Category Archives: spiritual

Brit Hume on Tiger Woods

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Tonight, sitting in my living room, I couldn’t believe my ears. The tease on Fox News suggested Brut Hume, on national television, told the nation the Tiger Woods needed to convert to Christianity to get forgiveness. I HAD to tune in to find out what this was about.

Here’s the context, on Fox News Sunday, Chris Wallace asked about what they called, ‘the biggest sports story of the year’ the Tiger Wood fall from grace. Here was Brit’s response:

Here’s the text:

“Tiger Woods will recover as a golfer. Whether he can recover as a person I think is a very open question, and it’s a tragic situation for him. I think he’s lost his family, it’s not clear to me if he’ll be able to have a relationship with his children, but the Tiger Woods that emerges once the news value dies out of this scandal — the extent to which he can recover — seems to me to depend on his faith. He’s said to be a Buddhist; I don’t think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith. So my message to Tiger would be, ‘Tiger, turn to the Christian faith and you can make a total recovery and be a great example to the world.'”

I decided to look into his comments. Does Buddhism allow for forgiveness of sins?

Let me quote Barbara O’Brien, a Buddhist blogger: “Buddhism doesn’t offer redemption and forgiveness in the same way Christianity does. Buddhism has no concept of sin; therefore, redemption and forgiveness in the Christian sense is meaningless in Buddhism.”

She goes on to say, “Destructive behavior is understood to be driven by tanha, thirst, which the Buddha explained (in the Four Noble Truths) was the cause of dukkha, unease or suffering. Buddhism itself can be defined as a path of practice that helps us see through the delusions that give rise to tanha.”

Unfortunately, Buddhism requires the individual to travel down the path to see through the ‘delusions’ that give us the desire to do bad. I’m guessing Tiger was already ‘on the path’ and on his own jumped off the path. If he can’t stay ‘on the path’ on his own, how is he going to see ‘the delusions’ on his own?

Now Brit Hume is receiving an incredible amount of hate mail, which I think he expected. Just suggesting that Jesus is the only way to forgiveness, will bring the wolves out in full force. With the world yelling, ‘tolerance’ that goes out the window when it comes to Christianity. Here are a few of the negative comments:

“This guy doesn’t think that Christians sleep around? How forgiving are Christians? They are the most judgemental group of people on this earth. They say one thing and do another. The hypocracy is too much.”

“I am so tired of pompous “Christians” recruiting and, in the process, demeaning [other] belief systems…Tiger needs to take an inward journey – under whatever guise he chooses – to figure out why having it all wasn’t enough. That’s a private journey and his privacy – in ALL areas – should be respected. Brit Hume needs to take the same journey to discover why he feels superior to others when he has no credentials to support that belief.”

“Typical Christian arrogance – to say “our religion is better than yours” just proves that there is a lack of respect for anything other than Christianity. If Christians were such moral people, they’d show respect for those who are of different faiths!! Of course christians claim that you will be forgiven for everything you do – the NEED to be forgiven themselves for their own actions and bigotry!”

It’s amazing the amount of intolerance in their tolerance.

Be praying for Brit Hume. I’m sure he’s receiving LOTS of hate mail. I’m also sure he’s receiving some positive comments, too. I’d like to encourage you to send Fox News a note of appreciation for allowing Brit Hume to talk about his faith — freely. That’s true free speech. Some many times Christians have been silenced.

Brit has it right — in an interview with Bill O’Reilly, Hume said, “Just mentioning the name ‘Jesus Christ’ brings with it a lot of passion.” He’s right — negative and positive. Some HATE Christ, because they know what He stands for. Others LOVE Him because they know what He stands for.

Let’s pray Brit’s comments will do more to point people to Christ, rather than push them away.

Vacation – yeah!

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It’s day one of my summer vacation. I have been looking forward to this for soooo long.  For the past couple of year, vacation for the Yoder family has been traveling 4 hours away to the family cottage on the northeast side of Michigan along the coast of Lake Huron. I grew up coming to this cottage, built by my grandfather in 1955.

There are so many memories ‘up north.’ Each year, we have traveled to ‘the cottage’ along with my four grown kids, grand-kids, and my my nine year old daughter. It is heart-warming to hear how much they look forward to this one week in the summer where we can just relax, play games, swim, play in the sand and soak in the sun.

