Something Old - Something New

From My Perspective - - -

It’s an old tradition that is quoted by many when a Bride is about to be married: “Something Old, Something New; Something Borrowed, Something Blue, And a silver sixpence in her shoe.” The idea is that this combination as part of the Bride’s attire will assure happiness, success, and good luck in her marriage.

The History of this tradition states: “Each item in this poem represents a good-luck token for the bride. If she carries all of them on her wedding day, her marriage will be happy. "Something old" symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past. "Something new" means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead. "Something borrowed" is usually an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. The borrowed item also reminds the bride that she can depend on her friends and family…In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity…Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns…a silver sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security…For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe…In modern times, a dime or a copper penny is sometimes substituted…”

As we take note of the political current events, we find now “Something Old” (McCain, aged 72 [R] and Biden, aged 66 [D] – both with years in the US Senate) and “Something New” (Obama, aged 46 [D] and Palin, aged 44 [R] both with relatively little executive and administrative background). This is Balancing A Ticket run amuck (In or into a jumbled or confused state). Most of those entrenched in Government certainly know the meaning of “Something Borrowed” inasmuch as uncontrolled spending has this nation with huge deficits. It is borrowing against the future! The idea of “Something Blue” doesn’t apply because the appropriate color – based on the financial condition of the nation is “Red”! One interesting thought that comes from the Political ambition of some of these aspirants for office is their desire to increase the tax rate for the “rich” and to give tax relief to the “poor”! One never hears the Political Aspirant acknowledge that nearly one-third of our population (over 100 million people) pay no taxes at all. An Analyst stated it this way: “…the bottom 50% of income earners in this country pay only about 3% of all individual income taxes collected by the federal government. When you get to the bottom 40% that percentage figures drops to zero…”

The greater concern is for the individual. God created a human being with a body, soul and spirit; and with a mind, emotions and a will. The “Something Old” is the fact of original sin – “all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3). The possibility for “Something New” is “except a man/woman be born again, he/she cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3). Once this spiritual resolve is reached, the challenge and opportunity for an individual is summed up in these words: “walk in newness of life…” (Romans 6). And then in Galatians 5:1 [The Message]: “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you….” More than 50 years ago, a popular Christian Camp Chorus was: “Get the New Look, From the Old Book; Get the New Look from the Bible…The inward look, the outward look, the upward look, from the Old, Old Book; Get the New Look…from God’s Word!”

Consider these things with me - - - "Something Old" - “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily holds us back; - - - "Something New" - "let us run with patience the race set before us; Looking unto Jesus…” (Hebrews 12). This is an important “change” that should be sought and pursued.

Facade

From My Perspective - - -

People love to coin phrases that don’t always hold up under scrutiny. It is common-place to hear the expression: “Perception Is Reality”! Wikipedia indicates: “In psychology and the cognitive sciences, perception is the process of attaining awareness or understanding of sensory information.” Objects and Ideas can mean different things to different people. A test that is often employed is the use of objects or ink blots (The Rorschach Test). The person taking the test has to give interpretation and/or definition to what is being observed. Such interpretation or definition does not mean that is the reality.

This week we observed the Democratic National Convention. The final night of the convention was held in Invesco Field. At the 50 yard line a large stage Facade had been erected. Some thought it had the idea of the White House Portico, whereas others felt it represented an Athenian Temple. The point is that it was a prefab Facade that very quickly was disassembled for the next big event to be held in the stadium. What needs to be remembered is that a “Facade” is merely “a superficial appearance or illusion of something…an artificial or deceptive front…”

When this concept is applied to political rhetoric by any party or candidate, if a list was kept of everything that was stated as "The Reality" to be provided by “My Administration”, one would find that hopes would quickly fade behind a mountain shadow of impossibility. It is one thing to “Think Big” and that is a worthy motivational tool. However, too much of the rhetoric fades in one’s memory and the realities of life are still there – dreams not realized and hopes dashed. Perhaps that is a reason why in the latest Real-Clear-Politics Poll the Congressional approval rating is at 17.4 % and the Presidential Approval rating is at 30%. We seem to be paralyzed in and by the political rhetoric that speaks what people want to hear, but the reality of it in many instances (thankfully) is Facade.

The greater concern is in regard to the lives we live regardless of the political dialogue or the ambitions of the one elected to office. The Perception regarding a Life – is it Reality or is it Façade (appearing to be something grand when it is only a prefab representation that is as quickly disassembled as it was assembled)! For instance, there are some Marks of the Basic Christian Life that demonstrate “Reality” versus “Façade”! Colossians 2:6 through 8, the beginning point states: “as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

The Reality Factor takes us a step further to Colossians 3:5 through 15, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness…In these you too once walked, when you were living in them…Now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator…as God's chosen ones… Model By Your Life compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you…above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… These are the minimum Marks and Reality.

Consider these things with me - - - Remove all the Facade and Walk Completely In Reality!

