“My people have been lost sheep.
Their shepherds have led them astray
and turned them loose in the mountains.
They have lost their way
and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold. Jeremiah 50:6 NLTThen the LORD said to me, “Take again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. For I am going to raise up a shepherd over the land who will not care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy, but will eat the meat of the choice sheep, tearing off their hooves. “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!” Zechariah 11:15-17 NIV
Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 1 Corinthians 15:18 NIV
There are those in this country who proclaim to be Christians–followers of Christ and doing what Christ would do, yet, when looking at the plight of the land in America, we do not see Christ-like behavior in much of what they condone in “their choice” an elected leader–one who is supposed to be “president of America,” which includes all Americans, not just some.
Though I may appear to be a broken record, it makes sense to repeat those things that need to be repeated, in order to bring realization to those who may be asleep or have deliberately ignored the signs in front of them–America is in crisis–and the crisis is the result of the promotion of a person who has never known God, does not know God, and thinks he is a god (and some are worshiping him as one). His malignant narcissism keeps his focus on him and what he wants rather than what is best for the nation. Before anyone attempts to refute this statement by saying, “you don’t know his heart,” let me say for the record–I do know his heart and everyone with a brain and knowledge of The Word–knows his heart. For The Word states, “From the abundance of the heart–the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)
Right out the gate–the cult followers will say, “But we have more money in our pay checks.” “He’s rolling back job-killing regulations.” “He’s getting rid of all the immigrants who are taking American jobs.” “He’s pushing the Christian agenda.”
Let me address each of these four points (there are more) separately.
Some people will see more money in their paychecks because of the “tax cut scam” passed which gave the wealthiest Americans the greatest tax cut and still did not benefit the working class the most. When we understand the government “runs on tax dollars” we also understand cutting the revenue will place an undue burden on future generations and Senior Citizens now, since the next step of the “great tax cut” includes gutting Social Security and medicare to make up some of the lost revenue that was given to the rich.
Can’t ignore the fact that though many companies touted giving bonuses because of the tax cut, 93K jobs have been outsourced, 63 Sam’s Clubs closed, ATT laying off workers and many others. I’m sure those who received bonuses and later (some in the same week) lost their jobs, would rather have the job than a one-time bonus of a $1K.
Who loses with the tax cuts? Every poor person who ever dependent on social programs funded by tax dollars loses. Every student in America who attends a public school loses because of budget cuts. Every veteran in America who has served this country and as a result–suffered either physical or mental trauma–loses benefits because of tax cuts. Every Senior Citizen stands to lose benefits they earned and contributed to because Republicans (in particular–Paul Ryan) thinks Social Security is not an “earned benefit” but something people think they’re entitled to having. We are entitled to having what we contributed to–and nothing a greedy person who received $500K from a donor for cutting taxes says or does, will ever deter us from fighting for what is rightfully ours. And by the way, Paul Ryan bragged on Twitter on 2/3/18 (later deleted) that a secretary in PA was, “pleasantly surprised to see an increase of a $1.50 in her paycheck.” I’m not sure he missed the sarcasm that may have provoked the statement or if he’s just that obtuse. But I’m sure the Koch Brothers, the Mercers and Murdochs, as well as other rich donors are thrilled.
Rolling back job-killing regulations–For every regulation that is rolled back–those put in place to maintain the safety of consumers and workers, we risk life and limb just so the demagogue can brag and those supporting him–grin and brag–about him getting rid of “everything President Obama did” to keep us safe. This is the real reason for much of what he does–his motivation is hatred for Obama–not concern for the American people. Because of those “roll backs,” we risk dying from contaminated water and soil and polluted air. I have to conclude he’d rather people die than keep safety precautions in place. Five people have died from a gas-rig fire, Amtrak has had three accidents in which people have died, and oil spills have contaminated land will contaminate the water if plans move forward for coastline drilling. This is pure greed and has nothing to do with the welfare of Americans, but in making sure they die early–especially those in coal mines.
On keeping immigrants out of America to keep them from taking jobs from Americans–I’m still waiting for all those making such complaints to come forward and show us–the entire world–how willing they are to help gather produce for farmers, clean hotel rooms, and do it all for very low wages. If there are Americans out there who want these jobs, why was it necessary for the demagogue to obtain Visas for immigrants to work at his properties? And on the same note–why is the demagogue and his family still producing goods in China and other countries? Is it because he doesn’t want to pay a living wage to Americans?
We’ve lost out on trade because of his ignorance as to how “world trade” works and many of the countries (11) have decided to move forth without us and many farmers are not happy about this development. Implementing tariffs on goods–makes it more difficult for Americans to purchase goods produced outside of America and when we cannot purchase the goods, those who distribute the goods won’t need workers to sell them. Not a lot of thought went into this decision and again, the only driving force–greed for those who already are rich.
Thinking the resident in the Oval Office is a Christian and pushing a Christian agenda is probably the biggest farce “White Evangelicals” have promoted to their unsuspecting congregations. Or maybe the congregation knew and didn’t care. At any rate, let me reiterate some of the character traits that demonstrate one is a follower of Christ.
- We love all unconditionally because God loved us so much, He sent His only Son (came in the likeness of sinful flesh) to do what we couldn’t do–on our own. He took sin upon Himself and opened the way for us to ascend into Heaven for all eternity.
- We take care of the poor and the needy.
- We visit those in prisons or are otherwise incapacitated (the shut-in, not shut-out).
- We promote unity of all, not division.
- We provide shelter for the homeless and refuge for the disenfranchised.
- We stand firm against the wiles of the devil and recognize when he has “deceived the very elect.”
- We don’t lie or protect pathological liars for The Word says, “all liars will end up in the lake of fire.”
- We don’t provoke hatred or war with other countries.
Listening to the “shepherds” who were supposed to guide and direct–we have allowed them to be the reason–our country is lost and we may have difficulty finding our way back–to being who Christ wants us to be.
For those who would attempt to refute what I’ve said by falsely claiming that America was founded on Christianity, I would say get out your history books and understand that using “biblical principles” to establish our Constitution does not mean it was founded upon Christianity. The bible makes no reference to Christianity and to clarify the matter–the Bible is a summary of historical events that provide us with insight as to how God worked with the Children of Israel, and how we came to be joint-heirs with them. Don’t buy into the hype–know for certain–what you believe and why.
This won’t be the last time I address this issue, and today–it was important to emphasize it for those who think this country is headed in the right direction–we’re not– but we can be, if we exercise our right to vote–without interference or hindrance from those who would attempt to oppress us.
maryhallrayford 