Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Where Are the Men of Courage and Valor?

     Once every generation or so something begins to stir in the soul of Mankind.  Each man and woman knows this stirring on an individual level, but as each chooses their path in this temporal life a greater force begins to build in the world as a whole.  'It' may at first manifest itself in a difficult situation which requires a person to reflect on the consequences of their decision.  An an inner prompting deep within them asks, "Is this right?  Why do I pause before undertaking this?".  Some choose to listen and follow the logical steps that lead to a correct decision, but others think of the gratification and ease of the other choice and choose to purposely erect a wall to evade their conscience.  These two examples of individual choice, if continued, lead down very different and distinctive paths.  The former evolves into not just a concern for the person themselves, but for society as a whole.  Decisions are made only after careful reflection and consideration.  Typically, these choices are tough and require a sacrifice of the individual making the decision.  In a sense they have transformed into a 'new creature' that has learned to truly love their fellow man.  The fullness and satisfaction they find by living such a sacrificial life is far more gratifying than the momentary pleasures of a selfish decision.  Let us now return to the latter example and the walling off of one's conscience.  This person begins their journey with an amoral attitude that views the world as not consisting of right or wrong, but only as a vehicle to search for and engage in the next act or indulgence which gratifies them but for a moment.  A long journey down this road often leads to anger, apathy, health issues, family problems, and eventually ultimate ruin.  This article attempts to look at these two paths on a macro level and shed light on how when the moral tide begins to shift in the amoral direction man must stand up and with courage take a stand against the evil before him.
     The United States is a perfect example of a country long down the road to perdition which is in desperate need of men and women with the moral courage to fight.  Our country was founded by a generation of men of this type of courage who sought to overthrow the tyrannical (both spiritual and economic) domination of the British Empire.  Bloody battle after bloody battle taxed the soul of every American, but in the end our liberty was won by the courageous sacrifice of common farmers and laborers.  We were able to thrown off the greedy yoke of the English monarch and establish a system which guaranteed our religious and personal freedoms.  Again in World War I & II a generation faced Fascism, Socialism (NAZI), and later Communist foes.  The men and women of America and many other brave 'Christian' countries stood in the face of evil and defeated our foes.  The Germans, Italians and other Axis powers were not always this way, and in fact were stoutly religious countries at one point in their history.  But they suffered from what I believe America is suffering from currently.  For nearly two centuries this tide of Christian courage and morality has for the most part led our country to become a beacon of light to those of the world, but the last half decade has seen the tide reverse itself and now we find ourselves once again on the precipice of disaster and we must again stand and fight the way God leads our conscience.  
     Beginning with the 1960's our nation began to choose the example given above of the person who chooses self and pleasure over the God given conscience.  This generation chose to swing the pendulum drastically in the direction of an amoral society which embraces and accepts anything and everything that is pleasing.  For over five decades this slow gradual decline of morality, couching it in the phrase 'personal freedom', has in actuality eroded many of the freedoms we once had.  Immorality is the new morality and all voices to the contrary are silenced.  We are now, as is the majority of Western society, weakened morally to the extent we are unable to face evil because the simple fact is many have no idea what evil is anymore.  This is at the heart of the problem we now face.
     Islam is an evil cancer that is rapidly infecting our planet, but people either don't have the moral courage to say it, or they have been corrupted morally to a point where right and wrong have been confused.  For example, many news organizations such as CNN and MSNBC would have you believe that radical Islam is only 10% of their faith.  This is erroneous just based on the teachings of the Koran, but if in fact that is the case that means there are 150 million Islamic Jihadist around the globe.  150 million men and women who believe the same as ISIS, Hamas, Islamic Brotherhood, and Al Qaeda, and they are determined to end the life of all who do not submit to Islam.  It also reflects that 150 million people believe it is okay to cut off the head of a 9 year old girl, crucify Christians, butcher all who stand in their way and they seem to be gaining momentum in the very cities they commit such atrocities.  These countries have long given themselves over to the immoral belief in the violent religion of Islam, but there is hope for us and for some in these countries who still contain an aspect of morality in their soul.
    So what do we do?  First, we need to be the generation that turns the tide in America and Western society as a whole.  There is a great need for revival to sweep through the land.  Although it appears this may be the end of days, and some may feel like there is no point, we are required to live godly lives until the end.  Second, we must have the moral courage to face certain truths and take a stand.  If we know deep down that abortion and homosexuality are wrong, than say so.  Don't do this in a hateful way, but as Christ would, full of love and compassion.  This will lead those astray to repentance.  Thirdly, and most difficultly, we must stand up and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.  Jesus said there may come a time when we need to trade our plows in for swords, and this may be the time.  There are literally millions of Christians and Jews around the world be murdered by Muslims, but most don't know because the media is soft on Islam.  We need to fight this force with force.  The Bible says there is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for his brother.  Our brothers and sisters are dying around the planet, but yet we watch American Idol or The Voice and pretend it isn't happening, but it is.  If you can do anything, than hit your knees and pray for revival, our Christian brothers and sisters, and for Muslims to see the light of Christ.


