So, I was watching the DNC last night - again. I know you probably wish I would steer clear of the subject of politics, especially given the sad choices we have for President this term, but stay with me for a minute. I know if you watched the DNC last night you are thinking that I might be about to mention how Joe Bidens wife claps like she has rickets or looks like she is painfully constipated (or lost). Or you might be thinking that I am getting set to ask why Obama's wife continues to twist her face into strange contortions every few minutes - seriously that woman sniffs every 3 seconds. Maybe she has allergies. Or maybe you think I am going to talk about all the lies that were told by Obama last night (no one other that God Himself could accomplish all that he swore to do). I wont be talking about those lies, because more will follow this coming week at the RNC in Minnesota. If you haven't figured it out, promising things you know you cannot deliver is a must when running for President. (And before you leave me a nasty comment about being cruel regarding the Democrats, just save your effort, the RNC is coming next week and I will have fresh insight as to their quirks then. What can I say, I watch people's actions and find their quirks funny - sue me. If it makes you feel any better about me, I make fun of myself too ).
No, I am not going to mention any of those things. What I AM going to mention is the fact that I saw people there cheering for Barack Obama like he was their only hope. I saw people with tears in their eyes, actually weeping at his words. People who stared at Obama as if he was their savior. There were people in that stadium last night that believe Obama is that answer to all their problems. It just reiterated to me the simple fact that "People Need Jesus".
I have seen it in other circles besides politics. I have seen moms get so involved with PTA that they put aside church activities in order to be the savior of a dying school program. I have seen grown men look for their salvation in a Masonic Lodge (that is a post for another day - and I have lots to say about it too!). I have seen men and women become so involved in their children's sports activities that they trade church for a ball field and their Bible for a trophy. I have watched college graduates put aside their strong faith and replace it with ambition and drive to climb the corporate ladder. I have seen young men and women forget their promise to love God above everyone else and place all their bets on a girl/boyfriend. I could go on and on, but you see my point.
There are people that have no hope. There are people who have lost all hope and then there are people who have misplaced their hope. I felt truly sorry for those men and women there in that stadium last night. They have placed their hope in a mere man who has faults and has no real power to change their lives. They have placed their trust in the name Obama, when the only real help is found in the name of Jesus.
We all suffer from misplaced hope at times. We get so involved with activities or projects that take our eyes off Jesus and cloud our vision. We may not stand with thousands of people pouring out praise and adoration for a political candidate, but we are quick to forget Jesus when something that seems "more exciting" comes our way. Or maybe we are just quick to put Him on the back burner at times. We are always looking for the next 'new' thing the world offers and we forget that we are new creatures and God wants to do a new thing in us because He is the only One who makes all things new. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our only hope............might be time we start TRULY believing that.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Revelation 21:5
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2Corinthians 5:17
20 comments:
Hey sister, I finally woke up from my loong nap,, haha, I wrote about our trip on my blog if you want to read it. Sorry it's taken so long. Have a good Labor Day weekend, love you :0)
AMEN sista!! It's very SAD that people look at Obama that way....actually it's SCARY!! Bravo to you for paying attention....I hate politics, and have never hated them more than this year. Yes, I will vote.....but begrudgenly (sp?). What a SAD birthday I am going to have this year...(my b-day is Nov 5th....you know...election??....oh, and I also thought you might like to get a head start on my b-day gift.....I'm just sayin').....
Oh yes! I am having a hard time with the election this year. I'm not thrilled with any of the options. Thanks for the reminder of our only true hope!
Yep...we just need Jesus.
(and I thought I was the only one who noticed the "sniff"...boy does that get on my last nerve!)
OH MY STARS
Oh my stars
Oh MY stars!!!
I am laughing so hard right now at the comment you just left on my blog. Seriously--- laughing.
And you are TOTALLY the Beth I would love to have coffee with. Head on over right now.
I'll even give you a mattress pull behind the pick up. Really, does it get any better than that?
