William Hussein Barak Jefferson Clinton Obama

William Hussein Barak Jefferson Clinton Obama

Have you yet noticed how similar Bill Clinton and Barak Obama are? They could be siamese twins. They both have a skill for communicating with the public. But the words that are often pleasant to the ear may have no appeal to the intellect. Its amazing to hear so many words that have so little meaning.

They both married lawyers from Chicago. Neither had any contact with their real fathers during their youth and both of their fathers were bigamists! Both of their fathers died in automobile accidents. They both lived over seas for extended periods of time. Clinton absorbed the liberal influence of the Europeans at Oxford for two years. Obama sponged the Muslim influence of the Indonesians for five years of his early life.

Both cast themselves as agents of change. Bill promoted himself as the one who would 'bridge the 20th and 21st century. Obama urges voters to embrace the 'change we can all believe in'. They both seem to have an aversion, if not an outright hatred for the military. Both were very intent on avoiding any military service.

Both seem to be perpetual adolescents. Bill chased skirts in spite of the pain it would cause his wife and child. Obama won't hesitate to throw close friends or relatives (his own mother, his former pastor) under the bus if it means self-promotion. Some would say they are narcissists who love themselves and are dedicated to promoting themselves at any cost!

Neither seem to be in love with their country. It's not what you can do for America, it's what you must do to get reelected. It's not what decisions are best for a failing economy, it's what decision should I make to be sure my constituents will still love me. (Provide them with lots of entitilements even if it means bankrupting the country)They both received an extremely liberal education. Both embrace the idea that lying is not necessarily wrong if it can benefit me:

Clinton - "I did not have sex with that woman"

Obama - "I went to Jeremiah Wright's church but I really had no idea what he stood for."

Neither Clinton or Obama have a real concept of the forces of good verses evil. They are relative terms with relative meanings. Lying may be evil in some instances, but if lying will promote a career and cause one to be loved, it becomes exceptable.Unfortunately, wthese two are not anomolous, they are typical of modern politicians in both parties!

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Open Letter to President Obama

Dear Mr. President,I understand that it is a very Christian thing to offer apologies and I appreciate your attempt to take the high road. I realize, sir, that you have never served in the military. I'm not sure what sort of conflicts you've been involved in beyond a spirited debate or perhaps an argument with your wife. Apologies always seem to work with wives. Bill Clinton surely proved that to the nation when he apologized to his wife who was all the more determined to stand by her man.

But, sir, no competition is ever won by apology. The Steelers certainly didn't win the Super Bowl by apologizing to their opponent. Imagine the outcome if Saul would have sent David to Goliath with a note of apology. I don't think an apology ever entered the mind of Roosevelt when he was dealing with Hitler. George W. certainly wasn't apologizing when he dragged Saddam Hussein out of his little spider hole.

Consider Neville Chamberlain. One of history's greatest passivists. His groveling before Hitler did him nothing but find an ignoble place in history.

Quite frankly, sir, I'm offended when you frequently apologize for 'the actions and policies of the previous administration.' The previous administration took seriously its job to protect Americans from ruthless terrorists eagor to find any weakness in America's resolve. If waterboarding two prisoners at Guantanomo was instrumental in saving thousands, maybe tens of thousands of lives, then why would you oppose that? What other method would you suggest? What was the result of 'W's war policy? Seven years of protection for the American people.

Do you think our enemies admire us more when you apologize and grovel? When two dogs fight, the stronger dog has no respect for the weaker dog who cowers away. It just makes the stronger dog more bold.

We are at war, sir, with a ruthless enemy looking closely for any visible weaknesses. This enemy is determined to destroy us at any cost. The American people and I are looking to you , Mr. President, to demonstrate at this moment in our history the same courage George Washington displayed at Valley Forge, the same courage Abe Lincoln displayed when the country was being divided by Civil War. The same courage General MacArthur displayed when he promised to return and finish the job. These great men were not about negotiating and apologizing, they were courageous men intent on building a great and noble country. Achieving the approval of the Europeans was the furthest thing from their minds.

