This week’s design is part of the Crossover series of blogs. The design is called “Baby on Board – No Smoking”. It portrays a simple message to those around a pregnant mother. The blue text encircles the mother’s tummy and politely asks smokers not to smoke around the pregnant mother and baby so that the health of both can be protected. It is also a reminder of how precious life is.

It has become commonplace for our country to allow the murder of unborn children under the guise of choice. Instead of killing them, we should be protecting them because they are precious in God’s eyes. On top of that, they are the future of our country and they have rights as citizens even if they aren’t born yet. The “No Smoking” design may be a simple design, but to me it speaks volumes…

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Saturday’s Newslinks brought to you by At Ease Tees

Health Bill Would Make It Harder to Deduct Medical Expenses, but That Won’t Affect Middle Class, Democrat Claims
(CNSNews.com) – A Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee claims that a provision of the Senate health-reform bill will not make it more difficult for middle-class Americans to deduct medical expenses on their tax returns. But Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) says that is because “most Americans” don’t itemize their income tax deductions.

Pro-Life Democrats May Block Health Bill If Pelosi Won’t Allow Vote on Abortion Funding Ban
(CNSNews.com) - Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), co-chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus, told CNSNews.com that Democrats who oppose government funding of abortion will try to block the health care reform bill from coming to a vote on the House floor unless House Speaker Nancy Pelosi allows a floor vote on an amendment that would explicitly prohibit abortion funding. “There are many of us Democrats in the House who are philosophically, legally, and morally opposed to public funding for abortions,” Stupak told CNSNews.com in a statement.

Scientists Rebut Claim That Man Causes Climate Change
(CNSNews.com) – A small group of determined scientists gathered in a Senate office building Friday to present evidence backing their claim that climate change is caused by nature, not man, and that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant but the hope for a greener planet.

Clinton Says U.S. Confident That Pakistan Can Control Its Nuclear Arsenal
(CNSNews.com) - Recent terrorist successes in Pakistan, including the weekend attack on national army headquarters – Pakistan’s equivalent of the Pentagon — have raised fresh fears about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons arsenal, although both the U.S. and British governments are playing down the concerns.

Nobel Decision Seen As Attempt to Steer U.S. Policies
(CNSNews.com) – A Norwegian committee’s decision to award the 2009 Nobel peace prize to President Obama has some people questioning the implications for future U.S. policy. Coming at a time when the administration is grappling with the issue of whether to deploy tens of thousands more troops in Afghanistan and how to deal with Iran if the nuclear dispute is not resolved, the award is seen in some quarters as an attempt to influence those decisions.

President taps lesbian activist to EEOC
President Barack Obama continues to deliver on his promises to the homosexual activist community.

Perspective: Reagan in a dress
Since the moment she burst onto the national scene, Sarah Palin has been subjected to an unparalleled effort amongst the so-called sophisticated elites to destroy her.

Don’t model Obamacare after Massachusetts’ program
Thousands of people will be heading to Boston next weekend to protest government-run healthcare.

Battling ‘climate change’ – an issue of morality?
The president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation is calling on Christians to combat climate change.

Perspective: Consumers need protection – from gov’t
When bureaucrats get authority to determine what is fair, the very people who they supposedly are charged to protect — us — are the ones who get hurt.

Republicans Formally State Their Objections to Senate Finance Committee’s Health Care Legislation
(CNSNews.com) – “Pretty much everything’s been said, and now it’s time to get the job done,” Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Tuesday as the Senate Finance Committee prepared to vote on the fifth and final Democratic health care bill to emerge on Capitol Hill. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the ranking Republican, outlined his objections after Sen. Baucus declared the Democrats’ health care bill to be “balanced,” timely and necessary.

Baucus Health Bill Could Prevent Medical Expense Deductions: Wheelchairs, Chemotherapy, Seeing-Eye Dogs
(CNSNews.com) – The health care reform legislation outlined by Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and the Senate Finance Committee includes a provision that would raise the threshold for deducting costly medical expenses from income tax returns–meaning that people who do not meet the threshold could see their taxes rise. The exemption, used by cancer patients and those with other costly, chronic diseases, allows people to deduct a variety of medical expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Baltimore Schools Embrace Anti-Meat Movement with ‘Meatless Mondays’
(CNSNews.com) – The first graders lining up for lunch at Arlington Elementary School in Baltimore, Md., on Monday could pick a cheese sandwich or cheese lasagna along with vegetables. They could not, however, have meat for lunch now that cafeterias throughout the school district have adopted “Meatless Mondays” — a national and international movement with ties to animal rights activists.

