Praying For Those That Curse You

Christians will be asking God to help Muslims accept Jesus in a campaign called the ''30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus.''

Organised by evangelical groups that include Youth With A Mission, which works in about 150 countries, the National Association of Evangelicals in the United States is asking the thousands of churches and ministries it represents to participate.

The campaign was launched as Muslims began the holy month of Ramadan this weekend.

Lynn Green, international chairman of Youth With A Mission, said organisers chose Ramadan because it is a time when Muslims pray for God's acceptance and guidance, and ''we add our prayers to theirs," Green said. ''We are praying they really know God.''

Many Muslims and others consider campaigns like these offensive, and they see them as a challenge to their religion during one of its most sacred periods.

Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University, says true followers of Jesus would not pray for conversion but would instead demonstrate their faith through good works.

''Mother Teresa did not go out to pray for people to convert to Christianity,'' said Hendi, who reads part of the Gospels daily. ''She took care of the poor, and that's what made people love
Christianity."

But Jamal Badawi, an Islamic scholar and professor emeritus at Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, said he cannot deny Christians the right to pray for him, since he also prays that they embrace Islam.

In response to Imam Hendl: Mother Teresa was an extraordinary lady that was truly blessed by God. She was an example that puts most of us to shame. And yes she did make people love Christianity. For those of us that have accepted Jesus as their Lord, we do not have to pray for God's acceptance as we have already received it. We just pray that others will be able to be offered the chance to at least choose to accept Jesus without repercussions.

excerpts from: Anne Thomas' article in
Christianity Today

L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem

...In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts, a holy convocation. -Leviticus 16:24

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day. There are four different types of shofar notes: tekiah, a 3 second sustained note; shevarim, three 1-second notes rising in tone, teruah, a series of short, staccato notes extending over a period of about 3 seconds; and tekiah gedolah (literally, "big tekiah"), the final blast in a set, which lasts (I think) 10 seconds minimum. Click the shofar above to hear an approximation of the sound of Tekiah Shevarim-Teruah Tekiah. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. The shofar is not blown if the holiday falls on Shabbat.

No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. In fact, there is a special prayerbook called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.

Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. This was the second Jewish religious practice I was ever exposed to (the first one: lighting Chanukkah candles), and I highly recommend it. It's yummy. We also dip bread in honey (instead of the usual practice of sprinkling salt on it) at this time of year for the same reason.
Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom. Tashlikh is normally observed on the afternoon of the first day, before afternoon services. When the first day occurs on Shabbat, many synagogues observe Tashlikh on Sunday afternoon, to avoid carrying (the bread) on Shabbat.

Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d's sovereignty.
The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

NBC has decided to join in the bashing of Christians by airing a special by the Antichrist's Madonna sometime in November. In the show, Madonna, wearing a fake crown of thorns, descends on a suspended mirrored, disco ball-type cross.

When some Christian leaders complained about the mockery, NBC ignored their concerns. (This is the same Madonna who once said, "Crucifixes are sexy because there's a naked man on them.")

Kevin Reilly, an executive at NBC, said Madonna considered the scene mocking the crucifixion of Christ the highlight of her show. "We (NBC) viewed it and didn't see it as being inappropriate. "

Last week Rosie O’Donnell raised ire and drew fire when she boldly asserted that "radical Christianity" is "just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of church and state."

PETE TOWNSHEND was so disgusted by the trappings of Christianity after watching 2004 MEL GIBSON movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, he wrote an angry track lambasting "drag queen" priests.

The legendary rocker expresses his bemusement in A MAN IN A PURPLE DRESS on THE WHO's new album ENDLESS WIRE, and insists faith has nothing to do with dressing up. He says, "It is the idea that men need to dress up in order to represent God. I'd just go ahead and do it. I wouldn't dress up like a drag queen."

If I could rub a magic lamp and could make a wish, I would wish that all celebrities would shut up especially when they are talking about subjects that they know nothing about. It is obvious that Madonna, Rosie, Pete and the good folks at NBC do not have a clue about Christianity.

Why isn’t Madonna doing her song and dance act while swinging from a Islamic Crescent? Do you think NBC would air that on prime time?


Why isn’t Rosie talking about the radical Christians such those that work for The Salvation Army or World Vision or perhaps those dastardly folks at Bread for the World, Lutheran Relief or Samaritan’s Purse.

