Askew and Awry

From My Perspective - - -

One of the wiser Financial Consultants in the country is Dave Ramsey. Following are his remarks and ideas about the current State of the Economy in the United States. Consider some of his observations regarding the economy and the bailout debate by the U.S. Congress - - -

“Over the past month, we’ve witnessed the largest bankruptcy in history, the stock market dropping like a rock, and the talking heads on TV freaking out that the world is coming to an end. I’m here to tell you the truth—we’re going to make it. We’re going to be fine. Take a chill pill. This month I’ve compiled some of the most-asked questions I’ve gotten recently from you:

“Are we okay, Dave?

“Definitely. Remember Enron and WorldCom in the recent years? We survived that. But much worse than all this was the financial crisis of the ‘80s – S&L collapse and 1,000 bank failures in 2 years. We’re nowhere near this type of thing; that was probably 50 to 100 times worse than all of this.

“What does all of this come back to?

“Greedy banks financing homes to broke people. It all seemed to work okay in their minds when the economy was booming, but when the economy slowed a little bit broke people quit paying on their sub-prime mortgages…No wonder they went out of business. Stupid decisions.

“Is there anything we can do to fix this bailout mess?

“YES! Here's a quick summary: Companies that had billions in sub-prime loans were feeling the effects of their stupid decision to make those loans in the first place, and practically gave them away for pennies on the dollar. But since no one wants these loans, and they've had to mark them down to market value, it has frozen the market. If we temporarily change the rule that forces companies to do that, that will free the market up. This is an absolutely huge deal, and it involves everyone getting in touch with their congress person before we spend hundreds of billions of dollars that we don't need to!

“Will the collapse of businesses and banks affect me?

“No, not unless you work there. Thousands of stock brokers on Wall Street have lost their jobs in the past few weeks, but that happens in other industries across the country in good and bad times. This time it just happened in NYC where all the national news media is so they made a big deal of it.

“If I have 401(k) money in a Merrill Lynch or AIG trading account, should I move the money elsewhere?

“No. Your money isn’t with them; your 401(k) money is in the stocks. These big companies are just managers (unless you directly own stock in their company). Look at it this way—if I owned 6 rental properties and hired a management company that eventually failed, I would still own the properties; I just wouldn’t have a manager.

“Should I sell my US stocks to buy gold and foreign stocks?

“Absolutely not! Why would you think foreign stocks are any better than US stocks?”

Consider these things with me - - - and remember that our trust and confidence is never to be in temporal things – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19 through 34 is still viable and to be embraced and applied by each of us. So do not be unduly anxious but continue to “Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (what you need to eat, drink, wear) will be added to you!” That’s God’s commitment to us and the true bottom line is He can be trusted because He has never failed – and never will. A closing remark by Dave Ramsey states: “Remain calm, America. We’re in a slow time, but just pay your bills and you’re going to be fine.” We should add: Keep looking to the Author and Finisher of your faith - - - He alone will see you through each and every crisis.

Deal Or No Deal

From My Perspective - - -

Howie Mandel has taken a “no-brainer” concept for a Game Show and popularized it to a leading prime-time program. There is currently a daily format as well. The simple idea is to guess which case out of 26 contains one million dollars. The concept is not dissimilar to an earlier program with Monty Hall called Lets Make A Deal. Both programs are based on the gambling instincts of people and/or the greed principle. With one program, guess the case with the Million Dollars; with the other, choose Door Number1, Number 2, or Number 3 for the big prize of day!

As we hear the news headlines of the past several days, the United States Economy is in jeopardy. It is difficult to determine the depths of it because of the prolonged period of Deficit Spending that has gone on for years. Now, the key word is “Bail-Out” companies that have been mismanaged and/or misrepresented the true worth of the particular company. Some name companies that have failed in recent years include Global Crossing, Enron, Adelphia, and Worldcom. Currently, everything from Investment Centers to Banks to Major Corporations with Bankruptcy and/or Closure! Overnight, Bank Regulators closed one of the largest banks in the nation – Washington Mutual – and the assets were taken over by JP Morgan. The Congress of the United States believes the solution is to obligate the nation for 700 billion dollars to bail out Mortgage Holders and other businesses. While the nation is focused on the much bigger picture of the economy, the House of Representatives approved a 25 Billion Dollar for the Automotive Industry (with promise of additional relief next week). There was the $85 Billion for AIG. Pick the case for the Million Dollar Jackpot. Is the Big Deal behind Door Number 1, Number 2, or Number 3?

