Quinquagesima

The Old Testament Reading appointed for Quinquagesima, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, is Isaiah 35:3-7.

     Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

Especially enlightening is a literal translation of verse 4:

     Say to the hasty of heart, “Be strong! Fear Not! Behold your God! Vengeance will come, recompense of God! He will come and save you!”

Here is what Dr. Luther wrote in his commentary on this passage of Holy Scripture:

     3. Strengthen the weak hands. This is wonderful comfort that is to be understood not in a physical but in an internal sense, because it shines under the appearance of the cross. For this church of Christ is extremely poor and wretched in appearance, since its poor, distressed, naked, imprisoned, and dishonored are the refuse of all and loathsome to all men for the sake of Christ’s name. And the members of the church are exposed to all, to Satan and to the craftiness and power of the world and the flesh. They are like “the offscouring of the world” (1 Cor. 4:13). It is as if people were saying: “They are to be regarded as a misfortune and a monster. If we could only be rid of these scoundrels.” With all their might they exert themselves to expel and exterminate this utterly loathsome Christian people. So we see today that all the most criminal people are less disturbed than the members of this church. Therefore the inward joy of the spirit fights with the grief of the body exposed to the cross. Therefore the prophet comforts them with exceedingly great consolations. Strengthen. This is a command. As long as Satan is awake he will not stop attacking us. It is for us to stand in the battle line against his stratagems.
     Weak hands, hands that are so weary. Give medicine to those hands so that you become strong again. For Satan has two ways of fighting. He would gladly cast the faithful down suddenly from their joy and faith and into fear and despair. Secondly, he cunningly strives by long lasting torments and by the unremitting pressure of the torments to tire them out. It is as Cyprian confesses: “Satan did not want the captive brothers to be killed in this life, but he preserved them in a long life and distressed them with unremitting aggravation to the point of exhaustion.” These are extremely powerful attacks. Against Satan’s continuous attack we must set our continuous divine help. The devil is a spirit at leisure and thinks of nothing but to take us by storm. We ought not have slack and idle hands over against his deceptions. Have we not experienced in these ten years how he tried by various forces to frighten us away from faith in the Gospel? First through the terrors of the papists, then through the world’s disgrace, then through murdering tyrants, through the fanatics, the schismatics, and fatherly flatteries. The church must diligently oppose his stratagems.
     4. Say to those who are of a fearful heart. ln Hebrew: “To those who are hasty and speedy in heart,” who are not steady and firm but want to run away and give Satan the victory.
     Be strong. We ought to strengthen ourselves with these words and say, “Though all devils were rolled into one, my God is still greater.” The afflicted must be comforted with such spiritual consolations of the Word, not with any fleshly comfort which does nothing for troubled consciences but with spiritual comfort and with the living Word of God they must be ruled and strengthened. Why? Because
     Behold, our God, etc. By those words he indicates that our God is absent but will come very quickly to avenge and save us. These are words of promise for the future, for God first permits people to condemn and persecute His church, as though He were absent, and then He will come very quickly, visit vengeance upon the adversaries and tumult upon the world, and save His church. This is truly hard for the flesh.
     With the recompense of God. He will come and save you. Do not avenge yourselves. He is the God of vengeance, He will fittingly requite them and save you. Thus we see that vengeance always comes before they carry out their plan. So Jerusalem, opposing the Word, was stormed by the Romans; then Rome perished, and so will our papists. Thus the Spirit comforts us, as if to say, “Remain godly and constant and be lifted up. The Lord will come in time of trial, and He will avenge and save you.” So he comforts the church that is exceedingly hateful to the world and Satan and besides does not shine with outward splendor. On the contrary, it is pressed down by a very heavy cross; it is also beset and harassed by a variety of internal evils, such as weakness of faith and falling into sin. Beyond all these, Satan, the tempter, fights against it.
     5. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened. In that time when the church will flourish in the midst of drought and will be cultivated in the desert, the blind will see plainly, etc. This is taken literally with reference to the miracles of Christ and the church, as we read in the last chapter of Mark (Mark 16:17, 18), signs that were necessary to confirm the new Word, signs that were added to the glory of the church, signs that are not done physically in the last time of the church, now that Christ is no longer weak. They were necessary then as a witness to the Jews, who ought to have recognized the church of God. Allegorically, in the time of the Gospel there were opened (1) the eyes of the blind, or ignorant, as we see happening today; (2) the ears of the deaf, who now accept the Gospel; (3) the lame walking in their own superstitions, as Isaiah calls all idolators lame, people who walk around in some sect of their own. They limp on one leg. They do not walk in an upright faith. Then, however, when they accept the Word by faith, they walk upright and leap for spiritual joy in Christ.
     (4) And the tongue of the dumb sing for joy, namely, it will glory in a strong confession, and the mercy of the Lord shown to us is proclaimed and boasted; and they will say: “See how God has rescued us from the darkness!”
     For waters shall break forth, that is, they are parted and distributed. As a spring flows forth in moistening streams, so this church, which was desert, should gush out in streams of the teachings of the Gospel, always one stream leaping from another into one city and then another, although in the eyes of the world it might seem forever desert.
     7. The burning sand shall become a pool, that is, where formerly there was total dryness, there will now be not only streams but also pools and springs. Thus the church will grow in such a way that elsewhere and in other places our streams will become springs. The Word of God will come in abundance.
     In the haunt, that is, where formerly the serpent was and the dragon reclined.
     The grass shall become reeds and rushes. Dragons and serpents like above all to be in dry places, as we see from experience today. As this was formerly a desert, most dreadful in dryness, but now because of the exceeding abundance of moisture has become a place where reeds and rushes grow, so there was nothing but heat, dryness, and ungodliness as long as the Word was absent, but now with the preaching of the Word it is moist and joyful. The serpents and dragons are those who teach ungodly things and with their most pestilential teachings take possession of men’s souls and consciences, like Erasmus, Zwingli, and Oecolampadius, whom also Christ calls a brood of vipers (Matt. 23:33). Our lazy bishops and clerics are not worthy of this name, yes, they are scarcely dung and vomit. In the haunts there will be the highest fruitfulness of the Gospel and of fertile hearts, which, having come to faith, are made fruitful by the Word, teach others with their gifts and help others participate. This is the fruitfulness and abundance of the Spirit.


