Stuff Is Endless

From My Perspective - - -

The accumulation of stuff is a nightmare scenario for many. All of us have some good stuff versus the bad stuff we’ve allowed to accumulate. How does one go about determining what is the good stuff and what should be designated bad stuff? Any married man knows that not all stuff has been created equal. My wife and I have differing opinions about stuff in general and my stuff in particular. Its not that she doesn’t have stuff of her own but seemingly her stuff doesn’t fall into the category of what is expendable whereas most of my stuff does. What can one do to alleviate this tension – “my stuff is better than your stuff”? There are certain moments – a look in my wife’s eye – that serves as a warning that I’m going to have to be alert and guard my stuff. Her look is usually accompanied by a familiar phrase – “this stuff has been here too long – it’s going!” Maybe the accumulating of stuff is a bad habit (do you think?)!

A former paratrooper once expressed how ones view about stuff usually doesn’t compare with the commanding officer’s view of your stuff. When the troops were re-locating, they had a foot-locker and back-pack for their necessities and stuff. When they began to advance toward the front lines, everyone’s stuff had to be reduced to just the back-pack. When the day of attack arrived and the paratroopers were put on alert for the pending combat, their necessities and stuff were reduced to a moderate sized pouch attached to the belt. Choices had to be made in terms of necessities and priorities. What a man chose to be in his pouch would tell another a lot about that man. Going into battle is far different from the life of pleasure that is too appealing for too many.

Believe it or not – the world is in a state of upheaval, turmoil, conflict and battle! Some who have chosen pleasurable things and have become semi-addicted to their I-Pad, Text-Messaging, Video Games, etc. are in a state of apathy – “they don’t know and they don’t care.” However, the wakeup call has come and is upon us. We are at the point for heeding of warnings, alertness, and readiness. What should receive ones greater attention – the contest between Labor Unions and State Governments or the demonstrations, conflict and combat in the Middle East? What should have the higher priority – Collective Bargaining by a Labor Union or the Impact Of Middle East Possibilities – Armageddon or a drastic alteration to an accustomed lifestyle? What will you do when a day comes where the choice has to be made between buying gasoline for a vehicle or food for ones family? What will you do if (when) democracy and the republic collapses, and a new world leader emerges who insists upon order and control of a new lifestyle – your lifestyle? Will you comply? What if it is determined that everyone must have a Social Security Number on a microchip/biochip inserted in ones arm or tattooed on the forearm in order for you to buy, sell or trade anything? Will you allow that to be done to you, your wife, your children?

Revelation 13:15-17, “The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” For the one who succumbs to these demands so that he and his family can survive, there is another consideration – Revelation 14:9-11, “A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” In the struggle of men in the world – Middle East, and the loss of moral focus among those who have opportunity to embrace Biblical Truths and stand on a Firm Foundation – the west – the day of reckoning seems to be rapidly – speedily approaching! All of your stuff won’t be of any help. Don’t miss the Ark of Refuge! Consider these things with me!

Sick Notes For A Sick Society

From My Perspective - - -

The news is saturated with coverage of upheavals in North Africa and the Middle East. In the United States, the news is focused on State Governments on the brink of bankruptcy and Labor Unions who have called for strikes so Collective Bargaining will be preserved and enforced by the Labor Union. What will the end result be in North Africa and the Middle east – democratic governments formed and elected, or Islamic rule stepping into the chaos and confusion and asserting authority and control? Will the current regimes with the most guns and bullets quell the demonstrations and win? Will a religious instinct cause the unsuspecting and wearied to allow and embrace Islamic order and control?

In the United States, will elected officials exercise their responsibilities in their home state, or hide from those responsibilities and duties by escaping to a neighboring State? Is the action of the State Government primarily Budget Balancing or Union Busting? Is the issue one conjured up by Union Leadership that will enable the Union to maintain a position of power and influence in the financial affairs of the State? What should one make of the reports that have been headlined by the Maclver News Service of Wisconsin: “Fake Doctors’ Notes Being Handed Out at Wisconsin Government Union Rally”? The following is part of that report: “On Saturday, a group of men and women in lab coats purporting to be doctors were handing out medical excuse notes, without examining the ‘patients. I asked this doctor what he was doing and he told me they were handing out excuses to people who were feeling sick due to emotional, mental or financial distress…They never performed an exam – he asked me how I was feeling today and I said I’m from California and I’m not used to the cold, so he handed me a note.” The report states that the Doctor’s note contains the following: “The notes read – Date, Patient’s name, Date of birth - - To Whom it May Concern: This is confirm I have seen and evaluated the above named patient. Please excuse from work/school due to a medical condition from – (Dates) ______ through _____. Please contact me at badgerdoctors@gmail.com if additional information is needed. Thank you. Sincerely, Physician  Signature, Physician Name. WI license number.” If this report is true, there is obvious fraud and a breach of ethics by both the striking school personnel and the sympathetic medical physicians. One’s hope would be that this proves to be false.

