Amen Michael! The more time we spend in contemplating the life of Christ, the more Christlike we become, in words, in actions, in behavior.

Hi Jeff, I understand you are not a christian, and you do not believe in God. You are a successful businessman, to what do you attribute your success, and would you mind sharing a little on a positive note about your beliefs? Thank you!

Aahh yes Guadalupe. I just took a look at the book. Looks like some good reading there. I love good books!!! Very well spoken. We as Christians should always practice what we preach. You always have good food for thought, and I appreciate your comments my friend. Where are you now? I'm still in San Fransisco. Looks like I'll be here till Monday afternoon at which time I'll go to LA, pick up there and go to South Carolina.

Hi Lauren, it is so easy to hold grudges. We as humans tend to think that our way is the right way. But often times our way may not be the appropriate way. That's one reason I decided to gather other people's opinions.  Sometimes it's better to have an open mind, and re-evaluate our decision making process. Thank you so much for your comments. I hope to see you again!

Laurie,

From your post, you seem to have a gigantic heart!  What you said about we should love everyone in the world is very true.  Jesus gave deeper meaning to the word "love" by telling us to love even our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48)

For this reason, I ask why do people only say "God bless America"?  Why do they not say "God bless the world"?  Wouldn't that be more in line with Jesus' teachings?  Yes, definitely.

You see, God does not bless America nor any other country.  In fact, He condemns the idea of nationalism altogether, because it leads to prejudice and wars and racism and killing, just to name a few.  This world belongs to Satan, and the "spirit of the world" is very evident in people who pledge their allegiance to country instead of to God, thus leading them to disobey God.  "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Acts 5:29)

As far as your comment about not attending church, we are commanded to do this:

Heb. 10:24-25, "And let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as YOU behold the day drawing near."

What you must do is to make this your priority, put the Kingdom first in your life.  Serving God must come first in our life.  If you make the sacrifice to do this, no matter what the cost, you will be blessed.  If that means lowering your standard of living and simplifying your life, so be it.  These are Jesus' own words in that regard:

Matt. 6:33, "Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these [other] things will be added to YOU."

Terry