Armed with his weapons of war,
he advances;
Crouching down low,
behind enemy lines.
Prisoners of war,
on a mission to rescue.
Sweat burns his eyes,
In his race against time.
Cuts through the fence,
and ducks quickly inside,
careful to leave
not a trace of himself.
Now to the cell block;
the stench, indescribable;
Fear overrides body's
urging to retch.
Quickly through the locks, and then
throws wide the doors to set them free.
Then, in careless haste, a hail of bullets,
from his weapon fly.
Numb with shock, he staggers,
through the damage that his words have caused.
Heeding now, too late, the Spirit's prodding
to control his tongue.
Kevin E. Ness
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How does a nation fall?
How does a nation fall? Occasionally, it falls from enemies without, who blatantly attack and overpower the weaker nation. So how does a nation, that has demonstrated its military superiority to every foe heretofore gathered against it, fall? It falls from enemies within.
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." How many "good men" have sat idly by for decades now while the enemies of our Judeo-Christian heritage have slowly and insidiously infiltrated all levels of our society, lulling many to sleep with cleverly constructed catch-phrases like "hope and change?"
Too often we forget that the most deadly evil is that which is least obvious. Satan masquerades as an angel of light, not as someone in a bad Halloween costume with red tights, horns, tail and a pitchfork. But why? Because the evil that is obvious is more easily avoided and guarded against.
Satan is a fool, but that does not mean that he is without strategy. He will not hit us where we are strongest; he will slip in at the weakest point of our defenses, lull us to sleep, and then stab us in the back. Americans are, by and large, a compassionate people. This is a source of strength, when coupled with biblical truth and values.
But compassion without a compass is deadly.
When we allow the heartstrings of our compassion to be played by a vernacular virtuoso, we lose sight of the truth that gave birth to our compassion in the first place. Driven by emotions, we make irrational decisions. Because emotions, by their very nature, are not rational. There is nothing wrong with emotions, per se. They are great companions on the road trip of our lives. But when emotions overpower the brain and take control of the bus, bad things happen, because emotions only exist in the "Now;" they do not plan for the future.
There are many in this Administration who are very calculated in their efforts to play the heartstrings of our citizens, to keep them so focused on the "Now," that they pay no attention to the coming bondage into which they are selling themselves.
It is the duty and calling of all who love Truth to stand as watchmen on the walls and sound the alarm long and loud, in hopes of waking our citizens up before the takeover is complete.
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." How many "good men" have sat idly by for decades now while the enemies of our Judeo-Christian heritage have slowly and insidiously infiltrated all levels of our society, lulling many to sleep with cleverly constructed catch-phrases like "hope and change?"
Too often we forget that the most deadly evil is that which is least obvious. Satan masquerades as an angel of light, not as someone in a bad Halloween costume with red tights, horns, tail and a pitchfork. But why? Because the evil that is obvious is more easily avoided and guarded against.
Satan is a fool, but that does not mean that he is without strategy. He will not hit us where we are strongest; he will slip in at the weakest point of our defenses, lull us to sleep, and then stab us in the back. Americans are, by and large, a compassionate people. This is a source of strength, when coupled with biblical truth and values.
But compassion without a compass is deadly.
When we allow the heartstrings of our compassion to be played by a vernacular virtuoso, we lose sight of the truth that gave birth to our compassion in the first place. Driven by emotions, we make irrational decisions. Because emotions, by their very nature, are not rational. There is nothing wrong with emotions, per se. They are great companions on the road trip of our lives. But when emotions overpower the brain and take control of the bus, bad things happen, because emotions only exist in the "Now;" they do not plan for the future.
There are many in this Administration who are very calculated in their efforts to play the heartstrings of our citizens, to keep them so focused on the "Now," that they pay no attention to the coming bondage into which they are selling themselves.
It is the duty and calling of all who love Truth to stand as watchmen on the walls and sound the alarm long and loud, in hopes of waking our citizens up before the takeover is complete.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Truth and Obamacare
The Truth always comes out. Always. Your only choice is how it comes out...with your cooperation, or without your cooperation. Trying to keep the Truth hidden is like trying to keep an unbreakable beach ball underwater indefinitely. If you're a stronger swimmer than others, you may get it down farther and keep it down longer than some. But eventually, you will get tired, and POP! up comes up the ball. For those on the side of Truth, this is a very comforting fact.