Receiving little notice are some religious broadcasters who are appealing for funds in a very clever but erroneous way. The erroneous appeal is to SOW SEED (Money). Some ask for the Seed Money of $100.00, although it is usually $1,000.00. In a very convincing but erroneous way, they suggest that you cannot receive your harvest unless you plant your seed (money). The idea is to send your money to those soliciting the seed. The appeal is that if you do so THE BOAZ ANOINTING will be reciprocated in your behalf. An Evangelist named Mike Murdock has popularized this erroneous approach. He explains it as: Anointed Numbers (and a Boaz Anointing)- “The reason I’m praying for 70 is that number is a anointing number under Moses, And God said whoever the 70 people are that respect your mantle, that respect your anointing, Moses every time I bless you I’ll bless them. What I’m asking God to do is every time He blesses Mike Murdock he blesses you, every time he gives me a financial idea he gives you one. Every time he silences the Devil for me, He’ll silence an enemy for you. Every time God heals my son, He heals yours. That’s a Boaz anointing (according to Murdock), the anointing you respect is the anointing that grows in your life.”

However, the story of Boaz and Ruth is a very tender one pertaining to Love and Redemption. Boaz was a very wealthy man who lived in Bethlehem. When Naomi returned to Bethlehem with Ruth, her widowed daughter-in-law, she sent her into the fields of Boaz to glean. Boaz learned that Ruth's deceased husband was a distant relative of his. He acted kindly towards Ruth and instructed his farm workers to leave extra sheaves of barley for her to gather. Ruth had another relative of her late husband who was closer than Boaz. By law, the other relative was obligated to marry her, as stated in Deuteronomy 25:5 through 10. Boaz confronted the other relative with this law, and after the relative refused to marry Ruth, Boaz agreed to marry her, and to buy the estate of her deceased husband. After they were married, Ruth had a son named Obed, who became the father of Jesse, who became the father of David.

Consider these things with me - - - remembering that Redemption and Stewardship – Faith and Focus - are the determining Facts and Principles by which our lives are to be lived. God is faithful and will honor those who honor Him (I Samuel 2:30)! Let’s Plant This Seed and Make This Deal!

Lethargy and Oil-Slick Slopes

From My Perspective - - -

There are many contributing factors when it comes to one being lethargic. The word by definition means: “the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.” It can also include preoccupation with other and lesser things. One’s priorities have become skewed towards the mediocre or unimportant.

The United States has become inundated with Presidential politics to the degree and point that it has resulted in lethargy for far too many. We are living in momentous times – but – few seem to grasp the significance of it, nor do they sense the peril by which we are now surrounded. Consider just three major areas for focus and concern: (1) the on-going challenge of The War on Terror, and the objectives of Militant Islamists; (2) the manipulation of world-wide oil production and the price destabilization (at one point yesterday, the price of a barrel of oil increased by $25.50 a barrel); and (3) the financial meltdown and institutional bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Congressional leaders are asking for more oversight of the affairs of our nation without admitting their lethargy that allowed for the Energy and Financial Crises during their watch. When its almost too late, the cry is for greater regulation is chanted.

With Lethargic mindsets and orientation, while oil prices are soaring and mortgage foreclosures are increasing, the Congress with oversight decides to go on a five-week hiatus. When they return, not only has their approval rating declined to 9%, but oil prices have escalated even more and the financial crisis has greatly worsened. In the area of Energy alone, the daily production of oil is approximately 82 million barrels a day. The nations with the greatest oil reserves are: Saudi Arabia with 22.3 %; Iran with 11.2%; Iraq with 9.7%; Kuwait with 8.4%; United Arab Emirates with 8.3%; Venezuela with 6.5%; etc. What’s wrong with this picture? Why should this be a priority for our nation? Is lethargy acceptable? One obvious point is that the major oil reserves are held and controlled by nations and people who are hostile to Christianity on the one hand, and Democracy on the other. Compounding this issue is that the United States ranks 12^th in terms of oil reserves but ranks 1^st in Oil Consumption every day. 25% of all oil production is consumed by the United States every day. The cost to the United States to import this oil is currently $700 Billion per year.

