Superman: No Longer American

-- According to the following online news article:

Superman Renounces His U.S. Citizenship in 900th Issue of Action Comics
FoxNews.com -   By Hollie McKay - Published April 28, 2011

Well, the writers of Superman have failed us.  Superman has been 'Superman' for as long as I can remember.  He is as American as apple pie.   His motto has been:  "Truth, justice and the American way."  He has been a hero in America!  Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, Superman has been  a devoted American warrior who constantly fought evil and won!

The online Fox news article stated:  "I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U.S. citizenship," he says in a cell in the issue. "I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of U.S. policy."

 The article continues: "Besides being riddled with a blatant lack of patriotism, and respect for our country, Superman's current creators are belittling the United States as a whole. By denouncing his citizenship, Superman becomes an eerie metaphor for the current economic and power status the country holds worldwide," Hollywood publicist and GOP activist Angie Meyer told FOX411's Pop Tarts column.  -  "Truth, justice, and the American way -- it's not enough anymore," Superman (via writers) states.

It's difficult enough to realize there are enemies and terrorists plotting to do us harm - but now there are comic writers who are willing to add fuel to the fire, so to speak.  What's wrong with staying strong and supportive of our country?  What's wrong with being patriotic?  What's wrong with flying our nation's flag?
 
If even our comic heros can't remain American...because of twisted writers...what's next?    

I'm still proud to be an American. 
And to me, Superman will always be an American hero...
... 

David Wilkerson

.

It's late on Wednesday night.  I just saw a facebook post announcing the death of David Wilkerson today due to a car accident.  I pay tribute in this blog...to a giant of a minister...one we hold in high esteem. 

Karen Steverson says it well...and I hope she won't mind if I add her post to this blog:
“The term LEGEND is often used to describe a person of extreme influence but what about a man that supersedes superlatives..David Wilkerson”

Let me give you just a hint of the magnitude of his ministry ...cbn.com/cbnnews lists some of the information...

Wilkerson founded Teen Challenge, and Christian outreach program for troubled young people.

Founder of World Challenge, Inc., David Wilkerson is perhaps best known for his early days of ministry to young drug addicts and gang members in New York City, as published in the best-selling book The Cross and the Switchblade.

David Wilkerson is the Founding Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. He was called to New York in 1958 to minister to gang members and drug addicts, as told in the best-selling book, The Cross and the Switchblade.  In 1987, David Wilkerson returned to "the crossroads of the world" to establish Times Square Church. Since then, he has faithfully led this congregation, delivering powerful biblical messages that encourage righteous living and complete reliance on God.

Wilkerson posted a blog dated April 27 - davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com - the day of his death. In the post, titled "When All Means Fail," he encouraged those facing difficulty to "hold fast" and stand strong in faith. 

 "To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights, and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, "I am with you,'" Wilkerson wrote. "Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail-his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world."

I remember David Wilkerson from years back...I am thinking of a service in our home church in Russellville, AR (many, many years ago) - we were in the choir -  he was the guest preacher.  I was so impressed that David Wilkerson was there!

I didn't know him personally, but I feel the loss along with everyone who knew of him.  When you hear of a persons accomplishments and know the admiration and respect one has earned through the years ... you feel as though he was a part of your life, as well.  

Well done, thou good and faithful servant, David Wilkerson.  Well done!
... 

Think Like A Millionaire

Do you have old notebooks in your collection of 'stuff' that you have kept through the years?  I do.  I discovered an old red spiral notebook the other day.  The pages are yellowing with time.  It is filled with  information, web sites discovered long ago, addresses, notes, and a myriad of quotes, such as this one:

 "It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as warning to others." 

 I'm not too sure about that quote.  It's rather depressing.  But I suppose...if you feel of no value, whatsoever...that attitude could at least contribute some importance to a life.  Or not. 

 One page lists information on millionaire's...(not a clue where this came from):

A MILLIONAIRE'S CONSCIOUSNESS WOULD INCLUDE:

1.  Taking responsibility for what you have and what you want to create.

2.  Expecting the best and taking action accordingly.
3.  Creating wealth by serving others as well as yourself.
4.  Taking bigger action than you think you can.
5.  Keeping away: anything or anyone who does  not support you.
6.  Taking care of your life as if it already were a millionaire's life. 

 Millionaire's started by believing they could...and they adapted a millionaire consciousness.  They realized that taking action moves us much further than passively watching a TV show.  If you adopt one of the above steps...they say...you will come closer to abundance than your TV screen can bring you.

