Stephen Edgecombe's Posts (53)

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Truth - Is There Such A Thing?

3818712515?profile=originalWhat is truth?  This was the famous question posed by Pilate at the trial of JC.  Interestingly enough, man has been pursuing the answer for thousands of years, mainly because he refuses to accept the answer JC gives.    In fact, modern man has determined that there is no truth or if there is, it is all relative – my truth, your truth, their truth; all have same value. In other words, "It may be true for you but it isn't true for me".

 

The poet Steve Turner  wrote a brilliant parody of this attitude and called it "Creed".  Part of it goes like this:

I believe that each man must find the truth that is right for him.

Reality will adapt accordingly.

The universe will readjust. History will alter.

I believe that  there is no absolute truth excepting the truth that there is no absolute         truth.

 

This paradigm shift from absolute truth flies in the face of The Law of Noncontradiction which I learned in college simply means that if A and B contradict each other then they both cannot be true. In other words, if your religion is true, then mine is false. Or if my religion is true, then yours is false. I would contend that truth does exist and can be known. "Truth is truth whether everyone believes it or no one believes it".

 

Think about this:  Are moral truths relative? If that is the case, how then can there be universal human rights?  

 

Stephen McAndrew’s book, Why It Doesn't Matter What You Believe If It's Not True: Is There Absolute Truth? argues that if there are universal human rights, then moral truths also must be absolute. A relative theory of truth is inconsistent with morally condemning acts of others, no matter how heinous. How could one judge the atrocities committed by Hitler during Second World War ?

Here are a few quotes to consider:

1. Christianity is realistic because it says that if there is no truth, there is also no hope; and there can be no truth if there is no adequate base. It is prepared to face the consequences of being proved false and say with Paul: If you find the body of Christ, the discussion is finished, let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. It leaves absolutely no room for a romantic answer. ― Francis Schaeffer

 

2. Belief doesn't create truth. Unbelief doesn't destroy truth. Christian faith goes beyond reason but not against reason. —Paul E. Little (from, Know Why You Believe)

3. Truth is so obscured nowadays, and lies so well established, that unless we love the truth we shall never recognize it. – Blaise Pascal

So what is TRUTH?  Click here and watch the short video. Then give your feedback. Thanks!

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Marriage in the Balance!

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On Friday, before its summer recess, the Supreme Court handed down its decision on  two most historic and controversial cases of this term  - Prop 8 and DOMA. Both these cases challenged the legal validity, at both the state and federal level, of the traditional definition of marriage.  The ruling on these two monumental cases will have profound impact on the church, the family and society. Traditional marriage is now in the balance. Will it be found wanting by our society and the court?

 

The two cases, United States v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry, are each based on different views of which level of government has the right to define marriage. The challenge to DOMA (Windsor) was based on the claim that marriage is a matter for state rather than federal regulation, while the challenge to Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth) was a challenge to the claim that an individual state can define marriage as between one woman and one man.

 

United States v. Windsor was a direct challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The challenge was not whether there is a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, but rather whether Congress can treat married same-sex couples differently from married heterosexual couples in federal laws and programs.

 

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a federal law that defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman for federal purposes. It restricts federal benefits to that union. The law passed Congress with overwhelming bi-partisan support and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996. Section 3 of DOMA codifies the non-recognition of same-sex marriages for all federal purposes, including insurance benefits for government employees, Social Security survivors' benefits, immigration, and the filing of joint tax returns.

 

In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled that a section of DOMA was unconstitutional and violated equal liberty of persons   protected by the Fifth Amendment. The equal protection violation, according to the Court, arose from Congress' decision denying rights to marriage provided by the state laws of New York. The majority opinion claimed that, "By history and tradition the definition and regulation of marriage has been treated as being within the authority and realm of the separate States.

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Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy said that the “history of DOMA’s enactment and its own text demonstrate that interference with the equal dignity of same-sex marriages, a dignity conferred by the States in the exercise of their sovereign power,” was “the essence” of DOMA. Its “avowed purpose,” he said, was to “impose” a “disadvantage,” “separate status” and “stigma” on those who enter into “lawful” marriages recognized by the states they live in.

In the words of Paul Harvey, "for the rest of the story" visit http://www.steledgemarketing.com. Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

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3818712180?profile=originalLast year The Guardian newspaper carried the story of an outbreak of the exotic Schmallenberg virus which spread to sheep across England and several European countries. It attacked more than 83 farms in England alone. Scientists blame climate change for spread of newly discovered virus, which causes deformed and stillborn lambs and left thousands dead. Animals that contract Schallenberg virus while pregnant have miscarriages, stillbirths or offspring with deformities such as a twisted necks, brain abnormalities or contracted limbs.  The story of these deformed, diseased lambs and reference made to them by a seasoned British politician form the backdrop of this post.


