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Pilgrimage to Washington DC

by Donald E. Hester on Wednesday, 13 May 2009 Government 0 Comments

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On my latest trip to Washington DC I deliberately decided that while it was a business trip I would endeavor to make a visit to a number of place you might call hallowed grounds or sacred places. On my list of places to see was the Museum of the Marine Corps, the Iwo Jima Marine Corps memorial and Arlington cemetery. It is like a pilgrimage for me and a chosen as a priority over the sites to see in Washington DC. You see I have placed a great deal of gratitude for those who gave the last full measure. We all benefit from their sacrifices. I feel they deserve something back from me. Therefore, I go; my act of appreciation, honor and deep gratitude.

First on my list was The Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. As I walked up to the building I could not help but noticed the grandeur while it maintained a level of simplicity. As I entered the building I was greeted with the familiar "Semper Fi", followed by "Marine welcome to your Museum." What a welcome! We marine are a unique breed. Diverse indeed, yet a common bond, we find unity in our diversity. A unity, in our love for service, to our country and fellow man. A will to do what is necessary, even if there is a great personal expense. I am honored to be counted among some of the greatest men who have ever walked the Earth. I am grateful to those who donated so that we marines might have a museum all our own. Semper Fidelis.

Next on my pilgrimage was the Marines War Memorial, depicting the famous flag raising captured by Joe Rosenthal on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. I was disappointed that the memorial was surrounded by freeways and outside of Arlington National Cemetery. Yet the separation is so much like Marines. This place is iconic to all Marines representing everything that is good and honorable about Marines. I stayed around for sometime just marveling at the great icon. I saw many people come and go. They rushed off the tour bus to click a few pictures just to rush back to the packed bus. I think the significance of the memorial was wasted on some of the spectators. Some of them never even looked up at the memorial as they made their way on and off the bus. I wonder if they understand the price that was paid for them? If they did I would think they would have more reverence for the memorial.

"Nothing is a greater stranger to my breast or a sin that my soul abhors than that black and detestable one of ingratitude." - George Washington

As I left, I said a prayer for all those Marines who have served, are serving and will serve. As I thought about how people take lightly the sacrifices made on their behalf. I could not help thinking how often we forget the sacrifice that Jesus made for our freedom from sin and death.

Finally, my journey took me to Arlington National Cemetery. What a beautiful and fitting honor for those who have served us, our country, selflessly. I could feel the reverence in the place and the care given as honor. First, I proceeded to the Eternal Flame memorial to John F. Kennedy. As I approached the memorial, a docent was asking people to remain silent out of respect when they approach the memorial. I assume that is the least we could do to honor our fallen President. Yet some people could not keep their mouth shut. They must think the nonsense that spills from their mouths was somehow more important. It reminded me of the old commercial that depicts a Native American on the side of the road with a tear in his eye as he spots people littering on the freeway. Luckily God saw fit to drench them and they quickly left. I might have been soaked but at least it was silent respect by those who remained.

I then proceeded to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I saw the reverence and devotion truly worthy of those who gave the last full measure. I witnessed precision and care as acts of love and gratitude. Attention to detail; a flawless execution. We are truly thankful, even to those whom we do not know. May God grant them peace.

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Heroes for Hire

by Donald E. Hester on Wednesday, 06 May 2009 Leadership 0 Comments

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I like to use historical people or characters as a means of inspiration for myself and others. However, I have a hard time labeling anyone as a hero or saint. Mostly from fear that some aspect of their life unknown to me, may reflect negatively on me for having bestowed such an honor on the individual.

"It is to be lamented however that great characters are seldom without blot." - George Washington

However, many man and women, by virtue, exemplify a value or attribute I find worthy of emulation and pursuit. These individuals serve as a reminder, an icon or inspiration of a worthy value or attribute. Icons serve a useful purpose they reminders and inspire us to hold to those values or characteristics we wish to pursue. It is important to remember that these people are not perfect. I guess if we find they have too many faults with them or faults that are not surmountable, we should cease to use them as heroic icons.

Maybe this is why fictional characters work as well. Often they can represent the ideal attribute or value without the baggage that real people come with.

One note of caution I have if anyone wishes to place anyone on a pedestal. We have to be careful not to venerate the man or woman beyond the ideal. We cannot allow ourselves to fall for the trap of saint worship. If we can focus on the values and attributes without venerating the people I think this becomes valuable.

Here is a list of a few of my values or traits that I want to emulate. I hope to seek out heroes or characters that can best represent each of these.

