BASKIN-ROBBINS COMEBACK

From My Perspective - - -

Somewhere in the 1950’s, Baskin-Robbins started Ice Cream Franchises that featured 31 different flavors. Even though the Chain is somewhat diminished from its peak popularity, where it continues to be operational, they advertise and boast of now having more than 1,000 flavors. Some of us grew up being very content with Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry – but – that was then and this is now.

It seems as though the Baskin-Robbins Concept has become engaged in other parts of our experience ranging from the food choices available, to the religious variants, and the changing political climes. During the Inaugural Prayer Service, when a Unity Prayer was being offered, it seemed as though it was a type of Religious Cross-Cultural Seminar. There was a range from an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi to a Hamas sympathizer to a Television Preacher (T.D. Jakes) attempting to quote from Star Wars and calling it Star Trek, when he said: “I say to you as my son who is here today, my 14-year-old son - he probably would not quote scripture. He probably would use Star Trek instead, and so I say, 'May the force be with you." In the name of being contemporary and relevant, the misquote also represents a missed opportunity to stand tall and represent clearly that all-power belongs to the Eternal God and He allows one to temporarily have a portion of power to work in the affairs of State and to lead in a righteous way.

Where was the prayer suggesting the words of Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace/reproach to any people…” – to offset the Inaugural Benediction of a weary and hackneyed civil rights proponent (Joseph Lowery) who prayed: “Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen!" Only in America can one view a Political and Historic event – The Inauguration of A President – while at the same time being exposed to an ecumenical hodge-podge of religious talking (prayer?) points?!

Where was the alternative word regarding the movement toward a Tax Rebate for all Americans – even the more than 40% who pay no taxes at all – with the word from God, “If a man doesn’t work – neither should he eat.” (This does not suggest or imply that people groups should starve to death! What it is suggesting is that people need to be motivated to be diligent and productive – becoming a people who can arrive at a point where they can share with others rather than conniving to receive from “the system”!) It’s an idea the Apostle Paul shared in II Corinthians 9:10-12, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.”

Consider these things with me - - - It is one thing to embrace I Corinthians 9:22-23, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel…” as a purpose for one’s life mission. It is entirely another matter when one promises that the government will provide for everything a person or family needs to survive and progress in this nation and world. The Baskin-Robbins approach is incapable of providing enough flavor selection to please and satisfy every appetite. The short-sightedness is the idea that Government will do what only the Grace of Almighty God can accomplish, namely, II Corinthians 9:6-8, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Quite a difference – but then – quite an Excellent God Who will do it!

TULIPOMANIA AND HOOPLA

From My Perspective - - -

TULIPOMANIA = “A violent passion for the acquisition or cultivation of tulips” -- In Holland, in the first half of the 17th century, the cultivation of tulips became a mania. It began about the year 1634, and, like a violent epidemic, seized upon all classes of the community, leading to disasters and misery such as the records of commerce or of bankruptcies can scarcely parallel. In 1636, tulip marts had been established in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Leyden, and various other towns, where tulip bulbs were sold and resold in the same manner as stocks are on the Stock Exchange of London.

HOOPLA = “Boisterous, jovial commotion or excitement; Extravagant publicity; Talk intended to mislead or confuse…” A play by Shakespeare entitled: “MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING” - The main plot in Much Ado About Nothing is the same as the story of Ariodante and Ginevra in Ariosto; but the secondary circumstances and development are very different. The mode in which the innocent Hero before the altar at the moment of the wedding, and in the presence of her family and many witnesses, is put to shame by the most degrading charge, false indeed, yet clothed with every appearance of truth, is a grand piece of theatrical effect in the true and justifiable sense…” This Title – Much Ado About Nothing - has been varied along the way until it recently was used in reference to the final episode of The Jerry Seinfeld Show when it became MUCH ADIEU ABOUT NOTHING. Observers noted: “How important is the last episode to American tele-viewers? A 30-second commercial spot costs $1,500,000. A 35-foot-high screen was erected in Times-Square to carry the event, while negotiations were taking place to televise the show on a giant screen to 500,000 viewers in Central Park. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington made inquiries about obtaining the entire set of Seinfeld. It was the climax of a show which people said defines our generation, and is the quintessential identification of the '90s. It was a final judgment built on nine years of hype (hope's replacement in a world of synthetic images). It was, as some said, a national holiday."