Is there such a thing as objective morality? And if there is objective morality, is it simply obvious to everyone? The answer might depend on the value system espoused by the society in which one lives. A society saturated in a Judeo- Christian understanding of morality will reinforce that understanding among its citizens, even atheists. However, a society without the Christian background will promote and enforce a different understanding of morality.

 

For example, is it right or wrong to murder your children?  An examination of pre-Christian cultures and even cultures today will give the answer.  Ask the mothers in India where it is common to let girls die in preference to boys.  Many people, especially from academia, mistakenly believe that morality is obvious to all and, therefore, there is no need for Christianity, God or the Bible to have a good and civil society. 

 

The problem is our consciences are badly damaged and malleable. The ancient prophet Jeremiah puts it thus: “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out.” Add Apostle Paul’s description:  “Their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened…exchanged the truth of God for a lie… invent ways of doing evil..”(Romans 1:18-22). Paul then speaks of “a seared conscience…” (I Timothy 4:2). Some people I believe even have a dead conscience.

One doesn’t have to go very far to see it on daily display! Check your local or cable newscast today, if you don’t read the newspaper anymore. This anti-thiestic, moral insensitivity dominates our culture. Here is a case to ponder:
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You might recall that British politician, Colin Brewer,  last year said that disabled children should be killed to save taxpayer money. What do you think? Check out the rest of the story here.

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Dreams Within Reach!



 The path between wanting and having is doing. To stop just wanting, and begin having, then start doing.

The greatest, most well-conceived plans are worthless if they're not acted upon. If it's going to happen, someone must make it happen.

 All sorts of outstanding opportunities are open to the person who is willing to take action. Be that person, take that action, with commitment and persistence, and reap the valuable rewards of fulfilling those opportunities.

You don't have to be a world-renowned genius to be smart enough to take action. You don't need anyone's permission to act on your dream.

You must simply do it. Figure out what has to happen and take complete responsibility for making it happen.

Anything you truly desire is within your reach. Simply stand up, lift up your commitment, lift up your spirit, lift up your arms and do precisely that -- reach.

~Ralph Marston~

NOW is the time to TAKE ACTION and make it a GREAT day!

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Hero or Traitor? You Be the Judge!

3818711727?profile=originalThe main news story this past week has been about Edward Snowden, who has become the world most famous spy, whistleblower and fugitive, responsible for the biggest intelligence breach in recent US history.  He leaked the classified information about the National Security Agency’s secret Prism program of spying on Americans and foreigners by gathering information from leading technology companies, including Verizon.  He describes the program as "an architecture of oppression.” Snowden told The Guardian that he leaked the secret information about the National Security Agency because “I can’t in good conscience allow the U.S. government to destroy privacy, Internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building.”

 Snowden flew to Hong Kong from Hawaii, where he worked for a defense contractor at the National Security Agency, the largest spy surveillance organization in the world.  News organizations around the globe have described him as ‘America’s Most Wanted” and some Members of Congress have denounced him as a “defector” and traitor who should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. He has now underground either in Hong Kong or escaped to China. The US Justice Department is now preparing criminal charges against Snowden and is expected request his extradition back to the US for trial.

So is Mr. Snowden a traitor or hero for exposing government spying on its citizen? George Orwell reminds us, “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” We should not forget that some of history’s most significant moments were the results of someone or some group who chose to speak out against wrong at great personal risk, even when it meant “breaking” the law. 

 

So is Snowden a traitor or a hero? Check out the rest of this article at http:://www.steledgemarketing.com.  What risks would you take inside our outside of government to safeguard your principles and beliefs?  Share your views on this issue!

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Take Care of Your Skin With SuperSeven!

 

As we age, we need to give greater attention to the care of our skin. We  need to select  skin care products that will rejuvenate and enhance our skin health. There are numerous expensive products on the market, but they are pretty much useless if we don't combine them with a healthy diet and lifestyle too. Skin care is much more than applying products on the skin. 3818711496?profile=original
Even the most expensive treatments are not necessarily the best for your skin. You have to keep in mind that each of us is unique and what works for one person does not necessarily work for another.