Accountability, Achievement, Action, Appreciation, Attitude, Balance, Bearing, Change, Character, Charity, Community, Conviction, Courage, Creativity, Decisiveness, Dependability, Determination, Devotion, Discernment, Discipline, Discretion, Doggedness, Duty, Education, Endurance, Enthusiasm, Ethics, Excellence, Fair, Faith, Family, Focus, Fortitude, Freedom, Generosity, Gentle, Giving, Growth, Health, Hospitable, Humility, Initiative, Inspiration, Integrity, Just, Justice, Knowledge, Leadership, Legacy, Listening, Love, Loyalty, Moderation, Patriotism, Peace, Peaceable, Perseverance, Perspective, Planning, Preparation, Priorities, Professionalism, Proactive, Prudence, Purpose, Quality, Recompense, Relaxation, Reputation, Respectable, Responsibility, Romance, Self-control, Sensitive, Serenity, Service, Stamina, Steadfast, Stewardship, Tact, Teamwork, Temperance, Tenacious, Timeliness, Tranquility, Trust, Truth, Unselfishness, Value, Vision, Wisdom, Freedom

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Why do people avoid church?

by Donald E. Hester on Tuesday, 05 May 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

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I have had a number of experiences lately on this topic. I figure it is time to start writing down what I am learning about.

The question has come up a number of times and I have heard a number of responses. The question is, why are people avoiding church. (Little 'c' church on Sunday mornings.) In Hebrews we are reminded not to neglect or forget to gather or meet. So why are so many people put off by what we call church today?

My first question is, are these objections to church meetings on Sunday morning, really material to a Christian life? I have an easy answer. No. To be a Christian we don't have to attend meetings every Sunday morning, or ever on Sunday for that matter.

I think for many people they feel that the Christian life is simply going to church on Sunday, listen to a message, sing some songs and put some money in the offering. And if you don't do any major sins the rest of the week, you are set, smooth sailing. I think those people are mistaken.

My next question is whether or not it is a preference. Is it simply the mode of delivery that is the issue? Some people want to have it this way others don't. Could multiple ways of 'church' be correct?

These are some of the question that I start with. I plan to investigate further to see if I can make heads or tails on this issue.

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Visit to Bull Run (Manassas)

by Donald E. Hester on Sunday, 03 May 2009 Leadership 0 Comments

Stonewall Jackson

On my first visit to Washington DC, in March, I did not have much time. I wanted to see something while I was out there. I hate having a strictly business trip, especially to some place I have not been, without stopping in and seeing some of the local sites. Since I was flying out of Dulles airport I was looking on a map to see what was close. I decided since my flight wasn't until 14:00 I would get up early and drive down to a local Civil War battlefield and on my way back I would stop by the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum near Dulles airport.

The Civil War battlefield was Bull Run / Manassas. The north and south would have different names for the battles. One would base the name on a local town or train stop and the other based the name on a local river or geographical feature. That is why the battle and battlefield often have two different names.

I have to admit, there wasn't as much to see there as I expected. Not that there was nothing. There was something there. The 'thing' is the something wasn't tangible. It wasn't something I could take a picture of. As I walked on the very ground where so many men fell, I could feel it. I could feel the voices of those who fell in order to preserve this union.

It was awe inspiring. It was a hallowed moment. A moment of reflection. A moment of gratitude and sorrow. A bitter-sweet moment that will last the rest of my life.

As I walked the grounds, it was a cold morning, overcast and wet. I could feel my feet where wet because I had packed light and had only one pair of shoes. I could image the cold and hunger of the men who face each other. Each knowing today may be their last day here on Earth. Looking across the same field I was looking across now. I imagined the shouts and cries of war; the sounds of canons and muskets. The pain of the men who fell and the loss to their loved ones. All for what? To leave us a free and whole country.

I often wonder if we are worthy of their gift. How this country has squandered our inheritance. If those men could see America today, would they drop their guns and say, "forget it, I am not dying for that." In distain they would walk away wondering what's the point?

I wonder if that is really how they would feel. I know this much, I feel obligated by their sacrifice to take seriously my roll in this participative form of government. If I don't, it would only mean I did not value their sacrifice.

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Parenting: Get ready to look at yourself.

by Donald E. Hester on Wednesday, 29 April 2009 Philosophy 0 Comments

alt Parenting is such a hard job. I have to admit that being a parent sounds like a good idea until the weight of the responsibility kicks in. I was thinking the other day about how the apple does not fall far from the tree and that reminded me of far too many examples in my life. I could not help but pray that God would protect my children from my mistakes and shortcomings. I want the best for them and often feel I don't do enough. Of course, some parents do too much and that ends up bad for the children too.

I just hope that my kids can see past my mistakes and not repeat them. Don't get me wrong I love being a Dad and I love my kids dearly. It is for that reason I am concerned about doing the right thing by my kids.

For example my son has an issue with doing his homework. He just does not want to do it. I tried taking things away and even threatened corporal punishment. None of it worked. The funny thing is that is exactly the way I was at his age. I could not give a rip about homework and hated school when I was his age. (Of course now I like homework). I remember my dad had done the same thing to try to get me to do mine. I then thought to myself, the apple does not fall far from the tree. What was I to do?

