If I Am A Hater

I don't agree with you and you don't agree with me. The question then remains: Where do we go from here? Obviously it depends on what it is we do not agree on. If I like coffee and you do not like it, I suppose it is no big deal. If I like the Chargers and you like the Raiders: no problem, actually I would prefer to agree with you ; but there are just some things we will not agree on. So what else is new? If I feel threatened by your intelligence or your good looks I may not want to agree with you because I might be jealous of you. If I do not agree with you and you happen to make sense. My jealousy might turn into hatred. If I continue hating; I need to stop. If hatred is like a comforter, then I need to find another comforter. If you are ugly and you are mean, it might be easier to hate you. But I must not hate you. If you have some bad habits I must not hate you. Hatred is connected to fear. A person hates because he fears. So, what is the solution? The solution is perfect love. Perfect love? Yes, perfect love. Why? Because "perfect love casts out all fear."

Some Thoughts On Prop 8

I refuse to hate anyone. Hating someone is serious business. It is such serious business that it produces serious consequences. Hating someone is not against the law, but it is a sin. Being jealous of someone is not against the law, but it is a sin. Lying is a sin. Stealing is a sin. Murder is a sin. People lie, steal, cheat, attack, destroy, burn, plunder and murder. Those acts are committed on a daily basis. People suffer from those actions on a regular basis. Sometimes people are disrespected. Sometimes people suffer offenses. This may not be a crime, but to the disrespected and to the offended ; it just doesn't feel very good. Being disrespected and being offended is an experience. It is an experience that is either imagined or very actual; and the offended are usually the ones who determine that. Do you deem it unfair, inconsiderate, intolerant or an injustice if I tell you that the institution of marriage is between a man and a woman, and only between a man and a woman? Homosexuality is not only a sin against God; it is an abomination to Him. The same applies to lesbianism. The Word of God declares it. Who is offended by such statements? Those who choose to be offended are offended. Homosexuality and lesbianism are choices. They are sins, therefore they are choices. Nobody has ever been born a lesbian or a homosexual. All cognizant people are born with the ability to make choices. Matrimony is holy. Marriage is matrimony. The fact remains that marriage is between a man and a woman. This is the way God has designed it. God has designed it for sexual expression and the development of the family structure. Sex is a private matter. If two men are attracted to each other and want to have sexual intercourse with each other, it really is not any of my business. I cannot stop them. I do not agree with what they are doing because based on my faith; what they are doing is morally wrong. If they demand that they want to get married; then it becomes my business because then their actions are legally sanctioned by the government. If those actions are legally sanctioned by the government under the banner of legal marriage; then the institution of marriage is under attack. It is under attack because marriage is between a man and a woman. Homosexual and lesbian marriage; as a legitimate institution; will then be taught in the schools as a viable and legitimate alternative to marriage between a man and a woman; and it is not. It is a sin against God. This issue is not about civil rights. This issue is about a segment of the population seeking to gain the legitimacy and the sameness that God- ordained marriage currently experiences. How can this be possible? Never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine that I would someday vote on an issue of this nature.

Prosperity and Prayers of Power

The United States is a prosperous nation. There is freedom in this nation. There are opportunities in this nation. There is wealth in this nation. There are opportunities to study, learn, work and thrive. The opportunity to succeed is available. So what is the problem? The problem is this: Prosperity does not come easy. One must work. Not all can get government jobs. Not all can get a job with decent hours, health benefits and vacations. But jobs are available. I repeat: one must work. The greatness of this nation was not accomplished by the feeble efforts of lazy people. Other nations have hard working people. many people work very hard just to stay alive. Other nations have greater natural resources than are found in the United States. I believe that the greatest product that the United States has is freedom. Freedom is a double-edged sword. The freedom to be creative is available. The freedom to pursue your dreams is available. Freedom has allowed men and women to study, experiment, research, discover, invent, innovate and improve the quality of life. Nevertheless, freedom has also produced a dark, ugly side. The side that claims: "I can do anything I want, inject anything I want, drink anything I want, smoke or ingest anything I want, sleep wherever I want, have sex with anyone I want, and have any lifestyle I want." Due to the fact that for every action there is a reaction, we face a dilemma brought about by prosperity and freedom. I am talking about consequences. Prosperity is not an entitlement in the greatest country in the world. Here lies the question: Am I entitled to the benefits of prosperity if I have not contributed in any way, shape or form toward having prosperity be a reality? Freedom has also produced the opportunity to worship as one pleases, and prayer is a contribution. The opportunity to have faith in God still exists in this country. I will finish this discourse with eight questions. What if we are taught the Word of God that says; if I pray, my prayers will be answered? What if we pray with faith and power? What if we pray for the prosperity of this nation and our prayers are answered? When people from other nations see prosperity and opportunity; will many want to come here? If they do come; will they also pray with power? Will the freedom to teach them be available? Will they be given the opportunity to say yes or no? Will they substitute a demand for entitlement in the place of prayers of power?