Obama: Homosexual Relationships ‘Just as Real and Admirable’ as Heterosexual Marriage
(CNSNews.com) - President Obama delivered an unprecedented message to the Human Rights Campaign, a homosexual advocacy group, on Saturday night. Sounding more like a homosexual activist than a sitting president, Obama went well beyond his expected message of “I’m here with you” on the homosexual agenda. Even Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese was stunned at the breadth of Obama’s statement, calling it “something quite remarkable.”

EPA to Wrap Up First Phase of Controversial Hudson River Toxic Dredging Project in November
(CNSNews.com) – The Environmental Protection Agency and General Electric are preparing to shut down for the winter their controversial project to dredge contaminated sediment from the bottom of the Hudson River. The EPA claims the project is a success, and the panel charged with reviewing the operation before it moves into its next phase will not consider canceling the dredging. Dredging skeptics worry that the next phase will targt PCB “hot spots” that may contaminate surrounding “clean” areas.

White House Says Catholic Bishops Have Misinterpreted Law Banning Federal Funding of Abortion–And Its Application to Health-Care Bill
(CNSNews.com) – One day after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops vowed to “vigorously” oppose the health care bill under consideration in Congress if it is not amended to explicitly prohibit federal funding of abortions, the White House for the second time in a week said the bishops are wrong to assert that the bill permits funding of abortion. White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs told CNSNews.com the bishops do not understand the existing law restricting federal funding of abortion.

U.N. Chief Now Supports Move to Reopen Debate on ‘Israeli War Crimes’ Report
(CNSNews.com) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon now supports Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ attempt to reopen debate at the U.N. Human Rights Council on a report accusing Israel of war crimes, his spokeswoman said Monday. Reopening debate could lead to Israel’s referral to the International Criminal Court over its military offensive against Hamas in Gaza last winter.

Hillary Clinton Says She Will Not Run for President Again
(CNSNews.com) – Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she has “never” wished that she could be the one making the decisions facing President Obama, and she insisted she will not run for president again. It is believed to be her first unequivocal, public disavowal of still harboring presidential ambitions.

NAE Head Opposes Federal Health Care Coverage for Illegal Immigrants

Calif. Conservatives ‘Disappointed’ with New Harvey Milk Day

Has Obama Ushered in a New Era for LGBT Rights?

Caritas Report Calls for New Global Ethic on Climate Change

‘Brick Testament’ Illustrates Over 400 Bible Stories with Legos

Forget the people – ram healthcare bill through
One healthcare reform expert says Democratic leaders in Congress who are seeking to pass healthcare legislation before Thanksgiving are “deceiving themselves into thinking they know what’s best for the American people.”

Perspective: Show me the bill!
When the healthcare bill comes up today, senators will be voting on something that does not even exist yet. Are you angry yet?

Montana judges smack down parental rights
The Montana Supreme Court has granted parental rights to a non-parent.

Flip-flopper governor signs ‘Harvey Milk’ bill
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a law designating May 22 as “Harvey Milk Day” for public school students.

Disney elevates homosexual to studio chief
Pro-family activist Peter LaBarbera says he’s not surprised that the Walt Disney Company has named an open homosexual as studio head.

Climate Change Will Be Its Highest Priority, Says U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(CNSNews.com) – According to its new “action plan” released last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is charged with protecting fish, wildlife and plants, will focus first and foremost on global weather. “Climate change must become our highest priority,” says the agency’s new action plan.

FCC Commissioner Says Diversity Chief’s Ideas for Regulating Free Speech Are ‘Troubling’
(CNSNews.com) – Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell said Tuesday that statements about regulating freedom of speech in broadcasting made by FCC Chief Diversity Officer Mark Lloyd are “troubling.” McDowell said everyone should be concerned when federal regulators have the power to impact freedom of speech.

Finance Committee Health Bill Includes $507 Billion in New Taxes and Fees
(CNSNews.com) – The health-care bill that the Senate Finance Committee passed Wednesday will cost a total of $829 billion over 10 years, with $507 billion of that cost being covered by new federal taxes and fees, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Here’s a look at some of them.

One Republican on Senate Finance Committee Voted for Baucus Health-Care Bill
Washington (CNSNews.com) – Only one Republican — Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine — voted in favor of the Senate Finance Committee’s version of the health-care reform bill. The liberal Republican, however, said she agrees with her Republican colleagues that a health-care bill should not increase government intervention or create new bureaucracies. She said her one yes vote on Tuesday does not guarantee another one later.

Despite Obama Administration’s Hopes, Russia Giving No Ground on Iran Sanctions
(CNSNews.com) – Hopes that Russia might be more accommodating following the Obama administration’s missile defense shift appeared premature Tuesday, when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton found no support at the Kremlin for tightening sanctions against Iran. “Clinton Fails to Advance U.S. Case on Iran,” declared the Moscow Times.