Change. I had to try to change the cycle. My solution was to give him more homework. A different kind of homework. I had my son read "The Measure of a Man" by Gene Getz. Each chapter in the book is about a value or characteristic about being a man. For example chapter 20 is about self-control, perseverance or discipline. His assignment was to define for each chapter what the characteristic means and then write 5 examples of how he could show that characteristic in his own life. After he finished the report and turned it into me we then discussed each one. Then comes the final. I asked him in his own words to tell me which one or more of the characteristics he was not following by not doing his homework. Then I asked him to tell me how he planned to correct the problem.

I now know he understands why it is a problem and how to correct it. See below to see what he wrote.

The Measure of a Man

Chapter 1

Explain what it means to be a faithful man.

· A faithful man is not an empty talker, and he sets goals for himself.

Give five examples of how you can be a faithful man in your life.

· Don’t empty talk.

· Set Goals.

· Don’t get discouraged.

· Be honest and never lie.

· Do what you say you will.

Chapter 2

Explain what it means to have a good reputation.

· A man with a good reputation is a man who has both friends and enemies who respect him and talk about him positively.

Give five examples of things you can do to have a good reputation.

· Be nicer.

· Follow the golden rule.

· Make other want to listen to me.

· Try to be a man of god.

· Listen to others.

Chapter 3

Explain what it means to have moral purity.

· A man with moral purity is a man who doesn’t give into lust and doesn’t commit adultery.

Give five examples of moral purity.

· Not giving into sexual cravings.

· Meeting ones spouse’s sexual needs.

· Be a man of one woman.

· Think right.

· Communicating.

Chapter 4

Explain what it means to have a balanced life.

· In order to have a balanced life, you must be a man of faith, hope, and love.

Give five examples of having a balanced life.

· Be a man of faith, hope, and love.

· Be temperate.

· Set Biblical priorities.

· Submit to what the Lord is trying to teach you.

· Discern what is temporal and what is eternal.

Chapter 5

Explain what it means to demonstrate wisdom.

· A wise man demonstrates wisdom by being prudent and having a sound judgment.

Give five examples of demonstrating wisdom.

· A wise man is prudent.

· A wise man is humble.

· A wise man has a sound judgment.

· A wise man has gratitude.

· A wise man is prayerful.

Chapter 6

Explain what it means to be respectable.

· A man who is respectable is a man who always does the right thing.

Give five examples of showing respect.

· Lives like a man of God.

· Always does what’s right.

· Does things that make others happy.

· A man who is a leader.

· A man who doesn’t say bad words.

Chapter 7

Explain what it means to be hospitable.

· A man who is hospitable is a man who helps people.

Give five examples of hospitality.

· If someone needs your help you help them.

· Being generous.

· Share with one who has needs.

· If you don’t have much you give.

· Being caring.

Chapter 8

Explain what it means to communicate sensitively.

· Men who communicate sensitively don’t get mad or yell easily and listen no matter what.

Give five examples of how you can communicate sensitively.

· Don’t get so mad.

· Don’t yell.

· Don’t swear.

· Listen more.

· Don’t call people names.

Chapter 9

Explain what it means to have moderation.

· “To have moderation” means that if you drink, don’t drink too much.

Give five examples of how you can be moderate.

· If/when, if I ever, don’t drink too much.

· If/when, if ever, don’t smoke too much.

· Not eating too much meat.

· Don’t be addictive.

· Don’t partake in anything that harms the body.

Chapter 10

Explain what it means to be self-centered.

· A man who is self-centered only cares about himself.

Give five examples of a self-centered person.

· An over indulged person.

· One who doesn’t share.

· An over restricted person.

· A person with too much freedom.

· One who is too bossy.

Chapter 11

Explain what it means to handling anger appropriately.

· When someone handles anger appropriately, when they are angry, they don’t hit and yell, but handle it nicely.

Give five examples of handling anger appropriately.

· Not Yelling.

· Not swearing.

· Talking it over.

· Not hitting.

· Being sensitive.

Chapter 12

Explain what destructive behavior is.

· Destructive behavior is extreme anger, anger that is out of hand.

Give five examples of how you can avoid destructive behavior.

· Do not strike out at others.

· Isolate areas of resentment.

· Follow a biblical approach to personal offenses.

· Seek professional help with physical abuse.

· Do not live in a state of denial.

Chapter 13

Explain what it means to treat others fairly.

· One who expresses great patience and forbearance.

Give five examples of treating others fairly.

· Someone who doesn’t abuse anyone.

· When judging, be fair.

· Don’t be combative, but be gentle.

· Don’t be biased.

· Be gentle, mild, meek, and humble.

Chapter 14

Explain what it means to be a peacemaker.

· A person who makes peace.

Give five examples of how to be a peacemaker.

· Don’t call names.

· Don’t antagonize others.

· Listen to parents.

· Share more often.

· Mind your own business.

· Don’t laugh at others.

Chapter 15

Explain what it means to be generous .

· A generous man gives to the poor and needy.

Give five examples of how to learn generosity.

· Share.

· Don’t be a materialist.

· Put more time into eternal values.

· Give to the poor.