Thanks for the comment on my blog! I love finding new blog friends. I have literally laughed out loud at this post of the DNC (literally my daughter asked me what I was laughing at). I had wondered if I was the only one who noticed all these odd people's quirks. Did you notice how many facial expressions that Hillary went through the night Bill spoke? I don't even know what he said because I was watching all the facials of the audience. I too will vote but I'm still not sure who I will vote for. I wonder if there is anything truly honest about politicians, and if what they are saying is what they feel or just what they think we want to hear!
I was watching Michelle Obama during Sen. Clinton's speech the other day and I thought she just couldn't stand Hillary and didn't believe a word she was saying. I was rolling.
Now I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed that Mrs. Obama seems to do that all the time! =)
Since I thoroughly enjoy your political commentary... what do you think about Gov. Sarah Palin for VP?
I totally agree! That display in the stadium totally depressed me for the state of this nation. I didn't not watch but a small portion of the massive coverage. And don't even get me started on Oprah's quote as she left. Think what all the money spent of BOTH conventions could do for people who need life essentials....not to mention missions. If nothing else it convicted me to pray, pray, pray.
However, good news from McCain. Can't wait to read you thoughts on Palin.
Oh, I saw a clip on Fox News last night of Oprah and Kanye West leaving the stadium, and Oprah said, "I cried my eyelashes off." It is so sad to see people turn human beings into idols.
So, what are your thoughts on McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for VP?
So true, so true. I said something similar to my husband while we watched, "Do these people honestly believe that he can do all of these things?" It's not like he is given the job and poof all of these promises miraculously happen. There is so much red tape and lobbying and so forth. I would love to see a study done of all the presidents with all of their promises from campaign speeches. Then I would like see a checklist of how many of those things were actually accomplished. It's fine if they want to talk about what they want to do. But people need to watch with a level head knowing that many of those things would be impossible to deliver!
Well, obviously you hit one of my hot buttons!! LOL!
Agree to Disagree Maybe...
Ill make this quick...On Politics..I do believe Obama is America's only hope to a better future when it comes to Government....We cannot afford another 4 years like the last 8.Im sorry I dont make 5 millon, so I guess that makes me POVERTY! I always thought We made purdy good but not according the McCain..Middle class is scum of the earth.
As far as Mason's...My husband has NEVER searched for his salvation in the Masonic lodge...Mason's as well as the Eastern Star's do alot of good for the community as well as the shriners...I would hate the thought of anybodys kids EVER having to use one of the services they PROVIDE! My husband is a christian with strong christian beliefs...People who are IGNORANT to the organization only believe what they hear, and not what they see, and the good they accomplish.
I assure you 99% of your Mason's are Christians, and if you look around your church you would find awhole lot...Those who you probably wouldn't think are...are Masons
Hey Allison! It's okay to agree to disagree sometimes ;-) Just because you read my blog does not mean you have to agree with every word I type. But, please allow me to explain myself since you have brought up a couple of subjects that I wrote about...
First off, I will be the first to agree that the past few years have been "not the best" (to say the least) as far as our country goes. I have been disappointed in many of the things George Bush has done (or hasnt done), but I still cannot in good conscience give my vote to someone who agrees with killing the unborn, gay marriage, and has such a loose definition of "faith". It has absolutely NOTHING to do with race. I do not think John McCain is the greatest choice either, but I know where he stands on the major issues and his views most closely align with what the Bible teaches, so I have to vote for him (trust me, I wish it were Huckabee ;-).
