I heard a great statement the other day, and I thought I'd share.
"Man fires the bullets, it's God that decides what they strike."-Gen. Gorostieta
What a great analogy! Our ammo pouch is full! We have the tools to change the tide of the battle. It's simply a matter of using those tools God gives us and trust in His aim. Our most deadly weapon is our example. The primer that fires our example is our world view. Our world view ignites our thought process, and those thoughts fire our example as it explodes from the barrel; ready to claim a bulls eye and defeat the enemy, stinking thinking.
Can you see how important it is to keep your powder dry? Anything you allow to contaminate that which drives your example, risks a misfire when facing the enemy. And as warriors in a battle for the hearts and minds of a moral and just society, we have to be ever vigilant as to our mental input. The enemy is always lurking, offering distractions that on face value seem harmless. But those are the tools our opponent uses in their covert operations. They plant the seed of doubt or victimization, and cultivate that weed to overrun our garden of example.
So drink deeply of good books my friend. Cultivate the wisdom that holds the secret to success. Arm yourself with the fire power of a exemplary example, and lead others to truth. There is no greater victory than to be the arsenal that crushes stinking thinking, and points others toward the life they've always wanted.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Where the Difference Lay!
"Good men of good principles can disagree. "
Perhaps this is where the divide in the Christian church is best understood. You see we are human and of our own opinions. Yet we all seek the truth as Christians, just under different circumstances. My opinion of salvation or the doctrine varies just a tad from yours, but we all seek the same results. This is how I imagine the different variations of Christianity came to pass. Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Catholic, etc, all based on the teachings in the Bible, just different interpretation. The only thing that truly divides us is our opinions. We have good principles grounded in the teaching of the Bible, but the arrogance of standing on what our disagreements are define our sect of worship. A specific difference between God and man.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Perhaps this is where the divide in the Christian church is best understood. You see we are human and of our own opinions. Yet we all seek the truth as Christians, just under different circumstances. My opinion of salvation or the doctrine varies just a tad from yours, but we all seek the same results. This is how I imagine the different variations of Christianity came to pass. Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Catholic, etc, all based on the teachings in the Bible, just different interpretation. The only thing that truly divides us is our opinions. We have good principles grounded in the teaching of the Bible, but the arrogance of standing on what our disagreements are define our sect of worship. A specific difference between God and man.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, July 14, 2012
For Greater Glory!
If it were up to people like me the movie industry would go broke. But last night I sidestepped tradition and visited the theater for the second time this decade.The last visit was to see Atlas Shrugged, the move before that was The Perfect Storm, and prior to that I watched Eight Seconds, and only a decade or so before that I enjoyed the original Star Wars. So as you can tell the Theater and I don't have a personal relationship, but not much has changed. I was excited to see that the second part of Atlas Shrugged is due to open in October, so we can learn more about John Galt. That's also a very timely release as the elections are right around the corner and Ayn Rand's timeless novel strikes so close to home in this time of economic peril. (I'm sure my 200 percent increase in entertainment spending this decade is helping to stem the tide on that financial issue). Anyway, the reason I wandered into unfamiliar territory was to see the movie Greater Glory. Interestingly, just like Atlas Shrugged it's not an easy movie to find if your seeking to enjoy it's entertainment value. I was told the theater has to be enticed by locals to offer a showing, as it wasn't on it's radar as a blockbuster moneymaker.
That's truly a shame because it is a wonderful portrayal and an incredible story of faith, freedom, and redemption. It also has interesting release timing as our country is addressing just this issue. Perhaps that could be the cause of the scarcity of theaters offering it's showing? I'm not certain if the movie is grounded in historical fact, or if the director took liberties with the plot, but if the United States did indeed react to Mexico's crushing of religious freedom as portrayed in the film, we indeed should be ashamed. If you take recommendations from a person who is completely unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, go see it. It'll make you laugh, cry, cheer, boo, and it'll make you think. The only disappointment I had with the whole experience was the ticket sales girl who had to be all of sixteen. After I got home and was emptying out my pockets, I examined my ticket stub a little more closely only to find she had given me a senior discount. It might be time to wash away some of this gray!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
That's truly a shame because it is a wonderful portrayal and an incredible story of faith, freedom, and redemption. It also has interesting release timing as our country is addressing just this issue. Perhaps that could be the cause of the scarcity of theaters offering it's showing? I'm not certain if the movie is grounded in historical fact, or if the director took liberties with the plot, but if the United States did indeed react to Mexico's crushing of religious freedom as portrayed in the film, we indeed should be ashamed. If you take recommendations from a person who is completely unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, go see it. It'll make you laugh, cry, cheer, boo, and it'll make you think. The only disappointment I had with the whole experience was the ticket sales girl who had to be all of sixteen. After I got home and was emptying out my pockets, I examined my ticket stub a little more closely only to find she had given me a senior discount. It might be time to wash away some of this gray!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, July 13, 2012
Truth!
