MYRMIDONS

From My Perspective - - -

One can look at our world, or our nation, and muse whether or not government and rule has become the rule and government by Myrmidons (a faithful follower who carries out orders without question; a person who executes without question or scruple a master's commands; A member of a warlike Thessalian people who were ruled by Achilles and followed him on the expedition against Troy). Historically, we have seen it during World War II and the rise and power of Nazism. We get a sense of this type of commitment from the representations about the Taliban, Al Qaeda and Radical Islam. It appears we have arrived as a nation at a similar point of a nation that is euphoric about the possibilities of change to the point of almost a lock-step approach to government by the elected partisans.

In the recent Stimulus Package that was presented and voted upon – no one had time to read or study it. It was presented so that it had to be enacted if catastrophe was to be averted. The result was the blind passage of the Stimulus Package along Party lines (with the exception of three Republican Senators). There has been a political advertisement that suggests the following: If from the time of the Birth of Jesus Christ there was the expenditure of $1,000,000.00 per day up to today, it would not total or equal the amount of the planned Stimulus infusion of cash based upon the passage of the Stimulus Package. Emboldened by that approval, there is now the presentation of a 4 Trillion Dollar Budget. The Hill has published an editorial by Dick Morris (February 24^th) in which he states: “There are bad loans, which became bad assets, that lie at the root of the crisis. Through deregulation by the government and the greed of financial institutions, they spread to every portfolio in the world. But these basic facts have metastasized out of all proportion to their real harm into job and financial insecurity for every family on Earth…Previous panics have been global in impact, but local in focus. The world panicked because of developments in Mexico or Argentina or Thailand or South Korea. Now, with Collateralized Debt Obligations spreading the poison of a bunch of bad loans all over the world, infecting every portfolio, the panic is not only global in impact but in focus as well. Modern communications have hastened the spread of the virus of panic throughout the global bloodstream.”

In a Christian Post article (February 25^th) the following is noted: “Though a large portion of Americans are cutting back on donations to non-profits amid tough economic conditions, evangelical parachurch ministries have been among those least affected by the cuts…According to the survey by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), most evangelical parachurch ministries exceeded, met or came very close to their 2008 fourth-quarter contributions goals. Many of the parachurch ministries we surveyed reported small donations of $10 to $100 were relatively unaffected, and in some cases, donations in this category increased…In fact, some of our members had the strongest fourth quarter they've had in years and ended the year debt-free. In a survey of ECFA members, 72 percent of responding organizations reportedly exceeded, met or came within 10 percent of their goals. The remaining 28 percent said they were more than 10 percent below their goals.

Consider these things with me - - - The ECFA also noted: “The opportunities to help those in financial need are greater than organizations can supply…but I believe that Christians are stepping up and being perhaps even more generous at this time when they consider the great need of people today." The bottom-line for the Church and Professing Christian is the implementation of James 2:14-18 (NLT), “Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well – but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all – it is dead and useless…” In our day and time, this should be our on-going concern and sensitivity. The need is great but the ability of our God to provide for and through us is far greater. Do as much good as you can, for as many as you can, for as long as you can!

GUMPTION AND UNCTION

From My Perspective - - -

In the times in which we live, it is important to make the determination between “gumption” and “unction”! Our basic understanding of gumption is that it represents: “initiative; aggressiveness; resourcefulness; courage; spunk; guts; common sense; shrewdness.” On the other hand, among the many definitions for unction, some of what it represents is: “that quality in language, address, or the like, which excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious, or unnatural fervor; smug self-serving earnestness; the application of a soothing or lubricating oil or ointment.”

Within the lifetime of many, there has been the experience of listening to gifted orators who have uttered memorable lines that are easily quoted: “Ask not what your country can do for you – Ask what you can do for your country!” Then the memorable lines from: “I have a dream…” The recent election may have been determined because of the gifted orator and his oratory. The promise of “change” and the encouragement that “we” can bring it about. In retrospect, a valid question should have been: At what cost will this change be brought about? Big Government has come in with a roar and the majority has voted for great expenditures. The Congressional Budget Office (Non-Partisan) warns: “The…stimulus package will actually hurt the economy more in the long run than if we did absolutely nothing…The bill would help create small economic stimulation in the short term, but our government will be up to its eyeballs in debt that within a few years it would crowd out private investment. What happens when this occurs? Well, this will lead to a lower GDP (Gross Domestic Product) over the next 10 years. We are talking between a 0.1 and 0.3 reduction in GDP.” Rhetoric can move people to action – Arithmetic should shock people into reality.