 We know there is a gap between where we are and where we want to be...in our finances and personal life.  I'm struggling with the 'gap'.  A gap is an empty space or an interval.  But, hold on!  If we think like a millionaire....we don't see the gap as an empty space...or an interval... we see it as an opening!

 
A gap can be an opening for you to walk through - to realize your dreams - it can be a way made for you when it seemed there was No Way! 

 You and I have the ability to think ... and to think freely!  What if thinking like a millionaire simply means:  no shoulds, coulds, or oughts are allowed in our thought process. 

 Try changing thoughts of past efforts to:  I did -  I tried  - I cared - I offered - I loved...

 Now...choose to think like a millionaire:  I will, I can, I expect, I serve, I act, I will set boundaries, I want to create.... Now, you are thinking like a millionaire! 

 God's Word tells us how to think like a millionaire:

 Proverbs 18:21  "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." 

Philippians 4:8  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

 Think according to God's Word...and you are thinking like a millionaire.  As the hymn declares:

 My Father is rich in houses and lands,

He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands!
Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold,
His coffers are full, He has riches untold.

 I'm a child of the King,

A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I'm a child of the King.

 Jesus Christ has been trying to get us to think as a child of the King.  A King's child is rich.  A King's child is blessed with abundance, lacking nothing.  We are more than  millionaire's.  In fact, we have more than money can buy.  We have a Kingdom - a city - not built with hands.   Jesus told us in John 14:2,3   "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." 

• Compared to your Kingdom inheritance, an earthly millionaire's wealth is a meager pittance.  
• You were not created for the sole purpose of simply serving as a warning to others! 
• You are more than .....You have more than.....if you are a child of the King!

..........

Jesus Lives!

!!!!!!!!!

I am thankful for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

I remember hearing the old hymn, He Lives, being sung in church on Easter Sunday.  By the time the congregation finished the first verse and started the chorus, the enthusiam and energy in their voices lifted the whole place....He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today.... -  I included a couple of verses here, along with the chorus.  If you know the song...you might want to sing along:

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;     
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.
----
Chorus:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.
---
Verse 2
In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

 The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the beginning of Christianity. If Christ had not been resurrected and seen by many people (more than 500), Christianity would not exist today. Jesus made twelve appearances after his resurrection:

1. His first appearance was to Mary Magdalene, on that early Sunday morning. (Mark 16:9; John 20:10-18).

2. Jesus appeared to the women returning from the tomb. (Matthew 28:9-10).

3. Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-32; Mark 16:12-13).

4. He appeared to Peter in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5).

5. He appeared to his disciples and other followers, and also a second time to the two men from Emmaus, in a locked room in Jerusalem. The apostle Thomas wasn't there at that time. (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23).

6. A week later, Jesus again appeared to his disciples behind locked doors, and this time Thomas was present. (John 20:24-29).

7. Jesus appeared to seven of his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. (John 21:1-24).

8. Jesus was seen by 500 believers at one time. (1 Corinthians 15:6).

9. He appeared to James. (1 Corinthians 15:7).

10. He appeared to eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee. (Matt. 28:18-20).

11. He walked with his disciples along the road to Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, and then ascended into Heaven. (Luke 24:50-53).

12. He was seen by Paul on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8).

Have you met this risen Savior?  I hope so.  How do you know He lives?  He lives within your heart.

-----

ONE LADDER, PLEASE

The ceiling of my prayer closet...just one of many changing views.

Tonight was special.  The breeze was refreshing.  I left early enough to get an hour of walking in before dusk.  It's the same place where I always go...around the corner to the vacant area - a paved street, but there are no houses built around that quarter mile loop...so far.  There are lakes on two sides...with a wide open space above and a beautiful sunset in the west.  It speaks of privacy, peace, and prayer.  That's my prayer closet.  It's been some time now since I've mentioned it. 

But tonight was special.  No rush - few golf carts passed on their way to the clubhouse - not too hot, not too cool - and plenty of time to walk and walk and walk.  And talk and talk and talk!  Listening to heavenly music (mp3 player) and viewing the handiwork of God....gotta love it.

The pictures in this blog are of my prayer closet ceiling. I remember riding my bike there one particular evening last year.  The skies were rich in color and the clouds were low, closer than usual, it seems.  I looked up and saw an opening and in that circular opening the lighter blue heavens appeared with a brilliance of light edging the clouds.  I felt certain that with a very tall ladder I could ascend through that opening and walk right up into the heavens with ease.  And I would have, too, if possible.  Genesis 28:12 gives the account of Jacob...he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.  Only I didn't have a ladder...or even see one.  I only wished for one.  Tonight, I wished for angels, too.  Maybe another time.