Prognosticators

From My Perspective - - -

It becomes a wearying process to listen to “News Programs” and to have Prognosticators and Pundits express what the Newsmaker meant to say and means to say. It becomes somewhat disingenuous, especially when there are those in Punditry who are (a) predictable in terms of what they will utter again and again, and (b) who keep speaking until they can think of something to say. Whatever happened to the Biblical instruction in Ecclesiastes 5:2-3, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.” And what about the admonition in James 1:19, “…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...”

Extrapolation means: “A common method is to look at data on a curve, then extend the curve into regions for which there is no data. Extrapolation is often used to predict the future.” One of the more interesting Prognosticators and Pundits is Peggy Noonan. In her column today in the Wall Street Journal, she references Michelle Obama’s speech before the Democratic National Convention when she with these words: “In order to paint both her professional life and her husband's, and in order to communicate what she feels is his singular compassion, she had to paint an America that is darker, sadder, grimmer, than most Americans experience their country to be. And this of course is an incomplete picture, an incorrectly weighted picture. Sadness and struggle are part of life, but so are guts and verve and achievement and success and hardiness and…triumph. Democrats always get this wrong. Republicans get it wrong too, but in a different way. Democrats in the end speak most of, and seem to hold the most sympathy for, the beset-upon single mother without medical coverage for her children, and the soldier back from the war who needs more help with post-traumatic stress disorder. They express the most sympathy for the needy, the yearning, the marginalized and unwell. For those, in short, who need more help from the government, meaning from the government's treasury, meaning the money got from taxpayers. Who happen, also, to be a generally beset-upon group…”

As Ms. Noonan continues, she makes a transition to include the Republican myopia when she states: “Democrats show little expressed sympathy for those who work to make the money the government taxes to help the beset-upon mother and the soldier and the kids. They express little sympathy for the middle-aged woman who owns a small dry cleaner and employs six people and is, actually, day to day, stressed and depressed from the burden of state, local and federal taxes, and regulations, and lawsuits, and meetings with the accountant, and complaints as to insufficient or incorrect efforts to meet guidelines regarding various employee/employer rules and regulations. At Republican conventions they express sympathy for this woman, as they do for those who are entrepreneurial, who start businesses and create jobs and build things. Republicans have, that is, sympathy for taxpayers. But they don't dwell all that much, or show much expressed sympathy for, the sick mother with the uninsured kids, and the soldier with the shot nerves…”

Who is right here? Or, is there enough blame to go around? Are our politicians just using words to stir emotions and rally people to vote for them? Do they really have genuine concern for the sick mother or marginalized warrior? And, what about those who claim relationship to Jesus Christ? The Evangelical base wants to have a voice and influence in the politics of our day – but – how much is their talk demonstrated by walk - - how often are their words put into action?

Consider these things with me and if those who do Extrapolation project the productivity and achievement of our lives, may they have evidence that we have put feet to our faith, and action to our affirmations.

Presumptuous Prognosticators and Pundits

From My Perspective - - -

It is all too easy to become confused by the Mass Media these days. We have several types of people who give their various viewpoints – Analysts; Commentators; Strategists; Prognosticators; and Pundits. We also have several organizations who are conducting Daily Tracking Polls to indicate what they believe is the most up-to-the-minute opinion of the nation as a whole. With the 24/7 Cable and Satellite coverage, we have many others who are merely News-Readers. Most of these individuals in all areas come across with their own sense of what the “American People” are thinking; the trends and concerns; and how they will be voting, etc.

A Prognosticator is one who will “forecast or predict something future from present indications or signs; prophesy...” A Pundit is “a person who makes comments or judgments, in an authoritative manner; a critic or commentator…” This is where we find ourselves today as the political conventions are held and predictive and authoritative commentary will rain upon us. Will there be some inspiring and motivational presentations? Yes! Will there be negative, anti-opponent rhetoric and linkage to everything that appears to be wrong? Yes! Will there be Media Bias in terms of Candidates and Parties? Yes! For instance, Time Magazine has had Obama on the cover seven times so far this year, whereas McCain has been on the cover twice. In a special forum over the weekend, Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) stated: “MSNBC was the official network of the Obama campaign…and who called their coverage absolutely embarrassing. Chris Matthews, loses his impartiality when he talks about the Clintons.” The Forum Moderator condescendingly stated: "Why don’t we let Governor Rendell sit down." That was met with applause by some lackey-types who were there. And so, a contrary voice was silenced!

It is interesting that Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary makes use of Isaiah 47:10 through 13 to illustrate the meaning for Prognosticator: “You felt secure…you said, No one sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray, and you said in your heart, I am, and there is no one besides me…You are wearied with your many counsels; let them stand forth and save you, those who divide the heavens, who gaze at the stars, who at the new moons make known what shall come upon you…” Inasmuch as the Prognosticator wishes to make predictions and tries to foretell the future, and whereas the Pundit is almost a parrot for the Prognosticator, one should observe the cautionary statement about such types in Deuteronomy 18:18 through 22, “I will raise up for them a prophet…And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak…that same prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken? When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him…”

Consider these things with me, and try to remember that Presumptuous Prophets, Prognosticators and Pundits will fail. They are making from their own devices and for their own causes predictions based on their own preferences. It would be refreshing to have someone proclaim reasonable and achievable goals for our nation. It would be beneficial for there to be a national referendum to stop spending; to reduce the national debt; and to promote personal responsibility and industry. If change is what is being promoted, then let us Change Our Focus so we will once again be “One Nation, Under God” that has fully embraced: “In God We Trust.”