There are some general rules and tips available to guide us.. But most importantly we need to focus on caring for our skin from inside out. Good hydration and a healthy diet are essential - that means lots of water, fruits and vegetables!

 

Add to that regular body movement and exercise to increases the circulation to the skin. This will increases the rate with which oxygen and nutrients are brought to the cells and the toxins and waste are  eliminated.  And don't forget the impact  and importance of a positive outlook on life .

 

Listen to the Proverbs from the wise king Solomon:

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. 7Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8It shall be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones. 

 

Here is a product worth your attention! Great for your skin and general health!3818711599?profile=original

CALORIE FREE, SUGAR FREE, CAFFEINE FREE!

Ingredients:

* Acai – Anti-aging, rich in Anthocyanins and Flavonoids. * Goji Berry – Strong immune support with Cartenoids such as beta-carotene. * Black Cherry – Includes the antioxidant compounds queritrin and iso-queritrin. * Pomegranate – Assist in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and prostate health. * Mangosteen – Contain strong antioxidants called Xanthones, which fight free radicals. * Indian Gooseberry – Enhances microcirculation which can lead to smooth, youthful skin. * Grape Extract – The source of all benefits associated with the popular antioxidant "Resveratrol." * Stevia Extract – A sweetener and sugar substitute.

Usage instructions: Shake Well. Mix one full dropper in 6oz. of water at any temperature. Drink as often as desired.

Servings per bottle: 60

Other ingredients: Vegetable glycerin, purified water, natural flavors, citric acid

 

Get your supply  and other fine health products at https://www.tripleclicks.com/detail.php?item=96613

 

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What if You  Won? 
That is exactly what happened May 18 to 84-year-old Gloria Mackenzie in the small town of Zephyrhills,  Florida.  According to USA Today, It was the largest jackpot ever in the multi-state lottery's history.

For  more than two weeks Ms. Mackenzie  kept the residents wondering and speculating who among them had won the Florida lottery.  Under Florida law, the winner cannot remain anonymous.  Now they know she was the big winner!

 Ms. Mackenzie chose to receive her winnings in a lump-sum payment, worth a  $370.8 million. before taxes.  She did not speak to reporters, but instead released a statement that she was "grateful for this blessing of winning ...and appreciate the interest of the public."

She met her husband just after World War II; the couple retired from northern Maine to Florida more than a decade ago.  He died in 2005, and she's been living in a small home with a sheet-metal roof and an old TV antenna.  Now, after taxes, she will receive about $370.8  million.  What a blessing ! Or is it?

If she uses the money wisely, she'll be an exception to the rule.  The National Endowment for Financial Education estimates that as many as 70 percent of Americans who experience a sudden financial gain often lose that money within a few years.

For example, one couple won $2.76 million; their marriage ended a few years later, a fire gutted their house, and every penny of their fortune was gone.  A man who won $1.9 million spent it all and took a job at McDonald's flipping burgers.  Another man won $16.2 million, but filed for bankruptcy within a year and now lives on food stamps.  Here's the worst story I found: A woman won $5 million, but when her husband learned that she gave $2 million to a secret child she'd had with another man, he poisoned her with painkillers.  He was found guilty of manslaughter.

Oh, the woes of sudden riches!  Yet many long for them. May be the Bible is right when it warns of the dangers of "sudden riches." (1Timothy 6:10;

For another twist in this story visit http://www.steledgemarketing.com and Join a business built on integrity that helps you develop character and realize dreams at http://www.sfi1.biz/12232827

 

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CHEERIOS in the COLOR CLASH!!

 

Well, what do you know?  I  finished a delicious, nutritious bowl of Cheerios, milk and strawberries for breakfast, picked up a copy of USA Today only to find this disturbing story  about a controversial commercial General Mills began airing and featured on  YouTube. Who would imagine that a consumer  brand since World War 2 (1941) would spark a controversy?  But it did!

 

The ad depicts a beautiful, sweet little girl asking her mother if Cheerios is good for the heart . The mother explains that it is. The little girl then pours  a bunch of Cheerios on her sleeping father's chest - believing it would make his heart healthier.  So what's the controversy? The mother is Anglo, the father is African -American and the little girl is mixed.

According to USA Today, the social media response has been "fierce, nasty and unusually racist ...and poisonous." It raises the question of what reality is reflected in such response.  Is it the new reality of the American family and customer colliding with the  old prejudices of a by-gone era?