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Quoted from:
     Luther, M. (1999, c1969). Vol. 16: Luther's works, vol. 16 : Lectures on Isaiah: Chapters 1-39 (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther's Works (16:300). Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House.

Speaking of Defense

Speaking of defense, why do so many Christians speak of defending the Gospel?

As a stinking sinner I look to the Gospel as my defense, not the other way around.

As a pastor I proclaim and call upon the Gospel to defend and comfort and save sinners (and the Church), not the other way around.

Think about it. . . .

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How Do You Spell Defense?

This article Even Defense Contractors Support Ron Paul For President and the accompanying video amaze me. The more that I observe Ron Paul the more that I admire him. I continue to be amazed at his calm responses to the deliberate attempts by media establishment enforcers to misrepresent his statements and positions. I am amazed by his calm yet effective overturning of their blatant fraud.

As I watch or hear or read this man I almost dare to have hope for the country.

Regarding politicians here is a question:

How can one know when a political candidate is being honest?

Answer: When his campaign rhetoric matches his voting record and actions.

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For how many in the last fifty years has this been the case?

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Veterans, Active Military march in D.C. for Ron Paul

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Amazing Scene

Have you ever seen this?





For additional photos and the accompanying story see: Yosemite waterfall turns to 'flowing lava' in rare February spectacle caught on camera.

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I have to laugh at myself regarding the name of this National Park. I grew up with Yosemite Sam cartoons, and yet whenever I see this word my first inclination is to pronounce it as Yose-mite. I have to retrain my mind every time that I see this word and try to pronounce it.

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You Stinking Hypocrite!

Hypocrites, hypocrites everywhere!




This includes my own mirror.

That is, of course, the first place that we each need to acknowledge the reflection of hypocrisy. After turning to the Lord to remove the log from our own eyes, then we see the specks in the eyes of others more clearly. Suddenly what we previously perceived as such an enormous cause for judging others shrinks in our perception.

Certainly there are some monstrous things being perpetrated in the world. But how many of these are actually my responsibility? In a nation where I have a role in the election of those who govern, I do have the obligation to do what I can to be informed. I have an obligation to cry out on behalf of those who are wronged and to cry out for that which is right. But even then, how far does this responsibility extend?

The Lord instructs that my first concern should be regarding my own thoughts, words, and deeds. Then I also am to see to my own family. In this connection I am to judge or discern the Lord’s body so as to be certain that where my household congregates is truly the Lord’s body where His true Communion is. (1 Cor. 11; Matt. 18)

These certainly are sufficient to keep my heart and mind occupied.

But I am not to be like Cain. I am to realize that I am also my brother’s keeper. I am to look beyond myself and my own family and the congregation to which the Holy Spirit gathers us, looking next to those whom I can identify as my brethren in the Lord, and then also to my neighbor. This begins with my prayers to the Lord on their behalf, both generally as in the Our Father, and specifically as I become aware of my neighbor’s personal needs. These prayers for my neighbor will also move me to do what I am able for my neighbor directly. This even extends to issues regarding the city council and eventually even to the vote that I cast for the President of the country.

But when I do these things in honest acknowledgment of all that I observe, I am always back in front of the mirror, being confronted with my own failures, my own sin, and my own hypocrisy, from which I need for the Lord to turn me, directing me again to His grace in Christ. Then, having received his forgiveness I also am empowered to forgive myself. Then I am set free to do the same for everyone else whom I encounter, first forgiving them from my own heart, and then, in that freedom, proclaiming to them God’s forgiveness in Christ.

Imagine what the world would observe if indeed all who professed to believe in Christ actually lived as He has declared. Imagine if this is what the world observed as the way of Christians. Imagine how differently from the current perception even Christians would perceive the Church.

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“Big Brother” Energy Control

Surely this is not new to most people, but it deserves to be mentioned.

Yesterday yet another mailing arrived urging us to “Join the partnership where helping you save money, helps all of us save energy!” Naturally, this mailing came from one of the big corporations that also continue to pretend to be “saving trees” by sending mailings about “going green” by allowing them to control my account electronically without paper mailings.

The program being promoted is called WattSaver®. The key information is found in the footnote:

*WattSaver works like this: On the hottest weekday afternoons from June through September, demand on Westar Energy’s system is at its highest. At these times, we may cycle your central air conditioner or heat pump on and off in 15 minute increments in a coordinated effort to reduce energy demand. These cycling events will normally last about four to six hours or less. During that time, your thermostat will display “SAVINGS” and the system fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home or business. Cycling events will occur infrequently and only on weekdays — never on weekends or holidays. You may choose to not participate in a cycling event once per month.

Like good little automatons we are expected to volunteer and believe that this is for the sake of “saving energy.” These “thermostats” are to be connected to the Internet. What else will be monitored through these “thermostats”?

Should this be cause for concern?

Let’s see, to what other forms of monitoring our personal information and persons are we already subjected?

• all cell phone and traditional phone calls are monitored for both contacts and conversations
  
• all phones can be utilized as listening devices
  
• all modern cell phones can be utilized as tracking devices (GPS)
  
• all Internet searches are tracked and recorded
  
• all web sites and blogs are monitored
  
• all e-mail messages and chat messages are monitored
  
• all banking transactions are monitored
  
• all non-cash (and most cash) purchases are monitored
  
• all health care and medications are monitored
  
• all accredited educational activities are monitored
  
• all driving activities are monitored through traffic cameras
  
• most newer automobiles are monitored through various tracking devices installed both for govermental and banking agencies
  
• all tax deductible donations are monitored
  
• all incorporated groups, including religious organizations, are monitored
  
• all transportation by air, sea, train, bus is monitored
  
• 
  
• and the list goes on . . .
  
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• 
  
• 
  

Do people not realize that with these Internet controlled thermostats that total control over heating and cooling is entrusted to whomever gains access? What if a “virus” shuts down the system? What if . . .?

Do people really want to surrender control of these matters to someone in India or Malaysia or wherever? What will customer service be like when the thermostat goes haywire?

Do people really want to have TSA or Homeland Security or FEMA tuck them into bed?