But for those who are in the habit of trying to keep the Truth hidden, it is a source of great terror. That is why they have to go to such great lengths and expend tremendous energy to keep the lie going. The old saying is true: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The Truth is simple; it's not easy, but it is simple. There is only one version of Truth. Lying is very complicated, because you constantly have to keep track of which version you told to whom.
In John 14:6, Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As a follower of Jesus, I know that Truth will ultimately win out, because Jesus already won at the cross. It is my responsibility to proclaim the Truth in love, and pray that people receive it. But it is not my responsibility what people choose to do with the Truth they hear. I do not have to be anxious if, for a time, deception and lies seem to have the upper hand. Because ultimately, Jesus will make all things right.
Right now, there are those in Washington who are party to a deception of incredible magnitude. They have preyed on people's fears and sympathies to foist an unconstitutional healthcare bill upon us. They have manipulated numbers in either direction as it suits them, to either exaggerate the numbers who are without insurance, or play down the true cost of this behemoth that will sell future generations into financial slavery on an unprecedented scale.
The biggest lie of all is that Obamacare does not allow federal dollars to be used to fund abortions. The lie that somehow an Executive Order from a President who has one of the most radical pro-abortion records in history will somehow insure this would be laughable if it were not so tragic. All the more so because this is from the lips of a man who would slaughter his own grandchildren so that his daughters would not be "burdened" by a child.
The Truth is that while our healthcare system definitely has room for improvement, it is still the best in the world. The United States is not a democracy. We are a democratic republic, governed by the rule of law. We need to work within the framework of our Constitution to bring about the necessary changes, and hold accountable at the ballot box those who would try to do an end-run around it.
But for those who are in the habit of trying to keep the Truth hidden, it is a source of great terror. That is why they have to go to such great lengths and expend tremendous energy to keep the lie going. The old saying is true: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." The Truth is simple; it's not easy, but it is simple. There is only one version of Truth. Lying is very complicated, because you constantly have to keep track of which version you told to whom.
In John 14:6, Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As a follower of Jesus, I know that Truth will ultimately win out, because Jesus already won at the cross. It is my responsibility to proclaim the Truth in love, and pray that people receive it. But it is not my responsibility what people choose to do with the Truth they hear. I do not have to be anxious if, for a time, deception and lies seem to have the upper hand. Because ultimately, Jesus will make all things right.
Right now, there are those in Washington who are party to a deception of incredible magnitude. They have preyed on people's fears and sympathies to foist an unconstitutional healthcare bill upon us. They have manipulated numbers in either direction as it suits them, to either exaggerate the numbers who are without insurance, or play down the true cost of this behemoth that will sell future generations into financial slavery on an unprecedented scale.
The biggest lie of all is that Obamacare does not allow federal dollars to be used to fund abortions. The lie that somehow an Executive Order from a President who has one of the most radical pro-abortion records in history will somehow insure this would be laughable if it were not so tragic. All the more so because this is from the lips of a man who would slaughter his own grandchildren so that his daughters would not be "burdened" by a child.
The Truth is that while our healthcare system definitely has room for improvement, it is still the best in the world. The United States is not a democracy. We are a democratic republic, governed by the rule of law. We need to work within the framework of our Constitution to bring about the necessary changes, and hold accountable at the ballot box those who would try to do an end-run around it.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
An open letter to Senator Bayh
Dear Senator Bayh,
I am incensed at your "Yea" vote on S. 3590. I agree that the healthcare system needs reform, but the answer is NOT to create a monstrous federal bureaucracy. You have helped to sell my son into slavery to a debt that I and a majority of the Hoosiers that you were sent to represent do not want.
And please do not even try to tell me that under this legislation, federal dollars will not be used to fund abortion. The deafening silence of Planned Parenthood, NARAL, NOW and their allies are proof that they have been given assurances that their gravy train will arrive on schedule. Planned Parenthood is planning the 2nd largest abortion facility in the world in Houston because they are banking on using my federal tax dollars to help fund it. You will have blood on your hands if you do not do EVERYTHING in your power to stop this abomination.