Fundamental basic truth will arise out of personal reflection and most importantly, experience! They illuminate and reinforce purpose. For example....
The ends never justify the means
Values are not culturally defined.
Values without morality mean nothing, because your standing for nothing.
Not all values are equal.
Life is cause and effect. Sooner or later you sit down to a banquet of consequences.
There are moral absolutes, and they must take preference over social or economic trends.
Commitments are more important than self interests. The selfish pursuit of something is not worth your reputation.
It takes years to build a reputation and seconds to destroy it.
Truth is knowing that your character is shaped by your decisions.
Watch your beliefs; they become thoughts.
Guard your thoughts; they become your spoken word.
Mind your words; they become actions.
Monitor your actions; they become habits.
Review your habits; they instill character.
Protect your character; it is your legacy!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, July 12, 2012
This Is Handled Poorly!
One of the tricks of government is to classify people into status groups. Perhaps you've heard our President refer to the rich of this great nation when discussing tax rates. I've often wondered why he treats success as a four letter word, don't you think prosperous is a more accurate definition? Anyway, within these categorizations is the lower class that you rarely hear the government talk about. They certainly are vocal about the middle class workers and the prosperous that they wish to impose higher taxes on, but it's not often they highlight the poor people of this nation. Probably for good reason as they don't really spotlight the results of unsuccessful policy. But while government ignores this group of people, the Bible does not.
The poor can be broken down into four categories as they appear in the Scripture. The first group consists of individuals who are poor because of a direct result of indolence, irresponsibility. God's response to such behavior is understandably without compassion. "Consider the ant thou sluggard." Go watch the ant and learn how to live. Paul is very strict in his rebuke in the New Testament: "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."-2 Thess. 3:10
However we cannot lump everyone of the disadvantaged into this description. There are lots of people who fall into this classification that are void of sin or from a result of being lazy. There are those who are poor because of calamity, disease, accident and other circumstances. Scripture tells us that it's our responsibility to pour out our hearts in compassion and give assistance to those who are suffering through no fault of their own. Please note there isn't a word of government intervention here. We are our brother's keepers, not politicians in Washington who've acquired a godlike aura and pass out entitlements to those in need for exchanging favors in the ballot box.
The third group are those who are poor due to tyranny, or exploitation by the powerful. If you listen to the politicians today, you could surmise that to be anyone who makes under a million dollars a year, as they believe every dollar earned in prosperity was one that was taken from another. It could be they feel guilty as all their revenue is derived from the imposing of taxes on the hard working citizen. Back to point, God demands we fight for justice for these victims and be advocates and defenders of these people in need. That's the righteous thing for Christians to do.
The fourth and final group is comprised of those who are poor voluntarily. Mother Theresa come to mind as one of those blessed few who live in poverty so they can serve others. It takes a special individual to sacrifice worldly gain as a personal commitment so they can devote their entire attention toward the well being of others. They not only deserve our support, but our whole hearted approval. They understand their reward will be in heaven, not here on earth. You better believe their riches will far exceed any known to man on earth.
I think I have a better grasp now of why politicians don't directly address the poor. It's more complicated than issues they like to address. It's easier to lump them all together and write a taxpayer supported check to resolve the issue. Instead of understanding and dealing with each aspect of poverty as a separate problem, they move it off the table of priorities by throwing tax dollars at it. The results speak for themselves. This is why government shouldn't be involved in charity.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
The poor can be broken down into four categories as they appear in the Scripture. The first group consists of individuals who are poor because of a direct result of indolence, irresponsibility. God's response to such behavior is understandably without compassion. "Consider the ant thou sluggard." Go watch the ant and learn how to live. Paul is very strict in his rebuke in the New Testament: "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."-2 Thess. 3:10
However we cannot lump everyone of the disadvantaged into this description. There are lots of people who fall into this classification that are void of sin or from a result of being lazy. There are those who are poor because of calamity, disease, accident and other circumstances. Scripture tells us that it's our responsibility to pour out our hearts in compassion and give assistance to those who are suffering through no fault of their own. Please note there isn't a word of government intervention here. We are our brother's keepers, not politicians in Washington who've acquired a godlike aura and pass out entitlements to those in need for exchanging favors in the ballot box.