There are some who are fearful that the world has moved too rapidly into chaotic conditions and that the beginning of Armageddon is upon us. Will sick notes for a sick society be sufficient to “save the day” and bring order and peace in all areas of the world? What do you think Jesus meant and alluded to in Matthew 24:3-14 (ESV), “…the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age? And Jesus answered them, See that no one leads you astray.For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray.And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places…Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.But the one who endures to the end will be saved.And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Does any of this sound familiar? Is it possible this is what is occurring in several places right now? Should we be warned and prepared by these world-wide reports today?

The only sick note for the sick society is not found in a physicians signed form. It will require a turning to The Great Physician who warns about the false hopes and proclamations made by charismatic and influential people calling out to be The Answer and desiring one to follow, His Word is – Matthew 24:27, “For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Let your hope, purpose and confidence be placed in Him alone. Consider these things with me!

A Cactus By Any Other Name

From My Perspective - - -

Most of us know a Cactus when we see one. It is “any spiny succulent plant in the arid regions of America. Cactuses have swollen tough stems, leaves reduced to spines or scales, and often large brightly colored flowers.” One could try to rename a Cactus but to the eye of the beholder it will always be a Cactus (with a new name). An old saying states: “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck – it is a duck.” It is impossible to change the basic design, identity and/or recognition factors.

In the world of political movements, one can only wonder about the level of deception in terms of identity and purpose. In the quick and changing events in Egypt, one can be easily confused and/or deceived by the new objectives for a very influential Arab nation. Obviously, whatever occurs will be either dramatic or disastrous. It is one of those threshold moments on the stage of world events. Part of what the Media does not report is the small presence of courageous Christians who were neither fearful nor ashamed as they fulfilled their Christian duty and service during recent days. From one with knowledge of this activity, the following is included: “One of the largest churches in Egypt is located in Tahrir Square…For the last six years, prayer meetings focused on God’s intervention to change the current situation in Egypt. God answered the prayer from the same square…For the last two weeks the church has been very active in providing services for the wounded, they have supported the poor and those who have been inflicted by the unrest. It also mobilized teams of people to clean the streets from debris. Last Sunday, February 6, 2011, something very unusual took place in Tahrir Square; a group of Christians conducted an open worship service in the square (such activity is absolutely prohibited in Egypt). Christian songs about God blessing the country were sung by Christians and Muslims. Christian pastors and Muslim clerics were shown standing hand in hand in Tahrir Square.”

Who will rise up to govern and lead the nation of Egypt. One group that the Media reported about was the Muslim Brotherhood. Who are they and what will they do and how will they advance their cause? In today’s Wall Street Journal, an article appears that is titled: “Brothers In Egypt Present Two Faces” The summary statement about the brotherhood is written by Charles Levinson – “Moaz Abdel Karim, an affable 29-year-old who was among a handful of young activists who plotted the recent protests here, is the newest face of the Muslim Brotherhood. His political views on women's rights, religious freedom and political pluralism mesh with Western democratic values. He is focused on the fight for democracy and human rights in Egypt. A different face of the Brotherhood is that of Mohamed Badi, 66-year-old veterinarian from the Brotherhood's conservative wing who has been the group's Supreme Guide since last January. He recently pledged the Brotherhood would "continue to raise the banner of jihad" against the Jews, which he called the group's "first and foremost enemies." He has railed against American imperialism, and calls for the establishment of an Islamic state. After Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down…the Brotherhood became poised to assume a growing role in the country's political life. The question for many is: Which Brotherhood? What is A Cactus by any other name?

In Daniel 2:20-22, we find these words: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” In times like these, one would be wise to turn to and look to the Living and Sovereign God of Heaven. He created and sustains this world, and will achieve His purposes in it. Let Him be your hope and Confidence. Consider these things with me.