With all due respect, I am done asking; I am demanding that you vote "NO" on the final bill and prevent this healthcare monstrosity from becoming law.
If you do not, then rest assured, I will pour every spare ounce of my energy into replacing you in the next election with a Senator who will actually represent me and the OVERWHELMING majority of Americans who want nothing to do with this unconstitutional over-reach of federal powers. And trust me, I will not be alone in these efforts.
Sincerely,
Kevin E. Ness
I am incensed at your "Yea" vote on S. 3590. I agree that the healthcare system needs reform, but the answer is NOT to create a monstrous federal bureaucracy. You have helped to sell my son into slavery to a debt that I and a majority of the Hoosiers that you were sent to represent do not want.
And please do not even try to tell me that under this legislation, federal dollars will not be used to fund abortion. The deafening silence of Planned Parenthood, NARAL, NOW and their allies are proof that they have been given assurances that their gravy train will arrive on schedule. Planned Parenthood is planning the 2nd largest abortion facility in the world in Houston because they are banking on using my federal tax dollars to help fund it. You will have blood on your hands if you do not do EVERYTHING in your power to stop this abomination.
With all due respect, I am done asking; I am demanding that you vote "NO" on the final bill and prevent this healthcare monstrosity from becoming law.
If you do not, then rest assured, I will pour every spare ounce of my energy into replacing you in the next election with a Senator who will actually represent me and the OVERWHELMING majority of Americans who want nothing to do with this unconstitutional over-reach of federal powers. And trust me, I will not be alone in these efforts.
Sincerely,
Kevin E. Ness
Friday, December 18, 2009
NOMB
NOMB...None Of My Business. How often have we hidden behind that cloak of apathy, under the guise of open-mindedness and tolerance, all the while wallowing in the sewage of mediocrity? Because, after all, if I point out so-and-so's shortcomings, oversights and outright sins, maybe they will do the same to me. And that might lead to...growth...and healing...and maturity...and all sorts of other difficult, painful words.
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Notice that NOMB is only one letter away from "numb" and "tomb." Coincidence? I think not. How many are now in tombs because our collective numbness and apathy have allowed evil too many triumphs?
Our society rightfully condemns the ancient pagan practice of sacrificing children to pagan gods. Yet in the same breath, many will sacrifice their children on the altar of Convenience, with the NOMB approval of far too many. The blood of these innocent children is on all of our hands. We need to come alongside these hurting women and surround them with unconditional love, and help them to see that there are options available that do not involve taking an innocent life.
And for those who have already gone through the trauma of abortion, we must reach out to them with the love of the God-of-second-chances. When Jesus said, "It is finished," He meant it. There is no sin that His blood hasn't paid for, and forgiveness and healing are only a prayer away for anyone, regardless of what they have done, or what has been done to them.
It is time for Christians in this country to rise up and be a blessing to this nation. Christ suffered and died for us, and we should be willing to suffer and die for those around us, if need be, to help them to understand how truly amazing the love of Christ really is. We need to pray passionately, fervently, expectantly and unceasingly for the salvation of every person we know. Because their eternal souls are worth the effort.
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Notice that NOMB is only one letter away from "numb" and "tomb." Coincidence? I think not. How many are now in tombs because our collective numbness and apathy have allowed evil too many triumphs?
Our society rightfully condemns the ancient pagan practice of sacrificing children to pagan gods. Yet in the same breath, many will sacrifice their children on the altar of Convenience, with the NOMB approval of far too many. The blood of these innocent children is on all of our hands. We need to come alongside these hurting women and surround them with unconditional love, and help them to see that there are options available that do not involve taking an innocent life.
And for those who have already gone through the trauma of abortion, we must reach out to them with the love of the God-of-second-chances. When Jesus said, "It is finished," He meant it. There is no sin that His blood hasn't paid for, and forgiveness and healing are only a prayer away for anyone, regardless of what they have done, or what has been done to them.