The sad thing is that even though I refuse to volunteer to have such a thermostat installed in my home, most Americans will volunteer, especially since it is “free.” Oh yes, “free,” as in everybody pays. But since the majority will volunteer, they are actually volunteering me, because once these are installed in enough homes and businesses, they will be declared to be mandatory for all.

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* here is a definition of automaton, just in case this is a new word to you, especially definition #2.
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Scientists Hail Alzheimer's Breakthrough

Yep! They surely do! Alzheimer’s is breaking through in ever increasing numbers and those who stand to profit from it are excited. In Scientists Hail Alzheimer's Breakthrough it is reported:

Scientists who have generated brain tissue from human skin are claiming a major breakthrough.

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Their findings were published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

Created cerebral cortex cells — those that make up the brain’s grey matter — will allow them to "recreate brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, in the lab," they wrote, providing "previously impossible insight."

It may also allow them to develop and test new drugs to stop the diseases from progressing.

In this article there is not a single mention of the things that have been proven to promote the neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Autism. Not a word is mentioned about scientists being excited to be able to warn people about the chemicals added to their foods and water and vaccines and household items that are directly contributing to these neurological disorders.

Not one word is stated about what people could be doing to help prevent the onset of these diseases.

Why not?

Such things cannot be patented. Such news would reduce the false perception of the need for new drugs. If people were avoiding the things that cause these diseases, what need would there be for such elaborate and expensive research? If people stopped developing these neurological problems, what need would they have for drugs to treat the symptoms? If people (and insurance) did not purchase these expensive drugs, who would pay for these “scientists” to grow brain tissue (and whatever else) in laboratories?

When one ponders the “testing” that is done, on whom are these tests performed? Presumably on people suffering from Alzheimer’s. If so, who “volunteers” them? Do these test subjects even know?

Does anyone ask these questions? Does anyone care?

If people with Alzheimer’s are volunteered for testing, on whom else can this tactic be used? How about the military personnel? How about all who are exposed to whatever comes from chem trails? How about people who drink municipal water and rural water? How about children in the government schools?

For more information regarding the food additives that the government and so-called scientists are not providing, check a few sources like these:

Truth in Labeling.org

MSG Hidden Sources

MSGTruth.org



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Comments and the 8th Commandment

Last night someone left an anonymous comment to the post immediately preceding this one. It was full of heinous accusations against someone not actually named, so one is left to guess. Presumably the accusations were directed toward Mr. Rubio.

I deleted the comment. The comment was anonymous, unclear, and slanderous and libelous. It was hateful and vicious. The accusations were unsubstantiated.

This is not the way for this blog.

If the matters on which this person commented are true, they are certainly important. However, that manner of reporting them is wrongful and unwelcome.

This blog has as its foundation the Word of God, Jesus. Jesus is not about condemnation and destruction of persons. He is about salvation, redemption, forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation. Thus, while what He declares, certainly includes the Law which shows us God’s holiness from which we fall monstrously short, His primary declaration is the Gospel of forgiveness and life. Because we never ever measure up to the standard of the Law of God’s holiness, it always accuses and condemns us. But the Lord is not willing that anyone should be left standing condemned. His gracious will is that all should hear the restoring power of the Gospel and to be converted from the condemnation and ways of unbelief to the new life of justification and sanctification.

Thus He has given us the Eighth Commandment. Luther’s explanation does a wonderful job of showing the full intent of this declaration.

The Eighth Commandment.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

What does this mean?—Answer.
We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.

Like all of the Commandments or Words of the Decalogue, this can only be rightly understood when our heart is enlightened by the Gospel. The Gospel directs us back to the Lord so that we hear what His true intention is. His true intention is not to accuse and condemn but to rescue and restore. Thus, when we truly understand this as applying to ourselves, then we, like our loving Father, look to others with the same gracious intent.

Another Scriptural way of saying this is that we learn to love our neighbor as ourselves. Once we truly learn God’s love, we then begin to love ourselves, and that love changes how we look upon others so that we love them in the same way as we love ourselves.

When we seek to condemn and destroy others, we have forgotten true love of self. For the viciousness that we display toward others demonstrates that we have forgotten our own need for God’s grace and mercy and have ceased abiding in His peace and love. Thus His love no longer constrains us because we have turned away from His loving countenance to our own deceived thoughts.

We need to remember that the old adage of “Sticks and stones” is not true. It should really say “Sticks and stones may break our bones and words can truly crush us, but the Lord’s grace is truly sufficient for us to give us the strength to endure and forgive and love.”

Certainly sin has to be denounced. Certainly evil must be restrained. But this must begin with each of us. Only then can we justly speak concerning others. Only then are we able to see clearly so as to speak for what is good.

We do indeed need to be aware of what is wrong around us, especially when these things can bring harm to others. There is an appropriate way to warn against these things. Unsubstantiated and vicious accusations are not the way. The proper intent of crying out with warning about the past deeds of others and especially of people in positions of leadership, is to warn against a propensity for the recurrence of such evil deeds.

But what if that person has been converted from those ways? Should we not first be certain to know whether or not the person has been turned from the ways of destruction and wickedness? Should we not be certain that we are dealing with what is and not merely with what was? And should we not provide evidence for any warnings that we make?

I know that in my own life that I must always be on guard against my own sinful nature. Even then, I must remember that the power to overcome my sinfulness is the power of God’s merciful love toward me. God’s love is what changes me from a vicious hatemonger to a lover of self and neighbor. God’s love is what turns me from one who lashes out thoughtlessly to one who cares for those who could be hurt by my words and actions.

Words truly are powerful. They can build up or they can tear down. They can rescue or they can destroy. They can defend or they can attack. They can comfort or they can condemn and cause shame.

Truly caution needs to be used in how we speak. I certainly fail in this regard and need to be called back continually from such failures to the love and mercy of the Lord. In this posting I hold this necessity before one and all that we may all be continually converted by God’s gracious work through His Holy Spirit.

God’s peace to all in Christ Jesus.

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The Insane Lust for War and Fighting

Today I received notice of a statement made by the man who has been touted as the “crown prince” of the Tea Party movement. That title in itself causes me to recoil. But his statement is horrifying to me. He said:

“. . . the idea of a nuclear Iran is so catastrophic that there’s virtually no price too high to pay to avoid it.”

This is quoted from Rubio: No Price Too High to Avoid Nuclear Iran.