So, Mr. President, Iran is sending out war ships as I write this and the mousy dictator in North Korea is all in your face with his nuclear testing. Please, offer no apologies for America's determination to protect other countries of the world from such despots. Display the courage that should be characterized by any man who would be president of this country. Don't look to our allies for direction. Don't try to protect your own legacy or your prospect for re-election. Do what you know is best for this great country. Reward this country for making you its president by displaying greatness in such a time as this.

Sincerely,Kevin P. Probst

He Chose Us!!

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—" Ephesians 1:4-5

I was recently looking at my youngest son's adoption decree.

-- "Said child shall assume the status of child to parent with all of the rights and duties pertaining thereto, including the right of inheritance."When we become Christians we have legal standing with God as his adopted sons and daughters. We are "joint heirs" with his 'natural' son Jesus. We inherit all the same blessings and benefits. We now have access to the Father. We enjoy the privilege of calling him "Abba, Father". He responds to us and is always eagor to commune with the children whom he loves so deeply. When my son calls my name, especially if he is in distress, my response is immediate. Our heavenly Father's ear is always bent toward our voice.

-- "The child shall take the family name of Probst and shall henceforth be known as Kameron Michael Probst, the child of Kevin Paul Probst and Shannon Marie Probst."When we confess our sins and commit ourselves to Christ we take the family name. We are Christians. The new name signifies a new character. Old things are passed away, all things become new. We think differently, we act differently, we are transformed through the cleansing blood of Christ. We are proud to carry his name and would do nothing to besmirch the name of the One who loved us so much he was willing to purchase us with an unspeakable price to make us his own.

When we adopted Kameron, we didn't ask about an I.Q. gene or an athletic gene. We took him as he was and promised to love him unconditionally. When God adopts us into his family he doesn't come looking for only the best. He accepts us unconditionally as we are. What a privilege to be adopted into the family of God..."Just as I am, poor, wretched and blind."

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I Can't Believe You Said That, George!

I can't believe you said that, George!

"Islam ... is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects the rights of others." - George W. Bush. I guess "W" failed to read the Koran. It's so troubling when our leaders seem to lack a fundamental understanding of the faith of our enemy. If Islam is a religion of peace how do you reconcile with these verses from the Koran?

"Slay them wherever you find them...Idolatry is worse than carnage...Fight against them until idolatry is no more and God's religion reigns supreme." (Surah 2:190-)

"Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it." (Surah 2:216)

"America treasures the relationship we have with our many Muslim friends, and we respect the vibrant faith of Islam..." - George W. Bush. Isn't it dangerous to teach tolerance for a religion that teaches only intolerance?

"Believers, take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends." (Surah 5:51)

Maybe the violent, intolerant ones are only the extremists. But this Koran wasn't written for the extremists only, it is the holy book for all mainstream Muslims.I understand the Muslim world's criticism of our Western culture's cesspool of immorality. But I'm seeing a good bit of hypocrisy also. What type of god is yours who would approve of honor killings - husbands, fathers and brothers who kill their females relatives who engage in sexual misbehavior? What kind of god is yours who would approve of temporary marriage permits that allow Muslim men to "marry" any number of women even if only for a short period of time. In our society we call it prostitution. Christ spared the woman taken in idolatry from those who wanted to stone her. In the Muslim faith women who are guilty of sexual improprieties are stoned, even rape victims are sometimes stoned.

I think that we, as Christians, should love and pray for Muslims. But let us not further their cause by failing to have the courage to stand for truth and oppose error and evil!! Jesus never backed down from the truth....here is his word to those who embrace the Mohammed of Islam:

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Who Would You Vote For?

GOP nominations for 2012 Presidential Election - Please VOTE

Republicans will choose another presidential candidate in just 3 years. Here is a list of possibilities. Assuming Obama is the repeat candidate for the Democrats....Republicans, who would you vote for to oppose him?

