epistoli

If You Are in the Market for A Chevrolet, Islam may help you get one very inexpensively.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:27:41 PST

There should be great deals on Chevrolet automobiles in Egypt in the next little while. Why? Well, it seems that a Salafi sheikh in Egypt has reportedly issued a fatwa that buying [or driving] a Chevrolet vehicle is haram because the American brand’s logo looks like the Christian cross.

We're always trying to help you find good deals. Who knows, the idea may spread like the Arab Spring and watch for the great savings at a Canadian or American dealership near you soon.

Alternatively, watch for GM in those parts of the world to issue a "recall" on the cars and owners would get their car logos/emblems replace free of charge. They may well be working on the design right now.

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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More Banking Sanctions vs. Iran, But Obama slow to implement the ones he has.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:04:17 PST

The link below should help you catch up on the latest news regarding the Iran Nuclear Weapon Development topic.

Europe has voted to stop buying Iranian oil later in July. Tehran is discussing legislation that will cut off the Europeans immediately.

Now the U.S. is considering more sanctions in the banking sector for Iran, but how quickly they be implemented if they get the vote on February second is anybody's guess.

The fact is that Obama's administration is not implementing with any great hurry the two different sanctions they got approved on December 31, 2011. They either don't know how to or more likely they are hesitating because it just doesn't sit well with their "let's not get Iran upset at all" ideology.

Meanwhile, Iran continues on its merry way getting closer to having the capability of launching nuclear weapons for chances are they already have the weapons.

US Senate banking panel to vote ... JPost - Iranian Threat - News

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Jacob’s Prediction About Simeon and Levi and Their Tribes - Genesis 49:5-7

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:28:45 PST

“Simeon and Levi are brothers; Their swords are implements of violence. Let my soul not enter into their council; Let not my glory be united with their assembly; Because in their anger they slew men, And in their self-will they lamed oxen. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce; And their wrath, for it is cruel. I will disperse them in Jacob, And scatter them in Israel.”

It is interesting that Jacob takes his next two sons, Simeon and Levi, and deals with them as one unit. Both are Jacob’s children through Leah, his first wife, which he was tricked into marrying. Simeon’s name referred to his mother being ‘heard’ by God alluding to the fact that she was unloved by Jacob. Levi’s name referred to his mother’s hope that she would now be more ‘attached’ to Jacob since she had borne him three sons.

Jacob now refers to the violence that these two sons had caused many years ago (Genesis 34) against Hamor and Shechem while trying to get revenge for their rape of their sister Dinah. Jacob wanted no part of that any longer. While he had kept silent when the atrocity occurred, he now could not contain his anger any longer. The consequences of the sins that Simeon and Levi had committed, while forgiven, would now have to be paid. We would do well to remember that. While one can be forgiven for a sin, its consequences still have to be faced and accepted.

Simeon and Levi may have tended to hang out together due to the fact that they were partners in the same crime, and their personalities may have matched – both being rather aggressive and violent when they became angry. Jacob was not willing to allow them to be advised by him or to benefit from his knowledge. They would have to miss out on his wise and experienced counsel to them. Nor did he want to be part of any evil plans they may have or groups they may be part of. What a decision-point to come to for a parent. How that must have hurt him. Perhaps some of us have suffered in the same way. We can take comfort in the fact that God does not hold us responsible for the actions of our adult children. We need to continue to love them and always leave the door open for their full regret and repentance. Still, we must make it perfectly clear to others, as Jacob was doing here, that there should be no doubt we were neither part of, nor did we find any real pleasure in what our children did in their own sinning. Sometimes, a parent’s humanity comes out and he/she secretly admires the evilness of his/her child, convincing themselves that it is all part of life and growing up to be wise. But Jacob wanted to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind before he died. We can learn from that.

Sometimes I wonder at my own thoughts with respect to war against the intolerant political ideology of Islam and its desire to eliminate both the United States (the Great Satan in its eyes) and Israel (the Little Satan). Sometimes I wish that the west would apply all its power to put an end to this ongoing threat that is accompanied by so much pain and destruction and murder of innocent people around the world, especially Christians and Jews living in various Middle Eastern and African countries. Yet this passage causes me to stop and reflect on my motives. Are they driven by my own personal self-will, or are they driven by a godly anger?