For me this is a time to not only renew myself with my family, but to renew my life to God. I spend almost every morning (weather permitting) with a frest cup of coffee, and read God’s Word outside on the beach. What a blessing to be able to take my time going through God’s word.

Stay tuned. I hope to blog about my time with the Lord all week.

Greg

Pageant, politics and racism

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I am frankly beside myself today. I have always thought we live in a free nation. The United States — the land of the free and the home of the brave. I now have a different view. While our country was founded on those principles, I now believe our leaders (President Obama and the Democrat controlled legislature) want that to end. The frightening thing about it is there are influential people who want our country to dramatically change as well. Even more scary is that most of the American people DON’T care. The Democrats are unquestioningly following. And, Republicans are afraid to do anything about it.

Let’s start with the Miss USA pageant over the weekend. According to the Christian Science Monitor, Miss California Carrie Prejean (a Christian candidate) answers a question from judge Perez Hilton about legalizing same-sex marriage during the Miss USA Pageant. “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage,” Prejean said. “And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised.”

Looking at blogs and other commentaries, many say Miss California lost the pageant because of her answer to the question. Maybe I shouldn’t be so amazed. It appears the United States has reached a new ‘sinful’ low. We’ve penalized a women for having strong character, who’s wholesome, ethical, and stands on her convictions. It’s amazing that she would be penalized for believing in something that may not be politically correct. To allow someone like Perez Hilton (an outspoken homosexual and blogger) be a judge on a television show that’s supposed to be an example to young women around the country.

I shouldn’t be surprised. Because, soon, it will be illegal to say anything negatively about homosexuality. News reports indicate a vote is looming this week in Congress on a bill that one conservative activist warns would not only silence Christian opposition to homosexuality, but also would legitimize deviant forms of “sexual orientation.” According to OneNewsNow.com A markup vote is expected Wednesday in the House Judiciary Committee on the Local Law Enforcement and Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009.  House Democrats only have to give 24 hours’ notice before the vote.  The measure (H.R. 1913) sponsored by Representatives John Conyers (D-Michigan) and Mark Kirk (R-Illinois) would add homosexuals and transgender people to the list of classes federally protected from so-called “hate crimes.”

Andrea Lafferty, executive director of the Traditional Values Coalition, says the bill is a serious threat to religious freedom.

“Your pastor could be prosecuted for conspiracy to commit a hate crime if it passes and become law,” she warns. “This so-called ‘hate crimes’ bill will be used to lay the legal foundation and framework to investigate, prosecute, and persecute pastors, business owners, Bible teachers, Sunday School teachers, youth pastors — you name it — or anyone else whose actions are based upon and reflect the truth found in the Bible.”

Now, a character on my favorite TV show has got me pretty ticked off. She’s called me and millions of other Americans, racists.  Janeane Garofalo, who plays Janis Gold on the television series 24, says the people who attended tea parties are racists with dysfunctional brains.  Here’s her quote:

“Let’s be very honest about what this is about. This is not about bashing Democrats. It’s not about taxes. They have no idea what the Boston Tea party was about. They don’t know their history at all. It’s about hating a black man in the White House,” she said on MSNBC’s “The Countdown” with Keith Olbermann Thursday evening. “This is racism straight up and is nothing but a bunch of *!(%#!~ rednecks. There is no way around that.”

I am not a racist, but I am opposed to Socialism and government spending MY money like there is no end to it. I am opposed to the president of the United States bowing to the king of Saudi Arabia and giving legitimacy to rouge leaders, i.e. Venezuela and Cuba. I’m also opposed the president giving aid to our enemies by releasing highly classified “Top Secret” documents about interrogation techniques. I’m also tired of hearing Obama apologize to the world for the United States. He’s caving in and it’s hard to stomach that Obama is going to give away part of the United States in order to make him look good. Those kinds of issues aren’t racist. Those are issues that violate the sovereignty our our nation. Obama is trying to re-write the constitution and American history. It’s sad.

Where does that leave us? On our knees before God pleading for mercy. Asking God to bring revival in a nation that’s rejected Him. Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Worship in silence can be moving

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I knew today would be difficult. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Today, I was dreading it.For those of you who know me, I love to sing. Not just to sing, but sing in worship of a Holy God. I really don’t enjoy it otherwise.

