Divided for the Conquering . . .

By now, most of us have realized, having a black president did not relax racial tension.  On the contrary, the tension seems to be heightened, while our President and First Lady continue to draw attention to racial conflict.  Undoubtedly, there are white racists in this country, but there are also black race baiters.  Meanwhile young people of all races are watching, believing the programming they are being fed from the side in which they are standing.  For whatever reason, tolerance calls us to hate bigots while baiters are given a free pass.  This country is, once again, racially divided.  Ferguson, MO and Baltimore, MD appear to have stepped back in time, and now college campuses offer "ethnic safe spaces."  The author of the article linked makes no bones about the fact, color speaks louder than freedom of the press.

Religious division is really gaining ground, even amongst those who claim the same basic beliefs.  Every week, I find at least two articles addressing the exodus from the church.  Then there are the various factions of the latest Hebraic movement that really seem rather denominational in their grouping and discussion.  The anti-religious seem to be able to unite in their anti-theism and are sadly gaining numbers and power over the public square.  The division is quite real, and the aggression against those with different beliefs is gaining momentum.  While the evangelicals tend to be divided Sunday morning, they are politically united at the polls.

Law enforcement is becoming quite militarized and while I do believe we still have some good cops, I also know there are some ruthless bad ones.  The police brutality has caused much division racially, as well as a general tone of "them vs. us" for a number of years, and now the biker situation in Texas has raised even more skepticism and distrust.  The truth is, when there is a bad guy breaking and entering, 911 is the link to our beloved law enforcement that is there to protect and serve.  On the other hand, when cruising down the highway and we see the lights on top of the car, the "them vs. us" is apparent with our own adrenaline charge and memory of every brutality video on the net.

There has been a generation gap since the dawn of creation, and along with that, the different standard of morality.  A decline in standards is a rapid drop.  Adam and Eve with their forbidden fruit, to the next generation committing murder speaks of the rapid decline of civility in this world.  The generational blame that has occurred in this country, I find to be quite, stale; for lack of a better word.  We all know the baby boomers economically and morally destroyed America and are destroying what's left . . .  Although the blame rolls off my shoulders like water off a duck's back, I will admit the boomers, as a whole sold out and haven't done much to improve the situation.  The generational division has always been, but the blame, well maybe . . . much of the church still teaches everyone is paying for past generational sins all the way back to the Garden.  Perhaps we lack the civility to not let a different perspective divide us; but blaming each other will absolutely bring division.

The Supreme Court is about to serve up a whopping dish of division with the same sex marriage decision coming in June.  There is NO way this will not bring division.  If they render a decision against same sex marriage, the gay agenda will explode.  If the decision is in favor of same sex marriage, the Supreme Court has exalted itself above Scripture, which will result in calamity of Biblical proportion.  This division will be the ultimate LOSE/LOSE for our society.  LGBT has made no bones about it. They are aggressive and will be relentless.  In the 2013 decision regarding DOMA, as the LGBT representatives stood on the steps in Washington a spokesperson for the group stated, "this is not enough."  From what I can see, the agenda wants our children, our businesses, our money, and our submission, and I don't know if that will be enough!

Thanks to mainstream media, every small glitch, and every misunderstanding can now be exaggerated internationally and blown completely out of proportion, while lacking context and be quoted as truth, while we all state, "I just don't trust mainstream media."  I find myself leaning toward news sources that are definitely outside of mainstream, yet fact checking can be very difficult and I certainly do not want to give a false report.  All things considered, though, fact checking mainstream media, doesn't offer much reassurance either.  Operation Jade Helm 15 continues to be downplayed in the news officially, while those of us trying to keep it on the radar are billed as conspiracy theorists.  More division, always more division.

Sadly, our politics appears to be divided by all of the divisive topics . . . Or perhaps, our politics are simply choreographed to give the appearance of party division, rather than the true division which is between "the powers that be" and "we the people."  Since that line appears to be based upon wealth, perhaps it's time to stop watching the politicians for leadership, and stop listening to the media for answers, and realize the love of money is the root of all evil and the only true refuge is found in our Creator.