By Jeffrey Brandon Lee 
      

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Political Correctness Will Lead to Sharia Law in America

     The moral concept of political correctness seems to be innocent enough at first thought, and even an idea an 'enlightened' society would embrace, but as with most Utopian ideas there is an ugly dark side as they play themselves out.  America and most Western societies are experiencing the horrible side effects of limiting free speech in order to protect certain classes of citizens.  The problem with these laws that prevent the opinions of some in order to promote those of others is that it often leads to inequality in free thought.
     Take for instance the LGBT community and all the strides they've made in gaining equal status for themselves and their partners.  They are disproportionately represented in all aspects of the media, which is where many people get their information about life in general.  Even this protection isn't at the root of the problem, in fact the majority of Americans are completely accepting of their lifestyle and have no qualms with them uniting in marriage.  The problem is the pendulum has swung too far in their direction.  Now people who do not agree with their lifestyle are forced to resign or are fired from their jobs for their differing beliefs.  Now their voices are being threatened inside their own houses of worship!
     The LGBT community was used as an example because they are the most vocal and feel the most deprived of their rights.  If a person in America says 'I think homosexuality is wrong.', what is the typical response?  'You're a hater.' 'You're homophobic.' 'You're closed minded.'  Your voice is silenced as you're made to feel like some vile hate filled creature that hates anyone different from yourself.  This is where Islam comes into play.
     Our country now supports and promotes every minority opinion and silences the majority (or most often Christian the voice).  You can't have a Bible at work, but you can have a prayer rug and Koran.  You can't proselytize as a Chaplain in the military, but you can wear traditional Islamic head-ware and pray five times a day to Mecca.  The name of Christ is forbidden in most public events, but our President is constantly praising what Islam and the Middle East has done for the US and even praised the prophet Mohammed.  So now the way has been paved for radical Islam (which in reality is all of Islam) to become the protected minority in the United States.  Today a house was flying the flag of ISIS out front, and another ISIS flag was tied to the fence in front of the White House.  What will be the response of this government?  My guess would be something along the lines of the following, 'We need to be cautious and understanding of the differing opinions in our nation.  The CIA and FBI are working round the clock monitoring any potential threat and I urge calm.'  Then the problem will be ignored and will spread because we must protect the minority and their opinion.  
     The sad reality is we as Americans have forgot what right and wrong are.  Our moral compass points whichever way the media tells it to, and when we do see something obviously evil...we are afraid to speak up and take a stand for fear of verbal retribution.  Our President has helped promote this mindset with the constant backing of rebels who turn out to be radical Islamic groups.  Most Americans have no idea who the good or bad guys are, or if their are any good guys, and all the President says is 'We need to find a diplomatic solution to this problem.'.  One thing the Western world needs to understand as Islam invades our homelands is that a grown man who can take child after child and cut their head off and scream in delight cannot be diplomatically dealt with.  Evil must be faced with the force of good and stopped.  But I fear our spineless politicians and politically correct citizens would rather bow to Islam than fight for truth and good.


By

Jeffrey Brandon Lee

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

US Foreign Policy Under the Current Administration

The crisis in the Middle East and Ukraine has raised some 

interesting questions about Obama's foreign policy.  There 

doesn't seem to be a cohesive nature to any of his actions. 

It appears that he only 'reacts' to events, and then when he 

reacts, he doesn't seem to think the situation all the way 

through.  Some of the stances of this government are just so 

off kilter that some may sense something sinister behind his 

actions.  That aside, the novice foreign policy displayed by 

this President has left the world on the precipice of disaster.

     Take for example the President's handling of Egypt 

during the 'Arab Spring'.  He supported the coup d'etat that ended Mubarak's reign in Eygpt 

and brought to power the Muslim Brotherhood.  This precipitated the killing and persecution of 

Christians, and what was Obama's response?  To continue the $1.5 billion in military aid to 

Egypt's new radical leaders. Recently, Sisi was elected to take over power in Egypt and 

Obama responded by holding up military aid because according to Yahoo's Dmitri Zaks

'Russia has jumped at the chance to grab a bigger slice of the Egyptian arms market after the 

United States suspended some of its weapons deliveries in the wake of Sisi's crackdown on 

the former Islamic government last year.'.  Why would we hold up arms shipments to a leader 

who is cracking down on radical Islam?  A nation that is also fighting with our 'ally' Israel 

against the Palestinian tunnels (but you won't hear that on the news).  Now Russia is stepping 

to fill the gap and providing $3 billion in military weaponry and forging an alliance with the new 

Egyptian leader.

