Changing Life

Over the last couple of months I have been working super hard to launch two new businesses.  Never before in my life have I felt as close to my destiny then I do right now.  Both businesses I have are geared toward helping others.  Not just financially, but also spiritually, relationally, metally, etc.  People are in despite need of hope in today’s world and I believe that what God is doing not only in my life but also through these business opportunities is allowing me to help change people’s lives.

I believe that the greatest awakening America has ever seen is riht around the corner.  However, I don’t think it will happen in the four walls of any church, but in the market place where the need is the greatest.  People in this country have been promised many things over the last several years like hope and change, but all that they keep getting is the same worn out lies of those who are running our nation into ruin.  Our True and Only hope is Jesus.  When we as the Church will take the commands of Christ to be the salt and light in the market place seriously, only then will we see the power structers change in this country.

Only when we really come to the table not looking for a hand out but a hand up will we really see God move.  Laziness is not what we need in this nation right now.  We need people who will speack the truth, even when others call you crazy.  We need people that will not jump on every fad that the world has to offer.  We need people that will step out into the market place and risk everything to bring change and true hope.  We need people that will die for the cause of Christ when others are sitting back playing games.  We need people that will stand up to the evils facing us as a nation and as the Body of Christ and fight againt it with everything they got, even when other Christians get angry because they are blind to the nature of our enemy.

Christ has called us to let, “His will be done and His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”  Only when we will be strong and unafraid of the backlash will we see God’s Spirit move in Revival. Many of the things taking place in the Church today are nothing more then lies to enslave people.  Preaching s soft, seeker sensitive gospel is NO gospel at all.  Jesus was offensive!!  Jesus pissed people off!  Jesus didn’t play this game we are playing in the Church today.  His command is either follow Him and repent, or be destroyed!!  Life or Death!  What will you choose?  until next time.

 

Much love,

Shawn

Because I have to! Part 2

As many of you know I have had a lot of people comment on my Facebook page concerning my politics and my support of the Libertarian Party.  Because of this I am going point by point dealing with the party platform.  This is part 2.

 

1.1    Expression and Communication

“We support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation or control of communications media and technology. We favor the freedom to engage in or abstain from any religious activities that do not violate the rights of others. We oppose government actions which either aid or attack any religion.”

 

This one is really pretty simple.  We believe that you have full freedom of expression.  If you want to “express yourself” then feel free to do so (even if it makes you look stupid).  We also oppose the government censorship, regulation, and control of ALL media outlets.  The government MUST NEVER have control of the free press or any media outlets, as history shows that most governments use it for propaganda.

We also believe that it is your right to either participate in religious activities or not.  Government cannot demand your religious involvement. We are against the government attacking or aiding any religion as that would be making the government favor one religion over another.

Where I stand on this is that our country was founded on Christian principles so we will abide by those principles but the government must NOT favor one religion over another with the result being persecution of that religion and it’s members.  After the 9/11 attacks many Muslims were purposefully persecuted by the government just because they were Muslim.  This is not right.  If someone of a certain religion commits a crime, that person is held responsible, not the religion as a whole.

 

1.2    Personal Privacy

“We support the protections provided by the Fourth Amendment to be secure in our persons, homes, and property. Only actions that infringe on the rights of others can properly be termed crimes. We favor the repeal of all laws creating “crimes” without victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes.”

 

This one is going to cause another outbreak of comments and that’s fine.  I am a person who supports total freedom so I hold to the view that the Forth Amendment should be held as law!!  What people do privately (as long as they are not hurting another person) is NONE of the governments business.  That includes but is not limited to: drug use, personal sexual preferences, alcohol consumption, etc.  What a person does in private is none of the governments business for any reason besides real criminal activity involving the destruction, theft, and damage of property, and hurting another person.

(The reason I keep bringing up the fact of a crime being, “hurting another person,” is because for 1) it’s what the Constitution calls a crime.  And 2) if I don’t someone is bound to say I support things like child molestation, sex trafficking, etc)

 

1.3    Personal Relationships

“Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the rights of individuals by government, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.”