A statement in I Thessalonians 5:3 (from The Message Paraphrase) is: “About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other - We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy! - suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.” In Matthew 24:32 through 47, Jesus is attempting to gain the attention of a lethargic and complacent people. He states: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” What thing is Jesus referring to? What event is He addressing? What conditions are prevailing in the context of his warning? Jesus continues: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Consider these things with me - - - remembering that we live in a world where Financial Markets are unstable; Oil Markets are affecting the world’s economy; and the Christian Community is losing its focus and priority. However - God is still in control and has a certain plan (timetable) in place. In this world marked by its instability and uncertainty, your peace and confidence should be based on your relationship to Jesus Christ Who holds you safely in the hollow of His hand – the only place of stability and certainty!

Grudge and Sludge

From My Perspective - - -

There is a wide range of potential and possibility in terms of human behavior. In practical understanding, we have all experienced events that have made us very happy as well as those that have brought great sadness. For instance, Marriage is usually a time of great joy and happiness whereas Divorce is a time of considerable sadness, hurt and bitter exchanges. Max Lucado writes in his book – The Applause of Heaven, “…Unfaithfulness is wrong. Revenge is bad. But the worst part of all is that, without forgiveness, bitterness is all that is left. The state of your heart dictates whether you harbor a grudge or give grace, seek self-pity or seek Christ, drink human misery or taste God’s mercy…”

Bitterness and Anger start out when one has the desire to inflict some kind of affliction upon another. This falls into the category of revenge. In fact, the word “revenge” means: “To inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult); to seek or take vengeance for…” The word “bitterness” has varied meanings and among them are: “Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity; Resulting from or expressive of severe grief; anguish, or disappointment; Marked by resentment or cynicism…” And the word “anger” includes this meaning: “A strong passion or emotion of displeasure or antagonism, excited by a real or supposed injury or insult to one's self or others, or by the intent to do such injury…” The Synonyms for “Anger” include: Resentment; wrath; rage; fury; passion; ire gall; indignation; displeasure; vexation; grudge…”

These reactions to events in life can and will affect ones body, soul and spirit. While it may be aimed towards another, it impacts the individual giving expression to these emotions. There is a simmering within and it slowly comes to a boil – then – either by design or unexpectedly, there is a boiling over, an eruption, and like pus with an infected sore – it oozes and pours out. The Associated Press reported yesterday (September 19, 2008) about an incident of Road Rage in Baton Rouge, LA. The Headline indicates: “Mother, Son Arrested for Severe Road-Rage Beating of 70-Year-Old and contains the report: “A case of alleged road rage has landed a teenager and his mother behind bars. Police say 18-year-old Eric…was arrested after he severely beat up a 70-year-old man. They also say he had some help. The teen's 53-year-old mother, Rhonda…, was also arrested…Witnesses say the victim was hit so hard that his teeth were knocked out and he had to get about 40 stitches in his upper lip. Both the teenager and his mother have been booked on charges of second-degree battery.”

In an interesting article about the Causes Of Road Rage, the following is stated: “Another attitude that drivers tend to have is temper. More than 80% of drivers are angry all or most of the time while driving. When people get angry, they lose their sense of judgment and values and let their instincts take control. This is especially bad while driving under tense situations. The tempered driver becomes upset over the littlest driving mistake made by another driver. They then react against that driver in an aggressive way, leading to a more harsh situation. If all drivers would be aware of their attitudes, then there might be less cases of road rage…” If this thesis is correct, namely, “80% of drivers are angry all or most of the time while driving”, it means four out of five drivers on the roads are ticking time bombs that can explode at the slightest perceived or actual incident/provocation.

Consider these things with me, as well as - - - the Word of God includes the following instructions for ones behavior and good, namely, Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT), “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live…Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This can be our reality if we make room for the Triune God in our lives. Let’s try it! I’m certain we will like it and be better for it!

Financial Frenzy

From My Perspective - - -

The financial news of the past few days has not been positive for many. Large Companies being absorbed by others; Brokerage houses Bankrupt; Insurance Company receiving an 85 Billion Dollar Government infusion of cash; Housing Markets in disarray and being essentially taken over by the Government; etc. Someone either wisely or caustically asked: Who’s Going To Bail Out The Government?

