An Urgent Call to Prayer

Welcome back to the Lion’s Den. I have just come from a press rally at the Dalton Greens near the County Courthouse, where we met today to make the community aware of the Alcohol referendum that will be on the ballot this coming Tuesday. The referendum asks the people to give the County Commissioners the authority to grant licenses to pour alcohol throughout the County and to do the same on Sundays! Citizens Against Alcohol Sales called this press conference to ask our community to say NO to more alcohol in Whitfield County, and for some pretty good reasons. At the top of the list is the fact that according to the Georgia State Patrol Records, fatalities due to alcohol related accidents are up nearly 13% (actually 12.6%) since the Sunday Sales referendum passed in the City of Dalton in 2006! They said that passing this referendum would mean more revenue and more jobs. Their referendum produced neither. The fact is that because they can grant liquor licenses in the city, we also have bars in Dalton. If we pass this referendum we open a Pandora’s box that will include the possibility of bars legally operating anywhere in the County. The more alcohol we pour in restaurants and bars, the more danger on Whitfield County Roads! I think the answer to this is simple. We simply vote NO to both of the alcohol referendum on Tuesday, to slow the flow of alcohol and reduce the danger on our streets.

Think about it. First, in 2006 a referendum is passed in Dalton to allow restaurants to pour alcohol on Sundays . Then both of the referendum appear on the very poorly attended primary ballot in Varnell. Now we see them on the November ballot for the entire county! Now, I know Whitfield County won’t become "Sin City" overnight, but if we don’t stand up and make our voices heard, there will be a gradual move away from the values that have made it the kind of place where you want to raise your children. It's a "slow fade," and that is the title of my first song selection by Casting Crowns, "Slow Fade."

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

I know I play a lot of Casting Crowns, but my youth group really likes them.

Wow, we’re just 5 days from the most important election in our lifetime! People everywhere are talking about so many concerns. This weekend I asked some young people what they thought were the most important issues in this election, and they had some very interesting responses. By the way we welcome your comments too, you can call during the show at 706-279-1430. If you prefer you can email me a thelionsden1430@live.com or lafosadelosleones@live.com, and of course you can leave comments hear on my blog.

Let me share some of these comments from young people. One young man writes, “My dad will get mad if Obama wins, because he is a hunter and doesn’t want them to take his gun away.”

A young lady, Natalie, lists these issues as being the most important to her, “bringing home our troops from Iraq, taxes, abortion, and the gas prices rising.”

A young man named Michael, whose Dad is serving in Iraq, writes, “I don’t care who gets elected as long as my dad comes home.”

Another youth, Isaiah, lists the main issues as abortion and same sex marriage, adding that "Morality is really all that matters."

My youngest commentator was my son, Jeffrey, age eleven. He writes, “The election is important because Senator McCain believes that abortion is wrong and Obama believes that you can kill a baby if the abortion doesn’t work."

Another teen writes, "Abortion is one of the biggest. I mean the choice between life and death, what could be so crucial as that?”

Shanara, who is a close friend of my youngest daughter, says, “I hope that McCain wins because I am more on his side. The things he believes in are also what I believe in. He has way more of a Christian point of view than Obama. Obama supports gays and abortions which I am totally against.”

Another teen writes, “Life and death, a child’s right to live, we have heard the horror stories of women drowning their babies in China. We just modernized it. How much farther will we go if the bill on abortion that has been going between congress and the house gets passed? And it would if Obama was elected."

What a perspective from young people in a small church, in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. They certainly have some strong and passionate opinions. Hey why not let me know what you think?

One of the most passionate issues shared is about the war. When it's your loved one in harm’s way, it really gets personal. It’s not just somebodys son or daughter, wife or husband. When it's your Dad or like Michael someone’s Dad. Before we discuss these issues let me dedicate this next song to our troops and their families, God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

If tomorrow all the things were gone, I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again, with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars, to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom, and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas, From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart, and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American, where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

We’re talking about the most important issues in this election, and I'd like to hear from you. All the issues raised by these young people are vitally important. But if we can I’d like to zero in on what is probably the most important issue of all. We’ve talked about how we ought to respond as Christians. We’ve talked about how our faith should impact our vote. This week I received an email from a lady from our church with a call to fervent prayer for America. That letter was such an inspiration that I issued a call to prayer at our church last Sunday, and wrote a call to prayer that I am sending out to nearly everyone on my email list. I want to share that call with you here on the Lion’s Den. It is an urgent call to earnest prayer about this election.

With the election just six days away, I am making the most earnest appeal I can for Christians everywhere to pray like we have never prayed before. There is so very much at stake in this election. This is not partisan politics; it is spiritual warfare for the heart and soul of our nation.