Pro-Life Activists Speak Out Against Pro-Abortion Leaders in U.S., Spain
(CNSNews.com) – As President Barack Obama met with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodríguez Zapatero on Tuesday, pro-life activists gathered on Capitol Hill to condemn both leaders’ pro-abortion policies, including Zapatero’s support for a Spanish law awaiting approval by Parliament that would make abortion available on demand to women 16 and older.

Bible verse ban spawns ‘wave of support for Christ’
A controversial school policy in northern Georgia has compelled many students to passionately defend their free-speech rights and proclaim their Christian beliefs.

State custody step for Rifqa ‘just a guise’
A Florida-based organization believes immigration papers may be the only thing that will prevent a 17-year-old Christian convert from Islam from being returned to her Muslim parents in Ohio.

Parents voice opposition to Obama ‘praise’ song
New Jersey school officials responsible for having elementary school students sing an anthem of praise to President Obama remain under fire from parents who accuse the district of political indoctrination.

Suspended 1st-grader can return to school
A Delaware first-grader who was facing 45 days in an alternative school as punishment for taking his favorite camping utensil to school can return to class after the school board made a hasty change granting him a reprieve. POLL: What’s your take on ‘zero-tolerance’ policies?

Homosexuality ‘not a civil right’
The chairman of the Orange County (California) Board of Education says she is “appalled” that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is asking schools to set aside a day to honor a controversial homosexual activist.

Former CBO Chief Calls Obama Administration Fiscal Policies ‘Laughable’
(CNSNews.com) – A former Republican congressional budget chief called the Obama administration’s claims to fiscal responsibility “hypocritical” and “laughable,” noting in particular the mounting unemployment numbers (9.8 percent nationwide) despite the $787-billion stimulus plan enacted in February. Douglas Holtz-Eakin said the stimulus package said was poorly designed.

Hillary Clinton Now Viewed More Favorably Than Barack Obama, Especially Among Republicans
(CNSNews.com) – Among Republicans, 35 now have a more positive view of Hillary Clinton than they do of Barack Obama (19 percent). Compare that to a Gallup poll in January, when Republicans’ views of Obama were more positive (60 percent) than those of Clinton (35 percent).

Chamber of Commerce Says Private Sector, Not Government, Will Create Jobs
(CNSNews.com) – U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue says that people, not government, will create the jobs needed for economic recovery. He spoke Wednesday at an event to launch the Chamber’s new campaign to promote the American free enterprise system.

Hoyer Now Says Health Care Legislation Will Be Changed in Committee Before House Votes on It
(CNSNews.com) – One day after the Senate Finance Committee passed its version of health-care reform, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said the health-care legislation under construction in both the House and Senate will ultimately need to go to a conference committee to work out the differences between the versions of the bill crafted in each chamber–a process that will prolong congressional consideration of the bill and give the public more time to analyze what Congress is drafting. Previously, Hoyer told CNSNews.com that he would not rule out the possibility that the House would vote on the Senate bill without amending it, allowing it to go straight to the president for his signature.

Despite Violating U.N. Resolutions, Lebanon to Get Security Council Seat
(CNSNews.com) – Lebanon is expected Thursday to be chosen to serve on the U.N. Security Council for the 2010-2011 period, despite signs in the country of ongoing violations of Security Council resolutions calling for Hezbollah to be disarmed. Resolution 1701 requires “the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon, so that … there will be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than that of the Lebanese state.”

Poll: Mexicans say Mexican-Americans Owe Loyalty to Mexico Over U.S.
(CNSNews.com) - Nearly 70 percent of Mexicans surveyed said that Mexican-Americans — including those born in the United States -– owe their primary loyalty to Mexico, not the U.S., according to a Zogby poll commissioned by the Center for Immigration Studies. The in-person poll, taken during August and September, sampled 1,004 Mexicans across the country on subjects related to illegal immigration and amnesty in the United States.

Japan Wants to Change Agreement on Relocating U.S. Marine Base Ahead of Obama’s Upcoming Visit
(CNSNews.com) – Eight months after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton signed an agreement in Tokyo mapping out the realignment of U.S. troops in Japan, plans by the country’s new left-leaning government to change it up are causing friction ahead of President Obama’s visit next month. More than half of the 47,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan currently are on Okinawa, and their presence there has long drawn opposition from some quarters – for safety, environmental and ideological reasons.

Lieberman pushing pro-homosexual measures
Senator Joe Lieberman is working hard to advance two top legislative priorities of homosexual activists in Washington.

Student sues for right to wear pro-life shirt
A Pennsylvania boy is in a legal battle with his school over his pro-life T-shirt.

Baucus’ bill not the end-all
The top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee says the healthcare legislation currently working its way through the Senate will dramatically drive up healthcare costs and further increase the strain on the budgets of American families. POLL: Should healthcare reform be top priority? VOTE

Nobel for Obama injurious to America and its allies?
In the wake of President Barack Obama’s winning of the Nobel Peace Prize, concerns are being expressed that the award may mean bad news for both Israel and America’s efforts to bring about a secure Afghanistan.

