MERS: It's Here!

   

     One of the most terrifying scenarios we can imagine is threatening the health of our nation.  The deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has now struck a second victim in Florida.  This deadly disease has infected 572 people worldwide, with 167 dying from the disease.  That is a 29.2% case fatality rate.

     The first case in the U.S. was a man who had worked as a health care provider in Saudi Arabia before traveling by plane to London and Chicago, and then by bus to Munster, Indiana.    He was discharged on Friday, with health officials hoping that was the end of MERS in America.  This second case in Florida has dispelled that optimism.
     The man in Florida also worked in Saudi Arabia and had returned home to Orlando to visit family.  At the moment, he is reported as responding to medical care and his prognosis is good; largely because his symptoms were mild and he was not coughing when he arrived at the hospital.  

    What is concerning to me is that the opinion of the World Health Organization concerning the seriousness of the disease, as well as its method of transmission, changes rapidly.  In February of 2013, WHO announced that "the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission appears to be very low".  But just three short months later, in May 2013, they warned that the MERS virus is a "threat to the entire world".  Further, they are investigating the clusters of cases where transmission of the virus has been from infected patients to healthcare personnel; a reversal of their opinion that it had not yet mutated to a person-to-person transferral system.  The Indiana case certainly seems to lead to that conclusion.

     But you should know that the real danger of this disease is fourfold:  it is spreading; it often masks itself as flu-like symptoms; there is no vaccine; and there is no cure.  To the first point, while Saudi Arabia is ground zero, with 483 of the cases, the disease has been identified in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Malaysia, Oman, France, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and now the U.S.  What's more, it is now apparent that the virus spreads from person-to-person through close contact, but might also be transmitted to humans from animals, according to the Center for Disease Control.

     Symptoms of the MERS virus include fever and cough, which are also symptoms of the flu. MERS can also cause diarrhea and shortness of breath, and can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure.  These symptoms are particularly dangerous for the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions, with nearly one-third of those infected dying.  You should not delay seeing your doctor if these symptoms persist.

     There is no effective treatment for the disease, and no vaccine is available.  All that doctors can do is address the symptoms.  You can see why this could potentially become a modern-day plague.  I personally know of many men who work in the oil-related industry in Saudi Arabia and frequently travel back and forth to visit family.  And since both cases in the U.S. have originated with American workers returning home for family visits, it seems to me we could have a recipe for disaster as this disease continues spreading.  And it is not lost on me, that both Old Testament and New Testament prophets in the Bible foretold that plagues and pestilence would decimate the earth's population.  

     I'm sure there are those who think that plagues are of the ancient world; that with our technology and advances in medicine, we will never be subject to such an epidemic again.  That might be true if it were not that the God of the Universe is in control, and His divine judgment takes many forms.  I pray that this deadly disease can be stopped in its tracks.  The fact that it has broached our shores should be cause for grave concern by all Americans.  

Ezekiel 5:12    "A third of your people will die in the city from disease and famine. A third of them will be slaughtered by the enemy outside the city walls. And I will scatter a third to the winds, chasing them with my sword."

     

Is This The American Way?

   

     I have a couple of questions today ... Who gets to decide which "agenda" a nation should conform to?  And what qualifies that agenda to become the standard by which all must obey?  These issues are on my mind in the wake of HGTV canceling a new program featuring brothers, who just happen to be up front about their faith.
     The twin brothers, Jason and David Benham, saw their show, "Flip It Forward", cancelled before it was ever aired.  The reason?  A blog post by Right Wing Watch, a subsidiary of Norman Lear's liberal progressive advocacy group, People for The American Way, purported to reveal the brothers' anti-homosexual, anti-abortion, anti-Muslim views.  The fact is, when someone who does not share the Christian faith attempts to comment on its standards of behavior, they often misrepresent them and distort them.
      Of course, when David Benham writes the following in The Christian Post, those who do not understand the Gospel Message will only see hate.  He wrote:

In the Leviticus passage, it says that death is the consequence for homosexual sin. This is how detestable this type of sin is to God. However, Jesus came and took the consequences of this sin upon Himself on the cross. Homosexual sin is covered by the blood of Jesus, the same way stealing is. The only difference today is that homosexual sin carries with it an agenda, other sins do not. Homosexuality demands acceptance, and the blood of Jesus cannot forgive sins that are no longer sins. The blood of Jesus cleanses sin. 