Let me explain as briefly as I can. There are many issues that are driving this election, from the war in Iraq to immigration reform, and from economic crisis to our dependency on foreign oil. But nothing is more important than the fact that our next president will surely nominate at least one, if not two or three justices to the Supreme Court along with dozens of judges to Federal Courts. Whatever you may think about George W. Bush, he made two right decisions in his selection of Alito and Roberts to serve the Court. This was the end of reign of liberalism in the courts that have been dominated by the liberal agenda for nearly 50 years.
If Obama is elected president he has pledged to appoint “compassionate judges” to the court who are sensitive to Women’s Rights (Pro-Choice) and Homosexual Rights. He and Biden are among the top three most liberal Senators, and we can be sure what kind of Justices he would appoint to the Court. At 88 years old, Justice Stevens, who is considered the most liberal, is the most likely to retire during the next administration. It is doubtful that he would serve until 2012. Justice Souter, also part of the liberal wing of the court and 19 years younger than Stevens, doesn’t intend to serve the rest of his life on the Court. Justice Ginsberg, a Clinton appointee, and also a part of the liberal wing, has stated that she is waiting for a Democratic Administration so she can be replaced by another liberal Justice. If Obama is elected president he may likely appoint three Justices to the Supreme Court and entrench the liberal slant of the court for the coming generation!

If McCain is elected, he has pledged to appoint “strict constructionist” judges. He may only have the opportunity to appoint only one, and that with a difficult battle for confirmation. However, McCain has a 100% pro-life voting record. Again, this is not about partisan politics! It is about honoring God and valuing the sacred gift of life! It is about securing the future of our nation for our children and grandchildren.

In 2000 a call to prayer was answered and Bush, who was behind in the polls, actually won the election with the electoral vote while losing the popular vote! I don’t know what others may call it, but I call it the grace of God. Whether or not he was your choice, I believe he was God’s choice, and his impact on the highest court in the land is evidence of that fact. I believe that prayer made the difference!

If you are reading this letter you are probably already conservative enough to be voting for McCain and Palin. This letter is not just about your vote. It’s a call to prayer! We need to repent for the sins of our nation and ask God for his mercy. We have just six days that we can commit to fervent prayer. Please join me in seeking God for his mercy on America. Together, we may touch His heart and see an awesome manifestation of His mercy in an amazing victory on November 4th.

I have reminded you each week that Obama is not our hope, and McCain is not our Messiah. Our Hope is in Christ the Lord. Here’s a Great Song from the Album, No Higher Calling, entitled Great is the Lord by Michael W. Smith.

Great is the lord, He is holy and just By his power we trust In his love
Great is the lord He is faithful and true By his mercy he proves He is love


Great is the lord And worthy of glory
Great is the lord And worthy of praise
Great is the lord Now lift up your voice
Now lift up your voice Great is the lord
Great is the lord


Great is the lord, He is holy and just By his power we trust In his love
Great is the lord He is faithful, and true By his mercy he proves He is love


Great are you lord And worthy of glory
Great are you lord And worthy of praise
Great are you lord I lift up my voice
I lift up my voice Great are you lord
Great are you lord

There was an urgent call for prayer in the year 2000 that made the difference in that election, and I believe that we can cry out to God in prayer. It is time for us to repent

Like many others in our nation I would celebrate the day when we see prejudice overthrown and elect our first black president, but not Barak Obama. To allow that or the economy or one's position on the war to trump this issue of life and death for the innocent unborn is simply wrong. The Bible teaches that if we choose first to exalt righteousness and turn from evil, God promises to heal our land (see Proverbs 14:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14). It is righteousness that exalts a nation, not wealth, prosperity or armies. If we will finish the process of removing the curses of death and anti-God laws off of America by electing a president that will continue to shift the Court, God will grace us with breakthrough in other areas such as the economy, the war against terrorism, etc. My faith is not in a person, and certainly not a political party, for the healing of America, but I know God's word and His ways well enough to know that our decisions do move Him to action or inaction.

Now to the heart of today’s show, I realize I am "preaching to the choir"—most of you who know or listen to me are conservative enough to vote for McCain and Palin.) Many of you are praying already, but I am appealing to you to pray for these elections the next six days like you've never prayed for any in the past, Faithfully, Passionately, and Boldly. Ask God for His mercy and grace. We deserve His judgment for removing His influence and authority from our government, schools, homes and businesses; for the killing of 50 million babies; for leading the world in the consumption and exporting of pornography; for passing laws to reject His; etc. But mercy triumphs over judgment and in His wrath He remembers mercy. In 2000 we actually lost the popular vote and won the election—talk about grace! Please pray for this grace to be released again.


