Testing Negative for Stupid

I have been reading John Kennedy’s book, How to Test Negative for Stupid. I find his down-to-earth character refreshing and his quotes amusing: however, I have to comment on a few:  

 

One of his quotes is, “I believe that our country was founded by geniuses, but it’s being run by idiots.”  

     I could not help but laugh. Mr. Kennedy rightly stated this from a humanistic viewpoint, and I am sure he would agree that from a Christian viewpoint, our country was founded and created by God and it is run by God. God can take the decisions made by idiots and turn it to good. I quote Isaiah 40:23, “He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.”

 

Another quote I founded interesting and so true with humans is, “I have the right to remain silent but not the ability.” 

     God gives us some words of wisdom about this in Proverbs 21:23, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”

 

One more quote I would like to make a comparison about is, “I’m not going to Bubble Wrap it: The water in Washington, D. C., won’t clear up until you get the pigs out of the creek.” 

     This is bittersweet humor because it is so true. Throughout the Old Testament, there were few kings who did right in the sight of the Lord. However, there is hope, but the “swamp” may always be there. I place my hope in 2 Peter 3:13, “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.”

 

For what it is worth, if you can find humor at all in government, read the book!  

 

 

 

 

Book Review on "Confronting The Presidents"

My Book Review on Confronting the Presidents

 

I have never been a history buff and did not think I wanted to read the book my neighbor offered, but I thought, “Why not? At least skim through it!” So, I accepted the book and began reading. I found I could not put it down. 

     Confronting the Presidents by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard was fascinating! It was not overridden with government policy but, rather, shared personal likes and dislikes- what their preferences were for meals, work, social status, etc. 

     I found that George Washington did not attend his demanding mother’s funeral nor pay for her headstone. I found that President Benjamin Harrison and his family were so afraid of the first installation of electric lighting in the White House that they hired a man whose only job was to turn the lights on and off. They were afraid of being electrocuted! Franklin Roosevelt won four terms in office before the 22^nd Amendment, making it illegal to serve more than two terms, was passed. There were some Presidents who rose out of poverty while others were born into wealth. There were some who were discipled and others not so much. Some Presidents cheated on their wives and others were drunks. Many made it through their terms because of support from their spouses, and the portrayals of the wives was interesting, as well.

     All in all, Confronting the Presidents is kind of like reading People Magazine. I recommend it!

 

      

Book Review

     I just finished reading a book entitled The Cross and The Switch Blade, by David Wilkerson, first published in 1962.  It was a profound, powerful, true story of a preacher who went to New York to work among the street gangs and addicts. If there is ever a doubt that God works, this story will change your mind.   

     In one of the final chapters, a converted street gang member, turned minister, gave a talk about ten spiritual gifts received when a person turns their life over to Christ. I list them here for my own reference:

 

Power-Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”

Comforter – John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Protection – Acts 16:6 “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.”

No longer hounded by the mind of the flesh-Ephesians 2:3-6 “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts…But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…by grace you have been saved…”

Have Life- 2 Corinthians 3:6 “…the Spirit gives life.”

Living with Spirit of Truth- John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…”

Access to the Father- Ephesians 2:18 “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

Hope- Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Liberty- 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Overpowering Experience- Acts 10:44 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.”