tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23421711106918458762024-03-12T19:46:13.354-05:00Little Blog on the PrairieWhitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-14787328459648896652014-05-24T22:05:00.001-05:002014-05-24T22:05:41.077-05:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014: Words 19 and 20: Eager and Sincere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words eager and sincere.<br />
<br />
<b>Eager</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
There are a number of Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible that are translated into the NIV as eager. It seems, though, that Greek or Hebrew words translated fall into one of two specific uses of eager: 1) to be hasty 2) to be zealous. Generally speaking, when eagerness is used to represent being hasty it is used in a pejorative context; when it is used to represent being zealous it is in a positive context. The concept of being hasty (eager), in both the old and new testaments, is used often regarding the pursuit of money:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Proverbs 28:20, 22-"A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished...A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware of the poverty that awaits him"</li>
<li>1 Timothy 6:10- "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs"</li>
</ul>
More specifically, the Greek word used in 1 Timothy 6, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3713&t=NIV">oregō</a>, means " to stretch one's self out in order to touch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something". I can't help but think of Smeagol/Gollum in the Lord of the Rings and his "eagerness" for the ring ( warning: this scene is somewhat graphic):<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FXpF3SUFaDw" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Contrast that with the use of the word eager when it is implying spiritual zeal (making a clear distinction between appropriate zeal and overbearing zealotry). This manifestation of eagerness is noted multiple times in the Bible:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 Chronicles 15:15- "All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side."</li>
<li>Psalm 78: 34-"Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again."</li>
<li>Titus 2:14-" who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."</li>
<li>1 Peter 3: 13-"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?"</li>
</ul>
Eagerness is an attitude, but what we direct our eagerness towards, be it ourselves and money or doing good and serving God, is crucial.<br />
<br />
<b>Sincere</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The use of the word sincere in the Bible seems to be focused in what sincerity is not--it is not hypocritical and it is not feigned. Interestingly, other versions use the phrase "without hypocrisy" or similar phrasing in place of sincere. There are many aspects of how we lives where sincerity is key:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>in our love (Romans 12:9, 2 Corinthians 6:6, 1 Peter 1:22)</li>
<li>in our devotion (2 Corinthians 11:3)</li>
<li>faith (1 Timothy 1:5)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Sincerity and eagerness are crucial aspects of how we live out our lives because they are attitudinal compasses. They guide us--both in attitude and action.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html"><span class="">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</span></a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 9 and 10: Goodness and Pride</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_29.html">Words 11 and 12: Self-Control and Self-Discipline</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 13 and 14: Joy and Gluttony</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_26.html">Words 15 and 16: Submission and Persecution</a><br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 17 and 18: Hospitality and Perfect</a></div>
Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-18400642142607332402014-05-10T18:47:00.002-05:002014-05-11T18:42:24.891-05:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014: Words 17 and 18: Hospitality and Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words/concepts of hospitality and perfection.<br />
<br />
<b>Hospitality</b><br />
<br />
The words hospitality or hospitable are mentioned in the Bible fewer than 10 times and only in the New Testament. The word in Greek that is translated to hospitality it s <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5381">philoxenia</a>, which means lover of strangers. Despite being mentioned only a few times in the Bible, it is an important concept mentioned by Paul, Peter, John, Luke, and the writer of the Hebrews. In both 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:8, Paul notes it as a qualification for elders. It is also "commanded" multiple times:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Romans 12:13-practice hospitality</li>
<li>Hebrews 3:2-don't forget to show hospitality</li>
<li>1 Peter 4:9-offer hospitality without grumbling</li>
<li>3 John 1:8- show hospitality to work together in the truth</li>
</ul>
The 3 John passage is a key point. Hospitality allows Christians to work together in the church--both through hospitality shown to other Christians and to those outside the church.<br />
<br />
Earlier this year, I read a book by <a href="http://rosariabutterfield.com/">Rosaria Butterfield</a> called <i>The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert.</i> Butterfield was formerly an atheist, lesbian, women's studies professor at Syracuse who converted to Christianity. Her path to accepting Christ was a long and winding one, but she noted in her book that the genuine hospitality of the people who shared Christ had a big impact on her. It was a hospitality akin to the hospitality that she experienced and lived it in her own life within the community of like-minded individuals she engaged with as a liberal academic. Hospitality is just as much about inviting people into your life as it is about inviting people into your home, and genuine hospitality can have a profound impact.<br />
<br />
<b>Perfect</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The world "perfect" is probably one of the most frustrating and misconstrued words in the English language. We have our own preconceived notions of perfection that are, more often than not, unattainable. We often think of perfection in the context of the attributes we like, not the attributes we have. The word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=perfect&t=KJV#s=s_lexiconc">"perfect"</a> in the original Hebrew or Greek in the Bible usually means something more along the lines of "complete", "sound", or " whole".<br />
<br />
Much of the Bible's use of the word "perfect" relates to who God is or the completeness of His character. In the Old Testament, aspects and workings of God are called perfect:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>His works (Deuteronomy 32:4)</li>
<li>His way (2 Samuel 22:31 and Psalm 18:30)</li>
<li>His law (Psalm 19:7)</li>
<li>His faithfulness (Isaiah 25:1)</li>
<li>His beauty (Psalm 50:2)</li>
</ul>
God's perfection and the perfection of His character is also highlighted in the New Testament:<br />
<ul>
<li>His will (Romans 12:2)</li>
<li>His power over our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)</li>
<li>His gifts (James 1:17)</li>
<li>His law (James 1:25)</li>
<li>His love that drives out fear (I John 4:8)</li>
</ul>
You might be thinking, "thanks, Captain Obvious, of course God is perfect. What about us?". The book of Hebrews especially talks about how we are perfect (complete) because of God. Particularly, chapter 10 verse 14 which says that we're perfect by His sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Thinking about perfection with the understanding of its true meaning,completeness, I can't help but think of the saccharin sweet line from the movie Jerry Maguire:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NpWAlvWNZj0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
To be sure, that line may be sweet (even in a vomit inducing manner, but I'm not a particularly mushy person) but no person every completes us...or makes us perfect. God is the only one who can do that. We're whole because of Him. We're perfect because of Him. Whatever we think we lack, with our incomplete understanding of true perfection, is really what completes us because of His sacrifice. We were created in His image. Therefore, we are the image of perfection. <br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html"><span class="">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">
Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 9 and 10: Goodness and Pride</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_29.html">Words 11 and 12: Self-Control and Self-Discipline</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 13 and 14: Joy and Gluttony</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_26.html">Words 15 and 16: Submission and Persecution</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-50864377950895518712014-04-26T11:10:00.000-05:002014-04-26T11:10:41.867-05:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014: Words 15 and 16: Submission and Persecution
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<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words/concepts of submission and persecution.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Submission</b><br />
<br />
Submission or some variation of the word appears in the Bible a few dozen times. In the Old Testament, there are specific examples to people submitting to other people (e.g. all of Pharoah's people were to submit to Joseph when he was placed in charge-Genesis 41:40), and there are examples or commands for people to submit to God.<br />
<br />
<span class=""><span class="">There is a lot of debate, especially in today's American culture, about the idea of "submission", especially in the context of a wife submitting to her husband. However, if you look at what the Hebrew and Greek words that are translate "submit" or some variation, it is clear that if someone is the one submitting, by definition, they are submitting of their own volition. They are choosing to submit; they are not being forces to submit. In Hebrew, the word </span></span><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H7511"><span class=""><span class="">raphac</span></span></a><span class=""><span class="">, often translated submit, means "to stamp oneself down; humble oneself". In Greek, the words </span></span><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5226"><span class=""><span class="">"hypeikō"</span></span></a><span class=""><span class=""> and </span></span><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5293"><span class=""><span class="">"hypotassō"</span></span></a><span class=""><span class=""> which mean to submit one's self. Again, the submissive person, by definition, is choosing to humble themselves.
In the New Testament, there are many calls for submission to God or to others. Here are most of them:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li>To God (Hebrews 12:9)</li>
<li>To the political leaders (Romans 13:5, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 3:1)</li>
<li>To spiritual leadership (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:5)</li>
<li>Women in the church setting (1 Corinthians 14:34, 1 Timothy 2:11)</li>
<li>Wives to husbands (Ephesians 5:22, 1 Peter 3:1)</li>
</ul>
<span class="">Warning: I'm going to get on my soapbox here for a minute. One of the "submit" references that I didn't note above is found in Ephesians 5:21 where it reads, " submit to one another out of reverence for Christ". This verse comes right before one of the verses about wives submitting to their husbands. I think that verse gets ignored far too often. I'm not married, so while I don't ignore the verses about marriage in the Bible, I tend to focus on applying the verses that are relevant to me currently. The Ephesians 5:21 verse will be relevant always. For those who poo poo the idea women are to submit their husbands look past the greater call for all of us to choose to submit to one another because of our reverence for Christ.At the same time, even in Christian circles, Ephesians 5:22 is emphasized at the expense of Ephesians 5:21. We are to show deference to others--to everyone. Submission is not confine to relationship of marriage, but our relationships with everyone because of our relationship with Christ. Submission is not about gender equality. We are all equal in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29). It is our choice, but also our call, to submit to others, to be humble enough to look to serve others and put their needs before our own. It's not about being "subject" to a husband; it's about revering and loving Christ in such an overflowing way that we humble ourselves to serve and love others. OK, I'm off my soapbox.