But tonight was special.  There was a freedom to pray for those relatives needing a salvation experience with Jesus Christ.   As I walked, I called the name of some who are battling serious physical problems, asking God to touch them with healing and strength.  Ah, the freedom of prayer while gazing into the heavens is priceless.  No wonder Jesus went into the mountains to spend the night in prayer.

The street and ceiling of my prayer closet.

After starting this blog I asked myself why I chose to write about this.  I think it is on my heart because there are so many people needing prayer...and because it just felt good to be outdoors and pray aloud, with openess and honesty, to a loving Saviour. 

Our world is a mess - security escapes us - people are hurting and we are in need of Divine Assistance.  We need the Almighty God to manifest His Presence on this earth.  What a difference a day makes when Jesus Christ touches us - when the Holy Spirit of God breathes His life into us - when He walks beside us, giving comfort and guidance.  We are desperate for someone to tell us that everything is going to be alright.

I don't know if you have a closet of prayer...I don't know if you have tried the outdoors...with the handiwork of God being your prayer closet ceiling - but one thing is for sure - we all need to be praying for each other...and for our world.  It matters little where your prayer closet is....just as long as you have one.

Matthew 21:22
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

...

Brownie Pie

Moms use various recipes through the years...of course, one will be a favorite to someone in the family.  Each time you use the recipe, you think of that particular person.  The Brownie Pie was always a favorite for one of my daughters.  I'd like to share it with you.  It may become a favorite at your house, too.

BROWNIE PIE

3 egg whites

dash of salt

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 Tbsp. cocoa

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form.  Add sugar until stiff.  Combine cocoa with crumbs and nuts.  Add crumb mixture and vanilla to egg whites.  Carefully fold in.  Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly buttered pie pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.  Cool.  Top with cool whip.

Easy as pie...no pun intended.   Let me know if you enjoy it.

Have a chocolate day!  And... God bless!
...

TO VEIL OR NOT TO VEIL

In the news today: 
"France's Ban on Face-Covering Islamic Veil Met With Defiance"
-France became the first country to ban the veils anywhere in public and veiled women are upset!

I'll admit, there are days I would relish covering my head.  Bad hair days.  Wrinkles appearing out of nowhere before their time!  The danger of being seen without makeup!

This reminds me of the day of the great storm...just a few weeks ago.  When the storm passed, the three of us decided to go for a drive and view the wind damage .... My daughter said, "Don't worry about makeup...we won't see anyone" (never believe those words) -  I was safe most of the ride, but at the last minute, as we were approaching the back entrance to the development - the car sputtered and died.  We coasted through the gate --- parked it --- then it happened.  The guard at the gate offered us a ride to the house.  Remember?  We wouldn't see anyone??  And to make it worse, my daughter got in the back seat of the man's car...on the passenger side...which meant I had to sit in the back seat behind the driver - which meant he could see me in his rear view mirror.   At that moment veiling the face would have been a good option.

The news article went on to say:
-French President Nicolas Sarkozy set the wheels in motion for the ban nearly two years ago, saying the veils imprison women and contradict this secular nation's values of dignity and equality. 
-Italy also has a law against concealing the face...but it's for security reasons.  
-Religious leaders have denounced the measure, and are struggling with what to advise the faithful.

Religious leaders remind me of Pharisees.  Max Lucado says:  "Legalism (religious rules) has no pity on people.  Legalism makes my opinion your burden, makes my opinion our boundary, makes my opinion your obligation."

The religious spirit and the Pharisaical spirit are twins. They both :
1.  Put heavy burdens on people
2.  Value tradition more than God's Word
3.  Are spiritually blind
4.  Demand you adhere to their rule of dress
5.  Cleanse the outside of their life only
6.  Persecute those who won't listen to them
7.  Judge those who do not keep their rules

Dallas Elder, The ValueGiver, Page 84 - 85:  Legalism breeds dysfunctional relationships, a false spirituality and diminishes community.  It is a selective and seductive social system, intricately wired to keep other people from gaining access and equality.  It delights in division.  Jesus spoke many indictments against them regarding their legalistic, heartless, self-serving form of religion.  He condemned them for creating burdens and barriers for people, whom God desired to enfold into His Family.

When will religious rules stop?  Probably ... never.  Not as long as men/women value their rules above God's Word.

When will spiritual freedom begin?  It will begin only when we recognize bondage and realize the freedom to be gained through serving Jesus Christ.

To veil or not to veil?  I think...Not!
...

RUN! And Call Your Father!

“I grabbed him, body slammed him and put him in a nice headlock and waited till the deputies showed up,” the teen's dad told the news source.

