U - Utilitarianism, Social Justice or Civil Rights?

During my summer before my Junior Year in high school, while attending a summer program at MIT, I was recognized with a technical writing award for an essay I wrote about three possible rationales for an ethical argument. One was utilitarianism, the other two were justice and the rights of Man. Without getting into a lengthy blog on the subject (and, sheepishly, because today I can hardly remember what i had written about) I simply wanted to propose the following nuggets for thought:

1. Political liberals tend to justify their positions based on social "justice" arguments.
2. Political conservatives and libertarians tend to base their positions on "rights of Man" arguments
3. Americans, within the last two centuries, have drifted toward a Pragmatism branching out from secular humanist influence. Politicians from both sides of the spectrum tend to mix in a utilitarian argument (for the greater good of all) to trump the other side.

I am for a justice argument, as long as they are based in court decisions and not socialistic in nature. Social justice can actually be a strong opponent of individual civil rights. Guess this explains why i am conservative in my political leanings. Utilitarian arguments do not move me unless the will of an infinite God is clearly the "majority" in any calculation of a "greater good".

God clearly desires love. People exhibiting free expressions of charity, love and services. The corruption of a free systems with oppressive mandates that those who have honestly achieved wealth through the production of value are legally required to have their property distributed to others who didn't is the oppressive form of slavery where a government is given a mantle to determine rights. But I hold this truth to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed BY THEIR CREATOR with certain unalienable rights. A government cannot endow rights based on the color of skin or the amount or lack thereof of a person's wealth. A government cannot endow rights at all.

The proper "utility" of a government is to "wield the sword" (authority to use force) to protect the rights endowed to individuals by our Creator and to mete out justice when (an) individual(s) infringes upon the rights of (an)other individual(s).

To continually think of individuals in terms of social groups (African Americans, women, Hispanics, etc) is the enemy of civil rights. Historically, the major advances in civil rights in the US(abolition of slavery, women suffrage, desegregation, pro-life) have come from the policies and stances of the Republican party, who simply promoted the civil rights of all individuals, regardless of an artificial social grouping.

T - Trust: Getting to Know and Trust a God Who Loves Sinners

See also "C - Confidence"

Faith is not my centering my will around what I am able to do, or devising a prayer that sounds more confident than I really am, or mustering up a sense of sureness by trying to convince myself that I am more confident than I am, nor is it an exercise of running away from doubts by avoiding the quietness of true intimacy and prayer.

This is on my mind because my church men's small group has been praying for a big miracle of healing for the wife of one of our brothers. In one sense, it is practical to instruct ourselves to avoid negative statements or doubts about what we've prayed about. I do also believe that it is healthy to have the real moments before God that Abraham(Gen 15:8) and Moses(Ex 4:1) and Gideon(Judges 6:36-39) did when, right before they accepted by faith what God had promised them, they admitted to God that they had some reservations or doubts or need for a sign (or two or three). (Not to say that I should provoke His anger by perpetually requiring more signs if it's really just laziness or cowardice. (Gen 4:13-14)

Some of us need only to be reminded of what God had done for them in the past. Needing to be reminded of the past is still glorifying God once you remember. I'd rather do that than to glorify my flesh or my mental concentration skills or credit anything that I did or willed as being the source of the power.

I trust in Christ that the things that he prepared beforehand for our sister to accomplish for his glory will come to pass through her and that her healthy body will bring glory to Him.

Ephesians 2 (New Living Translation)

Ephesians 2
Made Alive with Christ
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

S - Son of God

links:

http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/jesustitles.htm

R - Rights: Life Liberty Pursuit - Silent Scream; Amistad; Schindler's List (Abortion, SlaveTrade, Holocaust)

Right to Life:

Abortion is wrong and it should be worse than illegal. The child actually screams in the womb, trying to get away. No "polite" way to put.

God is a forgiving God & maybe many people don't know what they are doing in ignorance...but can anyone see this video & not have a change of heart?



Thought of myself as a strong pro-lifer, but after seeing this video...realizing that I haven't been outspoken enough against abortion.