The third group are those who are poor due to tyranny, or exploitation by the powerful. If you listen to the politicians today, you could surmise that to be anyone who makes under a million dollars a year, as they believe every dollar earned in prosperity was one that was taken from another. It could be they feel guilty as all their revenue is derived from the imposing of taxes on the hard working citizen. Back to point, God demands we fight for justice for these victims and be advocates and defenders of these people in need. That's the righteous thing for Christians to do.
The fourth and final group is comprised of those who are poor voluntarily. Mother Theresa come to mind as one of those blessed few who live in poverty so they can serve others. It takes a special individual to sacrifice worldly gain as a personal commitment so they can devote their entire attention toward the well being of others. They not only deserve our support, but our whole hearted approval. They understand their reward will be in heaven, not here on earth. You better believe their riches will far exceed any known to man on earth.
I think I have a better grasp now of why politicians don't directly address the poor. It's more complicated than issues they like to address. It's easier to lump them all together and write a taxpayer supported check to resolve the issue. Instead of understanding and dealing with each aspect of poverty as a separate problem, they move it off the table of priorities by throwing tax dollars at it. The results speak for themselves. This is why government shouldn't be involved in charity.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
We Must Do Better!
Well today's a political day because I just cannot get this issue out of my mind. If you don't live in a cave your aware that at the end of the year the tax cuts granted to the American citizens, (all of them), under former President George Bush will expire by the end of the year. And in turn your probably cognizant that our current President has decided that they need to be renewed for everyone who earns under $250,000.00 a year, and anyone over that thresh hold the pending increase should stand.
This is so wrong in so many ways. First of all the law applies to you and I equally as it should in any society that loves justice. We hold this premise so dear it's inscribed over the entrance to the highest court in the land in these words, "Equal justice under the law." Now if we all understand that the tax code is a law, it shouldn't be too difficult to comprehend that if I'm taxed at one rate, we all should be taxed at the same rate. That is simply a fair treatment for all the people who live and earn income in this country. If you earn more the fact that we tax by percentage allows for you to pay more, but that percentage should be the same for everyone. Otherwise the tax code is being used as a penalty to retard success.
When the Bible tells us to tithe, it doesn't say some should tithe at different rates than others, in fact 10% across the board is what is called for. Here's a question for you. Are we elevating the government over God by insisting that a larger percentage of our income goes to the government than our spiritual cause? Isn't that a tad arrogant?
Now the President has this brilliant idea he's trying to use to convince the other legislators who stand opposed to this increase that's absolutely absurd. He's announcing that since they all agree that those under $250,000.00 should see an increase, the legislators should pass that part and they can negotiate the tax increase on the wealthier individuals at a later date. Right! While this kind of trust might be issued to someone who actually wants to have this discussion in good faith, you'd have to be an absolute simpleton to believe he has any intention of furthering this discussion after the President's agenda has been passed. This is the "liar in chief," a man who stands before the American public and knowingly announces either half truth, or outright lies. There is no trust to be ceded an individual of this historical deception. We are dealing with a total lack of character, no integrity, and trust is the last thing you grant individuals like this. Well, really the last thing you should give him is your vote, next to last is your trust.
Your word is your sacred bond. How did we get here? We have a leader that if he told you his shirt was blue, you'd have to have that verified by several trusted sources to believe it. Is this really how we want our country led? The man wrote two books about his life and they are both a pack of lies! We can't even trust he was the author! It terrible not to be able to get past the front cover before your calling into question the integrity of the information inside. This is what our country has making decisions in the executive branch. Is it a wonder that we've reached the state of decay we currently enjoy? We can and must do better!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
This is so wrong in so many ways. First of all the law applies to you and I equally as it should in any society that loves justice. We hold this premise so dear it's inscribed over the entrance to the highest court in the land in these words, "Equal justice under the law." Now if we all understand that the tax code is a law, it shouldn't be too difficult to comprehend that if I'm taxed at one rate, we all should be taxed at the same rate. That is simply a fair treatment for all the people who live and earn income in this country. If you earn more the fact that we tax by percentage allows for you to pay more, but that percentage should be the same for everyone. Otherwise the tax code is being used as a penalty to retard success.
When the Bible tells us to tithe, it doesn't say some should tithe at different rates than others, in fact 10% across the board is what is called for. Here's a question for you. Are we elevating the government over God by insisting that a larger percentage of our income goes to the government than our spiritual cause? Isn't that a tad arrogant?