Here’s Casting Crowns once more with a reminder that we need not be worried because Jesus Christ, the Living Word is Alive, "The Word Is Alive."

Looking out from His throne The Father of light and of men
Chose to make Himself known And show us the way back to him
Speaking wisdom and truth Into the hearts of peasants and Kings
He began to unveil The Word that would change the course of all things

With eyes wide open all would see The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive

And the world and its glories will fade But His truth it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive


Simple strokes on a page Eternity's secrets revealed
Carried on from age to age It speaks truth to us even still
As the rain falls from heaven Feeds the earth before it returns
Lord, let your Word fall on us And bring forth the fruit you deserve

With eyes wide open let us see The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe
The Word is alive

And the world and its glories will fade But His truth it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same The Word is alive

The bible was inscribed over a period of 2000 years In times of war and in days of peace
By kings, physicians, tax collectors, farmers, fishermen, singers and shepherds
The marvel is that a library so perfectly cohesive
Could have been produced by such a diverse crowd
Over a period of time which staggers the imagination
Jesus is it's grand subject
our good is designed and the Glory of God is its end

The Word is alive
And it cuts like a sword through the darkness
With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid
Breathing life into all who believe

The Word is alive
And the world and its glories will fade But His truth it will not pass away
It remains yesterday and forever the same
The Word is alive (The world and its glories will fade)
The Word is alive (His truth it will not pass away)
His Word is alive (His Word is alive, His Word is alive)

Thanks for sharing this hour with us, until next week this Dan Hocker, from the Lion’s Den


Spanish Translation of the Urgent Call to Prayer
(This is not a translation of the entire article, just the aforementioned letter.)

Un Llamado Urgente a la oración

Estimados Hermanos,

29 de Octubre 2008

Con las elecciones tan sólo seis días, estoy haciendo el llamamiento más serio que puedo para los cristianos de todo el mundo a orar como nunca lo hemos hecho antes. Hay muchas cosas en juego en ésta elección. Esta no es una política partidista, sinó que es una guerra espiritual para el corazón y el alma de nuestra nación.

Permítanme explicar brevemente . Hay muchos motivos que están impulsando ésta elección, desde la guerra en Iraq, la reforma imigratoria y la crisis económica y nuestra dependencia de petróleo extranjero. Pero nada es más importante que el hecho de que nuestro próximo presidente seguramente pueda nombrar al menos uno, si no dos o tres jueces de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, junto con decenas de magistrados de los tribunales federales. Ustéd puede pensar lo que quiera acerca de George W. Bush, que hizo dos decisiones correctas en la selección de Alito y Roberts a la Corte. Este fue el final de régimen del liberalismo en el tribunal que ha sido dominado por una agenda liberal durante casi 50 años.

Si Obama es elegido presidente tiene el compromiso de nombrar a los jueces de compacion" a la corte que son sensibles a los Derechos de la Mujer (pro-elección) y los derechos de los homosexuales. El y Biden están entre los primeros tres senadores más liberales, y podemos estar seguros de qué tipo de jueces nombrará en el tribunal. El juez Steven, de 88 anos de edad, quien es considerado el más liberal, es el más probable a la jubilación durante la próxima administración. Dudamos que él desempeñara el cargo hasta el 2012. El juez Souter, que también forma parte del ala liberal de la corte y con 19 años más joven que Steven, no tiene la intención de servir el resto de su vida en la corte. La juez Ginsberg, nombrada por Clinton también es parte del ala liberal, ella está esperando una administración demócrata para que ella pueda ser reemplazada por otro juez liberal. Si Obama es elegido presidente va a poder nombrar a tres jueces de la Corte Suprema de Justicia, y va poder afianzar el sesgo liberal de la corte para la próxima generación.

Si MacCain es elegido, ha prometido nombrar juices de "construccionista estricto" Él sólo puede tener la oportunidad de nombrar a uno sólo, mas la batalla para su confirmación. MacCain tiene un record de100% pro-vida . Una vez más, ésto no tiene que ver con la política partidista. Se trata de honrar a Dios y valorar el sagrado don de la vida. Se trata de asegurar el futuro de nuestra nación para nuestros hijos y nietos.

En el año 2000 el llamado a la oración fue contestado y Bush que estaba atrás en las encuestas, en realidad ganó las elecciónes con el voto electoral, a pesar que perdió el voto popular. Yo no sé como otros pueden llamar eso, pero yo lo llamo la gracia de Dios. O si no fue su elección, creo que fue la elección divina, y su impacto en el más alto tribunal de la tierra es prueba de ése hecho. Yo creo que la oración hizo la diferencia.

