Guilty until proven innocent….

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. (Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution)

Often we hear the phrase "innocent until proven guilty", especially in various legal movies and television shows. Unfortunately, with the recent explosion of Police License scanners, Red-light cams and the assortment of more and more surveillance cameras that are starting to pop up, it seems that those with the power are taking the position of "We know you're guilty, we just need to catch you".

Don't get me wrong. I fully support banks and businesses that put these devices in place. But these are not places that have anything to gain. A bank monitors to protect its customers. A restaurant that puts such up in their parking lot again is protecting its customers. And should I decide that I don't like one of these places using such devices, I can always take my business elsewhere.

The problem is when government gets involved. Many of these Red-light cams are being used to generate revenue, and if revenue is down, what stops a corrupt government from misusing these devices for their own purposes? There are only so many alternate routes one can take if they are against these red-light cameras, and those routes are becoming fewer and fewer. Please don't get me wrong, I do not map my route to avoid these cameras, I am just using this as an example.

This is just a minor infringement. I have always had these same concerns with regard to the Patriot Act put into place by the president George Bush. I had disagreements with some of the things he did, but overall, I had trust in our president. I never thought of him as one to be against his own country. But I have concerns for our current government. Daily my respect for our elected officials diminishes. As Peter Parkers uncle in the movie "Spider Man" says, "With great power comes great responsibility" (oddly reminiscent of Luke 12:48). I do not see our current government coming close to acting worthy of the responsibility it has been given.

In the eyes of God, we are definitely guilty, and God is everywhere, so God sees every transgression we make. But that is God's right, not government.

Trust….

I enjoy listening to Politics. I also obviously enjoy discussing religious topics. One of my favorites personalities to listen to is Glenn Beck. I believe that he is spot-on with the issues facing our country. And I can disagree with him on the religious issues (He is a professed/practicing Mormon), yet can stand next to him in defense of our country.

Lately Glenn has been quoting a lot of scripture. On one hand, I applaud him, as too many these days won't take a stand for their faith. And to his credit, he has not started quoting the book of Mormon (sticking to the bible, and being pretty good with keeping things in the correct context). But I have one word of warning for both him and those who have the same political stand. Glenn has pointed out how the founding fathers felt that government was a necessary evil, and that we shouldn't put out trust in Government to solve our problems, but in the American people. Many times he has referenced the following:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12, KJV)

He is correct in this, but I also wish to point out the following:

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8-9, KJV)

This passage in Psalms reinforces not over-trusting leaders, but it also warns us that we should not refocus our trust in man either. It is God whom we need to turn to. It is God where we need to be placing our trust. Our country has gone out of it's way to remove God from the minds of men, thus if we can't trust government, most will put their faith in their fellow man. Many men may have good intentions, but often the wickedness in their hearts will deceive them (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

Glenn, keep up the good work, but remember to not over emphasize man, and make sure you are putting your faith in the correct God.

Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance

Lent Conclusion and Resurrection Sunday

I came across the information below that I thought was an appropriate way to make my final look back at my Lent fast. According to a Rasmussen Reports 4/4/10, the following information is something to consider:
 

Of Americans in General:

78% of Americans believe that Christ arose from the dead  10% of Americans do not believe Christ arose from the grave  11% are not sure 85% of Americans believe that Christ actually walked the earth 2000 years ago 6% Do not believe Christ walked the earth 2000 years ago 8% are not sure 81% believe that Christ is the son of God 10% Do not believe Christ is the son of God 9% are not sure 51% of Americans believe that Easter is one of our nation's most important holidays

 

I bolded what I thought was most important: ONLY 10% of Americans do not believe that Christ rose from the grave. If this is true, then as Glenn Beck would say, "We surround them!" If this is true, why do we allow non-Christian religions and Atheists to push us around? Why have we allowed our courts and leaders to take us down this road where Christians feel like they are a minatory?
 

One would think the above to be encouraging, but remember this:
 

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. -James 2:19 (KJV)

 

A lot of Americans say that they believe that there is a God. Many say that they believe in Christ, but so do the demons! How many who are professing these things will yet end up in hell? Belief is not enough. Trusting in Jesus Christ for salvation is what they need to do! Anything less results in their damnation!
 