     Now, you and I know what he meant by this discourse.  He does not state that he hates homosexuals.  He says that God has pronounced a particularly stark sentence on this specific sin ... BUT the sin of homosexuality, like all sins, is covered by the atoning blood of Christ.  However, in today's world, this particular sin has become different than other sins that are forgiven.  There is a power behind it that attempts to influence or force a program of action ... that is the "agenda" that Benham speaks about.  This force, which is carried out by various organizations, such as Right Wing Watch, demands that this sin not only be accepted, but promoted; in effect to be declared a non-sin.
     The Benham brothers have now become the latest in a select group of Believers who dare to stand boldly for the life to which God calls us all.  I am impressed with how they have handled this situation; saying that they can choose to love others (including homosexuals and Muslims), while still adhering to God's standards and principles.  In fact, they hold no grudge against the HGTV network, who knew of the brother's faith and opinions on this topic and others, equally as controversial.  "We don't feel wronged at all. This isn't HG versus us, or us against the gay community. This is an agenda, and we're getting to witness it right now," Jason Benham said.  "Our comments have never been aimed at gays, but at an agenda that says you can't stand by your beliefs.  It's only going to get worse because [of the  agenda] that wants to silence the beliefs that we have."
     Are they outspoken about their opinions on issues that God finds offensive?  Yes!  They have not shied away from protesting in front of abortion clinics, declaring that "87 percent of Americans are Christians and yet we have abortion on demand; we have no-fault divorce; we have pornography and perversion; we have a homosexuality and its agenda that is attacking the nation; we have adultery; we have all of the things; we even have allowed demonic ideologies to take our universities and our public school systems while the church sits silent and just builds big churches. We are so complacent, we are so apathetic and we are very hypocritical in the church, that’s why the Bible says judgment begins in the house of God."   By definition of the Liberal Left, these comments are labeled extremist.  But if you call yourself a Christian, who can truthfully deny them?!
     So now, there is a demand that the Benham brothers be silenced because a certain segment of the population doesn't agree with them.  Does that conform with the mission statement of People for the American Way?  In part, their "Vision" on their website states thus:
•  People For the American Way is dedicated to making the promise of America real for every American: Equality. Freedom of speech. Freedom of religion. The right to seek justice in a court of law. The right to cast a vote that counts. The American Way.  (Except if your Christian values are in contrast with what we determine is "real".)
•  Our vision is a vibrantly diverse democratic society in which everyone is treated equally under the law, given the freedom and opportunity to pursue their dreams, and encouraged to participate in our nation’s civic and political life. Our America respects diversity, nurtures creativity and combats hatred and bigotry.  (Unless we disagree with your belief system; then we will subject you to our own brand of hatred and bigotry, and deny you the freedom to pursue your dreams).
     Go to their website and you will get a clear picture of what their "vision" is ... to promote the Progressive agenda, by any means available; and that includes bullying TV networks to silence anyone who voices Christian values.  Unfortunately, Jason and David Benham did not have the following of Duck Dynasty --- their show was cancelled before it ever aired!  But as they proclaimed shortly after the call from HGTV, "If we have to lose our show because of our faith, so be it."  Sorry, Progressives ... no hate speech, no condemnation; nothing but the willingness to continue to promote the Love of Jesus Christ.  You can try to take away our livelihoods, silence our voices, and paint us as extremists.  But we will continue to pray for you and seek to conform ourselves to the image of Christ.  That is the American Way I envision, and that is the only agenda that will truly change men's hearts.

Ephesians 4:17-18     "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;"

   

Proverbs 31:26-29

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

She watches over the ways of her household,

And does not eat the bread of idleness.

 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many daughters have done well,

But you excel them all.”

     We are all familiar with the epitome of womanhood described in Proverbs 31.  The selected verses are just a small part of her description.  But I chose them because today is Mother's Day, and they are a picture of my own mother.  My mother was a humble woman, and being a mother was her life's calling and ambition.  I never heard her speak of wanting a career, or lamenting that she didn't lead an exciting life.  As I was growing up, women were entering the work force in growing numbers, and I know plenty who felt that their true fulfillment came from accolades in the world outside their home.  They measured success by titles, raises and their worth at work.

