Government is Watching

Privacy is rapidly disappearing. Step by step, citizens are permitting their governments to observe and regulate that which should be private activities. In 2010, it has been reported that privacy in the Netherlands has been drastically reduced.

Citizens have become accustomed to receiving speeding fines which are generated by ever-present cameras and radar machines located along many thoroughfares. This policy was accepted by the citizens because it seemed to be both civilized and efficient.

It didn’t take long however for the ever-present cameras to take on a new responsibility. The country’s police forces began using automatic recognition systems to spot car number plates which match people with criminal records. This gradual increase in privacy invasion was accepted because it was promoted as a way to find and catch the unlawful segments of the population. Initially, the police destroyed evidence of all license plates that were not tied to known criminals.

Recently however, police forces have been retaining all license numbers of automobiles traveling on certain roads. As a result, a large number of ordinary, law-abiding citizens are being placed on police records even though they have done nothing wrong. What is the justification for such an increase in privacy invasion? The police want to create a data base on citizens who utilize certain roads too often. This new policy is permitting government to restrict activities and infringe on the privacy and rights of all citizens, criminals or not. With this information, the government will have the means and the power to restrict driving time, as well as to tax citizens on the distances they drive.

But that's in the Netherlands, you might say. That's not happening here in America. Well, next time you get in you car, take a look around. There are traffic-monitoring cameras at nearly every intersection and every toll booth. The infrastructure is in place. All it takes for a similar policy to come to your door step, is for some government official to sign his name on a privacy-changing new policy. It could happen here overnight.

Little by little, we give up our rights and our privacy. With every concession, we the citizens, become weaker and weaker, and our governing authorities become stronger and stronger. Read “Shadow Truth: The Ultimate Deception” by Larry J Tate to find out just how much you and I have compromised that which we hold dear. Not only will you have your eyes opened up to situations that are going on right under your nose, but you will find out how easily you can reverse those grievous wrongs. To order your copy, find Shadow Truth description in the right-hand column in this blog.

A Gift for my Wife

One day I found myself in the search of my life,
While trying to find the best gift for my wife.

What shall it be? I asked myself,
Should it be something to put on a shelf?

How shall it look? I’d like to get her something divine.
Should it be something that has lots of sparkle and shine?

I know the answer, said a friend while giving me a wink,
A husband can never go wrong by giving a gift of pink.

Alas however, my well-laid plans went awry.
She wasn’t happy at all when I gave her the pink eye.

Lift Up Israel Now

It’s good to believe that Israel holds a special place in God’s heart. It’s good to feel pride when you see Israel defy its enemies and hold fast to the land that God gave to the Jewish people. But beyond that, what can you do? There are things you can do that will make a real difference for the future of Israel.1. You can join groups that support Israel such as, Christians United for Israel (CUFI).2. You can talk to friends, relatives and business associates about Israel’s place in God’s Kingdom.3. You can communicate with your Senators and Representatives about how they should enact law that is favorable to the Nation of Israel.4. You can talk to members of local Jewish groups to help you understand the needs of Israel.Don’t just sit on the side lines. Get involved. Take to heart the scripture: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3 (KJV). Read "The Journey." http://www.thejourneybook.net/

God's Existence

Do you ever wonder if God truly exists? Even the most secure Christian may have days when he wonders about the existence of God. Wouldn’t it be convenient if you could see God at least once, and have a face-to-face communication with him? Is there anything other than blind faith that can bolster a person’s belief that God does in fact, exist?

First and foremost, faith in the unseen God is of utmost importance. Faith has no equal. Faith is the prerequisite to a walk with God, and is necessary for salvation. With that aside, are there any proofs of God’s existence? Yes, there are many; some of which will be described in this blog. Many men have attempted to prove God’s existence. A few of them are, Blaise Pascal, Thomas Aquinas, Anselm of Canterbury, St. Augustine, Rene Descartes, Avicenna and William Paley.

After examining these proofs, you should obtain the book, Conversations with a Stranger: A Search for God, written by Larry Tate. A good number of proofs about God’s existence are combined into one entertaining and easy-to-read novel about a man’s mission to find out for himself if God truly exists. He eventually finds the evidence he is looking for, but he does not find it where he was expecting to find it. Go to http://www.tatebook.com/ for more information on this enlightening and entertaining book.

