The New Civil War

Written By: Kirk Peterson

America Chooses a President

I know many of my fellow Republicans were depressed and dejected after Obama won re-election.  I picture us all in robes, wearing backwards baseball caps, depressed and sulking just as Stephen Colbert portrayed on his show. 

See the Nov. 7th episode here: http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/wed-november-7-2012-doris-kearns-goodwin

Being the proverbial political junkie, I love to watch the comedy satire shows The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.  I was particularly interested to hear what John Stewart had to say on the Democratic victory. One of his views in particular made my ears perk up and speaks to something I have spoken to many times recently in my blogs.  I'm paraphrasing here but--he said that conservatives like to paint Democrats as having low moral character and somehow their views on issues like gay marriage and abortion marks them as morally wrong.  We ALL fall short of gods glory and EVERYONE of us sin.

"22We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." -Romans 3:22-24 (New Living Translation)

 

Christan/Democrat/Humanity it makes no difference what label you use--since the fall of man, sin has entered the heart of man and evil desires and temptation steal us away from the higher road that we might walk on otherwise.  I think a lot of the world views people of faith as hypocrites in this regard for we often judge others at times when we need to be looking at our self.  God has definitely put on my heart that our country has fallen so very far in our morals that we are in dangerous waters.  In my study on the book of Genesis, I'm reminded of how far Man had fallen before and of God's perfect judgement on the world with his great flood.

God's Truth

See Image Here: http://www.geeksofdoom.com/GoD/img/2012/02/2012-02-28-noahs_ark.jpg

5The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 7And the Lord said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” 8But Noah found favor with the Lord. - Genesis 6:5-8 (New Living Translation)

In my study on the book of Genesis, I was taken aback by the statement, everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. Man had fallen so far into sin, that their EVERY thought and ACTION was EVIL! Can you imagine a world so dark and foreboding? Though the heart of man has sin, thank the Father in heaven, we also still have light and righteousness through Jesus The Messiah. Our world is in a state of decaying morals and I see more wickedness and corruption spreading throughout our land. Think back to our grandparents generation here in the United States. Remember the strong moral character people had back then? You could let your kids play in the neighborhood without worrying. People left their front door unlocked and neighbor's helped each other out when they needed it. Even though we have not fallen to the extent that man had in Noah's time, God's judgement is coming not by water but by fire. 

5They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 8But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment." -2 Peter 3:5-10 (New Living Translation)

See Image Here: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gEMBGYJEkPbmckZtx7E6Pih1zDtDmhKRpralgr4dPZAOuE_Ma_fIBOeisFaGfODyKLoGICIefFP2SU_J_zUyc60pewftosPg7PEcqeN4fFVMnU0rN5s7aEk45vWjWkZVQFjW6dCEY2Zg/s1600/Judgement%2520Day%5B1%5D.jpg

God has perfect justice and his judgement on the world was to destroy His entire creation with a flood and it broke his heart. However, there was one person---only one person in the entire world who found favor with the Lord and that was Noah. 

"9This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. "-Genesis 6:9 (New Living Translation)

It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Can you imagine the tremendous amount of Faith it would have taken for him to bear the trials that surely came from the evil of man around him when he was being obedient to God and fulfilling his command to build the ark that would act as the new beginning for man after the flood?

The New Civil War

After the election, I was left there standing saddened by the outcome.  I found it very interesting that our political system pits two sides against each other struggling for victory.  At a time when our country needs to unite to face the incredible challenges laid out before us, our political system instead divides us.  Why?  Is it really the natural course of our country's thinking, the equilibrium of our thoughts and beliefs that lead us to two separate teams and groups: Democrats vs. Republicans.  Or is it by design?  Has someone or something chosen to make the political system this way to further some larger and more sinister agenda? 