When one thinks in a religious context, gumption and unction are equally important. Gumption would focus upon the commitment of an individual to the cause and/or calling. Unction has other ramification. In addition to extreme unction that is part of the ministry of one large world-wide Church, there is an application to the spoken word in a religious ceremony or service, namely, that unction represents: “God's unmistakable presence attending and empowering the preaching of His Truth… unction is commonly referred to as the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Preaching with unction occurs because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.” This type of preaching is typical in a Biblical context as the moment when Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (I Kings 18), or when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). In modern day religious services, there is very little demonstration of “unction” and far too much function instead.

Consider these things with me - - - The narrow focus of unction is stated in the following: “Unction is the result of careful and diligent preparation, having earnestly sought God in prayer for Him to do what He wills to do with the preparation that has gone forth. Careful and diligent preparation concerns both the messenger as well as the message to be preached. Certainly the preacher must spend time in personal reflection, prayer, confession and personal commitment regarding the truth he has discovered. Unless he has made himself the initial audience of the sermon that he will ultimately preach to others, he will not preach with unction. This is the subjective preparation needed in order to preach effectively.” Our nation has been too easily influenced by outstanding oratory and rhetoric. The downside to be influenced in such a way is that it allows one to become gullible and less rationale. In listening to various media personalities and preachers, it is amazing to observe how often the target is missed and diatribe takes up the time. The bottom line to all of this is that it becomes an issue of content – (a) the content of a man’s character and commitment; and (b) the content and conviction attached to what that man says. The basic pedagogic purpose is missing. At the end of the day, the goal is: This is what you need to KNOW, to THINK, and to DO – NOW! Anything other than that becomes voluminous vicissitudes.

MAKING A LIST

From My Perspective - - -

All of us are familiar with “Lists”! There is the List of items needed from the store; things that need one’s attention more immediately than not; bills that have to be paid; appointments that need to be kept; school assignments and test schedules; people who should be written or called; etc. When we approach Christmas-Time we are reminded in the song: “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” – that – “he’s making a list and checking it twice, he’s gonna’ find out whose been naughty or nice…”

Every year, Forbes publishes a list of the richest Americans. At the top of that list is Bill Gates of Microsoft, followed by Warren Buffet. Four of the Top Ten are Waltons who are heirs of the Wal-Mart empire. In terms of politics, C-Span developed a recent listing of the Top Best and Worst Presidents of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was ranked the best. George Washington was second, followed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. Ronald Reagan was 10th. Bill Clinton was 15th. The survey graded each president on a scale of one ("not effective") to ten ("very effective"). The bottom five were: James Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, Franklin Pierce, William H. Harrison and Warren G. Harding. George W. Bush was 36th on the list. His dad was 18th. Such listings are subjective and will vary as time passes.

The United States Constitution is a statement regarding how this nation is to be governed. Attached to that Constitution are 27 Amendments that make stipulations and guarantee freedoms and rights. It makes this a land of law and order. “In the United States, the law is derived from four sources. These four sources are constitutional law, statutory law, administrative regulations, and the common law (which includes case law). The most important source of law is the United States Constitution. All other law falls under, and is subordinate to, that document. No law may contradict the Constitution. For example, if Congress enacts a statute that conflicts with the Constitution, the Supreme Court may find that law unconstitutional, and declare it invalid.”

When we come to human behavior, we tend to relegate it to the Ethical norms. “Ethics refers to standards of behavior that tell us how human beings ought to act in the many situations in which they find themselves-as friends, parents, children, citizens, businesspeople, teachers, professionals, etc.” Ethics is not the same as feelings. Feelings provide important information for our ethical choices. Ethics is not religion. Many people are not religious, but ethics applies to everyone. Most religions do advocate high ethical standards but sometimes do not address all the types of problems we face. Ethics is not following the law. A good system of law does incorporate many ethical standards, but law can deviate from what is ethical. Ethics is not following culturally accepted norms. Some cultures are quite ethical, but others become corrupt. Ethics is not science. Social and natural science can provide important data to help us make better ethical choices. But science alone does not tell us what we ought to do.