</span><br />
<br />
<b>Persecution</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Persecution is another concept that isn't discussed at length in the Old Testament, but it is interesting to note that the author of Hebrews, in the "hall of faith" chapter 11, notes that the great men and women of faith were persecuted. David and other psalmists pour out their hearts about persecution they faced (9:13, 69:26, 119:157, 119:161),<br />
<br />
Probably the most challenging verses on persecution is 2 Timothy 3:12 which says that everyone who wants to lead a godly life will be persecuted. I don't know that the reverse is then true too. If we aren't being persecuted, then does that mean we aren't leaving a godly life? I don't know if a lack of persecution means that I'm not living a godly life, or if it's more of a product of living in America where our spiritual lives are far more comfortable than that of Christians in North Korea, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, etc.<br />
<br />
Regardless, the Scriptures show that whatever persecution we face, good will come through it--we're blessed and rewarded (Matthew 5:11-12). There is also additional guidance for what to do when it comes:<br />
<ul>
<li>pray for those who persecute (Matthew 5:44)</li>
<li>bless those who persecute you (Romans 12:14)</li>
<li><span class="">endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12)</span></li>
<li>be faithful unto death (Revelation 2: 10)</li>
</ul>
Our faith and the promise of the kingdom are eternal things, but persecution is temporary and earthly. What a challenge for us as we strive to live godly lives.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html"><span class="">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">
Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 9 and 10: Goodness and Pride</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_29.html">Words 11 and 12: Self-Control and Self-Discipline</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/04/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 13 and 14: Joy and Gluttony</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-37610741444918596922014-04-12T20:30:00.001-05:002014-04-12T20:30:51.247-05:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014: Words 13 and 14: Joy and Gluttony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words joy and gluttony. I should note that when I made my list of 52 words at the beginning of the year, I formulated the list as words came to me, so there is no rhyme or reason to the order. Hence, I'm covering joy and gluttony in the same post, though perhaps a challenge at times for us as fallen, but forgiven, humans is that we find joy in gluttony.<br />
<br />
<b>Joy</b><br />
The word joy, or some form of the word, appears in the Bible over 200 times. In the NIV,<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=joy&t=NIV#s=s_lexiconc"> 25 different Hebrew words and 10 different Greek words are translated "joy"</a>. The definitions of many of these words centered around the concepts of exultation and gladness--stronger words than simply the emotion of happiness. During my study, there were two key things that jumped out to me: 1) the verbs associated with joy in the Old Testament 2) the adjectives associated with joy in the New Testament. As someone who isn't as demonstratively joyful as she could be, these challenged me.<br />
<br />
In the Old Testament, the verbs associated with joy were quite demonstrative. Here are just a handful of examples:<br />
<ul>
<li>shouted for joy (Ezra 3:12)</li>
<li>sing for joy (1 Chronicles 16:33)</li>
<li>ate/drank with great joy (1 Chronicles 29:22)</li>
<li>celebrated with joy (Ezra 6:16)</li>
<li>led with joy (Psalm 45:15)</li>
<li>filled with joy (Psalm 126:3)</li>
</ul>
While the Old Testament focused how joy might be manifested in our lives by our actions, the New Testament provides us with an understanding of the extent of joy we should seek in our lives. Multiple times the apostle John discusses the idea of complete of full measure of joy. In John 16:24, he quotes Jesus saying that asking anything in His name will lead to "your joy being complete". In John 17: 13, Jesus prays that the disciples might have a "full measure of joy". In 1 John 1:4, John writes the letter to make the joy of those who received the letter complete, and in 2 John 1:12, he says that he want to visit the recipients of the letter to make his joy complete. Paul similarly notes how specific people (Timothy-2 Timothy 1:4) or churches (the Macedonian church-2 Corinthians 8:2) can make people overflow or be filled with joy. It is a great and challenging lesson to learn that joy is not only an action or response to God, it's a relational term with our family in Christ. Those relationships can help us be joyful.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Gluttony</b></div>
<div>
To my surprise, in the NIV, the word "glutton", "gluttons", or "gluttony" only appears 7 times. Perhaps, this stems in part to the fact that I wrongly thought that gluttony (seen as one of the seven deadly sins in some circles) was one the things listed by Solomon in Proverbs 6 as detestable to God. Gluttony is not listed in the Proverbs 6 passage, though later in the book (Proverbs 23:2) Solomon uses some hyperbole to make a point about gluttony saying, " put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony". This is similar to Jesus' message in the sermon on the mount when he talks about cutting off your hand or gouging out your eye if it causes you to sin (in context, commit adultery). Both of these strong statements point to the seriousness of removing temptations that pull us away from God, whether its sexual sin or finding too much pleasure in physical food. The pleasures of this earth must be seen in an eternal context. They are temporary enjoyments that cannot give us meaningful fulfillment of complete joy.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">
Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 9 and 10: Goodness and Pride</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_29.html">Words 11 and 12: Self-Control and Self-Discipline</a></div>
Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-16117058021434313022014-03-29T12:10:00.001-05:002014-03-29T12:10:40.170-05:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014:Words 11 and 12: Self-Control and Self-Discipline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyOsthymCHO6pFd_NaEfU2Dl1d4doz3sZ6MKwj8EJEqp9rF_I1wK-q9l86iylQPRCLRGuV7i4mNH9LFB-UfVrU7qnqzOG8rSHbCIlMKpMhbCd3uPInBuUcsxKE-eNjg1AjU0koQ-OtHA/s1600/self+control.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyOsthymCHO6pFd_NaEfU2Dl1d4doz3sZ6MKwj8EJEqp9rF_I1wK-q9l86iylQPRCLRGuV7i4mNH9LFB-UfVrU7qnqzOG8rSHbCIlMKpMhbCd3uPInBuUcsxKE-eNjg1AjU0koQ-OtHA/s1600/self+control.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words self-control and self-discipline.<br />
<br />
<b>Self-control</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The words "self-control" or "self-controlled" are only mentioned 13 times in the Bible and only twice in the Old Testament--both in the book of Proverbs.Examining the original Hebrew Solomon used gave me a better understanding of what self-control really is. Proverbs 16:32 reads, "Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."The Hebrew,<i> <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H4910&t=NIV">mashal</a> <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7307&t=NIV">ruwach</a></i> is translated as self-control in English. A literal translation of those Hebrew words in the second part of Proverbs 16:32 would read "he who reigns over his spirit than one who takes the city". I often understood "self-control" as having control over my actions, but it's really more internal than that. To be sure, having the self-control not to eat a second piece of chocolate cake or not to yell at someone who cut you off in traffic, is indeed exercising self-control of one's<i> actions</i>. To have true reign over your spirit, however, means that you are able to squash the <i>desire</i> for a second piece of cake or that you are able to control your emotions in such a way that you do not have an emotional reaction to the driver who cut you off that might lead to the desire to yell at him or her. Exercising self-control is nipping our sinful desires in the bud.<br />
<br />
In the New Testament, 5 of the 11 mentions of self-control/self-controlled are found in the book of Titus, and 4 of these come in the context of Paul's teaching to Titus to ensure that the church was of sound doctrine. In Titus 2, Paul encourages Titus to teach various groups within the church to be self-controlled, and in verse 11-12, Paul notes that the grace of God teaches us "to live self-controlled". The Greek word translated self-controlled--<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4996&t=NIV">sōphronōs</a>-- more literally means "of sound mind".<br />
<br />
It is a God of grace that teaches us to be of a mind and a spirit of self-control. It's not a God of overberance and spiritual micromanagement. Self-control is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23). To be self-controlled is not to be a robotic, self-killjoy, it is to reign over your <i>own spirit</i> as fruit of the <i>Holy Spirit </i>because you have allowed God's grace to teach you.<br />
<br />
<b>Self-discipline</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I was somewhat surprised to find that a form of the word "self-discipline" is only found in the Bible once, in 2 Timothy 1:7 where Paul notes that God gave us a Spirit of self-discipline. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4995&t=NIV">The root of the Greek word translated as self-discipline</a> is the same as the one I noted above that is translated to self-controlled. Because there was only one use of "self-discipline" in the Bible, I decided to expand my study this past week and also study the concept of discipline as it is portrayed in Scripture.<br />
<br />
In the Old Testament especially, there is a clear message about our receptivity to discipline in our lives. In Proverbs, Solomon notes that a bad attitude toward discipline can lead to death (5:23), poverty and shame (13:18), and to despising self (15:32). On the other hand, several verses note that being receptive to discipline can lead to blessing:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Psalm 94:12-"Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord, the man you teach from your law"</li>
<li>Job 5:17-"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty"</li>
<li>Proverbs 10:17-"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray".</li>
<li>Proverbs 12:1-"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid". </li>
<li>Proverbs 19:20-"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise".</li>
</ul>
Discipline is often cast in a negative light, but really it is helpful (albeit often painful) to enable us to become better people and followers of God.<br />
<br />
In Hebrews 12, the author discuss God's discipline and how it comes because of the relationship that we have with Him--as His children. Just as earthly parents discipline their children because they love them and want them to grow and mature, so God disciplines us so that we grow and mature spiritually. This is what separates discipline from punishment. Discipline is rehabilitative; punishment is punitive.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">
Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 9 and 10: Goodness and Pride</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-4142221001048042822014-03-15T21:31:00.000-05:002014-03-15T21:31:18.316-05:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014:Words 9 and 10: Goodness and Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeuwsZsD4jpFrIoHb1DywG7-_ulzQjqmrNuSCUBfY0VkPnBlwMJNazf5KBFMvYVs4cSPbOmHpgOcFEikWnQAAhiPdjJw6cNDX-frI5_lZofPLuTrZNCbptQaXa9QplOQGw5MIVfBeHAE/s1600/goodness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeuwsZsD4jpFrIoHb1DywG7-_ulzQjqmrNuSCUBfY0VkPnBlwMJNazf5KBFMvYVs4cSPbOmHpgOcFEikWnQAAhiPdjJw6cNDX-frI5_lZofPLuTrZNCbptQaXa9QplOQGw5MIVfBeHAE/s1600/goodness.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words goodness and pride.<br />
<br />
<b>Goodness</b><br />
<br />
One of the reasons I wanted to study the word "goodness" in the Bible was because I struggle to clearly distinguish between the ideas of goodness, kindness, and righteousness. If someone is good, how is that different from that person being kind or righteous? To be sure, if someone portrays any one of those attribute in their lives, they are likely going to display the others. They aren't exclusive of each other, but how are they different? My study showed me that goodness is truly an attribute of God, but that we have the opportunity to reflect that in our lives because of His Spirit.
I've read the story of Moses and his encounter with God in Exodus 33 many times, but discovered something I hadn't realized before in verses 17-23 (emphasis mine):
<br />
<blockquote>
17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your <b>glory</b>.”
19 And the Lord said, “I will cause <b>all my goodness</b> to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my<b> glory passes by</b>, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.” </blockquote>
Notice that in verses 18 and 19, Moses asks for God to show<i> His glory</i>, and God responds by indicating that His <i>goodness</i> will pass in front of Moses. In verse 22, God says that He will allow <i>His glory</i> to pass by. Interestingly, the Hebrew words Moses uses in the book of Exodus for <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2898&t=NIV">"goodness"</a> and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3519&t=NIV">"glory" </a>are different words. This may all seem like abstract semantics, but in my quest to discover what goodness is, this helps to make it distinct from kindness. It makes it a truly godly attribute--as if God's goodness and glory are one in the same.<br />
<br />
David notes God's goodness throughout the Psalms as well, as does Solomon in his dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 6:41). "Goodness" is in the NIV Old Testament only 12 times, and of those, 8 are from either David or Solomon.<br />
<br />
In the New Testament, interestingly, like I discussed in <a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">my last post regarding the word "kindness"</a>, the word "goodness" does not appear in the Gospels either. However, it is mentioned other times in the New Testament, including twice being mentioned by Paul--in Ephesians 5 and Galatians 5--as a fruit of either light or the Spirit. It is something that God produces through us in our lives.<br />
<br />
<b>Pride/Proud</b><br />
<br />
About a year ago, I read John Piper's book <i>What Jesus Demands from the World</i> which discusses 50+ things that Jesus "demanded" in the Gospels. One of the sections in that book--on pride and humility-- continues to challenge me. It made me realize that I struggle with a certain type of pride--unapplauded pride. As Piper writes in his book (a PDF version is found on his website <a href="http://cdn.desiringgod.org/pdf/books_bwjd/books_bwjd.pdf">here</a>):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Boasting is the response of pride to success. Self-pity is the response
of pride to suffering. Boasting says, “I deserve admiration because I
have achieved so much.” Self-pity says, “I deserve admiration because
I have sacrificed so much.” Boasting is the voice of pride in the heart
of the strong. Self-pity is the voice of pride in the heart of the weak.
Boasting sounds self-sufficient. Self-pity sounds self-sacrificing. The reason
self-pity
does
not
look
like
pride
is
that
it
appears
to
be
needy.
But
the
need
arises
from
a
wounded
ego,
and
the
desire
is
not
really
for
others
to
see
them
as
helpless
but
as
heroes.
The
need
that
self-pity
feels
does
not
come
from
a
sense
of
unworthiness
but
from
a
sense
of
unrecognized
worthiness.
It
is
the
response
of
unapplauded
pride. </blockquote>
I'll consider my spiritual toes stepped on with Piper's words. I do not want to, however, put Piper's words over God-breathed Scripture. Scripture has a lot to say on the topic of pride, too.The Old Testament writers identified that pride leads to bad things including downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16), disgrace (Psalm 11:22), destruction (Proverbs 16:18), and forgetting God (Deuteronomy 8:14). It almost sounds like a list of side effects for a drug, and perhaps, in some sense, it is. We often self-medicate with pride.<br />
<br />
There is another (and very different) context in which the word "pride" is used--in the phrase "take pride". People often say they are proud of their children or proud of a family member's or friend's success. We even may have a sense of pride in something we have achieved personally. This is different than a sinful pride. In Scripture, the phrase "take pride" is used in 6 verses. As an example, Galatians 6:4 discusses how we should test our own actions so that we can "take pride" in ourselves without comparing ourselves to others. We are to "take pride" in ourselves, but only as part of a honest introspection. The Greek translated to the phrase "take pride" is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2745&t=NIV">kauchēma,</a> which means to glory in or boast. This is not the kind of pride that Piper discusses in which we're seeking recognition from others for either our accomplishments or sacrifices. In this context, we can quietly glory in our spiritual growth. This provides a clear contrast from a pride that seeks a response from others.<br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">
Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-87958434372296764082014-03-01T12:16:00.001-06:002014-03-01T12:17:02.195-06:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014:Words 7 and 8: Kindness and Faithfulness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PnXV6RqFw2oZl00cFI3EMurmKHq3m_o0l6o1iRsC9XeL6-CRh_MINdrnNG1yPGzbNYHjprZHxUjAXOJoG5wfbpA6Qfg6I8I4MF6e1cd0on_GOn7Y9odUe3MJ2adOdU10uDLfFTbO-dg/s1600/faithfulness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PnXV6RqFw2oZl00cFI3EMurmKHq3m_o0l6o1iRsC9XeL6-CRh_MINdrnNG1yPGzbNYHjprZHxUjAXOJoG5wfbpA6Qfg6I8I4MF6e1cd0on_GOn7Y9odUe3MJ2adOdU10uDLfFTbO-dg/s1600/faithfulness.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words kindness and faithfulness.
