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U.S. Supreme Court Protects the Cross

March 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The U.S. Supreme Court Protects The Cross

After a holiday season where atheist organizations across the country seemed to have a run of legal victories which successfully removed Christ from Christmas, their win streak came to an end this past January.  The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a final appeal in a lawsuit challenging the use of state funds to renovate an 11-story cross atop southern Illinois’ tallest peak, ending the legal dispute spanning more than two years.

The nation’s high court declined without comment to review confessed atheist Robert Sherman’s request to hear his case. It involved a $20,000 grant given in 2008 for the 111-foot-high Bald Knob Cross of Peace near Alto Pass.  The cross was built largely thanks to local farmers’ profits from selling pigs. It has been a fixture on the 1,025-foot-high Bald Knob Mountain, looking over forests and the region’s orchards and wine country. Easter services have been held on the mountain since 1937…and it looks like this Easter they will continue with the tradition.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/25/supreme-court-rejects-atheist-appeal-over-11-story-illinois-cross/

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10 Gifts Most Likely To Get Returned

December 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment

10 Gifts Most Likely To Get Returned

It’s the day after Christmas and all through the store, is a gift return madhouse and it stretches door to door…

It is estimated that 33% of all the gifts given this Christmas will make their way back to the stores to be exchanged for something deemed more worthy or cash…if possible.  Below is a list of the top ten returned items from Christmas past:

10. Duplicate Toys

  9. Housewares

  8. Movies

  7. Video Games

  6. Music

  5. Shoes

  4. Spouse Inappropriate Gifts (i.e. Toaster)

  3. Clothing

  2. Age Inappropriate Toy (i.e. Pink bunny PJs with built-in feeties for a 12 year old).

  1. Something you just plain did not want (i.e. An item most likely bought out of guilt).

My advice is to hang on to the gift that created the reason for the season.  Hang on to it as though your eternal life depends on it…

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Christmas Poem

December 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I lay at rest in a peaceful state,

Tomorrow is Christmas and the children can’t wait.

The weather outside is crispy and clear,

The glow from the fireplace reflects in the mirror.

My eyes become heavy and my thoughts start to fade,

But not before visions of my family invade.

Then a slight tap…tap…tap begins soft in my head,

It grows with intensity ‘til I rise from my bed.

I look to the window where the noise is abound,

In my grogginess and haste I step on the hound.

As I spy through the window the tap-tap fades away,

I’m staring at nothing and I like it that way.

Than a humorous thought comes to me from the past,

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas it’s happening at last.

A slight chuckle slips out as I turn toward the bed,

The tap-tap starts again and it’s not in my head.

This time as I squint to see what is the cause,

I witness a sight but it’s not Santa Claus.

The stars have aligned to a wonderful scene,

A manger, a mother, a baby…a dream.

I blink my eyes twice and rub out all the sleep,

I look once again and the scene is more deep.

The wise men, the animals, and even the bright star,

Have formed once again in the distance afar.

Now a message appears as the stars realign,

God’s written word, what a wonderful sign.

This is My Son Whom I love and adore,

His birth was My gift to the rich and the poor.

So don’t lose your focus on this Christmas day,

Remember your Savior and what He had to say.

There’s no greater gift from one friend to another,

Than to lay down his life in place of the other.

Then as fast as it came it faded away,

My nose pressed the window in hopes it would stay.

I made my way back to the bed in a fog,

This time I made sure I stepped over the dog.

Then I sat very still my gaze circled the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Filed Under: Biblical Principles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hobby Lobby vs. ObamaCare

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

My wife took me into a Hobby Lobby store a couple weeks ago.  I didn’t exactly go kicking and screaming but I was close.  I just could not imagine how I would occupy my time while she was in this “crafty” place picking out things for a party she was putting together for a friend of hers.  Boy was I wrong.  This place was amazing.  It was like a Michael’s store on steroids with stuff for guys to peruse through as well.  After that day, I voluntarily suggested we go back to pick up some Christmas decorations for the house.  I am now a Hobby Lobby fan.  Then I read this article:

“A federal judge Monday rejected a request by Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. to block part of the new federal health care law that requires it to provide the morning-after and week-after birth control pills.”