There is also a crisis in our Government. Polls indicate only 14% of the population have any confidence in the Congress, and 31% have confidence in the President. The news headlines state what most do best, namely, Blame Someone Else. But in this time of finger-pointing and blaming of others, the lives of average people are being impacted from the essentials of life to the credit markets. The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing summarizes: “The newspapers across America all have headlines detailing accounts of a staggering economy. Reports verify Seven Hundred Billion Dollars of investor money has been wiped out in just one week. You add to all of that the impact of the recent Hurricane Ike that hit the gulf coast and the train wreck in California. Unless you have endured one of these natural events, or had opportunity to visit the site of one of these devastated areas, it is nearly impossible to know what the folks who have been affected are going through.”

It’s easy to understand why many would be given to frustration and despair. Our nation is a credit driven society - Spend Now – Pay Later! All the wise and pithy statements made cannot alleviate the turmoil people experience during times such as these. The Candidates for high office suggest we need to fire some people, whereas another states it is “patriotic” to pay higher taxes so poor and middle-class can be sustained. It would be so refreshing to have them unitedly state: “We don’t have a clue how we can get out of this mess!” One obvious truism from an old and pithy statement is: “If your Outgo exceeds your Income, Your Upkeep will be your Downfall!” In summation, that is precisely what has occurred – Expenditures beyond ones ability to pay is leading to default of loans and bankruptcy. Even though Bankruptcy Laws have been more sharply defined, the reality is unalterable – people cannot meet their financial obligations.

What is one option to embrace during these times of crisis? If one is willing to turn to Holy Scripture and Almighty God – not in desperation necessarily – but in wholehearted commitment, then some principles and facts of faith can see one through these alarming situations. For instance, in Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus says six different times – “Do Not Worry…Do Not Be Anxious!” He is addressing the practical and everyday needs we all share in common – food supply, life (or height), Clothing. The NIV states these verses this way: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life (or a single inch to ones stature)? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin… If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Consider these things with me - - - and try to remember the important words of Psalm 37:4-7, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you….Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes…” Ask the Lord to help you! I know you’ll love the way He will respond to you!

Interruptions

From My Perspective - - - -

In the ebb and flow of life, interruptions are a reality we all experience. No one is ever adequately prepared for the interruptions – they just occur. We might call these the unplanned encounters in life. In our lifetime, many of us can remember some of the major interruptions (and unplanned encounters) that have occurred – Pearl Harbor in 1941; World Trade Center in 2001; Assassinations – John F. Kennedy in 1963; Martin Luther King in 1968; Robert F. Kennedy in 1968; Hurricanes such as – Camille, Andrew, Ivan, Katrina, Gustav, Ike; Wars – World War II, Korean War, Viet Nam War, Persian Gulf War, Iraq/Afghanistan Wars – interruptions that changed our lives and lifestyle.

It’s easy to recognize that our lives are filled with interruptions – some very small ones (like a telephone call or someone unexpectedly stopping by our home), whereas others have greater impact and require much more attention (a sudden illness and hospitalization; a death in the family; etc.). It’s how one responds to the interruption that is important and fascinating. One can respond with annoyance and frustration when an unplanned event/encounter occurs, or with a broader view of A Hand of Providence intervening and guiding us to some other focus and involvement than the one we had planned. Many can relate to being a personal part of an interruption that has occurred in the life of a family member or a friend – a sudden sickness, a death, an accident, an incarceration, etc. Sometimes – it’s just a matter of being there to support, encourage, or to let another know we really care. I have been in situations that were an interruption in the life of another where I have not known what to say or do. But then – the caring hug; the tear; a spoken word (albeit faltering), the touch of the hand – all seemingly unimportant actions – but – vital nevertheless in living out a commitment to love, mercy and compassion.