· Put God on your budget.

Chapter 16

Explain what it means to father God's way.

· To father God’s way, you must have a controlled household.

Give five examples of fathering God's way.

· Be patient.

· Don’t exasperate your children.

· Don’t hit your wife.

· Discipline your children.

· Never provoke your children to anger.

Chapter 17

Explain what it means to love God wholeheartedly.

· A man who loves God wholeheartedly isn’t ashamed of it.

Give five examples of loving God wholeheartedly.

· Don’t be a lover of oneself.

· Don’t be a lover of pleasure.

· Don’t be a lover of money.

· Don’t be a hater of good.

· Be a lover of God.

Chapter 18

Explain what it means to be just and upright.

· A man who is just isn’t prejudiced.

Give five examples of how you can be just and upright.

· Don’t be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

· Always choose what’s right.

· Live a just and righteous life.

· Don’t be prejudiced.

· Live by faith.

Chapter 19

Explain what it means to be devout.

· A devout man gives his all for God.

Give five examples of how you can be devout.

· Commit myself to God.

· Reflect the fruit of the spirit.

· BE A MAN OF GOD.

· Walk by the spirit.

· Do not practice Asceticism or Legalism.

Chapter 20

Explain what it means to be a disciplined man.

· A disciplined man has self-control and perseverance.

Give five examples of how you can show discipline.

· Do what I am told.

· Go through with what I want to do.

· Be more responsible.

· DO MY HOMEWORK.

· Have more self-control.

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Book: The Devil's Delusion, Atheism and it Scientific Pretentions

by Donald E. Hester on Thursday, 23 April 2009 Book Reviews 0 Comments

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I recently finished reading, "The Devil's Delusion, Atheism and it Scientific Pretentions" by David Berlinski. His book covers a number of topics and issues with current research posing as scientific. Science will never be able to prove the existence of God or the non-existence. Yet Atheists will tell you that science disproves God. It does not. It also does not 'prove' evolution. A common misconception.

He also covers the biased nature of some institutes and universities. Where critical think and questioning is discourage and even called dangerous. Science is about asking questions and seeking answers. Current research in cosmology and evolution indicates significant problems with the positions used to support an Atheistic world view.

It is a good book to read, if you are willing to entertain a critical questions against evolution. If evolution is true you have nothing to worry about. Right? I think it is always a good idea to hear every side of a story and to ask as many questions as you can. I think a critical approach really makes a good scientist.

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At Peace?

by Donald E. Hester on Thursday, 23 April 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

sunflower I was in the car driving near Washington DC when on heard a statement on the radio that got me thinking. The statement was, 'You won't be at Peace if you are in rebellion against God.' That statement is one thing but it got me thinking does it also mean that if you don't have peace you are in rebellion against God and if you have peace you are not in rebellion against God?

The next question is what kind of peace? If I am at peace at this moment but not tomorrow and then at peace again the day after tomorrow, am I in and out of rebellion against God?

I think the peace he was talking about is something deeper and more permanent. I also think we have to see things in a different way in order to be at peace. Bad things happen and you can change that. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. How you react to it depends upon you mode of thought. If you are doing what God wants you will see hardship as a bump or obstacle. You will keep your eyes on the goals God has given you. I know I am at peace when I remember what my purpose and goals are.

If you have goals and you are working toward them and you are not at peace, maybe you are not in God's will. Deep down you know that is not the goal you know you should have. If it was you would be a peace with it, right?

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Tax Day!

by Donald E. Hester on Wednesday, 15 April 2009 Current Events 0 Comments

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Taxes the most despised and shady business there is. I gathered a few quotes on taxes for your pleasure. There are always crooks involved with taxes whether it be congress taking more than is needed or the individual who cooks his/her books so that he can pay as little as possible. Enjoy these gems as you send your money away to Uncle Sam. By the way, do you know what they spend that money on?

Here a sample of what they spend the money on:

http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_pigbook2009

Quotes:

“The only difference between a taxman and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin.” - Mark Twain

“It is a good thing that we do not get as much government as we pay for.” - Will Rogers

“There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.” - Robert A. Heinlein

“When there is an income tax, the just man will pay more and the unjust less on the same amount of income.” – Plato

“The point to remember is that what the government gives it must first take away.” - John S. Coleman

“A liberal is someone who feels a great debt to his fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money.” - G. Gordon Liddy

“Therefore because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of grain from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.” – Amos 5:11 ESV

“Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:7 NASB

“And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Mark 2:16 ESV

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Software Evolution of Man

by Donald E. Hester on Tuesday, 14 April 2009 Science 0 Comments

I was watching Digging for the Truth: Neanderthal! Episode 48. Here are a few notes I took during the program. The program was about the end of Neanderthal.