Iran – not Palestinians – primary culprit in Middle East
A former Israeli ambassador to the U.N. says many people in the United States and Europe are mistaken in believing that the key to achieving stability in the Middle East is to solve the Palestinian problem.

Pastor Offers a Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional

ELCA Bishops Urge Obama Stay Committed to Mideast Peace Efforts

‘Twitter Bible’ Converts Scripture into Mini Messages

‘Save the GMA’ Event Raises Over $350K

NIH Head Francis Collins Appointed to Vatican’s Scientific Academy 

Lawyers Call for Changes in International Law to Help ‘Climate Exiles’
(CNSNews.com) – International law dealing with refugees should be amended to cover people affected by disasters attributed to climate change, environmental lawyers are arguing. The London-based Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development says ‘climate exiles’ need help dealing with “statelessness and compensation.”

Sex Ed Should Not Promote Only Marriage or Heterosexual Relationships, Advocates Say
(CNSNews.com) – A coalition of liberal sex education advocates says the Obama administration and the Democrat-controlled Congress will end support for abstinence-only programs that emphasize marriage and heterosexual relationships. Liberals claim that emphasizing marriage and heterosexuality is discriminatory.

Liberal Editor Suggests Making the Recession ‘Worse’
(CNSNews.com) – Emily Douglas, Web editor for The Nation magazine, said Wednesday that making the “recession worse” and making goods “more expensive” for Americans are ways to reduce consumerism and preserve the environment. She later defended her comments as ‘tongue in cheek.’

Nation’s ‘Long-Term Fiscal Outlook Remains Unsustainable,’ GAO Says
(CNSNews.com) - Weaknesses in the economy and financial markets–and the government’s response to them–have helped boost federal deficits, and the government faces even larger fiscal challenges that will persist long after the return of financial stability and economic growth, says a new GAO report.

Despite Widespread Contraceptive Use, One Third of Pregnancies in France ‘Unplanned,’ New Study Confirms
(CNSNews.com) – While the number of unplanned pregnancies in France has declined since the 1960s as the number of planned pregnancies has increased, according to the study, the large number of “poorly planned or unwanted births” is high “and confirms the fact that no contraceptive method is totally reliable.”

Does Obama Support or Oppose Amendment to Prohibit Abortion Funding in Health Bill? White House Isn’t Saying
(CNSNews.com) – Does President Obama support or oppose an amendment sponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D.-Mich.) that would explicitly prohibit federal funding of abortion in the health-care bill now being considered in Congress? As of now, the White House isn’t saying. On Wednesday, the White House did not respond to CNSNews.com’s direct written question on the matter. At Tuesday’s White House press briefing, spokesman Robert Gibbs declined to specifically address Stupak’s amendment.

Israelis Took Unprecedented Steps to Safeguard Civilians, Says British Officer
(CNSNews.com) – In its offensive against Hamas in Gaza last winter, the Israeli army “did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare,” the former commander of British forces in Afghanistan told the U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday. Col. Richard Kemp was speaking on the second day of an emergency “special session” called by pro-Palestinian governments aimed at endorsing a report accusing Israel of war crimes during the operation.

Will Rangel ever step down?
The powerful chairman of the tax-writing committee of the U.S. House is being urged to step down from his post for, among other things, failing to pay taxes. POLL: What if Charlie Rangel was a Republican? VOTE

Ministry leader: Obama ‘loathes’ Israel
A Messianic Jewish leader and Israel supporter is outraged that an Obama website recently published an article comparing Israelis to Nazis.

Perspective: MTV’s ‘dark side’ on display
During last month’s MTV music video awards ceremony, actor Jack Black urged the audience join hands and pray to “dear dark lord Satan.”

Dems’ healthcare ideas ‘all increase the deficit’
Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker says the healthcare bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee is bad for the economy, bad for the deficit, and doesn’t provide better healthcare.

Mom wants baby after trying to have it killed
Utah’s legislature will be asked to deal with a loophole in homicide law that allowed a teenager to be set free after hiring someone to beat her to cause a miscarriage.

This week’s design is called No Fear. It’s a wonderful reminder to those in Christ that regardless of what we are going through, God is there for us. Numerous places in both the Old and New Testaments, God has told us that He is our refuge and strength. He is the One we should run to when we face any problem or trial.

If you aren’t born again, you have nowhere to run. The troubles and trials of life may be put off by drugs, alcohol, sex or other vices, but they cannot be solved without God. What’s worse, if you’re not born again, on top of all of the other problems and trials that you face, you also have God’s wrath abiding on you because of your sin. If your sin is not dealt with, you will find yourself in hell for eternity. At that point, there is nothing that you can do about it. If this is where you stand, please consider what you’re doing and repent of your sins.