Not too many years ago, we gathered as a family in the Cancer Intensive Care Ward where our 30 year-old son-in-law was being treated. After all kinds of treatments had been tried, and after several weeks – the gravity of the situation was obvious. The moment had come to disconnect the life-support system! We stood in that room watching as the last signs of “life” ebbed from his body. In such a moment, words just don’t seem to come as easily as the tears. This prolonged “interruption” had come to an end – the end much differently than we had hoped and prayed. In the midst of this with all the scurrying of hospital staff and family members, there came the moment when our daughter wanted to be alone in the room with the man to whom she had been married, and with whom she had two children. A final interruption within a life! A change that would impact the life of a wife and two young children. An interruption that would change their lives forever. Who is ever prepared for such an interruption and moment? Where does one go? What does one do from that point forward? Lives are irretrievably changed!

The words of Scripture can almost sound hollow at such a moment. I’m certain when one passes through “the valley of the shadow of death” – God understands the feeling of emptiness one has and how hollow the words of Romans 8:28 may sound – “For we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love the Lord, to those who are called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” All Things? God’s Purpose? Two little children looking forward to their Daddy’s coming home to be with them? A wife who has done everything humanly possible in behalf of her loved one? Yes! In all things – even in the midst of one’s sorrow and time of emptiness – God is understandingly whispering – “My grace is sufficient for you!” You’ll see! I will comfort you in your sorrow! I’ll provide for you! Circumstances may change in your life – but – I remain the same – yesterday, today, and forever! I’ll give you peace and wipe away your tears! I’m faithful and I care about you now and forever! There is never an interruption in my love and care for you!

Consider these things with me - - - and remember that our God is never annoyed or frustrated by our times of “interruption” when we cry out: “Lord - Help!” Try Him – I know that you’ll like Him!

Slip Of The Tongue

From My Perspective - - - -

There are many trite sayings that are occasionally used as a generalization for ones expressions about particular matters. Sometimes it is represented as coming from someone who’s “thinking on his feet”, or a statement can be relegated to “a slip of the tongue.” There is another statement that is also circulated about some people: “he keeps talking until he can think of something to say…” And then, there is the statement of Jesus Christ in Luke 6:44-45: “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn-bushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

On the basis of “…out of the overflow of the heart his mouth speaks…” one could conclude there is something more to be said about what is expressed than to relegate it to “a slip of the tongue” or a statement is the product of one “thinking on his feet…” Great care has to be exercised to prevent jumping to wrong conclusions. Keeping that firmly in place and mind, it does give one pause when a candidate is asked about his view in terms of when life begins. After verbal meandering, he finally responds to arrive at a firm conclusion is – “above my pay grade.” This is not an acceptable answer or even a valid excuse. What YOU believe should receive a definitive answer. This same time of verbal evasiveness is present when he was being interviewed about his view of the Iraq War and the recent effort of the surge. He cannot get himself to admit that the surge was an excellent military strategy that has brought about a positive result and may very well lead to redeployment of troops because of a greater possibility of peace and democracy in Iraq.

The more telling “slip of the tongue” may have occurred while this candidate was “thinking on his feet” and made the following statement on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos”: “Let's not play games…What I was suggesting -- you're absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith. And you're absolutely right that that has not come.” Mr. Stephanopoulos interrupted with, "Christian faith." "My Christian faith," Mr. Obama said quickly. "Well, what I'm saying is that he hasn't suggested that I'm a Muslim. And I think that his campaign's upper echelons have not, either…” To be fair, anyone who does public speaking is aware that there are moments when a misstatement can and will be made. One’s hope is that people will grant “the benefit of the doubt” for the speaker and allow for a clarification – not political spin – of his views on the War in Iraq, Abortion, and matters of “Christian” Faith. Fight The Smears (http://my.barackobama.com/page/invite/christian) is an Obama Website where the following statements appear: “Senator Obama has never been a Muslim, was not raised as a Muslim, and is a committed Christian…Barack Obama was sworn in (the US Senate) using his family Bible.”

Consider these things with me - - - and remember the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 12:36-37, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." The candidates should be precise and honest in what they represent, and others need to be careful and guarded in terms of judgments reached and shared. President Theodore Roosevelt once said regarding foreign policy: “There is a homely old adage which runs: 'Speak softly and carry and big stick; you will go far.' If the American nation will speak softly, and yet build and keep at a pitch of the highest training a thoroughly efficient navy, the Monroe Doctrine will go far.” The “speak softly” is always beneficial. We need to have as the goal and commitment of our lives the words found in Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” I hope this is your concern and commitment.