Happiness: What is it?

A recent poll found that Denmark has the happiest people in the world, while the United States ranks number sixteen on the list. However, before you pack your bags and move to Denmark, perhaps you should consider a few other statistics.

Denmark has a higher robbery rate than does the United States.

Denmark has a higher assault rate than does the United States.

Denmark has a higher total crime rate than does the United States.

Denmark has a higher suicide rate than does the United States. As a matter of fact, in the age group of 64 to 75, Denmark ranks #1 in the world for suicide.

How can these disturbing statistics be reconciled with Denmark being the happiest nation in the world? Why would the “happiest” people in the world be so prone to commit crime? Why would the “happiest” people in the world want to kill themselves? The answer may not be too difficult to find.

The questions in the study asked about six forms of positive feelings felt by the people in the last day. They were asked questions like: Did you enjoy something you did yesterday? Were you proud of something you did yesterday? Did you learn something yesterday? Were you treated with respect yesterday?

All of the questions referred to recent good feelings. The term, “recent” implies temporary. It appears that their answers referred mostly to health, prosperity, low unemployment and education. Missing from this list, were references to family, purpose and belief in God.

The “happiest” nation in the world has a much lower rate of marriage than does the United States. A lower marriage rate naturally points to fewer family relationships. This situation probably results in less attachment to one’s mate, and less closeness to one’s children.

This poll is obviously flawed. People no longer understand what the term, “happiness” means. They are confusing happiness with another emotion. To learn what happiness really is, and is not, read the book, “Shadow Truth: The Ultimate Deception” by Larry J Tate.

A Bug's Life

I found myself at a pleasant stage of life as I was nearing the age of sixty-one. Long before, at the youthful age of twenty-one, I’d made bold plans to reach the age of a hundred and one. Knowing that a person’s health reflects what they eat, I determined in my mind to eat a diet composed of a healthy combination of bread, vegetables, fruit and meat. Just in case I overlooked anything, I took vitamins and minerals as if they were a life-ring. Consuming every good nutrient I could see, I had a head start in the control of my destiny. Exercise was important I had to admit, so I chose a daily jogging program with which to keep me fit.
For forty long years, I ate all the right foods and I ran like Forrest Gump. By following the laws of nature and having fun I felt assured that I would reach my lofty goal of the age of a hundred and one. Making sure nothing was ignored; I even attended church and worshipped the Lord.
I was reminded of the lowly little bug. Not having much intelligence the bug still follows the laws of God. By obeying the law of nature, he can’t possibly go wrong. By following his God-given instincts he lives a long life and stays strong. In his own way, the bug is worshipping the Lord.
At the age of nearly sixty-one, I was healthy as a horse and strong as an ox. I needed no doctors and never used a pillbox. I was proud of my wisdom and deft determination. To my sickly friends who weren’t very strong, I was quick to tell them where they’d gone wrong. “Observe the laws of nature,” I’d say. “And you can be as healthy as me.”
Then one ordinary and peaceful afternoon, a frightening wake-call interrupted my calm and healthy life. My heart was in trouble and possibly done. Off to emergency I went, wondering where the laws of nature had gone wrong. Bright lights were shining on me and my sickbed, as doctors and nurses hovered over me while scratching their heads. Embarrassingly I found myself undressed, and lots of wires were attached to my heaving chest. Drip lines were hung overhead, sending life-saving liquids coursing through my veins.
“Why did this happen to me,” I asked a nurse. “I’ve done all the right things, eaten the right foods and exercised my heart. And to top it all off, I regularly worship the Lord.”
“I’m so sorry about your predicament,” answered the nurse. “You’ve got a condition that your healthy lifestyle simply cannot overcome. The problem is in your genes. Unfortunately, your heart is subjected to family history.”
Protesting very loudly I asked, “Why did I bother living right since the age of twenty-one? Did I waste my time by exercising my heart? I may as well have spent my time eating potato chips and ice cream.”
“Oh no,” answered the compassionate nurse. “You were doing all the right things. Had you not eaten the right foods and exercised your heart, this condition may have hit you by the age of forty-one.”
Not satisfied with the nurse’s answer, I turned to the Lord and asked, “Why me, Lord? Why did you give me this wake-up call? I’ve done all the right things and followed the laws of God. I’ve eaten the right foods and I’ve kept my body trim. There isn’t a detail I’ve ignored. I’ve even attended church and worshipped you. Lord, I feel like you’ve thrown me a cruel curve ball.”
Did the Lord answer me while I lay in my bed? I don’t know, but the following thoughts came rushing through my head. “I’ve sent you many messages,” the Lord did say. “Through preachers and teachers I’ve shown you the way. The passages in my Word were directed right at you. You are living a bug’s life, from my point of view. Since you gave my messages no heed, I determined that a wake-up call is exactly what you need.”
“What’s missing?” I asked. “What have I ignored? I do what’s right. I even worship the Lord.”
“You’re thinking like a bug,” answered the Lord. “He follows the laws of nature, and in his own way, even he worships the Lord. Think about the messages that have gone right over your head. I gave you an important mission and a goal to work toward.”
“But I’m a Christian,” I protested. “And one of good accord. I regularly go to church and I worship the Lord.”
“You’re living a good life,” answered the Lord. “And there’s no doubt that you’ve been worshipping me. But there’s so much more I want from you. My universal mission, you have completely ignored. My son, church attendance does not a Christian make. Such short-sightedness causes my heart to ache.”
“Lord,” I asked. “What is the mission I must do? What can be more important than worshipping you?”
“Your mission is not inside the church house door. The life of a Christian should be so much more. If you truly want to worship me, outside the church building is where you ought to be. Winning the lost is the place to start. It isn’t likely that you’ll find lost and hungry souls inside the church house door. But my son, there’s even more. There’s plenty for you to do outside the church house door. Visiting the fatherless and widows should be your soul’s intent. They’re in great need of help and encouragement. Feed the hungry, give them a drink. They need your help more than you think. Many are in need outside the church house door. They need warmth and clothing and so much more. Visit the sick and even those in the prison ward. Then you’ll be serving the Lord.”
I lay there in my bed with surprise on my face. “Lord, I’ve ignored many of your teachings, perhaps all. Now I understand why you gave you this wake-up call.”
Just as I finished talking to the Lord, a doctor walked in with his face aglow. “Your heart’s much better now. I’m letting you go.”
Back home, I had a new perspective to dwell upon No longer was I obsessed with reaching the age of a hundred and one. Whether I make it to the age seventy-one or a hundred and two, I’ve got a God-given mission to do.
I will never forget that life-changing day, when a disturbing wake-up call came my way. My wake-up call came with an urgent message I couldn’t ignore. I was living a bug’s life—and not much more.

