Which of our great Presidents utter these words in their inaugural address?

“And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe–the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.”

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

“We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

Democrat or Republican? Liberal or Conservative?

Timeless thoughts and sentiments from a great American President.

“It’s through terrorism that the people who have committed this terrible act express their values and it’s right at this moment that we demonstrate ours.

I think we all know what they are trying to do. They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us, to frighten us out of doing the things we want to do, to try to stop us going about our business as normal as we are entitled to do, and they should not and must not succeed.

When they try to intimidate us, we will not be intimidated, when they seek to change our country, our way of life by these methods, we will not be changed. When they try to divide our people or weaken our resolve, we will not be divided and our resolve will hold firm.
We will show by our spirit and dignity and by a quiet and true strength that there is in the British people, that our values will long outlast theirs.

The purpose of terrorism is just that, it is to terrorise people and we will not be terrorised.”

Mr. Blair your unwavering leadership would make Winston Churchill proud. The British people are most fortunate to have you as their leader. We are proud as Americans to stand with such a courageous people. May our God watch over and protect the good citizens of England.

“The Gitmo Award” hands down goes to Madonna for her performance at Live 8 this past Saturday. We thank you for giving us material that we can use to torture the Gitmo detainees. Your performance can only be described as ear drum splitting…as such it can be employed quite handily to break these terrorists and gain useful information to protect America.

Madonna…just one word for you…”Retirement”. You might want to give it a thought. In place of that…perhaps a vow of silence. Anyway…thanks for the material…and congratulations!

The time is fast approaching when President Bush will be naming a nominee to replace Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the Supreme Court. Also a good chance that Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will be announcing his retirement shortly.

With this in mind…I was perturbed when I heard the President Bush tell conservative Republican supporters to hush and “tone down the heated rhetoric” about potential judicial nominees.

Mr. President I respect you greatly. I supported your campaign, I gave money and I voted for you because I have confidence in you and your values. While what you do as President is of great and lasting importance…in some respects it pales in comparison to the impact you will make on our country with the appointments you make to the Supreme Court. We were motivated to go out and battle and win the election in large part because the nominations that will be made to the Supreme Court. That’s why we won!

So now is not the time to be quiet. Now it the time to speak out…not only to you, but to our Senators and Representatives, the main stream media…and the American public. We need to make know what type of judicial appointment we want and why.

If by rhetoric you mean name calling and loud, ineffective, exaggerated dialogue…I agree. But it is necessary that we put together an intelligent and persuasive argument to combat the lies and pressure that will come from the left and their mouthpiece, the main stream media.

Mr. President…what we want is for you to keep your campaign promises. To appoint a person, based on the education, experience and a track record, that has demonstrated they will make judicial decisions based on the Constitution.

We don’t want another Justice who thinks the Constitution is a living, breathing, changing document. One that says we should take in account world opinion…and what is right today may change depending on society and how it changes tomorrow.

Instead we want a Justice who is rooted and grounded in the Constitution. One that doesn’t read rights into the Constitution that aren’t there. One that respects States rights…and the rights of individuals…when it’s not otherwise addressed in the Constitution.

In other words…Mr. President…we want you to fulfill your campaign promise to nominate someone who is a constitutional conservative…in the mode of a Scalia or Thomas.

You can be certain that you will be vilified in the press…but that’s when you need to take the case to the American public. Ask them to contact their Senators and Representatives and let it be known what they want.

The battle will be ugly Mr. President. I am confident of that…because I’ve already seen an unrestrained Senate unable and unwilling to put forth a balanced rational argument and then vote.

So gear up and get ready for battle Mr. President. Please know that the American public who hold conservative values stand with you and will back you. But that also means that you must not back down and not give an inch.

Hold the line!