Neanderthal

(1% of the genome mapped)
Used tools
Larger brain (not smarter)
Humans did not descend from them
Used fire

Cro-Magnon

Used tools
Cave painting
Jewelry and beads
Smaller brain (smarter)
Humans descended from them
Used fire

Common words used in the program, 'Probably', 'Might have', 'Possibly' or they would use absolute terms with pure speculation. Let's be honest there is no proof that the last Neanderthal died in a cave near Gibraltar. Yet a scientist on the show made that claim. I would accept a statement more along the lines of the following, ' Based upon available evidence it is possible or higher probability that the last Neanderthals may have died off near Gibraltar.'

One statement is intellectually honest the other is disingenuous at best. So are the statements artistic license? Is science now art? Open to individual interpretation and imagination?

There are other questions I have on evolution. Not to say it is wrong, I just questions. Let’s look at people as hardware and software. Hardware is our bodies and our soul or thoughts are our software. Now evolution is an explanation for the hardware but it has yet to explain our software? Think of this. How did our imagination evolve? How did love evolve? How did our inquisitive spirit evolve? We know that we define ourselves by our imagination, love and inquisitiveness. Have you ever seen a monkey make tools? How about math? Do monkeys sit around and wonder why the sun is in the sky and in 24 hours it is back where it was (almost). Do monkeys wonder about the meaning of life?

No primates use tools, or fire, paint or make jewelry. How did that evolve? Evolving from a primate to homo sapiens for the hardware seems simple enough. But, where and how did our soul or intellect evolve?

I find this passage in the Bible especially telling:

"Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." - Genesis 2:7 HCSB

Strong's Hebrew 5397 נְשָׁמָה [nâshamah /nesh·aw·maw/] n f. From 5395; TWOT 1433a; GK 5972; 24 occurrences; AV translates as “breath” 17 times, “blast” three times, “spirit” twice, “inspiration” once, and “souls” once. 1 breath, spirit. 1a breath (of God). 1b breath (of man). 1c every breathing thing. 1d spirit (of man).

Taken from this passage is an ancient Kabbala tradition about how to make a golem. You have to form the body out of the clay and then insert a piece of paper with Hebrew word on it into the bodies mouth and then it will come alive. When I heard that I thought it sounded like putting an artificial intelligence program into a robot. You have the body which is easy enough to make. The hard part is the programming.

For evolution we have no answer on how our software evolved. For artificial intelligence we still can't program it for robots.

Just something to think about.

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Movie Review: Taking Chance

by Donald E. Hester on Friday, 10 April 2009 Movie Reviews 0 Comments

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Kevin Bacon plays a marine again. He is a Lt. Col. who decides to take a fallen Marine home. The movie starts off showing the care the US military takes in moving those who have given the last full measure back to their family. Along the way the Coronel meets mostly sympathetic people and the occasional jerk.

Anyone who sees this movie will gain a deeper appreciate of the sacrifices.

I have no way of rating this movie. The emotional impact of the movie goes beyond much else. Other than the Passion no other movie has been as moving.

Semper Fi, to Chance Phelps and all those who have given the last full measure!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1019454/

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Movie Review: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

by Donald E. Hester on Friday, 10 April 2009 Movie Reviews 0 Comments

This movies starts off with a very happy beginning. Back dropped in the heydays of the 1940 as seen by children. "Set during World War II, a story seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eight-year-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences." Pasted from <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0914798/>

The parents tried to keep the fact that it was a concentration camp from the young boy. To me that should be an indication to the parents that what they are involved in is wrong. The children's tutor starts to indoctrinate them. When the mother asks the father about what the tutor is teaching, he says it was what all children were being taught and needed. Very dangerous to let the state determine what your children should be taught.

What a heavy burden for an 8 year old boy! He gets a firsthand look at the ethical issues and the hypocrisy of the Nazis.

The boy meets a little Jewish boy, his age, on the other side of the fence. Toward the end he breaks in to help the Jewish boy find his father, who presumably was sent to the furnace. He gets stuck in the prison just as they take a group to the gas chamber. And Just as I thought the boy is killed in the gas chamber at the end. The father’s evil deeds turns on him.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0914798/

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What's so good about Good Friday?

by Donald E. Hester on Friday, 10 April 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

Cross at St. Joseph's San Pablo, CA For those of you that are not Christian

Hey you get a day off or spring break. Maybe you have to work but little gets done. Plus, tomorrow is Saturday, so Friday is good. Or you may go out for drinks and get sloshed. However, Good Friday represents the sacrifice of love for you by the Creator of the Universe. I don't know if you noticed or have compared Christianity with any other religion. (Not that I would call Christianity a religion.) In no other religion do you have the supreme being sacrifice him or herself for you! All other religions consist of you working toward goodness, heaven, nirvana etc...

In Christianity the God of the Universe paid for everyone's wrong doings, evil deeds etc… I know what some readers are thinking, 'I am not that bad'. I call bull shit! Deep down, in paces we don't like to look, we all know we are at our core that we are sinners. If you don't think so you are deceiving yourself.

For Christians

How have we squandered this day. We have neglected it and focuses more on ourselves that what He did for the whole world. It sickens me to see the cross knowing that I still cling to selfish ways. It reminds me that I am still a man in need of a Savior.