It is time for Christians in this country to rise up and be a blessing to this nation. Christ suffered and died for us, and we should be willing to suffer and die for those around us, if need be, to help them to understand how truly amazing the love of Christ really is. We need to pray passionately, fervently, expectantly and unceasingly for the salvation of every person we know. Because their eternal souls are worth the effort.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ethics vs. Morals
In our society today, we have blurred the line between morals and ethics, and have tried to make the two synonymous. But that is not the Truth. Morals deal with "what is," the current reality or state of affairs. Whatever a majority of a given population or sub-set of that population is doing at a given time is moral for that group. Morals change. As an example, at one bleak time in our nation's history, it was moral to own slaves.
Ethics, however, deal with "what ought to be." Ethics is the standard, the plumbline by which we are to judge whether or not something is good or right or True. Ethics transcend mankind, and they do NOT change. If a majority of people in a given society engage in ethical behavior, then morality for that society will line up with what is ethical.
But it is part of our baser human nature to not want to be told when we are wrong. It is why denial is such a universal human condition. The irony is that the very presence of denial is part of the proof of the existence of this ethical standard. After all, if there is no magnetic North, then North becomes whatever I want my compass to say it is. I don't need to defend my decision or actions to anyone.
But picture life in such a world. My friend moves 3 hours away, and then calls up and invites my family to stay with him for a while. He gives me directions to get to his house, and my family and I set out. Ten hours later, we still haven't reached his home. Since in this world, there is no magnetic North, my friend and I are completely free to decide what North, South, East and West mean for us individually, without any external constraints. The problem is that without a transcendent, external standard, my friend and I have lost any ability to communicate directions to one another, and there is no guarantee that we will ever be able to find one another again.
Sadly, this is what many in our society are attempting to usher in. They view ethical standards, grounded in the unchangeable Truth of the Word of God, as burdensome and narrow. What they fail to realize is that it is the very existence of this ethical standard that allows us to come together and have a dialog. You can deny that a standard exists, but that does not make the standard disappear.
But for the sake of argument, if everyone in our society suddenly agreed that there is no ethical standard, we would be plunged into anarchy, because everyone would simply do whatever was right in his own sight. Children who were abused would have no advocate, no protection, no recourse, no justice. Because in order for anyone to determine that their abuser's behavior is "wrong," there must a way to determine what behavior is "right." In this imaginary, standard-free society, might makes right, and there would not be a thing that anyone could do to stop it.
Ethics, however, deal with "what ought to be." Ethics is the standard, the plumbline by which we are to judge whether or not something is good or right or True. Ethics transcend mankind, and they do NOT change. If a majority of people in a given society engage in ethical behavior, then morality for that society will line up with what is ethical.
But it is part of our baser human nature to not want to be told when we are wrong. It is why denial is such a universal human condition. The irony is that the very presence of denial is part of the proof of the existence of this ethical standard. After all, if there is no magnetic North, then North becomes whatever I want my compass to say it is. I don't need to defend my decision or actions to anyone.
But picture life in such a world. My friend moves 3 hours away, and then calls up and invites my family to stay with him for a while. He gives me directions to get to his house, and my family and I set out. Ten hours later, we still haven't reached his home. Since in this world, there is no magnetic North, my friend and I are completely free to decide what North, South, East and West mean for us individually, without any external constraints. The problem is that without a transcendent, external standard, my friend and I have lost any ability to communicate directions to one another, and there is no guarantee that we will ever be able to find one another again.
Sadly, this is what many in our society are attempting to usher in. They view ethical standards, grounded in the unchangeable Truth of the Word of God, as burdensome and narrow. What they fail to realize is that it is the very existence of this ethical standard that allows us to come together and have a dialog. You can deny that a standard exists, but that does not make the standard disappear.
But for the sake of argument, if everyone in our society suddenly agreed that there is no ethical standard, we would be plunged into anarchy, because everyone would simply do whatever was right in his own sight. Children who were abused would have no advocate, no protection, no recourse, no justice. Because in order for anyone to determine that their abuser's behavior is "wrong," there must a way to determine what behavior is "right." In this imaginary, standard-free society, might makes right, and there would not be a thing that anyone could do to stop it.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Redemption in His Blood
Eph 1:7-8a NASB In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace [8] which He lavished on us.