More from this poll:
 

Amongst professing Christians:

99% Evangelical Christians believe Christ is the son of God 92% of Catholics Believe Christ is the son of God 88% other Protestants believe Christ is the son of God 97% Evangelical Christians believe that Christ rose from the dead  87% of Catholics believe that Christ rose from the dead  86% of other Protestants believe that Christ rose from the dead 76% Evangelical Christians rate Easter as one of our most important holidays  56% of Protestants rate Easter as one of our most important holidays 48% Catholics rate Easter as one of our most important holidays 95% of those who attend church at least once a week believe all of those things to be true.

Again you would think that this would be encouraging news, but the first thing that comes to my mind is this:

 

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. - Matthew 13:24-30 (KJV)

Our churches are filled with many who profess Christ, but how many of them are tares? Weeds growing amongst the wheat? How many do we see each week in church that we will not see in heaven? That is the whole meaning of this parable? Many who profess Christ are not waved. 

 

Finally, the poll shares this:
 

Among those who rarely or never attend church:

46% believe Jesus rose from the dead 52% think he was the son of God 67% say he walked the Earth

This to me is the most encouraging information from this poll. Why is this? There are those who have no real understanding of the gospel, but would be open to the gospel if only they were approached. These people are not going to think you are some religious "nut" for professing Christ.
 

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. - John 4:34-38 (KJV)

 

This 67% who believe Jesus walked the earth are the field ready to be harvested! This 52% is where we can sow and reap! This 46% is the work that has been left for us to finish! The fields are ripe for the harvest, yet how many will never go into the field? Let us go so we may hear "well done, good and faithful servant!"

 

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Just a few thoughts regarding my Lent fast. I will not say that I was perfect in keeping the fast, nor did I do as well as I would have hoped in regards to bible study. At the same time, I did complete more devotions than I would have had I not done this. And in regardsds to the actual fast, I must have done something right. I have lost over 22 pounds (started at 270.3 and ended at 248), and when I was finally able to eat as I would like and again drink soda, I have found that my addictions to food and soda are much weaker. I have no real desire to drink soda, and not near as much food is needed for me to feel full. With the Lord grace and guidance, I will hopefully continue to lost more weight.

Lent – Day 39

It has been a while since I last posted. As to Lent, for the most part I have been successful. Can I say I've been perfect? No, but I can say that the success I have had is only through the grace of God, and the failings I have encountered have only been due to my own sinfil nature coming through.

The study with Setting Captives Free has been focusing on the last words of Christ. This has caused me to think much. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that no matter how much you may have "head" knowledge of salvation, too often I allow worldly ideas to creep into my way of thinking. Today's lesson really made me think on this.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30 KJV)

The Last action of Christ on the cross was to bowing His head and giving up his spirit. This is God, who is in control of everything! This is Jesus, who spoke everything into existence! This is the Lord of Lords who could have called legions of angels to his defense! This is He who could heal the sick and make the blind see, yet would not heal himself or step down from the cross. All this, Jesus did for me. But this is the thing that stands out today: Even after all that Jesus had done in his earthly ministry, when the time came, He did not call out to God the Father and remind Him of all that he had done in His earthly ministry. Jesus bowed His head, and trusted in God the Father to accept his spirit.

How often do I sit around and make "deals" with God, trying to bargain? How often do I reflect back upon my actions and think "have I done enough to warrant Gods favor?" The answer is that there is no amount of good I could do to earn favor with God. I need to have the same trust in the atonement of Christ alone, and at night, bow my head and just trust in Him.

Movies:

I am going to write about two movies today that I have watched since last time. This First is the Passion of the Christ. When watching this movie on a smaller screen (compared to the theater), something is lost in grandeur. None the less, it is an incredible movie. There are a lot of Catholic over-tones in the film that do not reflect scripture. And Mel Gibson does add other features that are also not in scripture, but over-all, these additions only add to the demonic influences that were in effect. And as brutal as this movie is, it is yet mild. Scripture tells us that Jesus was so disfigured that he did not even appear to be a man (Isaiah 52:14).

Another movie I saw (and recommend) is called Never back Down. This is not a Christian Movie by any means. It is your typical Fight-club style movie. But it does have a lesson that I find important for today's world. The hero of this movie learns that it is easy to blame others for the situation we are in, but the reality is that we are ultimately responsible for how we respond to the situations we find ourselves in.