"We" and/or "Me"

From My Perspective - - -

I was just reading a Review about the book: “Knocking Over the Leadership Ladder” by Paul R. Ford. The Reviewer observed from Chapter 2: "It is difficult to find the communion of the Holy Spirit when the spotlight is on the self…Narcissism, exaggerated self-concern says, 'It's all about “Me”… Entitlement says "I deserve it." We feel “We” deserve what we have, what we want and what we need. “We” look and act much like our unhappy culture… God's design…is for relationships to have priority over position or results. But it is hard to live "We" when our culture thinks and lives "Me"…God has designed us with strengths to offer others and areas where we need others…Individualism encourages “Me” to exhibit my strengths and hide my weaknesses. Community encourages “Me” to share my strengths and acknowledge I need you because of my weaknesses. It's not about “Me”; It's about “We”."

Our national news cycle has us focused on the Presidential candidates and their utterances. During the recent Saddleback Presidential Candidate Forum, a question posed by Rick Warren to both candidates pertained to “at what point a human being gets human rights”. The nuanced answer by one candidate was: "Whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, answering that question with specificity is above my pay grade…" Ironically, this answer was given shortly after he made a statement about his personal faith in Christ as his Savior and Lord. I could not help but think of the issue of the “Me” versus the “We” at this point. One should be able to have the expectation that a well-educated candidate who projects himself in an authoritative manner should have knowledge of Psalm 139:13 through 16, “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them…”. To an average person, that sounds like a meaningful life is being created by God at the moment of conception.

One would also think that a person with a legal education and background would surely grasp the significance of the words of wisdom in Proverbs 24:11-12, “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, Behold, we did not know this, does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?” This does not square with the advocates of Planned Parenthood, nor the Pro-Choice minions. When the focus becomes “The Presidency is for “Me” rather than a desire to be concerned for the “We” factors, such a candidate is short-sighted and chooses to be ignorant about the basic human rights and value of life for the “We”! This appeals to the Pro-Choice individuals – but – the greater concern should be, What is in accord with God’s views and desires for the “We” versus the narcissistic focus on “Me”!!

The “Me” factor has to be refocused onto the “We”. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States is clear: “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” The emphasis is on the “We” rather than on the “Me”!

Consider these things with me and let us decide to implement a passage that will benefit the “We”, such as, Psalm 82:3-4,“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” The change that is needed is a return to the Biblical foundations for the “We” rather than the aspirations for a “Me” type!

Amelioration

From My Perspective - - -

It seems as though “amelioration” should have a central place and function in all of ones efforts and engagements. Ours is a world of flux and people need and long for some semblance of stability. Just think of the result if we entered into situations – even if there is a degree of risk – to try to ameliorate rather than ignore. The purpose would be to make something better, or to bring about improvement.

The political candidates for President of the US offer interesting perspectives. One wants to bring about “change”! It is fair to ask: Change from what to what! If we alter Foundational Values the change could be chaotic and devastating. Another wants us to strive to leave the country and world better than how we found it. The idea is to be more self-giving than self-receiving! It is fair to ask him: Where do we start this reclamation of values and how sincere is this expression! For both candidates, is it merely rhetoric? Wendy’s some time back had an attention-grabbing commercial when an elderly Lady would ask: “Where’s The Beef?”

If one looks at the Congress that either candidate will have to work with, the track record is dismal. In a recent Wall Street Journal Editorial, the following is stated under the heading: “As U.S. Economic Problems Loom, House, Senate, Sweat The Small Stuff!” Some of what the 110^th Congress has (or hasn’t) done: “The 110th Congress, whose term officially ends in January, hasn't passed any spending bills or attacked high gasoline prices. But it has used its powers to celebrate watermelons and to decree the origins of the word "baseball… Barring a burst of legislative activity after Labor Day, this group of 535 men and women will have accomplished a rare feat. In two decades of record keeping, no sitting Congress has passed fewer public laws at this point in the session -- 294 so far -- than this one. That's not to say they've been idle. On the flip side, no Congress in the same 20 years has been so prolific when it comes to proposing resolutions -- more than 1,900, according to a tally by the nonpartisan Taxpayers for Common Sense…Congress has saluted such milestones as the Idaho Potato Commission's 70th anniversary and recognized soil as an "essential natural resource…Sen. Saxby Chambliss, whose home state of Georgia has 24,000 acres planted in watermelon, pushed a resolution establishing July as National Watermelon Month." The list goes on and on and on!

The needed focus on both Energy and the Economy – well – Congress decided they needed a 5 week hiatus rather than address the issue of drilling for oil off our shorelines. Do we need “change”? Do we need to be “self-giving”? Do we need to ask our Congress: “Where’s The Beef?”

