First I want to say that I am sad that Ted Kennedy lost his life to brain cancer. Even though I have never been a fan of the Kennedys, my heart goes out to them because they have suffered so many tragedies over the decades. A few years back A&E Biography did a episode on Ted’s life. After watching this program, I had stmphatyfor him.
After he married Joan in 1958, the young couple wanted buy a ranch and move out west. However this did not happen because of the control that Joe Sr. had over his children. I have often thought that if Ted had defied his father, he and Joan may have never divorced. Also the tragic incident at Chappaquiddick would not have taken place.
Now he has been dead for almost a month, his Senate seat remains open due to his own lobbying efforts in 2004. At the time Republican Mitt Romney was Governor and John Kerry was running for President. Earlier this year, when he realized his life may end, Kennedy wanted to change the law because Massachusetts now has a Democratic Governor. This shows the double standard found in partisan politics. Also proves that political greed can backfire on anyone, no matter who you are.
A Special Election which is scheduled to take place January 19th, 2009
Ted Kennedy
Rest In Peace
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: Zacchaeus
David slew a giant, and became a mighty king. Peter, James, and John left their nets to follow Jesus. As a result they became great leaders in the first century church. Zacchaeus never became an apostle or a king, but he did become a great man of God.
Luke 19:1-10 records the story of Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector for the city of Jericho. The religious leaders declared any Jew, who held this position, a traitor. Like the prostitutes, they were not permitted to enter public places. And if anyone happen to pass them on the street, they would be ignored.
In addition to being shunned, Zacchaeus had a reputation of being dishonest. He was one of those government officials who like dipping his hand into the cookie jar. If you had known Zacchaeus personally, you would not think he was destined for greatness. Like so many people who seem to be hard on the outside, Zacchaeus was a miserable man.
By this time the fame of Jesus had spread throughout Israel. And like every city that Jesus entered, he was greeted by a huge mob. Zacchaeus wanted to see this man that everybody was talking about. But Zacchaeus was a very short man, and could not see above the crowd. Then Zacchaeus did something that children, centuries later, would sing about. He climbed up that sycamore tree. Jesus passed by, looked up, and said those famous words. "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house." Luke 19:5 (KJV).
Anyone who was raised in Sunday school knows the song "Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man." This was the very first song that my three-year-old learned. In her bible story book there is a picture of Zacchaeus up in a tree. When she only one year old, Anna would point to the picture and say, "No! No! No!" But there is more to this story.
Jesus went to his home, and Zacchaeus became a believer. He promised to give half his wealth to the poor. And to those, who he had cheated, Zacchaeus promised to return fourfold. His story shows how Jesus Christ can change a life. Those who had opposed Christ accused him for socializing with sinners. Jesus responded by saying, "For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which is lost." Matthew 19: 10 (KJV)
The key to Zacchaeus’ greatness is not determined by anything he accomplished, but what Christ did through him. When Christ was here on earth, he not only he the physical sick. He also healed those who were spiritually sick. The emptiness that was in the heart of Zacchaeus was filled by Jesus.
Zacchaeus did not receive any titles, nor did he perform any great miracles. He was simply a man who had a giving heart.
Luke 19:1-10 records the story of Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector for the city of Jericho. The religious leaders declared any Jew, who held this position, a traitor. Like the prostitutes, they were not permitted to enter public places. And if anyone happen to pass them on the street, they would be ignored.
In addition to being shunned, Zacchaeus had a reputation of being dishonest. He was one of those government officials who like dipping his hand into the cookie jar. If you had known Zacchaeus personally, you would not think he was destined for greatness. Like so many people who seem to be hard on the outside, Zacchaeus was a miserable man.
By this time the fame of Jesus had spread throughout Israel. And like every city that Jesus entered, he was greeted by a huge mob. Zacchaeus wanted to see this man that everybody was talking about. But Zacchaeus was a very short man, and could not see above the crowd. Then Zacchaeus did something that children, centuries later, would sing about. He climbed up that sycamore tree. Jesus passed by, looked up, and said those famous words. "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house." Luke 19:5 (KJV).
Anyone who was raised in Sunday school knows the song "Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man." This was the very first song that my three-year-old learned. In her bible story book there is a picture of Zacchaeus up in a tree. When she only one year old, Anna would point to the picture and say, "No! No! No!" But there is more to this story.