Hobby Lobby is owned by a Christian family and they believe the “morning-after” and “week-after birth control pills” are a form of abortion because the pill stops the fertilized egg from implanting into a woman’s womb.  The federal judge’s ruling was based on the fact that Hobby Lobby is a “For-profit” organization and not religious, therefore they must adhere to the new federal mandates.  Hobby Lobby plans on appealing the decision.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!  Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21)

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/19/us-judge-denies-hobby-lobby-request-to-block-law-requiring-coverage-morning/

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Attack Of The 50 Foot Atheist

November 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

After I wrote Wednesday’s blog entitled “Say It’s Not So Charlie Brown” about an Alabama school being sued over a voluntary trip to the local church to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, I became more aware of the attacks taking place this Christmas season from atheist groups across our nation.  There are so many that I only have the space to list the headlines.  Listed below is just a sampling of the attacks occurring including right here in Santa Monica:

  • Kansas Town Forced To Remove Cross
  • College:  Students Can’t Sell Christmas Trees
  • Rhode Island Governor Pulls Plug On Tree Lighting
  • Woman Calls Cops On Salvation Army Bell Ringer
  • Judge Upholds Nativity Ban In Santa Monica
  • Etc, etc, etc…

How can this all be occurring?  National atheist groups have organized and they are claiming they are gaining support.  “The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life” released a recent study that found a 5% increase with Americans who claim they have no religious affiliation.  This increase went from 15% to 20% in the past five years.

Still think the fictional events of Donovan’s Law can’t come to pass?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/18/atheists-move-halts-christmas-tradition-in-santa-monica-churches-go-to-court-to/

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Say It’s Not So Charlie Brown

November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I completely agree with our religious freedom in this country; without it, the government could dictate to us what we can or cannot believe.  I also understand that even in those circumstances like China and the old Russia where Christianity was outlawed, people still worshiped Jesus Christ but they did and do so to their own demise if caught.  But I just read an article that takes our religious freedom or freedom to be without religion, too far.

An atheist group has accused an Arkansas grade school of violating “church vs. state” and the students’ constitutional rights by inviting them to a performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at a local church.  Are you kidding me?  Attacking Charlie Brown during the Christmas season?  “Charlie Brown” is an American institution loved by all people of faith and atheists alike.  I think even the atheist group knows they are treading on thin ice.  Here is a quote from their attorney:

“We’re not saying anything bad about Charlie Brown.  The problem is that it’s got religious content and it’s being performed in a religious venue and that doesn’t just blur the line between church and state, it oversteps it entirely.”

The episode is about Charlie Brown searching for the real meaning of Christmas and finally after pain-staking attempts to discover it through empty actions and gifts, his best friend Linus solves the puzzle when he quotes from Luke Chapter 2 Verses 6-14:

“And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.  And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.  And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.” (American Standard Version).

Don’t you just love it!  Can’t you hear Linus’ voice when you read this scripture?  Here is the kicker that got me riled up about this one.  The school sent a letter home to the parents indicating this was “voluntary attendance only” and the students are not required to attend the production.  Atheists now protesting a voluntary attendance to a cherished cartoon that has been enjoyed by generations.  Say it’s not so Charlie Brown…say it’s not so…

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/11/25/charlie-brown-christmas-show-at-center-church-vs-state-fight/

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Christianbook.com Blitz Day

November 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Today is the day!  If you are planning on giving my first book, Donovan’s Law, as a Christmas gift this year than I ask that you consider purchasing it today “Christianbook.com Blitz Day” in show of your support for their decision to lower the price of the book just before the holidays.

Christianbook.com has lowered the price of Donovan’s Law 41% by bringing the cost for the paperback from $16.95 to $9.99.  If you and your family have already read the book, perhaps consider giving it to “First Responders” or military personnel for their entertainment pleasure.  Donovan’s Law is a futuristic thriller based on today’s headlines but here is the secret (it has the salvation message of Jesus Christ tucked away neatly in the middle of the book).

Here is the bonus:  By purchasing Donovan’s Law today from Christianbook.com you will not only be giving the gospel message of salvation to the reader, but the royalties will be used to help send short-term missionaries to the farthest corners of the globe. Plus, you will be saving 41% off the retail price.