At CPAC kicks off with Marco Rubio the following is reported:

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), widely considered to be a contender for the vice presidential nomination, drew loud applause when he spoke of “the American example” and the need to spread American values globally.

“What happens if we diminish? What happens if we retreat? … That space will be filled by someone else [and] the only nations capable of filling that void are totalitarian nations like Russia and China. … the greatest thing we can do for the world is be America,” said Rubio, to thunderous applause.

This is what people are applauding? Have people completely lost their sense of what is right?

Like most of these people, Rubio purports to be a Christian. Have these people never read:

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:17-18)

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; (Hebrews 12:14-15)

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (Matthew 5:43-46)

Love your enemies. Pray for them. Where are the prayers begging God for peace so that advancement of war would be unnecessary?

St. Paul admonishes: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Does this “crown prince” sound as though he has even the slightest desire to avoid war? When he says “. . . there’s virtually no price too high to pay . . .” is there no one who realizes what this means?

How many lives will be sacrificed? And without even trying to prevent it?

And these people imagine themselves to be listening to the Holy Spirit? These people imagine themselves to be followers of the same Lord who says, “Pray for them”?

Does no one even ask why such warmongering is being pushed by the establishment? Iran does not even have any nuclear weapons. All that has been reported is that they may be developing the capability of making such weapons.

And what is the result here in America from this frenzy of hatred? Our future prosperity is being obliterated. Our protection from abuses of our own government is being obliterated by the Patriot Act, the TSA, Homeland Security, the National Defense Authorization Act, and countless others. On and on the list grows as the people look elsewhere with hateful eyes, blinded to the destruction of our own nation and society.

Hatred and vengeance and war are powerfully destructive. They carry very high costs.

The saddest part is that those who seem to be the most hateful and vengeful and lustful for blood and war are those who make the most noise about being lovers of peace and liberty and forgiveness.

The Lord Jesus said over and over that the false ones would be known by their fruits.

If Christians spent as much time contemplating their own sinfulness and need for God’s forgiveness, grace, mercy, peace, restoration, and reconciliation as they say others have need of correction and salvation, how much time would be left for blood lust and hatred?

Sadly, when these Christians have brought judgment back upon us all so that unimaginable hard times strike the land, I know whom they will blame and upon whom they will lash out in vengeful wrath. It has been that way since Cain slew Abel. It will continue until the Lord comes again to bring such things finally to an end.

In the meantime, the Gospel is still available for all who desire to hear it and receive it. God’s means of grace still flow freely wherever even two or three have been gathered into Christ’s name. God’s love is still in the world and will be until the very end of this age. For this I only know to say, “Thanks be to God!”

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The Way of Big Government and Big Party & Church Politics

Today I viewed a couple of videos that were very educational and enlightening. For all of my adult life, meaning from 18 years old forward, I have been bewildered concerning the fact that what the groups with whom I have been affiliated always did was the opposite of what they claimed to be. These two videos caused me to think more deeply and to acknowledge things to which I previously seem to have been wearing blinders. It is not that I did not see any of the conflicting information. But I nevertheless seem to have been running like a horse with blinders, or at least blinders with worn spots.

Here are links to the two videos if you’d like to see them.

Republican Party Origins

U.S. Government & CFR Complicity in Foreign Conflicts

Until a few years ago I have been registered as a Republican. My first experience with active participation in the GOP was as a teenager. The Reagan election was my first time voting. But the local GOP meetings disgusted me. I could not believe what frauds these people were. But I thought it was a localized problem and not the actual way of the party. I thought that the officially publicized platform actually meant something. It did to me, but the party only used it as a diversionary tool. It took me many years to realize this. Even then, my sense of loyalty accompanied by inability to find a suitable party to which I could flee, made it a struggle to leave. After all, in order to vote, one must register as something. Moreover, to leave a party that seemed to say the right things in its platform seemed as though I would be denouncing those things and not just the hypocrisy of the party. I did finally leave and registered with another party.

The greater point of this is what I have realized about my more important affiliations in life. Family and church affiliations are the more important ones in a persons’ life. Of these I have been forced to acknowledge that very similar fraud has been a part of these affiliations. One cannot do much about family. Those ties are essentially impossible to sever entirely. They can be stretched to the ends of the earth, but they never seem to break entirely. Besides, the Lord has established this bond and does not want us to sever it entirely. Only from the dysfunction and delusions are we to be severed entirely. Love and honor of parents and family must continue even in the face of total brokenness and dysfunction. Church affiliation is nearly as unbreakable, but not quite. But the pain of such action is nearly unbearable.

This is the issue that I actually wish to address primarily in this post. My own past church affiliation was the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. For most of my life I struggled regarding the discontinuity between what this synod professed to believe and what was actually embraced and practiced. In my very early years I was not truly aware of this conflict, as it was not evident in what was taught in the parochial school and my primary example of Christian life and faith was from my parents, Luther’s Small Catechism, and the Bible. With Luther’s Small Catechism as a guide, what the Bible truly teaches of Christ and His Church is easily discernable.

During one of my theological interviews at the seminary one of the professors asked me, “Considering where you are from, how did you get to be so conservative?” At first I mentioned my pastors. But even without his quizzical look I immediately realized this was not so. Then I mentioned my grandfather and parents, but realized this was not so either. Then I realized and said, “Because this is what the Scriptures teach.” It was not until years later that I realized how helpful Luther’s Small Catechism had been, but then, it is nothing more than quotes from the Scriptures with further exposing quotes from the Scriptures.

So then, what of the professor’s question? Why did he even ask such a question? He asked it because of the fallacious facade of conservatism presented by the synod and her leaders. He knew that I did not come to be a devoted believer in the true doctrine of the Scriptures through the influences of my affiliation with this church body. It simply was not possible. Making a public profession of belief and practice and requiring a “quia subscription” to this does not in itself actually produce such belief and practice.

This is another topic in itself requiring at least another discussion. However, at this juncture I will point to what it does produce. The following graphic says more than pages of explanation:

I experience considerable angst when I visit blogs and web sites of pastors and congregations and of Confessional Lutherans who proudly display this graphic. I visit these blogs hoping to find that these people have become aware of the real problem in their church body. On some occasions I am amazed at the impressive scholarship and explanation of true doctrine, that leaves me ready to rejoice, only to have the concluding statements undermine all that was previously said, leading right back to the same compromised doctrine and practice. On some of these sites this graphic is displayed.