 

Of course this one is going to piss people off but I understand that, and that’s fine.  However, I must stand by the fact that a GOVERNMENT cannot demand a person be straight.  If you would like to be homosexual, you have that freedom in this nation.  Of course you will have to live with that choice and it’s problems but you have the freedom.  However, it should be noted that I am not for homosexuals demanding that their lifestyle be promoted but government, made acceptable to others but force, etc.  This is a two way street.  You cannot demand people not live a certain way, and you cannot demand that people accept your choice!

I believe the key quote here is the following:

“Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.”

Religious institutions that every right to condemn certain lifestyle choices without persecution from government because those practicing that lifestyle don’t like it.  Like I said it goes both ways!!

 

1.4    Abortion

“Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.”

 

Concerning abortion you will find that this is where the Libertarian Party is not honest with itself.  I think that because abortion is such a hot button issues the party has left it to the candidates to choose their position on the issue.  Here is mine:

The Constitution guarantee’s the right to LIFE.  Abortion is murder plain and simple.  Abortion would be overturned in a day if we abided by the Constitution.

 

For now that’s what I have.  I will be posting more here concerning these issues.  Until next time.

 

Much love,

Shawn

 

 

Christopher Walken Sings Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Because I Have To!!

Because of the recent controversy over some of my personal political stands, I thought it necessary to go point by point and address the Libertarian Platform and why I support it.  So here goes:

Personal Liberty

Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. No individual, group, or government may initiate force against any other individual, group, or government. Our support of an individual’s right to make choices in life does not mean that we necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices.

I personally believe that the only person who knows how to run your life, is you!!  The government should not demand that you live a certain way, act a certain way, believe a certain way, etc..  I believe in the midst of that though that you are personally responsible for the actions you take and the consequences that may come of your decisions.  Freedom is for all people so that they can live life on their terms.  No person, government, or group, can demand you to do something that is either, not what you want to do, or something you do not believe in.

Many people have asked me how I can believe this way and still be a Christian (actually what people have said is that I can’t believe this way and still be a Christian).  The answer is very simple really.  All throughout scripture God allows humans free will.  God does not make people obey Him or His laws.  Are there consequences for those actions?  Of course.  But no where do you find God making people obey Him.  Are His laws true?  Yes!  Are His laws just?  Yes!  However just because they are the way we “should” live does not give us the right in a free society to make people live according to our belief systems.  The 1st Amendment gives us the right to speak freely, petition the government for grievances, the right to peaceably assemble, the freedom of the press to not be controlled by the government, the freedom that the government will NOT make you follow any religion, and the right for you to practice your religion freely without persecution.  So why do we think it’s okay to MAKE people follow are systems of thought if they chose not to?  If Christians want to see God’s laws (which are the foundation of our already existing law structure) followed how does making people follow them by force really help the cause of the Gospel?  I meet so many Christians who don’t understand that America is based on Judeo-Christian principles already and our country allows for those who desire freedom to come here and live free.  Only a country founded on these principles allows for a free nation.  However, because of the way our system is set up, it also allows for those that may not believe or live like we do to live free also.  That is the true nature of freedom.  Freedom is allowing another person to live how they desire without another controlling them to do as they see fit.

Many believe that everything is black and white, and while I agree with that in some matters of theology, in matters of law and civil society there is much more grey then we like to admit.  Until next time.

Much love,

Shawn

Shawn’s Updates

*  Our National Launch for Enlyten is coming up this weekend and I can’t wait!!  It’s gonna be HUGE!!

*  The Saints are 6-0!!!  Can you say, Superbowl?!

*  Congrats to my friends The Geedings as they found out that they are going to be parents!!  The one bad thing is that poor child is going to grow up and be a Cowboys fan……please be in prayer for this great family!!

*  Got one business up and running.  Working on two more!!  I love finding ways to make money.  I love even more having the chance to give to the building of Christ’s Kingdom.

*  I think I could convert to Catholicism.  Well, the charismatic kind.

*  I would gladly torture and hide the body of those behind the sex slave industry.

*  I know what you are thinking, “Vengence is the Lord’s.”  Well, I must be about my Father’s business!!