In The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ spoke of the importance of foundations. In Matthew 7:24 through 27, Jesus instructed: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” As we hear the rhetoric of the Candidates, we need to make certain they know the difference between rock and sand. The lofty words quite often are sand – no place for a suitable foundation…

Consider these things with me and let us determine to evaluate the foundational values of our own lives. As those designated by Jesus Christ to be both Salt and Light in our world, one needs to give serious consideration in terms of How, Where and When to begin being what we are intended to be by God’s Grace. What will you determine to do to cause things to be better and show improvement? Can someone rightfully ask you: Where's Your Beef?

Cheerfulness

From My Perspective - - -

There is another dimension to the subjects of jocularity, humor, jokes and happiness, namely, the Therapeutic. The idea is gleaned from Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” A similar thought is shared in Proverbs 15:13, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” There is a connection being made between the psychological and the physiological. It is not an artificial “feel good” response following a “pep talk” but it is the product of a positive lifestyle that basks in a truth shared in Nehemiah 8:9-12. After the wall to The City has been rebuilt, the Law of God is brought out and read. Will they listen to it? How do they respond to the Word of God? How much of it will they remember after years of exile? Will it matter at all to them?

Nehemiah records: “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said, Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve." Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” In verse 4, the text states: “…all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law…”

After working so hard for so long, they heard the words: “The Joy of the Lord is your Strength!” They become exuberant and begin to celebrate with Great Joy. This same principle is employed in the ministry of Jesus Christ. If you scan through the Gospel of Matthew and the scenes where Jesus shows compassion toward the sick and infirm, He usually stated: “Be of good Cheer, your sins are forgiven you.” When the Disciples are in the boat and a storm unleashes all of its fury, Jesus says to those fearing for their lives: “Be of good Cheer, do not be afraid!” Why did Jesus say these words? What truth was He seeking to convey? It should translate into – the closer one is to Jesus, the greater should be one’s Joy and Cheer!

The Sermon on the Mount begins with a section known as the Beatitudes. A Commentary on this section has indicated this teaching could be known as: “The Be-Happy-Attitudes”! Others have translated the word “blessed” as “Happy”! The NLT renders the text (Matthew 5:3-12): “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them. God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.”

The self-deprecating and angry soul weighs down his/her mind and it soon affects the physical well-being. Such a person “drags” around and has a sense emptiness and uselessness. In time, the soul that is seldom Happy and rarely allows itself to enjoy God and His Creation will have mounting miseries of both mind and body. Such a person can and will impact others with such constant negativism. An old-time evangelist wrote the words to a Chorus: “Cheer Up! Ye saints of God, There’s nothing to worry about – Nothing to make you be afraid – Nothing to make you doubt! Remember! Jesus Never Fails! So why not trust him and shout – you’ll Be Happy you did tomorrow morning.”

Consider these things with me – and – let the Joy of the Lord be your Strength!

Jocularity

From My Perspective - - -

The idea of jocularity is understood by the definition, namely, “Characterized by joking; Given to joking.” Humor is part of our total being. We have an emotional range that enables us to move from weeping to laughter depending on the circumstances surrounding one. And indeed, the Bible allows (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 states some obvious contrasts in life): “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” The thought behind this is to realize the balance between the range of emotions and experiences so ones actions fall within the perspective of the “time” for such an expression.

When one comes into Church Settings, there needs to be an understanding and refinement of what separates one thing from another. For instance, there is often some confusion regarding Joy on the one hand with Happiness on the other. In pausing to reflect on the possibilities here, one can readily determine that much of what we intend by “happiness” is dependent on the experiences and circumstances of the moment. If one receives an unexpected gift, it results in happiness; if one expects a gift – but doesn’t receive one – then it results in unhappiness. A simple way for a Church-Oriented person to understand this is basically – Happiness usually comes as a result of ones experience/circumstance, whereas Joy always comes as a result of relationship with Jesus Christ. John 15:1-11 gives as clear a statement about this relationship when Jesus summarizes in verse 11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

In Ephesians 5:3 through 7, the Apostle Paul establishes parameters and guidelines for the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. He couches it in terms of what is “…fitting for saints…” And then, he states there should be “…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks...” In understanding and applying the Bible, it needs to be done with a gracious spirit. There are any number of people where one would come to the conclusion that if they ever smiled in Church their face might crack! By the same token, there are those who feel jokes and humor will hold the attention of the people and develop rapport. There needs to be great care exercised to remember one is coming to a Church – not a Comedy Club. We need to give people credit for their basic desire to gather with God’s people to Worship God – not to be entertained by men or musicians.