Si usted está leyendo esta carta probablemente ustéd es lo suficientemente conservador para votar a favor de MacCain y Palin. Esta carta no es sólo acerca de su voto. Es una llamada a la oración. Nosotros tenemos que arrepentirnos por los pecados de nuestra nacion y pedir a Dios por su misericordia. Solo tenemos siete días para comprometernos a la oración ferviente. Por favor, únase a mí en la búsqueda de la misericordia de Dios por América. Juntos, podemos tocar su corazón y ver una impresionante manifestación de su misericordia en una gloriosa victoria el 4 de noviembre.

Dios le Bendiga,

Daniel

La Fosa De Los Leones

Renueva Tu Fe Radio 1430AM

Moral Values and the Election

Welcome back to The Lion's Den. This is our third show, and I am so glad to kick this one off with another great song by Casting Crowns, the title song from their album, Lifesong. Here are the lyricss. 'Empty hands h

Lifesong by Casting Crowns

Empty hands held high, Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life, I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say, And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing, Bring a smile to You

Let my lifesong sing to You. Let my lifesong sing to You.
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day.
Knowing that my heart was true, Let my lifesong sing to You.

Lord I give my life, A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need, To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say, And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing. Bring a smile to You.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Let my lifesong sing to You

What a message! Those words by Mark Hall capture the importance of making; our message and our life harmonize. What we do matters. In fact it matters so much that when Jesus comes and sits on his throne to judge, He says that He will separate the people on the basis of what they did or did not do! Notice what He says, I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Again, what we do matters. Last week our discussion was about our faith and Christian values, and how that should affect our vote. You can call to join our discussion on Wednesdays from 1:00 - 2:00 pm eastern time on the air. Also, let me remind you that you can also email us at thelionsden1430@live.com or lafosadelosleones@live.com, or comment here on the blog.

I received some really interesting email this week, including a message put out by the Catholic Church encouraging their people to vote. It’s a really moving presentation, that you can see at www.CatholicVote.com.

Their message has some awesome video with it, but it reads like this.

This November America’s future hangs in the balance. Catholics across the nation will have the responsibility to make their voices heard. Many issues are at stake. Some are more important than others. No issue can be ignored, but none are more crucial to the foundation of our country than life and family. The family must be strengthened, not redefined. Human life is paramount and must be protected from conception to natural death.

Catholics are integral to the success of America. Since the beginning Catholic immigrants helped build this country, and their children fought to preserve it. Now more than any other time in history, a new generation must stand for truth. The strength of our nation is not only in its military or economic power, but in our commitment to moral values. This great nation was built upon life, faith, and family. This election day, everything you hold sacred will need your vote. Vote your conscience.

I find it interesting that their message touches on many of the same issues we’ve been raising here on The Lion’s Den. What do you think?

The issues are SERIOUS! In fact so serious that these are scary times. People are hurting, uncertain about the future. Third Day reminds us that in times like these Our Hope is in Christ.

Our Hope Is You, Third Day

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul In you, O God, I place my trust
Do not let me be put to shame Nor let my enemies triumph over me

My hope is you Show me your ways
Guide me in Truth In all my days
My hope is you

I am, O Lord, filled with your love You are, O God, my salvation
Guard my life and rescue me My broken spirit shouts
My mended heart cries out...

Great worship song by Third Day, My Hope is in You! With all this stuff happening around us, the future uncertain, and the election in just 13 days, we need to be reminded of our source of Hope!

We’re discussing moral values and the election here on The Lion’s Den at 1430AM, and you can join the discussion.

By the way what do you think about Colin Powell coming out for Obama? Here’s a guy that might have had some real future with his party, and he makes this kind of announcement just a couple of weeks before the election. I received an interesting email about this. Let me remind you that you can email us at thelionsden1430@live.com or lafosadelosleones@live.com.

This email from Human events has an article by Pat Buchanan, that asks a pointed question. "Was race a factor in the decision of Colin Powell to repudiate his party's nominee and friend of 25 years, Sen. John McCain, two weeks before Election Day, and to endorse Barack Obama?"

What do you think? Gen. Powell does not deny it, contending only that race was not the only or factor. "If I had only that fact in mind," he told Tom Brokaw, "I could have done this six, eight, ten months ago."

Yet, in hailing Barack as a "transformational figure" whose election would "electrify our country ... (and) the world," Powell seems to testify to the centrality of Barack's race to his decision."