     With Russia ignoring the UN warning to not bring in humanitarian aid, the massacre in Syria

and Iraq (with Obama breaking his promise and sending in troops), Isis' leader claiming to be 

the 12th Imam, China and North Korea flexing their muscles, and Obama allowing a flood of 

illegals (including MS13 gang members and scores of people on the watch list)...how long will

Obama believe that diplomacy is the only option when dealing with madmen?  Our country 

needs a President, and not someone perpetually on vacation.


By

Jeffrey Brandon Lee

     

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Quote of the Day: Martin Luther on Grace vs. the Law

Quote of the Day:
By Martin Luther
"But because they try to get the right of children and heirs by the righteousness of the law or by their own righteousness, they are slaves and never receive the inheritance, even though they tire themselves to death with continual labor, for they set about obtaining, by their own works rather than by the will of God, what God by mere grace gives to all believers for Christ's sake.  Faithful people also work well, but it is not by doing so that they are made sons and heirs (that is what their birth brings them); they do so in order that, being now made children and heirs, they might glorify God by their good works and help their neighbors."~Martin Luther's commentary on Galatians

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

When Life Goes Wrong...He Will Make It Right!

My plans are laid out, every part carefully thought over. I know what I want out of this life, and now it's my chance to get it. I begin the journey with a courage that borders on arrogance. Nothing can stop me! I pursue the glorious halls of knowledge with a voracious appetite, devouring every last morsel. I work and work until I reach that first goal...I walk to the podium and stretch out my hand to receive the document that claims I am educated. There is a distant emptiness that beckons as I suddenly feel loneliness, but I shake off the feeling and press on. Next step, find the love of my life and begin the process of building a family. With effort, I have achieved another goal! My soul rejoices as the achievements continue to stack up. Again there is that tugging at the corner of my mind and heart, but this time it is a familiar feeling. It is from a friend I have been conversing with throughout my life, but I don't have time right now because there is so much to do. I go out and become the entrepreneur I always felt I was meant to be, things are getting even brighter. Financial success is coming my way, and my head continues to grow as everything is going along perfectly. Then a mighty blow hits the economy and my plan, and again there is that calling that is now getting louder, but I put my head down even more determined to live the life I have planned. The business is now gone, and I have brought a life into this world that depends on me. I begin to listen to that still small voice that seems to be pleading with me, but I don't understand. I start a revised plan now, and this time it will work because I will try even harder! Things begin to turn around and I'm riding high again, basking in the glory of what I have achieved. I begin to enjoy the pleasures of this world, and I think I am full...Then the thunders begin to shake the heavens, and my life begins to crumble around me, but I will not let this happen. I was born to be victorious! I stand proud as everything is taken from me, my plan is going just as I had planned, or is it? Suddenly, my soul falters, and I'm exposed to my faults and weaknesses. I cry out in pain, and rebellion. How could this have happened to me? I had everything planned so perfect...I lie in a puddle of my own tears and look for the family that was chosen meticulously, but they are gone. I am alone and lost, the sand is washing away beneath me. I manage to stand defiantly and shake my fist at every perceived wrong and wrongdoer. I haven't learned and begin to plan again, but this time it will definitely work, because I have planned against those calamities that have happened before! Again the heavens shake and thunder, but with more ferocity than before. I look around in terror and fear, realizing that every physical possession is gone. I despair of life itself, and cry out to that still small voice, my soul being ripped apart...It is at this moment I wipe away the tears from my eyes and look up seeing a pierced wrist reaching down to help me up. As His hand grasps my own, my thoughts are flooded with memories of all the times He tried to guide my paths, but I stubbornly refused. He also shows me the times He carried me through times of grief, choosing to look past my selfish and sinful acts. I look at His eyes and my heart breaks. Not because of judgment, but because of the mercy and grace I see there. He lifts me to my feet and embraces me, and calls me son. Without a word, He begins to flood my mind again, but this time with purpose, His purpose. He shows me the humility that comes with being His child, and the promises He has for those that obey His commands. Again, He shows me the points in life where I should have come to Him for guidance and direction. My heart can no longer handle the guilt of the past. He turns to me and lifts my head to meet His eyes again. 'My grace is sufficient my son. I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.' Love begins to poor through my heart and fill my spirit. He begins to rise to the clouds above and gently whispers 'I will never leave you nor forsake you, not even unto the end of the age.' With that He is gone, but I feel Him in my heart smiling at me. I turn to the future and the bridges that must be repaired and quietly say to myself 'I am ready Lord, guide me in the direction you wish.'