When people come to Church, they should find it to be a place where there is: (1) Reverence – we are coming to Worship The Holy God; (2) Prayer – we are to enter His gates with Thanksgiving, and His courts with Praise; (3) Singing – Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs that focus upon The Holy and Sovereign God and His Grace, Mercy and Truth; (4) Fellowship – we have come to commune with God and to focus upon Him with those of like precious faith; (5) Instruction – we need to hear God’s Word accurately proclaimed so we can be exposed to “the whole counsel of God” – and can sense the Holy Spirit guiding us into more of God’s Truth and wonderful plan for our lives. We don’t need artificial distractions! We don’t need an effort to make me feel good! We don’t need snacks and informality! We get that all week long in the places we frequent. The Church is sometimes referred to as being “The Sanctuary” – a Holy, Sacred Place of refuge and quiet. The Book of Psalms is a model for us to be always focused upon the Living God.

Consider these things with me and let us study and put forth the sincere effort to implement Hebrews 10:23 through 25, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near…”

Birds Of A Feather

From My Perspective - - - -

Most have heard the phrase: “Birds of a feather flock together.” As we have been faithfully nurtured by parents and grandparents, they warned us about the company one chooses to keep. It’s based on the idea of birds of a feather flocking together. Another phrase that flows from these expressions is that one can fall under the banner of “guilt by association”! All of these are cautionary phrases so ones value system directs one to make the right choices for life and to associate with the right people and in the right places.

There was a Sunday School Teacher who very faithfully had his class of teenaged boys memorize certain portions of God’s Word. One passage that was reviewed frequently was Psalm 1. His Class was made to memorize it from the King James Version and he emphasized:

WALK NOT in the counsels of the ungodly…

STAND NOT in the pathway of sinners…

SIT NOT in the seat of the scorners…

The more recent rendering of this Psalm in The Message reads this way:

How well God must like you - you don't hang out at Sin Saloon, you don't slink along Dead-End Road, you don't go to Smart-Mouth College. Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust - Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. God charts the road you take. The road they take is Skid Row.

There is considerable variant behavior within society today. As one reads the following Scripture verses, it gives one the sense that Paul is writing his letter today rather than in the first century. Note what he states about the variant behaviors that are so prominent in our culture and society - I Timothy 1:8-11 mentions a list of improper behaviors and negative influences one must avoid: “…the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.” A reason why one should give heed to these things is shared in Revelation 21:8 - But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.

In Rudyard Kipling's famous Poem – “IF” – some focus points shared are:

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
…you'll be a Man, my son!

Consider these things with me and choose carefully the Birds You Flock Together With - and - purpose to have a life that is lived to its full positive potential as we purpose to walk humbly with our God - - - -

Don't Fake It

From My Perspective - - -

Reality and Integrity are two worthy aspirations. Most people are weary of the façade approach to life and the inability to be straightforward in responses. If one asks a politician a “Yes” or “No” type question, it seldom is the response. There is usually several sentences shared and the point of the question is obscured by intentional vague rhetoric.

It is interesting to note in an editorial comment by Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal Online for August 08, 2008 – Political Cycles – where she states: “…Mr. Obama got tagged the past month as something new, not the candidate from Men's Vogue but arrogant, aloof and somehow ethereal. There is no there there…The daring and exciting European trip was probably a wash, and possibly a mistake in the bridge-too-far sense…Mr. Obama consistently shows that he doesn't know what he doesn't know. It's a theme with his talented, confident staff. They don't know what they don't know either. Because they're young and they've never been in power and it takes time to know what you don't know. The presidential-type seal with OBAMA on it, the sometimes over-the-top rhetoric about healing the earth and parting the seas. They pick the biggest, showiest venue for the Berlin speech, the Brandenburg Gate, just like a president, not realizing people would think: Ya gotta earn that one, kid. Going to Europe was fine, but they should have gone in modestly, with a modest venue…”

Peggy Noonan is allowing that people are hungry for Reality and Integrity – not Public Relations success stories, or showy events, or rhetorical performances. While Ms. Noonan has been employed by Republicans over the years, her analysis seems balanced. Her summary statement would apply to all evenly, when she notes: “Does he have real greatness in him? Or is he, say, a product of the self-esteem campaign, that movement within the schools and homes of our country the past 25 years that says the way to get a winner is to tell the kid he's a winner every day? You can get some true people of achievement that way, because some people need a lot of reinforcement to rise. But you can also get, not to put too fine a point of it, empty suits that take on a normal shape only because they're so puffed up with ego.”

The statement – “empty suits that take on a normal shape only because they're so puffed up with ego” – is an apt summary for all too many. If in the midst of personal ambition, we could get across a basic premise for life – DON’T FAKE IT! – it would bring refreshment to many because the road of Reality and Integrity would be viable once again. The impression that people have regarding a cross-section of professions in this country is negative. It was interesting to read on the Christian Post Website yesterday about the Jury Selection for the trial of Victoria Osteen, where a potential Juror echoed the thoughts of others when she said, “I don’t trust preachers – they all lie!” One must ask: Why do people feel this way? What has happened to cause their disillusionment and negativity? Who/What has proven to be their defining moment? Did they observe a “preacher(s)” more focused on self-adulation rather than focusing people upon Jesus Who they should love with all their heart, soul, strength and mind?