If you are already saved and are struggling with issues and things that seem out of control, please cry out to God. He is mighty to save and will do what is right every time. It is necessary to remember that what is right to Him may not seem to be right for us, but it is always right. Those who are in Christ have no reason to fear anything including death because we can know that we have the gift of salvation through the precious blood of Christ our atoning sacrifice!

Over the past few weeks, there have been tragic stories in the American news outlets that have shown me some saddening things. While some of the saddening things are the stories themselves, others are the reactions of those who have watched the stories unfold.

The first story that made me start thinking about this was the sordid tale involving South Carolina governor Mark Sanford. Governor Sanford had a good, solid political career and a promising future. He was one of the GOP hopefuls for the presidency in 2012. Then, it all came crashing down as Governor Sanford’s sin found him out (Numbers 32:33). It was revealed that he had been having an affair with a former Argentinean news reporter. Governor Sanford cried and apologized to the people of South Carolina. Recently, it was reported that the governor had more than one affair and that none of the others were even hidden from his pastor. This is a tragedy on many levels. First, Governor Sanford’s sins were committed against God. He rebelled against the Lord and transgressed His law. He thumbed his nose at the sacrifice of Christ. Then, there are the sins against his wife and children. He has severely damaged the covenant vow he made with his wife (‘til death do us part!), and has strained his relationship with his four sons. Then there is the failure to be a responsible role model for not only his boys, but for many others in South Carolina. Mark Sanford is in a horrible situation and it will take time to mend all of the hurt he’s caused. Personally, I think that the governor should step down from his position. I believe this for a few reasons. One reason is because his main focus should be on mending his family. They should be his main focus after he repents of his sins and restores his relationship with God. Second, I don’t think he should be in a public office after doing the things that he’s done. John C. Calhoun wrote “the right of suffrage (electing officials) gives the people the power not only to choose their representatives, but to hold them responsible”. A related tragedy is the fact that actions like governor Sanford’s have become normal and even expected by politicians.

The next tragedy is the story of Steve McNair. Steve McNair is the former quarterback for the Tennessee Titans and was found dead in an apartment he was renting. McNair was shot four times while on his couch and next to his body was found another. On the floor next to him was the body of the 20-year-old waitress he had been dating. She had been shot once in the head. One of the problems with this is the fact that Mr. McNair was married with four kids. Again, the sins against God are the most tragic. God is holy, perfect, and righteous and has made every effort to reconcile their relationship with Him. There are the sins against his wife, children, and those of against the woman and her family. Another horrible thought is the fact that if Mr. McNair died in his sins, he is in hell and will be there for eternity. Many may be mad about this but it’s what the Bible says. It is my sincere hope that Mr. McNair was right with God before he died, but we won’t know until all is said and done.

The last tragedy that got me focused on this is the death of Michael Jackson. There are so many tragedies here that it’s mind-boggling. As always, the first is the sin against God. All of the sins that we commit are against God first. After this is the thought that Mr. Jackson, who was a Jehovah’s Witness that converted to Islam, isn’t born-again. Add to this the drugs, debt, and his court charges dealing with him being a pedophile and it’s a big mess.

When Michael Jackson died, it was all people talked about. Every news channel, many blogs, and most newspapers had huge sections of space devoted to his life, music, and tragic end. Some have camped outside his home “celebrating his life” while dancing and singing. It became the “where were you when JFK died” of this generation. Recently, they held a public memorial service for him at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. This service could only be attended by those who received tickets from a special lottery. The memorial was in a city that can’t afford it, in a state that can’t afford it, with over a million dollars of extra security and police involvement. Although this seems unwise to say the least, it isn’t what bothers me the most. While all of the media was focused on Michael Jackson, there was talk of North Korea launching missles. Also, our soldiers were dying in Afghanistan but they weren’t important. They were not useful to the media so they were ignored. What I see in all the drama, pomp, and circumstance surrounding all things Michael Jackson is something deeper – hero worship. The worship of Michael Jackson has lasted at least two weeks. The majority of things said about him have to do with the impact he made on the world and how great he was. It’s like he’s been separated from all of the odd and weird things in his life and absolved of all the sin and shame. Very few people spent any amount of time talking about these things and glossed over them because they just want to “remember the good things”. If that’s what you want to do, then it’s your choice, but would you be remembering the true man?