1. Mitt Romney - former governor of Massachusetts. He alienated voters by switching is position on abortion just before announcing his candidacy.

2. Mark Sanford - governor of South Carolina who boldly refused any part of the federal bailout money.

3. Sarah Palin - she already has good name recognition. Appeals to women voters. Now we've had first black president, how about first female president. Very conservative.

4. Bobby Jindal - governor of Louisiana. Son of immigrants from India. His real name is Piyush! He has done a good job of helping Louisiana survive under dark financial clouds.

5. Dick Cheney - I know he is old. He has already had numerous heart attacks. But, he is the only Republican with a bulldog personality unafraid to take it to Obama and his team.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES:?

6. Governor Charlie Crist - Florida

7. Governor George Pataki - New York

8. Illinois Congressman - Mark Kirk

9. Delaware Congressman - Mike Castle

10. Governor Haley Barbour - Mississippi

11. Newt Gingrich

12. Rush Limbaugh

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Vote for one or write one in...

California Burning

"California's Burning"

When I was a young child my family packed up a 1963 Corvair station wagon and the five of us drove from Pennsylvania to California on vacation. It was my mother's dream to visit paradise. Disneyland, Hollywood and redwoods big enough to drive your car through. That was when we wished they were all California girls. Young people went to California chasing their dreams. If you had a Harley you went to California in search of yourself.

What in the world happened? While the state is immersed in debt up to the gills ($21 biillion) their amateur governor is chasing red herrings like 'global warming', 'gay marriage' and 'stem cell research'. Wake up, man. Your state is burning to ash. He and his state legislature actually approved $10 million to build a high-speed rail system connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. Earth to California, you're bankrupt! Why are you spending money on luxuries.

If my house is being foreclosed on I'm not going to take the family on a Mediterranean cruise!Half of California's deficit is a result of providing support and protection for illegal immigrants. If a poor man knocks on my door looking for a meal I'd probably invite him in and feed him. If he came back the next day with his family I'd still do my best to share what I have. If he returned the next day with his whole neighborhood I'd have to reconsider. I wouldn't sacrifice my family to poverty. How could I live with myself if I had to look into my son's face, emaciated from hunger, because I gave the families provision to a bunch of strangers.

An alien showed up at California's door years ago. They graciously extended a helping hand and earned the admiration of the rest of the world. It seemed the right thing to do but he went back and brought the neighborhood, then the whole village and now its seems most of Mexico has moved to California. Jobs disappeared, prisons filled, and taxes expanded. That swashing sound you hear is California being flushed. Their educational system is in shambles. Their infrastructure is in need of costly repairs. Tax payers are saddled with the costs of healthcare for millions who aren't even U.S. citizens. I wonder how Canada would react if millions of Americans crossed the border to benefit from healthcare provisions and in doing so, bankrupted the country.

I don't feel too sorry for them. Foolish decisions are always followed by dire consequences. What really angers me is that California's new governor, (President Obama will soon own California like he does GM) will expect the rest of the nation's taxpayers to bail them out. It will set a precedent as states all over the nation will now build bridges to nowhere because there is no financial risk. Obama will bail them out.

Margaret Thatcher once said that socialism doesn't ever work because they eventually run out of everyone else's money to spend. There is another saying more frightening: "As California goes so goes the country"It's no longer the place to go. California is hemorrhaging. It seems nearly everyone in Californian is looking for anexit sign.

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Unnecessary Death

Unnecessary Death

There are three ways to get out of this economic mess we’re in. We can borrow money. Not a very smart decision. Future generations will hate us for saddling them with a debt that will deprive them of the kind of lifestyle we enjoyed. China holds more than $1.5 trillion of U.S. debt. It is very understandable why they are so hesitant to buy any more of our debt in view of the fact our deficit next year will be $1.8 trillion.

A second way we can repair the wreckage is to print more money. When a private citizen does this it is a federal crime called counterfeiting. When the government does this it’s called presidential or congressional genius. The consequence of this practice is always rapid inflation as Jimmy Carter should regretfully admit.