The numbers listed below are taken from the State Departments list…showing significant terror incidents from 1961 to 2003. This is not a full, detailed and comprehensive list..it is brief overview. Yet the numbers are stunning:

Number of Significant Terror Incidents – 245

Number of Persons Kidnapped – 3,379

The word injured doesn’t even begin to convey the extent of people’s injuries. The word kidnapped is inadequate to describe the torture and what these people endured while being imprisoned by these monsters. These numbers are taken from “significant terror incidents”. What about all the other “minor” terror incidents?

When do we say enough, no more, that’s it…now you are going to pay the ultimate price? I say today is that day!

I awake this morning to images and reports of Islamic terror in London. Terror that has claimed more lives and caused injury to 100’s.

And I stand back and wait…I wait to hear Islamic citizens, good decent, and God fearing Islamic believers around the world to speak out, cry out and condemn these acts of terrorism by members of Islam.

I charge you; I implore you to speak out now!

Yet I know…there will only be silence from Islamic leaders and believers against these monsters. Why do I know that…because in all these years…I can’t recall one time in which an Islamic leader loudly, resoundingly spoke out. I can’t recall one incident in which Islamic believers in mass cried out against the terrorists. Never once. YOUR SILENCE IS DEAFENING!

These are my charges against you:

Munich Olympic Massacre, September 5, 1972
Entebbe Hostage Crisis, June 27, 1976
Iran Hostage Crisis, November 4, 1979
Assassination of Egyptian President, October 6, 1981
Assassination of Lebanese President, September 14, 1982
Bombing of U.S. Embassy in Beirut, April 18, 1983
Bombing of Marine Barracks, Beirut, October 23, 1983
Temple Seizure, June 5, 1984
Assassination of Indian Prime Minister, October 31, 1984
TWA Hijacking, June 14, 1985
Air India Bombing, June 23, 1985
Achille Lauro Hijacking, October 7, 1985
Egyptian Airliner Hijacking, November 23, 1985
Berlin Discothèque Bombing, April 5, 1986
Downing of Airliner, November 29, 1987
Pan Am 103 Bombing, December 21, 1988
Bombing of UTA Flight 772, September 19, 1989
World Trade Center Bombing, February 26, 1993
Attempted Assassination of President Bush by Iraqi Agents, April 14, 1993
Hebron Massacre, February 25, 1994
Saudi Military Installation Attack, November 13, 1995
Egyptian Embassy Attack, November 19, 1995
HAMAS Bus Attack, February 26, 1996
Khobar Towers Bombing, June 25, 1996
Israeli Shopping Mall Bombing, September 4, 1997
Yemeni Kidnappings, October 30, 1997
Tourist Killings in Egypt, November 17, 1997
U.S. Embassy Bombings in East Africa, August 7, 1998
Attack on U.S.S. Cole, October 12, 2000
Manila Bombing, December 30, 2000
Bus Stop Bombing, April 22, 2001
Tel-Aviv Nightclub Bombing, June 1, 2001
HAMAS Restaurant Bombing, August 9, 2001
Suicide Bombing in Israel, September 9, 2001
Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Homeland, September 11, 2001
Attack on a Church in Pakistan, October 28, 2001
Suicide Bombings in Jerusalem, December 1, 2001
Shooting Incident in Israel, January 17, 2002
Kidnapping of Daniel Pearl, January 23, 2002
Numerous Suicide Bombing in Israel 2002
Hostage Rescue Attempt in the Philippines, June 7, 2002
Bombing at the Hebrew University, July 31, 2002
Car Bomb Explosion in Bali, October 12, 2002
Chechen Rebels Seize a Moscow Theater, October 23-26, 2002
Bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, August 19, 2003:
Rocket Attack on the al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad, October 26, 2003
Wave of Car Bombings in Baghdad, October 27, 2003
Attacks on Other Coalition Personnel in Iraq, November 29-30, 2003

This is quite an extensive list, isn’t it? This is just some of the terrorist incidents I recall over the years. You should see the full list yourself…and it only goes up to 2003. Yet it continues, and goes on and on and on.