Pete has been bashing guitars for years and now he is bashing Christians. Perhaps he could take his anger regarding the sartorial aspects of the first century clergy and devote it speaking out against the dirty night-shirts, AK-47’s and head wraps that seem to be the fashion rage in the Middle East.

Christians take this abuse because Jesus said to turn the other cheek. But they do not realize that from a historical standpoint this was pointing out that He was not a slave or enslaved to Rome. So the more radical among us Christians may object from time to time, but mostly we vent our anger by doing good deeds, blessing those that curse us and binding up the wounds of our enemies.

Nun Forgave Somolia Killers

The Side Effects that I mentioned in the last blog post are happening now.

This is from AP Reporter ANTHONY MITCHELL
(ASSOCIATED PRESS
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -

A nun shot four times at the Somali hospital where she worked forgave her killers as she lay dying, colleagues said Monday in the wake of her slaying, which has focused attention on Islamic radicalism in the Horn of Africa.

Sister Leonella, 65, muttered the words "I forgive, I forgive" in Italian after being shot by gunmen Sunday, the Rev. Maloba Wesonga told The Associated Press at a memorial Mass for the nun in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Her killing was not a random attack and could have been sparked by remarks by Pope Benedict XVI about Muslims that have sparked angry reaction from Muslims around the world, said Willy Huber, regional head of the Austrian-funded hospital where Sister Leonella worked.

Sister Leonella, whose birth name was Rosa Sgorbati, had lived and worked in Kenya and Somalia for 38 years, her family said.

She was shot as she left the S.O.S. hospital. Her bodyguard also was slain. The two had been walking the 30 feet from the Mogadishu hospital to the sister's home, where three other nuns were waiting to have lunch with her.

"She had no chance," Huber added. "It was like an execution."

Abdurahman Mohamed Farah, the deputy leader of the Supreme Islamic Courts Council, said the nun's killing was unrelated to the pope's speech, blaming it instead on Somali warlords who lost control of Mogadishu in June after intense fighting with the Islamic militia.

"We will punish the culprits behind this nasty killing," he told journalists in the capital. One man has already been arrested.

A powerful, radical Islamic group, which is accused of having ties to al-Qaida, has all but wrested control from the weak and factional Somali government. With it has come a hard-line Taliban-style rule complete with public floggings and executions. Its leaders have pledged to wage holy war against an African peacekeeping force that is supposed to arrive early next month to help stabilize the country.

In recent months, the Islamic group has extended its control over much of southern Somalia, challenging the weak, U.N.-backed government that hasn't been able to exert any power outside Baidoa.

The rise of the Islamic militants has coincided with a wave of killings of both foreign workers and moderate Somali intellectuals.

Among them were Swedish journalist, Martin Adler, who was killed in June during a demonstration in Mogadishu and prominent Somali peace activist Abdulkadir Yahya Ali, who was slain a month later. BBC journalist Kate Peyton was shot to death last year.

The United States has accused the Islamic group of sheltering suspects in the 1998 bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden has portrayed Somalia as a battleground in his war on the U.S.

Matt Bryden, a regional analyst, said a renegade Islamic militia or warlords could be behind the killings, hoping to taint the image of the Islamic Courts.

Sister Leonella was aware of the dangers in Somalia and used to joke that there was a bullet with her name engraved on it. "But this never deterred her or discouraged her," Wesonga, who is secretary of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, told the AP at the memorial service.

I am reminded of Pope John Paul the Second. He survived an assasination attempt by Mehmet Ali Agca, a Moslem extremist who was already responsible for the murder of a jounalist.

The Pope visited his assasin at the prison and forgave the man.

Side Effects

Excerpted from SUZAN FRASER
Associated Press Writer

Turkey's ruling Islamic-rooted party joined a wave of criticism of Pope Benedict XVI on Friday, accusing him of trying to revive the spirit of the Crusades with remarks he made about the Muslim faith. A Turkish lawmaker said the pontiff would go down in history "in the same category as leaders such as Hitler and Mussolini" for his words.

Muslim leaders elsewhere in the world also expressed dismay, with Pakistan's parliament unanimously condemning the pope.