*  Love studing American and Church History!!

*  I was born to start new businesses and help plant Churches.

*  I was thinking about my time in the Pensacola Revival in the late 90’s……..that was a great time in my life!!

*  I have been getting a load of heat for some of my Libertarian views lately!!  Some people just don’t get it.

*  I love the fact that when you know what you believe and why you believe it you are called arrogant by those that disagree with you…….odd.

*  Looking forward to the New Year!!

*  I think sometime after the new year I’m going to start a podcast.

*  Socialism is satanic!!

*  I went to Mass today.  It was great.

 

Until next time.

 

Much love,

Shawn

My thoughts on Porn and Human Trafficking

Lately I have been catching a lot of heat for some of my comments on earlier blogs as well as on my twitter page concerning porn and human trafficking.  For some reason people are coming to the conclusion that I am a supporter of the porn industry, which in turn leads me to be a supporter of human trafficking.  Let me clearly state, I DO NOT SUPPORT THE PORN INDUSTRY OR HUMAN TRAFFICKING!!!!  Both of these things are destructive and damaging to people, families, children, etc.  I in NO way endorse any activity of people involved in either industry!!

What I have said is that we as a nation CANNOT make laws that make criminals out of people who are doing things that we disagree with.  (For some reason this is where everyone stops when reading my blog and email me how I am supporting porn, human trafficking, etc.)  People who watch or look at porn in their homes are NOT criminals!!  They are sinners in need of salvation, but not criminals.  However, people who use, abuse, sell, rape, etc. other people  for sex and human trafficking ARE criminals and MUST be dealt with!!  This is were reason must be our guide.  We as a nation for the most part are Christian (I believe the stat is something like 84% of people claim Christianity as their religion in this nation).  However, what we as Christians tend to do is try and outlaw things we think are sins or things we disagree with.

Take for example, gambling.  Honestly, I see absolutely nothing wrong if someone wants to go and spend money at a casino.  As a matter of fact just last year I won $300 dollars playing poker in Las Vegas!!!  I loved it!!  I had fun and enjoyed those I played with.  Did I spend all my life savings?  No.  But I did have fun.  Should gambling be outlawed because some people can’t handle the ability to play a game?  No!  People are vested with personal responsibility.  It’s a gift from God and MUST be used in order to live a wise life that doesn’t hurt other people.

Back to porn.  Should porn be outlawed?  I think if we as a nation got to the root of what porn really is then we would probably see that porn is a more then just sex for entertainment.  People are being raped, hurt, and destroyed by what the producers of porn are doing to them.  However, there is more to it then that.  Most people in porn are addicted to drugs that producers are providing.  So what we really have is a criminal organization promoting one business in public when in reality the real business is drugs, money laundering, human trafficking, etc.  So does that make those who look or watch porn criminals.  I would say no.  What needs to be done is to get the word out on what porn is doing to those involved.  There are GREAT organizations like, The Pink Cross Foundation, XXX Church, Trafficking Hope, Tigers Against Trafficking, and The A21 Campaign, that are getting the word out on what’s really going on behind the scenes.  People perish because of a lack of knowledge, which means they don’t really know what’s going on!!  I would love to see Women’s rights groups screaming at those in Washington to look into what is really going on behind the scenes.

I love the above picture because it says what I am trying to say and what I think others are trying to say as well.  The reason we are seeing human trafficking and porn become such a big problem is because the Church is NOT talking about it.  We as the Body of Christ must address the issues even when they are dirty.  Heck, Jesus came to a dirty world and saved mankind.  I think we as his people can do the same!!

I hope this clears up what my thoughts are on the matter.  As we deal with the root, we will see porn addiction fall.  As we deal with the root we will see sex slavery end.  It will take risk and maybe even getting our hands dirty to save those in need of Jesus, but we can see the Power of Christ redeem millions bound on both sides of this issue.  Until next time.

Much love,

Shawn

Social Justice

What is Social Justice?  I have often asked myself this question, because right now in the Church social justice is a big issue.  So, like any good reporter I went looking for a definition:

“Social justice is the concept of a society with a greater degree of economic egalitarianism through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution, policies aimed toward achieving that which developmental economists refer to as equality of opportunity and equality of outcome.