But, today was different. Today, I would be worshiping God WITHOUT singing, without talking, without verbally praying and even without whispering. I would be confessing sin, adoring God and praising whoGod is without a voice of any kind.

This is the second time in my life I’ve done this. But, it was a totally different response from my first. 16 years ago I went through a similar situation where I lost my voice and couldn’t participate in worship, but the whole time I kept feeling sorry for myself. Each second was focused on, “What if I never sing again? Will I ever be able to talk with a clear voice? What would happen to my career? God, I don’t understand.”

Today, I only asked that question once. And, the reply I heard was, “Greg, it’s NOT your voice. I gave it to you. I’m the one using it. I’m the one who gave you the idea to sing. I’m the one who gave you that gift. And, I’m the one who CAN and did take it away.” That’s when I said, “You’re right — who am I to say ANYTHING.” So, I spent the remainder of my time in church marveling at how incredible it is that I have a relationship with God at all.

The songs that were selected were ordained by God (as they are every Sunday). But, I sensed they were for me today. Each one made me turn to Christ. Each one reassured me that everything was okay because God is in TOTAL control. He’s not depending and waiting on me. He’s not putting his trust in a doctor’s ability to treat me. In fact, He’s ordained everything.

Then Bible study hour came and I think I may understand why trials come in people’s lives. Let me give you my perspective.

In 2 Peter 1:10 is says, “Therefore, be even more diligent to make your calling (salvation) sure.” In 2 Corinthians 13:5 is says, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” While may say it’s a ‘sin’ to question your faith, the New Testament talks about it more than once. It looks like a command to me. The problem for me is, I really don’t WANT to. I don’t want to test my faith and force myself to question the foundation on which I stand. If I don’t want to, wouldn’t you think God is going to do something to FORCE me to do it?

I think so. I think because I like my comfortable world, God shakes it. He wants to see what I’m made of. He wants to test my faith, I’M suppose to be “diligent in making my calling sure.” He wants me to examine myself as to whether I’m in the faith. When He rocks our world with life changing moments we will either fall on our face before HIM (if we’re in the faith), or we’ll cry out with disgust to Him for making our lives miserable. He wants these moments to be precious times we won’t forget because they’re life changing.

When my friend Dan Cummings was struggling with cancer, I couldn’t understand how he could say his cancer was a blessing from God. I just couldn’t wrap my arms around that. NOW I CAN. I finally see that in Dan’s cancer, he was forced to be closer to God than he’d ever been. He understood that this was a test from God, not to be a mean God, but to put Dan in a position of total reliance on Him.

While my voice problem isn’t ANYTHING like cancer, my lack of voice could have a devastating effect on my career. But, for the first time I can honestly say — “this IS a blessing from God.” If it weren’t for my lack of voice, I wouldn’t have been able to witness one of the most incredible worship services ever. While I shed lots of tears, they weren’t self pity tears. They were tears of utter joy that God loves me so much. Why?  It’s only because of His Amazing Grace.

That’s not to say I won’t get frustrated. I’m human. But, now I understand what’s going on.

Health always seems to change you

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I was asked by several friends to blog about what’s going on with me the last couple of months. So, I guess I will. I don’t typically like talking about myself, but in light of what’s going on and the fact I CAN’T talk for another day and a half, will will.

I’m going to go back to the end of October, 2008. I got a little tickle in my throat which caused a MAJOR cough. It got progressively worse. I was sick with the cough for six weeks. It affected my voice, but not too badly. However, I just couldn’t stop coughing. It was terrible. I finally got back to work just before Thanksgiving. But, a week after Thanksgiving I was pretty much over it.

Fast forward to January.  In the middle of January I got a little tickle and a cough, which got worse. On February 3, I lost my voice. I couldn’t talk well enough to broadcast. I felt like there was something in there…gunk (sorry to be so graphic). I thought I would be okay. That’s happened before. Typically cold or cough related illness I’m hoarse for a while, then it goes away. This time it hasn’t gone away. I have a terrible sounding voice and it’s lasted for almost a month.

On February 3, I went to the doctor. He put me on antibiotics thinking I had an upper resperatory infection. He also gave me some cough medicine. Unfortunately, it didn’t do anything for me. On February 24, I went back to the doctor to find out what we can do. He told me to take it easy — meaning, don’t over use my voice, and referred me to an Otolaryngologist.