When I see this I sometimes actually cry out: “Can’t you see what you are saying?”

Consider what is declared in this graphic: “Still Attending Grandpa’s Church.”

Herein is clearly stated the real problem. Does it jump out of the graphic at you? Do you see what the problem is declared to be?

Whose church do you say that you are attending? To whom do you say that you look for the faith and for your life of worship? To whom do you ascribe ownership of the Church?

Did you really say: Grandpa’s Church?

Do I really need to draw attention to this further? Well, just in case. . .

Whose Church do the Scriptures declare the true Church to be?

To this people often respond that one is only arguing about semantics. Yep! Semantics are indeed the issue.

From Dictionary.com’s semantics.

se·man·tics     [si-man-tiks]

noun ( used with a singular verb )

1. Linguistics .
   
   1. the study of meaning.
      
   2. the study of linguistic development by classifying and examining changes in meaning and form.
      
2. Also called significs. the branch of semiotics dealing with the relations between signs and what they denote.
   
3. the meaning, or an interpretation of the meaning, of a word, sign, sentence, etc.: Let's not argue about semantics.
   
4. general semantics.
   

The commonly misapplied statement of “Let's not argue about semantics.” is used as an example in this definition of semantics.

How is this misapplied? When people use “Let's not argue about semantics.” as a means of bypassing the necessity of agreement concerning the actual accepted meaning of words, then this is a misapplication of the statement. In fact, this misapplication is actually using the term in the exact opposite way that it is meant to be used. “Let's not argue about semantics.” is supposed to mean that the actual accepted meaning of words should be what is used in the conversation rather than using self-devised meanings that lead to confusion of what is really being discussed.

But when people are preaching tolerance as an alternative to acceptance and unity, they prefer to veil their real meaning.

Back to the profession made in the graphic.

The real problem within the big church bodies is that they are indeed preaching faith in the church body and the traditions of the fathers and the sense of familial loyalty, rather than the uncompromised and unadulterated faith in Christ that is taught in the Scriptures.

As long as this is the way, those who are unwilling to sever the ties will continue to say all of the right things only to denounce them in their concluding remarks. This is why the church bodies, which always demand loyalty to themselves, are never reformed. Never reformed.

The Lutheran “reformers” learned this. Though they began with seeking to reform the Roman Catholic Church, they found that it was impossible to do so from within the church body. Reformation is made by an external force, not an internal one.

By way of example, consider a child forming an object with Playdough. If the object loses its correct form, or as is usually the case, it did not turn out properly at all, how does the object become reformed? By reducing it to its original form and forming it all over again. The object is reduced to a ball of dough again, not by the object, but by the creator.

Is this not the very semantic used in Holy Scripture? Is not the Church declared to be the Lord’s Church and even a loaf of dough from which He removes all of the old leaven and forms it all over again as a pure loaf with nothing but pure ingredients?

Here again is the graphic:

In whose image is this church said to be created? Who is actually proclaimed as the creator of this church?

If people continue to insist upon attending the Church of Grandpa, whose word will ultimately be that which is preached and followed? Whose precepts will be embraced?

If it is Grandpa’s Church, then what position of authority is given to the Word of God, Jesus? Can the Rock of the true confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, truly be the foundation of a Church that is built upon Grandpa and his works and words?

Consider the history of the many church bodies that have made their emphasis following in the way of their grandpas. They always, always, always follow the same pattern of resembling Grandpa more and more and resembling the one true body of Christ less and less.

Pointing out such observations is sadly like pouring water on a slanted pane of glass.

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Crazy! Sheep herded by Rabbit!

I became aware of this video at another blog.



I found two articles confirming this as being real.

Sheep herding Swedish bunny a hit online

Wool I never ... a rabbit herding sheep

This is quite amazing. It says a lot about sheep. It seems unfathomable that an animal the size of a sheep would allow a little 7-12 pound rabbit to tell it what to do and run it in circles.

Is it any wonder that the Bible calls people sheep? Without a proper shepherd, people are just like this herd of sheep.

Here is a longer version of the video if you prefer:



On another interesting and funny note, when I was young we had a little 4.5 pound dog, Leroy, a Chipoo, half Chihuahua and half Toy Poodle. He was an amazing little dog. He would actually pull us on our bicycle. But this little dog also played with the cottontails. Dad would stand laughing as he watched. Leroy and the rabbits would take turns chasing one another. Leroy would chase a rabbit across the garden. Then the rabbit would chase Leroy back. This would go on till they both were tired.

Sorry, Dad never captured it with photos or videos.

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Simul Iustus Et Peccator - Saint/Sinner Juxtaposition

Simul Iustus Et Peccator means simultaneously saint and sinner.

Throughout my own daily struggles as well as observing the struggles of others who profess to be Christians, I am realizing to a greater and greater degree how hard the struggle over simul iustus et peccator really is. The Saint/Sinner conflict is very much real. Rightly understanding this juxtaposition is very important to understanding the tension of life as a Christian in a fallen world.

This conflict makes it hard to hear so as to be moved to a better understanding of God’s grace to us in Christ Jesus. It hinders us from hearing the clarity of both the Law and the Gospel applied to us so as to move us into the life of the freedom of God’s grace.

This is a universal problem. This is the struggle that all of us Saint/Sinners encounter continually. St. Paul describes this from his own experience as a war within himself. It is a battle that only God can win for us. In fact, He already has, but His victory has to be applied to us in such a way as to make His victory what we realize in our hearts, spirits, and minds, in our total soul/being.

Acknowledgment of the Saint/Sinner juxtaposition is not an excuse for sin, but rather is an explanation for the ongoing struggle that the saints experience in their lives.

We are sinners from our conception because of the separation that Adam chose for us all. There is no escaping this. As long as humans are born into the world this will continue. But God has intervened by being born as the God/Man, Christ Jesus. He took our sin-death and rose from it so that through Baptism we would be regenerated as members of His holiness, made to be communicants of His very body.

The Gospel is the power through which He accomplishes this for us. When the Gospel enters us and enlivens our heart and soul through faith in His mercy and grace in Christ, we are declared to be saints, God’s holies. We are converted from sinner to saint.