     But for my mother, it was enough to be my homeroom mother at school, and to sew mine and my sister's Easter dresses; to make us necklaces and stuffed animals for Christmas, and our favorite meals for our birthdays.  She schooled us in manners, how to set a proper table, how to make a cake from scratch, how to clean up after ourselves, and contribute to household chores.  But the most important thing she did was instill the certainty that Jesus loved me.
     We were not a prosperous household.  For most of my childhood, we were a one-car family.  But my mom made sure that my brother, my sister and I went to Sunday School, even if she couldn't attend because of new babies at home.  You see, my father was not a church-going man, but it was my mother, and her mother's faith, that were firmly passed on to us.  I admit that I was an adult before I accepted Jesus as my Savior; but from the the first moments I can remember, I knew that He loved me, because my mother made sure I was aware of that.
     She did not wear her faith on her sleeve for all the world to see, but she showed me by example.  She put others first, especially her children.  One of my aunts told me, after my mother's death, that there were years during my childhood that my mother did not have a winter coat because we five kids came first.  I know I must have grieved her through my rebellious teenage years, for our relationship was not perfect.  But it was she who I wanted to talk to that first night at college, so far from home and knowing not a soul.  She consoled me and encouraged me that I would soon make friends, and within a couple of weeks I would not be so homesick.  I'm so glad she never knew that my newly-discovered freedom saw me not wanting to return home that first summer between freshmen and sophomore years, because I didn't want to be thrust back under her restrictions and authority.  It took an undergraduate counselor to open my eyes... he told me that I needed to let her be what she was ... a mother.  
     That was her identity; who she was at the very core of her being, and the role God purposed for her.  And to her eternal credit, it was all she ever wanted to be.  Long after me and my siblings had gone off to college, she continued mothering young children in her home.  New mothers entering the workforce knew they could count on my mom to love and nurture their children as if they were her own.  In fact, many of these children became like younger siblings to us, and when they grew to school-age, she would cry at the loss of them.
     That constant care and devotion was poured out on her grandchildren, whom she would cuddle in her lap and sing "I love you, a bushel and a peck..." until they giggled with delight.  And they loved her home-cooked meals and special birthday dinners as much as we did.  As always, she was more inclined to give a piece of herself, rather than something expensive and bought.  But it is those memories that my family and I will cherish today.
     Her final years were a picture of Grace.  A staff infection after knee replacement surgery cost her a leg, but she never complained.  I remember kneeling beside her bed in the hospital, asking her if she wanted me to pray with her, and that moment holding her hand and asking God to heal her.  It was the most intimate moment I had ever shared with my mother.  And it was the same, several years later as she lay in a coma in a hospital emergency room, all of her organs shutting down and her breath coming in shallow intervals.  We were waiting for my youngest sister to arrive before disconnecting the life support equipment.  I was alone in the room with her, and told her I knew she could hear me and that I also knew Jesus was beside her, waiting to take her home.  I told her it was OK.  She deserved to rest from this world and to receive her reward in heaven.  There was a peace in that room that I cannot describe.
     When my sister arrived, the family gathered around her, holding hands and we began to say the Lord's Prayer.  As we spoke the last verse, For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory ... I looked up at the monitor on the machines, dreading the next steps that would be taken.  At the very moment we said "Amen", she quit breathing on her own, and I knew Jesus had taken her hand and she was beholding the beautiful face of her Savior!  I can imagine He spoke the words of our Scripture today ... Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.  
     Now, I don't know if we are assigned tasks in Heaven or not.  But I do know that God knows where best to place us to serve in His heavenly Kingdom.  I have no doubt what my mother's appointed duty is ... she's in charge of the nursery, rocking babies and singing them lullabies.  I take great comfort that for all eternity, there will be other children who will feel her hugs and know that they are the most important person in her world.  And I can't wait to see her smile of recognition and run into those loving arms when it's my turn.  I miss you, Mom.  I love you, and Happy Mother's Day!

Do You Vote?

   

     Somehow, after the Texas Primary Elections in March, I managed to misplace our voter registration cards.  Knowing that the Runoff Election is coming up at the end of this month, I decided to call off the search and just get them replaced.  I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised, as I talked to the County Clerks about voter participation, to find that the important 2014 midterms are not showing an increase in voter involvement.
     I find that extremely unsettling.  I do not know of one person who has not expressed dissatisfaction at the present state of our nation --- from either side of the aisle; discontent seems to be nonpartisan.  Yet the most viable vehicle we, as citizens, have to express our desire for change is all but ignored.  Voting is essential to a free and democratic society, yet only 57.5% of the population of the country voted in the 2012 national elections.
     As pointed out on the website, Global Politician, a Democracy is a nation ruled by its citizenry. In a true democratic society, it is essential to ensure a government that follows the will of the people; and not the one that force the people to follow it -- that is, a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
     French philosopher, writer, and diplomat Joseph de Maistre's oft-quoted warning is certainly applicable to our generation:  Every nation gets the government it deserves.  By this, he means that the actions -- or lack thereof -- of a citizenry will result in the character and morality of its government.  When nearly half of our country neglects its duty to safeguard the nation, then we are left with the natural demise of the nation.  And we can't say we weren't warned ... I would like you to contemplate the words of these wise men who exhorted us to protect our cherished liberties:

     Samuel Adams, Founding Father (1781):  Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual - or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country. 

     Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795):  A share in the sovereignty of the state, which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections is one of the most important rights of the subject, and in a republic ought to stand foremost in the estimation of the law.

     Matthias Burnett (Pastor, 1803):  Consider well the important trust . . . which God . . . [has] put into your hands. . . . To God and posterity you are accountable for [your rights and your rulers]. . . . Let not your children have reason to curse you for giving up those rights and prostrating those institutions which your fathers delivered to you. . . . [L]ook well to the characters and qualifications of those you elect and raise to office and places of trust. . . . Think not that your interests will be safe in the hands of the weak and ignorant; or faithfully managed by the impious, the dissolute and the immoral. Think not that men who acknowledge not the providence of God nor regard His laws will be uncorrupt in office, firm in defense of the righteous cause against the oppressor, or resolutly oppose the torrent of iniquity. . . . Watch over your liberties and privileges - civil and religious - with a careful eye.

     Noah Webster, American textbook pioneer (1823):  When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, "just men who will rule in the fear of God." The preservation of government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be sqandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.

     Daniel Webster, U.S. Senator (1840):  Impress upon children the truth that the exercise of the elective franchise is a social duty of as solemn a nature as man can be called to perform; that a man may not innocently trifle with his vote; that every elector is a trustee as well for others as himself and that every measure he supports has an important bearing on the interests of others as well as on his own.

     Charles Finney (Pastor, 1868):  The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men and take consistent ground in politics or the Lord will curse them. . . . Christians have been exceedingly guilty in this matter. But the time has come when they must act differently. . . . Christians seem to act as if they thought God did not see what they do in politics. But I tell you He does see it - and He will bless or curse this nation according to the course they [Christians] take [in politics].

     James Garfield, President of the U.S. (1883):  Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. . . . [I]f the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.
     
     As you can see, they all took the exercise of their voting right very seriously; they said it plain and clear ... we are responsible for the character and morals of our governing body.  And, my, how we have abdicated that duty.  The sheer number of non-voters has allowed our freedoms to slip away.  When we don't represent ourselves, we open the door to corruption, decay and evil.  We should never forget that people sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom and our right to vote; it is our sacred obligation to exercise the opportunity they so selflessly afforded us.  True democracy in a republican form of government demands the involvement of the people --  otherwise, in absence of that participation, there is no moral government ... and our demise is certain.

Isaiah 9:16    "For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up."

Shame On The VA!

     I believe it is not too contrived to suggest that how a nation treats those who are willing to fight and die on behalf of its citizens, is a measure of how decent is that nation's heart.  And, my friends, I am heartsick over the way our veterans have been treated in their hour of need.
     As FrontPageMag reveals in a pointed article, the Veterans Affairs Department can no longer hide its abominable conduct toward our military veterans who seek the medical care they are due and have been promised.  Last month, at a hearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Veterans Affairs, lawmakers from both parties accused VA officials of allowing veterans to die, due to delayed or withheld medical treatments at VA facilities.  That is unacceptable and loathsome!
     It is heart-breaking to hear stories like that of Gulf War Veteran, Barry Coates, aged 44.  Testifying before the House Committee, Mr. Coates said he is dying of cancer because a simple medical procedure was delayed at several VA facilities, including the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA medical center in Columbia, South Carolina.  Mr. Coates testified after being a part of an in-depth investigative report by CNN.  After suffering for more than a year from rectal bleeding and seeking a diagnosis, he was told he had hemorrhoids.  Now, his condition is terminal.
     But he is not the only veteran who was harmed because of lack of proper medical care by the VA.  The CNN investigation revealed that veterans waiting months for simple gastrointestinal procedures -- such as a colonoscopy or endoscopy -- have been dying because their cancers aren't caught in time.
     Because of the scrutiny, the VA has confirmed six deaths at Dorn tied to delays. But sources close to the investigation say the number of veterans dead or dying of cancer because they had to wait too long for diagnosis or treatment at this facility could be more than 20.  That is 20 too many!  And more than likely that number is much higher!
     Here are some further facts that are truly appalling:  In July 2011, a hospital physician sent a warning to VA administrators that the backlog for Dorn patients' gastrointestinal appointments had reached 2,500, and patients were waiting eight months -- until February 2012 -- for appointments.  Just several months later, in December of 2011, that backlog had grown to 3,800 patients.  It wasn't until September of 2013, that the VA's inspector general affirmed details of the delays at Dorn in stark language, stating that 700 of the delays for appointments or care were "critical."  
     Now, do you want to here what is even more disgusting?  Taxpayer money was actually given to fix the problem in September 2011, but only a third of the $1 million appropriated by Congress was used for its intended purpose at Dorn: to pay for care for veterans on a waiting list.  The explanation that the VA "redirected those dollars to go somewhere it was needed" is not good enough.
     You should know that the South Carolina VA medical center is not the only guilty facility.   Internal documents at an Augusta, Georgia VA facility showed a waiting list of 4,500 patients.  The same holds true for facilities across the country.  At least 40 U.S. veterans died waiting for appointments at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care system, many of whom were placed on a secret waiting list.  A retired VA doctor, reported that there's an "official" list that's shared with officials in Washington and shows the VA has been providing timely appointments. And then there's the "secret list"; the real list that's hidden from outsiders, where wait times can last more than a year.
     Yet, while veterans were getting sick or dying due to inexcusable delays, administrators got bonuses, not demotions, according to congressional investigators.  And it all makes me disgusted, angry, and very sad.
     As upset as I was over the lack of medical care that my own WW II veteran father received at local hospitals, I shudder to think of how he would have been treated in the VA system.  But the thing that is glaringly apparent is that the VA Administration (and our federal representatives) have neglected the system for far too long.  Proper updates in equipment, psychological treatment, and manpower have not been implemented.  They are overwhelmed with Vietnam Vets, Gulf War Vets, and now a growing and complicated set of medical needs from two ongoing wars that have lasted over 10 years.  Sadly, I do not think things will get better in time to save the lives that hang in the balance today.   As a country, we are out of money, and our veterans are once again sacrificing their lives -- unnecessarily and tragically.  As a nation, we have failed them; and that speaks to our moral decline as well as our misguided policies and mistreatment.

