In The News Today

Everybody has heard the latest on K-Street politics that hit the press from CA earlier this week. Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham tearfully resigned his post after admitting to taking as much as $2.4M in bribes in return for driving business towards particular defense contracts. It is still not yet altogether clear how the co-conspirators, Mitchell J. Wade, president of Washington-based MZM Inc., and Brent Wilkes, head of San Diego area defense contractor ADCS Inc., will respond to the court submitted documents charging them with bribery. This may, as I believe we will find, open up a rusty can of righteous worms and expose the hypocrisy rampant amongst the progressive corporate lobbyist and those elected to conscript laws on our behalf. It is well understood that the lobbyist actually play a huge part in the actual drafting of many laws and bills, but the back-scratching has profited both sides of the Avenue. Just not the voters or our trust of those involved. I do give Rep. Cunningham credit for oweing up to what he has done, admitting it publicly, apologizing for it publicly and willingly taking his punishment like a man. Hear his public announcement here. Whether Democrat, Republican, or Bostonian, actions deemed illegal must be dealt with swiftly and openly. I hope that this starts a fire under the entire Washington Federal bureaucracy encouraging them to make themselves accountable to their constituents for their decisions and actions. Maybe then, we'll see it trickle down to the State levels of government as well.

Have you hear of 15-year-old Ram Bahadur Bamjon, who, people say, has been meditating without food or water under a "pipal" tree for six months? They say he may be the next Buddha incarnate. And this means what for the world today?

I have to admit that I was impressed with his afrontedness by admitting that indeed "we do have a strategy. We do have a plan. I saw a strategy that is being implemented in Iraq." These were bold statements for a Democrat. But then again, Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman has never been politically correct and has usually presented a more honest front when faced when truth and facts. He has asked President Bush to detail to the American public the progress that our servicemen and women have made over in Iraq - "from military triumphs to the proliferation of cellphones and satellite dishes."

Fayetteville, Arkansas abortionist, Dr. William F. Harrison offers a difficult perspective on the abortions he does: New Life through the Death of another. His perspective is that the end justifies the means. But even the simplest lessons from college Psychology 101 such as the Life-Boat quickly reveal that this doesn't always hold much water. No pun intended here. In short, if Christians are to ever win the war on death, we must offer life. Not judgment and condemnation but love, money, personal assistance, a warm shelter, food, clothing, an education, and whatever it will take to persuade a young mother to not kill her child. If we fail to do this, we are as bad or worse than the abortionist who is offering her an albeit painful and guilt-filled second chance at life.

And, on a more interesting note, laser guns will soon not be relegated to the Star Wars Conventions in Las Vegas. The U.S. Air Force has launched into beta testing in real situations the "first man-portable, non-lethal deterrent weapon and is intended for protecting troops and controlling hostile crowds." Check it out and other incredible tools being developed to enable and protect our military personnel.

What Are Our Children Exposed To?

I am and have always been concened as to what people allow children to be exposed to and at what age certain things should and need to be discussed. Having 5 children at an assortment of ages, I have found that there are no set rules by age but by maturity and other social and relational factors. I tend to be conservative, and probably a little over protective, having seen the negative effects on our youth culture over the years of negative exposures that they either report to me or I find out about.

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In general though, children are our future (to quote a passe phrase) but they are even more so becoming a reflection of us and our past mistakes. The obvious demonstration of this fact is that as a whole, children are more inclined to try drugs, to drink, to commit suicide, to kill or beat-up someone, to act disrespectfully, to quit school, to graduate illiterate, to enjoy the spoils of welfare, to insert the F-word into every breath, to have sex or perform sexual acts, to cut themselves, to pierce themselves, to overeat, to have anorexia or bullemia, to hate mariage, to not get involved politically, to never help someone less fortunate, to be self-centered, to worship money, to watch TV more than they read or communicate, to have a poor self esteem or to actually hate themselves, to constantly quit or lose jobs, to elevate friends over family, to not play sports or work out, to not serve in the military, to cheat, to steal and lie, to not know where they live on a map, to judge according to clothes or appearance, or to call "stupid" anything they don't understand.

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What does it sound like? It sounds a lot like the adults I know. Our children mimic what they see and hear. They call it rebellion. But impersonation is the greatest form of flattery. They tell us they want to be treated like adults because they are acting like the irresponsible adults they see around them. They repeat the sins of their mothers and fathers.