The anger of Simeon and Levi was sin because it stemmed from their “self-will” as Jacob notes. The Scriptures are not opposed to anger, especially godly anger but not anger due to selfishness. In fact, that may indeed be the distinguishing feature between godly and ungodly anger – the latter being driven by one’s own will, not the care of others or the desire to see God being glorified. We notice in the text that Jacob curses their anger and not them. So when you and I go after those who we believe do wrong to mankind, we must be careful to speak out against the sin and not against the individual, leaving the latter to God at the appointed time. For example, we must distinguish between the homosexual and homosexuality; the political leader and his/her decisions; or in other words, the sinner and the sin, respectively.

But Jacob does determine that because of their sin, Simeon and Levi were not to live together in the land. He prophesized they would be both divided and scattered throughout Israel. We see this to be factual later on in Scripture. But was this to be a curse for both of them? We’ll have to get into the Biblical books of Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua to get the answer. Suffice it to say here that the Levites became known as the “priestly tribe of Israel”.

So once again, God uses the sin of individuals to work out His divine plan. And while you and I (mere mortals) would think that He would, in the interest of fairness and equity, punish all involved equally, that is not always His way and He has His reasons. Once again, our job is to accept Him as the One who judges, not us.

In my personal life, I have found that accepting this and believing in Him to the point where I no longer have to ask, “why?” makes life so much more livable and exciting, allowing me to be surprised by Him every day.

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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Charles Krauthammer: Obama’s state-of-the-union flop

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:52:50 PST

You have to love Charles. He gets his facts down perfect. He states them once. Then gives a killer ending. Now if only we'd all pay attention we'd see why Obama offers is just a lot of hot air, but when it's cold outside, hot air is cherished by far too many.

Charles Krauthammer: Obama’s state-of-the-union flop | Full Comment | National Post

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Obama wants to help Egypt even more (with American tax dollars) and faster.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:21:54 PST

Clearly this President is out of his mind, in my humble opinion. Even though Muslim Brotherhood has come out in strong support of Sharia Law, and totally spoken out against Israel, see my previous blog, Obama now wants to accelerate pace of US aid to Egypt. And why?

Because Egypt, the article in the link below says, is at a "critical stage in its uncertain transition away from autocratic rule." What's uncertain about it -- they've moved from Mubarak to Sharia and friends via the Muslim Brotherhood.

Obama is so eager to give Egypt money, he is taking aid aimed for other countries and redirecting it to Egypt. And all on the basis of a, get this, "hoped-for democratic evolution in Egypt". Give me a break. Aside from the elections, minorities in Egypt are being treated undemocratically. And when Sharia Law is fully established -- Christians and Jews watch out.

To Obama, it seems that Sharia Law Muslim Brotherhood Democracies are equivalent to western democracies and must be supported fully.

Now you know why he wants to take more money from America's rich -- it's not to help America's poor, it's to help establish more Muslim Democracies in the world. What a man.

'Obama set to accelerate pace of US aid to... JPost - Middle East

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Muslim Brotherhood's true feelings re. Israel come out.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:05:40 PST

Egypt's ruling party has come out loud and clear that it will not hold any talks with Israel. And may well take it's current treaty with Israel to the people for a vote as to whether or not to stick with it. It claims Israel is "an occupying criminal enemy" and Egypt may well pursue legal action against it.

So there you have it. But wait, read the article first and then stay tuned as to what Obama is doing for Egypt. . . . watch for or read our next Epsitoli blog. Is it any wonder Israel does not want Obama re-elected, if the truth be known.

Muslim Brotherhood repeats: No talks with ... JPost - Middle East

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The Insanity of latest report on Iran's Nuclear Plans.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:55:46 PST

Please feel free to read the the article in the attached link and if you believe it, I am sure there are a number of good real estate agents that really do have a deal for you in Florida.

Here is a new report that says, "all is well; don't worry; Iran isn't interested yet in building nuclear weapons". Really. How stupid do they think the average North American reader is?