On Friday, I met with my doctor. I told him I have a hiatal hernia, which had caused acid reflux before. I was told it created a voice issue with me before. He used a fiber-optic scope to look at my voice. It went in through my nose and went down into my voice. The doctor said my vocal cords looked red and swollen. He said there was damage, but it wasn’t irreversible. He didn’t seem certain about whether or not it was caused by acid reflux or not. He quickly put me on COMPLETE voice rest — no talking or whispering for three days. He also put me on two kinds of meds. One (Astelin) to get get rid of my congestion. I was also given Omeprazole to protect my esophagus from acid reflux.

It’s day two of no speaking. I cheated a little bit just to see if things were getting better. It’s not any better. If anything, it’s worse. So, I stopped making noise, hoping it will improve by the beginning of the week.

I’m trying to be positive about this. If I didn’t NEED my voice this week, I would settle back and wait for what God has for me. Unfortunately, my producer (and backup voice) is off Tuesday and Wednesday. The question is — will God give me my voice back?  It’s not totally gone. I have a voice. But, it sounds like I have laryngitis. It sounds like I’m on the beginning or tail end of a cold, which I’m not.

I have been praying throughout all this that God would use this to bring me closer to Him. I truly want that. But, I also want my voice back. I’m sure you all understand. Unfortunately (or fortunately), this is NOT my timing. It’s not MY way. It’s HIS way. He has me in this situation to bring Him more glory. It’s more of Him. Less of me. I am HIS slave. He chose me, bough me, provides for me, disciplines me, and guides me just as any master does. But, the great thing is that relationship doesn’t end there. He calls me FRIEND. That’s the best relationship to have — a slave with a perfect master. Perhaps I’m going to start talking Monday and my voice is going to be back with no issues. THAT truly would be amazing and totally from God. Or, maybe He’s going to allow me to struggle for months so I’ll seek Him more often.

What ever the case, pray with me that God’s will would be done and that MY will would be overcome.

Greg In Ukraine — IEMF

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I am on my way home from Ukraine, where I covered an historic event. It was the International Evangelical Missions Forum, sponsored by Russian Ministries.

The forum was the first of its kind to address a crisis in the church in the former Soviet countries.

The crisis is difficult to completely explain, but I will try. First, the church is on the decline. There are fewer people attending churches in these nations and it stems from a number of reasons. Many believe it’s because the church is stuck in tradition/legalism and not interested in providing worship that reaches and touches young people. Other suggest restrictions on religious freedom is causing part of the decline. Other suggest the emigration is causing part of the problem. And, yet other say evangelicals aren’t working together — not talking about these issues to help end the negative growth.

This forum saw nearly 200 leaders from many organizations and denominations from many countries in the former Soviet Union and they began talking. While no decisions were made about what to do about these issues, the groundwork was laid to see even more discuss to take place.

I’ve uploaded a short video for you to see what I saw.  Obviously, it’s not professional, but it was fun to do.

Guatemala City Day 1 – October 6, 2008

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MNN/WCSG team gets ready to head to its first stop in Guatemala.

MNN/WCSG team gets ready to head to its first stop in Guatemala.

Today was day one of our Guatemala trip. There are 26 people on the trip, which is made up of Mission Network News and 91.3 WCSG listeners. We all met for breakfast at 8:30am. The hotel we’re staying in is one of the nicest hotels in the area. The owners are Christians and they give Orphan Outreach a great rate. So, we stay here. Breakfast is your typical American breakfast — eggs, bacon, french toast, you name it. It was good. Soon after we ate, we met in the lobby for our first stop. We were split into two groups — group A and group B (original names, I know) and boarded our buses. Much of the bus trip was spent shooting pictures.

A view of the dump from the school/day care center.

A view of the dump from the school/day care center.

We traveled nearly 45 minutes to a dump. That’s right, a dump. The reason? To visit a school Orphan Outreach is supporting NEXT to the dump. Because there’s such poverty, people (many single moms) go through the dump looking for anything of value. They collect it and try to sell it to provide for their families.  They’re street people. In year past mothers would take their children to the dump. But, now, there’s a school/day care center that’s allowing the kids to go to school, while mom works sifting through refuse. They work hours just to find enough ‘stuff.’ We were told it amounted to nothing more than a $1 a day.  A few months ago, there was a collapse in the dump that killed more than a dozen people.