The Vatican said the pope did not intend the remarks _ made in Germany on Tuesday during an address at a university _ to be offensive.

Benedict quoted from a book recounting a conversation between 14th century Byzantine Christian Emperor Manuel Paleologos II and a Persian scholar on the truths of Christianity and Islam.

"The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war," the pope said. "He said, I quote, 'Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.'"

Benedict did not explicitly agree with the statement nor repudiate it.
The comments raised tensions ahead of his planned visit to Turkey in November _ his first pilgrimage to a Muslim country.

Salih Kapusuz, a deputy leader of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party, said Benedict's remarks were either "the result of pitiful ignorance" about Islam and its prophet, or a deliberate distortion.

"He has a dark mentality that comes from the darkness of the Middle Ages. He is a poor thing that has not benefited from the spirit of reform in the Christian world," Kapusuz was quoted as saying by the state-owned Anatolia news agency. "It looks like an effort to revive the mentality of the Crusades."

"Benedict, the author of such unfortunate and insolent remarks, is going down in history for his words," he said. "He is going down in history in the same category as leaders such as (Adolf) Hitler and (Benito) Mussolini."

Turkey's staunchly secular opposition party also demanded that Benedict apologize to Muslims before his visit to Turkey.

"The pope has thrown gasoline onto the fire ... in a world where the risk of a clash between religions is high," said Haluk Koc, deputy head of the Republican People's Party, as a small group of protesters left a black wreath in front of the Vatican's embassy in Ankara.

On Thursday, Turkey's top Islamic cleric, Ali Bardakoglu, asked Benedict to apologize for the remarks and unleashed a string of accusations against Christianity.

In Beirut, Lebanon's most senior Shiite Muslim cleric denounced the remarks Friday and demanded the pope personally apologize for insulting Islam.

"We do not accept the apology through Vatican channels ... and ask him (Benedict) to offer a personal apology _ not through his officials _ to Muslims for this false reading (of Islam)," Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah told worshippers in his Friday prayers sermon.

After Benedict returned to Italy on Thursday, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said, "It certainly wasn't the intention of the pope to carry out a deep examination of jihad (holy war) and on Muslim thought on it, much less to offend the sensibility of Muslim believers."

Lombardi insisted the pope respects Islam. Benedict wants to "cultivate an attitude of respect and dialogue toward the other religions and cultures, obviously also toward Islam," he said.

In a significant development Friday, the pope appointed Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, a French prelate with experience in the Muslim world, as the Vatican's new foreign minister.

But anger still swept across the Muslim world, with Pakistan's parliament unanimously adopting a resolution condemning the pope for making what it called "derogatory" comments about Islam, and seeking an apology from him.

"Anyone who describes Islam as a religion as intolerant encourages violence," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said.

"What he has done is that he has quoted very offensive remarks by some emperor hundreds of years ago," she added. "It is not helpful (because) we have been trying to bridge the gap, calling for dialogue and understanding between religions."

Aslam said Muslims had a long history of tolerance, adding that when the Catholic kingdom of Spain expelled its Jewish population in 1492 they were welcomed by Muslim nations such as the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

Indonesia, which has more Muslims than any other in the world, had no immediate response to the pope's comments, but religious groups were quick to protest, condemning the words as insensitive and damaging.

"A respected religious leader like the pope should not say such things, especially as nations across the globe are struggling to find ways to bridge differences between faiths and build understanding," said Ma'ruf Amin, a member of Indonesia Council of Clerics, the country's highest Islamic body.

"Such words hurt Muslims all over the world," he said.

So why am I calling this Side Effects?

As you get older you have to take more and more medication to maintain your health. The pharmacy dispensing the medicine gives you a piece of paper with a list of all the drugs side effects. Just like medication our lives and our actions have consequences or side effects.

Moslems throughout the world are aware of the actions of their radical, fanatical brothers that have terrorized this world, yet they have for the most part remained silent and taken little or no action to stop this unacceptable and destructive behavior. The side effects of their ommision of action have resulted in war, death and hatred between nations.

The Pope’s words were a poor choice that obviously has resulted in seriously detrimental side effects. The Turkish Moslem leadership and citizenry is in an uproar. However, I have to laugh at the ironic remarks coming from the Turkish Foreign Minister.