If we remember what He did for use and the forgiveness we received even though we do not deserve it, I think we would not treat others so harshly. For some that call themselves Christians, bash away at people who have had a divorce, who have had an abortion and those who are homosexual. Have we forgotten our own sin? Have we forgotten to Love as commanded? Do we think He died only for us?

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Linkin Park: Crawling

by Donald E. Hester on Wednesday, 08 April 2009 Philosophy 0 Comments

I've wanted to write about this for awhile. For many people their only source of philosophy comes from the media. Their philosophy is built from songs, movies, TV shows, and the Internet. There is so much rich material out there to draw from. I will do a number of other posts on philosophical truths that come from popular culture.

The one I want to talk about this time is a song by Linkin Park called ‘Crawling’. The song is about an inner struggle we all have. Look at the words to the song and see if you can relate:

"crawling in my skin, these wounds they will not heal, fear is how I fall, confusing what is real"

Can you feel the anguish of the author? Inside of them they have wounds that will not heal. I know what that is like. A pain deep inside that is like a cancer without a cure but death.

"there's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface, consuming/confusing, this lack of self-control I fear is never ending, controlling/I can't seem"

There is something inside of us that controls us. We cannot control it. It has a death grip on us. No matter how much we struggle its grip only grows stronger. Yet we fight it and it only grows stronger. Like an addiction we cannot escape.

"discomfort, endlessly has pulled itself upon me, distracting/reacting, against my will I stand beside my own reflection, it's haunting how I can't seem... to find myself again, my walls are closing in"

A pain with no end. A life of torture. I am helpless to resist, I am powerless against it. Worst of all we brought this upon ourselves. My only recourse is death.

However, there is an answer for Linkin Park's dilemma. When I hear this song it reminds me of Pauls words to the Romans. Paul feels the same way about sin.

"For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but I cannot carry it out. ...but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members... O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" - Romans 7:18, 23-24 ISV, NASB & KJV

Paul is saying that sin is a wound that will not heal, a cancer that is crawling in his skin. This sin confuses us to what is real, it distracts us with the here and now form the reality that we have yet to see. Sin pulls us under the waves and we cannot get a breath. We look up to see the surface but cannot reach the air that is so close. We cannot control sin and it is never ending.

This is a bleak existence and Paul recognized this. Linkin Park can see the struggle we all know is real. We are slaves to it. Just like any slave we can be set free. There is a solution. There is a cure. We can escape from the grips of sin and death. We can't do it on our own. Paul answered the question, 'Who will rescue me from this body of sin and death?'

"Thank God through Jesus the Messiah, our Lord, because with my mind I myself can serve the law of God, even while with my human nature I serve the law of sin." - Romans 7-25 ISV

Looks what follows:

"Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:1-11 Holman Christian Standard Bible

If you want to be free, true freedom, a way has been made. You cannot get there on your own. You know, you have tried, and never have been able to set yourself free.

Check out my past post on Linkin Parks song 'What I've Done'

http://www.unvarnishedblog.com/component/content/article/5-christianity/19-likin-park-on-forgiveness

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Volition

by Donald E. Hester on Wednesday, 08 April 2009 Current Events 0 Comments

Someone on FaceBook sent me a link to this video. It compares slavery and the holocaust with abortion. I know that everyone does not think that it is fair to compare the three different events. Citing they are to vastly different. However, I think that there is room to debate the coloration. I lean more toward the idea they are fair comparisons even if the events are different given in each case the value of life was in question.

From the website:

Volition (n)- The act of making a choice. Sometimes the choice of inaction has consequences stronger than we could ever imagine. Throughout history, men have been faced with difficult choices in a world that makes it easy for them to conform. This film explores the hope that lies behind every decision made in the face of adversity; the hope that is buried in the heart of those that look beyond themselves and see something bigger worth fighting for. Pasted from <http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/film/?film=420351f1aefa2b42b1772fe9d5cc044a>

I would be interested in others reaction to this movie. I think we should strive toward open communication on the subject of Abortion.

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My Thoughts on Ezra, Nehemiah & Ester

by Donald E. Hester on Monday, 06 April 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

alt This is a continuation of my ongoing report. I recently decided to listen to the Bible in an effort to gain a closer relationship with God. I purposefully listen not with the intent to study. I have a hard time reading the Bible I just start looking things up and I don't make much progress. I am listening to the Bible Experience (http://www.inspiredby.com/) which is a dramatized NIV version with many famous African American leaders, singers, actors and artists. (Even Samuel L. Jackson) As I listen through the Bible, hopefully I will make it all the way through, I will post notes and thoughts I have.

Similar account to the book of Kings just with a different perspective.

Book of Ezra

This book carries on right after 2 Chronicles as if it is the same book. There is a mention of some stuff that was taken out of the temple by Babylon that had been returned. The is a number of 666 in the number of people. Also, there is a list of Jews who have returned.