First of all the report was sponsored and paid for by a grant from the U.S. Institute (now get this) Of Peace. Why would they pay or want to lead the world to believe that Iran wants anything but peace? They wouldn't. As sponsors of the report, they got what they wanted.

But here's the part I love. The article quotes from the report: "Although Iran is engaged in nuclear hedging, no evidence has emerged that the regime has decided to build nuclear weapons."

Wait, what this is saying is this: When Iran decides it will build a nuclear weapon it will publish it on Facebook or what have you. How stupid would that be? It's to Iran's advantage to keep threatening they will, and secretly actually doing so.

Here is more insanity in the very next paragraph of the article.

"Such a decision (that is to actually build a nuclear weapon) may be unlikely to occur until Iran is first able to augment its enrichment capability to a point where it would have the ability to make weapon-grade uranium quickly and secretly. . ." So what does this seem to be saying? Well, let's see, I think it says, "we'll know they've made the decision to build a nuclear weapon when they are capable of, get this now, "secretly" making weapon-grade uranium quickly (and secretly)." Ah, of course, they're not going to tell us they can 'secretly' make weapon-grade uranium (quickly) and thus we'll never know that they made the decision to make nuclear weapons. How stupid. How insane. Yet our western governments, especially Obama's, swallow it hook, line and sinker.

I don't make this up. It's right here. . . take a look. And then scream. This report is all linked in to re-electing Obama. But worse than that, if it is believed -- civilization may not be around to debate it's accuracy afterwards.

ISIS report: Iran won't move tow... JPost - Iranian Threat - News:

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Are Canada's Aboriginals Getting Ready for their own Spring?

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:11:48 PST

As most of you know, I'm involved with www.scainternational.org -- a Canadian mission that works with Aboriginal people, among others. So any news that concerns Canada's Aboriginals is of interest to me. The link below takes you to a recent article in the National Post and allows you to form your own ideas about how things are shaking up. Before you go there, let me make some comments.

1. Some of the words being used are strong, perhaps too strong for the start of any talks -- words like "uprising" , "inevitable", and "photo op".

2. Late today it was reported that some of the Aboriginal chiefs were pleased that Prime Minister Harper stayed for the whole day (yesterday afternoon and all morning today) before he had to leave for Davos and the World Economic Forum. That in itself is very crucial to these kinds of talks. I personally had to learn the hard way. When you're conversing or meeting with Aboriginals, don't ever be in a hurry and don't look at your watch or you'll lose them. It's also very important that you agree to meet with them regularly -- Canada's chiefs are hoping this 'never before' event will occur annually.

3. Other leaders are predicting, if they don't get sufficient action from the government, that a peaceful uprising akin to the likes led by black leaders during the 1960's in the U.S., but now with the help of instantaneous social media. That would be big.

4. Check out the article to see what some of the other items the chiefs are seeking are. And later today I heard that in a key speak First Nations Chief Shawn Atleo demanded the government repeal the Indian Act. (But others chiefs, say "No way.") Harper has indicated that is not on the table, but he'll work with the chiefs on ways to deal with the concerns they may have with the Act.

5. Harper's administration believes the way out of poverty for many Aboriginals is "economic and resource development" and not "social program spending". As one who works both in Canada and with 3rd world countries in Africa, I would tend to agree.

6. Just as all social groups are divided in their opinions, so are Canada's Aboriginals, when it comes to what is best for their people. But one thing remains certain -- change is likely to happen following these meetings. Maybe not drastic or immediate -- but fundamental change will occur. And the reason is because they got together to talk and learn more about each other. Their is no option but to make better and more informed decisions after that. And yes, the world, maybe more so than most Canadians, is indeed watching.

Chief Stewart Phillip warns 'an aboriginal uprising is inevitable' if Stephen Harper doesn’t listen | News | National Post

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If sanctions fail to move Iran, war may be inevitable.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:25:38 PST

This is not the kind of headline one wants to read these days, yet here it is even though it's the opinion of one writer from the National Post. You can read all the details in the link below, but first I did want to point out a few things . . .

1. Will the European embargo on Iranian oil that won't start until July cause the Iranians to stop pursuing nuclear weapons? I doubt it.

2. If Japan and South Korea joins Europe and the U.S., up to 80% of Iran's operating revenue could be impacted. That's huge. But Japan and South Korea aren't there yet.