A third way we can climb out of the mud is to use the natural wealth God has blessed us with. A message to the off-the-wall environmentalist: God gave us water, he expects us to use it wisely. He gave us trees, plants, vegetables and fruits, he expects us to be creative in our use of some of these gifts and nourish ourselves with others. The minerals he has hidden in the earth were preserved for our use in this age. He expects us to respectfully extract them and use them wisely.

How is it that a socialist country like Finland can offer “cradle to grave” benefits to its citizens and be flourishing economically while the U.S. social security system faces bankruptcy? How is it that a small, sassy dictator in Venezuela can become a respected voice in the world community? Why will Brazil be a strong voice in the future? What is China doing that we are not doing? These countries are cashing in on vast natural resources that bring billions into their economies yearly.

Our failure to do the same seems very dim witted to me. Louisiana provides 80,000 jobs and brings in hundreds of millions from their off-shore oil industry. California is going down the tube as they refuse to tap into their huge off-shore resources. China adds a coal-fired power plant every month in their country while President Obama has shut down all construction on coal-fired power plants in the U.S.

It’s like a man dying of thirst while lying helplessly beside a rushing mountain stream. It’s just insane!!

A Frustrated Jesus

A Frustrated Jesus

We've all spoken too sharply at times. It seems those harsh words that fly out of our mouths before we know it are most often aimed at the people we love most. They spill out of our mouths as a result of frustration or disappointment or anger. I recently had to apologize to my 4 year old son for speaking to harshly to him because he was slow to obey. Does Christ feel those same frustrations when we are slow to obey?

While studying the 9th chapter of Luke I came across words of Jesus that seemed to reveal a pretty intense level of frustration. A man came to Christ with his son who was possessed by an evil spirit. He asked Christ if he could cast out the spirit and then indicated that he had asked the disciples to do it but they could not. Jesus' answer seems pretty terse; "O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Is Jesus irritated, disturbed, annoyed, dissatisfied?

Luke 9:1 reveals that Jesus had provided them with the necessary means to do what they had failed to do. "When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases" So, why had they failed to cast out the demon? They were paralyzed by their unbelief. Lack of faith and powerlessness are slothful sisters that weaken us and frustrate Jesus.

Jesus gave them reason for their failure in Matthew 17 "If you have the faith of a grain of mustard seed, you shall move mountains. Nothing will be impossilbe for you. But this kind doesn't go out without much prayer and fasting. No great thing was ever done for God without much prayer!

In this chapter the disciples witness great and phenomenal things. They witness the feeding of the 5,000. They witness the transfiguration and the casting out of demons. Jesus began to speak to them of how he would soon be taken. And how do they respond? They become involved in a pithy argument about whom among them would be the greatest! Their pride prevented them from being affective for Christ. Pride is the seed for every sin. No wonder Jesus was questioning how long he would have to put up with them!

Are we a blessing to Jesus or is he just bearing with us? Are we a joy to Him or are we breaking his heart. Are we receiving his outpouring or is he just putting up with us?May God help us to flee from our distractions and set our minds on One who is worth living for and dying for. God help us to make the necessary sacrifices in this world in order to attain the blessings that await us in the next.

"Freedom Restricted, Freedom Lost"

"Freedom Restricted, Freedom Lost"

“Freedom Restricted, Freedom Lost”Someone said that “freedom restricted is freedom lost”. I don’t really question the motives of the powerbrokers in Washington. Deep within I want to believe that these people are just mislead and theyreally think that what they are doing is the best thing for the country. But, the determination to restrict our freedoms is nothing less than tyranny.

Since Barack Hussein Obama has become president our government has been expanding at the speed of light. He and his lieutenants believe that an empowered government is much better than a free market system. They sincerely believe that our present economic problems are actually the fault of our free market system. The solution is to take control away from individuals and corporations and empower the government to solve our economic problems.