Some would argue, “Well, if you’re going to do this to Michael Jackson, then we can do it to you too”. You’re right. You could do this to me, and anyone else and the result would be the same. You would see that we are all sinners that will end up in hell if our sins are not paid for before we die. There is one thing that you may find different. If you compare my life to yours, or Michael Jackson’s, you may see that my sins are paid for. Granted, I don’t know that Michael Jackson didn’t cry out to God right before he fell to the floor and repent of his sins. I hope that he did, but I don’t know. As far as talking about my whole life, I wouldn’t have a problem with it. I was a sinful man and I’m still a sinful man. There is one difference. I have repented of my sins and put my faith completely and totally in Jesus Christ to save my from God’s wrath. I don’t revel in my sin but I do revel in the God that saved me from them when he didn’t have to. Through grace by faith alone I have been spared from God’s wrath to come.

Now, before you see this as a tirade against Michael Jackson, it’s not. He’s not the only one that this happens to. Movie stars like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and others are worshipped like “gods”. They get paid millions of dollars a film to pretend and play like they’re someone else. They are followed around by paparazzi and plasterd all over newspapers, magazines, and the Internet. For what? They are just sinful men and women like the rest of us. We have sports stars like Kobe Bryant, Alex Rodriguez, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Tom Brady who are treated the same way. They are paid millions of dollars a year to put a ball through a metal hoop, hit a ball with a stick, drive a car in circles, or throw an inflated pigskin a hundred yards down field. They are revered and looked up to for their talent. So what? Like the rest of us, they are sinful men and women. I may catch some flack for saying this, but I don’t think that anyone is worth that much money. I don’t care what sport you play or how well you do it, you’re not worth that much money (in a way, you’re worth more, but not in a materialistic way). Amazingly, if everyone stopped making movies or playing sports professionally, life would go on.

It’s not just entertainers though. Politicians have become heroes that Americans worship. From Ronald Regan to Bill Clinton, politicians have become celebrities as well. For evidence of this, you don’t have to look any further than our current president. Barack Obama has been and still is worshipped by a large number of people. He is constantly all over the news and puts himself in the spotlight as much as possible. Even though he has poor judgment, poor speaking skills, and an ungodly, wicked agenda; people have hailed him as “The Messiah”. And he believes them.

And this is where hero worship becomes dangerous. The Bible makes it clear that we are to worship no man. When Cornelius saw Peter at his door, he bowed down to worship him (Acts 10:25). Peter quickly responded, “Stand up; I too am just a man.” When Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, Lyconia, and Derbe (Acts 14:12-15) they were worshipped as Zeus and Hermes (to the point of offering sacrifices!) because Paul healed a man that had never walked. Paul and Barnabas immediately stopped the crowd and told them that they were “of the same nature” as the would-be worshippers. Not only are we not supposed to worship man; we are not to worship angels either. In the book of Revelation, John is told twice by an angel that they are not to be worshipped but that they are fellow servants with all those who serve the Lord.

Our worship is to be reserved for God alone. In Romans 1, Paul talks about those who know God but “do not honor Him as God or give thanks”. These people have become “futile in their speculations” and their “foolish hearts are darkened”. How many of those people dwell in America today? We profess God with our lips but our hearts are far from Him (Matt 15:8). It seems that we spend just as much time and energy worshipping fallen men and women that we have elevated as we do rejecting that God of the universe who measures the universe with the span of His hand. God is the only One that deserves our worship and praise and He is jealous about it. In Isaiah 42:8, God says that He will not give His glory to another. How far have we drifted when we will praise actors, sports figures, and politicians for their miniscule contributions; and ignore, or even worse rail against, God who has given us everything?

I am not against talent. If you have a talent, then use it to glorify God. I’m also not against people making money (although I think we’re paying way too much to be entertained). If you can use your talent to glorify God and make money that’s great. But, I don’t care how well you pretend to be someone else, how accurately you kick a soccer ball, or how well the Rasmussen polls portray you; you are just another one of many sinful men and women living on this planet. And while I may admire your talents (if you have any), I will not worship you or exalt you. You don’t deserve it. Only God does…

 Saturday’s Newslinks brought to you by At Ease Tees

 FCC Commissioner Circulates Internal Document on ‘The State of Media Journalism’
(CNSNews.com) – FCC Commissioner Michael Copps has circulated an internal report examining the state of media journalism in America and discussing options for addressing issues such as the rise of media conglomerates and the prevalence of opinion journalism. The report can be used as the basis for instituting new rules governing broadcasting ownership, licensing and content.

Biden Says National Health Care Plan is on Track to Pass Congress by End of August
White House (CNSNews.com) – Even while some Democratic senators reportedly are getting cold feet, Vice President Joe Biden affirmed that a health care overhaul is “on track” for passage by the end of next month. “Folks, reform is coming,” Biden said at the White House on Wednesday, flanked by hospital industry officials, who agreed to $155 billion in savings over 10 years.

