Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if our current leaders shared the same commitment to God and a like vision of what government should be?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Monday, August 03, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR WHEN IT IS UNATTENDED
When we got back home from Tennessee last night, these two guys were in the back seat demanding food. I thought I had locked the doors when we left the car during the trip, but some how, somebody threw some kids in there. Let that be a lesson to you.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
...AND IN AN IRONIC AND ALMOST COMEDIC TURN OF EVENTS...
I just bought this truck. It has everything a guy could want in an old truck. It has power steering, power disc brakes, a built 350ci engine, a 700r4 overdrive automatic transmission, and a tilt steering wheel.It's even tubbed, so there is literally no limit to the size tires I can stuff under it. There is one thing that it doesn't have, though... It doesn't have turn signals.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
ENTIRELY SATIRICAL, but read it anyhow.
Normally,while speaking in a spiritual context, I try never to make statements that cannot be clearly proven by at least one Scriptural text. However, I am about to go against that rule of thumb, and set forth a carefully reasoned opinion that, while I can't readily point to a proof-text, I still hold to be a self-evident and logical conclusion.
Before I reveal my sincerely held conviction, I must set the context. Many times, over the years, I have heard it said that when the rapture of the Church takes place, there will be mass chaos. Airplanes will fall from the sky. People will disappear before the very eyes of their loved ones. Also there will be multiple car crashes when the saved drivers are caught away. Makes sense, I guess.
However, it is my most dogmatically held opinion that, if you are driving an automobile on any public roadway when the rapture occurs, and if at the moment of the rapture you happen to be making a turn that requires you to signal your intention to other motorists, and you do not signal, you will not be going in the rapture!
I'm sorry! Really, I am! However, after years of driving on Florida streets and highways, I have concluded that there is no place for you in heaven."Then, what shall be my fate?" You may ask. I'm not sure, but I suspect that you are probably gonna go to the same place where professing Christians who don't correctly use "there","their",and "they're in their writing go. To the place where those who confuse "two, "too",and "to" go, and "your" and "you're", and those so-called Christians who voted for Obama go. I don't have any Scripture on where that place is, but I'm sure it's gonna be horrible. I'll bet they all drive Fords there.(SHUDDER)
Before I reveal my sincerely held conviction, I must set the context. Many times, over the years, I have heard it said that when the rapture of the Church takes place, there will be mass chaos. Airplanes will fall from the sky. People will disappear before the very eyes of their loved ones. Also there will be multiple car crashes when the saved drivers are caught away. Makes sense, I guess.
However, it is my most dogmatically held opinion that, if you are driving an automobile on any public roadway when the rapture occurs, and if at the moment of the rapture you happen to be making a turn that requires you to signal your intention to other motorists, and you do not signal, you will not be going in the rapture!
I'm sorry! Really, I am! However, after years of driving on Florida streets and highways, I have concluded that there is no place for you in heaven."Then, what shall be my fate?" You may ask. I'm not sure, but I suspect that you are probably gonna go to the same place where professing Christians who don't correctly use "there","their",and "they're in their writing go. To the place where those who confuse "two, "too",and "to" go, and "your" and "you're", and those so-called Christians who voted for Obama go. I don't have any Scripture on where that place is, but I'm sure it's gonna be horrible. I'll bet they all drive Fords there.(SHUDDER)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
REJOICE!
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY, everyone! I certainly hope you will all have a joyous celebration with your Church family today.
While multitudes around the world are struggling to achieve salvation through the rites and rituals of a false religion; and still others, in so-called Christian religions will have themselves whipped or even crucified, we will rejoice in a salvation already completed!
The whipping has already been done. The Crucifixion is over.My sins have been forever punished. The cross is bare. For the One who hung there has left it. He has passed into the grave and out again with complete life and victory for His people. He is "The Author and Finisher of our faith."
There are some in more 'mainstream' denominations believing that if they can "hold out and hang on and endure to the end..." then they might be able to make it through to eternal life. To them, I say: The only one who could hold out, hang on and endure to the end, has held out and hung on and has come through victorious in the end! REJOICE!
While multitudes around the world are struggling to achieve salvation through the rites and rituals of a false religion; and still others, in so-called Christian religions will have themselves whipped or even crucified, we will rejoice in a salvation already completed!
The whipping has already been done. The Crucifixion is over.My sins have been forever punished. The cross is bare. For the One who hung there has left it. He has passed into the grave and out again with complete life and victory for His people. He is "The Author and Finisher of our faith."
There are some in more 'mainstream' denominations believing that if they can "hold out and hang on and endure to the end..." then they might be able to make it through to eternal life. To them, I say: The only one who could hold out, hang on and endure to the end, has held out and hung on and has come through victorious in the end! REJOICE!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
PRELIMINARY CONCIDERATIONS CONCERNING "TONGUES"
I have been preaching through the book of 1st Corinthians in the Sunday morning services at the Church, and I am now in ch.12. As you know this chapter deals with the "gifts of the Spirit". Right now, I am concentrating on each of the gifts that are named in verses 8-10.