Right to Liberty:

Remember in the movie Amistad: John Quincy Adams told the abolitionist's to get to know "THEIR STORY" to convince the court the slaves should be freed


Right to Pursue Happiness:

Remember Schindler's List? Another psyhological torture to the Jews was having them do worthless chores. Not letting them experience fruit from their own hard labor.

Q - Quiet: "Be Still and Know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10

Mercy Me
"Word of God Speak"
Lyrics:
I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay

P - Power - God's, the People's, the Family's, the Church's, the Government's

George Washington(1792): "I am sure there never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States; and I should be pained to believe, that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God, who is alone able to protect them." (The Writings of George Washington, by John C. Fitzpatric, GPO, 1931-44, Vol.32:2)

George Washington(1787): "The power under the Constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can, and undoubtedly will, be recalled." (Ibid., 29:311.)

John Adams(2nd U.S. President and Founder): "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."(The Works of John Adams, ed. C. F. Adams, Boston:Little, Brown Co., 1851,4:31.)

Benjamin Franklin "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."(Smyth, Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:569.)

Plea to the President: Protect the Little Women, too



From Google book post of book by C. Everett Koop, M.D.

O - Opportunity - Teach me to number my days

He gives me time, talent, resources, relationships and experiences and knowledge...what will I create while I'm here?

"In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light." 1 Timothy 5:25

"When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." Jn 15:8

"From the fruit of his mout a man is satisfied w good, and the work of a man’s hand comes back 2 him." Proverbs 12:14

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is." Ps. 39:4

“ Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” Job 14:5

N - "N" Word - Nurture or Neglect: What Will Be Our Name?

Nurture or Neglect our Children?


Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.





1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.



Nurture or Neglect our Salvation?
Hebrews 2:2-4 (English Standard Version)
For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Hebrews 10:35-40 (New Century Version)
So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has a great reward.36 You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised.37 For in a very short time,
"The One who is coming will come
and will not be delayed.
Those who are right with me
will live by faith.
But if they turn back with fear,
I will not be pleased with them." — Habakkuk 2:3–4
But we are not those who turn back and are lost. We are people who have faith and are saved.

Nurture our Neglect our Churches?
Nehemiah 10:39
The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay. "We will not neglect the house of our God."

Nehemiah 13:11
So I rebuked the officials and asked them, "Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.


Nurture or Neglect our Neighbors?
Luke 11:42
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.

Nurture or Neglect our God?
Psalm 119:16
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

M - Magnification - It's All About You, Jesus!

Psalm 96
1 Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
2 Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.
3 Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.
Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.

4 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
He is to be feared above all gods.
5 The gods of other nations are mere idols,
but the Lord made the heavens!
6 Honor and majesty surround him;
strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.

7 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
8 Give to the Lord the glory he deserves!
Bring your offering and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor.
Let all the earth tremble before him.
10 Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
The world stands firm and cannot be shaken.
He will judge all peoples fairly.

11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
13 before the Lord, for he is coming!
He is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice,
and the nations with his truth.

L - Legacy - We all die. What will you leave? What will you take with you?

...And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment...
Hebrews 9:27

LEGACY - Nichole Nordeman
My Rhapsody Playlist
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

K - Koinonia - The Church: The House that Love Built

"A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints." L. L. Nash

"The House That Love Built"
Album: No Better Place
Words and music by Babbie Mason & Cheryl Rogers

VERSE 1
Down through the years, through toil and tears
The people have gathered
Weary and weak, and needing relief
From life's stormy weather
A shelter secure, for the tired and the poor
To lay down their trouble and pain
A place where the soul, can finally be whole
And healing will always begin.

CHORUS
This is the house that love built
The place that love filled
The home where love will
Be the foundation forever
And the light will lead us
And faith will free us
Our hope is Jesus
And He will bind us together
With love
Oh, sweet love

VERSE 2
Somehow she stands, through shifting of sands
The church is unfailing
She's come through the fire, pulled out of the mire
But always prevailing
She's heaven on earth, and the light of the world
That grows ever brighter with time
She's built on the rock, by the power of God
And His Kingdom will never die

CHORUS/BRIDGE
Windows and walls, steeples and halls
Someday may all
Come tumbling down
This church began, without buildings or land
It lives in our hearts
Forever will stand, It's gonna stand

CHORUS
REPEAT CHORUS

The Believers Form a Community
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[a]), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 (New Living Translation)

J - Justification - Just As If I never hurt Him.