Surrendering To The Inevitable

From My Perspective - - -

For eighteen days, citizens of Egypt assembled in Cairo and gave voice to their frustrations and desire for changes in their government and leaders. Interestingly, Time Magazine on February 12^th, 2011, headlined their account of these activities: “Egypt's Last Pharaoh? The Rise and Fall of Hosni Mubarak.”In a brief summary, the following appears: “By the time he finally resigned Friday, Muhammad Hosni Sayyid Mubarak had ruled Egypt longer than anyone since Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Albanian-born viceroy of the Ottoman Empire credited with bringing Egypt into the modern age. Mubarak was a son of the soil, born 82 years ago on the Nile delta, but in his three decades as its president, the Land of the Pharaohs surrendered its position as leader of the contemporary Arab world. Egypt remained by far the most populous Arab nation, but its historic power to inspire the masses was crimped, beaten and subdued along with the citizens who restored it in the space of a fortnight, simply by assembling, day after day, and chanting for him to leave.” President Mubarak finally surrendered to the inevitable and was flown out of Egypt.

The use of Pharaoh to define and describe the exiled President is subtle and succinct. The title means: “the title of the ancient Egyptian kings; a tyrant, or any person who uses power or authority to oppress others.” By using the ancient title, the Editors of Time effectively designated President Mubarak as one who is “a tyrant” in addition to his title of President (which they imply is more of an ancient king). The Cultural Dictionary contains the following: “The title of the kings of ancient Egypt. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, a pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of his entire kingdom. In the Book of Exodus, a pharaoh repeatedly refuses the request of Moses to let the Israelites leave the country and does not give in until after the worst of the ten plagues of Egypt” There is considerable reference made regarding the Pharaohs in the Bible, namely, the books of Genesis and Exodus.

In Genesis, Joseph has been sold into slavery by his jealous and antagonistic brothers. In the passing of time and events, Joseph gains the attention of Pharaoh and is soon elevated to a high position and office of power and authority. By the influence of Joseph and the willingness of the Pharaoh, preparations are made for a period of time – yet to come – when famine would be the reality. Joseph’s idea was that Egypt should plan for that event in history and save food and grain for the day of hunger and starvation. If Joseph was correct, all of the world would come to Egypt for food and grain allocation. The Bible records that Joseph was right and Pharaoh was pleased that he had surrendered to the inevitable by his allowing for the preparation and planning made under Joseph. After Joseph’s brothers have come to Egypt seeking relief and supplies, in Genesis 45:5-9 are these words: “do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land… God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God…” Then these words in Genesis 50:20-21, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”

The Book of Exodus gives the account of Moses coming before Pharaoh with a word from God, “Let my people go!” After his refusal to do so, an God sending ten plagues throughout the land, the Pharaoh surrendered to the inevitable and let God’s people go. One can only hope and pray that what is occurring in Egypt today may bring about multitudes surrendering to the inevitable and turning to The One and Only True God – finding in Him peace, safety and refuge. May this not just be a political moment, but a spiritual victory as well!  Consider these things with me!

Tedious and Discouraging

From My Perspective - - -

In 2001, a science fiction book entitled “Things Not Seen” was written and released by Andrew Clements. The subject and plot of the book revolves around a teen-aged boy, Bobby, who suddenly becomes invisible. Bobby has to learn how to cope with his condition and new situation. “Normal” is no longer a reality for him. One reviewer comments:  "At first it seems like any other day. Throwing off his electric blanket, fifteen-year-old Bobby stumbles to the bathroom to shower. When he wipes the fog off the mirror to comb his hair he notices something is missing - namely - him…”  An interesting story line…an implausible situation…an impossible reality… However, there are times when different ones have uttered – “if only I could be a fly on the wall” – when such and such is occurring. The idea is to be someone not particularly noticed but in a position to observe the most private and/or secret happenings in a place where one would not ordinarily be present.

It’s not uncommon to hear church-oriented people idly wish they could escape the “tedious and discouraging” times in which they live. In some instances, the times are not only tedious but also torturous. If one looks at the radical religious orientation of some nations today and the things that are encouraged and tolerated based upon a particular belief system, it is understandable why some would wish for a different reality and context for existence. On the web-page – allreaders.com – Cory Miller is a reviewer of the book Things Not Seen, and states: Bobby (a fifteen-year-old) quickly finds out that the reality of being invisible is quite different from what is portrayed in movies and books…His physicist father attempts to dissect the problem as he would any other scientific anomaly, whereas Bobby's mother is likely to smother him with attention and orders…” He just drops out of sight. He’s gone but “only his mother and father can know and that means not school, not friends, no one. Not only is Bobby invisible, but he also is alone…” Just think of that situation – invisible and alone – how tedious and discouraging that would be.