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  ~ words of Messiah

Labels

In recent weeks, name calling and labeling has been on the rise.  Some of us have been called paranoid, fear-monger, gossip monger, and our beliefs have been labeled a couple of different "____ phobics."  Then, there is always the religious fanatic or cultist, and conspiracy theorist.  I'd like to address these various labels that have been so openly used by none other than the "thou shalt not judge" crowd.  There are actually three different cliques or camps, within this crowd.  First, there is the group that is tolerant of everything that goes against Scripture, and absolutely intolerant of those who believe they are standing on Scripture.  Second, there is the group that cherry picks what is religiously acceptable and what is their idea of fanaticism.  Third, there is the group who have learned a new word, called "lashon hara," so the world is evil, but when it comes to the special group waving the Bible, honesty can often be considered "evil tongue."  Since the name calling has come from all three camps, perhaps it's time to look at the bigger picture.

To make an open statement regarding my trust of mainstream media, is just that, a statement.  I don't have to be afraid to voice my view on this matter, much more famous voices than my own have name called.  I'm not going to call names, but simply state, I absolutely do not trust everything we are being told, and if I know I don't trust everything, I'm not sure how much or what I will trust.  If I were paranoid, I'd say the media is aiming their misrepresentation at me personally, but I don't believe that, I believe it is intended as a distraction for the entire listening audience.  The majority of media headlines are hype and the majority of television programing is exactly that!  It's programming!

As for fear-mongering, unless you've been in a cave, under a rock, or comatose for the past several months, it should be obvious that trouble is brewing.  The racial division is deepening, the distrust between law enforcement and citizens is nearing a dangerous level, unemployment or underemployment has not been resolved with jobs.  Many of the unemployed have simply come of age to collect social security, or become eligible for disability or supplemental income from the federal level rather than their home state.  Underemployment continues to skew the statistics in that many are working two part time jobs, giving the illusion that employment has risen, when the reality is, one person is represented twice in the stats. Now, that the presidential campaigns have officially begun, more labeling will commence.  This will lead us into the next term:  gossip monger.

I'm walking a tightrope on this one, because I've already admitted I don't believe everything in the news, so if I repeat a headline or story, am I spreading gossip or reporting?  Some days, it's a toss up, but I try to go with stories I've verified.  Once in awhile, though, I cave into a just making a snarkastic comment . . .  We know, most of the ads for presidential campaigns truly are designed, not to share the accomplishments and resume of the candidate but to sling mud and cast dispersion against the opponent.

When it comes to the labels involving "_____phobic," I have to simply disagree.  The definition of phobic according to WordWeb is:  Suffering from irrational fears.  When it comes to the Gay Agenda or Islam, I am not afraid and my views are not irrational.  If Islam wants to portray itself as a religion of peace, then stop blowing people up and wielding swords.  That seems pretty logical to me.  Actually, I believe Islam is watching the gay agenda and taking their cues.  Although I've stated that I do expect swords down the road, for now, Islam is making great strides in this country as the "misunderstood minority."  That's how the gay agenda started until they got some power.  Now, I'm not homophobic, either.  I simply disagree with the lifestyle based upon my religious beliefs and Scriptural understanding.  They disagree with me on the same subject.  Can you imagine how silly it would be to call gays heterophobic or Muslims, freedomphobic?

I have to admit the religious fanatic label doesn't bother me nearly as much as Christians calling my beliefs a cult.  I feel really sad that while they espouse the Bible, they believe the Instructions to live as Messiah lived is legalism.  Who decides who gets to determine the definition of cult?  I hear repeatedly, "love G-d, love your neighbor" are the two laws of Christianity.  Well, I agree with Paul's writing in Romans and Galatians.  There is nothing in Torah against those two laws, nor is there anything in Torah against producing the fruit of the Spirit.  Having been called to the wilderness to establish a community and by not using pharmaceuticals, I admit, one could get the impression I might be a bit fringy. Realistically, many are heading out of the cities; and healing is all through Scripture even though there were doctors in those days.  So, while everyone complains about health care, I'll just trust the One Who created me.  As for establishing the community, I'm the one invested here, there'll be no signing over everyone's personal assets.  I'll be keeping mine and those who will join will be keeping their's.  This place is not 501c3 and everyone can just pay their own personal property tax.  The real estate tax is my responsibility until the country holding the big note on the US of A forecloses on all of us.