Misplaced Values and Cultural Saturation with Minutia bring one to the threshold of “hype” versus bonafide “hope”! In other words, we have delved into Fiction and Fantasy to such a degree that we are unable to find authenticity. It brings nations to a place where it allows lofty rhetoric to super-impose itself where bottom-line factualness has become a void. This occurs across all strata of culture and life until we reach the point of “hype” replacing (or becoming) “hope” – and – authenticity is deliberately blurred to smooth the way for adoption of a new agenda. As a result “right to an abortion” becomes “pro-Choice”; “redistribution of wealth” (welfare) becomes “reinvestment”; etc.

Consider these things with me - - - During the earth-ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, many times he would employ a word or phrase – “Verily, Verily, I say unto you…” VERILY means: In truth; in fact; With confidence; assuredly…” Some examples are: John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. Matthew 26:21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Attention and commitment should be placed in what is factual – the Verily – words of The One Who stated: “I am the way; the truth; and the life! No one comes to the Father except by Me!” Tulipomania can bring about a “herd instinct” where people will be caught up by the rhetoric and miss the authentic. Hoopla is what it suggests – much activity and lofty platitudes – but – very little result and great disappointment regarding what one “hoped” would be when the “hype” was innocently embraced.

POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE

From My Perspective - - -

The Feature Headline in the Drudge Report for Monday, January 19^th is: “Anything Possible”! In a Pre-Inaugural speech, The MY-WAY Report states: “Two days from the White House, President-elect Barack Obama joined a vast throng Sunday at a joyous pre-inauguration celebration staged among marble monuments to past heroes. Anything is possible in America, declared the man who will confront economic crisis and two wars when he takes office. Despite the enormity of the task that lies ahead, I stand here today as hopeful as ever that the United States of America will endure - that it will prevail, that the dream of our founders will live on in our time,"

Years ago, based on the words of Matthew 19:26 - "Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Eugene L. Clark penned the words to a meaningful Inspirational Chorus. The words are:

Nothing is impossible when you put your trust in God;
Nothing is impossible when you're trusting in His Word.
Hearken to the voice of God to thee;
Is there anything too hard for Me?
Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word;
For everything, O, everything, yes everything is possible with God.

Amid all the Pomp and Circumstance that surrounds the Inauguration of the 44^th President of the United States, there continues to be the relentless hew and cry of all types of people expressing opposition to praying “in Jesus’ name…”; or in the Oath of Office to state the words – “so help me God…”etc. If there’s anything that illustrates how the United States has drifted into a post-Christian era, this concerted effort by the Atheists and Humanists and Gay Activists speak volumes. Is it possible that we are approaching, or are at, the day Jesus warned about in Matthew 24:9-12, “You will be hated by all nations because of Me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved…”

Consider these things with me - - - Despite where we may find ourselves in the geo-political turmoil and economic crises of such great magnitude, we continue to have a God-given responsibility to activate I Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” And even in the most difficult circumstances, I Peter 2:13-17 instructs and urges that we - “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” It may involve and entail assuming the role of Moses, Elijah, Daniel and his Friends, or John the Baptist as one takes a stand for righteousness. We must guard against being trapped in the whirlpool of indifference or the malaise of matter-of-factness. As you live in an unfocused world, you must maintain the true focus as you walk and sing throughout your life - - -

Then put your trust in God alone and rest upon His Word;
For everything, O, everything, yes everything is possible with God.