They fail to acknowledge that pretty much every thing the government has tried to run has been a failure: Medicare, Welfare, Education, Social Security, Healthcare, etc, etc. How arrogant are they to believe they can run GM or America’s banks!! The latest power grab is the TRACE Act of 2009. (Tracing and Recalling Agricultural Contamination Everywhere Act) The government will now try to control the production, growth and distribution of all food. Under this act, you will have to register the tomato plants growing beside your garage. If you intend to grow food you will have to submit a written plan to the government for approval!! All in the name of food safety!

The Clean Water Restoration Act will give the government control over how much water is available to water your garden. I don’t think this is a caring government concerned about the welfare of its population. It seems more like a tyrannical, out-of-control government more interested in grabbing up land, wealth and power over its citizens.

There is a certain amount of injustice that seems to accompany freedom. Some cows will be diseased. Some vegetables may be contaminated. I’d rather deal with the injustice of living in a sin affected world than live under a tyrannical, club wielding government.

Do This More and More

Do this more and more

Its not a perfect analogy but I think it has value. Our human relationships mirror our relationship with God.

The first time I met the woman who would become my wife I was intrigued. I became very creative in developing opportunities to cross paths with her and have conversations with her. I soon began courting her. We only become Christians after we have been courted by God himself. Our relationship with him was his idea first. John 6:44 "No man can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him..."

After several years of courting I finally proposed. I remember very well the time and the place. I bought the ring, I popped the question and thankfully she said yes or I would have a very expensive ring I could never wear. Christ asks us to come to him. He has no obligation to keep asking if we say no.

There followed a time of engagement. We really got to know each other well. During this time there is still opportunity to 'chicken out'. But, as true love grows there is a feeling that I want something deeper, something more. There are so many who begin the journey toward God but they never finish it. Someone or some thing interferes and the relationship breaks down.

A wedding took place on June 15, 2001. We made a promise to love and cherish each other forever. We gave up certain freedoms that we had owned for the sake of the relationship. The longing for something deeper was now experienced. Anyone who is saved will experience a desire for something deeper. This longing for more of Christ is expressed in a total consecration to him. I belong to him and him alone! We refer to it as sanctification, a setting apart or being made holy in his image.

Shannon and I have lived in marriage for many years. There are things to learn. There are mountains to climb. There are battles to be won. Marriage is a wonderful gift of God but it doesn't come without a price to pay. God is never satisfied with a shallow, surface relationship. So, he throws a lot of curves at us. It is the hard things that build strong character in the relationship.

A Christian never completes his sanctification. It is an ongoing process that lasts a lifetime.The sanctified life is like one who goes on a diet. He might try different programs. He might buy certain exercise equipment. He may curb his consumption. But, the bottom line is if he is going to lose weight he must change his lifestyle. To be truly sanctified doesn't mean we try this and we try that, it means we allow Christ to change our lifestyle. It is an anomaly of sorts. You arrive at sanctification but you are also always arriving. It's not just one step at a time, it's diving in, it's immersing oneself in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 "Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more."

It Is What He Puts In Us

It Is What He Puts In Us

Everyone knows what it means to be forgiven. Its a very commonly used word. But so few seem to understand what is means to be sanctified. Sanctification is a church term that is hardly used in everyday life. When we are forgiven, He cleanses us, He takes the sin out of our hearts. But, a void exists and a void always begs to be filled. Sanctification is filling the void with His love. It is learning to love God "with all your heart and soul." (Deut. 30:6) But, it is also learning to "love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)

Many yearn to love in this way. It is required that we give ourselves entirely to God. We must be fully committed. We must cast out the other idols in our lives for Christ makes very clear that He will not share the throne of our hearts with any other. We give ourselves totally to Christ because we need Him to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves!

Beware not to feel too haughty about giving yourself entirely to Him. Frankly, we are not really giving much. In our sinful and carnal state we really have nothing to offer. Have you seen the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz? Wow. What if someone offered to give you a Mercedes-Benz? You might be pretty excited about that until you realized that the Mercedes they were offering was an unrestored 1912 model with a crank on his front end that was rusted out and inoperable. Something to look at but nothing more.