Jesus went to his home, and Zacchaeus became a believer. He promised to give half his wealth to the poor. And to those, who he had cheated, Zacchaeus promised to return fourfold. His story shows how Jesus Christ can change a life. Those who had opposed Christ accused him for socializing with sinners. Jesus responded by saying, "For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which is lost." Matthew 19: 10 (KJV)
The key to Zacchaeus’ greatness is not determined by anything he accomplished, but what Christ did through him. When Christ was here on earth, he not only he the physical sick. He also healed those who were spiritually sick. The emptiness that was in the heart of Zacchaeus was filled by Jesus.
Zacchaeus did not receive any titles, nor did he perform any great miracles. He was simply a man who had a giving heart.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: Abel
This is a series I wrote several years ago on another site.
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: Abel
We hear a lot about role models and heroes these days. Former Congressman John Kasich wrote a book about heroes of everyday life. Also he once hosted a television show, on Fox, about the same subject. I guess old or young we all need heroes in our lives. This even applies to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives a list of several people who were heroes in God’s eyes. All these people share one thing in common, they all had faith.
The first man listed, in this chapter was Abel. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it being dead yet speaketh." Hebrews 11:4 (KJV).
Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, and by occupation he was a shepherd. There came a time when he and his brother Cain brought sacrifices to the Lord. Abel brought the best of his flocks. Cain, being a farmer, brought the best of his crops. God blessed Abel’s offering, but rejected Cains because it was a product of man’s handy work. God offered Cain a second chance, and even a blessing. Instead Cain slew his brother. Just remember that the first murder was a result of one’s dedication to God. Able is the first martyr.
Cain went into the land of Nod, and founded an ungodly race of men. His descendants worked with brass, invented the first musical instruments, and founded the first city. It was named Enoch after Cain’s son.
Adam and Eve had a third son named Seth. It was this son who was given Abel’s blessing. Noah was a descendant of Seth, which means that we are all descendants of him. All the children of Cain were drowned in the great flood.
After the flood Noah blessed his oldest son Shem. Abraham came from the lineage of Shem. Judah, Abraham’s great-grandson, was promised that a mighty lion would come out his tribe. The Lion of Judah is Jesus Christ.
Even though Able lost his life, his blessing lived on. It was fulfilled through Jesus, and the cross. Jesus warned that those who kill, God’s children, would pay the price. "That upon you may come righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the righteous blood of Abel unto the blood of Zecharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar." Matthew 23:35 (KJV).
Like Cain, we are guilty of shedding innocent blood. All of us are to blame for Jesus’ death on the cross. However we do not have to make the same foolish decisions. Abel sought God’s blessings, and in turn several generations were blessed.
Hidden Heroes of the Bible: Abel
We hear a lot about role models and heroes these days. Former Congressman John Kasich wrote a book about heroes of everyday life. Also he once hosted a television show, on Fox, about the same subject. I guess old or young we all need heroes in our lives. This even applies to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives a list of several people who were heroes in God’s eyes. All these people share one thing in common, they all had faith.
The first man listed, in this chapter was Abel. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it being dead yet speaketh." Hebrews 11:4 (KJV).
Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, and by occupation he was a shepherd. There came a time when he and his brother Cain brought sacrifices to the Lord. Abel brought the best of his flocks. Cain, being a farmer, brought the best of his crops. God blessed Abel’s offering, but rejected Cains because it was a product of man’s handy work. God offered Cain a second chance, and even a blessing. Instead Cain slew his brother. Just remember that the first murder was a result of one’s dedication to God. Able is the first martyr.
Cain went into the land of Nod, and founded an ungodly race of men. His descendants worked with brass, invented the first musical instruments, and founded the first city. It was named Enoch after Cain’s son.
Adam and Eve had a third son named Seth. It was this son who was given Abel’s blessing. Noah was a descendant of Seth, which means that we are all descendants of him. All the children of Cain were drowned in the great flood.
After the flood Noah blessed his oldest son Shem. Abraham came from the lineage of Shem. Judah, Abraham’s great-grandson, was promised that a mighty lion would come out his tribe. The Lion of Judah is Jesus Christ.
Even though Able lost his life, his blessing lived on. It was fulfilled through Jesus, and the cross. Jesus warned that those who kill, God’s children, would pay the price. "That upon you may come righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the righteous blood of Abel unto the blood of Zecharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar." Matthew 23:35 (KJV).
Like Cain, we are guilty of shedding innocent blood. All of us are to blame for Jesus’ death on the cross. However we do not have to make the same foolish decisions. Abel sought God’s blessings, and in turn several generations were blessed.
Friday, September 04, 2009
In September
Workers
Are paid tribute
One day in September
Yet most blue collars still labor
This day
My monthly cinquain
Are paid tribute
One day in September
Yet most blue collars still labor
This day
My monthly cinquain
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