Persian rules are also listed, specifically Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes and Artaxerxes. Same Persian leaders who invaded Greece and had it out with King Leonidas and 300 Spartans.

I noticed that the Persians kept good records. It comes up again in Ester. One would think some of these records must exist. Unfortunately, if they exist still they are in Muslim hands and not likely to see the light of day if they have not already destroyed any records.

Sounds, like the Persians worked to keep their subjects happy. Helps to keep insurrection down. Like the Romans idea of bread and circus.

I also got the impression the Persians cared about the 'God of Heaven'?

Some of the exiles intermarried and returned with.

Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah is a contemporary of Ezra. I wonder if it was written before Ezra or if it was written around the same time.

There are a number of references to places and a map would have been useful. In fact you could make a map of it. There are multiple accounts of the same stories. Is it to have a spread spectrum idea? In other words if you tell a story multiple time if the story is lost in one place it still exists in another.

The City was locked down to keep people from working on the Sabbath. Nehemiah was upset at those who took foreign wives and had children who could not speak Hebrew. In fact he beat them and pulled their hair.

Book of Ester

This happens during the reign of Xerxes. There is a description of where he lived and how far his kingdom was and what his palace it’s like. He drank a lot and allowed people to drink liberally.

The Queen refused to see the king and she fell out of favor. He took away her royal position.

Sound like it is after Daniel. They talked about India and Cush.

Learned that the Kings edict cannot be revoked. They came up with a with an alternative decree.

Haman for whatever reason hated Jews and tricked the king in to having them all killed. Tables are turned on him by Ester, well by God who used Ester. He was the one who was hung at the end.

The 14 or 15 of Adar was made as a holiday of when the Jews were saved from a holocaust.

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What is Palm Sunday all about anyway?

by Donald E. Hester on Monday, 06 April 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

Palm Trees from Palm Springs What is Palm Sunday all about anyway? Many know it is the beginning of the holy week (passion week) but not the significance of what happened on the 10th of Nisan.

Presentation of the Lamb

“Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers’ households, a lamb for each household." - NASB (Ex 12:3)

Israelites would take a year old unblemished lamb on the 10th of Nisan to be used as part of the Passover or Feast of Unleavened bread. This served as a reminder to Israel that God provided a way out of Egypt for them.

This feast was also a foreshadow of what God was going to do, through Jesus the Messiah, to save us from our bondage (slavery) to sin and death. To make sure everyone would know who the Messiah was He was presented as the Lamb of God on the 10th of Nisan, just like the Passover lamb. In the Jewish mind it might have seemed odd that John the Baptist would call Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In hind sight it all seems well orchestrated.

Presentation of the King

Not only was the lamb presented but also the King of Kings was presented.

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord" - NASB (Lk 19:38 & Ps 118:26)

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” - NASB (Mt 21:4-5,Is 62:11; Zech 9:9)

A perfect fulfillment of Zech. 9:9. To think that a King would present Himself as the sacrificial lambs is amazing. It is beyond comprehension. Just think and ponder on that for a few moments.

"Amazing love, How can it be, That You, my King, would die for me?" - Chris Tomlin, 'Amazing Love'

A Mission of Peace

When I was a kid I always wondered why a King would ride a donkey. It does not seem like a very ostentatious way to ride into town. It fact it seems very humble. Do you know why a King would ride a donkey? In that culture a King would ride a donkey when he is on a mission of peace and not war. It was a symbol to those he was approaching that he was there on a mission of peace, much like the white flag that we use.

Jesus Himself explains that He was on a mission of peace. His mission would create Peace between God and man. You will notice in Luke Jesus says they did not know the things to come that will make peace.

When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. “For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” - NASB (Lk 19:41-44)

You will also notice in this passage there is almost a curse for not know what that day was. It has been hidden from their eyes. I wonder if this explains why Jews don't see all the parallels of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament and in the feast they perform. I mean when read the Old Testament I see the Messiah everywhere and I wonder how anyone could miss it. Maybe this is why?

It also makes me aware that we need to be watching for the second coming.

1 Peter 2:12 uses the same term 'visitation' to talk about the second coming of the Messiah.

The Following Days

Now think of this:

In less than a week they will reject Him.

In less than a week they would execute Him.

It was necessary to go down this way, so that He could be our Passover lamb to take our sins away once for all.

Our King came to be our Passover Lamb, to bring us back to a state of peace with God. It had to bee this way because God is Just and requires payment for sins. It is God's Love that provided that payment for us.

The Glorious Return

The King is not finished with His work. He will return as promised.

Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. - NASB (Zec 14:3-4)

When He returns He will be on a White Horse. As with the donkey the horse symbolizes He comes to wage war.

And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” - NASB (Re 19:11-16)

The war will end with The King of Kings establishes His kingdom over all the earth.

And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one. - NASB (Zec 14:9)

I think it is funny that Muslims are aware of this passage and want to make sure that no one enters the City from the Mount of Olives. They placed a cemetery there so that if Jesus returns He will not want to desecrate Himself by going through a cemetery.