1 John 3:17     "But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
   

Beware of Discrimination Against Homeschoolers

     World Net Daily has reported a disturbing story of one Indiana-based company who withdrew a job offer to a candidate, once it was discovered that the applicant had been home-schooled.  NiSource, an Indiana-based energy distribution group with operations in Ohio, cited the legal requirements regarding a diploma, as set forth in Chapter 3313 of the Ohio Revised Code, as their reason for rescinding their job offer.
     But legal counsel from the Home School Legal Defense Association, which is representing the homeschool graduate, says there is more to this discriminatory decision than meets the eye.  It all comes back to the system that I have been warning you about since I began this blog .... Common Core.
     By now, you should be well aware of Common Core.  It is a nationalized education system that includes national standards, associated nationalized assessments, and a national student data collection scheme.  Advocates of this State-controlled education policy like to tout its “college- and career-ready” standards—standards they say don't apply to qualified homeschool graduates who don’t have a state-issued and recognized credential.   Obviously, this leads to discrimination against home-schoolers in employment decisions.

     To this argument, the HSLDA opposes Common Core's policy that discriminates against an entire class of people based on how they were educated.  Besides that,  research shows that home-schooled students are well prepared academically and socially for careers and college.  Just because they are educated in a different format doesn't mean they are not qualified for jobs.  When it comes right down to it, it is a person's dedication to learning, and the application of his educational tools, that makes a good job applicant.
     But if it is statistics you want, I've got 'em.  Home-school.com notes that in public schools, the average scores for reading, language and math is at 50 percent.  But homeschoolers score in the 89 percentile in reading, 84th in language, 84th in math and 86th in science.  As college freshman, they carry a grade point average of 3.41, compared to the 3.12 for other students. As seniors, they outscore others 3.46 to 3.16.
     Furthermore, the National Home Education Research Institute characterizes home-schoolers as "participating in local community service more frequently than the general population; they vote and attend public meetings more frequently than the general population; and they go to and succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than the general population."
     Does a home-school education guarantee success in the marketplace or life, for that matter?  No.  Like I said, success is up to the individual.  But, from what I've seen of the home-schooling curriculum and system, what it does do is this:  allows more parental involvement in the education of children; fosters personal responsibility and accountability in completing school assignments;  includes faith-based curriculum as a foundation to learning; and provides a parentally-approved social environment in which students can interact in a safe and healthy manner.  I do not believe that any of these elements can be attributed to the public school system.
     Will the growing data on home-schoolers prove that they make better citizens, employees, and role models?  That remains to be seen.  There will always be students, no matter whether privately, publicly, or homeschool educated, that do just enough "to get by".  Their college grades, employment history and personal accomplishments will likely be more a reflection of their character, drive and ambition as it will be their method of education.  But might we argue that homeschooling helps them develop those attributes better than public education?  It will be interesting to see what the data proves in the coming generations.
     But this much can be said.  The diploma that home-schoolers achieve is just as valid as any document handed out by any State Board of Education... especially if it is according to Common Core Standards.  And employers would be wise to compare the aptitudes and capabilities of potential hires; do you want an employee that has been "dumbed down" to an acceptable standard that assures "equal" results for all educated students?  Or do you want to consider hiring an applicant that has been motivated to study on his own, and knows his strengths and potential?  Let's hope the HSLDA can stop this discrimination in its tracks.