This verse makes it clear that our redemption does not come from within ourselves. We cannot pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, dust ourselves off and present ourselves to God as worthy of entering Heaven. No, our redemption is "In Him."
More specifically, our redemption is "through His blood." While it may offend our modern, sanitized sensibilities, the process of bringing forth life is a messy business. That is true whether we speak of our physical birth into this world, or our spiritual re-birth into the family of God through Jesus.
As we push through the spiritual birth canal, the indescribable power of the blood of Christ completely surrounds and covers us. We are immersed in it. There is no part of our being that is not touched by His blood, so when we come out of the birth canal, we appear spotless and blameless before a holy God.
There are two significant differences between the two births. First, physical birth is a long process that can take many hours. But since Jesus lives in eternity, our spiritual birth happens in the instant that we acknowledge our sin, recognize our need for a Savior, and accept the gift of salvation that only Jesus is qualified to offer. Second, on the physical level, we had no input into whether or not we would be conceived or born. But on the spiritual level, every person must make that choice.
Imagine the pains of childbirth. Now multiply that pain billions of times for every person, from the beginning to the end of human history who has ever been conceived and concentrate it down to a period of hours. In a very real sense, this is precisely what Jesus went through in His scourging, crucifixion and death. He was going through the pains of childbirth for the entire human race, to give us all the opportunity for new life.
Since Jesus paid the price for the sins for ALL of humanity, EVERY person will pass through this birth canal. Tragically, there are many who will needlessly arrive stillborn into the Second Death. This will be by their own choice of spitting in the face of Jesus, by spurning the gift that it cost Him everything to provide. But not one person suffering an eternity in hell will be paying for their sin. They will be suffering the consequence of this one decision to spurn Jesus' gift.
If Jesus was willing to go through that agony for us, then those of us who know Jesus as our Savior must we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to passionately, urgently, gently, genuinely and lovingly share the Truth of this gift with everyone we meet.
Kevin E. Ness
#TheTruthJustIs
This verse makes it clear that our redemption does not come from within ourselves. We cannot pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, dust ourselves off and present ourselves to God as worthy of entering Heaven. No, our redemption is "In Him."
More specifically, our redemption is "through His blood." While it may offend our modern, sanitized sensibilities, the process of bringing forth life is a messy business. That is true whether we speak of our physical birth into this world, or our spiritual re-birth into the family of God through Jesus.
As we push through the spiritual birth canal, the indescribable power of the blood of Christ completely surrounds and covers us. We are immersed in it. There is no part of our being that is not touched by His blood, so when we come out of the birth canal, we appear spotless and blameless before a holy God.
There are two significant differences between the two births. First, physical birth is a long process that can take many hours. But since Jesus lives in eternity, our spiritual birth happens in the instant that we acknowledge our sin, recognize our need for a Savior, and accept the gift of salvation that only Jesus is qualified to offer. Second, on the physical level, we had no input into whether or not we would be conceived or born. But on the spiritual level, every person must make that choice.
Imagine the pains of childbirth. Now multiply that pain billions of times for every person, from the beginning to the end of human history who has ever been conceived and concentrate it down to a period of hours. In a very real sense, this is precisely what Jesus went through in His scourging, crucifixion and death. He was going through the pains of childbirth for the entire human race, to give us all the opportunity for new life.
Since Jesus paid the price for the sins for ALL of humanity, EVERY person will pass through this birth canal. Tragically, there are many who will needlessly arrive stillborn into the Second Death. This will be by their own choice of spitting in the face of Jesus, by spurning the gift that it cost Him everything to provide. But not one person suffering an eternity in hell will be paying for their sin. They will be suffering the consequence of this one decision to spurn Jesus' gift.
If Jesus was willing to go through that agony for us, then those of us who know Jesus as our Savior must we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to passionately, urgently, gently, genuinely and lovingly share the Truth of this gift with everyone we meet.
Kevin E. Ness
#TheTruthJustIs
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