But the Old Adam remains in our flesh. The spirit has been freed, but our sinful nature that has been flushed from our spirit still inheres in our flesh. It will remain until our bodies die, or until they are transformed at Christ’s return. Until then, our sinful nature is still at work in our members (our bodily existence).

The Law stands before us and reminds us of this. The Old Adam loves the Law, so long as he is the one wielding it. Then he can use it as he chooses. He loves to tell others that they need to change their abusive ways. But he does not like it when it comes back to himself.

The saint has no use for the Law, except to see God’s holiness and glory. The saint hears the Law and turns away to Christ, confessing sinfulness and the need for forgiveness and healing.

But the sinful nature does not want forgiveness. The sinful nature wants to pretend that it only needs help rectifying one’s wrongs, as if doing better was the goal.

The devil loves this. Then Satan comes forward and shows the saint his sinful nature and continual failing to live in perfect accord with the Law and says: “Ha. You see! You’re not really a saint after all! You’re really just a God damned sinner!”

And according to one’s own actions, one can only despair. For even one’s own conscience makes the same undeniable accusation. This is why the divine service begins with us confessing this very thing.

Seeking to obey the Law cannot make us righteous and cannot lift the burden from us. When we seek to live by the Law, we place ourselves back under the Law.

But when we walk in spirit, our spirit, having been regenerated by the Holy Spirit in our baptism, turns entirely from the Law to Christ and sees His righteousness poured out through His body in the preaching and through His blood in the Holy Supper. In the Supper we actually partake of His body so that we know that we are united with Him in His body and that in His blood His righteousness is given to us as our sins are forgiven us so that we rise up as saints, purely by His grace.

St. Peter explains that through Baptism we are given the good conscience before God so that we may live in His Holy Communion. This is our answer to the Old Adam and to the accusations of the devil and our flesh.

We cannot find peace through attempts at obeying the Law. Such attempts always bind us again to the requirements of the Law. But walking in spirit our spirit hears the continual calling and urging of the Holy Spirit who speaks to our spirit and even calls out on our behalf, Abba! Pater! (Both Hebrew and Greek words for Father).

In this way the Lord gives us the freedom to live in His love. And yes, we see how the Lord has loved us and continues to love us and we then love one another as He has loved us. But we don’t approach this as a goal. We don’t seek this as something to obey. Rather, this is now our identity. We love as the outflow of God’s love at work in us.

But our sinful nature rebels. Our spirit truly desires to love, but the Old Adam rises up in hatred and vengeance. The Old Adam does not forgive his abusers. He wants them to pay. So he drags out the commandments to show that they are guilty. Then he tries to show himself as one who tries to obey. But the Law never loses its capacity to show sin and so the person is again under the Law.

But the Holy Spirit is faithful. He searches the saint’s heart and speaks to the spirit and turns the person again and again to the Gospel, the promise that in Christ we are declared righteous and free. And so the saint eagerly looks to the next offering of the Lord’s body and blood and receives the renewal in God’s grace with a thankful heart. Then love again prevails and the peace of God guards the heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

This is why understanding the Saint/Sinner juxtaposition is the answer to living in love. For when we preach the Law, we realize that we need to hear it first for ourselves, so that we are eager to hear the Gospel. Then, when we preach the Law to others, the Gospel will be our motive with them, too.

Christ is our obedience. He is our righteousness. He is our Life. He is our Love. In Him we are justified and sanctified and converted.

When we seek to make ourselves or others better through the preaching of obedience to the Law, we turn away from the Gospel. But when we preach the Law to ourselves and others as that which shows us God’s holiness which can be ours only through the Gospel, this changes how we perceive and deal with both ourselves and others. It sets us free to live in God’s love and to love by His love.

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Political Posts

Lately I have posted way more on political issues than I am comfortable doing. Yet as a citizen of this country, I care deeply about what is happening. The reason that I care is twofold. First, I care about the people and how these things affect us all. Secondly, I care about the proclamation of the Gospel, which these things also affect and will affect very powerfully very soon.

But I am tired of these things. Politics, which comes from the word that means “city” and itself means “of, for, or relating to citizens” is rarely understood this way anymore. Today it has become a term that is regarded to be “of, for, or relating to those who control the citizens.”

We often consider the term politician to be a synonym for liar and deceiver and thief. Often the presumption is true.

But why? We have allowed this to become the way.

I, for one do not accept this, and so I sometimes speak out.

I have always spoken out regarding the wrongs that I have observed done to others. Even in Junior High School and High School, I spoke up when I observed bullies tormenting others, especially weaker or less popular ones. On a few occasions I actually stopped them. When I think of these things, it amazes me that I have never been in a fight. Perhaps it is because bullies of this type are really seeking something other than a fight and are somewhat open to reason.

But these political bullies are organized. They have massive clout and wealth behind them. They have been building their infrastructure for a very long time. They have used the media and the educational system to win people’s trust. They have actually convinced most people that their bully ways are actually thoughtful and caring and proper.

Does it really do any good for one little nobody to cry out?

Well, I cannot help it. That is who I am. That is what I do.

But that is not my primary concern. Primarily I am concerned about everlasting matters. I am primarily concerned about people’s souls and their everlasting salvation. My other concerns actually flow from this, but are secondary to this. Thus I desire to return to matters of the Gospel and the life that the Gospel generates. While I have not actually departed from this, the other issues do distract from it.

I much prefer to comfort people with the wonderful good news of the Gospel proclamation.

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Will the Real Candidates Please Stand Up?

Does the past matter? Should the American people be informed regarding the history of those who are running for office?

How can Americans learn the facts? Will the facts be discovered from the news industry? Will they learn the facts from sitcoms and late night TV comedians? Will they learn the facts from so-called conservative radio programs?

Has this not been the avenue that most Americans have traveled? Has anything been learned that helped improve and change the downward spiral that has been observed? Or has the spiral suddenly become a plunge?

For those who think that an half hour video presentation is not an exorbitant investment of time, here is a link to an article and video with a powerful amount of information. All of the information is supplied with the sources. Therefore it can be checked and validated.

The Real Newt Gingrich .

While this video presentation focuses particularly upon Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, it actually addresses the general movement of many in politics over the last few decades, especially at the national level.