JUGGERNAUT OR FOIBLE

From My Perspective - - -

Generalization is a tool in expression that allows one to either overstate or underestimate what is or is not factual. Next week will be observed as National Right To Life Week. An example is this statement appearing on www.OneNewsNow.com - “Less than 10% believe abortion should be legal, unfettered…A nationwide survey commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops underscores the public view of abortion. The poll involved a cross-section of Americans - not just Catholics - and assistant director for policy and communications at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Deirdre McQuade, has part of the results. “Four out of five American adults - 82 percent - think abortion should be either illegal under all circumstances or with limited legality, and only nine percent said that abortion should be legal for any reason at any time during pregnancy, she explains.” The report also includes: “Three-fourths favor parents having a role in a minor's attempt to obtain an abortion, and nearly two-thirds support laws against partial-birth abortion.”

Chuck Colson shared some of his thoughts on the Right To Life Issue and commented in a recent Breakpoint editorial: “In the painting The Slaughter of the Innocents, baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens depicted the horror: a soldier dashing a child against a Roman column, another lancing a mother who tries to hide her babe. The painting also shows a woman weeping over the body of her dead infant. It's a scene from the Bible none of us likes imagining. Matthew quoted Jeremiah to describe the atrocity: A voice is heard in Ramah... Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted... Those who heard Matthew's gospel…would have associated Ramah with the deportation of the Jews during the exile. In that vicinity, the Babylonians tore Israel's children away from their mother's arms and carried them off as slaves.” As barbaric as this sounds, much of what passes as a safe and sound medical procedure when Abortion is done in this nation, is similarly barbaric. Colson’s additional thoughts are: “And where did Evil strike? It attacked life in its most vulnerable form. The very first assault of Satan after the birth of Christ is against society's weakest members-infants. He attacked the least of these. Even today, the Enemy's mode of attack hasn't changed much. We're painfully aware of the slaughter of the unborn, and the devaluation of the elderly, the poor, the disabled, and the prisoner…we mustn't be deceived. There is a real battle with real casualties. We remember that we wage war not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We shouldn't be surprised at setbacks and assaults upon us. Of course the Enemy won't go down without a fight. But remember, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. So lay hold of it, and don't let go.

Consider these things with me - - - The secular press will brush aside such statements as being either biased or uninformed. That is part of the tension/dynamic of a juggernaut approach on the one hand (a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way) versus those who embrace a view and/or position that becomes nothing more than a foible: (a minor weakness or failing of character.)”…What should matter most to us is a Biblical imperative to be involved in the Cultural War that engages us as followers of Jesus Christ. Remember Proverbs 24:10-12, “ If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, But we knew nothing about this, does not He Who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He Who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” And, Psalm 139:7-16, “… For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” The bottom line for us is – and always will be – God’s Way or man’s way. These positions are an eternity apart!

INAUGURAL PRAYER FOCUS

From My Perspective - - -

It seems as though an innate propensity for many leads one to negative opinion and bent rather than to a more positive approach and inclination. This is reflected in our national elections and the close percentages in terms of how the citizenry votes. Even with an exceptionally gifted orator and a national mood for change, the vote was nevertheless closer than one would have thought – 53% versus 47%.

A broader question is whether or not we want to see our nation and its leadership succeed or not. It should be the desire of every citizen to want our government to be wise in their decisions and prudent in their choices. The 47% who voted for someone other than the President-Elect should nevertheless want the choice of the 53% to succeed and to gain the support and respect of all.

Above all, we don’t want to be a nation that forgets God in terms of the body politic. Recently, Paul Harvey included in his “The Rest Of The Story” broadcast, the following: Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation - - -
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

· We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

· We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

· We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

· We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

· We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

· We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

· We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.

· We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

· We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!

And then, as we approach Inauguration Day, Max Lucado is encouraging people and churches to make it a special time of Prayer Focus and is appealing with the following: Ask Your Church to Pray for Obama - - - Thanks to your desire to pray for the next President of the United States, we have almost 100,000 individuals and groups who have committed to pray for President-Elect Obama on Inauguration Day. But we want to see more. In this last week before the inauguration, would you email or call the leadership from your church and ask them to visit PrayForPresidentElect.com and pledge to pray for the new leadership of the United States?

