Memorial Weekend 2008

And God shall wipe away all their tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. –Revelation 21:4

“Two Kinds of People in the World…

…The ones who backup their computers, and the ones who wish they did.”  — My Computer Guy this past Saturday.

I don’t know if it was a particular virus that crashed my system this past week or if my home computer hard drive just gave up the ghost, but I’m just trying not to think about all the wonderful memories that might be forever lost.  All the family pictures especially.  All those hours of patient editing, etc.  Until the Computer Guy says he can’t recover anything, my Wife and I are still holding on to a small chance that he can recover our files.

I thought of those verses this weekend that talk about the danger of storing up our treasures on earth rather than Heaven and that where my treasure is there will my heart be also.  (Matthew 6:19-21)  I suppose the same holds true for the virtual world.  I need to make make sure my priorities are in order.  At least I didn’t lose everything because my home burned down or anything like that, but failure to prepare the possibility of a serious computer system malfunction has been a hard lesson learned. 

The ironic thing is that I thought I was more than protected, but more than one anti-virus program is not generally good for computer systems and may have contributed to the meltdown.  (Another thing I learned from the Computer Guy.)  Oh, well.  We live and we learn, and I for one will never make that mistake again. 

Now Showing in a non-Islamic Country Near You

Conservemus posted a short film for us to watch in two 7 minute parts.  It’s officially been pulled according his post, but still available to view for now.  This courageous short documentary-type piece by filmmaker and Dutch politician, Geert Wilders is called FITNA, and many Islamic people around the world are furious.  But the film is powerful because it shows the radical extremists speaking from their own mouths and acting out of the hatred spread among them.  If you are so inclined: CLICK HERE for Paul’s post.     

I was hesitant to watch the clips, but at some point we Americans must confront the ugly truth of radical Islam and jihadists.  I cannot emphasize enough McCain’s strength of leadership in dealing with the reality of what we as a nation face from Islamic extremists.  This is also a strong reminder that America is in the midst of spiritual warfare as real as any war and that Christian Americans must continue to pray for wisdom for ourselves, our nation, and our leaders in this age of global extremism.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but everlasting life.” –John 3:16

Have a Blessed Easter

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  If in the this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. I Corinthians 15:12-19

 The wonderful hope in Christ.

Is Wright Right?

Soundbytes are not usually fair representations of significant issues and always inappropriate when used out of context.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear what these two pastors are saying: 

followed by this…

Now that you’ve heard more from these pulpits, does that change your perspective?  One is Obama’s pastor.  One is McCain’s spiritual advisor.  If only Obama would change his position on abortion, then he would at least be consistent with the overall message given by these ministers.  I’ve got to admit, that while I feel very blessed to be an American, I also don’t always feel that America deserves God’s blessing.  I think most people can understand that distinction.  After watching these longer clips, I’m reminded of the necessity for prayer on my knees, ”God save America.”