3. And if oil is cut off to Europe, then some European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece) could be in real trouble themselves -- that's why the EU embargo is being phased in very slowly -- may I say "it's oozing in".

4. In exchange, Iran is threatening to stop the oil NOW. You know, akin to a "lockout before a potential strike" in labor relations' terms. They'll do this by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

5. In steps the U.S. of A. with a potential major naval confrontation. War. Two aircraft carriers are there or close by now and a third one is on its way.

6. Alternatively, Iran could jack up its prices. That would cause NATO some troubles in Afghanistan. (But hey what does Iran care?)

7. After four rounds of UN imposed sanctions on Iran recently, the Iranians are still denying they are pursuing nuclear weapons.

8. And then of course there is a the possibility of more talks between Iran and the U.S., but if that happens, Obama will be snookered again, and we'll be no further ahead with respect to stopping Iran from getting the nuclear bombs they want.

9. Meanwhile the cyber attacks against Iran continue. And the West is trying to 'talk' and connect with the current Iranian government's opposition.

So that's the latest from Iran. Meanwhile there are rumors that PM Netanyahu of Israel is losing patience.

And if you think this is all too much to take, try keeping up to speed on all this and at the same time reading Joel Rosenberg's fiction, "The Twelth Imam". How that's eerie. In the middle of the night, I have trouble separating the two plots in my mind.

But God still listens to, and still answers, prayers.

Iran: If sanctions fail, war may be inevitable: Peter Goodspeed | Full Comment | National Post

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Listening to right-left and left-right media.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:26:05 PST

There are two reasons why I am sharing this particular article. One of them you will read in the paragraph below, before you get to the lead. The other is that my son Basil sent it to me as a "Valuable Article" and he is indeed a very good judge of things like that. So here it is, with my comment which I also posted on the CBC online site -- you may see it on there as you look at the link.

Here's what I said: "Neil MacDonald has written a well worth column and has many good points. In fact, he may well be right on the fact that the majority of us may well have made up our minds and we just do not want to be confused with the facts. Perhaps so, and we can all benefit from paying some heed to his own rhetoric.

However, as a conservative, who only gets CNN on TV, and only listens to FOX in the car or when in the States, I must take up one key issue with Mr. MacDonald.

He writes: "This country's political discourse is angry and discordant. . . It's soaked with religion and race, and it obsesses over trivialities — are Muslims bringing Shariah law to America? — while ignoring matters of real importance."

This is what makes conservatives angry and angry at people in the media like MacDonald. People who ignore religion and its importance, and people who pay no attention to the inroads and actions of radical Islam around the globe (including mass murders taking place in Nigeria) all while Neil and friends are pontificating about their belief that other things are more important, or worse still, that what we value is not important, only trivial.

As long as media men and women like MacDonald keep thinking and writing like this, they'll get their ears clipped whenever conservatives get a chance. And rightly so.

I suggest the media stop making news and manipulating its listeners and start reporting on what the majority of people (not minorities) believe in, then go with the flow. And when they do report what some minorities think, say they're a minority. Good data and dependence on it, improves one's credibility." -- you'll find it under the comment by K.B.G. in this story below. (You can indicate your support or lack thereof right on there with a thumbs up or down; or better still why not come back to this blog and comment there.

Neil Macdonald: Media hatred and the rise of Newt Gingrich - World - CBC News

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If you have been sexually abused, or know someone who has been . . . please listen to this.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:49:53 PST

Ladies, this short video speaks for itself. I challenge you to hear it, show it others, and as appropriate accept Christine's claims as your very own.

Christine Caine testimony - Beloved womens event - YouTube

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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Israel to Give U.S. 12 Hours Notice if she attacks Iran.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:05:51 PST

Here's the latest from Virtual Jerusalem. The validity of the report can be checked against other media, especially the London Times. No matter what you make of all this, the idea of an inevitable attack on Iran. is still very much on a front (not a back) burner.

"Israel to Give Obama 12 Hours Notice on Iran Attack"

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PLEASE REMEMBER THIS before you fail the "clock" test.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:20:46 PST

Because we care about your health as we do about our own -- we suggest you take a look at this short clip. Your experiences will help us and all EPISTOLI readers discern for themselves on this particular advice. In the meantime, I'm going to try it . . . what was it again?