Through all this…I can not recall one time in which Islamic leaders or ordinary Islamic citizens speak out against and condemn these terrorists.

Why? Are you afraid for your own safety and lives? Do you not care? Or do you quietly support these acts? Are you a silent partner? Or do you openly support the terrorists? Which is it?

I recall quite clearly the images of Palestinians celebrating the terror of September 11th.

We will fight these terrorist and destroy them. However…until such time as you speak out against them, take away their support, not offer them the platforms in your mosques to spew forth hatred, undercut their support at every level, the acts of terror will continue. And there will remain the question as to why you are silent. I call on Islamic citizens to publicly condemn these acts or terror and the terrorists.

Since 1972 I’ve seen images of terror, death and destruction perpetrated by Islamic fundamentalist terrorists. Yet…fellow Islamic believers remain silent. At what point are you going to speak out?

You think they won’t turn against you? Why don’t you ask Iraqi citizens who just want to build a better life…and are murdered in the process. These terrorists want to give your life, your all, for their cause. They will come after you next. Being Islamic will not give you a pass with the terrorists.

I beg of you, I implore you…Islamic citizens…now is the time for you to speak out against the Islamic terrorists. Undercut every bit of their support. Let them have no place to turn, no safe haven, and no financial support. If you are decent, if you are God fearing…there is no other option.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

To the British citizens…we American’s stand beside you at this time…and we will fight with you as these terrorists are hunted down and destroyed. May the Lord keep you, comfort you and protect you at this time and always.

When I saw Gayle yesterday…she was very alert..bright and chipper. She was having a very good day. By time I got there she had finished her lunch. More often than not…she’s playing with her food, pushing it around on the plate or taking a bite…and playing chipmunk by hiding it in her cheek.

Jennie…one of the nurses said that earlier that morning Gayle had been crying because she thought I hadn’t been to see her in a long time. But when I questioned her…she recalled I had been there the past Sunday.

We did our usual movie watching. I put on the movie Jaws…a really good movie for summer time…and especially around the 4th of July. When I showed Gayle the DVD cover…I asked her what the picture was of. She wasn’t sure…but kept referring to it a horse…the monster in the ocean that eats people. Just the thought of that…the image that comes to mind…makes me laugh.

That’s actually one of the positive things with Alzheimer’s. If you are willing to loosen up a bit…it surely does have it humorous moments. Those moments to help to lighten the load a bit.

All in all…Gayle likes it at Brighten Gardens…and for the most part I think the staff likes her. Now she surely does have a mouth that can not be restrained…and comes out with some doosies. But compared to how difficult some of the other patients are…it’s minor. Some of them are physically violent to the staff…when they are just trying to help them get up, clean up or go to the bathroom. I wouldn’t have the patience to work with them.

By time the movie was over…Gayle was anxious to have me leave…and said, “Don’t you want to go home now?”. And indeed I did…and it was nice to know that I could leave without her it being an ordeal.

My beloved Pastor
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
Powerfully transformed
A walking, living, breathing sermon

Firsthand knowledge of the Power of God
The Word of God
The enabling power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within

Powerful love for his Lord and Savior
For his congregation
For a lost and dying world

Grateful for each day
Using the gifts from God
Selfless, Giving and Caring

Courageous sacrifice
Radically committed
Poured out like a drink offering

Outward beauty and strength that is fading away
Inward beauty, character and strength
Growing stronger and deeper day by day

Straight shooter
Steady aim
Sharp unwavering focus

Focused on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal rewards to come
Looking forward to hearing those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

By Susan Bunts – July 3, 2005

This poem is my attempt to capture, to put into words, what it’s been like over the past few years…and each week to witness my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski as he is fully trusting in God and obedient to Him while immersed in desperate circumstances. My heart breaks as I see Chuck’s physical health continue to decline. To a world focused solely on the outward appearance…they will not see the immeasurable beauty that I see as I behold Chuck. While his outward beauty fades, it is being replaced with inner beauty of his soul that can never be taken away. I covet your continued prayers for Chuck and Linda.