If information about the candidates is a desire, this video will supply more than is easily absorbed in a single viewing.

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Clint Eastwood Chrysler Super Bowl Ad

Today I received an e-mail notice regarding controversy that has generated in response to a Super Bowl advertisement. Included in the article to which the e-mail notice provided a link are two embeded videos, one of this advertisement and one of a Reagan reelection campain advertisement. Apparently there are many articles on the Internet regarding this advertisement and what various people perceive or extract from it. This particular article is Rove Tosses Penalty Flag at Eastwood Ad, Calling It 'Offensive'.

I find this controversy to be amazingly sad and even sick. It shows how sick America has become. It shows how far from reality most people are in their thinking. It shows how people look to the wrong sources for guidance and leadership and identity.

Here are the two videos:





The reactions to the so-called Eastwood advertisement very powerfully demonstrates the limits that have developed regarding people’s thinking. People today no longer know how to listen so as to hear what is actually being said and more importantly, who is actually saying it.

This is a Chrysler advertisement. It’s purpose is to promote the Chrysler corporation and its products. Chrysler spent a fortune on this advertisement promoting their company. It is not a statement on America and Americans, though it uses nostalgic notions from these themes to present Chrysler as caring about America and Americans. And perhaps the producers of this advertisement actually do care about America and Americans. But the true point of an advertisement like this one is to try to convince Americans to care about Chrysler.

In this advertisement Clint Eastwood is a hireling of the Chrysler corporation. While he may agree with what is presented in the advertisement, he is speaking for someone other than himself.

This is what he does. This is who he is. He is a lifetime hypocrite, that is, an actor. That is, after all, the definition: hypocrite.

This is what Clint Eastwood does. He is a professional presenter of things that he is not. He is a pretender. He invests himself in presenting what he is paid to present. This is his life. This is his identity. This is what he does. He has done it for more years than I have been alive.

Why do people look to Hollywood hypocrites for the truth? In the special features portion of “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever” Antonio Banderas made an amazing statement. He said of himself as an actor: “I am a professional liar. That’s what I do.” He said it with his winsome charm and smile, but on this occasion, he was not lying.

How can anyone know when to trust a hypocrite? When can that which a hypocrite presents be taken to heart? Why do people look to such shallow persons and expect to find depth of character and direction? When this is where people turn, what does it say of them?

Regarding Mr. Eastwood, since he is the object of the current controversy, consider the pattern of his relationships on record, Clint Eastwood: Relationships.

Now, I do not share this link to tear down Mr. Eastwood, but to show the shallowness of thinking of anyone who looks to someone for leadership and direction without considering whether the person has this sort of stability in that person’s own life. How a person deals with one’s most personal relationships is most surely a powerful indicator of whether or not the person’s judgment and dealings can be trusted as a guide or source of integrity and leadership.

I like Mr. Eastwood, at least from what I have experienced. I don’t like what he represents, but I expect that if I actually met him that I would enjoy the encounter. I imagine that we would even find that in our conversation that we had some things in common.

As I view the Chrysler advertisement, I find it to be very appealing. My impression, after watching it multiple times, is that it is a very nostalgic but shallow view of America. My impression is that both Chrysler and Mr. Eastwood are sharing their view of America as a land where the people are strong and committed and resilient. They seem to believe that Americans are a people who come together when times are bad, when they believe that they are fighting for survival. It seems to me that the primary view of America and Americans is expressed when Mr. Eastwood says:

     All that matters now is what’s ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together? And how do we win? Detroit’s showing us that it can be done.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the point of the advertisement. It is a very typical view of America and what makes America great and what America should be. It is the prevailing American sentiment.

I do not agree with this perspective and belief. I do not believe that this is all that matters. I believe that we need to be concerned with more than these. I believe that we need to begin with the realization that integrity is more than coming together for survival and for coming from behind and for winning. I believe that truly coming together means standing united in the identity that our founding documents provide us. I believe that truly coming together means standing as “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” This means that there must be a singular understanding of what these mean. It means that “liberty and justice” must truly be for ALL. It means that leaders must be elected and appointed who are not hypocrites, who do not say one thing today, another thing tomorrow, and yet something else a week from tomorrow. It means that when the oath of office is made that we impeach those who do as is reported in this article: Justice Ginsburg causes storm dissing the Constitution while abroad. If we allow a US Supreme Court Justice to make such outrageous and treasonous statements about the Constitution and to remain as a judge over the application of the rule of this Constitution over the laws of the land, then how can we imagine that we can come together for anything more than hypocritical and momentary unity and justice and liberty?

America is facing her current dilemma and impending demise because Americans have forgotten what it means to be American. As a people we have forgotten our foundation upon which we stand. Without this foundation we fall.

The words that Mr. Eastwood spoke on behalf of Chrysler, and perhaps even from his own heart, are good words as far that they go. We need to remember that winning has a defined objective, that winning is about more than which side prevails. We need to remember that the battle has a genuine cause, something substantial, something with a rock-solid foundation.

We need to consider those for whom we vote and support. We truly should consider their record. Do they show fidelity in their most important personal relationships? If they are not faithful to these and betray those who are closest to them, how can we expect that they will treat people that they have never met any better? If they supported big government and big corporate control and warmongering and trampling of liberty in times past, how can we expect them to do differently under the current circumstances?

And naturally, I believe that ultimately, true unity cannot be embraced apart from the one true faith in the one true God. America has never truly had such in her history and so she has never had true justice and liberty for all. Yes, America has been called a Christian nation, but she has never truly demonstrated this. If she were truly a Christian nation she would not have allowed the horrible abuses that have been done to her children. But hypocrisy is not limited to Hollywood. It prevails most among those claiming to be Christians. And while that is the case, true peace and true freedom will remain but a shadowy dream.

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From Whence Come Wars

     From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (James 4:1-3)

Blood Freezing News

Two articles share news that should cause our blood to freeze.

Obama Freezes Iranian Government, Bank Assets in U.S.

Obama Freezes Iranian Government, Central Bank Assets in U.S.

Obama and the leaders of this country are trying to force Iran to start World War III.