For Bobby, there is a temporary advantage for him. He can stroll around in many places and be completely unnoticed. That is, until one day he is strolling through a Library and meets Alicia, the one person who will not notice he is invisible. Why does it not matter to Alicia? Well – Alicia is blind and has no way of knowing that Bobby is invisible unless or until he tells her. “…Through Alicia,  Bobby learns that there is something worse than being invisible, and that is being made to feel invisible. Together they help each other work through their situations to find friendship and a new strength that they did not realize they possessed…"

There are two Biblical Lessons one can learn about being or becoming invisible. The first is a principle of Faith mentioned in Hebrews 11:1,3,6 (New Living Translation) – “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see…By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen…it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” The second lesson about becoming invisible appears in I Thessalonians 4:17 (NLT), “Then…we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with him forever.” This is referred to as “the rapture of The Church” when God’s people suddenly depart earth and are “caught up” to meet the Lord. All of what has been and is both tedious and discouraging will be left behind. As a child, there was a small card in our home that had these words etched on it: “Christ is the head of this house; The unseen guest at every meal; The silent listener to every conversation.” It is a haunting thought and reminder of the presence of Christ observing His people. Regardless of how tedious or discouraging life may become, Christ is always present and He always cares. Consider these things with me!

Good Humor Is More Than An Ice Cream Bar

From My Perspective - - -

For those who were born in the 1920s and 1930s, there is the memory of summertime and a truck with bells jingling riding down the street – it was The Good Humor Man. The treat was a bar of ice cream covered with chocolate that came on a stick for five cents. On a hot summer day, this was a much-anticipated treat. On the Good Humor Webpage is this statement: “The Good Humor name came from the belief that a person’s humor, or temperament, was related to the humor of the palate (sense of taste). And we still believe in quality tasting products...” As time passed, there was the development of 85 Good Humor products available. As with many things, the nostalgia of the Good Humor Truck driving down a hot city street ended in 1976 when the fleet of trucks was sold and distribution of the product changed to availability in Super-Markets.

The statement of purpose for the company is intriguing – “…the belief that a person’s humor, or temperament, was related to the humor of the palate (sense of taste)…” Humor and Temperament are connected as is humor and the palate (sense of taste). The way words are used today would cause confusion rather than clarity. Humor is: “a comic, absurd, or incongruous quality causing amusement”, and Temperament is: “the combination of mental, physical, and emotional traits of a person.” While the literal definitions of today do not fit the description of The Good Humor Man and his Truck with Ice Cream treats, perhaps the nerve that should respond is the diversion from the tense and mundane to the good tasting and refreshment – even if it is only a brief moment.

The Message Translation gives this reading for Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, “I said to myself, Let's go for it - experiment with pleasure, have a good time! But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke.  What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it? With the help of a bottle of wine and all the wisdom I could muster, I tried my level best to penetrate the absurdity of life. I wanted to get a handle on anything useful we mortals might do during the years we spend on this earth. I Never Said No to Myself…” with a life abandoned to self and the pleasures of life, the one searching could not and did not find happiness – just vanity – more emptiness and meaninglessness in and for his life. Despite the effort of some to write about The Pursuit of Happiness that flows from the implementation of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5), even there is frustration if one tries in his own strength to embrace, follow and include those eight instructions as the pattern of and for daily living.

There is gap and variance between Happiness and Real Joy. It is apt to draw a conclusion that happiness is temporary and reflects how one may feel as a result of what is happening in his or her life. Negative happenings will evoke sadness and sorrow; Positive happenings will evoke a happy and good response. It is also apt to draw the conclusion that joy is permanent and a reflection of one’s relationship to the source of joy. In Psalm 37:7, one is reminded: “fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Focus should be upon the Lord who allows the righteous to realize Psalm 37:23-27, “…The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever…” The choice is an obvious one – either the temporary that provides pleasure for a brief moment, or the permanent that provides everlasting joy now and for all eternity. The temporary is based upon happenings for a passing moment. The Good Humor Man has parked his truck. The permanent is based upon a forever relationship with Jesus Christ. He is always present.  Consider These Things With Me.