The ad has attracted more than 1.7 million viewers on YouTube; so Cheerios had to disable the comments section. The company noted : "We are a family brand and not all of the comments were family-friendly."  However, General Mills  is not bending and has no plans to stop airing the ad or to take it down from YouTube.  A company spokesman explained: "There are many kinds of families, and Cheerios celebrates them all."
One marketing expert applauded: "They can't bow to this incredible ugliness and underbelly of hatred. If the father had not been black, it would have been just another  spot."

In the past some have used the Bible to ban interracial marriage, but a careful review of Scripture paints a different picture. In the words of Paul Harvey, "for the rest of the story," visit my blog at http://www.steledgemarketing.com.
 
 
Please share your views on this controversy in the Comment Section below. Come join a team which believes in character (not color), potential and performance.
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Struggling For Hope - No Easy Answer

Most of us have heard the heartbreaking story of the Murnaghan family's struggle to get their 10-year old daughter Sarah a life-saving lung transplant due to her age. Her family wants children younger than 12 to be eligible for adult lungs because so few pediatric lungs are available. Under current policy, only patients 12 and over can join the list. But Sarah's transplant doctors say she is medically eligible for an adult lung.

 

The child has been hospitalized at Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia for three months with end-stage cystic fibrosis. Late on Wednesday afternoon, federal judge, Michael Baylson, issued a ten days temporary restraining order that will allow Sarah to be added to the adult transplant list. The restraining order tells the Secretary of Health and Human Services to cease application of the “Under 12” rule relating to Sarah’s case.

The U.S Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius had refused to bypass existing protocols relating to the case, despite plea from the parents and congressmen.  She called the  transplant decision about this dying Pennsylvania girl with about three to five weeks to live “incredibly agonizing.”. The secretary noted that three other children in the same hospital are just as sick. She told a congressional panel Tuesday that many complex factors go into the transplant-list formula and that medical experts should make those decisions. However, she also called for a review of the pediatric transplant policies.

According to a statement from the Murnaghan family this action by the court will allow Sarah’s name to be placed in the queue based on the severity of her case and not her age.. They noted, "We are experiencing many emotions: relief, happiness, gratitude and, for the first time in months: hope."  

We need to pray for the many ethics committees and medical professionals that must make these decisions every day across the country.  They need our prayers for wisdom and discretion. Theirs is an incredibly difficult task because needs always outstrip availability.

Despite the ruling, Sarah is not guaranteed new lungs, just a chance at getting them. If you faced a similar situation, how would you feel? What action would you take? Would you want the court to intervene in your child’s case or leave the issue to the medical professionals?  Are there ethical issues that should be considered?

 

Come join me in a company where ethics are upheld and personal achievement rewarded and people find hope Click  http://www.sfi1.biz/12232827 or visit http://www.steledgemarketing.com

 

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The Mindset - Class of 2016

In 1998 Tom McBride, professor of English and Keefer Professor of the Humanities and Ron Nief, emeritus director of public affairs at Beloit College developed The Mindset List. They created this "witty" list to provide faculty with a look at the cultural touchstones that shape the lives of incoming freshmen.Published annually by Beloit College, the list has turned into an internationally, monitored guide of the changing worldview of each new college generation. It is requested by thousands of readers, reprinted in hundreds of print and electronic publications, and used for a wide variety of purposes. Its website gets more than a million hits a year. Further, they have published a history book related to the List called The Mindset Lists of American History: From Typewriters to Text Messages.The college class of 2016 were born into the era of cyberspace and measure their performance in bit, bytes, and bauds. They are skeptical of America future and place in the world, they question moral absolutes and doubt the value of a college degree itself in light of current economic climate. They are masters of the electronic media. They use to CDs, DVDs, iPad, iPod, e-readers, MP3 players, tablets and smartphones. Textbooks, and radios are almost obsolete!The list includes 75 references of the Class of 2016. I'll share 20 of them here and you can go here for the rest.For this generation of entering college students, born in 1994, Kurt Cobain, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Richard Nixon and John Wayne Gacy have always been dead.They should keep their eyes open for Justin Bieber or Dakota Fanning at freshman orientation.They have always lived in cyberspace, addicted to a new generation of “electronic narcotics.”The Biblical sources of terms such as “Forbidden Fruit,” “The writing on the wall,” “Good Samaritan,” and “The Promised Land” are unknown to most of them.Michael Jackson’s family, not the Kennedys, constitutes “American Royalty.”If they miss The Daily Show, they can always get their news on YouTube.Their lives have been measured in the fundamental particles of life: bits, bytes, and bauds.Robert De Niro is thought of as Greg Focker's long-suffering father-in-law, not as Vito Corleone or Jimmy Conway.Bill Clinton is a senior statesman of whose presidency they have little knowledge.They have never seen an airplane “ticket.”On TV and in films, the ditzy dumb blonde female generally has been replaced by a couple of Dumb and Dumber males.The paradox "too big to fail" has been, for their generation, what "we had to destroy the village in order to save it" was for their grandparents'.For most of their lives, maintaining relations between the U.S. and the rest of the world has been a woman’s job in the State Department.They can’t picture people actually carrying luggage through airports rather than rolling it.There has always been football in Jacksonville but never in Los Angeles.While still fans of music on radio, they often listen to it on their laptops or replace it with music downloaded onto their MP3s and iPods.Since they've been born, the United States has measured progress by a 2 percent jump in unemployment and a 16 cent rise in the price of a first class postage stamp.Benjamin Braddock, having given up both a career in plastics and a relationship with Mrs. Robinson, could be their grandfather.Their folks have never gazed with pride on a new set of bound encyclopedias on the bookshelf.The Green Bay Packers have always celebrated with the Lambeau Leap.Exposed bra straps have always been a fashion statement, not a wardrobe malfunction to be corrected quietly by well-meaning friends.Lists like this could prove very beneficial to marketers, business, political and civic leaders in knowing the audience/customer they must cater to. Do you know the mindset of your customers, affiliates and associates.Want to realize your dream and maximize your potential? Join me at http://www.sfi1.biz/12232827 or http://www.steledgemarketing.com where training is exceptional and support is unmatched.
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Can You EXCEL At Anything?