Rust About Trust

From My Perspective - - -

Inasmuch as this nation declares “In God We Trust” and pledges that we are “One Nation, Under God”, one would have the impression that foundational to our heritage would be a strong belief system that embraces a power greater than ourselves Who controls the affairs of mankind in the world. In a Presidential contest, we want to know the “church” a candidate attends and what an individual believes.

It’s no secret that “religion” has been in the spotlight of the current Presidential contest. Of the four nominated candidates, we know that one is from a Roman Catholic background; another attended a church for more than 20 years where Liberation Theology was championed; another chooses to be vague but for a brief moment accepted endorsement by some “evangelicals” before disagreeing with some of their stances; and we have one who is from an Assembly of God background. Earlier on, there was one candidate who was marginalized by the media because his primary support was from the “evangelical (right) base” of which he was a part.

The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing references some recent research done by the Ellison Group regarding the question: “What Is an Evangelical?” America's Definition…reveals that 36 percent of all Americans say they have no idea at all what the definition is of an evangelical Christian. The most common perception is that "evangelical" has to do with spreading ones faith or trying to convince someone else to become a Christian. The research also revealed that (a) Nine percent believe that evangelicals are just a specific type of Christian such as born-again or non-denominational; (b) Nine percent believe that evangelicals are Christians who are particularly zealous or devoted to their faith; (c) Eight percent feel evangelicals are defined largely by their focus on the Bible: their reliance on it and their belief in it; (d) Six percent define evangelicals by their world-view or politics.

When the media reports something about evangelical leaders like Rick Warren or James Dobson, or describes a political candidate as meeting with an evangelical group, or polls likely voters and reports that evangelicals are backing a particular candidate, many Americans honestly don't have the faintest notion of just who belongs to that group that is being described, while others are completely off-base in their assumptions of who the report is describing…Yet Americans usually don't define 'evangelicals' by their voting habits or politics. There's at least some basic understanding among the American population that evangelicals are defined by religion rather than by politics, even if many people don't really know just what that religious definition is…

Evangelicals used to be characterized or defined by certain foundational beliefs. These were known as: The Five Fundamentals of the Faith which are essential for Christianity, and upon which there is unwavering agreement: (1) The Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1; John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8-9); (2) The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:27); (3) The Blood Atonement of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28; Romans 3:25, 5:9; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12-14); The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:36-46; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 15:14-15); and (5) The inerrancy of the Scriptures themselves (Psalms 12:6-7; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20). This is a clear set of core values in a defined belief system. Does it define you? Is it a foundation upon which your life and values are based?

Consider these things with me - - - we should know What we believe and Why we believe it. We should know that True Liberty and Freedom comes from a relationship with The One Who stated: “If the Son shall set you free, you will be free indeed.” And He also said: “You shall know the Truth and the Truth will make you free.” Do you know, and do you have an on-going relationship with The One Who stated: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” Be certain today!

Surprise, Shock and Awe

From My Perspective - - -

In the 1960s, a popular situation comedy caught the attention of Americans; it was Gomer Pyle, USMC. The description of the program is: “Gomer Pyle was the simple-minded gas station attendant and later auto mechanic in the American TV sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, played by Jim Nabors. He continued the character in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. from 1964-69. Gomer Pyle was a good-natured, naive country-boy, characterized by his childlike innocence and his pronounced accent. He lived in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina and worked at Wally's Filling Station where he took up residence in the back room. He was often awestruck by the simplest of things, resulting in the exclamation of his catch-phrases, Shazam!, Gaaw-aawl-ly and Surprise, surprise, surprise!”

In our rapidly moving world, it hardly leaves any room for the Gomer Pyle types today – innocent, simple, naïve, easily surprised… The newsmakers and the muckrakers stay busy churning out their view of life and the world with their long-standing biases and pontifications. Scandal is great for the news cycle. It gets the attention of the Media (scandal becomes the lead story) and it sells magazines and newspapers. There is also the speculative scandal that proves to be merciless and relentless. Truth is not the issue! Smearing an Opponent or an opposing view is the objective! The lead listing on a Google Search about Sarah Palin is: “Palin pregnancy news knocks GOP team off-message.”