I have a funny feeling that the day He returns for this event might be on the 10th of Nisan. Although, it might not because he will come as king and not as the Lamb. I guess we will find out.

Final Thoughts

Our Lamb

Our King

Our Peace with God

This is a Love that truly passes all understanding.

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Message from God

by Donald E. Hester on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

alt

If you were God and you want to ensure an error free transmission of your message what would you do to remove or limit errors? Also, you want everyone to understand the message. How could this be accomplished?

I think Bible translation into the native language of people is so important. The Bible, Word of God, acts as a correction mechanism against heresy, error and falsehood. The Holy Spirit acts as the agent who will enlighten readers as to the truth. When Christians did not allow people to read the Bible in their own language the error crept in and the people could not refute the error. In any system, from DNA, to computer systems, to communications it is important to have error free transmission. There needs to be a correction mechanism to remove error form the message.

The more people who can read and discern for themselves the less likely error will be persistent. You can tell cults because they don’t want people to read the Bible for themselves. They want you to read their books of interpretation and not the actual message. Don’t rely on others, read it for yourself.

There are other things that can be used to ensure error free transmission. I will cover those in future posts.

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Are you a victim of yourself?

by Donald E. Hester on Tuesday, 31 March 2009 Leadership 0 Comments

I have noticed that often people are their own worst enemies. People's lack of self awareness often leads to decisions that are detrimental to themselves. They don't realize that they, to some extent, have some control over their success or failure. I am not talking about 'name it and claim it' ideology. We don't control everything in our lives. However, it is true that showing up is half the game. If you know your dispositions you can overcome them. Like Sun Tzu, who taught us, that we must know ourselves and our enemies, not that that would always give us victory but to give us victory more often.

alt

I know people who whenever there is a block in their path they through their hands up in failure. You will notice these people. Whenever someone has an idea, good or bad, they have the same response. "We can't do that because…" or "That won't work because…" Is that the end of the discussion? If it is you have a problem. The next question should be, 'what can we do to work around this obstacle'. That is solution oriented thinking.

What do you think of the word obstacle? Is it a barrier or an opportunity? How you define the word is an indication of the harm you may be bringing upon yourself. If you see barriers and you are aware that that is what you are doing you can start to make mental choices to avid old bad habits.

Are you aware of your thoughts, predispositions, values and beliefs? Are you aware of how they affect your actions and your probability of reaching your goals? Know yourself and you will increase your chances.

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It's not about you

by Donald E. Hester on Monday, 30 March 2009 Christianity 0 Comments

alt

This statement may be a surprise for most people. Christianity is not about you. That's right Christianity is not about you. Heck it's not about me either. I am not saying that God does not love you. He does love you individually. However the bad things that happen in your life are not always about you. Our ego, the thing that is responsible for most of the sin in our lives, does not want to hear that. We selfishly assume that if something bad happens in our lives it is about us. It might be, and it might not be about you. If you think it should be about you, that is your selfishness talking.

We invited so much anguish into our lives when we foolishly assume everything is about us. I know the meaning and purpose of my life and I now know it is not about me. I am content with that. In fact I feel a sense of duty. Not a burdensome weight. A liberation from self and ego.

I do not claim that I am free from ego or selfishness. I can just see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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Apocalyptic Movie Reviews

by Donald E. Hester on Sunday, 22 March 2009 Movie Reviews 0 Comments

Knowing & The Day the Earth Stood Still

So far this is my favorite. Knowing was a great movie - go and see it! Finally an apocalyptic movie that actually delivers. There is no last minute salvation, so to speak. I love the cinemagraphics in the movie. Planes crashing, train derailments, the earth going up in smoke and everything else is spectacular. Toward the end a number of scenes are very artistic. The one with Nicolas Cage laying on the rocks was dam near poetic!

If you are religious or not the movies conclusion leaves enough to interpretation that you will go away feeling it agrees with your point of view. It covers the Aztec destruction by fire that the world will supposedly happen soon. It uses the vision of Ezekiel in the Bible. And for the Atheists, it has aliens. Or are the aliens really angels? The chosen where take away like the Rapture. I mean this movie has it all, a new heavens and an new earth and maybe even a new tree of life.

With the 2012 close of the Aztec calendar I except a number of apocalyptic movies to come in the next few years.

I really think that we are lucky a super solar flare has not happened in the billions of years of our evolution otherwise we would not be here. One more factor in calculating the probability of evolution or creationism or other.

The one thing about this movie is it reminds me how precious and fragile our lives and planet are. More love less hate for we could all die very soon.

The Day the Earth Stood Still was a let down. The last minute save and hope. Blah, an apocalyptic film should be about the end not a 'near miss.' Keanu Reeves plays a great alien by the way. Mostly because he can't act like a normal person, so when he ask like an alien he really pulls it off. Great message about environmentalism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowing_(film)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448011/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970416/

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