I was also sent an audio clip that you can listen to at http://www.bpmdeejays.com/upload/hs_sal_in_Harlem_100108.mp3 It was intended to be funny, but it really isn’t, because it speaks to the issue of race. Hey don’t you believe that the gospel is color blind? As Christians race shouldn’t make any difference whatsoever. James writes in chapter 2 that as believers we should not show favoritism. Social and ethnic prejudice have no place in the heart of a Christian.

Do you believe that people are making decisions in this election based solely on race? In the clip I received they are interviewing folks on the streets of Harlem, asking them questions. The scariest thing is that they asked three people if they agreed with Obama’s selection of Sarah Palin as a running mate, and they were all OK with that. Not one challenged the reporter’s question. All three denied that race had anything to do with their decision but apparently knew nothing about the issues nor who the running mate really was. In case you’re listening and don’t know. Sarah Palin is McCain’s running mate, not Obama’s!

Well in these uneasy times we need to be reminded to put our confidence in Christ. Carman reminds us not to be afraid in this song, Fear Not My Child. The lyrics follow:

In myself I failed the Lord Then was afraid to try once more
That fire in my soul had fled Thats when Jesus came and said

My spirit, gives the strength you need to raise you up and to succeed
and for vision in the night to you I'll give these words of light

Fear not my child. I'm with you always.
I feel every pain, and every tear I see.

Fear not my child. I’m with you always
I know how to care for what belongs to me.

He said my child don’t look behind. Discouragement is all you'll find.
Don't watch the waves that roll the sea. Just focus your eyes on me.

And I will make you strong, and then your shattered courage I will mend.
And if you fall and should get hurt. Remember these eternal words.

Fear not my child. I’m with you always.
I feel every pain, and every tear I see.

Fear not my child. I’m with you always.
I know how to care for what belongs to me.

I know how to care for what belongs to me.

When it comes to these topics some people are afraid to speak up, but like our message above from the Catholic Church, we need to let our voice be heard! Don’t be afraid. John writes, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

It really amazes me how ignorance and fear work together. Think about it. In politics, they magnify the fear. If people are scared enough about the present situation then they are ready for CHANGE, but what kind of change? All change is not good! Sometimes we need to go back to what we know works! The Truth works!

Isn’t it terrible to think about how many people may vote in ignorance? We're facing a time when everything we hold sacred is on the line, and we have a moral responsibility to act on the TRUTH.

So many people are afraid. They are out of work, losing their homes, worried about their livelihood, and looking for answers. We listened again to this Kutless song reminding us that we have someplace to turn in these troubled times. .

All Who Are Thirsty by Kutless

All who are thirsty All who are weak
Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away
In the waves of his mercy As deep cries out to deep (we sing)

Come Lord Jesus come [repeat 3 times]

Holy Spirit come [repeat 3 times]

As deep cries out to deep [repeat 2 times]

As we wrap up today I want to remind you that if you’re hurting, if you’re thirsty, if you’re worried, if you’re afraid. Obama isn’t your hope, McCain is not your Messiah. Jesus Christ is your answer. Bring your worries and cares to Him today. We’re here on the Lion’s Den to remind you that in crisis of our culture and turmoil of our times, there is an answer. Put your faith in Christ. He is your answer in these difficult times. As always you can call us at 706-279-1430 or email me at thelionsden1430@live.com or lafosadelosleones@live.com.

Well until next time, this is Dan Hocker. Join me again in The Lion’s Den on Renueva Tu Fe Radio 1430AM.

Christian Faith and Voting

Good afternoon and welcome back to the Lion’s Den. I’m celebrating! It has been a GREAT week already. This past Sunday my friend Rick recommitted his life to Christ! His daughter has been praying for him, and the joy and exuberance you hear in the live worship song, Your Love is Beautiful by Hillsong, is a reflection of the joy I am feeling this afternoon. They REALLY celebrate!

You surrounded me with songs of praise
You have bought me to this place
Where your love and grace, move within my life
Now Your message is my light

Your love is beautiful
Your love is beautiful
It's the reason why I sing
All around the world, let the praise begin
All around the world, let the praise begin

I am planted here by the waters and I'm living for the King
I have found my peace in the house of God
This is where I'm meant to be

Wow! What a marvelous expression of Joy!
Well, I really looked forward to this spending this time with you today. Last week we opened the first program with a really hot topic, discussing the church and politics. So, today I want to take our discussion up a notch to the next level. How should we, as Christians decide when it comes to voting? Do we leave our faith at the church door when we leave the church, or should our faith influence our decisions in the voting booth? Specifically, how should it affect making a decision between the Obama/Biden ticket and the McCain/Palin ticket this year? Hey, I would really like to hear from you, on this why not leave a comment below or email me at thelionsden1430@live.com. I can share your comments next week on the program.