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Hey Western World, wake up! Do we have the passion or desire to see them differently? If so, we need to start emmulating the behavious that we want them to demonstrate. If you want them to enjoy reading, then spend time reading to them. If you want them healthy and concerned for their health, then you should play ball or go for bike rides with them. If you want them to understand the power of prayer, then let them see you praying for them. If you want them to remain sexually pure, then show them what clothes are for and teach them the real differences between the sexes that the classroom won't detail correctly. If you want them to not smoke, discuss the dangers of it and do not smoke yourself. If you want them to be hard working, work hard yourself and tell them why it's important to do so. If you want them to act respectfully, demonstrate it to one another in your speach and actions.

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Now, to the "not-so-western-world," you're not off the hook. How about treating your young girls like they are beautiful? How about letting them be equal to boys? Let them learn. Let your children envision a future where people can learn to get along. Let them see that people really do have a lot of the same concerns everywhere on this little blue bulb in space. How about that each and every one of them is precious and that God truly does love them?

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When I turn on MTV, I see video's where rappers praise shooting cops and where angry teens give the middle finger to all authority and adults in their lives. That's sick. But did you know that there is an Iranian music video that depicts a young man as a suicide bomber driving his explosive vehicle to glory instead of home to his new family. That's sick too.

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I saw a cartoon from Iran on www.memri.org that is for children and is meant to convey the glory of blowing ones-self up for Allah's glory. That's sick. I would say that if it came from a "christian," "hindu," "muslim," or an atheist source. It's just plain sick and validates my previous statement that we teach our children to reflect us. The adults.

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If the people would wake up and start making decisions based upon helping fulfill the potential of every child on the planet, then we would all have a future we could be proud of. If we don't, then what are we hangin' on for? The ride?

Healing: Complex Question with a Baffling Answer

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching..., proclaiming..., and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23) Note, Jesus healed EVERY-one.

In the New Testament it is also very clear that Jesus healed. When Jesus healed, people were completely healed. "A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy" (Matthew 8:2-3; and Matthew 9:1-8)

Jesus brought back the dead; "As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry." Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother" (Luke 7:12-15). The man had to do something too. Get up.

Jesus healed all who came to Him; "News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.": "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick" (Matthew 4:24, 8:16).

It is also worth noting that while Jesus said in many cases it was faith in Him that lead to healing, it was not necessary to have faith to be healed. In John chapter 5, we read of the healing of a crippled man who not only didn't have faith in Jesus, he didn't even know who Jesus was.

Does God want everyone healed? Paul had his thorn in the flesh. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:7). So, it is obvious that “no” is often God’s answer. More examples include the following:

Timothy apparently had recurring stomach troubles and the suggested cure wasn't prayer but a little wine, (1 Timothy 5:23).

Trophimus was so sick Paul left him behind, (2 Timothy 4:20) and in Philippians, we hear that Epaphrodites almost died. He was not healed by Paul but by God later. These examples show that healing wasn't lacking because faith was. These were the faith leaders of the church and if God chose not to heal, then what can be said?

We also read of a city visited by Jesus where not much of anything went on. Why? A defined lack of faith in this example. "Jesus did not do many deeds of power there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58) Sure seems like God doesn’t want to be figured out.

So...God didn't heal their sicknesses because of their lack of faith in Him.

So...should we even bother to ask God to heal?

"Whatever we ask according to His will...He will hear us" (1 John 5:14). The key here is though according to HIS will, not ours. God does heal when He knows it is appropriate.

Hence, there are times He is simply waiting for us to ask on behalf of someone. One can safely assume that He would allow sickness or death because we failed to take Him at His word.

James teaches that we are to pray and get medical care. "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord" (James 5:14).

So, how should we approach healing when we are sick, diseased, or dis-enabled?

Get up, ask for healing, have Faith that God does heal and oft chooses to do so, and believe that He is Lord regardless of His decision. Meaning, He still loves you and will support you even when His answer must be “no.” Will you still trust Him? Or, is your trust entirely dependant on the outcome?