Young Man Don't Get "Bogged Down"

Sometimes when we practice common sense we are criticized. But I say unto you: Live the good life. Yes, live the good life. It makes good sense to live the good life. What is the "good" life? The good life is the best life. Go for it. Yes, but what is the "good" life? Some may say that the good life is a life of wealth and pleasure. A Mexican poet once said: "En el placer has poco uso porque no hay placer en el abuso." (Antonio Plazas) Although something is lost in the translation; here is the crux of it: "With pleasure; limit it's use, for there is little pleasure in it's abuse." DO NOT BE SOLD A BILL OF GOODS. What is this "bill of goods"? It is the BOG of life's deceptions that can cause you to sink. One deception after another. Don't get "bogged down." Do not be deceived into thinking that you need to drink liquor. Do not be deceived into thinking that if you obey the law you are weak. Do not be deceived into thinking that you are "free" if you do not believe in some type of moral code. Do not be deceived into thinking that having a rebellious attitude is the same as being creative and free. Do not be deceived into thinking that if you have self-discipline, and are able to say no to those things that can harm or kill you; then you are an unfortunate coward who is unwilling to take risks. Do not be deceived into thinking that only "certain people" can enrich your life and you must not be seen with others. Seek the good life. Seek the life of purpose. "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." (R. Warren)

Give Someone a Present

I am not suggesting this because we are approaching the holidays. Give someone a present. I am suggesting it because it is a great idea. About 5 years ago, in San Marcos, I was filling the gas tank of a van I no longer own. It was late at night, and I had all of the family in the van. As I was doing it, a young man approached me and gave me ten dollars. He left immediately. I was shocked but I thanked him. I have no idea why he did it. Although surprised, I felt blessed. It felt good, to receive a gift so spontaneously. I realize that taking gifts from strangers can, at times, be risky. Many teach their children to never accept a gift from a stranger. It is a good idea. However, I am not talking about that. Nor am I suggesting that you help finance someone's addictions. Give someone you know a present. Surprise someone. Show them your appreciation. Show them that you think about them sometimes. A long time ago, I read this maxim somewhere: " I lose what I keep, I keep what I give, and when I die; the only thing I can take with me, is that which I have given." (Anon.) I know it does not sound logical or mathematically accurate. And the first time I quoted it to a friend, he told me I was sounding ridiculous. Nevertheless, to me it made a great deal of sense. And it still does. One day I surprised that particular friend with a present, you should have been there. He tried to hide his joy, but he was unable to do so. The greatest teacher that ever lived once declared: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." His word lives on.

A Real Hero

This is a true story about an 11 year old boy. I did not know the boy. I don't remember the boy's name. I don't even remember where he lived. I just know he had his last experience of life in Southern California. I do not remember the year it happened. I am fairly sure it happened sometime between 1985 and 1993. This is a true story of a hero. This is the story as I recall it: Several families gathered together for a Thanksgiving dinner celebration. They all enjoyed their meal and dessert. They conversed, they laughed, they enjoyed each other's company. The 11 year old boy and his attractive 14 year old cousin decided to go for a walk in the neighborhood. They walked several blocks from the house. They kept walking, talking and enjoying. Suddenly, a van drove up beside them. The occupants of the vehicle focused their attention on the girl. They said things to her to attempt to entice her into the van. She paid no attention to them. She was scared. Her younger cousin was also scared. The van stopped. Two men got out and tried to physically force the girl into the van. She resisted them. She screamed. Her young cousin tried to defend her. He actually tried to fight these men off by himself, and he actually succeeded. But here lies the tragedy, cowardice, and heroism: someone in the van, (possibly a third passenger) came out with a shotgun and fired it at the boy at very close range. The boy did not have a chance, he died right there, bleeding to death on the street. The men did not stay. They fled speedily. The girl was safe. The boy was dead. As I said; I didn't know the boy. But at times, I think about him. I think about the price he was willing to pay for the safety of someone else. He is a real hero.

Humble Yourself, He Humbled Himself (Pt.2)

Do you want to survive or prevail? Would you rather do both? The greatest example for the human race did both. He survived. He prevailed. He survives. He prevails. He humbled Himself. He has all of the power. He will not relinquish His power, even though He freely gives it. He has all of the wisdom. He has all of the knowledge. He will never lose His wisdom or knowledge. He is perfect. He makes no mistakes, and never will. He humbled Himself. For Him, absolutely nothing is impossible. He is the creator and the owner of the universe. Yet, He humbled Himself. He turned the water into wine. He healed all types of diseases, He opened the eyes of the blind. He calmed the storm. He caused the lame to walk. He raised the dead. He fed 5,000 men with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. He walked on water. He did much, much more. He humbled Himself, yet He is sovereign. He is the one who said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:3) You must lose to win, sometimes. He is the one who said: "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matt. 23:11,12) He not only said it, He humbled Himself. Let us be like Him. "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil.2:3-11) IF HE CAN HUMBLE HIMSELF; WHO ARE WE TO NOT TRY?