Congressmen Who Vote for Government-Run Health Care Agency Should Be Its First Customers, Legislation Says (CNSNews.com) – Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) introduced a bill Monday that encourages members of Congress who vote for a government-run health insurance agency to forego their own comprehensive health insurance plans and enroll in the same “public option” they would have others embrace.

Former Surgeon General Elders Gets Standing Ovation from Religious Group after Advocating Sex Ed for Kindergarteners (CNSNews.com) – Former U.S. Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders received a standing ovation after telling the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice that sex education should begin in early childhood. She supports contraceptive distribution and comprehensive sex education in public schools.

Ford Motor Company–Never Bailed Out by Government–Beats Government-Owned General Motors in June Sales (CNSNews.com) – In the wake of the federal government bailout and takeover of General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Company outsold GM in North America in June, edging out the GM core brands in the U.S. and topping Canadian sales for the first time in 50 years.

Federal Agents Trace Guns Used by Mexican Drug Cartels Back to U.S. Buyers, But What About Warrants? (CNSNews.com) – More than 100 agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have been visiting the homes of gun purchasers in Houston, Texas. But the federal agency won’t say if agents have warrants.

 Catholic Bishops Urge Congress to Maintain Ban on Using Tax Dollars to Pay for Abortions in D.C.(CNSNews.com) – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is calling on the House Appropriations Committee to reverse action by one of its subcommittees – and reinstate the ban on federal funding for abortion in the District of Columbia.

GE Plans to Use Human Embryonic Stem Cells, Not Lab Rats, to Test Drug Toxicity
(CNSNews.com) – GE Healthcare, the medical research subsidiary of General Electric, has formed a partnership with a leading U.S. biotech company to develop products derived from human embryonic stem cells that can be used to develop new drugs. GE Healthcare, which is based in Britain, says that human embryonic testing could replace animal testing.

 White House ‘Arrogantly’ Ignored Will of Congress in IG Firing, Top Republican on House Oversight Committee Says (CNSNews.com) – The House Republican leading the probe into the firing of Gerald Walpin as the inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service said he’s “going to continue to push” the investigation. Rep. Darrell Issa of California said that such abuse of power from the White House is one of the reasons why the oversight committee exists.

Dump Cap-And-Trade, Experts Advise World Leaders
(CNSNews.com) – The Kyoto Protocol has failed, and the focus on reducing carbon emissions through cap-and-trade schemes like the one currently before the U.S. Congress should be replaced by efforts to improve energy efficiency and “decarbonize” the energy supply, according to an international group of academics. Their appeal came in a report released as Group of Eight leaders meeting in Italy wrestle over climate policy.
 
Creating Sperm From Stem Cells Raises Ethical Concerns: Making Males Redundant?
(CNSNews.com) – A new Canadian movie tells the tale of two lesbians who become pregnant through in vitro fertilization. They use their own eggs — and sperm created from each other’s stem cells — making each the mother of their own child and the “father” of their partner’s. The bizarre plotline of The Baby Formula may not be quite as outlandish it is sounds. Researchers at Newcastle University in Britain announced this week that they had succeeded in creating human sperm from embryonic stem cells.

Many Christians today talk about the freedom, power, and authority they have. They talk about being bold and aggressive in their prayers. They demand things from God as they pray and command everything to obey them from the human body to the weather to demons and evil spirits.

Not only that, they talk about how they’re “anointed”, “called”, or “gifted” for the “ministry” they are doing. They use this prestige and “anointing” to lead people “into the throne room of God”, “storming the gates of heaven” to get their “vision” accomplished. They shout, yell, whoop, holler, and get red-faced when they preach or pray. Many of them strive to pack “megachurches” with thousands of seats. They preach whatever is necessary to keep people there and love to be looked on as leaders. They are happy to be sought out for advice and always have an opinion to give. They maneuver themselves into places of “power” and gain greater degrees of fame as their notoriety grows. But is this biblical? Is it right?

In Proverbs 25, we find words of wisdom written by Solomon and transcribed by the men of Hezekiah. One of the sections that caught my attention is the passage from verses 6-7:

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men; For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.

Do not claim honor in the presence of the king. This means that it is not our decision as to whether or not we get honor. That decision belongs to the king alone. It is also not our place to try and wedge our way in between great men. We seem to think that because we’ve done something for God, we automatically get the biggest and best reward we think we deserve. Unfortunately for us, that’s not the case. As I said above, it is the king who decides. If we’re not careful, it is easy for us to get caught up in the “vision” that we have and forget that it’s not about us. I can’t help but wonder (because that’s the way that I am) if this is how the marriage supper of the Lamb will be. Jesus echoed this in Luke 14:7-11:

And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. “But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

How many will enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb and take seats at the Lord’s table? How many will place themselves in the place of great men and claim honor for themselves? How many will be asked by Jesus to move down to a lower spot to make room for someone they never recognized as worthy of a second glance here on earth? This will be sad (if it happens). The thing is, it’s already sad because many “Christian leaders” are doing this on earth. They are putting themselves in places of power and prestige.