Consider these things with me - - - Effective Prayer for the nation always begins on a personal level. That’s a reason why in Psalm 139:23-24, the Psalmist prays: “Search ME, O God, and know MY heart; test ME, and know MY anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in ME, and lead ME in the way everlasting.” Similarly, in II Chronicles 7:14-15 the Lord states: “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” The bottom-line is whether or not you believe there is a personal God who cares greatly about a relationship with you. It also matters whether or not you believe an Eternal God will intervene in the affairs of temporal people. In Jeremiah 29:12-14, the Lord says: “…you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord…” And it is also recorded in I Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This sounds like a better idea for times such as these!

UNIMAGINABLE AND UNPRECEDENTED

From My Perspective - - -

If one scans his/her lifetime, many events come under a heading of being UNIMAGINABLE. Events such as Great Depression; rise of Nazism in Germany; War In Europe; sneak attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor; World War; use of Atomic Bombs; Increase In Nuclear Proliferation; rise and spread of Communism; Liberal bent of Politics in America; Sudden Attacks of September 11, 2001; recessions; Financial Bailout of Financial Institutions and Industries with excessive amounts of tax dollars; etc. It is shocking to see the financial needs and requests from Public Education (1) A School in Detroit, Michigan needing funds for basic supply of Toilet Paper and Light Bulbs so they keep functioning, whereas (2) Schools in Chicago, Illinois spent $67,000 on Cappuccino Machines that no one requested and few are using. It’s difficult to determine whether or not these things are “Unimaginable” or just plain “Ridiculous”!

We are witnessing today Government of Largesse (“Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially in a lofty or condescending manner. Money or gifts bestowed.”)… The Drudge Report has a banner headline this morning that quotes President-Elect Obama: “We’ll Spend Our Way Out Of This”! There is an interesting sub-headline that gives the sense on how this will be done: “Let’s Print More Money”! That is tantamount to saying, “we’ll deal with Inflation and Devaluation of our currency when we get there” – and – get there we will! There is even a hint that this could mean years of recession and the need for higher taxes. On a practical and personal level, none of us could operate personal finances in that way. Who would allow an individual to say: “I want your product for my use now but I won’t be able to pay for it – so – bill it to my Great Grandchild yet to be born”! INCREDULOUS (“Incredible; not easy to be believed”), you would hear – and – INCREDULOUS it would be!

A sobering article in the Wall Street Journal for January 8^th, 2009 - THE DEFICIT SPENDING BLOWOUT – states: “The Congressional Budget Office released its latest budget forecast yesterday, and we now really do have red ink as far as the eye can see. Thanks to a 6.6% decline in revenues due to recession, a spending increase of some $500 billion or 19%, and assorted federal bailouts, the U.S. deficit for fiscal 2009 (ending September 30) will nearly triple to $1.19 trillion. That's 8.3% of GDP, which CBO says "will most likely shatter the previous post-World War II record high of 6.0 percent posted in 1983." It certainly blows away any deficit this decade, not to mention the Reagan years when smaller deficits were the media cause celebre. But there's more. None of that includes the new fiscal "stimulus" that President-elect Obama has promised to introduce upon taking office in two weeks. The details aren't known, but Mr. Obama and Democrats have been talking about at least $800 billion, and probably $1 trillion, in new spending or various tax credits and reductions over two years. Toss that in and add more expected bailout cash, and if the economy stays slow the deficit could reach $1.8 trillion, or a gargantuan 12.5% of GDP. That 2006 Democratic vow to pass "pay as you go" budgets seems like a lifetime ago, which in political terms it was.”

Consider these things with me - - - The Government and Christian Faith are incompatible with each other. God’s name is invoked in a deferential and/or ceremonial way but never with that as being part of a Core Value. In difficult times and at all times, followers of Christ and those committed to Biblical Christianity should embrace the following as a personal core value for times such as these: (1) Luke 1:37, in terms of the supernatural “…nothing is impossible with God…”, and (2) Ephesians 3:20-21, in terms of Faith and Confidence, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” The words of Daniel’s Friends – words of Confidence and Determination – “Our God Is Able and He Will…!” should be our commitment and encouragement. That’s the only place the rhetoric that espoused: “Yes! We Can!” is operative and functional! Try It – you’ll see!