Isaiah 54:13    "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children."


   

Examining Stephen Hawking and His Intriguing Theories

     In no way, can I discredit the advanced theories of famed physicist Stephen Hawking … at least not on a scientific level.  For instance, there is his M-theory, which he concludes is the key to understanding the universe and where humanity fits in.  Though a full description of the theory is not known, the low-entropy dynamics are known to be supergravity interacting with 2- and 5-dimensional membranes.  For those who wish a more analytical explanation, here goes:  M-theory is an extension of string theory in which 11 dimensions of space-time are identified as 7 higher-dimensions plus the 4 common dimensions (11D st = 7 hd + 4D). Proponents believe that the 11-dimensional theory unites all five 10-dimensional string theories (10D st = 6 hd + 4D) and supersedes them.  Got it?  Because I don't!
     In an article on Newsmax.com, Hawking attempts to explain the universe and our existence:  “To understand the universe at the deepest level, we have to understand why is there something rather than nothing. Why do we exist? Why this particular set of laws, and not some other? I believe the answers to all of these things is M-theory.”  He goes on to give a simple, layman's explanation, in which he believes his M-theory provides the most promise in leading to a unified field theory, which would unite the four fundamental forces of physics, and subsequently, explain the universe.
     Ultimately, he reveals that we need to understand how M-theory works, so that we can guarantee humanity's survival.  “We must continue to go into space for humanity,” he said. “We won’t survive another 1,000 years without escaping our fragile planet.”
     Okay, that's one of his theories, but just exactly how do we explore the outer reaches of space, and develop and manage the technology that will take us there?  I ask this question, because Hawking has recently issued a warning that could have great significance on his Space objective.
     Again, Newsmax reports this revelation from the famed physicist:  Stephen Hawking is quoted as saying that the very machines that will take us into the outer reaches of space, may prove detrimental to mankind if humans fail to control them.  You see, Hawking believes that we have created such brilliant artificial intelligence that all the technological advancement might be eclipsed by the potential risks that will accompany our increased reliance on machines.
     Consider these chilling remarks, he made to The Independent:  "One can imagine such technology outsmarting financial markets, out-inventing human researchers, out-manipulating human leaders, and developing weapons we cannot even understand.  Whereas the short-term impact of AI depends on who controls it, the long-term impact depends on whether it can be controlled at all."  Thirty years ago, this would have sounded like the plot of a science fiction movie; today it is our reality, and the tremendous risk that lies behind the inventions of transhumanists like Ray Kurzweil.
     But Hawking has more to warn us about:  "In the near term, world militaries are considering autonomous-weapon systems that can choose and eliminate targets," he added. "The UN and Human Rights Watch have advocated a treaty banning such weapons."
     Does anyone else see that these two theories are diametrically opposed?  On the one hand, he seems to be promoting the development of advanced technology in order to escape the bonds of human existence here on earth; and on the other hand, he is warning us of the dangers of relying too much on this same technology.
     And of course, in both theories, I see a distinct lack of the acknowledgment of God.  To me, what I really see in Hawking's expositories is that the existence of the universe --  and for that matter, man himself -- is still a mystery to this talented physicist.  No amount of string theories or explanations of multiple dimensions can explain how it all came into being.  And our endless search for answers has resulted in us creating something that could eventually destroy us.  All this "research"… and the most brilliant minds in the scientific world do not discover God; and sadly, they cannot even imagine Him.  If only they would realize that our survival does not depend on escaping this planet, or controlling highly intelligent robots … it is depending on the Creator who called all this into existence.  Without knowing Him, no theory in the world or beyond will matter.

Isaiah 48:13   "My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand forth together."



   

A Victory For Prayer

     Yesterday, it was announced that the Supreme Court upheld the town of Greece, New York's right to open their town council meetings with a prayer.  Although the decision was narrow, with five Justice's upholding the right to pray, against four dissenting Justices, I will gladly take the victory.  But the dividing line was quite obvious -- the Liberal Justices versus the Conservative/Moderate Justices -- and we should not be so confident as to think that this battle against Prayer is over.