<br />
<br />
<b>Kindness</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The word "kindness" is used dozens of times throughout the the Bible. In my study, I found that there are three general contexts in which the word is used--God's kindness, others' kindness, and God's call to us to be kind. Many of the "big names" in the Old Testament expressed thankfulness for the kindness of God or others or they prayed for kindness to be shown to them:<br />
<ul>
<li>Genesis 24- Abraham's servant prayed for God's kindness in finding a wife for Isaac, and God was kind in providing that this servant </li>
<li>Genesis 32- Jacob prayed for God's kindness in re-uniting with his brother Esau</li>
<li>Genesis 39- Joseph was shown God's kindness</li>
<li>Joshua 2- Rahab, a prostitute, is noted for showing kindness to the Israelite spies</li>
<li>Ruth-Naomi and Boaz recognized both Ruth's and God's kindness</li>
</ul>
In the New Testament, I found it somewhat surprising is that the word "kindness" is not found in the Gospels, and that includes searching through three versions--the NIV, KJV, and ESV. The reason for this may be that the Greek word that is often translated "kindness" is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5360">"philadelphia"</a> --brotherly love or kindness. In some instances, perhaps those who translated the Bible into English may have chosen to translate philadelphia into "love". This, however, does not mean that Jesus did not call people to be kind or that God's kindness is not recognized. In Paul's writings he frequently notes the kindness of God and our need to clothe ourselves with kindness (Galatians 5:22) or to produce the Spirit's fruit of kindness (Colossians 3:4).<br />
<br />
The most challenging message of Paul in regards to God's kindness, at least to my heart, is that found in Romans 2 when Paul challenges those in the Roman church regarding their judgment of others for doing the same things that they themselves do. Paul writes in verses 3 and 4, "So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things , do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? "Contempt for God's kindness--that is a very strong phrase, but Paul notes that is what we do when we aren't introspective of our own hearts in relation to our judgment of the hearts of others.<br />
<br />
<b>Faithfulness/Faithful</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
The use of "faithfulness/faithful" in Scripture center around either on God's faithfulness or His call for us to be faithful. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H539">"aman"</a> which means believe, assurance, or faithful is often translated as faithful. In the New Testament, the Greek word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4103">"pistos"</a> which means faithful or believe is often translated "faithful". If one is faithful, it means you can believe what they say they are going to do--it's spiritual integrity.<br />
<br />
Throughout the Old Testament, the writers note God's faithfulness in the context of His other, numerous virtues. In Deuteronomy 7:9, Moses writes how God is faithful in keeping His covenant of love. In the Psalms, David notes how God's works are faithful (Psalm 114:7 and Psalm 146:6). In Jeremiah 3:12, Jeremiah praises God's faithfulness in spite of Israel's lack of faithfulness. In Lamentations 3:22, Jeremiah again writes of the greatness of God's faithfulness--as faithful as the morning--and that His compassion never fail.<br />
<br />
I found a common phrase in the book of Psalm--"faithful servants". David writes frequently of God's promises to His faithful servants. In Psalm 85:8, God promises peace to His faithful servants. In Psalm 148:14, His "faithful servants" are praised and deemed people close to God's heart. In Psalm 4:3, David writes that "faithful servants" are set apart for God. Faithfulness to God is important, but our understanding of our relation to God is equally important. We need to see ourselves as His servants.<br />
<br />
There are also many times in the New Testament where the word "faithful" or "faithfulness" is used, but I'm only going to discuss one. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul writes, " No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted , He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it". It seems that this verse often gets interpreted in the context of trials, not temptations. People often say in reference to this verse that God won't give you more than you can handle. While I understand this verse to express God's faithfulness to us in giving us what we need, it is about God's faithfulness to us when we face temptation, not trials. To be sure, we may face certain temptations when we face trials, but this verse is talking specifically about the temptation to sin, not facing trials. Perhaps, this is merely a semantic discussion, but I think it is important to see God's faithfulness in our spiritual battles with sin, not solely in our earthly (and spiritual) battles with trials. He is going to be faithful to us. In that vein, I feel the need to share this song, one of my favorites in my high school days:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/to1erKy7ERA" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">
Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_15.html">Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-85528336348997977432014-02-28T20:43:00.001-06:002014-02-28T20:43:14.240-06:00The Prescience of Palin on President Obama's "Flexible" LeadershipAs Russia invaded Ukraine, Governor Palin posted the following on her Facebook page. That's right; Prescient Palin strikes again!
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin/posts/10201573917093799">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin">Sarah Palin</a>.<br />
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During the 2008 election, Governor Palin was mocked for postulating that Russia may invade Ukraine if then Senator Obama was elected. <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2014/02/28/Flashback-Palin-Mocked-in-2008-for-Warning-Putin-May-Invade-Ukraine-if-Obama-Elected-President">As Tony Lee at Breitbart noted</a>, during the 2008 election, some in the media called Palin's scenario "far-fetched". In reality, Governor Palin has proven prescient, almost clairvoyant, on many occasions from d<a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2011/01/death-panels-end-of-life-counseling-and-the-medias-continual-misrepresentation.html">eath panels</a> to the <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2011/10/why-governor-palin-was-right-on-arab-spring.html">Arab Spring</a> to <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2011/06/governor-palin-ahead-of-the-curve-on-concerns-of-china-and-rare-earth-metals.htm">rare earth metals</a> to <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2012/03/governor-palins-inflation-warning-in-2010-looks-increasingly-prophetic.html">quantitative easing</a> to <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2012/04/maggie-gallagher-sarah-palin-was-a-prophet-about-obamas-education-takeover.html">common core. </a> Just to name a few.<br />
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There is a sense of vindication when a woman so mocked by the media and the establishment's of both parties is proven right time and time again. There is also a sense of a frustration and sadness that such a great nation lacks the leadership it needs. A Russia bold enough to invade Ukraine can only do so because of a vacuum of leadership in America. President Reagan famously won the Cold War with the USSR without firing a single shot because of his principled and strong leadership, not <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/03/26/obama-tells-medvedev-hell-have-more-flexibility-after-election-during-missile/">"flexible"</a> leadership that declares<a href="http://twitchy.com/2014/02/28/russian-troops-enter-ukraine-president-obama-and-democrats-declare-happy-hour/"> "happy hour" </a>when the world is in chaos.<br />
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Crossposted <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2014/02/prescience-palin-president-obamas-flexible-leadership.html">here</a>, <a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/02/the-prescience-of-palin-on-president-obamas-flexible-leadership/">here</a>, and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/the-prescience-of-palin-on-president-obamas-flexible-leadership/">here.</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-36068645612509770212014-02-15T13:47:00.001-06:002014-02-15T13:47:57.869-06:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014:Words 5 and 6: Humility and Compassion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91vedwGOPyiKazonqR0Y1zJBBvrdonzBz3qTq-cCO7O8Fx1FEnneXgH7RWSXCkAAUPVGCkiC7cUvPNqiOOnvPOf_qd3NOZIDAqZv1vJHlr6lx76bpFBLf2qXhjf_1zvhh9J0F_u3or-w/s1600/colossians312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91vedwGOPyiKazonqR0Y1zJBBvrdonzBz3qTq-cCO7O8Fx1FEnneXgH7RWSXCkAAUPVGCkiC7cUvPNqiOOnvPOf_qd3NOZIDAqZv1vJHlr6lx76bpFBLf2qXhjf_1zvhh9J0F_u3or-w/s1600/colossians312.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words humility and compassion.<br />
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<b>Humility (or Humble/Humbly)</b><br />
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Humility, in my humble opinion (pun intended), is an often misunderstood concept. Too often humility is perceived to be an attitude of self-debasement. The Scriptures seem to indicate, however, that humility really is recognizing our need for powerful, benevolent God and acting in such a way that we put others before ourselves. C.S. Lewis, I think, summarized it well when he said, "humility is not thinking less of yourself'; it is think of yourself less".<br />
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In the Old Testament, it is amazing to me how the Psalmists and Solomon in the book of Proverbs indicate what God does for those who humbly recognize who they are in comparison to God:<br />
<ul>
<li>Psalm 18:27-"You [God] save the humble"</li>
<li>Psalm 25:9-"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way"</li>
<li>Psalm 147:6- "The Lord sustains the humble"</li>
<li>Psalm 149:4-"He crowns the humble with salvation"</li>
<li>Proverbs 3:34-"He mocks the proud mockers but gives grace to the humble"</li>
<li>Proverbs 11:2- "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"</li>
</ul>
Although I did not share the complete verses in each of the above, most of them describe the contrast between pride and humility, which is important. God spiritually provides for those who yield to Him.<br />
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In the New Testament, the use of the words humility or humble is often a translation of the Greek word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5012&t=ESV">tapeinophrosynē</a> or some variant of that word which provides a better picture of the concept of humility than simply the word humility. In <i>Strong's Concordance,</i> this Greek word is defined as a "deep sense of one's [moral] littleness". If we are able to understand this and make this our attitude, it will influence how we treat others.<br />
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While many of the verses in the Old Testament about humility note what God does for the humble, many of the verse in the New Testament about humility note how we live out humility in our own lives. In two verses, Colossians 3:12 and 1 Peter 5:5, Paul and Peter both note how we are to clothe ourselves with humility--making that attitude part of our identity in Christ. The most challenging verse on humility to me, though, comes from Philippians 2, when Paul gives the ultimate example of humility-- Christ lowering himself to live life as a man and die on the cross for our sins. Christ has no littleness; He is the Son of God. He was willing, though, to take on that "littleness" because of His love for us. What a challenge to us to take on our own littleness and live humbly.<br />
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<b>Compassion</b><br />
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One of the most striking things about the word compassion in Scripture is that during the time in history when Scripture was written, people thought that such attitude/emotion-fueled action emanated from one's bowels or womb. One words in Hebrew translated to compassion in the Old Testament is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H7356">"racham"</a>, meaning "womb" or "compassion", and one of the words in Greek is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G4697">"splagchnizomai"</a> meaning "to be moved as to one's bowels, hence to be moved with compassion, have compassion (for the bowels were thought to be the seat of love and pity)". Perhaps this sounds a bit gross and ignorant in light of today's understanding of biology and emotion, but at the same time, it is indicative of how deep our compassion should be.<br />
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In Psalm 103, David beautifully describes God's compassion for us throughout the Psalm. In verse 4, David not only notes how God saves us from the pit, He crowns us with compassion. He not only saves us from destruction, he treats us as royalty. In verse 8, David ties God's compassion to His grace, love, and patience. In verse 13, David writes of God's compassion for us in the context of a father's compassion.<br />
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In the book of Matthew, he notes multiple times that Jesus "had compassion" on the crowds and the sick. Compassion was not just an emotion. Jesus lived it. When He had compassion on the crowds who came to hear Him speak He fed them (Matthew 14:13-21). When He had compassion on the sick; He healed them (Matthew 20:29-34). This is the same kind of compassion we are to clothe ourselves (Colossians 3:12) with and live out in our lives (Ephesians 4:32).<br />
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<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
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<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
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<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a><br />
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<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-89245623084839335832014-02-01T12:05:00.000-06:002014-02-01T12:05:36.216-06:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014: Words 3 and 4: Perseverance and Works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2XwAzNLFY1OoeBC_wwvn62mDBftV9GHW7NHiVbxxC1JlovhBz3OJxhNyK4UPlQDByO6ouOgq3CP995frdtAmcldc0yy13WC23KfQx7qqvA4C1o21QL8_EYJarwzM0KN0NQ94JnnwyNQ/s1600/perseverance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2XwAzNLFY1OoeBC_wwvn62mDBftV9GHW7NHiVbxxC1JlovhBz3OJxhNyK4UPlQDByO6ouOgq3CP995frdtAmcldc0yy13WC23KfQx7qqvA4C1o21QL8_EYJarwzM0KN0NQ94JnnwyNQ/s1600/perseverance.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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In January, I began a series of blog posts summarizing what I'm calling my 52 word journey of Bible study. I'm taking one word from Scripture a week and studying it as part of my personal Bible study. As a means of helping to organize my jumbled notes (and often equally jumbled mind!), I'm sharing my journey of study on my blog. Over the last two weeks, I've studied the words perseverance and works.<br />
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<b>Perseverance</b><br />
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Interestingly, at least in the NIV, the word perseverance or any derivative of the word is only found in the New Testament. However, one of the most striking uses refers back to the Old Testament heroes who themselves persevered with faith. The designations of chapters and verses in the Bible were not found in the original text of Scripture, so there were not distinctions between Hebrews 11 and Hebrews 12. Hebrews 11 is often noted to be the "Hall of Faith" where the writer of Hebrews highlights the faithfulness of many--from Abel to the prophets. The first verse of Hebrews 12 then reads:<br />
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<blockquote>