If Obama was an Exterminator

Suppose that Mrs. Jones were to call Obama the exterminator about a flea infestation. What would he do? First, he’d send his perfectly fine pick-up truck to the car crusher. Then, he’d go out and purchase an energy efficient electric car. Next, he’d set up an interview with Mrs. Jones regarding her alleged flea infestation. After determining that she had a legitimate flea problem, he’d begin developing a fool-proof flea eradication plan.

First, he’d closely scrutinize his circle of PETA friends, looking for the best person to handle the job. Then approximately nine months after the initial call from Mrs. Jones, he’d appoint a radical flea-caring activist as his Flea Czar. This highly paid Czar would be assigned to oversee the flea eradication program at Mrs. Jones house. He’d then make a passionate offer to the population of fleas in Mrs. Jones’ house, asking them to open up a line of diologue with no pre-conditions. If the talks were to break down, Obama would ask the United Nations to send in teams of inspectors to verify that the fleas’ intentions were of a peaceful nature. The fleas’ activities would have to be restricted to feeding only on the household mice and rats, and leaving the family pets alone. In the event that the fleas were to continue attacking the household cats and dogs, Obama would threaten to implement tough new sanctions against the fleas by removing the family pets from the house and insuring that no other cats or dogs would be able come on the property.

Should the above measures fail, Obama would set up a National Flea Health Control program with a mandatory public option. If Mrs. Jones felt that the services of private pest control companies were entirely too expensive, taxes would be levied on all Americans according to their income. After the National Flea Health Control program was fully implemented, Obama would arrange for end-of-life discussions to be held with Mrs. Jones’ defiant flea population. Once the fleas had been convinced that they had already lived a long and fulfilling life, they would be directed to check in at a local government-sponsored assisted suicide clinic.

After setting up his program, Obama would expect to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his brave innovations in the humane treatment of fleas.