The Cross and the Palm 

Make your path straight, straight to heaven!

Chuck Obremski 7/3/05

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon 7/3/05 – (Revelation 21:1-22:5)

There will be a new heaven and a new earth. A new Jerusalem. Man will have a new nature, one without sin. God will be the focal point this new universe. Heaven is more real than anything we are convinced exists today.

In the King James translation Heaven is found 551 times. Kingdom of Heaven – 41 times. Kingdom of God – 92 times.

In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about being caught up into the third heaven. The first heaven is our earth’s atmosphere. The second heaven is stellar space…sun, moon, planets and other universes. (2 Cor 12:4 – 4 Paul was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell.)

(see Genesis 1:14-18 and Psalm 19)

Psalm 19:1-2
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

Heaven…Paradise…the place where God dwells. (Psalm 115:3, Psalm 14:2, Psalm 103:19, Revelation 12, Rev 19:1)

1. Heaven is a city built by God Himself and the place where God the Father dwells. (Rev 21:2, 10)

City built by God. Place where God the Father dwells. God is preparing a place for us…for you and me. It’s comforting to know that God is not subcontracting this out. (Heb 11:16, John 14:2)

2. Heaven is a city of enormous size and beauty. (Rev21:11)

Enormous size and dimension.

Dimensions (Rev 21:16-17) – 1500 miles wide, high and tall. (Aren’t you glad you won’t have to wait for an elevator in heaven. Just imagine if some gets on and pushes all the buttons.)

Will be able to accommodate everyone. You will be able to come and go as you please. We’ll be able to see what we can’t see from an earthbound perspective.

Description (Rev 21:18, 23 and Rev 22:5) – Pure gold…like pure glass. Twelve foundations made of precious gem stones. Twelve gates…each one gigantic pearl.

Sometimes people get hung up on the details like this…asking how big of an oyster would it take to make a pearl as big as a gate. God doesn’t need an oyster to create a pearl.

3. Heaven is the place from which the Messiah came into the world, the place to where He ascended and the place from which He shall return. (John 3:13, 31; John 6:33, 38, & 51; Acts 1:9-11, 7:55-56, 1 Thes 4)

Don’t you want to get directions from someone who has been there and done that?

4. Heaven is the place where rewards will be distributed to faithful believers. (Matt 5:10-12 and 2 Cor 5:10)

The place where rewards will be given for the believers. The place where we’ll have to give an answer for the work that we’ve done after receiving Christ.

5. Heaven is a city for believers only. (Rev 21:6-8 and 22:14-15)

Heaven is a place exclusive to the people of God. That is why the problems of this world will not be seen, felt or touched in heaven. We won’t have to worry about the things we do here on earth.

Heaven is for believers only. More than just those who profess belief. (Matt 5:20, Matt 7:13-14) Enter through the narrow gate. Be humble before God and repent of your sins.
Confess your sins…contrite. Jesus paid the fee…only way to inherit admittance. Born again. Nicodemus came at night and asked. Must be born again. Confess your sins before God. Washed with the water and the Spirit. By the will of God, not by human effort.

Jesus the Son of God was sent to save us, not condemn us. The world was already condemned.
If you die today, will you be in heaven? Or will you be condemned to hell for eternity? Understand the importance of making the right decision.

Make your path straight, straight to heaven!

