laodicea. Rich countries, like my country, tend to produce churches that think they have everything, but are lacking in what money cannot buy.
Because thou sayest, “I am rich, and increased with goods,” and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. – Revelation 3:17-18
Related articles
- Richest Country In The World (mademan.com)
- Exploring luxembourg – Luxembourg, Luxembourg (travelpod.com)
- Luxembourg Government: Eurovision Is RTL’s Responsibility (eurovisiontimes.wordpress.com)
Filed under Countries, Witnessing
The Recovering Legalist 