"Anyone who describes Islam as a religion as intolerant encourages violence," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said.

Islam is tolerant, but if you say it isn’t we will do you bodily harm. Is that what I am understanding him to say? Where is the tolerance? This sounds like more side effects to me.

Jesus never spoke badly against anyone. He let the actions and words of those that opposed him show what was in their hearts.

We need to watch our actions, our words and our behavior so our good works and deeds will glorify Our Father in Heaven.

Prosperity Gospel

Time's cover story, "Does God Want You to Be Rich?" makes no reference to the National Baptist Convention, but it's worth noting that the black denomination spent much of its annual convention last week attacking the prosperity gospel.

 "Black communities are suffering, while this prosperity-pimping gospel is emotionally charging people who are watching their communities just literally dissolve," Friendship West Baptist Church pastor Frederick Haynes told Dallas's WFAA.

That the prosperity gospel has a hold on a segment of American culture is not disputable. Time quotes its own poll numbers:

17 percent of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61 percent believed that God wants people to be prosperous. 


And 31 percent—a far higher percentage than there are Pentecostals in America—agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money. …

Of the four biggest megachurches in the country, three—Joel Osteen's Lakewood in Houston; T.D. Jakes' Potter's House in south Dallas; and Creflo Dollar's World Changers near Atlanta—are Prosperity or Prosperity Lite pulpits.

For Osteen, Prosperity Gospel isn't a pejorative term:


"Does God want us to be rich?" he asks. "When I hear that word rich, I think people say, 'Well, he's preaching that everybody's going to be a millionaire.' I don't think that's it." Rather, he explains, "I preach that anybody can improve their lives. I think God wants us to be prosperous. I think he wants us to be happy. To me, you need to have money to pay your bills. I think God wants us to send our kids to college. I think he wants us to be a blessing to other people. But I don't think I'd say God wants us to be rich. It's all relative, isn't it?"


On the other side is the guy whose church rounds out the "largest four" list:

"This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy?", [Rick] Warren snorts. "There is a word for that: baloney. It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty. Why isn't everyone in the church a millionaire?"

I have to agree with Mr. Warren. Baloney!

Jesus gave us a model when he provided us with His Prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread.” In other words, provide us with the necessities of life. Give us food, clothing, shelter, money to pay our bills and provide for our families.

Furthermore, Satan tempted Jesus with all the riches and power of the world. All that God asks of us is to seek His Will. Everything else will fall in line.

Turn off the TV and read The Book!

Chichester Psalms - Finale

The finale comes in from the third movement without interruption. The principal motives from the introduction return here to unify the work and create a sense of returning to the beginning, but here the motives are sung pianissimo and greatly extended in length.

Particularly luminous harmonies eventually give way to a unison note on the last syllable of the text, a note on which the choir then sings the amen, while the trumpet plays the opening motive one last time and the orchestra, too, ends on a unison G, with a tiny hint of Picardy third.

Again, here is the Anglicized Hebrew text which is based on Psalm 133:1:

Hineh mah tov,

Umah nayim,

Shevet ahim

Gam yahad.

English translation:

Behold how good,

And how pleasant it is,

For brethren to dwell

Together in unity.

Chichester Psalms - Part Three

The third movement begins with a conflicted and busy instrumental prelude which recapitulates the chords and melody from the introduction; then suddenly it breaks into the gentle chorale set in a rolling 10/4 (3+2+3+2) meter which recalls desert palms swaying in the breeze.

The text is based on Psalm 133.


The Anglicized Hebrew lyrics:

Adonai, Adonai,

Lo gavah libi,

V'lo ramu einai,

V'lo hilachti

Big'dolot uv'niflaot

Mimeni.

Im lo shiviti

V'domam'ti,

Naf'shi k'gamul alei imo,

Kagamul alai naf'shi.

Yahel Yis'rael el Adonai

Me'atah v'ad olam.

English translation

Lord, Lord,

My heart is not haughty,

Nor mine eyes lofty,

Neither do I exercise myself

In great matters or in things

Too wonderful for me to understand.

Surely I have calmed

And quieted myself,

As a child that is weaned of his mother,

My soul is even as a weaned child.

Let Israel hope in the Lord

From henceforth and forever.