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, </blockquote>
That great cloud of witness are the men and women of faith referenced in the previous chapter. They are cheering us on in this race that we are to run with perseverance. I've read this verse dozens and dozens of time throughout my life. I even wrote it on the back of my hand the first time I ran a half marathon for motivation. However, something hit me differently this time. Previously I had read the verse that we must persevere through the entanglements of life and our sin, but the verse reads that we must get rid of those entanglements first, then we can persevere. We can do this because of the examples of those great clouds of witnesses referenced in Hebrews 11--witnesses that include a prostitute like Rahab and a doubter like Gideon--men and women who were themselves imperfect yet showed faith.<br />
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The study of perseverance also showed me that Paul, Peter, and James all characterized perseverance as a part of a process of maturing in our faith...and often occurs alongside trials and sufferings. Look at these three verses written by these men of faith. It is a process:<br />
<blockquote>
Paul in Romans 5:3-4: </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope." </blockquote>
<blockquote>
James in James 1:3-4: </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."</blockquote>
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Peter in 2 Peter 1:5-7: </blockquote>
<blockquote>
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
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<b>Works</b>
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In my study I focused on works primarily as a noun, rather than a verb. The idea of doing "works" or deeds has been the subject of much debate--even church splits-- throughout Christian history. We all seem to fall somewhere along the spectrum of thinking we can work our way to grace to thinking that we don't necessarily need to exhibit our faith demonstrably because of God's grace.<br />
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"Works" translated from the original Hebrew or Greek in the Bible is often translated from two separate concepts of works. One of these concepts of works is in the sense of extraordinary works, miracles, or wonders. This is<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6381&t=KJV"> "pala" </a>in Hebrews or <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1411&t=KJV">"dynamis"</a> in Greek. David often used the word "pala" in the Psalms to describe the works of God, including in Psalm 139:14 when he notes that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". Similarly, the word "dynamis" is often used in the Gospels to detail Jesus' miracles, but the later books also use that Greek word to describe the way that God's power works in our lives through His Holy Spirit.<br />
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The other concept of "works" is in our occupation, work, or business. In Hebrew this is the word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H4399&t=KJV">"melakah"</a> and in Greek it is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2041&t=NIV">"ergon"</a>. When Moses wrote about God's creation of the world, he used the word "melakah". When the Scripture mentions the Israelites building the tabernacle or temple, that is the word that is used. In the New Testament, "ergon" is used extensively, often translated as either "works" or "deeds". When Paul talks about being saved by grace through faith not by works, especially in the book of Romans, "ergon" is the word he uses. We cannot work to receive His grace; He gives it freely. What, then, are we to do? What about those works that "God prepared in advance for us to do", as Paul writes about in Ephesians 2?<br />
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Think about a role in your life that you may be passionate about--be it within your family or your career even-- a role as a wife, husband, mom, dad, aunt, teacher, health care researcher, or whatever it may be. A mom does not love her children--change their diapers, feed them, clothe them, etc-- to earn the "title" of mom. She is a mom, so she does those things for her children because she loves them. A teacher who is passionate about her job doesn't spend extra time preparing lesson or tutoring students so that she earns the title of teacher, but because she is a teacher, she does those things. Why is it different for our faith? We do those "good deeds" not to earn the title of "Christian". Instead, because our "spiritual occupation", for lack of a better phrase, is that of Christian, we strive to do good things. Good deeds are the product of a Christian life, not the payment to earn the right to be called a Christian.<br />
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Thank you for joining me on this journey. I pray that I am truly Spirit-focused in this endeavor and that anything I write as a result of this study is in line with the truth of God's Word.<br />
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<b>Previous posts:</b><br />
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<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">Introduction to the 52 Word Journey</a><br />
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<a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in_18.html">Words 1 and 2: Confidence and Peace</a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-12330969016155454792014-01-28T19:25:00.001-06:002014-01-28T19:31:29.738-06:00Palin, McCain, and the Difference between Support and Agreement<div style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday Governor Palin penned a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152188277558588&set=a.10150723283643588.424640.24718773587&type=1&stream_ref=10">post </a>on her Facebook page expressing her support of Senator McCain in the face of censure by his own party in Arizona. In many ways, it echoed the <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2010/03/25/20100325palin26.html?nclick_check=1">op-ed</a> she wrote for the <em>Arizona Central</em> when she endorsed Senator McCain's re-election nearly four years ago. Governor Palin's support of Senator McCain shows far more of her character than of his merit. As Governor Palin wrote last night:</div>
<blockquote>
We live in a time of diminishing virtues because of societal influence towards total self-centeredness. This is unfortunate and makes raising families, conducting business, and governing that much more challenging. I know how important the virtue of loyalty is because in politics it’s pretty much nonexistent. I stand on that most important virtue and answer those asking today: “Yes, I am proud to have been asked to run with him in 2008, and he is my friend.”</blockquote>
If loyalty is essentially nonexistent in politics as Governor Palin notes, how would anyone know what it looks like? One needs to look no further than Governor Palin's own character and action over the years. Governor Palin has stood by Senator McCain's side since 2008, in spite of his often tepid support for her and his nonexistent defense of her when she was more or less accused of murdering his Arizona constituents in Tucson three years ago. Governor Palin's loyalty has been noted by many. For example, <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/74171.html">Governor Nikki Haley noted in her book</a> about Governor Palin's continued support in the midst of allegations during Haley's gubernatorial campaign that she had an affair:
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<blockquote>
When allegations from Folks first surfaced, Haley remembers having Palin in her corner after just one phone call – a contrast to the way another supporter, Romney, had handled the news.
“Sarah goes with her gut, and I love her for that,” she writes. “Mitt’s team [said] they were going to have a ‘Nikki Haley meeting’ the next morning to decide what to do next.”</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin/posts/296463067111027">Governor Palin again stood with Haley in May of 2012 </a>when a South Carolina union leader beat a pinata with a picture of Governor Haley's face on it. This came even after Haley's silence when Governor Palin and the Tea Party was blamed for the Tucson shooting. Suffice it to say, Governor Palin's loyalty is because of who she is (her character), not because of who the others are.
Support differs from complete agreement, however. Governor Palin has expressed disagreement with McCain either implicitly or explicitly multiple times. As she noted in her Facebook post, Governor Palin parts ways with Senator McCain on ANWR and immigration. She has parted ways with him implicitly too. Her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151832583113588&set=a.10150723283643588.424640.24718773587&type=1">"Let Allah sort it out" </a>approach to Syria is 180 degrees different than Senator McCain's neocon approach to Syria. <a href="http://www.sarahpac.com/posts/governor-palins-speech-at-the-restoring-america-tea-party-of-america-rally-in-indianola-iowa-video-and-transcript">In her vintage speech to a Tea Party rally in Iowa in September 2011</a>, Governor Palin mocked Senator McCain, although not in name, for his reference to Tea Partiers as hobbits.
To be sure, Governor Palin has her share of disagreements with Senator McCain, just as some supporters may disagree with her for supporting Senator McCain in this manner. That is the beauty of independence of thought--difference of opinion does negate support. As Governor Palin's brother Chuck Heath Jr. noted on his Facebook page today:
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/chuckheathjr/posts/630499917007094">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chuckheathjr">Chuck Heath, Jr.</a></div>
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It can't be said much better than that. We don't have to always agree, but we all can learn a lesson in loyalty from the one political figure who personifies it.<br />
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<b><i>Crossposted <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2014/01/palin-mccain-difference-support-agreement.html">here</a>, <a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/palin-mccain-and-the-difference-between-support-and-agreement/">here,</a> and<a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/palin-mccain-and-the-difference-between-support-and-agreement/"> here</a>.</i></b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-69198126436619099602014-01-24T23:17:00.000-06:002014-01-24T23:17:29.373-06:00Meet the "Kronies"--Brilliance in Highlighting "Crapitalism"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGoiS64XUK-kmTaEsW_zeGomFCgF7QQJmaoH6EF3Pyy0prDn_yyNenI1BMBkW8G88RKd1X6TQEqyoj1zQ6Qyyjfe7LIC4-cYUWpSz4W7Z8mdFKw9FXU7_xhIM1MW7xt73e53TuN0WFkw/s1600/big+g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGoiS64XUK-kmTaEsW_zeGomFCgF7QQJmaoH6EF3Pyy0prDn_yyNenI1BMBkW8G88RKd1X6TQEqyoj1zQ6Qyyjfe7LIC4-cYUWpSz4W7Z8mdFKw9FXU7_xhIM1MW7xt73e53TuN0WFkw/s1600/big+g.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't know exactly how to characterize this, but there is a new campaign to highlight crony capitalism (or the portmanteau that I like to use--crapitalism) . This campaign<a href="http://thekronies.com/">--The Kronies-- </a>uses youtube clips and specially designed 80s style action figures.
Here's the introductory video:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZDXuPQ9ML9E?feature=player_embedded" width="480"></iframe><br />
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It hearkens me back to my childhood, but there's no particular protagonist action figure like Heman or She-rah. Instead there are guys like <a href="http://thekronies.com/karacters/big-g/">"Big G":</a><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OGQHV2ZRmEs?feature=player_embedded" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Whatever this campaign is, they are taking aim at both political parties, which is a good thing. I'm sure the likes of Governor Palin, Peter Schewizer and Michelle Malkin, who have focused their careers around fighting cronyism, approve.<br />
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H/T <a href="http://hotair.com/archives/2014/01/24/video-meet-the-kronies/">Hot Air</a><br />
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Crossposted <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2014/01/meet-kronies-brilliance-highlighting-crapitalism.html">here</a>, <a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/meet-the-kronies-brilliance-in-highlighting-crapitalism/">here</a>, and<a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/meet-the-kronies-brilliance-in-highlighting-crapitalism/"> here</a>.Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-71325074888971037652014-01-18T19:45:00.000-06:002014-01-18T19:45:05.487-06:00A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014: Words 1 and 2: Confidence and PeaceAs I noted <a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-52-word-journey-for-bible-study-in.html">two weeks ago</a>, my Bible study plan this year is a weekly focus on one word found in Scripture. This is an endeavor I've entered prayerfully, and as I write these summaries every two weeks, I want to share what the Spirit has shown me as humbly as I can. I don't presume to be a Biblical scholar or a hermeneutical expert, and my summaries will not be exhaustive, simply brief summaries. I simply want to share what the Scripture has shown me.<br />
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The words that I have studied during these first two weeks of January are confidence and peace. The secular world portrays these attitudes or ideas differently than the Scriptures, so I have feared that I have not understood them as correctly as I should. This is why I chose these two words to kickoff this 2014 journey.<br />
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<b>Confidence </b><br />
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In the New International Version of the Bible, the word "confidence", or some variation of it, is used 18 times in the Old Testament and 19 times in the New Testament. There are multiple Hebrew words that are translated as "confidence", most intriguing to me were<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H982"> "batach" </a>and <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H4009">"mibtach"</a>. Naturally, they both have similar meanings, batach focusing more on the aspect of trust while mibtach focusing more on seeing God, someone, or something as a refuge. The Old Testament use of the word "confidence" spans from Israel's or other nation's confidence in political or military leaders to a husband's confidence in the "woman of noble character" in Proverbs to David's confidence in God in the Psalms. However, the use of confidence in the Old Testament that spoke to my heart most were found in Isaiah. Perhaps it is due to my Midwestern roots, but Biblical agricultural analogies have always resonated with me. Isaiah 32:16-17 reads:<br />
<blockquote>
The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.</blockquote>
What a message. A fertile field of God's righteousness will produce peaceful fruit leading to both quietness and confidence. I've always thought of confidence as loud, but it seems it is not. Isaiah is using the word "betach". There is a trust that comes from righteousness and peace.<br />
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In the New Testament, there are multiple Greek words that are translated as "confidence" in English. The word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3954&t=NIV">"parresia" </a>was the most intriguing to me, meaning cheerful courage. Interestingly, it is also often used in reference to people speaking plainly, without ambiguity, but with boldness. Perhaps a little bit like Sara Bareilles's song "Brave", which was stuck in my head the whole week I was studying this word:<br />
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However, the use of word confidence in the New Testament is more often about being confident before God (I John 3:21) --coming before His throne--and in the face of persecution (Hebrews 10:32-35) than it is about trying to verbally right a wrong.