Now, both McCain and Obama claim to be Christians. So, does their faith play a role in the way they would govern? Personally, I think “Belief Matters,” to borrow a phrase from Josh McDowell, and whatever they really believe will affect the way they would lead our country if elected. Salt has no effect if it is left in the salt shaker, and Jesus says that we are supposed to be salt and light in the world.

Casting Crowns is right on target with the message in their title song to their latest album, The Altar and the Door.

Careless, I am reckless
I'm a wrong-way-travelin'-slowly-unraveling shell of a man
Burnt out, I'm so numb now
That the fire's just an ember way down in the corner of my cold, cold heart

Lord, this time I'll make it right, here at the altar I lay my life
Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I...

Cry, like so many times before
But my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord
I try but this time, Jesus, how can I be sure I will not lose my follow through
Between the altar and the door

Here at the altar, oh my world so black and white
How could I ever falter
What You've shown me to be right

I'm trying so hard to stop trying so hard
Just let You be who You are
Lord, who You are in me
Jesus, I'm trying so hard to stop trying so hard
Just let You be who You are
Lord, who You are in me

Oh Lord, I cry.

This line, “I will not lose my follow through between the altar and the door,” really speaks to the issue here. If faith matters, then our time in the presence of God should impact the way we live. I know people say you’re not supposed to judge others, but you know what kind of a tree it is by the fruit it bears. In the same way you know real Christianity and real faith, by the fruit of one's life. Our relationship with God ought to have an impact on the way we live, and that includes the way we vote! That's the question. How should our Christianity affect our vote? Remember, you can call in and weigh in on any of our topics on Wednesdays, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on The Lion’s Den on Renueva Tu Fe Radio 1430 AM.

Now, another thing that both McCain and Obama have said is that this is the most important election ever! I certainly agree with them! But why is this election so important?
The next president will likely to nominate several new Supreme Court appointments. Justice John Paul Stevens is 87 years old. It is highly unlikely that he will serve until the next election. Then there is Justice David Souter. Even though he is twenty years younger than Stevens, he is considered the most likely to retire. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg appears to be in good health at 74 years old, but she would likely retire under a liberal administration. That way she would not risk being replaced by a conservative Justice. Since a Supreme Court Justice is appointed for life, the appointment of new Justices to the court in the next administration, will have a most profound impact on our nation for the next generation, long after the next president's term has expired.

Whenever we talk about the Supreme Court its historic decisions come to mind. For Christians one of the most damning decisions of the Court was Roe v. Wade. We have hoped for a long time that a new Court with more conservative, strict, constructionist Justices would overturn the Roe v. Wade decision and stem the tide of abortion in the United States. What kind of Justices would our presidential candidates choose?

Think about this. If abortion were a morally neutral issue, then of course it wouldn’t matter where a candidate stood. Your Christian values wouldn’t come into play. You could base your vote entirely on other criteria. But since abortion IS a morally charged issue then it should be important for us to know what these two men have said about abortion issues and how they have voted in the Senate.

Georgia Right to Life reports on the positions of the candidates with regard to abortion, and you can check it out on their website at www.grtl.org. But, what do we do with this kind of information?

For starters, let’s talk about the most horrible abortion procedure of all, “Partial Birth Abortion.”
When the Supreme Court handed down the Gonzalez v. Carhart decision in April 2007,
McCain said, “Today’s Supreme Court in Gonzalez v. Carhart is a victory for those who cherish the sanctity of life.”
Obama responded, “I am extremely concerned that Gonzalez v. Carhart will embolden state legislatures to enact further measures to restrict woman’s right to choose, and that the conservative Supreme Court justices will look for other opportunities to erode Roe v. Wade.”

In the Senate McCain voted to oppose Roe v. Wade (the Supreme Court decision that allows abortion for any reason). He said that he doesn’t believe the Court should be legislating the way they did in Roe v. Wade. Like Ronald Reagan, he would only support abortion in the case of rape, incest, or life of the mother.

Obama said, “I have consistently advocated for reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President.” He was a Co-sponsor of the “Freedom of Choice Act” which would make Partial Birth Abortion legal again and invalidate many state and federal limits on abortion. He supports abortion-on-demand up to birth for any reason or no reason and would make that the law of the land.

Since the first Century, Christians have been fighting abortion. Back then unwanted children would simply be left outside the city to die or be eaten by wild animals. Christians would rescue these children and raise them as their own. Do you think God cares about the abortion issue? This Bible calls Him our Heavenly Father, and I assure you that this is dear to His heart.