Social justice is described in much of John Rawls‘ writing. It is a part of Catholic social teaching and is one of the Four Pillars of the Green Party upheld by the worldwide green parties. Some tenets of social justice have been adopted by those on the left of the political spectrum. Social justice is also a concept that some use to describe the movement towards a socially just world. In this context, social justice is based on the concepts of human rights and the rigging of equality.”

Thank you Wikipedia!  Now let me just say that the above definition is very troubling to me!!  Actually it makes the alarms in my head ring at full blast every time I read it!!  Why?  Well, if you look at what the definition says it states the following:

“Social justice is the concept of a society with a greater degree of economic egalitarianism through progressive taxation, income redistribution, or even property redistribution,”

There is nothing about real Justice in that definition!!  What you are actually getting is Socialism!!  To take from others to give to those who do not have IS NOT justice……it’s stealing!!!  I will NOT stand by and let the Church push a veiled socialist agenda because it’s the “new cool thing” to do.  When you really get down to it, social justice is nothing more than making even more people poor and needy.  Let me just state that I am for providing for the hurting, poor, needy, etc. but I am NOT for taking from another to do it.  If someone wants to provide for the poor and needy that is a choice they have the right to make and they should not be forced to do so!!!  When the Church gets involved in promoting unbiblical teachings it’s time to correct what we may be thinking on the matter!!

Is it fair that there are poor people in this world?  I don’t know if it’s really a question about what’s fair and unfair as it is a question about what we should be doing about it.  People, especially in America have the right to either give to the needy and poor, or not to give to the needy and poor.  However, NO ONE should be forced to give away what they have worked hard to earn just because the Church or government says to do so!!  That is not just!!  Should we be people who give?  Yes!!  But I would say with conditions!!  Why, you might be asking yourself.  Well, it’s real simple.  I have personally seen the Church give to the needy when the needy were really lazy.  I have seen the Church give to the poor when the poor just didn’t want to go out and work!!  Does that mean we shouldn’t give?  No.  Like I said there should be conditions.  Here’s what Paul the Apostle said in 1 Thessalonians 3:10

¹⁰For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”

I think we should have conditions because of the fact that there are many people who claim to be poor and needy who are really lazy and are taking from the real needs that the Church should be meeting!!  The above scripture is NEVER quoted to those that sit on their porch during the day waiting for their hand out from the government or the church.  The Church would do well to walk in rebuke and correction when dealing with these people, and in turn we would be able to meet the needs of those truly in need of the Churches help.  Until next time.

Much love,

Shawn

There is only one Christopher Reeve…….er……Superman!!!

My Libertarian Views

Sometimes my political views get me into trouble with my friends.  Case and point:

The other day I tweeted something on the right of someone to look at porn on the internet or in a magazine.  What I said was that people have the right to do whatever they want in the privacy of their own homes, as long as they are not hurting other people.  For some reason a few of my friends took it that I was okay with human trafficking.  How that happened I’m not sure but I will tell you that human trafficking is horrible and against EVERYTHING I believe!!

However, I do stand by the fact that the government has NO right or any power to tell anyone what they can and cannot do in their homes!!  Many Christians today are trying to make homosexuality illegal because they disagree with the lifestyle choices of those involved in that kind of activity.  I must say that I do NOT support ANY Christian organization that is trying to force others to conform to their set of ideals buy use of government intimidation or force.  It’s just wrong and to use the government to do that is even worst!!!  I mean why don’t you just call yourself a dictator because that is what you would be!!

I am a strong Libertarian.  I believe the following concerning Personal Liberty:

“Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. No individual, group, or government may initiate force against any other individual, group, or government. Our support of an individual’s right to make choices in life does not mean that we necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices.”

(Taken from the Platform if the Libertarian Party)

Do I think that people should watch porn?  No!  But it is not the job of the government to tell us what we can and cannot do……unless we are hurting people.  Do I think the porn industry is exploiting women?  Of course!!  However, those who say that porn is exploiting women often fail to also say that porn is also exploiting men!!  I find it funny that some of the people that say my views make me someone who is ok with human trafficking NEVER consider what porn is doing to the men involved!!