So often the world attaches to the idea of confidence to self, when, in Scripture, the only use of the phrase "self-confidence" is in Nehemiah when the an enemy of Israel lost "self-confidence" when defeated by an Israel that put its trust in God. The Scriptures point to confidence as something we can have in coming before God and in being bold in this world because of Him.
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<b>Peace</b><br />
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For the word "peace", I used the English Standard Version. With the prevalence of the word (273 times in the Old Testament and 94 times in the New Testament) throughout the Bible it was easier to follow using the Lexiconc resource on <a href="http://blueletterbible.org./">BlueletterBible.org</a>. During this week, I decided to focus on the peace in relation to God or a sense of personal peace, rather than to look at the verses that discuss peace surrounding the relationships between nations.<br />
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In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=H7965">"shalowm" </a>is generally translated as peace, meaning tranquility, prosperity, quietness. A large portion of the verses that use the word peace are in reference to "peace offerings" sacrificed to God, but there are other uses as well--especially in the Psalms. What intrigued me most is the verbs associated with peace:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Psalm 4:8- sleep/dwell in peace<br />
Psalm 34:14-seek/pursue peace<br />
Psalm 37:11- delight in peace</blockquote>
As I studied the Psalm 37 verse, it was especially interesting to look at what Hebrew word was translated into "delight"-the word is <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H6026&t=NIV">"anag"</a> which means to be delicate or to be pampered. What a concept! To pamper yourself in peace because of God. I know it's certainly not something I do very well. It has given me a new view of peace. God's peace is a glass of red wine, a bubble bath, or a manicure for your spirit!<br />
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In the New Testament, the Greek word<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G1515"> "eirene" </a>(tranquility, harmony, security) is usually what is translated as peace. There are many interesting tidbits about the use of peace in the New Testament that I discovered during this week's journey:<br />
<ul>
<li>Jesus told His disciples "peace be with you" three times in John 20 following His resurrection</li>
<li>There is an interesting thread in Romans connecting the Trinity and peace. Romans 5:1 which notes that we can have peace with God through Christ, and Romans 8:6 which notes that the mind of the Spirit is life and peace</li>
<li>There are over a dozen references to peace in the greetings and closings of Paul's letters to various churches</li>
</ul>
This is my Scripture word journey so far. Thank you for letting me share it with you.Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-81194912790780949682014-01-11T08:22:00.000-06:002014-01-11T08:23:27.796-06:00Obamacare: Meet the New Contractor, Same as the Old ContractorThe Obama administration will not renew the contract of CGI Group Inc, the <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2013/10/25/michelle-obamas-princeton-classmate-is-executive-at-company-that-built-obamacare-website/">Michelle Obama tied company that oversaw the failed website.
</a>
Per <a href="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140110/NEWS03/140119983"><em>Chicago Business:</em>
</a>
<br />
<blockquote>
CGI Group Inc., the company that built the federal Obamacare website, will be replaced next month when its contract with the U.S. government expires, a person familiar with the decision said.
The Obama administration intends to sign a contract with Accenture Plc to complete unfinished work on HealthCare.gov and run the site, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the decision isn't public. Montreal-based CGI fell as much as 3.8 percent in New York trading.</blockquote>
Things can only get better, right? Well, perhaps not. The <em>Chicago Business</em> article continues:
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<blockquote>
The Oct. 1 debut of the insurance exchange serving 36 of the 50 U.S. states was <a href="http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20131004/NEWS03/131009845/feds-set-repairs-on-glitchy-health-care-website">plagued by delays, error messages and hang-ups</a> that prevented people from completing applications. Accenture, the second-largest technology-consulting company,<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/11/13/california-health-exchange-outdoes-healthcare-gov/"> led construction of California's better-performing state system.</a></blockquote>
<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/cio/2013/11/13/california-health-exchange-outdoes-healthcare-gov/">Through November the California exchanged netted more Obamacare enrollees</a> than the federal exchange, but such numbers are more of a testament to the failure of the federal exchange than the success of the California exchange. The Accenture built California exchange is not without its problems.
<a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/doctors-boycotting-californias-obamacare-exchange/article/2540272"><em>The Washington Examiner</em> reported last month</a> that seven in ten California doctors wanted to boycott the exchange. The California exchange website--Covered California-- is listing doctors who are not part of the exchange. Also, Covered California was found to be giving out health care consumer information without consent. Per the <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2013/12/07/california-obamacare-exchange-giving-out-customer-information/">Daily Caller</a>:
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<blockquote>
Widespread fears that Affordable Care Act exchanges would fail to guard customer information are already coming true in California, where the state exchange is giving selected insurance agents customer contact information, resulting in unwanted calls and emails to Californians who have checked out the exchange but declined to buy insurance.
The Los Angeles Times’ Chad Terhune reports that Covered California, which Obamacare proponents have held up as a rare example of a functioning state health care exchange, provides names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of customers who did not ask to be contacted.</blockquote>
Furthermore, just last week Covered California extend their premium payment deadline per <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/05/CA-Obamacare-Exchange-Extends-Payment-Deadline-Again">Tony Lee at <em>Breitbart News</em></a><em>:</em>
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<blockquote>
"Covered California" announced the news as <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/01/02/Reports-Californians-Still-Unsure-Whether-They-Successfully-Applied-for-Obamacare">news outlets across California</a> started reporting on residents who were unsure if they actually successfully enrolled in Obamacare or still had trouble finishing their applications because of website malfunctions. Many residents reported being "stuck" in the middle of the application process and not being able to get answers about whether their information had been successfully transmitted to insurance companies.</blockquote>
While the Obama administration may tout this contractor change as a means to improve their failing exchange, it is really just more of the same failure.<br />
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<b>Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/obamacare-meet-the-new-contractor-same-as-the-old-contractor/">here</a>, <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2014/01/obamacare-meet-new-contractor-old-contractor.html">here</a>, and<a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2014/01/11/obamacare-meet-the-new-contractor-same-as-the-old-contractor/"> here.</a></b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-65864984049556666432014-01-10T21:19:00.000-06:002014-01-10T21:20:49.150-06:00Governor Palin's Message: Self-Reliance, Not SelfiesIn a press conference this morning to promote her <a href="http://www.thesportsmanchannel.com/amazingamerica/">upcoming show on the Sportsman Channel,</a> Governor Palin took the opportunity to share her refreshing message of true female empowerment. <a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/497788/sarah-palin-s-message-to-young-women-stop-it-with-the-selfies-and-go-outside">As EOnline reports:</a>
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<blockquote>
When E! News asked what Palin would like Amazing America to teach the young girls who tune in, Palin was quick to respond saying, "That they need to be, and can be, and have to power to be self-reliant. They can be independent and they too have equal opportunity to get out there and enjoy all that has been given to us here in America."</blockquote>
While Governor Palin's intention is, for the most part, to <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/01/10/sarah-palin-sportsman-channel-new-series/4409023/">eschew politics</a>, the show's cultural message will be 180 degree different than the liberal message of female empowerment through governmental reliance. Instead the show will be a modern day, American culturally-based equivalent to Alexis de Tocqueville's <em>Democracy in America. </em>Governor Palin will highlight the true promise zones of America--her people and their achievements. As <em><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/01/10/sarah-palin-sportsman-channel-new-series/4409023/">USA Today</a></em> reports:
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<blockquote>
Palin, wearing black except for flag-patterned high-heeled shoes, says it’s "not going to be some kind of fake scripted reality show" but will "showcase people, places and things in order to restore, fundamentally, what makes America great," including her own family. Red-state Americans live an organic lifestyle that’s not limited to urban "granola" fans. "Their dinner just happens to be wrapped in fur rather than cellophane. So be it that we go out and shoot our dinner first."</blockquote>
As for Governor Palin's additional message to young women, she also noted:
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<blockquote>
"I think this world would be better off having more young women holding a fish in a picture than holding their camera in front of a bathroom mirror, talking a selfie." The 2008 Vice Presidential candidate announced to a room full of reporters at the Television Critics Association Friday morning.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-not-selfies/image-hillary-rodham-clinton-left-posing-with-her-daughter-chelsea-at-a-clinton-global-initiative-america-event-in-chicago/" rel="attachment wp-att-13262"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13262" src="http://palin4america.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/clinton-selfie-225x300.jpg" height="300" title="Image: Hillary Rodham Clinton, left, posing with her daughter Chelsea at a Clinton Global Initiative America event in Chicago." width="225" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-not-selfies/caroline-kennedy/" rel="attachment wp-att-13263"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13263" src="http://palin4america.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/caroline-kennedy-300x199.jpg" height="199" title="caroline kennedy" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-not-selfies/obama-selfie/" rel="attachment wp-att-13264"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13264" src="http://palin4america.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/obama-selfie-300x220.jpg" height="220" title="obama selfie" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-not-selfies/palin-fish/" rel="attachment wp-att-13261"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13261" src="http://palin4america.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/palin-fish-300x198.jpg" height="198" title="palin fish" width="300" /></a></div>
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I tend to agree. Choose snapper over Snapchat and crappie over cropping.<br />
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<b><i>Crossposted<a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-not-selfies/"> here</a>, <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-not-selfies/">here</a>, and <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2014/01/governor-palins-message-self-reliance-selfies.html">here</a>.</i></b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-67039825499625302882014-01-06T16:15:00.001-06:002014-01-06T16:47:58.227-06:00In Illinois, More Concealed Carry Applications on First Day than Obamacare Enrollees in First Two Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_qB6ZoHwYujOON_9p9Q3dJzK_6oGtPhPHyJ8PnVZESbPvll4pkNgvnupSDo_Ia25aESK7esrTdvCtA-6yEjbQb65-DUTIHOge-JSw8tE-Zs1uS2nUtdXrq4mPil9VN1E_Y2FU4heKxU/s1600/springfield_gunlobby_031011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_qB6ZoHwYujOON_9p9Q3dJzK_6oGtPhPHyJ8PnVZESbPvll4pkNgvnupSDo_Ia25aESK7esrTdvCtA-6yEjbQb65-DUTIHOge-JSw8tE-Zs1uS2nUtdXrq4mPil9VN1E_Y2FU4heKxU/s1600/springfield_gunlobby_031011.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/24377001/illinois-sees-11000-concealed-carry-applications">Fox Chicago</a> reports that more than 11,000 people have signed up for concealed carry permits in the first day of the online application process:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Illinois officials say they've received more than 11,000 applications for concealed carry permits. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The online application system to apply for permits was officially launched in Illinois on Sunday. On Monday, Illinois State Police said they had received 4,525 applications for concealed carry permits were received within 24 hours. The other 6,500 applications came from firearms instructors who the state let apply early for permits to help test the functionality of the online application system.