I Owe God An Apology

For my life. For my failures. For my lack of faith and trust. For trying to achieve on my own. For my sinful nature. For my unbelief. For looking at the world simply through my own eyes. For my temper. For my laziness. For my death-grip on hurt and sorrow. For my unforgiveness. For putting myself first. For not considering others as more important than I. For my wastefulness. For my lack of appreciation in the small things. For my impatience. For my not seeing His hand in life. For my not trusting even into death. For my idolatry. For my lack of caring and love towards all people. For my judging nature. For my ignorance of His word and character. For my failure to say "I'm sorry." At least I can start somewhere. "God, I'm Sorry."

The Stem Cell Debate – Slippery Slope or Responsible Hope?

Let me be up front with my readers about the fact that I am still markedly undecided about the use of human embryo or clone derived stem cells. As a scientist, I am piqued at the possibility of any substantial key discovered in the fight against the diseases and bodily disintegrations that plague mankind today. I am awed by the awesome intricacies of the human design and the powerful mind-power we have to investigate and comprehend it in laboratories around the world. I am frightened by the prospect that someone will abuse the capabilities uncovered by science resulting in harm to mankind physically, socially, psychologically, emotionally, culturally, morally, and spiritually. I am equally cognizant of the fact that when you give man an inch, he then blasts off into space before you even discover that he’s no longer on the planet.

They say “there are two sides to every story” but I have found that this debate has many sides. The following are a potpourri of viewpoints that I encounter on a daily basis and that may or may not represent your thoughts on this debate. There are those who would say “let’s throw off the gauntlet of morality for it is nothing more than opinion and run full-force into the yet undiscovered potential of scientific discovery.” Cloning in all its’ majesty should be allowed, even for the creation of “spare part.” Maybe it’s o.k. to clone animals, bacteria and corn but not people. Some would argue that morality is best decided but that which results in the greater good. Many have decided for themselves that since embryos created for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are just going to be discarded, then we should not waste the but use them for the betterment of mankind through research. Maybe the creation of an embryo for both IVF and for stem cell research is morally wrong but since it’s going to be done anyway, then we should have proper safeguards in place to prevent abuse. There are some who insist that it’s o.k. to create embryos for IVF but not for destruction for research purposes. Many in the world believe that life begins at conception, that all life is sacred and that it should be protected and not used for research. A lot of people I talk to would like to see some alternatives to the destruction of an embryo in order to avoid the current passionate debate. Many newer techniques for Stem Cell “acquisition” have been developed recently which is beginning to “address” this issue by working around it. There are a lot of undecided individuals floating and bouncing somewhere in-between each of the aforementioned. Have you found where you fall amongst these choices? Have you thought long and hard about it researching the facts or merely repeating media by-lines? What is there to gain? Where would a slippery slope take us? What are the potential downfalls? These all need to be considered, discussed and weighed out.

Maybe the name Dr. Hoo Suk Hwang causes you to shiver. Maybe it causes you to bow in worship. Maybe you haven’t heard of him. He’s the researcher from South Korea who is breaking ground, and possibly even moral laws, through his developments and scientific accomplishments in human and animal cloning. I’m sure you heard about the recently cloned dog and the reports of a successful, living human clone. Are you concerned? I am not surprised that this happened first in a nation in a region where life has historically been disposable. There are less of the moral “restraints” that one would encounter in the west. Oddly though, much of Korean culture considered your age to include time spent in the womb. But who am I to point out that coincidence. I think that the reason that China didn’t beat them to the goal was due to funding issues, slower momentum in China, and a little luck. But it would have been done regardless. Now what? Is he a hero, hypocrite, or human whore? Will he become the Mack-Daddy pimp of stem cells? People thought for the lat dozen years about whether they could do it. Now they need to think about whether they should do it.

What is the next new horizon for mankind? Cloning for body parts? Remember, it was China who historically slaughtered prisoners and immediately surgically removed their body parts. Sounded ethical since lives would be saved, right? Except there was the fact that some of those murdered were in prison for things such as propaganda against the mother-land, for attending a non-state-sanctioned Christian church or for political dissent. And, since testing was not up-to-par, many diseases were transmitted from these transplanted organs. Some even made their way to the U.S. where it is expressly illegal to acquire such trafficked organs.