Let me restate that I am not a supporter of porn or human trafficking but to say that someone looking at porn at home is someone who supports human trafficking is a bit of a stretch!!  Are people in the porn industry being exploited?  Yes, but some of them know that and don’t seem to care.  Many are in it for the money and don’t care what they are doing in order to get it.  Does it make it right?  Of course not but if Christians try and use the government to force their morality on others what will happen when people get in power that don’t hold the views of Christians?  Will they outlaw praying?  Reading the Bible?  Going to Church?

My views are that people should be allowed to make whatever choice they want as long as they do no harm to another person!!  Will they make the right choice every time?  Probably not.  Will they make the choice that I agree with?  Probably not.  Should they be allowed to make it?  Yes.

Human trafficking is an injustice that needs to be addressed by the governments of the world because people are being raped, murdered, and destroyed!!  However, I cannot in good conscience say that in a free society we can MAKE people do what we think is right just because we don’t like what they are doing at their computer, in their bedroom, etc.  If they are hurting people then we deal with them in a lawful manner, but watching porn (though it does hurt people, marriages, kids, etc.) is not the same as raping someone.  Being a homosexual is not the same as selling another person for sex!!

heck if we are going to use the ideal that because porn can end marriages it should be outlawed them we MUST outlaw ALL of the following:  College and Pro sports, fishing, hunting, expensive cars, large houses, gambling, television, etc. because many of these things also have cause much pain in marriages and families.  Do you see what I am saying?  Causing harm to another is a crime………doing things that are stupid and unwise are not.  Until next time.

 

Much love,

Shawn

I want to be a Millionaire!!!!

It’s true!!  I want to be a millionaire!!  Actually I want to be a multi-millionaire!!  Why?  You might be asking yourself…….well it’s actually very simple!!  I want to be a millionaire because I see thousands of needs that could be met if the people of God woke up to the fact that money is NOT evil!!  Let me say that again…..MONEY IS NOT EVIL!!!

Now I am no prosperity preacher but I do believe that God gives the power to make wealth:

Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

“But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.”

It is my hearts desire to use the gifts, talents, abilities, and resources I have been given to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  With that it will take lots of money to do some of that.  I want to fund missions, feed the hungry, clothing the naked, etc.  However, I can’t do that if I am in debt, out of money, or broke!!

I believe that God wants me to be a millionaire and needs me to be a millionaire!!  It takes the people of God waking up to the fact that money makes the world go around and the more money the church has the more they can use to do the work of Christ in the world!!

I know for some people it’s cool to be poor.  Even in the church today being poor is kind of the “in thing.”  Where social justice is the new fad of the modern church, criticizing those who are wealthy is also the other side of the coin.  I know many people who say that rich people are evil, going to hell, hate the poor, etc.  When in fact it is the rich people who are providing healthcare, food, welfare, cloths, water, etc. to the poor (though some are more lazy then poor!) in America today.  God never said that being rich was evil or a sin!!  However, here is what He said about money:

1 Timothy 6:10

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Notice that it doesn’t say money is evil……it say that the love of money is the root or source of all kinds of evil!!  It also doesn’t say that those who pursue to make money fall away from the faith.  It says SOME have because of their pursuit of money.  Now I know that there is a danger in seeking to be a millionaire.  I could grow to trust in my wealth or financial success.  However, that shouldn’t stop us because there is a danger!  It should make us aware of the fact that we need to be accountable to other Godly leaders in our lives!!

So again I say I want to be a multi-millionaire!!

SO I CAN RULE THE WORLD!!!

Just kidding!!  What I really want to do is feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide for the widow and the orphan.  Send kids to summer camp who can’t afford it!!  Provide for my local church.  Give above my tithe to Children’s Cup, and a host of other things!! I have big dreams of changing the world but it will take a little money to do it……is that such a bad thing?  I mean we do live in America right?  Not only that but I do want one of these:

Until next time.

Much love,

Shawn