</blockquote>
By comparison, in the first two months of Obamacare exchange online availability, only <a href="http://illinoispolicy.org/more-uninsured-in-illinois-as-a-result-of-obamacare/">7,000 Illinoisans had enrolled in the exchange.</a><br />
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After becoming the last state in the country to allow concealed carry, citizens of Illinois are ready to exercise their second amendment rights.<br />
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<b><i>Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2014/01/in-illinois-more-concealed-carry-applications-on-first-day-than-obamacare-enrollees-in-first-two-months/">here</a>, <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/in-illinois-more-concealed-carry-applications-on-first-day-than-obamacare-enrollees-in-first-two-months/">here</a>, and <a href="http://conservatives4palin.com/2014/01/in-illinois-more-concealed-carry-applications-on-first-day-than-obamacare-enrollees-in-first-two-months.html">here.</a></i></b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-85053377136622185322014-01-01T17:59:00.001-06:002014-01-01T18:11:40.928-06:00 A 52 Word Journey for Bible Study in 2014Over the years I've tried a variety of approaches to Bible study. I've studied the Hebrew names of God, gone through programs where you read the whole Bible in a year, and studied books intermixed with Scripture from authors like John Piper and Beth Moore. This year I've decided to do something different. Sadly, when I've gone through a "Bible in a year"program, I've made it simply a reading that I can check off my "To Do" list rather than an in depth study where I can learn and apply to my life. Using books have been spiritually challenging, but I also wonder if I've become somewhat lazy--letting someone else guide my personal study, rather than putting in the spiritual elbow grease needed to gain a better understanding of the Scripture so that I can strive to walk more closely in Christ's footsteps.<br />
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This year I have decided to do a word study of 52 words (one a week) to gain a better understanding of the God-breathed Scripture. I've always been fascinated by language, and often the meaning of words used by Biblical authors get lost in translation of the Scripture from Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek into English. As an example, in John 21 after Christ's resurrection, Christ asked Peter if he loved Him. Peter replied that yes, he did love Christ. Jesus asked Peter three times, and Peter said yes three times. Christ had the ability to know Peter's sincerity, but lost in the English translation is the fact that Jesus and Peter were using two different Greek words for love. Jesus was using agape, meaning unconditional love, while Peter was using philos, meaning a friendly or brotherly love. Jesus was indicating a deeper, stronger kind of love, but this isn't as clear in the English translation. <br />
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Several months ago during a Wednesday night Bible study, one of the ministers at the <a href="http://clearlakefamily.com/">congregation</a> I'm a part of suggested a website that was extremely helpful for Bible study on multiple levels--the <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/">Blue Letter Bible</a> (there is also a very nice app available for iphones). One of the nice features available on both the site and app is a the <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/study.cfm">"LexiConc"</a> a hybrid lexicon concordance that notes the word used in the original Scriptural language, its meaning, and Scriptures where that same word is used. I hope to use this excellent resource throughout 2014 to help me gain a better understanding of Scripture and apply it to my life. Here are the 52 words that I intend to study, in no particular order. They are simply words (or phrases) that I want to understand more completely:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
confidence, peace, perseverance, works, humility, compassion, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, pride, self-control, self-discipline, joy, gluttony, sexual immorality, submit, persecution, hospitality, perfect, eager, sincere, fear, justice,purity, worry, wisdom, servant, repent, confess,authority, temptation, disciples, fellowship, character, hope, zeal, gentleness, rights, freedom, generosity, encourage, unity, ambition, contentment, greed, patience, thankful, devotion, jealousy, complain, mercy, and ministry. </blockquote>
I intend, Lord willing, to write up a summary blog post every two weeks throughout 2014 about the words I've studied over the previous weeks. I certainly do not presume to have the deepest knowledge of Scripture, nor the most discerning mind, but I embark on this journey as prayerfully and humbly as I can. I want to ensure that I am open to the full truth of God's Word and that anything I share--be it face-to-face or in cyberspace-- is in line with the Scripture.<br />
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God bless!Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-64751909221850956032013-12-22T20:56:00.001-06:002013-12-22T21:10:45.028-06:00Jesus: A GPS for a Lost World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJSK0QKpVR091jcPH92jNv_fFCwv5W-Z5J4khTtpaK2lI4xpccfC3rdNTbADSUicGO9nUtEZ1ON_vHZx-t9VfxXcHww5BEmB6ZNsD0acijcsKgNYfwPwkq2pmHKIeS4SSKN4lt5KRBPA/s1600/12.14.11news-missing-jesus-edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJSK0QKpVR091jcPH92jNv_fFCwv5W-Z5J4khTtpaK2lI4xpccfC3rdNTbADSUicGO9nUtEZ1ON_vHZx-t9VfxXcHww5BEmB6ZNsD0acijcsKgNYfwPwkq2pmHKIeS4SSKN4lt5KRBPA/s320/12.14.11news-missing-jesus-edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I read <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-57616211-71/churches-resort-to-using-gps-in-case-baby-jesus-is-stolen/">an article at CNET</a>, excerpted below, that noted some churches were putting GPS devices in the "baby Jesus-es" they use in their nativity scenes to help find him if he was stolen:<br />
<blockquote>
It's Christmas. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
The time of year when we all love our fellow human a little more. The time of year when we consider the spiritual aspects of our lives (or their lack). </blockquote>
<blockquote>
And the time of year when people steal baby Jesus figurines from nativity scenes in churches. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/24277120/churches-using-gps-to-keep-track-of-baby-jesus#axzz2o4PIuUzG">As MyFoxDC reports</a>, a security company has leaped to the rescue of churches frustrated that their Jesus, Mary, or Joseph are taken by the unscrupulous. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/">Brickhouse Security</a> is giving free GPS trackers to all qualifying churches in order to prevent such an unholy occurrence.</blockquote>
My initial thought was that this was just another means of defense churches and Christians are using in the proverbial "war on Christmas", and in some ways it is. But, I think it provides another message for us as well. These churches are placing GPS devices in "Jesus" so that in case He gets stolen or lost, He can be found. It is almost the opposite message Christ brought to earth. In reality, Jesus will never be the one lost, but we are. He is the one who finds us, when we earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).<br />
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The world will celebrate the birth of Jesus on Wednesday. We don't know the exact date Jesus was born, although it likely was not December 25th. We do know, however, why He came--divine, yet choosing humanity-- to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). Churches are now resorting to technology to "find Jesus" if he is lost, but the truth is that He always had a GPS purpose to fulfill, not because He gets lost, but because He came to save us who are lost.<br />
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<i><b>Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/12/jesus-a-gps-for-a-lost-world/">here</a> and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/jesus-a-gps-for-a-lost-world/">here</a>.</b></i>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-39132095541552303612013-12-02T19:28:00.000-06:002013-12-02T19:41:25.948-06:00Will the "Death Panel" Meet Its Own Death Panel?In the midst of the Obamacare exchange website debacle and the employer mandate lawsuits, other problems with the law and its rollout have gotten lost in the shuffle or at least lost in the rhetoric. The "death panel", as Governor Palin termed bureaucrats charged with rationing of care in a government led health system, once was deemed the <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/12/22/palins-death-panels-charge-named-lie-of-the-year/">"lie of the year"</a>. Since then, numerous Democrats and pundits have admitted that rationing will occur under the law and have called for repeal of that portion of the law.<br />
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The "death panel" or the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) is really quite Orwellian Newspeak in its name, as it is neither independent nor advisory in nature. To put it in simpler terms, let's say that every American is given a piece of birthday cake when they turn 65 years old. Sounds nice, right? In reality, a group of bureaucrats decide how big and what kind of a cake is made each year, regardless of how many people it needs to feed or how hungry people are, and it takes a heck of a lot of political will and consensus between the President and Congress to change how the cake is baked and apportioned. However, this is not something as frivolous as birthday cake. It's healthcare that older Americans have funded with their own tax money for years. <br />
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But who is this group of cake rationers?<br />
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Right now it is one lady from Kansas--<a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/confirmed-kathleen-sebelius-is-an-ipab-of-one/article/2529782">Kathleen Sebelius</a>--as President Obama has not appointed anyone to the board yet. However, IPAB members will be appointed in the future.Additionally, with the new Senate rules instituted recently, this board will be easier to appoint. As Michael Cannon of the Cato Institute, who has <a href="http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/PA700.pdf">criticized the IPAB extensively</a> over the last few years, wrote in <i>Forbes</i> recently :
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<blockquote>
...The nuclear option enables the president to fill this 15-member panel. But it has absolutely zero effect on the president’s ability to use IPAB. That’s because the PPACA provides that if the president fails to nominate anyone to sit on this panel, or if the Senate fails to confirm anyone, then all of IPAB’s powers fall into the hands of…Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Obama doesn’t need to nominate anyone to IPAB. He can exercise more control over that super-legislature, with less political risk, by not nominating anyone and letting Sebelius act as a super-legislature unto herself.