Coconut Oil Touted as Alzheimer's Remedy - CBN TV - Video

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"No, Really I have Three Biological Parents!" Coming to a Child Near You.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:52:26 PST

I had to read this news several times in order to make sure that I understood it. Here's the quick bottom line:

1. It is possible that in 3 years, babies could have 3 'real' parents.

2. Researchers now have 6 million british pounds (about 9.3 million U.S. dollars) to figure it all out.

3. The goal is to help babies avoid some hereditary genetic conditions affecting the heart, muscle or brain passed on to them from one of their mother.

4. About 99.8% of our DNA comes evenly from our mother and father. A tiny fraction resides in the mitochondria (see below) and is passed down only by the mother.

5. In another article in The Telegraph (Jan. 21), Prof Doug Turnbull, a neurologist at Newcastle University, who will be taking part in the research says: "The easiest way to think of mitochondria is as a sort of battery within the cells. When the batteries fail, it produces diseases in energy-hungry tissues, like the brain, muscle, heart – some forms of muscular dystrophy, for instance, are mitochondrial disorders." That is where these diseases come from, and thus from the mother.

6. So, the trick is to take one egg from the mother (M1) and another from the donor (M2) but replace the nucleus of M2's egg with the nucleus of M1's egg -- leaving M1's mitochondria behind and surrounding her egg's nucleus with the mitochondria of M2. This can be done either before or after fertilization with the father's (F1's) contribution. Supporters describe the process as simply akin to changing "the batteries on a camera". Really.

7. Child gets their identity from F1 and M1, but gets their mitochondria DNA from M2. And remember it's the mitochondria that produces problems in one out of 200 children in the U.K. The argument is that now these mothers who carry bad DNA have a chance at normal children with their partner.

8. Additional arguments are that children who otherwise would die later on could be saved. And of course, medical costs could also be reduced for both the parents and the state.

9. The opposition comes from many sources, as one would expect.

As a Christian, I am not sure where I stand on this issue just yet. I see the advantages. I marvel at the ability of man to be able to do this understanding that it is only possible because of the creative and mental abilities God has granted to man. At the same time, I am not convinced that God would have us use that ability in just this manner. Still, how different is this really than in a doctor trying to save the life of a child after he or she is born? I don't know. Maybe you could weigh in on this with your thoughts. I welcome them.

The legal and social implications, especially for the child, are indeed horrendous. The rights of each of the three children and the child will have to be clearly spelled out, and they won't be pretty.

I think it is important that we are aware of what lies ahead in the rest of this century, maybe even decade. Change is coming faster than we could ever image and exponentially at that. The least we could is be aware of it and consider the implications for ourselves, our children, and our society.

Babies with three parents possible within three years - Telegraph

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Backlash Begins Against Obama, especially his LGBT agenda.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:58:47 PST

Citizens of several countries are saying "enough is enough". It is time that we here in North America also stand up for what we believe. "No more privileges for LGBT. They have enough. Let them be." We need to stand up to Obama as well as to any other leaders in North America that push for these.

Furthermore, we need strong opposition to, and perhaps legal penalties for any LGBT's that push their agenda towards our children and through our schools. If one can't push religion (which is their way of life) through government institutions, why should a small minority like the LGBT be able to push their way of life through them. Their agenda is their 'church' and last time I checked, America believes in the separation of church and state.

Enough is enough. Americans can start the process by throwing out their current President this November. B.O. has contributed more than any other president to two negative American circumstances: the deficit and the LGBT agenda.

Isn't it interesting that Obama wants to get out of every country from a military perspective, but into every country from an ideological worldview perspective?

Friday Fax: Backlash Begins Against Obama’s LGBT agenda

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ABC reports Georgia Judge Orders President to Appear at Eligibility Hearing

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:38:17 PST

It's like pulling teeth to get items like this from the mainstream media. But here it is. Now will someone pay some attention to this case. Of course, don't hold your breath that B.O. will show up next Thursday -- his legal team will find ways to delay.