Did you hear what this talking head said that the purpose of this is? He said:

It is really targeted as a test run for how the larger, the bigger, sanctions would workout if the White House decided to impose those on central banks that do business with Iran’s central bank, ah, in other countries, as you mentioned, Korea, India, Japan. . . the goal on all of this is to get Iran to behave through diplomacy. . .

Did you hear this? So now stealing another country’s central bank assets is called diplomacy. Are you kidding? Are you insane?

Did you hear what he said the goal is? A test run to see how it would work to steal the assets of other nations’ central banks! Notice that he forgot to mention CHINA!

A test run to see how it would work out?

Is there really anyone so stupid as to need a test run to know how the other nations will react to this?

WAR! Global war on a scale to make all other wars seem like brawls in a local bar!

This is the agenda of Obama and all the others pressing us into globalism.


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Purpose of the Not Alone Blog

I have the sense that perhaps not everyone visiting here understands the purpose of this blog.

This blog is intended to be for the encouragement and affirmation of those who seek to grow in the faith and life of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church of God on earth has always been a tiny remnant of humanity. The saints often find themselves ostracized and even persecuted. They sometimes are so isolated that they imagine themselves to be abandoned and alone in the world. This blog is intended to be for the proclamation of the beauty and power of the Gospel for the life of the saints. It is intended to be for the edification of those who trust in the merciful God who reveals Himself through the Holy Scriptures of the Bible.

It is not intended to be a place of arguing with those who reject the Gospel and the God of this Gospel. If a person rejects the Lord and His Gospel, this blog is not for that person, unless that person desires to learn this Gospel and the reason that it has such power for those who believe it.

Questions are certainly welcomed, especially when asked for the purpose of learning and growing together in the knowledge and comfort of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even respectful challenges are welcome, if from the perspective of mutual edification.

But the purpose of this blog is the proclamation of the wonderful comfort of God’s grace in Christ as it is declared in the Gospel. This comfort applies to every aspect of life. It has the power to supply strength for every circumstance and trial and trouble and tribulation. It supplies forgiveness to the hurting soul. It gives strength to live in that forgiveness with eagerness to forgive others even as one has been forgiven. It brings together into perfect unity those who confess this uncompromised and unadulterated confession of faith. It gives hope to those who face the hopelessness of death. It establishes peace and concord for all who embrace it, even the peace to endure patiently the abuses from those who hate God and His kingdom and His saints.

This is the purpose for this blog. If this is what you seek and desire, I am very glad to have you as a visitor and reader and commentator. If you are seeking something else, you will find only disappointment, both here and in life. I pray that the immeasurable blessings of the Gospel be received by all.

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Psychiatry vs Personal Well Being and Growth

In the post two posts below, ADHD is addressed among other issues.

I have encountered people who have genuine neurological disorders, and ADHD, or at least something similar, is certainly among them. There are people who have problems with proper functioning of their neural pathways.

Sadly, as in the one link that I labeled as an ADHD joke, ADHD and the Brain: An Inside Look, horribly false statements are made. Amazingly, the three things that are listed by this pharmaceutical advertisement as being myths, are actually the things that have been scientifically proven. The one of greatest concern is the nutritional or dietetic contributor.

Two food additives that have been proven to be what are called excitotoxins are very powerfully destructive to the proper development of the neural pathways especially during the periods of gestational and early childhood development. At these critical stages of development, these neurotoxins can and often do cause permanent and irreversible damage.

The two neurotoxins are processed glutamic acid and aspartic acid, often commonly called MSG/glutamates and Aspartame. While these are not the only contributors to neurological disorders, they are documented and prevalent. Yet the mainstream medical professionals not only do not warn people, but actually deny their destructive effects. They actually lie, as in the video, saying that the causes are not known. Then, they prescribe other harmful drugs.

Thankfully there are health care professionals and researchers who are reporting these things. Many of the incidences of “mental disorders” can be prevented through avoidance of these toxins in the diet.

Amazingly, the other factors that the video farcically dismisses as myths are actually validated by what is later stated as part of proper treatment for ADHD. Consider the four things listed:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
  
• Positive reinforcement
  
• Individual therapy
  
• Group therapy
  

Now compare this list to the list of so-called myths:

• “ADHD isn’t ‘real’ and it’s often blown out of proportion”
  
• “ADHD is caused by a poor diet or too much television”
  
• “ADHD is caused by poor schooling or poor parenting”
  

Do you see the fallacious presentation and misrepresentation? First, they combined ‘blown out of proportion’ with ‘isn’t real’ so as to present the two as both being false presumptions. However, they are not at all the same. The one is factual.

The second so-called myth actually has two factual items listed together in a way that they seem to cancel one another.

The third is presented in a way to anger teachers and parents into feeling defensive.

Yet their four approved methods of treatment all assume that teaching behavior modification and counseling and encouragement (which all belong to the role of parenting and teaching and are often overridden by too much TV and video games and Internet and texting) are the missing factors that are in need of being supplied.

Then, they add that stimulants can be helpful, and especially prescription stimulants. They may as well be promoting caffeine and nicotine. Those would actually be safer and less expensive!

But the last thing that they want to do is to tell people about the food additives that are flooding their foods and beverages.

And naturally they do not want anyone to think that the ADHD diagnoses are in any way blown out of proportion and often entirely wrong. Then parents and teachers might actually encourage these energetic youngsters to put their excitement and energy to something productive. The kids might actually be encouraged to investigate what special inborn talents and skills and aptitudes are driving their “hyperactivity” and eagerness to find more stimulating studies and activities.

Oh, they might even be led to discover that they enjoy learning, if they were given some encouragement to see how their aptitudes could be applied in real life applications.

Oh no!

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Ron Paul's Keynote Speech at the 50th Anniversary of JBS

As I listen to this man, I find it hard to understand why anyone would even consider any other candidate, at least anyone who loves what this country is supposed to be according to our Constitution, and even according to common sense godly and peaceable principles. I'm not looking to argue the matter at this juncture, only to let the man be heard. I have watched and listened to many of his speeches. They are readily available on the Internet. He always says the same things. He has said them for over 30 years. These are the things that Americans believed and said when America was still reasonably healthy and free. I would love to see America returned to health and freedom. It certainly is not moving toward either of these under the current pattern of leadership.

So, for what it is worth, here is the man telling his positions, without harassment and deliberate misrepresentation.