A little girl at the school by the dump.

A little girl at the school by the dump.

The school is actually run by the wife of the Guatemala City’s Mayor, who is a Christian. It’s a government run school, and Christians are welcome. Obviously the children are very happy. The children are dropped off at school/day care every day. They’re cleaned up, put on school uniforms, given a healthy meal, given a good education and they hear the Gospel by either staff members or volunteers from the local church who are actively involved in the ministry. It costs a parent 50-cents a week to put their child in school here.  Since their parents only make about a $1 a day, that’s a significant contribution to helping their kids break the cycle of poverty.

Many Phillips helps this little girl with her lamb puppet.

Mandy Phillips helps this little girl with her lamb puppet.

As part of the trip, we spit up into groups to hold a modified daily vacation Bible school. One group told a story about the lost lamb. Another group did games. Another help kids with a craft. They made lamb puppets out of paper bags. And, the final group did a fun activity like painting the girl’s finger nails, blew bubbles or some of us just took pictures of the kids so they could see themselves. Digital cameras were the best invention when it comes to interacting with kids. Most love getting their picture taken. There was lots of laughter and even a few tears when some came to the realization that ‘school’ was actually the only safe place they had each day. This was the place it all finally ‘clicked’ and got ourselves focused on the task ahead.

From there we went to lunch. Then, we traveled to a girls school. There were 200 girls registered, but only 90 were in school today. We were told that gas prices prohibit these girls from coming to school every day. We did similar activities at the girls school.

Little girls asks to get her picture taken 'alone'

Little girls asks to get her picture taken

Girls jumping rope. First one to 20 wins.

Girls jumping rope. First one to 20 wins.

Little girl gets ready to go home.

Little girl gets ready to go home.

Greg with girls at the school.

Greg with girls at the school.

A Day of Fasting — but for a different reason

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I have published stories about my health in months past and I’m going to be open about my health today as a way ease my fears and perhaps help someone who’s going through a similar experience.

In November I was experiencing unknown dizziness, light headedness, and other symptoms. I went through at battery of tests. The result? The doctors couldn’t find anything (don’t laugh) (Click here to see my journal about that).

Well, tomorrow starts another chapter on my journey through ‘life’ that a good friend calls ‘A journey to The City.’  Don’t get upset — everybody’s on that journey, some are just closer to The City than others. Others have a better idea of how close they are to The City because of the suffering they experience here on earth whether it’s through cancer, heart issues, or persecution.

Ever since April I’ve been having ‘issues.’  It kind of embarasing, actually.  I’ll just say it — I’ve had a pain in my butt and issues passing ‘stuff’ that should be passed. Being the typical man, I just thought it was another ‘phase’ of getting old and that it would pass (no pun intended).

About 6 weeks ago I had a physical and the doctor asked if there were any ‘issues’ and I described them. Thinking he would just say, “That’s a part of getting older,” he didn’t. He said instead, “Hmmm, that’s not good, let’s get you scheduled for a colonoscopy.” So, that’s what I doing tomorrow.

What are the things going through my mind?  A couple of things:

1. I’m concerned that they’re going to find something — cancer. I have a dear friend going through colin cancer right now and he’s struggling. I hate the thought of dying that way.

2. I’m concerned their going to find nothing — which will probably mean more probing and more questions about what’s going on inside my body.

However, spiritually I’m thinking other things.

1. Is this a season God is going to use to lead me to another level in our relationship?
2. Is this a moment of judgment on my life. His way of dealing with sin in my life.
3. Is God using this in my life to help draw my kids to Him. I have a few that aren’t following Christ at all. Maybe this would be His instrument?

I don’t have answers to ANY of these questions, but they are legitimate concerns.

I am sacred, concerned, and anticipating what God has for me.

I’ll let you know.

Summer has been a challenge

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It’s been a while since I’ve written anything, so I thought I would jot a few things down — randomly.