Ga. Judge Orders President to Appear at Hearing - ABC News

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Last Night Helps Us Understand Why We Don't Trust the Media . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:16 PST

Even when one of their own "network giants" broadcasts it live and so clearly that there was no doubt it happened and it was an out-and-out surprise and an affront on CNN and big media in general, the "post-fact" media -- CNN and all its "partners in crime" refused to admit it or even refer to it. Take a look. I've heard of political cover-ups, but this "media cover-up" takes the cake.

Can a Standing O Shake a Worldview? UPDATED � The Anchoress

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Is This a "Twisted Twist" Landmark Gay Hatred Case?

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:54:52 PST

The Jerusalem Post, of all media, has an interesting article today on a recent court ruling in the UK. Here's the quick review:

1. During a protest against a forthcoming Gay Pride parade, Muslims hand out pamphlets titled: "Death Penalty?" which state that gays would go to hell.

2. The men are found guilty of "stirring up hatred" by "calling for the death of homosexuals".

3. Britain has a new law (2010) which makes it an offense to stir up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.

4. Crown prosecutor said "people are entitled to hold extreme opinions which others may find unpleasant and obnoxious", but they are "not entitled to distribute those opinions in a threatening manner intending to stir up hatred . . . ."

5. The intent of the case is not to curtail "people's religious views or preventing them from educating others about those views" as long as they do it in a "lawful manner and not incite others to hatred."

Several things can be said of the ruling . . .

I. It's a good thing the accused weren't 'saved from being found guilty' through the application of Sharia Law. (Maybe that will come in an appeal stage, if there is one.)

II. It appears, one can express one's beliefs, but not hint that anyone should be killed for what they believe or how they live. So, it appears that it's okay to say "I believe practicing homosexuality is a sin and sinners go to hell" but it's not okay to say or imply that "homosexuals should be killed". And that's exactly right -- that should not be allowed. That's not our call, especially for Christians. We'll leave such actions and beliefs that adherents of a faith have the right to murder others because they don't accept the tenets of their faith, to some other religion, not Christianity or Judaism or Hinduism or Buddhism. Did I miss any? Perhaps intentionally and rightly so.

III. What is scary is that these men were found guilty primarily because at least one witness said he "felt" he was "being targeted" and he "feared he would be burned".

On that last point, there's good news and bad news: On the one hand we could argue that if these men were indeed implying that gays should be killed, then by all means -- whether someone 'felt' he was being targeted or that he 'feared' he would be killed, is immaterial. The men are guilty in either case, with or without that evidence. The would follow from my understanding of the new UK law.

On the other hand, what if the men were simply stating that "practicing homosexuality is a sin and sinners go to hell" (which I admit was not what they constrained themselves to) and one or more homosexuals then also "felt" they were being targeted or "feared" they would be killed? Could that also be considered sufficient to find the men, under these revised circumstances, guilty? I believe there's a good chance of that.

That is the problem with laws without absolutes -- or at least with laws without godly absolutes. Sooner or later you get tripped up by the rules. And sooner or later, enough people don't stand up for the truth.

Anyway, here are the details.

UK Muslims convicted in landmark gay hat... JPost - International

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Why We May All Need an "Apple" to take to School.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:21:52 PST

I'm passing on this article because I want all parents and grandparents to take notes. This is important stuff. It looks like the Big "Apple" -- no, I don't mean New York City -- I mean Apple Inc. is a pretty shrewd business. Now, they have set their eyes on the "electronic textbook business" and they've got deals with three big publishers that handle 90% of textbooks sold in the U.S. That's big.

Everybody at school will need Apple iPad and then they'll need Apple i-texts to use for their courses; and no, you can't sell them to your kid sister when she takes the same course next year. (Smart of Apple.)

The world is changing. So think about what you're spending your money on . . . when it comes to your kids and grand-kids. They about their educational needs down the road. Think about how this will transform your world and theirs. Think about what all this means for children living in the third world. Here are the details. Would love your views.

Apple iBooks 2: Can Apple revolutionize textbooks? - thestar.com

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17 Big Companies That Are Intensely Religious

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:29:38 PST

I don't support all these companies, but I thought you'd be interested in this list -- and maybe you'll feel better shopping there. Take a look. You may be surprised.