It is obvious that one’s life must be lived with a particular commitment that reflects the great benefit for one to implement Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT), “since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith (Hebrews 11), let us strip off every weight that slows us down - the sin that so easily hinders our progress….We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish…We should be more disciplined in terms of how our lives are lived so we do not become a stumbling-block to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Our lives must direct the attention of all to Jesus Christ Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He IS the reality – He IS the Integrity for which people seek.

Consider these things with me – and let us walk Humbly and Modestly with the Lord God!

Communication

From My Perspective - - -

Communicating accurately is not always as simple and easy as one would hope. So many factors enter into verbal communication - tone, nuance, inflection, definition, body language, etc. One needs to be guarded lest assumption of what is meant overrides what was intended by the words spoken. It’s always wise to ask for clarification rather than to assume. Basic Communication is, and entails: “The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior. Interpersonal rapport. The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.”

For many years, a religious organization has worked to translate the Bible into every language. It was many years ago that Wycliffe Bible Translators believed there were only “2,000 tongues to go” and their literature so indicated. The more they worked with peoples all over the world, they began to find many tribes and dialects/sounds that were unknown to them – and so the work goes on. Recently, the Peacemaker Ministry has recently published (08-01-08): “According to the website www.ethnologue.com, there are 6,912 living languages in the world. An interesting fact is that “347 (or approximately 5%) of the world’s languages have at least one million speakers and account for 94% of the world’s population. By contrast, the remaining 95% of languages are spoken by only 6% of the world’s people.” I also found it intriguing to learn that Papua, New Guinea has the most linguistic diversity of any country in the world--they have 820 living languages, and if you were to pick two people at random, there is a 99% chance that they would speak different languages…”

How well do we communicate with each other in an interpersonal relationship? Some things that we read, do we try to discern what might be in the author’s mind or do we critique it based upon a personal position that has been formulated (and since “I” devised it - it must be correct and the standard by which all else is measured)? In a religious setting, an appeal can often be made to one’s Hermeneutic. But even there, whose Hermeneutic – Milton Terry (Classic); Bernard Ramm (Modern); or McQuilkin (Recent)? While there should be total agreement, there are different approaches to the understanding of language and interpretation. For instance, Terry states: “Hermeneutics is the science of interpretation. The word is usually applied to the explanation of written documents, and may therefore be more specifically defined as the science of interpreting an author's language. This science assumes that there are divers modes of thought and ambiguities of expression among men, and, accordingly, it aims to remove the supposable differences between a writer and his readers, so that the meaning of the one may be truly and accurately apprehended by the others.” Bernard Ramm’s approach had variations with the Classic view. It was observed about Ramm: “In some respects Ramm's emphasis on the inner witness of the Spirit reflected the view of John Calvin, but it also reflected the influence of Karl Barth under whom he studied in Switzerland.” Ramm also had struggles with Flood Geology and the age of the earth. It would be easy to suggest that his Hermeneutic was more subjective than objective.

There are some interesting thoughts in the Epistle of James. He enjoins that we be “slow to speak” – be accurate (1:19);“speak carefully” (2:12);and “do not speak negatively” (4:11).One’s task is to communicate, wisely, clearly, factually so that another individual will be able to discern the intention and the ramification of what has been communicated. Communication seeks to pass along information and/or instruction to gain a positive response that will be demonstrated by an action that ensues.

Consider these things with me and let us be defined and be like those in Malachi 3:16, “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.”

New Beginnings

From My Perspective - - -

Words such as Failure and Disqualified have a heart-piercing affect upon one. The other side to this is the thought – Is All Failure and Disqualification Final? Is there any possibility of one having hope of being reinstated and/or having a second chance? Businesses on occasion file for Bankruptcy and seek for time to Reorganize. Many companies have come out of Bankruptcy and were viable once again. Can a person who tried and failed have hope of being “reorganized” and becoming useful and profitable once again? Can one who was Counsel to the President of the United States and who was sentenced to prison for a crime committed be recovered and restored to a constructive and useful life and ministry? Can one who tried to minister and failed be relegated to oblivion or can he be recovered and granted a new beginning for constructive and vital ministry once again?

In his Breakpoint Devotional, Chuck Colson writes about “Admission of Failure” with a sub-title “Corrections In Crisis”: “Thirty-three years ago, after serving seven months for my role in the Watergate scandal, I walked out of prison a free man. Not entirely free however, because I just could not get out of my mind the men I had met in prison-the hundreds of thousands like them in prisons across the country. So, in 1977…I started Prison Fellowship. Little could I have imagined back then that Prison Fellowship would one day be the largest Christian outreach to prisoners in the world….” Chuck Colson pondered further: “Why was the United States a virtual Petri dish for growing criminals? It was not until I read the landmark 1977 study called The Criminal Personality that I was able to begin to fully appreciate what was going on. The study's authors…rebutted the conventional wisdom that crime was caused by environment-like poverty and racism. It was caused, they said, not by that, but by individuals making wrong moral choices. So the solution to crime, they said, was "the conversion of the wrongdoer to a more responsible lifestyle." Then it hit me. Our entire penal system was seeking an institutional solution to a moral problem…” Most are aware that Prison Fellowship has had an effective ministry in providing a message of hope for the hopeless and seeing failures become successes by the grace of God.