See Image Here: http://www.soldierstudies.org/images/webquest/civil%20war%20soldiers.jpg

24“A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.25Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 27...Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house." -Mark 3:24-25; 27 (New Living Translation)

Gods word tells us the fate of a kingdom that is divided.  The bible tells us the destructive nature of feuding and the consequence it has in our family.  Many of us have seen this not only in the history of our world with the rise & fall of governments, but here at our home with our own families.  Satan is crafty.  The heart of man is tempted by sin, but it is only through repentance by acknowledging our evil and asking our creator for forgiveness that we can be washed clean. 

Unfaithful Jerusalem

"21See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute. Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. 22Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. 23Your leaders are rebels,

the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows. 24Therefore, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, he Mighty One of Israel, says, “I will take revenge on my enemies and pay back my foes!

25I will raise my fist against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities. 26Then I will give you good judges again and wise counselors like you used to have.

Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.” 27Zion will be restored by justice; those who repent will revived by righteousness. - Isaiah 1:21-27 (New Living Translation)

 

Our country was once the home of justice and righteousness and I pray for our land.  We have to be the UNITED states of America and work together to make some bold decisions that will not only affect our kids, but all future generations.  I pray that America can be the hope of the world again. 

See Image Here: http://mrayton.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/repentance.jpg

 

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Can't Lose!

Written By: Kirk Peterson

I was recently talking to a Dr. I work with about the election and the course of our country.  We love to talk about politics and since we have opposing views on a number of issues we like to try and convince each other who is more right, ah the epic battle of words we have--good times!  I'm reminded in our discussion, that so many people in our country have such a hard time discussing their various political views when someone doesn't agree with them....hmmmm, kind of like our political leaders?  Just as congress needs to work together again, maybe we here on 'main street', could stand to take some of our own advice and be a little more open about things...

Character of a Man

Our country is at a crossroads.  Paul Ryan said it best with, "I have not seen a time in our nation's history when the man and the moment meet so perfectly. Mitt Romney is the man to lead."  I see the moment that Paul Ryan is speaking to as one of the greatest moments in America's history.  Just look around at the tremendous challenges our country faces: the fragile U.S. ECONOMY that has only been smothered by Obama's big government agenda; the DEBT CRISIS that has seen more then 6 trillion dollars added & lead by Obama's negligent overspending; and very troubling CONCERNS ABROAD with unrest in the middle east, the uncertainty the Arab spring brings, Iran's nuclear aspirations and Europe's own even more challenging debt crisis.

Given the gravity and weight of the moment, the man we choose to lead our country could not be more crucial.  We must look to a man with strong moral excellence.  Someone who has shown the characteristics of a man that is very similar to those described in God's word.

5In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. -2 Peter: 5-7 (New Living Translation)

A Telling Sign of a Man

Perhaps there is no better place to look for the character of each of the men running for president, then how they run their respective campaigns.  Obama has run a campaign that is described by Paul Ryan as, "Attack and Blame".  What a simple but very accurate way to describe the incumbent President's campaign.  Let's take a moment and unpack this great statement made by Paul Ryan. 

ATTACK

Barrack Obama's campaign has focused solely on attacking and destroying the character of Mitt Romney.  Obama's camp has spent millions of dollars building up false accusations against Romney only to see the debates bring to light the heart of the man that Romney is.  Remember, Bill Clinton (the Democrats biggest hitter in Obama's re-election campaign) himself, said that Mitt Romney would make a great president. 

Obama told us in a speech back in 2008 that if you don't have an agenda to run on then all you can do is attack your opponent.  I find it VERY troubling and quite a sign of his character that Obama would choose to run his campaign the very way he described back in 2008. 

Interesting also, that Obama's campaign would accuse and attack Romney for not having specifics on his vision for the country.  Obama has not shown anything about his vision for the country up until a little over a week ago when they released their 15 page plan.  Which begs the question, whey wait so long to lay out your own vision for the country?  I heard hints of the reason back in his speech to the DNC when he brought up green energy, roads & bridges and education.  When my wife and I heard that in his speech, we looked at each other and laughed.  It was the EXACT same thing Obama said back in 2008.  If you feel that the presidents plan has brought a real recovery to the U.S. economy with: the poverty rate never having been so high; true unemployment closer to 15% as opposed to the mainly reported 7.8%; 50% of graduates of college not being able to find a job and the some 26 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed under his administration---then I suggest that you need to take ANOTHER LOOK!  So, again to attack a person on not giving specifics when you yourself have done a far worse job of it yourself, I find both ironic and a strong sign of your character.