There has been much sickness surrounding me lately. At least it feels that way. I have a dear friend fighting for his life with cancer. Another couple of friends who are also battling cancer and winning. For the first time in my life I’m not feeling very healthy. I had those ‘shock’ things in November. I believe they were stress related. I’ve developed blood clots in my right leg three times this winter. Fortunately, they were nothing serious. And, following a physical, the doctor told me to get another procedure done that shocked me. What does it all mean? I suppose it means I’m getting older. And, I suppose God is trying to remind me who’s in control and who’s working out the plans. NOTHING IS IN MY HANDS.

Our family cottage in Oscoda, MI

Our family cottage in Oscoda, MI

A few weeks ago we spent family vacation at our family cottage in Oscoda, MI — right on Lake Huron. It was great fun. Except, it was eye opening, too. All of our kids were there, except Sarah. Even the grand kids (yes, I have two). But, when you see your kids as adults you begin to wonder things. Right now I’m wondering why they didn’t follow in my footsteps to honor and love God. It’s a very difficult thing for me to think about. Then I remember, I’M NOT IN CONTROL. Also, I don’t always honor God. Many times I let Him down. Despite knowing that, I’m saddened that none of them show much love for Christ anymore.

We got a new puppy!  Yes, I caved to the pressure. We have a

Our new puppy 'Blu' sleeping in my lap at the cottage.

Our new puppy 'Blu' sleeping in my lap at the cottage.

collie and his name is Blu. He’s a blue merle (type of collie).  He’s quite the character. He’s a faker. He’s a pleaser. He loves to chew on sticks. He enjoys chasing leaves. And, it a great tempered little dog.

Last weekend we traveled to Chicago to visit some dear friends. Sergey, Tonya, and Geni Rakhuba. Tonya is having a baby (surprise!!) at 45 years old. Geni (I think) is 20. So, there will be quite the gap between kids. We went to Chicago for Tonya’s baby shower (I didn’t go — Ann did). Sergey and I just ‘hung out’. He let me ride his motorcycle. Now I have the bug. I would really love to get one. I figure I would save about $246 a month is I drove a motorcycle to work every day. That’s quite the savings.

I miss my church family. We’ve been traveling so much this summer that we haven’t been around to attend church. We have a great church body. I don’t know what we’d do without them. I’m looking forward to hearing God’s Word this weekend in my own church.

That’s it for now. I’ll try not have so much time inbetween posts.

It’s getting harder to live

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I can not believe how difficult it is to save money these days. Like many families around the country, we decided to refinance our house a few years ago to take advantage of the lower interest rates. We also figured we’d reduce the number of years we would pay from 30 to 15. We figured it would be tight, but it was good stewardship. We had no idea that gas prices would quadruple in three years.

I wouldn’t say we live paycheck to paycheck, but it’s close. My wife and I put money away for retirement every pay. We have a little bit of a savings account just in a case the car needs repair, or the washer breaks.  But the increasing gas prices are REALLY starting to hurt.

Usually, I have to fill up my gas tank twice a week. That’s $68 a tank. It used to cost $34. I’m finding that I rarely have cash in my wallet, I hardly ever spend money on a pack of gum or other things, because I know that I just don’t have ‘extra’ money floating around — especially when you think gas prices could go as high as $10 a gallon if something interrupts the flow of oil or gas production.  It’s scary.

Since I live 19 miles away from work, I can’t walk. I can’t even really ride my bike. I’ve been looking into buying a motorcycle, but with all the accidents I’m not sure I really want to do that. Plus, motorcycles are actually going up in price because everyone wants one because of the gas prices.

This summer we planned to go up to our family’s cottage on Lake Huron (a four hour drive). Now, we many not do that. We may just stay around home and set up that camper at a nearby campground rather than spend $130 to travel there.

It sad, really. To think that the environmental ‘wackos’ have put the world and especially the United States in such a position to not be able to provide for our energy needs. If we could only start drilling in Alaska, the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, Colorado and other places we’d be able to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Also, why haven’t we built a refinery in 50 years (or however long its been)?  Why is it that we allow these ‘big mouths’ to run our nation.

We as informed Americans need to do something about this NOW — before it’s too late.

As I write this, I also understand that it doesn’t appear the United States is mention in the prophecies in  Revelation. Perhaps we’re closer to the ‘end times’ than we realize.  Perhaps this is why the U-S isn’t mentioned in the end — because we’ve sold ourselves out to foreign oil, environmental nut-jobs and turned a blind eye to immorality. I guess it’s writing on the wall.

“Lord, come quickly!”