Now what? Sex selection? Exactly. A funded study at Baylor University will study the effects of sex selection on families. Their goal? It is to ultimately demonstrate that there are no negative effects from selecting the sex of your child. After all, look what it did in countries such as China? They are scrambling now with such an almost completely male society to reverse the trend which caused female infanticide to become commonplace. Where are the feminists and women of NARAL when only females are being killed?

It will be only a matter of time once sex selection is “normalized” that one will be able to select embryos that will yield a particular hair or eye color, weight predisposition, or personality. And so, the great Aryan experiment continues in the bedrooms and Petri dishes of the world today. So, as the debate moves forward, it must do so with full consideration of the results, good and bad, moral and immoral, possible and not yet possible, until we are willing to safeguard ourselves, others and the yet unborn who will ultimately be sacrificed either as cells, or as parts for our benefit.

My Worth

“A diamond is a girl’s best friend” We’ve all heard this before. But is it true? Is it the value we “mistakenly” attribute to the diamond that we feel as inherent or is it that we feel valued when such a rare product is presented to us? A diamond, after all is nothing more than a pressurized rearrangement of standard and commonplace carbon molecules done under immense pressure and heat over long periods of time. It’s a lump of coal.

If people decided that the diamond, beautiful as it may be once precisely cut, is of no value, would the diamond be any different? Would it feel bad? Of course not. Value is something placed upon people and things by people and God. The one that really matters is the latter.

Self-Esteem, your true worth or value is not something derived from your assets, your job title, your bank account your appearance, your skills, or how many wonderful and unique things you have accomplished.

It is not even something you can come up with yourself. Like a diamond, you don’t name your price. The one who made or understands the every facet of a diamonds make-up (no pun intended) sets the value.

But even today in our age of enlightenment we find ourselves hurt and slighted by someone else’s lack of perception of OUR intrinsic value. A lack of recognition for work well done. Undeserved blame. Passed over for promotion in lieu of excellence we find ourselves in limbo. Stapled in place by hurts and angry feelings.

And why? Why are we so in need of the acceptance of others?

I believe it is because we are failing to recognize our own intrinsic value as placed by the one who created us. And, as we move farther out of relationship with Him, we seek to find our value, to replace it, or reassess it through worldly means. Jobs. Successes. Recreational busyness. Appearance. Highly visible activities. You name it. We've seen it in a thousand flavors in people around us and in ourselves.

But like I said earlier, an objects value is determined not by the art but by the artist.

God set your value. Keep in mind that His word says that you were made in His image.

So, what does God say about your inherent value? I’m going to let you do a little research here for yourself. Try the following verses:

Psalm 8: 3-5
Psalm 139: 17-18
Luke 12: 6-7

Do you believe it? Or, do you have lingering doubts?

I think young people today have a big issue with this. An instilled doubt as to their worth. I’ve noticed that this generation has a very hard time looking me or others in the eye. But, as I dig deeper in, I find that most will not even look themselves in the eye. They despise what they see when they look into the mirror. This is so sad. What they are failing to see is the person that God loves so very much in all their uniqueness.

Remember this by the late theologian Helmut Thielicke: “God does not love you because you are valuable; you are valuable because He loves you.”

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Norman Vincent Peale, in Power of the Plus Factor, tells how he came across a tattoo studio in Kowloon in Hong Kong. In the window, among samples of words or images one could have tattooed on one's body, were the words Born to lose.

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Peal says: I entered the shop in astonishment and, pointing to those words, asked the Chinese tattoo artist, "Does anyone really have that terrible phrase, Born to lose, tattooed on his body?"

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He replied, "Yes, sometimes."

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"But," I said, "I just can't believe that anyone in his right mind would do that."

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The Chinese man simply tapped his forehead and said in broken English, "Before tattoo on body, tattoo on mind."

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Do you constantly compare yourself to others? See yourself as less capable, less attractive, or less successful? Why? Consider the following:

Philippians 2: 3
Romans 12: 3

So, thinking yourself, or should I say considering yourself less than others means we will consider other more.

If we are to think about others and the situations of others before our own, what should the results be? We’ll see that we are capable of great things. We’ll see that God can work through us. We’ll see that we are truly important to Him and that He wants to spend eternity with us. We’ll learn through experience that we are truly valuable to Him and that He already paid the ultimate cost to prove it to us.