And the link takes one to Newsday.Com where they write: “Sarah Palin was on a roll, fresh-faced and fiery, just the boost of energy John McCain's slow-but-steady campaign needed. Now that's over. So far anyway, it doesn't look as if news that Palin has a pregnant teenage daughter is enough to knock her off McCain's ticket. But the news does seriously knock Palin and McCain off-stride and off-message - just as they were trying to introduce her to a broader audience - and just as the public was trying to fix an image of Palin as a would-be vice president in their minds. No matter how sympathetic voters are to her plight or how much parents might believe it could happen to their daughters, this is not what McCain's camp wanted people to hear in the first 72 hours after introducing Palin. It changes the story line from [Republicans] cheering to “let’s look at the real Sarah Palin”… It puts a stall in her momentum." The prognosticators would love to pretend that this is a damaging surprise and a shocking event rather than the realities of life are no respecter of persons.

In the spiritual realm we are cautioned and warned about the forces and purposes of evil. I Thessalonians 5:14, “But you are not in darkness…for that day to surprise you like a thief.”, and in II Corinthians 11:14-15, “…Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” In other words, don’t be among those who feign innocence and who cloak themselves with naiveté.

Consider these things with me - - - The greatest “surprise” of all is found in the truth of I Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain…” It is not a surprise that temptations are so powerful and the pressure to yield to them is so great. The “surprise” is the intervention of God’s Grace that leads one away from the temptation and into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ – who alone gives the victory!

Subtlety

From My Perspective - - - -

In Jeremiah 17:9, the Prophet wrote: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can know (understand) it?” This reality can be seen in many facets of life as people and organizations try to be “politically correct” to serve their own best interests and to achieve a desired goal. In some instances, this appears to be more subtle than others.

In the area of politics (a new strategy begun during 2004), an interesting phenomenon has taken place that epitomizes SUBTLETY. On the web-page of www.christianpost.org, in an article entitled: “Speaking the Language of Zion While Supporting the Agenda of Babylon”, Dr. Tony Beam has written the following: “They (Democrats) replaced the haranguing of religion with the hiring of consultants who could teach them the language of Zion while many continue to support the agenda of Babylon. The Democrat National Convention…in Denver looked and sounded more like a tent revival than a political stump meeting. Rev. Leah Daughtry led what was billed as the first ever Convention interfaith gathering. Rev. Daughtry demonstrated the “big tent” atmosphere of the meeting by greeting those in attendance in the language of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian faith. Four years ago the Democrats could boast only one meeting during the convention that dealt with the topic of religion. This year’s convention includes ecumenical prayers offered at the beginning and ending of each session along with a plethora of discussion groups led by Left leaning religious organizations that didn’t even exist prior to 2004…”

Another way of referring to this activity could be the evolving desire to be more inclusive and enlarge the base. It would be wrong to conclude there are no evangelicals in the Democratic Party. It would also be wrong to conclude that everyone who prefers a Democrat to a Republican is “Left” oriented. We need to be alert to the nuances (a very slight difference or distinction in expression, meaning, and response)that are employed and the definitions that are intended. Thus – the Subtlety. The labels that some utilize may achieve a political purpose and reference point but in and of itself it can be equally deceitful. It is a reasonable axiom that those who get the most attention and who speak the loudest usually do not accurately represent any constituency except for their personal agenda and limited perspective. For an example, consider the issue of drilling for oil. Even though almost 80% of people polled believe we should be doing offshore drilling along the coasts of our own nation, the “leaders” refuse to let that be a singular issue upon which the Congress can vote.

There are valid principles that should guide on in all areas of life. When Jesus Christ was preparing to send out His Disciples, he instructed them (Matthew 10:16): “I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” The principle is to be aware of the thinking, subtleties and nuances of the world in which one lives and functions. Don’t be gullible! Always be focused and alert! Know the facts! Increase wisdom! Be shrewd! There is a truism that states: “If we don’t stand for anything, we will fall for everything.”

Consider these things with me - - - If there is any credible evangelical and conservative Christian base, then it ought to a have a clear and precise expression. Too much of it has been shrill – and thus – ignored or viewed as radical, extreme, out of the mainstream. There must be a focused and concise expression of what one believes and desires. Don’t be among those who speak on and on until they can think of something to say!