The Chichester Psalms - Part Two

The second movement begins with the psalm of David set in a conventional meter (4/4) with a tranquil melody, sung by the boy soprano (or countertenor), and repeated by the women's voices in the chorus.

This is abruptly interrupted by the orchestra and the low, rumbling sounds (again word painting) of the men's voices singing psalm 2 (also notably featured in Handel's Messiah). This is gradually overpowered by the women's voices (and then, David) serenely reaffirming the second portion of psalm 23.

However, the last measures of the movement contain notes which recall the interrupting section, symbolizing mankind's unending struggle with conflict and faith.

Interestingly, the boy's theme was adapted from a musical that Bernstein never completed, The Skin of Our Teeth (based on the play by Thornton Wilder). The men's theme was adapted from material that was cut out of West Side Story.

The lyrics, in Anglicized Hebrew:

"David" and Women

Adonai roi, lo ehsar.

Bin'ot deshe yarbitseini,

Al mei m'nuhot y'nahaleini,

Naf'shi y'shovev,

Yan'heini b'ma'aglei tsedek,

L'ma'an sh'mo.

(Men)

Lamah rag'shu goyim

Ul'umim yeh'gu rik?

Yit'yats'vu malchei erets,

V'roznim nos'du yahad

Al Adonai v'al m'shiho.

N'natkah et mos'roteimo,

Yoshev bashamayim

Yis'hak, Adonai

Yil'ag lamo!

(women)

Gam ki eilech

B'gei tsalmavet,

Lo ira ra,

Ki Atah imadi.

Shiv't'cha umishan'techa

Hemah y'nahamuni.

"David"

Ta'aroch l'fanai shulchan

Neged tsor'rai

Dishanta vashemen roshi

Cosi r'vayah.

Ach tov vahesed

Yird'funi kol y'mei hayai

V'shav'ti b'veit Adonai

L'orech yamim.

English translation:

David and Women:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,

He leadeth me beside the still waters,

He restoreth my soul,

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness,

For His name's sake.

Men:

Why do the nations rage,

And the people imagine a vain thing

The kings of the earth set themselves,

And the rulers take counsel together

Against the Lord and against His anointed.

Saying, let us break their bonds asunder,

He that sitteth in the heavens

Shall laugh, and the Lord

Shall have them in derision!

Women:

Yea, though I walk

Through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

For Thou art with me.

Thy rod and Thy staff

They comfort me.

David:

Thou preparest a table before me

In the presence of mine enemies,

Thou annointest my head with oil,

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy

Shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

The Chichester Psalms - Part One

Last night PBS ran a wonderful program on the life of Leonard Bernstein.

Bernstein was one of the most notable men of music of the 20th Century. He was a conducter, composer, performer and teacher. He lived and breathed music.

In high school our choral group was fortunate to perform on several occasions with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Our teacher, Bob Knauf, drilled the songs and lyrics into our psyche. Last night I heard some snippets of a Bernstein composition, The Chichester Psalms. It brought back the floodgates of my memory.

The lyrics were in Hebrew. Mr. Knauf had no idea of their meaning, as he poked fun at some of the words. For instance V'roznim sounded a lot like Roast Beef and half of us were singing Roast Beef. (That word will be in the next blog segment)

Chichester Cathedral

The Chichester (pronounced Ch'ster)Psalms are so named as they were commissioned in 1965 for the Southern Cathedrals Festival held at Chichester Cathedral in West Sussex in the UK.

Bernstein states in the performance notes that the singer should be a countertenor or a boy soprano, but never a woman. He wanted the main singer to be a representation of King David as a boy. Bernstein was very much a Jew. And though he was non-practicing, his father was a Rabbi, he was fluent in Hebrew, Yiddish and German and wanted his work to be true to his beliefs and culture.

Chichester Cathedral Organ, on which the performance was first played

The Work is divided into 3 parts and a finale and is based on The Psalms of King David. Part One uses Psalms 100 and 108.

Here are the Anglicized Hebrew lyrics to Part One:

Urah hanevel v'chinor

Airah shachar

Hariu l'Adonai kol ha'aretz

Iv du et Adonai b'simcha

Bou l'fanav bir'nanah

D'u ki Adonai hu elohim

Hu asanu v'lo anahnu

Amo v'tson mar'ito

Bou sh'arav b'todah

Hatseirotav bit'hilah

Hodu lo baruch schmo

Kitov Adonai, l'olam hasdo

V'ador vador emunato

Translation:

Awake, Psaltery and Harp!