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Is it really within our grasp?  Tony Schwartz argues that if we devote our self with sufficient diligence, “it is empowering and inspiring” to believe that we can excel at anything.  

One just has to think of the many movies and stories of inspiring leaders, teachers, coaches and mentors who motivated many undervalued kids to become exceptional performers and achieve unimaginable success.  On the other hand, when we fall short of excellence, it is usually not due to talent but lack of consistent effort.


Schwartz, author of Be Excellent at Anything, in the Harvard Business Review Blog details six ways leaders can fuel and nurture :

1. Ban words like "talented," "gifted," and "special" from your vocabulary which tend to credit people with some unearned potential and suggest others lack equal possibilities. Schwartz suggest  replacing these words with ones like "effective," "determined," "accomplished," "skilled," "persevering," and "masterful," all of which give due credit to effort.

2. Regularly, genuinely, and specifically acknowledge and appreciate people's successes. Encouragement and appreciation are strong motivating factors.

3. Provide constant feedback.  Make is consistent and specific.


4. Encourage and model intermittent renewal throughout the day.

5. Create and protect periods of uninterrupted focus. Measure value

 instead of hours worked.

6. Tie the pursuit of excellence to a larger mission. Provide a compelling reason for people to go beyond their comfort zones.

 

As we seek to build our home based businesses, excellence must be the hallmark of our performance. We must cultivate it in our affiliate relationships, in the products we market and in the customer service we provide.  In the words of Aristotle:

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Let’s ensure we have the will to win, the desire to succeed

and the passion to achieve our full potential – unlock the door to excellence!

“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.” - Booker T. Washington

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Should We Really Legalize Marijuana?

 

                       IT'S     ONLY    WEED!   DOPE!    POT!  

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On my way to work this morning with my boss, we entered into a discussion/debate about the legalization of the "Weed."  It was sparked by the news that  Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper signed a bill yesterday to legalize marijuana in his state.  Nineteen other states have legalized the use of the drug for medical purposes, while ten others are considering similar laws.  However, only Colorado and Washington have legalized the substance for recreational use.

A growing number of Americans are now supporting the decriminalization of marijuana use.  In 1969, only 12 percent of Americans favored legalizing marijuana use, while 84 percent were opposed.  Now 52 percent say marijuana should be made legal, while 45 percent disagree.  So why not lift the ban nationwide?

There are four main arguments put forth in support of legalization:

1.  Decriminalization will relieve the courts of the huge backlog of drug cases for minor offenses which clog the system. Guess the more common the crime, the less we should prosecute !

2.  States will increase tax revenue. If we make such assertion, will it not follow that we should legalize not only marijuana but also heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs

3.  Illegal drug dealers will be put out of business if the ban on marijuana is lifted.  Really? Considering the nature of man, will they not find other popular illegal drugs to exploit and promote?  At the same time, will those who espouse decriminalization not campaign for other drugs to be legalized also?

