Behold . . . Socialism Is Knocking On America's Door

We Are All in It Together, Clinton Says

I hope America recognizes what she is saying for what it is.

Good News From Iraq

U.S. Military Rescues 42 Iraqis From Al Qaeda Prison

He Just Doesn't Get It

Obviously, John Edwards doesn't think terrorism is a real threat.

Did he not learn anything from September 11th?

Maybe he was too busy fantasizing about sitting in the Oval Office.


Maybe he forgot what he said on The Factor, or maybe "politically expedient" is his favorite phrase.

Iran Pushes Forward

IAEA: Iran Defies U.N. Security Council Demands to Stop Uranium Enrichment

Dr. Jerry Falwell's Funeral

A few hours ago, I attended the funeral of Dr. Jerry Falwell. It was a powerful and memorable experience.

I was able to make the following observations which instantly captured my attention, and I believe most likely pierced my memory forever:

Jerry Vines said Dr. Falwell had “an anointing”- which he defined as, “A special touch for a special task,” and I believe anyone associated with Dr. Falwell understands that he was most certainly equipped and commissioned for an extraordinary mission from God.

It was said that Dr. Falwell “confronted the culture.” I believe his desire to see broken lives regenerated, timeless principles protected, and family values preserved for generations to come, compelled him to do so.

It was said that even in the face of controversy, “He just kept smiling and speaking,” and it was said that, “He had a way of making you feel like you were his best friend.” I believe the love of Jesus Christ overflowed out of his heart and into the hearts of those around him.

He was loved, and he loved people.

Jerry Falwell was controversial, and Franklin Graham articulated why he was such a lightning rod for controversy:

(paraphrase)
He believed that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and an Almighty God. That’s controversial. He believed in the inerrancy of scripture. That’s controversial. He believed in the sanctity of life. That’s controversial. He believed in the establishment of the family, and who would have ever thought that would be controversial? He believed marriage should be between a man and a woman. That’s controversial.

I am very thankful that Dr. Jerry Falwell did not plan to be popular and politically correct. He did not choose to cower away from the challenge of confronting our culture with the conviction of his moral questions. He did not defer the duty of debating those that adamantly disagreed with him.

We would do well to learn from his example.

When a man of integrity speaks adamantly against things such as homosexuality, abortion, and pornography, he will be labeled “controversial.” When a man of integrity speak adamantly in support of the inerrancy of the Bible and Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven, he will be labeled as “controversial.”

It takes courage to do what Jerry Falwell did.

There is a swelling mentality in our culture that is attempting to redefine what is morally right and morally wrong. If it is not countered, this emerging mindset will continue to erode, demoralize, and undermine the most fundamental institution of our civilization- the family. Dr. Falwell understood this, and he saw this threat for the very real danger that it is.

Now, more than ever it is absolutely imperative that men of integrity rise up and build upon the foundations of what is morally right, men of values speak up and debate the controversial issues, and men of character stand up and protect the establishment of the family.

If we do not stand for timeless principles that have fashioned our nation into the greatest of all time, and we do not promote what we believe is truly just, good, and pure, we will watch helplessly as our society, and thus our nation, crumbles before us. And mark my words, it will happen on our watch.

The Value of Wise Decisions

Making wise decisions will improve your reputation. I believe there is a direct correlation between the decisions we make and the reputations we hold. I also believe that in order for a person to be truly content in life, he needs a reputation he can be proud of.

Think of two people you know fairly well, but don’t talk to every day. What determines how you think of them? The answer is simple: the decisions they make and the actions they take. Do you trust them? Then you’ve probably never heard them lie. Do you have reservations about trusting them? Then you’ve probably seen them bend the truth a little bit. Do you like them? Then perhaps they have been nice to you or your friends. Do you not like them? Then chances are you had a conflict of opinion with them, or you disagreed with a decision they made.

The point is this: What you have seen them do has had a huge impact on how you think about them. The choices and decisions they have made have determined what you and others think of them.

The same is true for you. People will form most of their opinion about you based on what they see you do. If you make poor decisions, your reputation will suffer. If you make wise decisions, your reputation will reap the benefits.

What kind of reputation do you have? What decisions have your friends watched you make? What do people think of you when someone says your name? Are there some things you’ve done that you’re not proud of? Don’t kill yourself over those things! Everyone has regrets. Are you unhappy with your reputation? Don’t give up! There are still pages to be written in the chapters of your life.

Commit yourself today to making wise decisions, and forming a reputation you can be proud of.

And while you are working on your reputation, remember:
"Your choices in life are based on what you consider to be most important."

What Is Your Book About?

Someone recently sent me that question in a message. Here's the answer:

The book will deal with the "Accepted Evils" of our culture. Hot topics like abortion, pornography, homosexuality, gambling, substance abuse, and addiction will be the center pieces. Other issues like the soft bigotry of low expectations will be discussed as well.

I firmly believe that "Every generation has an accepted evil. The greatest leaders are the ones willing to do whatever it takes to change it."

We can look back through history and see that to be true: Hitler was acceptable for a while, and by the time he was deemed "unacceptable" six million Jews were dead. Cultures have looked the other way when faced with genocide. Our country in many ways treated the Native Americans horribly, but it was accepted. Racism ran ramped in the South for generations (and still does in some parts.) Slave trade is probably the biggest example of an accepted evil I can think of.

The book will talk about how those closest to the evil often fail to do something about it. Sadly, we just accept it. "Accepted Evil" will challenge others to make that evil unacceptable.