As for the Masons, I know much more about them than you give me credit for. I come from a long line of Masons, Shriners, and Eastern Star Members. My father in law is a Shriner himself to this day. I know more about their practices and traditions than most. I have listened to testimonies of men who have come out of the Masonic Lodge because of their teachings. For instance, I know that when a mason is brought into the lodge, they are told to bow down to "the worshipful master". The only Master that a Christian should bow to is Jesus. That is just one of the many things that I find disagreeable in the Masonic teaching. I never said that there are not masons who are Christians, I do believe that those who are Christians (as many of my family were/are) do not fully understand the roots of the Masonic lodge (which are part Mormon). So many people see the Shriners and all the good they do for children - there is no mistaking that and it is to be commended, but the Bible tells us that our faith is something to be shared and our lives should be lived so people will come to Christ, not be some secret that others are not allowed to know (although the Masonic practices are no longer secret, they are still a "secret" society that one must be invited to join). I am sure your husband is not one of them, but there are Masons who see Freemasonry as their salvation - my grandfather was one of them. There is a great resource by Ron Carlson called "Fast Facts on False TEachings" that gives an overview of Freemasonry. Also at Got Questions there is a great explanation of Freemasonry which can be seen here: http://www.gotquestions.org/free-masonry.html
And you can see testimonies of former masons on this site:
http://www.emfj.org/
I am not trying to condemn anyone, but I am trying to tell you my viewpoint so you understand where I am coming from. I did not mean to offend you in any way. I hope the references I gave you give you a little insight as to where I am coming from - I am praying you do not think I am trying to condemn anyone - this is just my position. I hope we can still be blog friends and agree to disagree. Have a good night.
When a Christian takes the oath of Freemasonry, he is swearing to the following doctrines that God has pronounced false and sinful:
1. That salvation can be gained by man’s good works.
2. That Jesus is just one of many equally revered prophets.
3. That they will remain silent in the Lodge and not talk of Christ.
4. That they are approaching the Lodge in spiritual darkness and ignorance, when the Bible says Christians are already in the light, children of the light, and are indwelt by the Light of the World—Jesus Christ.
5. By demanding that Christians take the Masonic oath, Masonry leads Christians into blasphemy and taking the name of the Lord in vain.
6. Masonry teaches that its G.A.O.T.U. [Great Architect of the Universe], whom Masonry believes is the true God of the universe, is representative of all gods in all religions.
7. Masonry makes Christians take a universalist approach in their prayers, demanding a “generic” name be used so as not to offend non-believers who are Masonic “brothers”.
8. By swearing the Masonic oath and participating in the doctrines of the Lodge, Christians are perpetuating a false gospel to other Lodge members, who look only to Masonry’s plan of salvation to get to heaven. By their very membership in such a syncretistic type organization, they have severely compromised their witnessing as Christians.
9. By taking the Masonic obligation, the Christian is agreeing to allow the pollution of his mind, spirit, and body by those who serve false gods and believe false doctrines.
Oh, girl, you did stir the hornet's nest!!!! Good for you! I love Gov. Palin and I think she will make an excellent VP....all those who love the Clintons have short memories. Bill was probably tearing up thinking that Hillary is going to kill him after this is all over!
The plain, very simple truth is that the president makes no decisions alone. There are about 545 people in the branches of government that have votes. The promises are just that promises made with no knowlege of whether he can keep them. The whole thing about all those tears.....a lot of those were actors, folks, ACTORS....they can turn it on and off!
I'll be voting the McCain ticket.
You're so right, if we don't start looking to Jesus to be all we need, and turning to Him for help in our times of leadership needs, we are going to reap just what we sow! Thanks for having the courage to say it loud!
Whoa!! Bethanne! You pot stirrer you!! Though....I give my vote to you 100%!! (maybe you should run for President!!)
Palin not having experience?? What the crap has Obama done?? NOTHING that's what! He's just a man of empty words who can't formulate his own thoughts, and needs cue cards or advisors present to answer questions. What an idiot!
Though the opinions expressed on your blog are YOURS....I ECHO THEM!! Way to go girl!
I also will be voting for McCain, but, I will say this in defense of the tears that were shed at the DNC.
Some of those tears may not have been genuine, but, MANY were VERY genuine. They were not shedding tears and looking at Obama as any deity! Gimme a break! Many of those with tears in their eyes were minorities. They were thinking that, maybe for the first time in their lives, there may be some hope to correct some of the wrongs that have happened to them. They had a candidate that finally understood their plight.