For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:20-26

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:5

So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. Romans 4:16

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. Romans 4:20-25

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:8-11

Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 10:4

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:10

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

I - Intuition - Atheists don't exist...and who can be sure agnostics are real either...

"They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them." - Romans 1:18

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky." Romans 1:20a

"Through everything God made, they can cleary see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature." Romans 1:20

"...So they have no excuse for not knowing God." Romans 1:20

"...The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

"His purpose was 4 the nations 2 seek after God & perhaps feel their way toward Him--though he is not far from any 1 of us." Acts17:27

"Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.'" John 20:29

"He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him." John 1:10

"...God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, because their actions were evil" John 3:19

"Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, 'Why have you made me like this?'" Romans 9:20

"'I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me." Romans 10:29b

"Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds..." Matthew 13:34

"...those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken from them. That is why i use these.." Mt 13:12

"..for they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really understand." Matthew 13:13

"Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." Matthew 13:9

"Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.'" Mark 9:7

H - Hell - "Help! I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!"

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Romans 3:22-24

There's nothing funny about the factual real hell. On the other hand, getting a free ticket out of hell, well...watch this clip...


For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.
John 3:16-18

G - God - Who's the "GOD-MAN"? Is there another?

My Rhapsody Playlist

Do we REALLY all worship the same God?

F - Freedom - This world is not my home

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
My Rhapsody Playlist
-2 Chronicles 7:14

You alone are God. Thank you for blessing us with a land that has no king, where we can worship you freely. Thank you for the freedom of the three-branched government.

We ask that you will bless our president and his family. He is not king, but head of state and chief executive. You are the King of Kings and let him make no executive decision that contradicts your will and instructions for our lives.

We pray for our lawmakers, that they will make no law that contradicts your law, especially your Law of love, nor your Word.

We pray for our judicial branch and our Supreme Court. We acknowledge that they do not hold all wisdom. You are our Wisdom. You are the "Ancient of Days." Let them interpret the law with your wisdom and make no opinion that is contrary to your wisdom.

Be blessed. Bless our nation.

Protect us from
Plague(Swine flu, AIDs),
the Sword(terrorists, pirates),
Famine (recession, inflation, poverty),
Drought(weather, climate and dryness of heart) and
Corruption(self-serving political leaders, sex-traffiking,)

The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed
-Proverbs 11:10a

The National Day of Prayer Music Video
by smotvfilm

E - Eternity - Me and Jesus - Forever

"...he gave his life to be her Savior...and you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her." Eph. 5:23-25

I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me..." John 11:25-26


Jesus asked, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?"

D - Death - To Die is Gain

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

--from Philipians 1:21-24

Other relevant links:
http://www.persecution.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/VoiceOfTheMartyrsUSA

C - Confidence -Please, try to trust only one person to rescue you at a time. Before you jump from the ledge, decide which arms are going to catch you

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.

B - Bondage - Are You a Slave?????? !!!!!

Bondage to ==>> Redemption

Other relevant lyrics:


Get a load of me · I'm free · I'm property of the only God who died for me · I can see a whole society who need to cop a plea · Sin's got the lock · but God's got the key.

Chorus: Look now· No more crook now· Close the book now· My sins are took now· No more death row· No more death yo· Come what ever· in Christ I'll live forever· Forever off the hook.

A - Accounting Model

I am still developing this analogy for understanding the benefits of being part of Christ's family.


Assets = Liability + Equity

Assets: Jesus gave His life for us.(the perfect Lamb of God who was crucified for us was more precious than silver and gold)
The loving things we do for God can be capitalized as assets and we receive rewards in Heaven.

Liability: Jesus' death paid for our sins and wiped clean our debt of sin. "Owe no man but to love him"

Equity: The Creator had already owned us anyway. We should avoid retained earnings(except maybe on the Sabbath) and use every resource to do good works continually.

Expenses: We should avoid expenses, our lives should capitalize cash and resources as heavenly rewards, or give it out as dividends to God.

Income: We should avoid holding on and not capitalizing what we receive. give anything else out as dividends to God.