In I Corinthians 9:24-27, the Apostle Paul writes: “Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who misses his punches. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” Disqualified is such a harsh and painful word. I can still visualize our son in High School Swimming Competition trying hard to win – but – he had trouble with the turns in the pool. The judge’s whistle blew and a finger was pointed and the sound was “DQ” – disqualified. But that was one event in many! Were there other whistles, finger pointed and the “DQ” heard? Yes! But with renewed effort, there came the day when the whistle was not blown, and the finger was not pointed, and the “DQ” was not heard. Instead, he and three other swimmers had set the Relay Team Record – a record that has stood for many years.

What if at the first “DQ” our son was removed from the swim team? What if he had never been given another opportunity to try again? What if there had been condemnation for his failure and disqualification? What if there had been no second chance? What if people only remembered his failures and critiqued him on his past effort? What if he had been denied a New Beginning? But – the coach worked with him and his failure became a success. Isn’t that what we should do with one another – not magnify Failure – but – give ourselves to help one get a New Beginning – moving from Failure to Success!

Consider these things with me - - - and let us help others regain their footing with a new beginning as they move from Failure to Success. That’s what I want to do for others! Will you do likewise?

Responsibility

From My Perspective - - - -

Accepting responsibility for one’s choices and actions is a difficult acknowledgement, especially if the choice was unwise and the action ludicrous. One only has to look at the Congress of the United States to see how difficult it is for one to (a) admit fault/error, and (b) to accept and agree with one with whom there is a partisan difference. It is reported that this Congress accomplished the least of any recent Congress (and then they need a 5 week vacation to recover from their inaction). Fox News reported that only 14% of the population approved of this Congress’ performance. But the finger-pointing continues – Democrats pointing at Republicans and Republicans pointing at Democrats.

It is obvious that imbedded in human nature is the ability to avoid accepting responsibility. From the Creation of the Universe and World, man has demonstrated the innate desire to shift focus and rationalize when it comes to accountability for choices and actions. When the Temptation occurs in the Garden of Eden, and as that scene unfolds, when God confronts Adam about his choice and action of disobedience to God’s only Law – Adam responds: The Woman you gave me tried it and liked it and told me to eat the fruit. When God confronts Eve about her choice and action of disobedience to God’s only Law – Eve responds: The serpent You Created said it would be alright (and that You didn’t really mean what You said about dying and stuff). One can be certain that if the serpent had been challenged with the same question, he might have responded: Who? Me?

An important Biblical narrative regarding the acceptance of responsibility pertains to the conduct of David when he had committed adultery with Bathsheba and then arranged for the murder of her husband in battle. As much as he tried to avoid responsibility for his actions, he was internally afflicted and conflicted. One can only imagine the agony of soul experienced by David as he struggled with his disobedience and awful behavior. In both Psalm 32 and Psalm 51, we have a brief glimpse of that inner struggle and the resolve that was finally sought. In Psalm 32, it speaks of the soul’s anguish and the pain within his bones when he tried to remain silent about his sin and admitting the same to God.

In Psalm 51, David finally arrives at the point where he cries out to God: “Against You – You only have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight!” As the Psalm progresses and as he seeks the mercy and forgiveness, David makes certain requests in Psalm 51:7 through 14, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.”

It is a regrettable observation that in the Church one will often find turbulence rather than tranquility, factions rather than unity, self-centeredness rather than yieldedness, conflict rather than peace. The Book of Revelation (Chapters 2 and 3) pictures Jesus Christ walking in the midst of Seven Churches and stating what he is observing. Out of the seven, only one receives almost complete approval. If Jesus Christ walked in the midst of our Churches in the United States today – what would He observe? What would He indicate needs to take place? Would He point His finger directly at the Church one belongs to and categorize what He sees wrong? Would He state – and would we heed – Repent! Return to your first love! – or else you will be removed from any further Kingdom opportunity and meaningful representation? Could that be why one can observe so many churches that seem to be “going through the motions” while actually going nowhere?

Consider these things with me and accept responsibility to be different and to do differently - - -

Distractions

From My Perspective - - - -

It is becoming more evident that both punditry and polls/statistical analysis are muddying the political landscape. It is becoming a Daily Distraction as well as an Annoyance. Those who make their living in such areas fail to factor in that any number of people (a) believe their preferences are a private matter; (b) people will give the “politically correct” response to avoid being labeled as liberal, conservative, moderate, racial, gender-biased, etc.; and (c) some people will just “lie” in order to confuse and blur the true sentiment in terms of Poll Results. The pundits are now citing the “Bradley Effect” (Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, an African-American Democrat, in 1982 unexpectedly lost his candidacy for governor of California. His defeat followed voters telling pollsters they prefer a black candidate and then voting the other way) possibly being in play and affecting the results of the Tracking Polls. It is almost like a “game” being played with Pollsters.