It’s easy to order.  Just click the picture of the book on my website and place the order or visit Christianbook.com and type in either my name or Donovan’s Law into the search window.  Thank you on behalf of everyone that will benefit from your kind gesture.

 

 

Filed Under: Biblical Principles Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Double Your Investment

November 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Would you like to know how to double your investment?  By giving my first book, Donovan’s Law, as a Christmas gift this year you will not only be purchasing a futuristic thriller which includes the salvation message of Jesus Christ, but the royalties from the book go to help short-term mission teams spread the gospel to the farthest reaches of the globe.  Talk about a sure way to double your investment.

Here is the bonus.  Christainbook.com has reduced the price for Donovan’s Law by 41% just in time for Christmas.  The price for Donovan’s Law went from $16.95 to $9.99 at Christianbook.com.  So to honor their decision I am asking that we do a Christianbook.com “Blitz Day”.  Which day you may ask?  “BLACK FRIDAY!”   I cannot think of a better way to turn this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, from “Black Friday” to “Double Your Investment Friday” (Ok maybe it doesn’t have the same ring but it is for a good cause).  Plus, with the release of the sequel Soul Survivor just around the corner, now would be a great time to introduce someone to the series.

Please mark your calendars for this Friday November 23rd as “Double Your Investment” Friday and purchase Donovan’s Law from Christianbook.com.  Thank you in advance :)

 

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The Shroud of Turin

April 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I am certain it is no small coincidence that The Shroud of Turin has resurfaced as a news item.  It seems that experts have determined that a sure-fire way to increase your reader following is to write on the topic of Jesus, even for the secular magazines and newspapers.  I’m convinced that it is even truer when one does so around Easter or Christmas.  I’m good with this concept because for the most part, it means the seed of salvation gets planted in hearts that may not have ever considered whether Jesus Christ is truly the Son of God.

For example, recently I read a report that claimed Time Magazine’s readership was faltering.  The magazine cover this past week has a picture of a man sitting in the clouds and titled it “Rethinking Heaven”.  Following along those same lines is my guess as to why all of a sudden the news is rerunning The Shroud of Turin story.

The question as to whether or not The Shroud of Turin is actually an impression of Jesus should not be a concern for Christians.  The change that took place in our heart after we accepted the fact that Jesus died in our place should be enough evidence for us that He is alive. 

However, there may be some of you out there that are still on the journey of discovery.  If you or someone you know is on that road, have them read my blog from last Friday April 6, 2012 entitled 3 Days That Changed The World:  Day 3.  It may not have all the answers, but I wrote it with hopes that a person looking for evidence will at least stop and contemplate…

Filed Under: Biblical Principles, Headline News Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Christmas Poem

December 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I lay at rest in a peaceful state,                      

Tomorrow is Christmas and the children can’t wait.

The weather outside is crispy and clear.

The glow from the fireplace reflects in the mirror.

My eyes become heavy and my thoughts start to fade

But not before visions of my family invade.

Then a slight tap…tap…tap begins soft in my head,

It grows with intensity ‘til I rise from my bed.

I look to the window where the noise is abound,

In my grogginess and haste I step on the hound.

As I spy through the window the tap-tap fades away,

I’m staring at nothing and I like it that way.

Than a humorous thought comes to me from the past

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas it’s happening at last.

A slight chuckle slips out as I turn toward the bed,

The tap-tap starts again and it’s not in my head.

This time as I squint to see what is the cause,

I witness a sight but it’s not Santa Claus.

The stars have aligned to a wonderful scene,

A manger, a mother, a baby…a dream.

I blink my eyes twice and rub out all the sleep,

I look once again and the scene is more deep.

The wise men, the animals, and even the bright star

Have formed once again in the distance afar.

Now a message appears as the stars realign

God’s written word, what a wonderful sign.

This is My Son Whom I love and adore.

His birth was My gift to the rich and the poor.

So don’t lose your focus on this Christmas day

Remember your Savior and what He had to say.

There’s no greater gift from one friend to another

Than to lay down his life in place of the other.

Then as fast as it came it faded away

My nose pressed the window in hopes it would stay.

I made my way back to the bed in a fog

This time I made sure I stepped over the dog.

Then I sat very still my gaze circled the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Filed Under: Biblical Principles Tagged With: , , , , ,
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