When we give ourselves to God he goes to work on us. Sanctification is God purifying us. Restoring us and making us useful. It's an engine overhaul. A new set of tires. A fresh coat of paint. Until He does this we are pretty much useless and of little value.When the vehicle is restored it still won't run unless it is filled with fuel. Sanctification is God energizing and fueling us with the infilling of his Holy Spirit. It is his reminder to us that anything we become or anything we accompllish is not of our own merit, it is the Holy Spirit living in us and working through us.Are you sanctified, set apart, cleansed, empowered to do God's will? Are you equipped to live your life for God's glory?

Why were they so amazed?

Why were they so amazed??

Jesus gave his disciples power to heal the sick, to cast out demons, to preach the gospel and to cure diseases. Amazing!!
There is recorded a conversation in Luke 9 between Jesus and his disciples. He asked them, “Who do these people say that I am?” They replied, “Some say you are Elijah and still others say you are a prophet from long ago.” Then the impulsive disciple speaks up and says, “You are Christ, the son of God.”
The disciples certainly got some things right but they also left themselves open for a lot of reproof from the Savior. He scolded them for wanting to send the multitudes away instead of feeding them. He scolded them for arguing among themselves who would be the greatest among them. He ignored their silly idea of wanting to make monuments to honor men instead of giving glory to God.
After all of this, a man whose only son was afflicted by demonic activity came to the disciples for healing but they were helpless against the demons. So he came to Jesus. Jesus answered his request and they were all amazed at the greatness of God. Then Jesus rebuked his disciples again for their lack of faith. If they really truly believe him to be the Son of God, why were they so amazed? "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?”
He had already given them the power to cast out demons, they just didn’t have the faith necessary to use the gift they had received. How little are we actually doing for Christ 2000 years later? What are his expectations for us? He is still the Son of God!!
I remember my grown sons striving so hard to live up to their father’s expectations when they played little league baseball as small children. Are we trying to live up to our heavenly father’s expectations? Has he changed? Has he lowered his expectations for his followers? How long since you’ve seen the sick miraculously healed? How long since you’ve seen the tormented delivered from his demons? How long since you’ve heard a message so powerful in the Spirit that the congregation left the church in speechless wonder?
He is the same God with the same expectations. If these things are not being done it is due to our lack of faith.

Where is the United States in Bible Prophecy?

Where is the United States in Bible Prophecy?

The United States is the most powerful and wealthy country in the history of the world. So, where does this extraordinary country fit into the biblical prophecy of the last days? The Bible indicates that in the last days there will be four relevant kingdoms. If these are the last days then these four kingdoms seem to be in China, Russia, the Islamic world and the European Union. How could the United States be left out of the mix???

Some have tried to force the issue by inserting the U.S. into certain prophecies but all are pretty unconvincing. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole. The only other option is to believe that in the last days the U.S. will be relegated to irrelevance. How might this happen? Perhaps we will all be wiped out by a disease like the Swine Flu? Perhaps our enemies will successfully launch an EMP attack on us which would pretty much relegate us back to the 19th century. Or maybe we will disintegrate internally as the issues that divide us like abortion, gay marriage, education and now capitalism continue to cut a deeper rift into our collective soul. Hal Lindsey suggests that perhaps the rapture will so decimate the country that we will not be able to reorganize in time to play a significant part in the coming tribulation.

I don’t know why the United States can not be clearly identified in biblical prophecy as other countries are. I’m not convinced yet that the U.S. will not play a significant role in the unfolding of events in the last days. But, I’m aware along with thousands of other Americans that the U.S. seems to have reached its apex and is now experiencing a decline in its economic and military influence. No pitcher wants to come out of the game unless they’ve been severely injured. Standing along the sidelines while someone else carries the ball will be an uncomfortable position Americans are unfamiliar with.