Acapella does a song entitled Abba Father that reminds us of just how much our Heavenly Father cares. The lyrics follow.

Somebody feels hopeless. Somebody despairs.
Somebody walks a path alone. Watching others walk around in pairs.
Somebody's in the street now. Somebody's in doubt.
Somebody has no place to go. Somebody cries out saying,

Abba, Father, take me higher
Abba, Father, take me home
Somebody is hungry. Somebody's in pain.
Somebody sleeps alone in fear. Somebody's in shame.
Somebody needs a friend to lean on. Somebody's not there.
Somebody's looking at the end. Somebody's in prayer, praying

Abba, Father, take me higher. Abba, Father, take me home.

Take me home. Take me home, Father.
Father, please, take me home Abba, Father

Do you think that how a candidate stands on the issue of abortion should be an important issue to Christians as we consider how to vote? When I shared that both candidates claim to be Christians, a caller named Virginia called in to comment about an article on the internet that said Obama was a Muslim. The truth is that Obama’s father is a Muslim. For some 20 years Obama attended the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, where Jeremiah Wright is Pastor Emeritus. The controversial sermons of Obama’s pastor caused no small stir and brought so much national attention to both to the church and its pastor that Obama finally disassociated himself. Although Pastor Wright’s church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, his unfortunate distinction has been the teaching of black liberation theology.

Now, here is my question. How could someone who claims to be a Christian defend abortion? Even more disturbing is the incongruity between Christian faith and a taking a position in support of such a horrific procedure as partial birth abortion. Don’t you believe that the candidates’ positions on abortion will affect the kind of Justices they would nominate to the Supreme Court?

One of the tragedies of our time is that there are voters who will sell their votes for the promise of entitlements. I wonder are these empty promises? These are certainly difficult times! People are hurting, but it’s not time to sell our birthright for a bowl of soup! How can we expect someone to really care about our needs and our hurts if they don’t care enough to rescue the weakest and most vulnerable, the unborn. Today on the Lion’s Den I am speaking up for the most helpless and most defenseless of our society!

Hey I want you to know that God cares about your needs today. He cares about your hurts, and you can trust Him, too. His promises are not empty. In fact Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Kutless has a song on their 2005 album, Strong Tower entitled All Who Are Thirsty. Here are some of the lyrics:

All who are thirsty, All who are weak,
Come to the fountain. Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away
In the waves of His mercy As deep cries out to deep
(We sing)
Come Lord Jesus come
Holy Spirit come As deep cries out to deep

This Kutless song reminds me of these words, “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17) Hey don’t forget you can comment below or email me at thelionsden1430@live.com. Until next week, when we share again in The Lion's Den.

Our First Show - The Church and Politics

The concept for The Lion's Den actually began months ago in the heart of my friends, Zeusis and Ernesto who have this great vision for Renueva Tu Fe Radio. Since the Spanish community here in the United States has become increasingly bilingual, they shared with me the need to begin programming in English on their station. The more I listened to Zeusis share his vision and his faith the more contagious the idea became. Well, now the rest is history. Yesterday afternoon we did our first show. It was a little rough around the edges, but it was great.

Instead of just doing a couple of songs and preaching for most of the rest of the hour, we wanted to take a polemic approach. We have an open telephone line for listeners to call in and introduce contemporary issues for the days discussion, then put some hopefully relevant music into the mix. Maybe, we can have some great discussion about some things that really matter, without talking your ears off, by taking some time to listen.

To kick off the first show, I introduced the topic of Religion and Politics. Since the second presidential debate with McCain and Obama took place the night before, I thought it might be both appropriate and provacative to ask listeners what they thought about the role of the church in politics.

I couldn't think of a better way to get off to a roaring start than to talk about politics. It certainly can stir up the lions. Let any pastor or church get the least bit involved in issues up for a vote during an election, and you will hear the critics crying foul. They say, "What about separation of church and state?" We often feel caught in the middle. We want to make a difference in our community. We want to have a positive impact during the election with regard to helping folks make the right decisions on the issues and the candidates, but feel like our hands are tied! Hey, if you want to share your opinion on this or any topic we discuss on The Lion's Den, you can comment here on my blog or you can email me at thelionsden1430@live.com.

Hey, are we caught in the middle? Well, most of us know what it's like to feel caught in the middle, and that's the message of the first song we played, Somewhere in the Middle from the Casting Crowns' album The Altar and the Door.

What do you think? Have churches or church leaders become too involved in politics, or are they not involved nearly enough?

