Who Are You Voting For?

As we approach the day of election there is no doubt countless things are running through our minds. In fact, many of you may have already cast your vote by the time you get this letter. How can any of us remove ourselves from it when the billboards, television commercials, news channels, newspapers, magazines, basically everywhere we look, we are bombarded with the advertisement?

Both candidates have been around mankind long enough to know what draws a crowd, what will persuade minds, and how people will likely react to certain conditions and stimulants. They know the differences between the mindsets of both males and females, along with ethnic groups, and it appears that both parties are ready and willing to share their ideals with any who will listen.

Both candidates find their way into our homes and minds, as they ask for our time, money, families, and friends. There is no doubt that each of these persons desires us to put our faith in them, while we turn away from the other one. Daily do we yet hear their message at every turn. They need our money that their message may be furthered, our time so that we may speak to family and friends convincing persons to vote for them, and quite often we show our support by the advertisement of our clothing, stickers on our vehicles, signs in our yards, and by our daily conversations.

The truth of the matter is we have a liar, a cheat, a hypocrite, a conniver, and a deceiver, one who speaks enticing words into itching ears that will only lead us down a broad road of destruction on the left. While on the right, we have one who is wise, faithful, honest, and caring, who has suffered great for our freedom and will be there with us down the strait and narrow path that will lead to great blessings.

Now, when such diverse platforms can be run by two totally different persons, yet the minds and hearts of the people are continuously tossed back and forth as to who they should vote for, what is the problem? Is it the message or the hearts of the people?

Scripture declares, ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,’ while it notes ‘John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’

Seriously, let us take a moment to consider how much time, energy, and money we give to listen to, to read and study to understand, and give to support a likely candidate that will serve four to eight years in this earthly life. Do we spend equal or greater amount of such (time, energy, and money) learning to know our Savior and turning away from the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil? Which of these candidates’ platforms did we follow today, and who do we most often vote for?

May it always be Christ.

Genesis 38, Judgment Upon Onan

Recently a commenter has become most infatuated with Genesis chapter 38 within the Scriptures, though they do not even believe in God and consider the Bible to be archaic. Not only have they created an entire post to it on their blog, they have repeatedly made reference to it on mine. *Christian reader be warned before visiting their blog*

The story concerns Judah and his children Er, Onan, and Shelah. Er, the eldest son, had taken Tamar to wife. Before Tamar could bear him a son, Er was slain by God because of his wickedness. The Scriptures do not tell us what Er did, but that he ‘was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.’

Some claim the firstborn, who here was Er, would receive two-thirds of the inheritance (which would have the siblings share the other third), whereas others claim they would be given a double portion over the other siblings. They were usually considered ‘the first of the strength’ of the father. Let it suffice to say that the first male child was held in the highest regard.

‘Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.’

Apparently, here at verse 9 is where the commenter has his problem with God and Scripture. Was Onan really slain because ‘he spilled it on the ground’ or was there something more? Onan directly rebelled against the voice of his father, for Onan knew if Tamar bore a son he would be heir to his brother Er and not himself. This assumingly would move the child into the greater inheritance being counted as the son of Er the firstborn, where Onan would then remain under him.

The judgment upon Onan deals more with his deceit and rebellion than the physical act in the account. He pretended to obey his father by going into his brother’s wife to bare his brother seed, yet did it not. As with all sin, it is a heart matter before it portrays itself in a physical action.

Though many would like to gloat over the mentioning of unsightly things recorded in the Scriptures, the inclusion of such within the Bible is to be an example for all of us as to the depravity of man and the repercussions of sin. ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’

Note: If any reader wishes to comment, please ensure the proper etiquette if you wish for your remarks to be posted. You do not have to agree, but they must be made in good taste and minus vulgarity.

One More Sunset by Evelyn Huckaby

A friend of mine has just published her first book!

One More Sunset

"One More Sunset" recounts the poignant and often humorous childhood and life of author Evelyn Huckaby. With true southern flavor, Ms. Huckaby paints a colorful portrait of life in and around New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Here is a free preview.

ISBN: 978-0-615-25841-6

Fireproof

This past Friday night, some of us from church decided to go see Fireproof. I would recommend the movie to young people and couples, those whose marriages are fine and those which are not. I believe the principles laid out in the movie are good, even for those who may not believe their marriage needs God.

This is not just some silly ‘chick flick.’ There is both action and comedy, but the storyline is very much serious. But, if you are looking for some high definition special effects, you will easily miss the importance of the message. The purpose of this film is not merely to have one veg-out watching a meaningless movie, but to consider ones own lifestyle and marriage by the time they walk out the theater.

Before making the showing, I had heard some discontent that the movie did not have more of a church scene, meaning the couple attending church or finding help from a particular local church. Although, that may be the case, the plan of salvation and Christian testimonies from co-workers and family members were clearly displayed throughout. And, without giving much away, the end gives reference to attendance at a local church if one would pay close attention.

It was also noted that some had made mention that Kirk Cameron will not kiss anyone besides his wife, so she stood in for the kissing scenes at the end. If such is the case, I would highly commend Kirk Cameron, for why would a husband wish to make a movie about ‘fireproofing your marriage’ while kissing another woman on screen?

Overall I enjoyed the movie, and believe anyone that would take pleasure in watching a good clean movie would also enjoy it. I also believe any young person or couple could benefit from watching such a film.