While they chase the fame and money and high places, others they wouldn’t even think about are doing the real work. While the “leaders” ride around or fly all over the world “preaching the gospel”, many others are out witnessing, teaching, feeding, clothing, and ushering unsaved people into the kingdom of heaven. While the “televangelists” hoard money, jets, cars, and mansions (all things they say they’re entitled to), these are everyday people who are living out lives worthy of the gospel in front of their kids, friends, family, coworkers, and complete strangers. I could name many of these people but I won’t. One reason is because it’s not something they would want, and the other reason is because I don’t have to. If you ever get to meet them, you’ll know it…

I apologize to all of you who read this blog consistently. I have been really busy lately and have been posting only sporadically. I hope to get back on schedule real soon and have more things for us to discuss. Thanks for your time, patience, and understanding!

This week’s crossover design is from Upstream Designs and is called Pure Discipline.  The design itself is simple, which is something I like. I like “busy” designs if they are done well, but I love the challenge of presenting the depth of the message in the simplest way possible.

The design itself is a cross with the words “Pure Discipline” across the top. Underneath the cross are the words, “He became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”. This sums up what discipline is. It is doing what it right even when you may not like it, it may be difficult, or you may not live through it. It is obedience as well. Jesus’ death was a choice He made before the foundation of the world and it was His discipline that helped Him through.

One of the most amazing things about all of this is the fact that Jesus disciplined Himself for the cross knowing He was innocent. He didn’t have to die for wretched sinners like you and I but He did any way. Jesus is one of the greatest examples for us to follow. We must be disciplined to live, to work, to grow, and to follow Him as Christians. Do you have Pure Discipline?

This weeks design is part of the Crossover blog. It is where a number of designers take the time to talk about another artist’s design that caught their eye.

This week, I am writing about something that I have always liked. The design is called RMS Aquitania. It is designed by labelstone and is part of a vintage art series. When asked about how she got started with vintage labels, she replied:

The love of vintage started with a fascination with art deco. I bought a lamp and then a few bowls etc. Then I started looking at the printed ads, which really caught my eye. At this point I need to add that printer’s ink is in the blood as I a from a line of printers dating back to 1879. The company closed shortly before my father’s death in 2000. His company did not print labels (sadly) but I well remember going down to the plant to watch the presses in action and smell the inks.
I now have a large collection of fruit crate labels and that is where quite a few of my images come from. I also have Victorian trade cards and postcards that I get designs from.

The design that caught my eye did so because it is colorful and there is a sense of movement and life to the image. I also like the style the art is done in and the depth of the image as well.

I asked labelstone how an image is chosen for her shop and she had this to say:

How do I chose? I have to like it, which I know is not the best way of approaching success! If it catches my eye or sense of humor, then I have a go at digitally cleaning the image. If it will not clean up, then I toss the image.

If you get a chance, check out labelstone’s shop and see if there is anything that catches your eye like it did mine!

This blog post is a part of a crossover blog. Other participants in this crossover blog are:

http://ateasetees.wordpress.com/

http://www.blogbydonna.com/

http://getyergoat-goatgifts.blogspot.com

http://www.nanwrightart.com

http://randomshirts.blogspot.com/

http://skeetzteez.blogspot.com/

http://www.shopkeeperdesigns.com

http://autismshowucare.blogspot.com

http://www.gocamelphotos.blogspot.com/

http://einselgaenger.blogspot.com/

http://beflip.blogspot.com/

God at Work is the featured design for this week. The design was inspired by Psalm 139:13-14 and the road signs that we see all over the place. When we see the road signs, we know that there is something going on. It is a work in progress and is not complete yet. The same holds true for what goes on during a pregnancy. Psalm 139:13-14 says that God weaves us together in our mother’s womb and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. It is something that is the beginning of a work in progress that could last as long as a hundred years.

The growth and development of a child is an amazing thing that we do not completely understand. It is something that begins with conception and continues for years. The number of things that have to take place for the baby to survive and grow is mind-boggling. If one of these things is missing, it could be lethal for the baby. It is truly a wonder of God to see a child grow and it is something that we need to protect and cherish.

If you are pregnant, you are part of something wonderful, regardless of the circumstances. The life in your body is a miracle of God and should be treated that way. There are many who would kill the child because it is an inconvenience to them. Truthfully, according to studies done, that is the main reason for abortion. It’s not because of health or financial burden, but because of inconvenience.

Please, if you are pregnant and the child that you carry is an inconvenience to you, don’t kill it by aborting it. Bear it out and have the child and then give it to one of the numerous families that will take it and love it.