Here's the story:  It took place last Thursday, April 7, 2011, in the state of Oregon.  A 13 year old girl was walking home from school when a sex offender approached her asking for her name and then tried to grab her by the shoulder.  Her first instinct was to Run!  Then she used her cell to call her dad.  Dad arrives quickly and the two of them drive around the area looking for the offender.  They spot him a few blocks away.  The dad gets out...grabs the guy...body slams him (and for this I applaud) and anchors him in a nice headlock....just controlling the situation, which in this case is one mean sex offender...until the deputies arrive (and again, I must applaud!!)

My hat is off to this dad!  He did what every dad would do.  He rushed to her ... put her in his protective care...and went after the attacker.  He located the villian and he apprehended him.  He saved his daughter, and possibly another teen, from an attack!  He stopped the enemy in his tracks. 

I call this dad a hero.  But actually, he did what came natural as a dad. He was simply protecting his child.  That's what our Heavenly Father does for us! 

When you are uneasy, feeling threatened or insecure, or facing an overwhelming situation in your life.  The hand of the attacker is touching your shoulder...

#1.  Run.  Don't stand idle and spend your energy worrying.  Don't entertain the enemy!  Stop battling the situation with your human strength.  Remember, you can't reason with the attacker once he has targeted you with an intent.  His intent is to bring you under his control for his purpose.  Escaping the presence of the attacker diminishes his ability to fulfill this evil intent.  Run to the Word of God.  Run to prayer.  Run.

 #2.  Yell.  Call out to your Heavenly Father!  Get His attention.  Tell Him what is happening.  When you do this, your Father will act in that same protective mode as the girl's dad...and rush to where you are.  He is everywhere at once. He is all-power and all-knowing...He will arrive faster than the speed-of-light...He will show no mercy to the one coming against you.  If the teen had not called her dad last Thursday, he wouldn't have known of her danger.  She knew what to do.  She escaped the enemy's presence - She contacted her dad.  ~ Run and Yell.

#3.  Stay in the presence of your Father.  Ride with Him. Just because your Heavenly Father came to your rescue doesn't mean that you can turn your back on Him.  There's a very old story about a man who was sliding off his roof and he cried out to God to save him.  About that time a nail caught his britches and he said, "Never mind, God, this nail saved me."  Too many people live risky lives,  neglecting to stay in the presence of the Father.  They only want Him when they are in trouble. Your absence from the presence of the Father paints a bright yellow bullseye on your back and it says, "Hey, devil, I'm weak!  Attack me!"   Stay, remain, dwell...in your Father's presence.  It's safe there.

#4.  Identify the culprit.  Point him out.  Who attacked you?  Who threatened you?  What/Who is it that is stealing your peace?  What or who is a threat to your children?  Why are finances scarce?  I can just see myself sitting beside Jesus Christ and pointing to the enemy of my soul and saying, "There he is, Jesus! That's him!"  Yes, I feel pretty tough sitting in the presence of Jesus and naming the culprit! 

#5.  Wait.  There are battles in life that must be fought under the direction and guidance of God.  Check them out in the Old Testament.  They moved when He said to move.  They fought when He said to fight.  They conquered at His command.  And not until.  There are times you are to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.  You will win no war unless you follow His Word.  But if you obey the Word, there's is no army big enough nor strong enough to stand against you. 

#6.  Watch.   Faith comes into play here.  The teen stood by and watched the event unfold.  She had done all she could.  She did all that was within her strength to do.  She stood by and watchde her father take action against her enemy.  If you have little faith, you probably won't be still and watch.  You will get involved, but in ways that only hinder.  Little faith is why we prefer to be involved.  The flesh itches to be busy.  Pride and Ego call the shots.  We call everyone we know and talk - we blame - we get in the way.  Stop.  Watch God work.  Be still.  Be quiet.

#7. Rejoice.  The young girl saw her enemy brought down and held captive.  She watched her dad.  He was her deliverer!   She could go home, untouched, unharmed, and unafraid.  I see her racing inside her home - hugging her mom and other family members.  No doubt she is one happy gal...knowing her dad fought for her that day. 

Well, we've covered a lot in this blog.  I just want you to know one thing.   Your Heavenly Father loves you so much more than your earthly father.  Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13 tell us that if our earthly father knows how to give good gifts... how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him - and how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask? 

You have a strong and loving heavenly Father.  Run to Him. Call to Him.  Stay in His presence. Watch Him work in your behalf.  Identify the real enemy.  Wait on the Lord.  Watch and pray.  And lastly, Rejoice.  Your Heavenly Father loves you, too.
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