     It should be quite evident to all, that our First Amendment right that prohibits the interference with the free exercise of our religion hangs in the balance … literally.  The appointment of one or two more ideologically liberal Supreme Court Justices, and the next case before the highest court in the land will not go our way.  One can see the differences in philosophy and political theory when reading the merits of the case, as seen by the opposing sides of the Court.
     As reported by the Associated Press, Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the majority, said the prayers are ceremonial and in keeping with the nation's traditions.  "The inclusion of a brief, ceremonial prayer as part of a larger exercise in civic recognition suggests that its purpose and effect are to acknowledge religious leaders and the institutions they represent, rather than to exclude or coerce nonbelievers," Kennedy said.
     However, Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the court's four liberal Justices, said, "I respectfully dissent from the Court's opinion because I think the Town of Greece's prayer practices violate that norm of religious equality -- the breathtakingly generous constitutional idea that our public institutions belong no less to the Buddhist or Hindu than to the Methodist or Episcopalian."
     So, let me pose a question to you … it is a fact that the town of Greece, NY has a population of just under 100,000.  Additionally, it is a fact, that the population is primarily Christian.  If you are curious like me, you can Google the yellow pages website for churches in the town of Greece.  I stopped counting at page 14, and over 400 religious institutions.  I counted one Islamic church, eight individuals (who I can only assume offer some sort of non-traditional worship services); the rest all fell under the category of "Christian".  So does it not seem logical that the town of Greece would wish to dedicate the service of their town officials by offering a solemn request for help, or an expression of thanks … and that this would be addressed to the Christian God?
     By the term religious "equality", I am left wondering if Justice Kagan prefers that all prayer be discontinued, or just prayer to the Christian God?  It appears to me, that if the town council had wished to pray to Allah or some Wiccan deity, she would not have disagreed.  On that point, we may take some encouragement at these words from Justice Kennedy:  "Government may not mandate a civic religion that stifles any but the most generic reference to the sacred, any more than it may prescribe a religious orthodoxy." So for now, as long as town councils do not attempt to convert anyone to Christianity, or demean another faith,  we do not have to censor the use of "God" or prayer in opening ceremonies or formalities.
     But, lest we let down our guard, we must remember that it is the express purpose of the godless to limit our expression of faith and worship to our most Holy God; especially in public forums.  The more they can limit the influence of Christianity, the more they can control us.  A populace who believes in the inherent rights given to us by a God who promotes individual responsibility and accountability, is a nation that will never be suppressed.  So take advantage of the liberties still left to us …. AND PRAY!

Luke 18:1    "And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart."


     
       

Update: The Justina Pelletier Story

     Amid the fear that the world is on the brink of another global war, it is easy to forget about Justina Pelletier, the young girl who was torn from her family and placed in state custody after a rushed judgment concerning her health condition.  There have been those who have stood for Justina and her family, and tried to intervene on their behalf.  But now a psychiatric nurse, who has been involved in her care for the past year, has stepped forward to shine a light on the dark motives of this case.
     HumanEvents.com has written an explosive article, based on the revelations of Kathleen T. Higgins, R.N., of Boston Children's Hospital.  Nurse Higgins alleges that the state of Connecticut has virtually imprisoned Justina against her will and that of her family.  In a written complaint to Department of Children & Families (DCF) Commissioner Olga Roche, Higgins says that in February of 2013, Justina was placed in a locked psychiatric unit, after the hospital determined that she was suffering from Somatic Symptoms disorder, a psychological condition.
     This was after her parents were charged with "medical child neglect" when they disagreed with the diagnosis.  In a letter dated January 8th, Higgins wrote that Justina "has been unjustly and illegally imprisoned for the past nine months."  If you will recall, Suffolk County juvenile court justice, Joseph F. Johnston, ruled On Feb. 15, 2013 in favor of Boston Children Hospital (BCH) clinicians and granted DCF temporary custody of the minor child.
     According to Higgins, "The pronouncement that shattered Justina’s life was rendered by a total stranger who sentenced her to undergoing the stress of radical changes in her basic medical care, before being moved to a more secure area of BCH where contact with her family would be more severely limited and more strictly monitored."
     Kathleen Higgins is very well qualified to render judgment.  She has over 20 years of experience as a child psychologist, and surmises that every shred of familiar family life was taken away from Justina, and she was placed in a sterile, compassionless environment, controlled by the State.  Even to the casual observer, it is obvious that this government control of Justina is not in her best interest.
     Justina was removed from Bader 5, her unit at BCH, in mid-January, but is still in the custody of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against the wishes of her parents, who told Human Events that they maintain that DCF and BCH are overriding their parental rights and are preventing Justina from receiving the medical care she needs.
     Monty Weinstein, founder and board chair of Georgia-based National Parents’ Rights Association, has some serious concerns about what this case portends.  “I am against government control of children unless they are in criminal danger.  Because if they are allowed this type of thinking now, the next time the government will tell you where to go to church, what to do and how to do it."
     But Weinstein goes even further into a dark, frightening scenario.  He says the government is taking children away from parents without an imminent harm threshold (as required by law) because the financial incentives to remove children from any parent are too great.  “Government agencies get a great deal of federal money for placing children into foster care. They manipulate parental rights by using the courts.”
     Weinstein, who is a Harvard Medical School graduate, testifies all over the country in civil cases on behalf of good parents who want their children back from the government, and maintains that the child protective industry is destroying families for money and manipulation.  "Just because parents do not agree with the mode of treatment [as in the Pelletier case], does not mean the child should be lost [to the family."
     Combined with the testimony of nurse Kathleen Higgins, this assertion should strike fear in the heart of every parent.  We must realize that there is a bigger picture that is being painted here… our children are vulnerable whenever we expose them to institutions, and we disagree with the State.  I applaud the courage of Kathleen Higgins, a licensed medical professional, who has put her license on the line in coming forward to disclose this abuse of the Pelletier's and their rights.  May this be the first step in reuniting Justina with her family.