Did you watch the presidential debate Tuesday night? Well, I joined the millions of Americans who tuned in, and when it was over everyone was asking, "Who won?" Both candidates claimed to be the man who would bring about change in Washington. The need for change was one thing they agreed on. They both were adamant that things just can't continue as they are. There must be change, and they have the answers, although they disagree on what those answers are and how to affect the changes we need. They claim to know what America needs.

We played a second song from the Casting Crowns' album The Altar and the Door, entitled, What This World Needs. The lyrics read, "What this world needs is a Savior who will rescue, a Spirit who will lead."

Man, Talk about great way for a pastor or church leader to end up surrounded by some hungry lions, just let him make his opinion known about a candidate or a political issue. It’s like hanging a target around your neck or a sign that says, “Here I am; shoot me!” But really, what do you think? Wouldn’t you say that there are some issues that are more MORAL than POLITICAL? What about ABORTION, or SAME SEX MARRIAGE. Do you think a pastor, or church leader should have something to say about issues like these? Think about it this way. When the issues or the candidates move into the arena of morality, haven’t the politicians moved into the arena of the church? Wouldn’t you say that a pastor or church leader then has a MORAL OBLIGATION to respond?

Are we intimidated? Are we afraid? Folks certainly try to intimidate. One local pastor reported that when he and his church joined others in the 2006 battle against Sunday Sales of Alcohol, opponents painted graffiti on the side of his church building! By the way, that didn’t stop him nor a number of others who have organized again this year to fight the two Alcohol referendums on the ballot here in Whitfield County. Look for their Red signs, “Vote NO to Alcohol again.” There may be conflict but they aren’t afraid.

In the Book of Acts, chapter 27, Paul was aboard a ship headed for Rome when there was a great storm, but God sent an angel with a message for Paul, a message that comes through strong in a song we play from Carman's Album, The Champion, Fear not my child.

Every election there are groups who try to intimidate churches and pastors in order to keep them silent. Fear and intimidation have worked well on many, but what about our first amendment rights? Do you think we should have to give up our freedom of speech just because we’re active in church or because we are involved in church leadership?

It hasn’t always been this way. Prior to 1954 church leaders were as free as anyone else to influence elections, and comment on issues or candidates. What changed? In 1954 the tax code was amended to silence an opponent who happened to belong to a tax-exempt group.
If you’d like more information or guidelines about what you can or can’t do because of the tax code, check out the ADF Website. That’s the Alliance Defense Fund Website at www.telladf.org. They have a pdf file you can print and share with others, or if you like you can just email me at thelionsden@live.com and we’ll email you a copy of their pdf file. ADF also has an 800 number (1-800-TELLADF) to call should you need legal advice if your church has been threatened by a government official or an activist group for exercising you First Amendment rights.

The prophet Daniel was full of faith and courage when he faced the political system of his day. With full knowledge of the evil intent of his enemies, he stood strong in face political opposition, whose goal was his destruction. Politics is certainly known for its dirty tricks. Have you or someone you know been the victim of some political tricks? Hey don’t let yourself be tricked. Ask question and be an informed voter. An Hispanic lady stopped by our business the other day, asking questions. She had gone to rally, right here in Dalton, for the “free food.” They were registering voters, and after she filled out the registration, they handed her a sample ballot, showing her how to mark her ballot for that candidate. She thought she had actually voted and asked if it was too late to change her vote. The good news is that she only marked a sample ballot. In Georgia you have to apply for an absentee ballot by mail or go to the Board of Elections and present legal identification and sign for your ballot.
If you got questions, we may not have all the answers but maybe we can help you find the answers here in the Lion’s Den, Renueva Tu Fe Radio 706-279-1430, or email me at thelionsden@live.com.

Sometimes we all feel like running away from the issues and problems instead of facing them. I believe the song, I Run to You, by Dennis Jernigan on the album, Break My Heart O God, tells us where we should run. Too many times we run away from our problems instead of facing the issues head on. If we run at all let's run to Christ for help and strength.

As we wrap up the first show, I am praying that you will have the courage to stand for righteousness in the middle of these difficult times. I believe that is how we make a difference. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “You are the Salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again.” If we are going to really be salt and light, then we're going to have to be involved, even in the political arena, but we must never forget that politics is not the answer! Government isn’t the answer! Our Hope is not Obama, and neither is McCain is not our Messiah. Our Hope is in Jesus Christ.

Thanks for sharing your time with me today here on my blog. Hopefully, I will update the blog each week before or after the program at 1:00 p.m. each Wednesday on Renueva Tu Fe Radio 1430AM. Until then be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. This is Dan Hocker in the Lion’s Den.