LISTENING OR LISTING

From My Perspective - - -

The US Senate is beginning to look like a Mental Institution that has been taken over by the patients – there is so little order, decorum or common sense on display there currently. An example is a Newsday Article (January 8^th, 2009) regarding: “Senate Democratic leaders yesterday laid out a path for former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate, softening their initial ardent opposition to Burris' appointment last week. After an hour-long meeting with Burris on Capitol Hill, Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois told reporters that they would consider Burris' appointment if it is certified by the Illinois secretary of state and if Burris testifies successfully before legislators in Illinois who are considering the impeachment of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of corruption charges, including looking to sell Obama's Senate seat. Once that's done, we'll be in a position to see what we're going to do, said Reid, who last week had declared any appointment that Blagojevich made would be tainted. In a news conference yesterday morning, Obama said he would accept Burris as his replacement in the Senate.” The List of things for Mr. Burris “to do” if he is to be considered is bogus and a face-saving procedure to cover-over the foolishness of the Senate Majority Leader. It is part of the game people often play in Washington, DC.

This reminded me of a “to do List” suggested by Max Lucado in his book, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. He speaks of various “lists” that people could and should consider for their lives. Among his suggestions are: “The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain. There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings….” Then he shares a long list of “to do” things for the New Year - - -

• Love God more than you fear hell.
• Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
• Make major decisions in a cemetery.
• When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
• Succeed at home first.
• Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
• Pray twice as much as you fret.
• Listen twice as much as you speak.
• Only harbor a grudge when God does.
• Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
• Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
• It’s wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
• God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
• When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
• Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
• Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
• The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
• Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
• Live your liturgy.
• Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the Captain.

Consider these things with me - - - A pithy statement from the past states: “God has given you two ears and one mouth – he expects you to do twice as much listening as you do talking.” That’s the idea shared in James 1:19 (NLT): “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Elected officials surely need to put those words into practice – but then – so do you and I. Have you…we…I been diligent in trying it? I didn’t think so!

DISPOSSESSING GOD

From My Perspective - - -

All too soon (in the year 2026), the United States of America will mark the 250^thyear of existence as a free and independent nation. This nation has been preserved through good times and bad times. We have endured several wars, including two World Wars. We were victimized by two surprise attacks – Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and sixty (60) years later on September 11, 2001. We have passed through recessions and depressions and recovered very well. As a nation, we should remember, learn, and be encouraged by our history and our resilience. In like manner, we should be warned by complacency and compromises that have contributed to our cultural demise and ongoing struggle.

Who would have thought that the efforts of one determined woman in June of 1963 would cause the Supreme Court of the United States to alter the cultural and religious heritage of this nation? On that date, the United States Supreme Court upheld the argument of the atheist Madelyn Murray O'Hare and promulgated an edict with ramifications so widespread it insured that God would be evicted from public society across the entire spectrum of the American governmental system. From that day to this, not only has prayer been outlawed, God's very name has been declared anathema to the United States Constitution, and forbidden to be mentioned in any federal, state, county, city or municipal context. Further decrees have revealed the depths of the Dispossessing of God that initial edict fostered. Not just Bible Reading, but prayer, the display of the cross, the Ten Commandments, Nativity Scenes/Presentations are disallowed, etc.

On the Eve of the Inauguration of the 44^th President of the United States, this same controversy is brought to bear and formal court appeals are being made by Atheists in our nation. Prayer is alright ONLY IF one does not use the name of God and In Jesus’ Name. The Oath of Office can say whatever, just so long as it does not conclude with four words, namely, “so help me God.” One Pundit on a Sunday News Program allowed that the Ceremonial use of God has become so diminished that it is merely a term without significance. If that is true, and it certainly appears that it is, we have come too far as a nation and may not have much further to go. A nation that Dispossess God is a nation that is charting a course toward difficulty, judgment and obliteration.

