America, Don't Criticize Your Leaders

As I listen to the media, both “liberal” and “conservative”, I am grieved by the critical spirit that is so often expressed toward our national, state and local leaders.

This propensity has infiltrated the work place, the home, and unfortunately even the church. Why is it that so many Americans feel that it is their “God given right” to rant and rave about their elected officials? Let’s explore the direction that God has actually given in this regard.

First, we must understand that God Himself establishes our leaders.

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” – Psalms 75:6-7

“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” – Daniel 2:20-21

That's right...no matter who you voted for, it was God who promoted Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Sr., Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barak Obama to hold the office of President of the United States.

Second, we must understand that God Himself influences the decisions of our leaders.

“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” – Proverbs 21:1

“And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he harkened not unto them; as the LORD had spoken unto Moses.” – Exodus 9:12

In speaking to Pilate, “Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” – John 19:11

That's right...whether you agree or disagree with the Bush's "War on Terror" or Obama's "Economic Stimulus Plan", it was God who ultimately permitted those decisions.

Third, we must understand that God expects us to submit to the leadership of the authorities He has established.

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:1-8

When asked about paying taxes to Caesar, “And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.” – Mark 12:17

Fourth, we must understand that speaking in an unrestrained, critical manner of the authorities God has established is unrighteous in God’s site.

Peter, in providing a definition of the “unjust” relates, “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.” – 2 Peter 2:10

In the same manner, Jude writes, “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” – Jude 1:8-9

We live in the greatest democracy in the world and have the opportunity to express our opinion through our vote and through our elected representatives, but once the ballots are cast, it is our responsibility to honor and submit to the leadership that God has ordained (unless the leader's direction is in direction violation of God's law).

Do not speak evil against your leaders. Pray for them.

What I'm NOT saying:

• I am not implying that you should not voice a well crafted argument in defense of Biblical principals. Christians should make a wise, humble appeal to government officials like Joseph in Egypt or Daniel in Babylon.
• I am not implying that you cannot disagree with the decisions of government officials. Rather, Christians should disagree in an agreeable manner.
• I am not implying that God causes men to sin.

Home Education: A Compelling Documentary

"Home Education" Production Photos

Home education is sweeping through the country as parents recognize the wonderful opportunity they have to educate their children at home. Whether you're considering home education as an option or are already teaching your children at home, this documentary will become a source of continuing encouragement for moms and dads everywhere. You'll meet several families from various walks of life who have considered the cost, made the commitment and are succeeding in teaching their children at home. Homeschooling is an educational alternative your family cannot afford to overlook.

While there are a myriad of home education products out there, the majority of them target families that are already home educating. This film targets three groups of people:

• For existing homeschool families, this DVD will become a useful tool for explaining, to friends and relatives, the reasons why you have decided to educate your children at home
  
• Families that have thought about homeschooling their children but have some reservations or concerns about it will find many of those concerns addressed on this DVD
  
• Families that have been homeschooling for a short time, have become discouraged and are considering putting their children back in school will be given fresh ideas that will motivate them to continue
  

To order this documentary on DVD, visit ChristianMovies.com

Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program Video

I had the privilege of producing, directing and editing this video for the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) in August 2008.

AHSAA Production Photos

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The Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship Program is named in honor of two of the greatest football coaches of all time - Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan of Auburn and Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant of Alabama. Both of these men had high work ethic and strived to instill in students commitment and academics as well as athletics.

The future of our state will soon be in the hands of today's youth. With our committment to the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program, you will ensure the continuation and expansion of this outstanding program.

The Universe...Millions of Years Old?

Modern science seems to indicate that the universe is millions of years old. Scientist point to a myriad of scientific evidences (radiocarbon dating, distance traveled by starlight, etc.) to support this theory.

How can the Biblical account of creation and modern scientific fact be reconciled? Read on...

First, briefly consider the existence of God. Well known apologist Ray Comfort presents this concept...if mankind were to assess his total knowledge of the universe in terms of a percentage, he may conclude that he has learned a mere one percent (1%) of everything there is to know (in fact, one percent may be too generous a figure). Therefore, if mankind has not uncovered 99% of the information that the universe contains, isn't it plausible that contained within the 99% of the information we haven't discovered yet, there might be substantial evidence that God exists, that His knowledge far exceeds our own and that He is perfectly capable of the Biblical account of creation?

The Bible indicates in Psalms 14:1 and again in Psalms 53:1 that "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God..." It would be foolish arrogance to consider the scope of the universe and conclude that mankind has accumulated enough evidence to categorically conclude that God does not exist.

After acknowledging that God exists, consider the following...

When God created trees, did he create them as little saplings or as full grown trees? Had you or I cut down a tree on the third day of creation, based on the physical evidence alone, we might have counted the rings and concluded that the tree was several hundred years old.

When God created Adam, did he create him as an infant or a full grown man? If you or I had met Adam on the sixth day of creation, based on the physical evidence alone, we would have concluded that Adam was a full grown man.

So, if God created the tree with apparent age, and God created Adam with apparent age, is it that much of a leap to conclude that God also created the stars' beam of starlight (millions of lightyears long) so Adam could enjoy looking at the stars at night?

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 10:5 instructed, "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"

If we have a way of thinking that is in opposition to the Holy Bible, it is the duty of all men to take their fallible thought captive and replace it with God's knowledge.

When God speaks of scientific concepts in His Word, you can trust that God's explanation is accurate.

Homeschool RecordKeeping

Whether you are an individual family needing a convenient record keeping solution or a non-traditional private school (umbrella school) desiring to reduce administrative overhead, Homeschool Reporting Online offers solutions. We are committed to providing and enhancing our services to meet the needs of our members. For families, we offer:

• Simple, secure online record keeping system
• Offsite electronic storage and backup of important student records
• Record grades, track attendance, portfolio entries, lesson plans, standardized test scores and immunization records
• Access and update your records from any location, via the internet, at any time
• Flexibility in record keeping or reporting requirements
• Generate student transcripts immediately
• Opportunity for you to train your student(s) in online computing
• Records protected by username and password authentication

But don't just take our word for it, read what other home educators have been saying!

FREE 30-day trial

Homeschool Reporting Online will assist non-traditional private schools (umbrella schools) in providing online administration for all reporting families at no cost. We realize that not all such organizations have the resources available to create and maintain electronic reporting methods that reduce costs, reduce paperwork, reduce document storage, enhance retrieval time, encourage communication and reduce reporting time and transcript generation. Learn more...