Jeff Young understands what I am talking about. Notice his reply to Jack Reeves.

Christianity Under Attack

Convert or Die: "Pakistani Christians Seek Government Protection After Threats to Convert by Pro-Taliban Forces"

When is the last time you heard of a group of Christians telling people of another faith to "convert or face violence?"

Don't tell me radical Islam isn't violent.

Two Men of Great Faith

A Hero Passes Away

Earlier today, a friend of mine sent me a text that said, “. . . sorry buddy . . . I know he was one of your heroes. . .” He’s right. Dr. Jerry Falwell was one of my heroes- and he still is. Our country and the Christian community have lost a great leader.

Dr. Falwell made an impact on me for several reasons: His tenacity to say what he believed needed to be said, his vision to accomplish great things, and his courage to attempt those great things are just a few of the many qualities I admire in Dr. Falwell.

His legacy will continue to live for a very long time. Liberty University, the school he founded in the 70s, is growing at a lightning rate and continues to train young men and women to live for Christ in our ever emerging anti-Christian culture.

As you may know, the founder of Tennessee Temple University, Dr. Lee Roberson, passed away at the age of 97, on Sunday, April 29. After his death, Dr. Falwell commented that Dr. Roberson was one of his heroes and mentors. Both of these men were tremendous men of faith, vision, and courage.

We would all do well to learn from them, and do our part to carry on their dreams.

In Case You Haven't Noticed:

Fox News Story

Memo:

• We are at war with Terrorists. (They declared war on us a long time ago.)
• Terrorists are plotting to kill Americans.
• We must respond.
• America only puts itself in a worse position by ignoring the problem.
• America only passes the burden and dangers of fighting this war to another generation by neglecting our responsibility to fight back.
• Sadly, many Americans continue to stick their heads in the sand.

Democrats Threaten To Sue President Bush

Has It Come To This?

Oops! I Made Another Person Upset

Yesterday, my article Politics, Timetables, and War was published on Chattanoogan.com under the title, "President Bush Is Doing What Is Best."

Below is the text of an email I received in reply to my opinion.
Below the email you will find my reply.


"Yes, Jeremiah, Americans did and do understand the consequences of failure in Iraq. Your Georgie Boy is the one who didn't understand the consequences of starting a war that couldn't be won. We should have stayed to run the Taliban out of Afghanistan, but NNNOOO! that wouldn't get us any oil, now would it? Cheney (the anti-christ), Rove (the devil), and Rummy, Wofie and all the neo-cons are the ones who led GWB down this garden path, "they'll greet us with roses" "the war will pay for itself with oil" "it'll be over in a matter of days" blah, blah, blah. Start reading, start watching something besides Fox news, sign up for duty yourself.

your boy George opened Pandora's box when he sent our American boys over there to do - what? Saddam was bluffing and Colin Powell and George Tenet knew it, they just didn't have the guts to speak up. Saddam could have been ousted with much less, and really, although he was a tyrant, he was the glue holding that potential stick of dynamite together! Now he is gone and all the tribal wars that have raged for hundreds of years have re-emerged, except that now our American soldiers are there in the middle of this feud, not really on anyone's side, just sitting ducks, waiting to be shot. No wonder they are in little pieces (mentally and physically) when they get home.

I don't know how we'll ever get out of this mess Boy George got us into! Any ideas from you, Mr. TN Temple?

We wouldn't be having this fight over funding right now if GWB had the guts to put the war in the regular pentagon and defense department budget, as is customary. But he was used to getting a blank check from Congress (after all, they were handsomely paid for their defense contract budgets). All he's doing right now is a show, but Congress is trying to pin him down to a real plan. for getting the soldiers home!
God save us all"

(my reply)
"Thank you for your comments. Several months ago I applied for Officer Candidate School in the United States Marine Corps. Last week I was notified that my irregular heart beat had disqualified me from their selection process. Of course I was very disappointed.

I'm currently looking into the possibility of any other branch of the armed forces accepting me, so I can help fight for the cause of what I believe is noble and good.

I understand we have strong differences in opinion, and I respect yours. However, my respect for you is damaged somewhat by your name calling.

Again, thank you for your opinion and thank you for reading mine."

Politics, Timetables, and War

The issue is very simple.

Setting a timetable for withdrawal in Iraq will tell our enemies, “Wait until the withdrawal date, and you can have what you are fighting for.” It simply does not make any sense to set a timetable to pull out of Iraq. What if we had set a timetable immediately after D-Day because “things weren’t going well?” Nazi Germany would have been even more emboldened by our lack of resolve.

Keep in mind that more brave Americans died on June 6, 1944, than all the days combined of the War on Terror. No one demanded a timetable then. Why now? I believe one reason is due to the fact that many Americans do not understand the consequences of failure in Iraq.

You would never tell your opponent in a football or basketball game, “If we’re not wining at the end of the third quarter, we’re not sticking around to play the fourth quarter, so you guys can have it.” I understand we’re not talking about a game. I understand our brave soldiers are dying, but no matter how bad the situation is, no matter how bad “it looks,” the logic is still the same.

You simply can not set a timetable to “give up on winning a war.”

When History Repeats Itself . . .

Ronald Reagan's proven words of wisdom.


I can't help but notice how applicable this famous speech is to the current debate surrounding the War on Terror.

I know that some will argue that we should not compare the two conflicts, but all world conflict and any clash of principles or way of life, regardless of who it is with, carries with it many similar characteristics and life lessons that we should not deny.

In fact, we would be outright foolish to do so.

TLJ Blog