Consider these things with me - - - God gave His people the Ten Commandments that instructed them what they were to believe about God and what duties God required of man. In like manner, God gave man the Fruit of the Spirit that was to serve to develop positive Christian Behaviors for all of one’s interactions. It fits within the framework of what Paul wrote Timothy - "Be an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12); and "Do your best to present yourself to God as a workman who is approved…who does not need be ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15). Making a list and following it is NOT the desired goal, whereas making a Commitment to Christ and His Word IS the goal. Effectiveness in touching the lives of others will flow out from the level of Commitment one has made to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Goal is to Know Him and to Make Him Known. As we do so, we will please and honor Him!

EXPONENTIAL LIVING

From My Perspective - - -

Most would agree that we are living in unique and extraordinary times. The pace of societal and cultural change is mind boggling. An article entitled Exponential Times, the observation is made: “The exponential increase of human presence over the past 200 years is clearly overburdening our planet. In 1800 world population approached one billion. Today we’ve passed 6 billion We are in a period of unprecedented mass extinction of species, with die-off occurring 1000 times more than usual…”

A You Tube Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY) by Karl Fisch is entitled, “Did You Know?” Some of the data shared includes - - -

• China will soon become the Number One English Speaking country in the world
• If you are “one in a million” in China, there are 1,300 just like you
• 25% of India Population with highest IQ is greater than the entire population of the USA
• India has more Honor Kids than the USA has kids
• 1 out of 8 couples married in USA last year met online
• There are 200 million registered users of My Space
• If My Space was a country it would be the 5^th largest in the world (between Indonesia and Brazil)
• There are 31 Billion searches on Google every month
• The first Commercial Text Message was sent in December 1992 – Today, the number of Text Messages sent and received every day exceeds the total population of the Planet
• It is estimated that 4 Exabytes of unique information will be generated this year – that is more than in previous 5,000 years
• There are 540,000 words in English Usage – that is 5 times as many words as during the times of William Shakespeare

There is a flood of data and estimates available. The point to all of this is that we are living in the midst of Changing Times and the change appears to be accelerating. The basic concern is in terms of how the average individual governs his/her life and functions responsibly and reasonably in the midst of the accelerated changes. The wise person is the one who knows his/her Foundational Principals, as well as what and where one’s anchor points are located. Each one must establish a Compass for Life and follow through in that right direction commitment. With all the change one sees and experiences, the Compass of Life remains constant. “Right” will always be “Right” and “Wrong” will always be “Wrong”!

Consider these things with me - - - The World of Rapid Change will always need those who will serve as a Beacon and a Compass. This is a role that all followers of Jesus Christ can grasp and exhibit. The way of righteousness has not changed! The way of peace remains a constant! The Gospel will continue to transform lives! The Word of God will continue to achieve God’s Eternal Purpose in all who will believe. Isaiah 55:6 through 12 reminds us of our Focal and Anchor Point, “Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. My thoughts are completely different from yours, says the LORD. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace…” It is all too easy to get caught up in the technological age and the swift movement of the world’s transitions. We are sustained only by our Faith, Trust and Confidence in God.

MATTERS OF THE HEART

From My Perspective - - -

Valentine’s Day is a time set aside where expressions of Love are to be expressed and demonstrated. Most do this by sending a card, or giving Candy, or sending a Bouquet of Flowers. As a matter of fact, “The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year world-wide.” In many classrooms in our nation, younger children exchange cards with their teachers and friends. Basically, this is intended to be an expression of love.

Love is more than an expression. It should be an overflow from the character and personality of one individual that affects and impacts another. It is an inner gift that utilizes words and deeds to demonstrate true feeling and emotion. Someone noted: “…in spite of all those cards that are exchanged, the Valentines that really matter are the ones we receive and give where love is unconditional, that say, No matter what- I love you!” One of the things that occurs in a pluralistic society is the blurring of the more meaningful gifts and allowing for something lesser as a substitute. For instance, George Barna recently conducted a Spiritual Gifts Survey and found the following: “…the latest study shows that just two-thirds of Christian Americans (68%) say they have heard of spiritual gifts…” The follow-up question asked which gifts the respondents believed they had. “The most commonly claimed gifts were teaching (9%), service (8%) and faith (7%). Those were followed by encouragement (4%), healing (4%), knowledge (4%), tongues (3%), leadership (2%). The influence of the secular and pluralistic is seen in many of the respondents (21%) who deemed their Spiritual Gift to be: “a sense of humor, singing, health, life, happiness, patience, a job, a house, compromise, premonition, creativity, and clairvoyance.” This is obviously a drift toward the subjective rather than an embrace of the objective.