Distractions occur in many areas of life and can blur the Purpose and Goals in given situations. A Classic Example of the various Distractions one can encounter in life are summarized somewhat in the Christian Allegory entitled, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. A man named Christian purposes to leave the City of Destruction (Earth) and journey toward the Celestial City (Heaven). As he sets out on that journey, the many Distractions begin. The first ones to call to him are his family members pleading with him to remain with them. He stops his ears to block out their voices. He will also have to encounter his neighbors and their ridicule and criticism most notably by Mr. Obstinate and Mr. Pliable. His only encouragement comes from the one called Evangelist who instructs him to head toward the Shining Light and to stay in the center of the path that will lead to the narrow wicket gate. There are others who will try to dissuade Christian – people like Mr. Worldly Wiseman, Mr. Legality and his son Civility – who attempt to get him to join them in the city of Morality. Do these Distractions sidetrack Christian and divert him from his Goal? At times, Yes! He lets himself be enticed to go to Legality’s home. However, Evangelist meets the wayward Christian where he has stopped before a life-threatening mountain, Mount Sinai, on the way to Legality's home. Evangelist shows Christian that he had sinned by turning out of his way, but he assures him that he will be welcomed at the Wicket Gate if he should turn around and go there. Christian, wisely, changes his course and gets back on the path that will lead him to the Wicket Gate.

All of us are confronted daily with Distractions of every sort. Some things seem so appealing and enticing that we divert from our Goals and Purposes and succumb to the diversionary distraction. A worthy role model for all of us is Nehemiah. He felt compelled by God to rebuild the Walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah appeals to King Artaxerxes for permission to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild. He is granted permission. However, as the Wall is progressing, Distractions arise. In Nehemiah 4:1-3, we read the initial ridicule and attempt to Distract – “Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that? Tobiah...said, Yes, what they are building if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” The words could have easily discouraged Nehemiah and been a Distraction that could halt the project altogether. But they kept on with their effort – with spear in one hand and building with the other – “because they had a mind to work” – and the project was successfully completed.

There are times and moments when we all are confronted with Distractions and are almost overwhelmed by the opposition or discouraging words. At such times, we need to remind ourselves Who we serve and what He will do. We must remind ourselves of Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Consider this with me and let us keep on keeping on - - - -

Statistics and Tracking Polls

From My Perspective - - - -

Those who love to “crunch numbers” can arrive at almost any conclusion based upon (a) a set sample group that is surveyed, and (b) the data that is considered. Sound Statistical Results can often be ignored, such as, almost 80% of the American people want this country to begin drilling for oil in our own nation and territory. However, the Congress of the United States pays no attention to that statistic and goes home for a month of vacation without taking a vote on the people’s business. There are other times one can observe the “findings” and poll results and muse, “where did they come up with that idea?” It appears that from now until the USA National Election Day (approximately three more months) we’ll have to be subjected to Opinion and Tracking Polls, and the Self-Serving Statistics and Punditry of the Media.

There is a current set of statistics pertaining to The Church and the variant data that are used. A partial book review in The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing is the following: “…A book by David T. Olson entitled, The American Church in Crisis…indicates: "The American church needs to be 'forever building.' Building is the church's response to God's missional promptings. But the greatest need of the church is 'being restored,' which is a spiritual and supernatural act of God… Mr. Olson refutes the church attendance research of both Barna and Gallup. He does not believe between 37% and 43% of Americans go to church each week. His research of nearly 300,000 churches gives evidence that the total attending services is closer to 52 million each week (versus over 100 million), and that instead of 40% attending each week, it is more like 19.5%. With regard to the evangelical church, he reports 26.7 million attended church on a given weekend in 2005 — 9.1% of the American churchgoers are connected with the evangelical church…Each year from 2000 to 2005, an estimated 4,000 new churches were started — but each year…3,700 churches closed or a net gain of 300. To keep up with the population growth, 2,900 more churches would need to be started each year, or a total of 6,900…”

If the data were analyzed more fully, one would probably discover the aging of the church that is occurring as well. Just randomly walk into any church when a Worship Service is in process and see how many families are in attendance. Wander around the premises and see how many babies are in the Nursery or children in a Junior Church Assembly. Most of the people attending are 55 or older, and more women are attending than men. A statement embraced in the above book based upon a study done in Switzerland indicates: "If a father does not go to church, no matter how regular the mother is in her religious practices, only one child in 50 becomes a regular church attendee." If that is true, what does this mean for The Church in the future? Why is it that men don’t seem to care any more? Is this the model they want to have before their family and neighbors?

Many Biblical passages could be referenced, but Ephesians 6:1 through 4 states the case well: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” In The Message Translation, verse 4 states: “Fathers… your children - Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” This requires a lifelong commitment and diligence. There is no immediate tracking poll to measure the success-failure ratio. One only has the statement of challenge and assurance in Proverbs 22:6 (From: The Message), “Point your kids in the right direction - when they're old they won't be lost.” It’s not an easy task but it is rewarding when one “hangs in there”, and with prayer, persistence, example, and consistency implements the Biblical guideline and instruction, the positive result will be achieved.

Think about this with me - - - -