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What does this mean for the IPAB? It means that there is the potential for Democrats to have control of the "independent" board through 2020 as Cannon <a href="http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/nuclear-option-does-enable-democrats-ensure-one-party-authoritarian-control">writes in a later post</a>.<br />
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What can this board of one or fifteen do? As Cannon and his colleague Diane Cohen wrote in their policy <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelcannon/2013/11/22/nuclear-option-does-not-make-it-easier-for-obama-to-use-ipab/">analysis last year:</a><br />
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When the unelected government officials on this board submit a legislative proposal to Congress, it automatically becomes law: PPACA requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement it. Blocking an IPAB “proposal” requires at a minimum that the House and the Senate and the president agree on a substitute. The Board’s edicts therefore can become law without congressional action, congressional approval, meaningful congressional oversight, or being subject to a presidential veto. Citizens will have no power to challenge IPAB’s edicts in court… </blockquote>
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IPAB’s unelected members will have effectively unfettered power to impose taxes and ration care for all Americans, whether the government pays their medical bills or not…IPAB truly is independent, but in the worst sense of the word. It wields power independent of Congress, independent of the president, independent of the judiciary, and independent of the will of the people.</blockquote>
The IPAB is not only unethical; it is also unconstitutional. The Goldwater Institute filed a lawsuit against the <a href="http://goldwaterinstitute.org/article/coons-v-geithner-federal-health-care-lawsuit">federal government regarding the IPAB in August of 2010</a>. Their suit was dismissed in December of 2012, but they have appealed and will argue before the Ninth Circuit Court on January 28th, 2014. The Goldwater Institute claims that the law "exceeds the powers of Congress and violates individual rights as well as violates the Separation of Powers doctrine". They also charge that the IPAB specifically and the law as a whole violates the fourth, fifth, and ninth amendments:
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<blockquote>
• The end result of the health care law will be that people won’t have the freedom to choose the doctors and health care treatments they want. Between the mandate to buy only government-approved insurance plans and a new presidentially appointed panel that will be free to set Medicare policy and health care payment rates with no meaningful congressional oversight and without the possibility of judicial review, people will have their options gradually restricted. The health care law violates each American’s constitutional right to make their own decisions about their personal health care as protected by the Ninth Amendment. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
• The federal health care law requires insurance companies to accept every customer, regardless of any pre-existing conditions. To enforce that provision, the law requires Americans to turn over their most intimate medical records to their insurance company or another third-party for possible review by the federal government. This invasion of medical privacy contradicts federal protections in health privacy laws and violates the Fourth Amendment’s promise to “be secure in their persons.”</blockquote>
The Ninth Circuit Court is notorious for being Left-leaning, but IPAB death panel may indeed meet its very own death panel--either in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court. So much for the "death panel" being either non-existent or a lie. Now the questions become--1) will enough Democrats admit its failure to repeal it 2) will Republicans win enough elections and gain enough spine to repeal the whole law 3) will the courts ironically become the death of the panel itself?<br />
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<b>Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/12/will-the-death-panel-meet-its-own-death-panel/">here</a> and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/will-the-death-panel-meet-its-own-death-panel/">here</a>.</b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-89843087044311250532013-10-13T19:27:00.000-05:002013-10-13T19:41:54.414-05:00Why Isn't Our Only Debt a Debt of Gratitude?<blockquote>
As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should co-operate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue; that to have revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less inconvenient and unpleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment, inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of difficulties), ought to be a decisive motive for a candid construction of the conduct of the government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining revenue, which the public exigencies may at any time dictate.</blockquote>
The above excerpt comes from <a href="http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp">President Washington's farewell speech</a>\. This speech has come to mind multiple times during Washington DC's latest act of political theater. Those words may have been spoken 217 years ago, but they are just as relevant today as they were then. In the meantime, our nation has gone deeper and deeper in debt. The last time we did not have debt as a nation was during President Jackson's tenure (i<a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2011/04/15/135423586/when-the-u-s-paid-off-the-entire-national-debt-and-why-it-didnt-last">n 1835</a>). Our debt has waxed and waned over the years, but nonetheless, it continues to climb.<br />
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Why haven't our leaders taken to heart President Washington's words? They have not cherished the public credit. They have abused it--both parties. Both parties have decried raising the debt ceiling when their party is not in the White House while raising the debt ceiling seemingly without question when their party is in power. Washington believed that preserving the public credit means that debt should be incurred in rare circumstances. He also believed that the only times its should be utilized in during "unavoidable wars" as to not burden future generations.<br />
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However, just weeks ago our government was poised to get involved in a battle between two evils in Syria--clearly an avoidable war that would require billions in spending. Rhetorical battles continue to be waged in Congress over Obamacare--<a href="http://news.investors.com/071213-663449-obamacare-boosts-deficit-in-first-decade.htm">legislation that is poised to add billions to our national debt. </a> Other rhetorical battles are being fought over a resolution to fund a bloated, yet currently supposedly shutdown government and to raise the debt ceiling yet again.<br />
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In the midst of all these threats of avoidable and political rhetorical battles, there has been a neglect of those who have fought in true battles to preserve the strength and security of which President Washington spoke. During the shutdown of our bloated government, memorials honoring the fallen have been barricaded,<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/shutdown-outrage-scramble-restore-benefits-families-fallen-20524107"> benefits to families of the fallen have been threatened</a>, and<a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/military-deserves/proper-burial/prweb11225861.htm"> bodies of the fallen have not been shown proper respect</a>. Some of these things have been rectified--either by politicians trying to save face or <a href="http://twitchy.com/2013/10/13/awesome-veterans-remove-barrycades-from-memorials-transport-to-white-house-pics/">by the veterans themselves</a>.<br />
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Earlier today during the worship service I participated in with my church family, a man--a veteran-- got up to give a brief message before we partook of communion. He spoke of the sacrifice of both Jesus and American soldiers-- one man who died to save our souls and the many men and women who died to protect our freedom. He noted a quote that one of his co-workers has as an e-mail signature that reads something like this "there are only two entities who have given their lives for you expecting nothing in return". This, of course, alludes to both Christ and American soldiers.<br />
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We owe Christ a debt of gratitude that of course we can never repay. We owe American soldiers a debt of gratitude that we can poorly attempt to repay. Our political leaders must heed President Washington's word about cherishing the public credit. We should not continue accruing debt for bloated government, temporary programs that become permanent, and an ever list of increasing agencies, departments, and bureaus. Our only debt should be to those who have given of themselves to protect the freedom we have in this nation. A freedom that diminishes every time we add to a monetary debt rather than a humble debt of gratitude.<br />
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<b>Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/10/why-isnt-our-only-debt-a-debt-of-gratitude/">here</a> and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/why-isnt-our-only-debt-a-debt-of-gratitude/">here. </a></b><br />
<br />Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-57088336180894662462013-09-08T14:12:00.001-05:002013-09-08T14:26:14.773-05:00On National Security, Be Not Hawks or Doves; Be Eagles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It seems that often in politics--at least with our media--political views are too often dichotomized rather than seen on a continuum or through the lens of circumstances. The recent discussion of likely intervention in Syria has been a fascinating display of this common practice of categorizing political views into tidy categories for intellectually incurious journalists and commentators. These individuals try to pigeon hole people as either isolationists or neo-conservatives, doves or hawks, etc. These are false choices. Those who want America to be secure and strong without being the world's policeman are neither isolationists "doves" or neo-conservative "hawks". Such individuals could be better defined as by our very own national bird--the eagle. An eagle is neither a docile dove, nor a hawk, or even a vulture, which seems to characterize some who think that America must be involved in every civil war or skirmish throughout the world. An eagle is a strong, noble bird, who is both territorial and protective of its interests.<br />
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Eagles are known for being <a href="http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle4.html">territorial when nesting</a>, aiming to keep other eagles out of their area. They only leave their nest to build another nest if they feel threatened. The male and (mostly) the female eagles take turns sitting on the eggs to protect them from squirrels and other animals. Furthermore, because of their great size, <a href="http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle9.html">"eagles often ignore the mobbing behavior of smaller birds". </a></div>
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American foreign policy should be seen in the same way. Eagles protect their own territory and their own interests only. They protect themselves and their interests--their future generations--by staying at home to protect. They are not like hawks or vultures swooping down preying on any <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/09/john-mccain-world-attack-map-syria">opportunity to "intervene"</a> to pad their <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2013/09/06/senators-who-voted-for-syria-strike-got-more-defense-contractor-dough/">own political pocketbooks</a>. They are not doves who won't intervene even when they are truly being threatened. When they are being threatened, they act in overwhelmingly, quickly, and with great strength. Look no further than the philosophy of Ronald Reagan during his presidency and the five point approach suggested by Governor Sarah Palin just a few years ago.</div>
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Last week in a post at the <i>American Spectator</i>,<a href="http://spectator.org/archives/2013/09/03/reagans-rules-for-military-act/print"> former Reagan adviser Jeffrey Lord re-iterated Reagan's rules for military intervention:</a></div>
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<blockquote>
Which prompted Reagan to eventually write out a set of four principles. Four principles, he would write in his memoirs, that were specifically designed “to guide America in the application of military force abroad, and I would recommend it to future presidents.” </blockquote>
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Here they are: </blockquote>
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Reagan Rule 1: The United States should not commit its forces to military actions overseas unless the cause is vital to our national interest. </blockquote>
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Reagan Rule 2: If the decision is made to commit our forces to combat abroad, it must be done with the clear intent and support to win. It should not be a halfway or tentative commitment, and there must be clearly defined and realistic objectives. </blockquote>
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Reagan Rule 3: Before we commit our troops to combat, there must be reasonable assurance that the cause we are fighting for and the actions we take will have the support of the American people and Congress. (We felt that the Vietnam War had turned into such a tragedy because military action had been undertaken without sufficient assurances that the American people were behind it.) </blockquote>
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Reagan Rule 4: Even after all these other tests are met, our troops should be committed to combat only as a last resort, when no other choice is available.</blockquote>
Similarly, <a href="http://sarahpac.com/posts/tribute-to-the-troops-with-governor-palin">Governor Palin offered her own approach to military intervention in a speech roughly two and a half years ago</a>:
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<blockquote>
First, we should only commit our forces when clear and vital American interests are at stake. Period. </blockquote>
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Second, if we have to fight, we fight to win. To do that, we use overwhelming force. We only send our troops into war with the objective to defeat the enemy as quickly as possible. We do not stretch out our military with open-ended and ill-defined missions. Nation building is a nice idea in theory, but it is not the main purpose of our armed forces. We use our military to win wars. </blockquote>
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Third, we must have clearly defined goals and objectives before sending troops into harm’s way. If you can’t explain the mission to the American people clearly and concisely, then our sons and daughters should not be sent into battle. Period. </blockquote>
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Fourth, American soldiers must never be put under foreign command. We will fight side by side with our allies, but American soldiers must remain under the care and the command of American officers. </blockquote>
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Fifth, sending in our armed forces should be the last resort. We don’t go looking for dragons to slay. However, we will encourage the forces of freedom around the world who are sincerely fighting for the empowerment of the individual. When it makes sense, when it’s appropriate, we will provide them with material support to help them win their own freedom.</blockquote>
Like the eagle, America is strong and should seek to protect its own interests. This does not include potentially siding with the very evil that killed thousands of Americans twelve years ago on American soil this week or<a href="http://freebeacon.com/u-s-al-qaeda-linked-group-behind-benghazi-attack-trains-jihadists-for-syrian-rebel-groups/"> those who trained the jihadists who killed four Americans in Benghazi last year this week</a>. This does not excuse the evils perpetrated by Assad, but there is no need to choose sides in a civil war between two evils. <br />
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<b>Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/09/on-national-security-be-not-hawks-or-doves-be-eagles/">here</a> and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/on-national-security-be-not-hawks-or-doves-be-eagles/">here</a>.</b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-12749857834975734592013-08-26T21:02:00.000-05:002013-08-26T21:39:55.115-05:005 Videos to "Promote" ObamacareThe Obama administration is touting a youth <a href="http://freebeacon.com/obama-administration-announces-youth-obamacare-video-contest/">video contest to promote Obamacare. </a> I'm not considered a youth anymore, but I'm on the "old" end of the Milennial generation. I figure that means I can make a submission or two to "promote" Obamacare. Close enough, right? Heck, if<a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2013/08/26/Karl-Rove-s-group-opposes-Obamacare-by-entering-Obama-administration-s-viral-video-contest"> Karl Rove can do it,</a> so can I. The only problem is--I cannot decide which part of Obamacare to "promote". I have five ideas:<br />
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1. <a href="http://washingtonexaminer.com/article/2534571#.UhYAFljrW8U.twitter">The more people find out about Obamacare</a>, the more they dislike it. It's almost as if the Obama administration is trying to make fetch happen:<br />