Consider these things with me - - - It’s no wonder the effort has been made to remove the Bible from the public arena. There are some Warning Signs regarding the nation that is indifference and/or ignores God. In II Thessalonians 2:3-4[NLT], “Don't be fooled…that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed – the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy every god there is and tear down every object of adoration and worship. He will position himself in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.” There are always Signs and Warnings along life’s road IF ONLY they are read and heeded. Think back to the 1963 Supreme Court Decision and link that banning of God to some events warned about in Scripture. Jeremiah 44:28-30 states: “…Then all those who came to Egypt will find out whose words are true, mine or theirs! And this is the proof I give you, says the LORD, that all I have threatened will happen to you and that I will punish you here: I will turn Pharaoh…king of Egypt, over to his enemies who want to kill him…” Following the 1963 Court Ruling, there were three Assassinations in our nation! Coincidence? Or, a Warning Sign! In Matthew 24:6-9, Jesus stated: “…wars will break out near and far, but don't panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won't follow immediately. The nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other, and there will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this will be only the beginning of the horrors to come. Earthquakes and Tidal Waves and Wars - Coincidence? Or, A Warning Sign! In Jeremiah 51:41-43, "...How Babylon is fallen – great Babylon, praised throughout the earth! The world can scarcely believe its eyes at her fall! The sea has risen over Babylon; she is covered by its waves. Her cities now lie in ruins; she is a dry wilderness where no one lives or even passes by.” Tsunami – Coincidence? Or, A Warning Sign! One would do well to think about these things and to give heed to them!

EXPECTATIONS VERSUS ABILITIES

From My Perspective - - -

As events unfold in ones life, sooner or later reference will be made to “The Peter Principle”! The general interpretation is that a person has a level of ability/competency and to go beyond that level invokes The Peter Principle. What is The Peter Principle? The Peter Principle states that in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his/her level of incompetence. It was formulated by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull in their 1968 book THE PETER PRINCIPLE, a humorous treatise which also introduced the salutary science of Hierarchiology, inadvertently founded by Peter, the principle has real validity. It holds that in a hierarchy, members are promoted so long as they work competently. Sooner or later they are promoted to a position at which they are no longer competent (their level of incompetence), and there they remain. Peter's corollary states that in time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his duties and adds that work is accomplished by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence.

The Author, Gary North, in his Thesis: “Computers Versus The Peter Principle” writes: “The Peter Principle vies with Parkinson’s Law as one of the two most fundamental laws of bureaucracy. Parkinson’s Law was first articulated in public in 1955: Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. C. Northcote Parkinson was a professional historian with the famous dry wit that was once common to the British upper class. He turned an article in The Economist into a book, Parkinson’s Law, in 1957. He later offered a corollary: "Expenditure rises to meet income. The Peter Principle was first made public in Jan. 1967, in an article in Esquire. This principle announces: In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence. Professor Peter was a specialist in the area of hierarchical incompetence. He was a professor of education. Here is his thesis. People get promoted in a hierarchy for as long as they display competence on the job. At some point, however, everyone hits his ceiling of competence. But neither he nor his employer recognizes that this is his top. So, he is given one additional promotion. At that point, he has risen to his level of incompetence. He will cease receiving any further promotions.”

While there are many applications that can be made in this regard, rather than drift toward denigrating any group, the point of focus is on motivation, skills development, ability that matches expectation, and maximized performance. A reason why Seminars and In-Service Training has been developed is to hone the skills of an individual so there can be increased motivation, skill development, productivity and realization of fulfillment in ones task. Regardless of ones experience and task involvement, there is considerable development in all skill areas. It would be short-sighted and unwise to ignore or be detached from the opportunities to increase knowledge and to learn better ways to accomplish a task. It is possible to invent a better mouse trap, or a better broom, etc. The learning curve is always a continuum and maximum potential is always the pursuit. None of this can occur through osmosis! It requires discipline and study and effort.