Ever since I began dealing with these gifts individually, I have had the "gift of Tongues" in the back of my mind. I realise that this is a very divisive issue, however, there are a couple of things that I believe need to be considered no matter what ones orientation is concerning tongues.
The first is this: Before you get too concerned about 'another tongue', learn first to control the one you have. As James said "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."(James 3:6) As a matter of fact, in verse #2 of the same chapter, he implies that if a man were able to control his speech, he could control his whole body. I mean, what does it profit me to be able to speak in 'other tongues' and at the same time, be enslaved to my fleshly appetites?
The second thing that I wish professing Christians would consider is that you should educate yourself sufficiently in Scripture so that what you say with your tongue will be doctrinally sound. I'm pretty sure that Paul is going to make the point in ch.14, that speaking truth in a way that is understood by the hearers trumps an 'unknown tongue' in every case.
Maybe if everyone who claims the Christian faith would start here, the issue of 'tongues' could be put in a proper perspective.
This ain't all I'm gonna say about it. I'm just thinkin'.
Ever since I began dealing with these gifts individually, I have had the "gift of Tongues" in the back of my mind. I realise that this is a very divisive issue, however, there are a couple of things that I believe need to be considered no matter what ones orientation is concerning tongues.
The first is this: Before you get too concerned about 'another tongue', learn first to control the one you have. As James said "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."(James 3:6) As a matter of fact, in verse #2 of the same chapter, he implies that if a man were able to control his speech, he could control his whole body. I mean, what does it profit me to be able to speak in 'other tongues' and at the same time, be enslaved to my fleshly appetites?
The second thing that I wish professing Christians would consider is that you should educate yourself sufficiently in Scripture so that what you say with your tongue will be doctrinally sound. I'm pretty sure that Paul is going to make the point in ch.14, that speaking truth in a way that is understood by the hearers trumps an 'unknown tongue' in every case.
Maybe if everyone who claims the Christian faith would start here, the issue of 'tongues' could be put in a proper perspective.
This ain't all I'm gonna say about it. I'm just thinkin'.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
INDECISION
I wanted to get that ugly post off the top of my bloggypoo, but I am undecided about what I should put on here. Sooo...anyhoo... see if ye c'n figger this 'un out.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SHUT THE "F" UP!!!
I mean it! I'm tired of hearing it! Sick and tired! There is almost no refuge left, it seems, where one is not blasted by the "F" bomb. The word has become an adjective, adverb, noun, verb, and gerund in every day usage by multitudes.
Evidently, it has to embody all those parts of speech, because the empty headed people who use it so profusely, don't have a large enough vocabulary to express themselves adequately. I can understand a lack of language skills in those who are unlearned or mentally deficient. However, being ignorant does not give anyone a pass for uttering such vile rubbish.
The appalling thing, to me, is that so many otherwise articulate people who occupy leading roles in society (Teachers, Politicians, Business men, Entertainers, Parents) use it openly without hesitation or shame. They seem to give no thought to who might hear them, nor do they care who may be offended by it. I seem to remember a time when, even those who were even a little over the line in their use of "color" in their language, would, at the very least, take note of who was within ear-shot before they used questionable language. But not any more!
Evidently, it is no longer possible for a comedian to "make it" in the "business" unless he incorporates the most vile language and subject matter that the human mind is capable of conjuring, into his/her act.
I enjoy watching some of the motorcycle/auto reality shows in which they build cars or bikes, but even in those shows, I am constantly subjected to "that word". Oh, sure, they bleep it out, but it comes through almost as plainly as if they didn't bleep it. I know that much of what goes on in those shows is staged, but what kind of message are the viewers supposed to get from hearing an employer flinging the "F" word at his employees, or a father shouting it at his sons?
For the last couple of years, I have been driving a school bus. I had to pick up the side job in order to get the health insurance that it provides. Having been basically living a sheltered life for the last 30 years, I was totally caught off guard by both the conduct and the language that kids use. To hear young boys and girls throw that "word" around so carelessly, breaks my heart. After rebuking one grammar school girl for her shameful vulgarity, I asked her, "Does your mother know that you talk like that?" She replied, "Who do you think taught it to me?"
By the way, I would never, never, no never ever send my children to a public school. I mean, never! Not under any circumstances. Nope! Not a gonna do 'er. Unh, uh.
I believe that this coarseness is an indicator of where our society is, morally. The problem is more than just an ignorance problem. It is a serious spiritual problem. To a crowd of blasphemous people, Jesus said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matt.12:34) According to what Jesus said in this verse, the reason people say the things that they say, is because whatever is in the the heart comes out through the conversation. People speak evil because they are evil.