Let's talk conspiracy theory for a moment.  I've stated for some time now, I'm not sure how many are involved, but it's no theory.  I have no reason in the world to trust WalMart to have plumbing problems in every location they closed, without warning.  When it comes to Operation Jade Helm 15, since the southern states are involved in the "exercise" why not carry out this operation at the border instead of on the legal citizens?  I can't help but wonder where those millions of hollow point bullets are right now, which brings to mind those LEO targets of kids and pregnant women.  This paragraph has probably just earned me another label . . .

Now let's address my latest pet peeve in all these accusations:  lashon hara.   The interpretation of lashon hara is to "evil tongue."  The truth of the matter is, there is much evil going on in this world.  Sadly, just as there was evil and idolatry in the days of Jeremiah, by religious folk; it exists right here in the 21st century.  Speaking truth about our politics or religion is often labeled by the latest religious trend as lashon hara.  I'm of the notion that the accusation of "lashon hara" is often from the accuser of the brethren who does not want the truth to be made known.  Be it political or religious, folks in power do not like to be questioned.  Labeling those who would dare to speak out, is easier than being accountable.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Prophet of Holy Scripture

Labels Shmabels

I've had the dubious honor of being labeled my entire life, but not for inclusion into any special clubs or groups, it's always been for exclusionary purposes.  The interesting fact is, the labels have varied through the years, but the purpose has seemed consistent.  The reason I mention this at all is to address the two videos I ran last week in the Goshen Gazette.  One, by a pretty famous gentleman who claims to be both liberal and an atheist and the other video by a self-proclaimed Tea Party spokesman . . ."G-d and Country" kind of guy.  I don't agree with either of these men's politics or religion, but we all three, agree on Israel, and so I ran their videos on that specific subject.  It did something for me that I can't really articulate, but it was quite illuminating.  How much do we miss by our preconceived notions due to labels?

My labeled life began early, by my mom, but I won't go into those.  I'd like to address and debunk a few of the social stigmas, political preconceptions, and religious ruckuses that keep us from hearing others who just might agree on some issues, but take their stand in a "different camp."  Due to Bill Maher's outspoken disrespect and professed disbelief of a Creator, I wouldn't have guessed him to be such a well researched proponent of Israel!  I'm so glad I looked past his own self-professed claims.  As for Wild Bill for America, I don't think our political, religious, or racial thinking aligns much, but in a circle graph, there would be areas of overlap.  He's one of those guys whom I'd love to hear share how he comes to express the perspective he does.

These men, tout their labels and belong to their various groups of shared perspective.  I'm going to mention the other end of that continuum, because I know I'm not the only one . . . When I began school, I remember myself and one boy being called to the teacher's desk.  We had to turn in our silver, pointed scissors, for green handled rounded tip scissors.  We were the "lefties." I was also ahead of the desegregation of civil rights, so I was the darkest child at school.  Back then non-whites were referred to as "colored."  Ah the labels begin so early, and truly they serve more to divide than bring acceptance.

Democrats or progressives tend to refer to me as a conservative, because I oppose big government on religious grounds.  Republicans refer to me as liberal, because I believe one must be Torah observant to enforce Torah laws, in the areas of punishment and war.  Most Christians refer to me as legalistic or a Judaizer.  Just last week, I was even called a pretender by a good Christian man and openly lied to, in an attempt for an individual to use a thread as a platform or soapbox against my beliefs.  The Jewish folk aren't usually name callers, but oy vey, the Torah proselytes from Christianity have labels for everyone who disagrees.

In my years of social media, I've been outspoken enough in my beliefs to be slammed, unfriended, and shunned by the religious, but never by unbelievers, except family . . . All of my "friends" or associates have access to the same posts, I presume . . .  Although I refer to myself as a Follower of Messiah, I've had a great many more labels by the folks claiming the same.  We're not all going to agree on everything.  Nobody has everything right.  Torah tells us, and Messiah reiterated; there are four kinds of folk in the world.

Atheists may have never tasted the goodness of our Creator.  Those who put G-d and country on the same level, may not realize this tradition is idolatry.  I'm so glad I looked beyond both of these men's "labels" and heard their message.  It's not up to me to label and discard human beings!  My job is to speak the truth and pray.  I'm so thankful the Creator of the universe looked beyond all my labels, both deserved and undeserved . . . and labeled me "Forgiven and Chosen."

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of YHWH: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. ~ the Apostle Peter

Which Way is This Discrimination Truly Aimed?

Discrimination against religion.  These businesses are not protesting gay weddings!  They are just preferring to not participate, but according to court decisions, that is no longer their right, as Americans!