Consider these things with me - - - The Peter Principle is shattered when the Spiritual Dynamic enters. God, The Creator, spoke – “Let Us Make” – and the Universe and Man came into being. Two thoughts: In Matthew 4:18, as Jesus began to summon men/disciples, He said: “Come, follow me…and I will make you…” It would be instilling extra-ordinary skills and abilities into ordinary men. In like manner, in II Corinthians 5:17, we read: “…if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” The operative phrase is “new creation”! The overall point is that God has always been The Creator and His Work is now particularized in terms of the one who is In Christ. There is a new horizon, a new hope, a new potential, a new “You” as this new creation takes place, and the words of Jesus echo to you – “I Will Make You…” into what I want you to be. The only way this proposition can be proven and tested is for one to be In Christ where this new creation process will take place. To read about this “new creation” possibility further, one can consult Psalm 1; Ephesians 2 and 4; II Corinthians 5; etc. The difference between The Peter Principle and The Jesus Principle is that Jesus guarantees the new creation result in and for you!

POLARIZATION - Or - CONFLICT RESOLUTION

From My Perspective - - -

It is obvious that polarization (a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions) is a reality within our nation. In an effort to address conflict on a secular level, someone has developed a list of 8 Possibilities For Conflict Resolution as a starting point: 1) Know Yourself and Your Vulnerabilities – Take Care of Yourself So You Don’t Capitulate Inappropriately Just To Achieve Resolve At Any Cost; 2) Clarify Personal Needs Threatened By Dispute or Misunderstanding; 3) Identify A Safe and Neutral Place for Discussion or Negotiation; 4) Be Ready To Listen As Well As To Interact; 5) Assert Your Needs Calmly, Clearly and Specifically; 6) Approach Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution with Flexibility; 7) Manage Impasse with Gentleness, Patience, and Respect; 8) Develop A Realistic Agreement that Can Result In Mutual Resolve. These steps should be able to begin a conversation and dialogue between individuals and/or groups. There are some “impasse” circumstance (a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock) that make any effort challenging and difficult. Many Divorce Circumstances have reached the “Impasse” level before counsel is sought or desired. Currently, the Conflict between Israel and Hamas (Gaza) represents a situation of great concern but one that is not ripe for resolution at this moment. One has to search to find those moments of national unity within our own nation – such moments, like September 11, 2001, evaporate all too quickly and the nation reverts back to its polarizing body politic. One wonders - ponders: Can Peace – Will Peace ever be a national reality again?

In a recent NEWSMAX Article (December 23^rd, 2008), Jim Walters reported: U.S. MILITARY PREPARING FOR DOMESTIC DISTURBANCES. The report contains the following: “A new report from the U.S. Army War College discusses the use of American troops to quell civil unrest brought about by a worsening economic crisis. The report from the War College’s Strategic Studies Institute warns that the U.S. military must prepare for a violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States that could be provoked by unforeseen economic collapse or loss of functioning political and legal order…Widespread civil violence inside the United States would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order…An American government and defense establishment lulled into complacency by a long-secure domestic order would be forced to rapidly divest some or most external security commitments in order to address rapidly expanding human insecurity at home. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned last week of riots and unrest in global markets if the ongoing financial crisis is not addressed and lower-income households are beset with credit constraints and rising unemployment, the Phoenix Business Journal reported. Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Rep. Brad Sherman of California disclosed that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson discussed a worst-case scenario as he pushed the Wall Street bailout in September, and said that scenario might even require a declaration of martial law. The Army College report states: DOD might be forced by circumstances to put its broad resources at the disposal of civil authorities to contain and reverse violent threats to domestic tranquility. Under the most extreme circumstances, this might include use of military force against hostile groups inside the United States…"

Consider these things with me - - - Functional Axioms are: “It’s never right to do wrong so that right can occur.” The Biblical Approach is simply (Psalm 122:6-9): “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (or Washington, DC, etc.): May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” It is a focus away from self-serving interests and wants to a collective consideration – what is best overall and will serve the best interests of the greater number. Additionally (Psalm 34:11-14), “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” These are first-steps on the path and road to Conflict Resolution and the lessening of Polarization. Try It! You Might Like It!