Some would love to be able to separate what they are from how they speak, but, alas! that is not possible. Not long ago, I was talking to a professing Christian who is known to be very loose in his language and down right nasty in his humor. He said, " You know, brother Garry, I like to have a good time. I like to tell jokes and see people laugh. Sometimes I'll tell one that might be a little off color, but I don't mean anything by it. God knows my heart. I'm His 100%." I opened my handy little New Testament and read him the preceding verse and said, " Jesus said what you talk about is what you are! " He didn't seem to get too mad at me, but either way, mad or not mad, it is the truth.
While I'm at it, I may as well hit those "sanitized" versions of the "F" word that are so widely used by many, such as: Flippin', frickin', friggin' and other similar words that are just close enough to let everyone know what you mean and just different enough that you can't be tied to a naughty word. Well, I'm tying you to it! You use those forms of the "F" word because you wish you could say the word for real. It is only a thinly disguised substitute for language that no child of God should be associated with.
I'm sorry to keep ranting on and on. And I'm sorry to even deal with such an issue that is bound to leave my readers feeling a little degraded. I know I feel that way, but I really am fed up! So,in conclusion, GET A VOCABULARY! And remember, when you use profanity, it reveals at least two very embarrassing things about you,: (1)That you have an empty head. And (2) You have a wicked heart. The first can be easily remedied by learning the use of a dictionary. The other can only be fixed by a living relationship with God.
Evidently, it has to embody all those parts of speech, because the empty headed people who use it so profusely, don't have a large enough vocabulary to express themselves adequately. I can understand a lack of language skills in those who are unlearned or mentally deficient. However, being ignorant does not give anyone a pass for uttering such vile rubbish.
The appalling thing, to me, is that so many otherwise articulate people who occupy leading roles in society (Teachers, Politicians, Business men, Entertainers, Parents) use it openly without hesitation or shame. They seem to give no thought to who might hear them, nor do they care who may be offended by it. I seem to remember a time when, even those who were even a little over the line in their use of "color" in their language, would, at the very least, take note of who was within ear-shot before they used questionable language. But not any more!
Evidently, it is no longer possible for a comedian to "make it" in the "business" unless he incorporates the most vile language and subject matter that the human mind is capable of conjuring, into his/her act.
I enjoy watching some of the motorcycle/auto reality shows in which they build cars or bikes, but even in those shows, I am constantly subjected to "that word". Oh, sure, they bleep it out, but it comes through almost as plainly as if they didn't bleep it. I know that much of what goes on in those shows is staged, but what kind of message are the viewers supposed to get from hearing an employer flinging the "F" word at his employees, or a father shouting it at his sons?
For the last couple of years, I have been driving a school bus. I had to pick up the side job in order to get the health insurance that it provides. Having been basically living a sheltered life for the last 30 years, I was totally caught off guard by both the conduct and the language that kids use. To hear young boys and girls throw that "word" around so carelessly, breaks my heart. After rebuking one grammar school girl for her shameful vulgarity, I asked her, "Does your mother know that you talk like that?" She replied, "Who do you think taught it to me?"
By the way, I would never, never, no never ever send my children to a public school. I mean, never! Not under any circumstances. Nope! Not a gonna do 'er. Unh, uh.
I believe that this coarseness is an indicator of where our society is, morally. The problem is more than just an ignorance problem. It is a serious spiritual problem. To a crowd of blasphemous people, Jesus said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matt.12:34) According to what Jesus said in this verse, the reason people say the things that they say, is because whatever is in the the heart comes out through the conversation. People speak evil because they are evil.
Some would love to be able to separate what they are from how they speak, but, alas! that is not possible. Not long ago, I was talking to a professing Christian who is known to be very loose in his language and down right nasty in his humor. He said, " You know, brother Garry, I like to have a good time. I like to tell jokes and see people laugh. Sometimes I'll tell one that might be a little off color, but I don't mean anything by it. God knows my heart. I'm His 100%." I opened my handy little New Testament and read him the preceding verse and said, " Jesus said what you talk about is what you are! " He didn't seem to get too mad at me, but either way, mad or not mad, it is the truth.
While I'm at it, I may as well hit those "sanitized" versions of the "F" word that are so widely used by many, such as: Flippin', frickin', friggin' and other similar words that are just close enough to let everyone know what you mean and just different enough that you can't be tied to a naughty word. Well, I'm tying you to it! You use those forms of the "F" word because you wish you could say the word for real. It is only a thinly disguised substitute for language that no child of God should be associated with.
I'm sorry to keep ranting on and on. And I'm sorry to even deal with such an issue that is bound to leave my readers feeling a little degraded. I know I feel that way, but I really am fed up! So,in conclusion, GET A VOCABULARY! And remember, when you use profanity, it reveals at least two very embarrassing things about you,: (1)That you have an empty head. And (2) You have a wicked heart. The first can be easily remedied by learning the use of a dictionary. The other can only be fixed by a living relationship with God.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
IF I HAD $200,000 ...
I'D BUY ME ONE OF THESE!!! according to a TIMES ON LINE article , the flying car will be ready for testing in about a month. I wonder how it would look with a set of Corvette rallye wheels!?
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