The Word of God is very clear in its discussion of Spiritual Gifts and what they are: the passages of Scripture that teach about gifts include - Romans 12: 6-8, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4: 7-13, 1 Peter 4: 10-11. When it comes to Matters Of The Heart, I Corinthians 13:4-8 (NLT) is a passage that could and should be personalized by each of us - - -

· Love is patient and kind

· Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

· Love does not demand its own way.

· Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

· Love is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

· Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

· Love will last forever…

It has been suggested that one insert his/her name where “Love” appears and the reading would be: “Jack/Jill is patient and kind; Jack/Jill is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude, Jack/Jill does not demand his/her own way, etc.

Consider these things with me - - - How much different life and relationships would be if we mutually embraced the words of Jesus recorded in John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." A secular song penned by Jackie DeShannon in 1965 reminded us from a secular viewpoint: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of…” Let us be among those whose hearts overflow with love and compassion in our lives, families, communities, nation and world.

ANTEPENULTIMATE

From My Perspective - - -

An old expression goes something like: “The more things change, the more they remain the same!” And so it appears with our nation and the political actions and appointments since Inauguration Day 2009. A Candidate and a Political Ambition promising “Change” and “Yes!, We Can!” and no more Lobbyists and business as usual approach has already proven to be false. From outcries against Billion Dollar Deficits during the previous administration to the glibness of Trillion Dollar Expenditure or “Investment” currently underway, the actions belie all the rhetoric to the contrary.

Where does this leave our nation and each citizen of our once successful nation? The February 16^th cover of Newsweek Magazine declares: “We Are All Socialists Now!” A premise of this Cover Story Article suggests: “In many ways our economy already resembles a European one. As boomers age and spending grows, we will become even more French…Whether we like it or not—or even whether many people have thought much about it or not—the numbers clearly suggest that we are headed in a more European direction. A decade ago U.S. government spending was 34.3 percent of GDP, compared with 48.2 percent in the euro zone—a roughly 14-point gap, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In 2010 U.S. spending is expected to be 39.9 percent of GDP, compared with 47.1 percent in the euro zone—a gap of less than 8 points. As entitlement spending rises over the next decade, we will become even more French…” The oxymoronic conclusion of the article states: “The Obama administration is caught in a paradox. It must borrow and spend to fix a crisis created by too much borrowing and spending. Having pumped the economy up with a stimulus, the president will have to cut the growth of entitlement spending by holding down health care and retirement costs and still invest in ways that will produce long-term growth. Obama talks of the need for smart government. To get the balance between America and France right, the new president will need all the smarts he can summon…”

Is Newsweek correct? The American Heritage Dictionary defines Socialism as: “Any of various theories or systems of social organization in which the means of producing and distributing goods is owned collectively or by a centralized government that often plans and controls the economy. The stage in Marxist-Leninist theory intermediate between capitalism and communism, in which collective ownership of the economy under the dictatorship of the proletariat has not yet been successfully achieved.” If this definition is valid, then we are moving dangerously toward being an Antepenultimate Nation. Antepenultimate is the third syllable from the end. In other words, we are one step away from the end of this nation as a capitalist republic that has been blest greatly by the Eternal God Who has favored our nation in unusual ways.

Consider these things with me - - - While I was in the Rehab Center as a patient this past week, a young lady who brought the Mail and a Daily Newspaper asked me a poignant question: “If things are as bad as we’re being told, why has no one said we should stop where we are and as a nation Pray?” The simple answer is that we ought not to need politicians call this nation to prayer – churches and preachers should be calling their people to do that very thing – not just for a day, but on the continuum – until our nation comes to its senses and returns to a foundational principle, namely, “In God We Trust!” The more complicated answer to this young woman’s question is that we have become a pluralistic society where “God” and “Prayer” have different meanings for different people. With all the hoopla regarding Inauguration Day Prayers and who offered them, the overall impression of these so-called “Prayers” was that they became inclusive (use of Koran for name of Jehovah) to a Benediction that was a civil-rights refrain that lacked being a benign solicitation of the Divine Blessings of Almighty God upon our straying nation. In Matthew 24:44, Jesus states: “Therefore you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” And in Revelation 18:17, “In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin…” If our nation is going to repent, the place is HERE, and the time is NOW! May God have mercy upon us!