They were thinking about the many blacks that fought for civil rights, some giving their lives for the cause. I'm not talking about lightweights (in name only) like Al Sharpton, or always "camera ready" Jesse Jackson. I'm referring to people like Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Medgar Evans, James Meredith, the 1957 Little Rock high school students, Emmett Till and the list goes on. Along with many black war heroes in our past wars that were "overlooked" when it came to heroism. Some of them that I'm familiar with are the Tuskegee Airmen. They were an all black air squadron. All black because they did not fit into the WHITE army-air force in WWII. All they did was fight with tenacity and became one of the bravest, most accurate and successful air fighters in WWII. They were among the best, but, given little credit until about 10 years ago.
That is why many of those people had tears in their eyes! They were thinking that maybe, just maybe, we may finally elect a U.S. president that understands that all they want is equality.
I cannot speak for black people because I am not qualified. I am a 57 yr. "white guy" that grew up on the south side of Chicago in the 1960's. But, I have seen, firsthand, the ugly head of racism and the predjudice that follows. These are MY thoughts on why those people had tears in their eyes.
I speak for no one, but, myself.
I hope this comment doesn't get deleted because it should be read by a few on this page!
Greg..I respect & value your opinion..and I completely agree..Well said...Most white people (not said being racial, but we both are white) dont even know what Tuskegee is..Im Impressed...
I think there are good and bad in both parties..just a matter of opinion.
Just to put my two cents in.....In my opinion, the character of a person is of utmost importance. John Adams once said "The people "have a right, an indisputable, inalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge--I mean of the character and conduct of their rulers." It's not about race, it's not about looks, it's not even about Democrat vs. Republican...it's all about the character of a man who wants to be the leader of the U.S. People can talk a good game, convince others, and put on a good show but the truth is shown through a persons character and the people they associate with. I find a LACK of character in Obama. His self-proclaimed spiritual adviser the Reverend Wright (and I use the word Reverend with great sarcasm)is an example of the people that Obama surrounds himself with. He has sat through sermon after sermon for the past twenty years that preached nothing but hate and contempt for America and many of its people. The Bible says if you do not love others then you don't love God. (1 John 4:7-8) Obama not only attended the church himself and was married by this so-called pastor, but he subjected his young daughters to the unbelievable negativity. If you want to discuss racism, Wright and his followers (which includes Obama) are the epitomy of racists.
To address some comments from a few of you:
Greg - I believe that you reiterated what Beth was saying in her blog. She stated that many that she saw at the DNC "believe Obama is the answer to all their problems". It sounded to me that you were saying basically the same thing. Only Beth was emphasizing the fact that it appears some of the people were putting all their hope in a man and the only person we should put our hope and trust in is Jesus Christ. A very true and scriptural statement.
Allison - you are correct that there are alot of christians who have been deceived by the lies of the Masonic Lodge. The truth is that Masonry is contrary to Christianity. There is only one God and unfortunately that is not what Masons teach. Again, it is a very deceiving group and we should all pray that God will open the eyes of the deceived.
I agree about the Masons. I got invited to be in the Eastern Stars, but actually told the guy who invited me that I didn't want to be a part of a "secret society" because it does seem like a cult, no matter what is said by it's members. His explanation was that the Masons are a "society with secrets, not a secret society." While that is a good way to pretend to explain things, that is not actually an explanation, just an effort to divert attention.
The good thing about the gospel of Christ is that it is out there in the open for everyone to hear about and I would never hide my faith or beliefs about Christ.
That's why I don't understand that if Masons are made up of mostly Christian members, why do they feel such a need to hide the facts about their cult-ish, society filled with oaths and rituals that have their roots in paganism and secrecy.
And you're right about Mormons practicing masonic rituals in their temple rights ceremonies. They totally twist the Bible to fit the theology of Joseph Smith, who could never get his story straight anyway.
But that's a blog for another day.
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