17 Big Companies That Are Intensely Religious

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Supreme Court rejects prayer, student Internet cases

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:12:16 PST

The implications are big. By refusing to hear these cases, the U.S. Supreme Court has made the definitive positions to be as follows:

1. That opening local government and School District meeting with prayer violates the constitutional requirement on church-state preparation.

2. That predominately Christian prayers at the start of local government meetings violated the constitutional prohibition on government endorsement of a particular religion.

3. That schools punishing students for creating on-line attacks of other students does not violate free-speech rights and that school officials have the authority to punish even though a web page was created away from the school property in one's own home.

4. Finally, the Supreme Court also let stand another ruling which contradicted the one above, that is, one which found that parodies on the web by a student were unlikely to cause significant disruptions at school and thus the judgment was in favor of the students. Go figure.

The first two are crucial for Christians. The last two are a mess because they contradict each other. This then is your Supreme Court's philosophical tendencies during Mr. Obama's first term. I am sure the POT-us must be smiling. Please don't forget to take away his smile come this November. Here are the details thanks to Reuters.

Supreme Court rejects prayer, student Internet cases | Reuters

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2.5 Minute Clip: It's as if Margaret Thatcher is Speaking to Obama.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:18:05 PST

This two and a half-minute clip showing Margaret Thatcher at her best is something that every American needs to see before going to the polls in 2012. It's as if she were speaking not to her opposition but to Barack Obama and his merry gang of hoodlums in the White House. Take a look please and do pass it on. It's also great entertainment.

Margaret Thatcher on Socialism - YouTube

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Afghan boy suicide bombers tell how they are brainwashed into believing they will survive.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 15:31:14 PST

Once in a while a story comes out about "man's inhumanity to children". This is one of them. And on top of it all is "denial". The Telegraph from the U.K. sees it a little different than that and I hope we do too.

The people that do this are not men -- they're not even mice. But they succeed because the WEST has encouraged them by taking a stance of being first and foremost "politically correct" and "tolerant". I don't care about political correctness, but I am concerned about being tolerant where tolerance is justified.

I refuse to be tolerant towards those that would use children to kill Americans and Jews. I refuse to be tolerant to those who want to wipe out a whole race from the face of the earth. I refuse to be tolerant to those that have these positions and hide behind the skirts of a so-called religion. I refuse to be tolerant to a religion whose aim is to kill the infidels that don't accept it as the only religion. (I never liked that from sects within Christendom and I don't like it from so-called faiths outside of it.)

And I refuse to be tolerant towards Western regimes such as Obama's (and unfortunately the Bush administration before him) which fail to see the folly of being tolerant to radical jihadist Islamists. I refuse to accept administrations which fail to demand that true Islam denounce strongly and practically the tactics of jihadists and to fight with us to defeat them.

Americans have a chance to change that tide in 2012. But are they politically astute enough to do so?

Here are the details of what gave rise to my thoughts.

Afghan boy suicide bombers tell how they are brainwashed into believing they will survive - Telegraph

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Remove 8 Zeros from U.S. Economy and Pretend It's a Household Budget: See what happens.

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 09:47:31 PST

Ι want to share with you all something very simple. It came to me in an email from a the specialists at Farwell Wealth Management. You may want to look these guys up. Here's their website:

http://www.farwellwealthmanagement.com/

But what I wanted to share with you is the very clear way they have of explaining exactly why the U.S. was downgraded in a way that all of us can understand. Here it is, "simply put":

SIMPLEST TERMS: Why the US was downgraded.

• U.S. Tax Revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
• U.S. Federal Budget: $3,820,000,000,000
• Annual New Debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000
• Total US Federal Debt: $14,271,000,000,000
• Recent Budget Cut: $ 38,500,000,000

Let's remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget:

• Annual Family Income: $21,700
• Money the Family Spends Annually: $38,200
• New Debt on the Credit Card: $16,500
• Outstanding Balance on the Credit Card: $142,710
• Total Annual Spending Cuts: $385

How long would your household last with this 'economic' policy at home? Not long.