Chuck & Linda Obremski 7/3/05

Immeasurable Beauty

My beloved Pastor
Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
Powerfully transformed
A walking, living, breathing sermon

Firsthand knowledge of the Power of God
The Word of God
The enabling power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within

Powerful love for his Lord and Savior
For his congregation
For a lost and dying world

Grateful for each day
Using the gifts from God
Selfless, Giving and Caring

Courageous sacrifice
Radically committed
Poured out like a drink offering

Outward beauty and strength that is fading away
Inward beauty, character and strength
Growing stronger and deeper day by day

Straight shooter
Steady aim
Sharp unwavering focus

Focused on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the eternal rewards to come
Looking forward to hearing those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

By Susan Bunts – July 3, 2005

This poem is my attempt to capture, to put into words, what it’s been like over the past few years…and each week to witness my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski as he is fully trusting in God and obedient to Him while immersed in desperate circumstances. My heart breaks as I see Chuck’s physical health continue to decline. To a world focused solely on the outward appearance…they will not see the immeasurable beauty that I see as I behold Chuck. While his outward beauty fades, it is being replaced with inner beauty of his soul that can never be taken away. I covet your continued prayers for Chuck and Linda.

A Proverbs 31 Woman – Linda Obremski
Linda is a living example of the woman in Proverbs 31…she is a genuine treasure indeed.

The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Steven Curtis Chapman

Big thumbs up for Steven Curtis Chapman’s recent release of “Abbey Road Sessions – The Walk”. Some of Steven’s best songs re-recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London England. He’s never sounded better. Additionally you get The Walk DVD…highlighting Steven’s work over the past 10 years.

Christians are most blessed to have the encouraging and faith building music of Steven Curtis Chapman.

After attending the funeral of my friend Hugo…I am reminded that believers who remain here on earth…have not yet reached their destination…and are not home yet.

Hugo…may your homecoming be a blessed one.

To all the travelers
Pilgrims longing or a home
From one who walks with you
On this journey called life’s road
It is a long and winding road

From one who’s seen the view
And dreamt of staying on the mountains high
And one who’s cried like you
Wanting so much just to lay down and die
I offer this, we must remember this

We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
Not home yet

So close your eyes with me
And hear the Father saying, welcome home
Let us find the strength
In all His promises to carry on
He said, I go prepare a place for you
So let us not forget

We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet
We are not home yet
Keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet

I know there’ll be a moment
I know there’ll be a place
Where we will see our Savior
And fall in His embrace
So let us not grow weary
Or too content to stay
‘Cause we are not home yet
We are not home yet
Not home yet
So let us journey on

We are not home yet
We are not home yet
keep on looking ahead
Let your heart not for get
We are not home yet
Not home yet

Happy 229th Birtthday Amercia! 

Psalm 33:12-22

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you

We frequently hear the phrase “God Bless America”. And indeed I do hope and pray that my great God and Savior Jesus Christ will bless my beloved country.

I also ask my fellow countrymen do you bless God?

I am most fortunate and blessed by God to be an citizen of the United States of America. I believe that I have been chosen by God twice. Once to be His child and saved by His loving grace. Secondly I feel I have been blessed to be an American. Thank you God…for my beloved country.

I wish the United States of America…and my fellow citizens a Happy Birthday…as we celebrate our 229th Independence Day!

“America Bless God!”

With the recent death of my friend Hugo…and seeing my beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremski in his ongoing battle with cancer…I’m more cognizant that each day that we are given, is a gift from God.

Not too along ago when Chuck began his recent series “Living Life in the Light of Eternity” we prayed that God would grant Chuck the time to preach the message which God had laid upon his heart. God has been faithful and merciful and answered our prayers abundantly. He has given him the strength each week…to preach a powerful message from His Word. Chuck in turn has been obedient to God and faithful to use the gifts God has given him.

Each day is gift from God. None of us is granted another hour…much less another day. We should examine ourselves and ask, what am I doing with the gifts that God has given me? Am I faithful and obedient to do that which He has asked me to do? Do I seek His will and plan for my life? Am I doing that which is pleasing to God?

While none of us is guaranteed another day here on earth, each one us can receive that guarantee of an eternal future secure in heaven…with God our Father…His Blessed Son and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

As you lay your head on your pillow tonight…ask yourself if your eternal future is secure? If not…remedy that right now…and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The Lover of your soul…has gift waiting just for you.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;’
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.