Cake decorating is now political.  Please allow me to clarify.  It's political if you have strong religious beliefs, live in a state that may or may not recognize same sex marriage, and own a business that becomes the target of the Gay Agenda.

Masterpiece Cakeshop

A decorated cake is just as much a work of art as any painting, sculpture, or tapestry.  Artists, by definition, express themselves, in their work!  

What happened to the right to refuse service?  What happened to a dissatisfied customer just “taking their business elsewhere?”  I have an idea for all of us business folk who do believe our beliefs have a priority in our business dealings.  We must seek our Creator and ask Him for a creative way to deal with this tyrannical agenda.  A person who has started a business, tended to that  business and perfected their art, craft, or skill can still be protected, but it won't be by the government.  The business owners have genuinely invested of themselves in their business and their community, unlike the plaintiffs, who have merely seen an opportunity to raise their bully pulpit once again.

Two of the three cases that have gone to court and the judgment has been rendered against the business owners took place in states that did not even recognize same-sex marriage, at the time the lawsuits!  The state didn't recognize same sex marriage, yet insisted that a business recognize it.   Are judges and officials so blind that they cannot see they are being foolishly used to further an agenda, or are they willing and compliant to favor a specific belief over another?

I have two suggestions for business folk everywhere.  First, present your craft, your business, your service as an “art.”  Art is protected and applauded for it's uniqueness and even offensive statement.  The crucifix in urine comes to mind . . .  Once your business is established as artistic, copyright your particular statement.  For instance, my soap labels all have a Bible verse on them, yet my soap is “crafted.”  I would suggest bakery owners who base their business on their beliefs, do something similar.  The religious discrimination is only going to become stronger and more invasive, and the discrimination is against the religious.  

These business people, unlike the artist in 1987, are not applauded for their religious statements, but actually penalized for their beliefs.  I hadn't realized how long the anti-Bible agenda has been going on, but the momentum it has gained recently is reprehensible.  The first amendment is being destroyed by the very courts that are in place to uphold it.  Fining a small independent business owner on the grounds of their religious beliefs, and I don't care how it's presented in legal jargon; is persecution.  These entrepreneurs are facing the demise of their livelihood for their beliefs . . . in America.  This is going far beyond the loss of the first amendment.  

The condescension with which these business people are being treated is shameful.   Colorado does not license same sex marriage, yet Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop is being court ordered to create art that is against his heart.

Although Oregon did not recognize same sex marriage at the time of this incident, the state has now legalized it, but that still does not change the circumstances of this particular case.  The Kleins who own Sweetcakes by Melissa became the target of a lesbian couple, before Oregon even legalized same sex marriage.  Some of the comments following the article, made by the "i-pad legal experts" are priceless.

Pennsylvania just legalized same sex marriage and the owner of Cake Pros was immediately in the crosshairs of a lesbian couple.  The reporter was more than obvious in his condescending title of the article.  Included is a comment made in an interview given by one of the "brides,"   Petrich told WFMZ she wanted to support her hometown, and that's why she chose the bakery. "We asked her to make us a wedding cake and not marry us. I didn't understand."
Maybe I'm wrong here, but if I wanted to support my hometown, and one bakery didn't want my business, I'd just go to another one.

This final reference is not a bakery, but it sure puts the icing on the cake.  Are Americans with strong religious beliefs about marriage, GMO, health care, etc. going to have to go underground?  A couple rent out their grand farmhouse for special events, so of course a lesbian couple saw their opportunity.  The judge went so far as to order the owners of Liberty Ridge Farms to actually give money to these women.
The quote contains the link to the full story.  “No one should have the happiest time of their life marred by discrimination,” McCarthy, who was represented alongside her wife by the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement, according to the New York Law Journal. “We hope this decision will protect all New Yorkers from having to go through the hurt that we experienced.”  They were only renewing their vows . . .

I do not have a spotless track record when it comes to marriage, but I can saw unequivocally, the last thing I considered when making wedding plans, was to create some political statement or worse, make my "special day" be the cause of other's discomfort or destroy a business!  If a wedding means so much to these couples, why make a point of patronizing a business that would prefer not to have their business?  Perhaps these individuals have felt shunned and discriminated against, not because of their sexual preference, but due to their bullying tendencies.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.  ~ Romans