I will rouse the dawn!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands

Serve the Lord with gladness

Come before his presence with singing

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he that has made us

We are his people.

Come unto his gates with thanksgiving

and into his court with praise

be thankful for him and bless him

the lord is good, his mercy everlasting

and his truth endures forever.

Jews For Jesus - Ambush Evangelism

When I was a young Christian, I wanted to share my new found joy and experience with anyone who would listen. I was told of the need to evangelize. I learned all sorts of Christian lingo.

Since I still had inadequacies in my own life, I despaired over sharing my faith. I did not want to be one of the “hypocritical Christians” that you hear so much about. As I grew older I saw the importance of showing my faith by living my faith. Instead of clobbering folks over the head with my 20 pound King James I merely walked the talk.

Over on the Virtual Talmud blog there is a lot of discussion concerning ambush evangelistic attacks from Jews for Jesus. I’ve never had any connection or contact with this group. I am only familiar with their name. I have to agree with most points that the Jewish bloggers are making.

There are a couple of issues that most Christians are not aware of concerning Jews.

Jesus was a Jew. The paintings that show a European Jesus do not do justice and show us an incorrect image. Jesus, or Ye'shua was a middle eastern man.

One of the central tenants of Judaism is preserving their heritage. That is their belief in One True G-d. There have been various Diasporas that have scattered them abroad. Yet they have maintained their identity and heritage by holding fast to their beliefs.


I for one respect this. Though I want them to know Jesus/Jeshua as the Messiah that has already come, because of the unfathomable struggle they have faced to preserve their own faith and heritage, I am not going to force this upon any Jew.

I will never know what it means to be a Jew, but I have made many inroads in studying the Bible and the Torah from a Jewish perspective and this has shed much light on what it means to me to be a Christian.

Hear O’ Israel. The Lord Our God is one! Sh'ma Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai eh-chad!

With God On Our Side?

On last nights newscast I watched a video tape of this young wet-behind-the ears blowhard kid that goes by the nomicker Adam Yehiye Gadahn.

Formerly of Los Angeles Herr Gadahn spouted off some contemptible words for the American public about the truths of the Moslem faith and demanding that we repent and become loyal Muslims or face the consequences.

He denounced Christianity as a "hollow shell of a religion, whose followers cling to an empty faith and a false conviction in their own salvation. It is time for the unbelievers to discard these incoherent and illogical beliefs," he said. "We invite all Americans and other unbelievers to Islam, wherever they are." Tough words coming from a guy that was formerly Adam Pearlman.

What's up with Al Qaida? Do they think that by putting some air head American expatriate that couldn't cut the mustard in his own country or with his own family that his credibility will put their message "God Is On Our Side" over the top and make us quake, shiver and start wearing bath-towels on our noggins?

This made me think back to Abraham Lincoln. My Grandmother loved reading about Lincoln and instilled that quality in me. Lincoln was not only our greatest president, but one of the truly great men of all time. His words still ring true today.

During the Civil War when he was confronted by a pastor that he should be praying that God be on our side, Lincoln responded, "Sir my concern is not whether God is on our side. My great concern is to be on God's side."

I am told that Jews, Muslims and Christians spring from a central root which is Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Our own United States of America became divided in our beliefs and underwent a terrible Civil War as a result. Perhaps this is a historical parallel to today's turbulence that is pitting fanatical Muslims against each other and against the Western world.

During his Second inaugural Address he said the following: "Both (sides) read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully."

He further went on to say, "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan - to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations"

Truth stands out because it shines and glows. It does not accuse. It does not demand. All men seek it and recognize it when it comes their way. Mr. Gadahn, you are a misguided zealot and a youth with a life time ahead of you. However you have blown it. You are merely echoing the rhetoric of evil men and we have heard it all before. You don't have any original thoughts and you are currently on the FBI's most wanted list. Would you please sit down, shut up and just go away. Exam yourself and the works of your organization and then ask yourself the question, "Are you on God's side?" Would you, "Care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan - to all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations?"