4. Alcohol is an addictive stimulant and more destructive  but it is legal. Also, tobacco  causes just as much damage and people smoke a whole lot more cigarettes than they ever would joints and it is legal.  The point is that it makes no sense to ban it while allowing for other more potent and addictive drugs.  My mom would say "two wrongs don't make a right!"  Just because alcohol is legal is no reason to legalize other poisons.   Alcohol's toll on society is positively incalculable and mind-boggling - drunk driving accidents, fatalities and injuries, destroyed property,  health care costs, shattered families, domestic violence,  and lost  productivity.   Now we should add another poison  to the mix?   With that logic why don't we just legalize it all......heroin,  cocaine, meth, paint huffing, glue sniffing etc.  Let's just triple society's  problems for no real reason other than so drug addicts can get high and veg out  on the couch.

The medical benefits, the social and moral implications of legalized marijuana as well as the role of government to legislate  behavior  can certainly be debated.  Indeed, it is a free society; but with freedom comes responsibility.     John Klein, political columnist and author and advocate of  legalization of marijuana concedes that: "legalization of marijuana would compound the cascade of society toward  unlimited individual rights—a trend that can be catastrophic if there isn’t a  countervailing social emphasis on personal and civic responsibility. It might  well accelerate the trend toward the couchification of American life; it  certainly would not be a step toward the social rigor we’re going to need to  compete in a global economy."

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Does Scripture address the issue? While there is no mention of marijuana  in the Bible, there are principles which should govern our behavior on questionable issues . First, The Bible forbids intoxication  (Proverbs 23:31-35; Habakkuk 2:15; Galatians 5:21) and teaches us to "be self-controlled" (1Peter 5:8). Even proponents of marijuana usage  encourage users never to drive a motor vehicle while using marijuana. Because when one use marijuana, one is legally intoxicated and  incapable of clear thinking and reasonable reactions.

Second, Apostle Paul  reminded believers  that :"All things are permissible, but all are not beneficial." (1 Corinthians 6:12)  Will legalized "pot" really be beneficial to our families, businesses,  and society?  Will it encourage honest labor, innovation, and personal and civic responsibility?

Third,  We do well to remember the biblical truth: "You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body" (1Corinthians 6:19-20).

Finally, we are commanded to live soberly and godly as we will surely give an account to our creator for things done in the body (1Corinthians 5:10-12)

Whether it's alcohol, tobacco or marijuana,  it all comes down to choosing God or choosing an escape - a plant or a chemical induced temporary escape from a reality we cannot face. Choosing to trust God, relying on Him and seeking His will in our lives is ALWAYS the right answer.  Believe it or not, it is in submission to our Creator and His Word that we find true freedom!

What  do you think?  Please leave your  comments  below:

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A monstrous tornado at least  two and a half-mile wide roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs last week, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds up to 200 mph. At least 24 people were killed, and damages in the millions!

The storm laid waste to scores of buildings in Moore, a community of 41,000 people about 10 miles south of the city. Block after block lay in ruins. Homes were crushed into piles of broken wood. Cars and trucks were left crumpled on the roadside.

In the face of such destructive  tornado last week, there have been many questions and responses. What cause such devastating events? What’s the role of global warming? Is there a divine component? How should we respond?

CNN's Wolf Blitzer  interviewing a survivor of the Oklahoma tornado.  "We're happy you're here.  You guys did a great job," he said to Rebecca Vitsmun, who escaped from her house with her 19-month-old son just before the twister tore through it.  "You've gotta thank the Lord, right?  Do you thank the Lord for that split-second decision?"

Vitsmun hesitated for a moment, smiled, and said, "I—I'm actually an atheist."  Then she added, "We are here, and I don't blame anyone for thanking the Lord."  Huffington Post notes that Blitzer put his foot in his mouth and concludes: "Blitzer would be well-advised not to assume that every interview subject believes in God.  After all, America experienced a 13 percent drop in religiosity between 2005 and 2012."

Adding insult to injury: Fred Phelps Jr. the son of Westboro Baptist Church's pastor draws link between the Oklahoma tornado's devastation and a local team's support for openly gay NBA star Jason Collins. His tweet: "OK Thunder's Durant flips God by praising fag Collins.  God smashes OK.  You do the math."  He later called the tragedy, "God's wonderful wrath in Oklahoma."

This now leaves one to wonder if tornadoes are now headed to all those cities whose sports franchises endorsed Jason Collins. Is there another response a to the Oklahoma tragedy? 
How will you respond?

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