2 Corinthians 5:10    "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he has done, whether [it be] good or bad."

Acts 20:28

"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood."

     

     This verse is part of a passage delivered by the Apostle Paul to the Elders of the Church at Ephesus.  When he was speaking with them, he knew it would be for the last time, and he was passionate about warning them to guard the Church.  They were to be the overseers of what Jesus wanted His Church to be.  And I'm afraid that throughout the centuries, and especially today, so many of the overseers have neglected their duty.

     I say this because I have encountered far too many people who were raised in the Church, and have left it because they no longer sense that God's Truth is the priority of their church community.  Let me give you just a few examples of what these people say .... "Are we going [to church] so we can get built up as disciples and learn solid teachings on the Bible, or are we going to a semi-Hollywood entertainment clip?"  "I am tired of preachers who are afraid to tell the truth. I am tired of pastors who won't call sin, sin, and only care about "felt needs" and making people feel better."  "People are lost and injured by what should be a family and body of love, but instead has become an institution, a business and a sideshow."

     These are just a few examples; others included the loneliness they felt in the Body of Christ, the lack of caring when they were sick and desperate, and the political correctness that goes along with the culture instead of what Jesus taught.  And the thing that makes me the saddest are those people who truly want a relationship with Jesus Christ, but have not been discipled and don't know how to approach Him on their own.  They are disillusioned by those who call themselves Christians, and cynical that Jesus's message is for them. 

     Can you blame them?  They have been abused and mistreated by the arrogance and self-serving attitude of those who claim to be Christ's representatives on earth.  And Paul knew this would happen!  That's why he admonished these Elders of the Early Church to protect what they had built up in the name of the Lord.  In the verses immediately following this one, the Apostle warns the Church that there will be false teachers who will try to lead the flock astray; and even members of their own body who will quickly and easily distort the Truth in order to be popular and in demand.  Nothing's changed!

     Should our Churches be a place where all people can come to be accepted and mentored in the love and grace of God?  Absolutely!  But that is only part of the Truth.  They need to hear it all ... that God is Big and Holy and demands our righteousness.  He is a God who hates Sin, and because of His perfect Character, He must judge Sin.  But He also knows all men are sinful, and no man can meet his pure and holy standard, so through His Grace, He provided a way for us to be acceptable in His sight.  And that way is through belief in His Son, Jesus Christ; belief that His death on the Cross paid the price that was due for our sinfulness; belief that, through genuine repentance, we can be washed clean in His purifying blood and be granted the favor of eternal life in His presence.  

     The whole message needs to be preached ... the Holiness, the Love, the Grace, the demand for Righteousness, the Judgment, the Salvation, the Truth about His Son ... and it needs to be done with an eye and a heart for discipling and growing the Body.  Just "going to Church" is not what Christ asked of us.  He is the Head of the Church, and it is not a building ... it is not "my church" or "your church".  It is His Church, and we are to model ourselves after Him.  That doesn't mean sitting in a building, listening to a lecture on a Sunday morning.  It means going and doing as He did; telling and teaching His word, and demonstrating how He lived. 

     I do not want to condemn all churches.  I know that there is an awakening to the failures of the modern church, and an earnest attempt to do the work Jesus commanded, and Paul exhorted.  But I have a heart for those who are on the outside of the church buildings across America; those who yearn for an authentic relationship with Jesus.  They feel the Holy Spirit encouraging them, but they will never darken the door of a church building because they don't think they will find Jesus there.  

     We need to remember that we are the Body of Christ.  We can help introduce them to Him, and wherever two or more are gathered, He will be there.  Churches come in all shapes and sizes, and they start with us.