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<br /><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Sir_24duiF4?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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2. Despite the Obama administration's claims, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/08/06/news/economy/obamacare-premiums/index.html">insurance premiums are going up in many states-</a>-including <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/good-news-premiums-go-17-young-people">higher premiums for young people.</a> It's kind of like an expensive financial trampoline for your budget!:<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cnBf6HTizYc?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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3. Those fun <a href="https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=113851103434">death panels</a> that youth will eventually have to face (if Medicare is not bankrupt by then). It is kind of like the your very own board of Count Rugens and his "machine":<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BbgyppGqBgg?feature=player_detailpage" width="480"></iframe><br />
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4. Hey,with the Obamacare navigators, <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/realspin/2013/08/25/how-obamacare-makes-theft-of-your-identity-more-likely/">you are at risk for identity theft</a>, which of course, is all kinds of fun:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KcvIpsf-ENY?feature=player_detailpage" width="480"></iframe><br />
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5. Finally, you might, <a href="http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/hhs-admits-you-might-not-be-able-keep-your-doctor-under-obamacare_740093.html">just might get to keep your doctor:</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KX5jNnDMfxA?feature=player_detailpage" width="480"></iframe>
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Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/08/5-videos-to-promote-obamacare/">here</a> and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/08/26/5-videos-to-promote-obamacare/">here</a>.Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-59163692403471446142013-08-09T19:06:00.001-05:002013-08-10T08:31:58.099-05:00President Obama Unveils New Apple iPAB at Press Conference<a href="http://twitchy.com/2013/08/09/potus-obamacare-just-like-ipad-has-some-glitches-bonus-gop-hates-sick-people/">In a Friday afternoon press conference,</a> President Obama unveiled the new Apple <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Payment_Advisory_Board">iPAB</a>--a device with the ability to ration healthcare for Medicare patients.<br />
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"Older Americans are using technology more and more frequently", the President said, " this new new device will allow for healthcare to be more efficient by allowing patients to know whether or not they will be able to receive treatment before they even leave the house".<br />
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Some major components of his healthcare plan have or potential will be delayed, including <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-02/health-law-employer-mandate-said-to-be-delayed-to-2015.html">business mandates</a> and <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2013/08/07/hhs-inspector-general-obamacare-privacy-protections-way-behind-schedule-rampant-violations-of-law-possible/">some information technology based aspects of the law</a>. However, other parts of the law he has chosen to implement more quickly. The new Apple iPAB was introduced through a new executive order from the President.<br />
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With this executive order, rather than appointing member to the Independent Payment Advisory Board to be confirmed by the Senate, the President has ordered that this board be replaced by Siri.<br />
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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated in a press release that seniors will simply have to ask Siri, "will Medicare cover my blood pressure medication?". Using already collected personal data from the NSA and IRS, Siri will be able to quickly determine whether or not a patient will be rationed whatever particular medication or procedure they have queried. This is will save patients the hassle of having to go the doctor, which, subsequently will help reduce carbon emissions from travel.<br />
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Vice President Joe Biden has been tasked with Beta testing the new iPAB and has run into some minor issues after he shot the iPAB with a shotgun after he consistently mistyped his passcode. " God love, Siri. You know what they say, 'an apple a day--an iPAB-- keeps the doctor away'. Barack and I want to make sure that's true".<br />
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Former Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin has denounced the iPAB as a digital death panel that continues to give too much power to the federal government and rations care.<br />
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<i>Note: This is simply satire. Please read it as such.</i><br />
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Crossposted <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/08/president-obama-unveils-new-apple-ipab-at-press-conference/">here</a> and <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/08/09/president-obama-unveils-new-apple-ipab-at-press-conference/">here</a>.Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-38455739446741839472013-08-02T23:53:00.001-05:002013-08-02T23:53:40.777-05:00Real Warnings and Revelations on Obama's "Phony" ScandalOn Thursday,<a href="http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/01/exclusive-dozens-of-cia-operatives-on-the-ground-during-benghazi-attack/?on.cnn=1"> CNN reported</a> that nearly three dozen CIA agents were on the ground during the attacks at the Benghazi consulate on September 11, 2012. Additionally, the Obama administration is subjecting many of these individuals to very frequent polygraph tests (and <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/InstaBlog/2013/08/02/Rep-Trey-Gowdy-Benghazi-Survivors-Having-Their-Names-Changed">changing Benghazi survivors' names</a>). These revelations beg two questions. One--why is the Obama administration subjecting agents to what Jake Tapper's source is calling an "unprecedented attempt to keep the spy agency's Benghazi secrets from ever leaking out" if this is simply a phony scandal? Of course, that is a rhetorical question. Second--why were so many CIA agents in Benghazi at the time?<br />
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On Thursday night, Virginia Congressman Frank Wolf indicated that the CIA was moving guns in Benghazi, per <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/08/01/Republican-Congressman-Sources-Say-U-S-Was-Moving-Guns-On-The-Ground-In-Benghazi?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Breitbart News</a>:<br />
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“We’re getting calls from people who are close to people who were [in Benghazi at the time] that they were moving guns. So where are the guns?” asked Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), a sub-committee chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Wolf also wonders what Ambassador Chris Stevens was actually doing in Benghazi on that night. Stevens and three others were killed over the course of the attacks. </blockquote>
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“Are they in a warehouse somewhere? Some people say they moved on to Turkey and then from Turkey to Syria," Wolf told Breitbart News on Thursday. "Did they fall into the hands of some of the Jihadis?" </blockquote>
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"Nobody knows, so I think there are so many questions from the failure to respond to where the guns went,” he stated. </blockquote>
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Wolf is currently attempting to create a Select Committee to investigate the Benghazi attack by launching a discharge petition from committee. He needs 218 signatures to take the issue to a vote on the floor.</blockquote>
In January, Senator Rand Paul asked then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton if guns were being run to Turkey from Libya, which she did not answer, but deferred to the CIA (see the 2:17 mark):<br />
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About that same time, <a href="http://cnsnews.com/news/article/former-special-forces-commander-was-us-running-guns-syrian-rebels-benghazi-cia-no">the CIA denied </a>that guns were being run from Libya through Turkey to Syria. <br />
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To look at this more completely, we must take a step back. It was an absolute failure of security to not have more protection at a consulate in an Islamist country on a date with such significance as September 11th, especially with the<a href="http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2013/05/damning-proof-of-dereliction-of-duty.html"> threats and violence</a> that had already occurred in Libya in the previous months. Remember too that in August 2011, Gaddafi was overthrown. A dictator was defeated, and a country in a volatile region of the world was even more unstable. When that happened, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150274863408435">Governor Palin warned (emphasis added):</a><br />
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Finally, we must make sure that terrorist groups don’t try to co-opt the revolution, as Al Qaeda is trying to do in Syria. <b>We should continue to use our intelligence assets to monitor the situation in Libya to ensure that potentially dangerous weapons are secured, and that terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda don’t gain a foothold in Libya.</b></blockquote>
What ultimately has happened? Essentially the very thing Governor Palin warned against. While Governor Palin was likely referring to securing <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/dispatches/2011/11/libya_after_qaddafi_dangerous_weapons_are_everywhere_.html">Gaddafi's stockpiles of weapons</a>, arms still ultimately transferred to dangerous hands. <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/blog/2013/05/03/cnn-al-qaeda-fighters-involved-in-benghazi-attack/">Al Qaeda was responsible for the attacks on Benghazi consulate</a>, and weapons were being run (and continue to be <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/06/17/U-S-Prepares-To-Arm-Syrian-Rebels-Through-Turkey-and-Jordan">transferred through other countries</a>), likely to Syria, to arm Al Qaeda linked rebels.<br />
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The President has often touted that <a href="http://floppingaces.net/2013/08/02/you-get-the-feeling-absolutely-nothing-obama-says-is-the-truth/comment-page-1/">bin Laden is dead and that al Qaeda is decimated. </a> He has cheered <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/20/obama-muammar-gaddafi-dead_n_1022106.html">the death of Gaddafi.</a> While these three things help rid the world of evil, only two of them are true. Al Qaeda seems to still be very much active. On Friday, the State Department <a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=d6cc4dc36c4b10ab76db80cb73ef68b0&loc=http%3A%2F%2Ffloppingaces.net%2F2013%2F08%2F02%2Fyou-get-the-feeling-absolutely-nothing-obama-says-is-the-truth%2Fcomment-page-1%2F&v=1&libId=ed558475-2f8c-45a0-b57f-4a802d6c5668&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Fal-qaida-terror-threats-state-department-travel-warning-2013-8&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dbin%2Bladen%2Bis%2Bdead%2Bobama%2Bfrequencies%26go%3D%26qs%3Dn%26form%3DQBRE%26pq%3Dbin%2Bladen%2Bis%2Bdead%2Bobama%2Bfrequencies%26sc%3D0-24%26sp%3D-1%26sk%3D&title=You%20get%20the%20feeling%20absolutely%20nothing%20Obama%20says%20is%20the%20truth%3F%20%7C%20Flopping%20Aces&txt=worldwide%20travel%20alert&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13755037298898">issued worldwide travel warnings</a> for the entire month of August because of al Qaeda threats. <a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=d6cc4dc36c4b10ab76db80cb73ef68b0&loc=http%3A%2F%2Ffloppingaces.net%2F2013%2F08%2F02%2Fyou-get-the-feeling-absolutely-nothing-obama-says-is-the-truth%2Fcomment-page-1%2F&v=1&libId=ed558475-2f8c-45a0-b57f-4a802d6c5668&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fpolitics%2F2013%2F08%2F02%2Fus-to-shut-down-american-embassies-around-world-as-terror-threats-grow%2F%23ixzz2apjM1dRs&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dbin%2Bladen%2Bis%2Bdead%2Bobama%2Bfrequencies%26go%3D%26qs%3Dn%26form%3DQBRE%26pq%3Dbin%2Bladen%2Bis%2Bdead%2Bobama%2Bfrequencies%26sc%3D0-24%26sp%3D-1%26sk%3D&title=You%20get%20the%20feeling%20absolutely%20nothing%20Obama%20says%20is%20the%20truth%3F%20%7C%20Flopping%20Aces&txt=shut%20down&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_137550383214311">US Embassies are closed this Sunday</a> (President Obama's birthday) throughout the world including places like Iraq and Egypt.If a terror network was truly decimated, there would be no need to take caution over their threats.<br />
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It is phony reasoning to suggest that the death of two evil men means the death of an entire network of evil. It is phony leadership to not heed real warnings of the potential for evil and to intimidate those who were survivors of such evil by subjecting them to polygraph tests in an attempt to silence them. The only ones who should be subjected to such tests are those who claim the death of four brave Americans is solely a "phony scandal".<br />
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<b>Crossposted <a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/08/02/real-warnings-and-revelations-on-obamas-phony-scandal/">here</a> and <a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/08/real-warnings-and-revelations-on-obamas-phony-scandal/">here</a>.</b>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342171110691845876.post-72131426671663620252013-07-27T14:28:00.000-05:002013-07-27T14:33:40.897-05:00Phony Scandals Are the Product of the Triumvirate of Hypocrisy On Friday, Governor Palin hammered President Obama for characterizing his lapses of leadership, his administration's corruption, and his neglect of the Constitution as merely "phony scandals":<br />
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On her <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQJYxgpCMAI8034.png:large">"redneck whiteboard"</a>, Governor Palin noted several real scandals of the Obama White House: 1) IRS targeting of Tea Party groups 2) Benghazi 3) Accessing Fox News journalist, James Rosen's email 4) NSA spying 5) Holder's perjury 6) Fast and Furious 7) Obamacare lies...and the list continues.
Governor Palin is the perfect person to distinguish between real and phone scandals. When she took the reins as Governor, she did so on the heels of a massive vote buying scandal that indicted members of the Alaska legislature and Governor Murkowski's staff. Prior to that, she had called out the real scandal of the head of the Alaska GOP, Randy Ruedrich, doing party business on state time. She recognizes scandal because she has often had to clean it up.<br />
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When it comes to Governor Palin herself, the media, the Left, and establishment Republicans have all tried to spin faux scandals as legitimate scandals and have tried to turn lies and half truths into scandals. <a href="http://www.motivationtruth.com/2009/09/governor-palin-highlights-banned-books.html">During the 2008 presidential campaign, </a>the media claimed that Palin, as mayor, tried to ban books before they were even written. Some in the media, and people like Andrew Sullivan to this day, questioned that she was the mother of her son, Trig. <a href="http://www.c4parchive.com/2010/03/its-only-947-am-in-west-coast-and-weve.html">The Left once tried to claim that </a> during Palin's childhood, the Heath family, received socialized medicine in Canada (before Canada even had universal health care). At one point in 2010, the media tried to turn the language in her speaking contracts into a giant scandal over, gasp, <a href="http://tammybruce.com/2010/04/new-palin-shocker-strawgate.html">bottles of water and bendable straws.</a> The media and the Left have searched her emails looking for scandal only to find that she was a hard working dedicated governor. Recently, the media, the Left and the Establishment GOP have all tried to paint her as a consultant-laden, hypocritical politico because <a href="http://blogontheprairie.blogspot.com/2013/03/if-youre-taking-flak-youre-over-target.html">she dared to have her PAC spend money on things like postage. </a> The list could go on and on of examples of phony scandals drudged up by the triumvirate of hypocrisy--of the media, the Left, and the Establishment GOP.<br />
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If the Obama administration is trying to find phony scandal, look no further than all the garbage that has been thrown at Governor Palin over the years. Real scandal lies in the fact that the American people have been the targets of intense, gratuitous IRS scrutiny, that the 4th amendment has been desecrated by the NSA, and that four brave, patriotic men died in Benghazi because of a lack of true leadership. Those are real scandals, and it is an insult to the American people to assume we are in capable of recognizing the truth about the lies of the Obama administration.<br />
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H/T to <a href="https://twitter.com/woot6/status/360967765491855360">"Woot6"</a> for the inspiration for this post.<br />
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Crossposted<a href="http://palin4america.com/2013/07/phony-scandals-are-the-product-of-the-triumvirate-of-hypocrisy/"> here</a> and<a href="http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2013/07/27/phony-scandals-are-the-product-of-the-triumvirate-of-hypocrisy/"> here. </a>Whitney Pitcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13490756857309833446noreply@blogger.com0