Perhaps Mitt Romney said it best in the last debate, "Attacking me, Mr. President, is not an agenda."

BLAME

Another strong sign of strong moral character is being accountable for your actions.  In Barrack Obama, I believe we have a candidate that looks to blame things on others far to often. 

First on the economy, rather then taking responsibility for the current state of the United States economy, Obama instead blames everything on Bush's administration and takes no responsibility.  Well I hate to tell you this Mr. President, but you have been in office these past 4 years and we have solid evidence on exactly how your leadership has left things in our economy.  You had almost 2 years in office where the democrats had control of congress and could have brought legislation that fit with your vision.  So, what did you choose to do?  Did you tackle the greatest challenge facing our country at the time, the economy?  No, Obama instead choose to shove through Obamacare.  Something at the time that over 80% of Americans did not want.  A vision where legislators said things like Nancy Pelosi, don't read the bill--just sign it, push it through and we can fix it later.  Wow!

Benghazi.  Even if you give the President the benefit of the doubt and maybe they strategically needed to blame the attack on the video for fear of sparking more violence against the United States in the middle east; you can't take away the fact that the president should have taken responsibility for his administrations handling of the attack and brought the truth to light for the American people.  Hearing the father of one of the fallen soldiers tell his story, you get a sense of the moral consequence our country made with our choices following the attack and the importance in finding out the truth of what happened there.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Can't Lose!

At no better time did I see the strong moral character of Mitt Romney then during the last and final presidential debate.  When I watched the debate, I saw a man who showed humility and looked like a strong presidential candidate.  I felt Romney took the high road during the debate.  Rather then getting pulled into the muck by Obama and his attacks, Romney choose to show the country and the world exactly what his vision for the United States of America would be and the path he would lead us on. 

As a man of faith, I believe the best leader the world has ever seen is Jesus Christ--the son of God.  Jesus, having absolute power could have done anything he wanted to do while he was here on earth and in doing so, could have been any kind of leader he wanted to be.  Jesus choose to come as a humble servant and obediently followed God's plan in being the perfect sacrifice for all mankind.  Even though we can never attain the perfect level of leadership that The Messiah showed us, we can hope to aspire to follow in his footsteps.

While both campaigns certainly have had there share of attacks, I believe the Romney campaign has shown strong character in laying out their vision for the country.  Romney, like the great American president in Ronald Regan, has 5 core principles that he will use to help lead the U.S. toward prosperity again.  Despite the Obama campaign's attacks to the contrary, the Romney/Ryan comeback team does offer some specifics on what they would do within these 5 key principles.  In addition, using these 5 key principles as framework, both Romney & Ryan have said they want congress to debate the exact specifics by reaching across the isle and working together.

When people cry for exact specifics, I personally find it almost humerus to proclaim that ONE man can show exactly how our country can dig itself out of the great challenges of our day.  I would argue that way of thinking speaks to leaders of dictatorships rather then leaders of government elected by the people for the people.  I believe that a great republic should debate these challenges in the halls of congress--having all sides come together and compromise to find the best solution.  Isn't that what our founding fathers dreamed about and created for us in founding our great nation?


See Mitt Romney's Plan here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFQAZYZrjVU
Read Mitt Romney's Plan here: http://www.mittromney.com/JobsPlan


In 5 days our country will elect our next president.  I hope and pray given the weight and gravity of the moment, that we take to heart what Paul Ryan said. 

"I have not seen a time in our nation's history when the man and the moment meet so perfectly. Mitt Romney is the man to lead."  -Paul Ryan