Now you know what this is all about. You know why I'm working hard to convince my American friends to take the necessary actions to stop this insanity before it buries us all. All petty differences must be set aside (without compromising on godly absolutes) to put together a united endeavor to defeat those that spend like this and put in the White House some who will do something about it.

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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Jacob’s Prediction About Reuben and His Tribe - Genesis 49:3-4:

noreply@blogger.com (Ken B. Godevenos, Church and Mgmt. Consultant) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 09:26:41 PST

“Reuben, you are my first-born; My might and the beginning of my strength. Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it – he went up to my couch.”

Reuben was clearly Jacob’s firstborn in terms of being ‘first out of the womb’ of his first wife, Leah. His name means, “see, a son”. Jacob truly was proud of him. He calls him his ‘might’ and the ‘beginning of my strength’. Parents are wired by the Creator in a way that gives them renewed strength and life from each of their children. Each one is truly a gift from God that has the incredible capability of being a source of both motivation as well as emotional wellbeing for his or her parents. It is interesting, but sad, how today many marriages are held together because of the children, perhaps for this very reason. And then when the kids are grown up and gone, the marriage falls apart. Older parents have their energy renewed when visited by their children. Some of us even get our energy from seeing our grandchildren. I cringe when I hear some folks who are legally grandparents want very little to do with their grandkids, arguing, “we’ve been there, done that; now it’s our turn to enjoy life; our kids can have all the challenges of raising their own kids.” That just breaks my heart.

Jacob also comments on Reuben’s personality, indicating his is like boiling or uncontrolled water that is dangerous, or at least unstable, inconsistent, and needs to be mastered. It is that trait of Reuben’s that got him into trouble with Jacob and causes him to lose his pre-eminence in his birthright and inheritance. Various parts of these now had to be divided or allocated among Jacob’s other sons, but all in accordance with God’s plans. While Israel recognizes Reuben’s pre-eminence in dignity and power, it is the pride associated with these that caused Reuben’s loss. Jacob also foretells that Reuben “will not have pre-eminence” in the future implying that he and those of his tribe that follow him will not be successful.

You will remember Reuben was the one who, as we read in Genesis 35:22, had sexual relations with Bilbah, his father’s concubine and the servant of Jacob’s second and most beloved wife, Rachel.

In this passage here, Jacob refers to that as Reuben going to his bed and defiling his couch. A circumstance such as this, not only defiles the marriage bed, but also has implications for relationships (his couch). Still, Jacob when he heard about it had not said anything that is recorded at the time, but clearly he had not forgotten. It all comes back now, some several decades later. Jacob did not then and does not to his dying day, disown his son for his actions, just simply takes away some of the benefits he otherwise would have had. One lesson for us as parents is that there needs to be consequences for the inappropriate behavior of our children, but we are never to disown them. And the second lesson for all of us here is that as forgiven as we might be in life, from both man and God, when we cause harm to others, we must realize that wrong actions and decisions have their consequences. Then, we must accept them and make the best of what we still have – we are still children of our Heavenly Father.

The story of Reuben to me is a story of the fall of man. He was indeed born to be pre-eminent in much including his birthright and inheritance, but his choices caused him to lose it all. Yet, his father did not disown him. He had lost much, but he still had a position in the “children of Israel”. Mankind in general has had a similar experience, on a global level. That is the story of creation, the fall, and the redemption of mankind. But many of us have had a parallel journey at a personal level. Some of us have reached a stage in life that is similar to Reuben’s – we have made errors; we have lost what could have been; we no longer qualified for the responsibilities that God may have set aside for us because He prefers men and women of stability and integrity. But all is not lost. God still owns us as His sons and daughters. As we draw closer to Him, He gives us purpose and roles in His plans for mankind. We need to accept what has been, realize we have been forgiven, and then proceed to accept His leadership in moving forward.

Still others are at an early point in life; at a stage where no undoable mistake has been committed or action taken. If you are there, I recommend you adopt all necessary actions, including and especially prayer, which will discipline you in a way that does not allow you to fall and thus lose whatever ‘pre-eminence’ God has in store for you. I pray it will be so with us all.

[Are you looking for a speaker at your church, your club, school, or organization? Ken is available to preach, teach, challenge, and/or motivate. Please contact us.]

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