Now the President has this brilliant idea he's trying to use to convince the other legislators who stand opposed to this increase that's absolutely absurd. He's announcing that since they all agree that those under $250,000.00 should see an increase, the legislators should pass that part and they can negotiate the tax increase on the wealthier individuals at a later date. Right! While this kind of trust might be issued to someone who actually wants to have this discussion in good faith, you'd have to be an absolute simpleton to believe he has any intention of furthering this discussion after the President's agenda has been passed. This is the "liar in chief," a man who stands before the American public and knowingly announces either half truth, or outright lies. There is no trust to be ceded an individual of this historical deception. We are dealing with a total lack of character, no integrity, and trust is the last thing you grant individuals like this. Well, really the last thing you should give him is your vote, next to last is your trust.
Your word is your sacred bond. How did we get here? We have a leader that if he told you his shirt was blue, you'd have to have that verified by several trusted sources to believe it. Is this really how we want our country led? The man wrote two books about his life and they are both a pack of lies! We can't even trust he was the author! It terrible not to be able to get past the front cover before your calling into question the integrity of the information inside. This is what our country has making decisions in the executive branch. Is it a wonder that we've reached the state of decay we currently enjoy? We can and must do better!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Don't Be Negative!
One of the most under appreciated and overlooked women in history has to be Noah's wife. The account of her outstanding achievement is so poor we aren't even sure of her name, as it's not mentioned in The Book of Genesis. We can take a stab at it from other information were it suggests it might have been, Emzara, or Nuraita, or even Naamah, but imagine yourself in her shoes of a second.
Your hubby comes home and proclaims he just had a conversation with God. "That's nice honey," she says. "He want me to build an Ark," announces Noah.
" What's an Ark, babe?" asks his wife.
" I'm not sure, but I was told it's 300 cubits long, by 50 cubits wide, by 30 cubits high, and constructed out of gopher wood." responds Noah!
"That's nice hon, what's a cubit?" she asks with wonder.
"I'm told that a cubit is the length of my arm from my elbow to my fingertips," Noah informs her. "And we are to fill it with animals, two by two in breeding pairs."
"Wow, that sounds like quite a task. What's the purpose?" inquires his wife.
"Well there is going to be this great flood that'll consume the earth, and we were chosen to repopulate it." Noah proclaims.
Now at this point Noah's wife had a decision to make. She could have been a negative wife, or supported her husband's purpose. Imagine if she had told him this was a crazy scheme and demanded he get back to work providing for her and his family in the only way he knew how. "Get your head out of the clouds and quit listening to voices!" Might have very well been her response. Mankind and all life would have been destroyed from the earth, and it all hinged on the support of a loving spouse. We should take pause and reflect when opportunity presents itself. Are we playing a role in history as our purpose is rolled out before us, or are we being the wet blanket that smothers greatness? Noah's effort took all the resources of his family and all it's support, but the outcome has been the survival of mankind. They couldn't have realized their reward until the floods came. Talk about delayed gratification!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Your hubby comes home and proclaims he just had a conversation with God. "That's nice honey," she says. "He want me to build an Ark," announces Noah.
" What's an Ark, babe?" asks his wife.
" I'm not sure, but I was told it's 300 cubits long, by 50 cubits wide, by 30 cubits high, and constructed out of gopher wood." responds Noah!
"That's nice hon, what's a cubit?" she asks with wonder.
"I'm told that a cubit is the length of my arm from my elbow to my fingertips," Noah informs her. "And we are to fill it with animals, two by two in breeding pairs."
"Wow, that sounds like quite a task. What's the purpose?" inquires his wife.
"Well there is going to be this great flood that'll consume the earth, and we were chosen to repopulate it." Noah proclaims.
Now at this point Noah's wife had a decision to make. She could have been a negative wife, or supported her husband's purpose. Imagine if she had told him this was a crazy scheme and demanded he get back to work providing for her and his family in the only way he knew how. "Get your head out of the clouds and quit listening to voices!" Might have very well been her response. Mankind and all life would have been destroyed from the earth, and it all hinged on the support of a loving spouse. We should take pause and reflect when opportunity presents itself. Are we playing a role in history as our purpose is rolled out before us, or are we being the wet blanket that smothers greatness? Noah's effort took all the resources of his family and all it's support, but the outcome has been the survival of mankind. They couldn't have realized their reward until the floods came. Talk about delayed gratification!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
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